"You Promised" by The Galaxies

The Galaxies are an indie pop rock band that released a terrific little album called "Here We Go!" in 2008. Kind of a cross between Cheap Trick and REO Speedwagon. 

If you like the irresistibly catchy "You Promised," you're going to love the rest of the record too. "You Promised" is a great song to play at a wedding.

"Nursery Rhyme" by Jeffrey Gaines

I don't think I'll ever understand how Philadelphia singer/songwriter Jeffrey Gaines never hit it big. His first two albums were released on the major label Chrysalis Records, but the only tune of his to gain a bit of traction was his version of Peter Gabriel's "In Your Eyes."

If you want to hear some fantastic music, get his first three records from 1992, 1994, and 1998 ("Jeffrey Gaines," "Somewhat Slightly Dazed," and "Galore," respectively). Gaines crafts beautiful melodies and haunting ballads, and his lyrics are usually far above the cut.

Gaines did another jaw-dropping cover tune for his fourth record: an acoustic version of "First Time Ever I Saw Your Face," originally made famous by Roberta Flack.

But here I'm highlighting one of his more upbeat numbers, the wonderful tune "Nursery Rhyme" from his second effort.

"Won't Forget These Days" by Fury in the Slaughterhouse

The German rock band Fury in the Slaughterhouse reminds me a lot of Big Country. They should have been a hit in the US, especially in the aftermath of grunge, but the band received little attention here.

"Won't Forget These Days" is a terrific anthem that showcases the band's knack for catchy melodies and thoughtful lyrics.

"Say What You Will" by Fury

Well known in the AOR underworld (yes there is such a place), Robbie and Brian LaBlanc now lead Blanc Faces. But fans of the 80s will take delight at this reissue from Retrospect Records of their earlier work from 1985 under the band name Fury.

"Say What You Will" is just one example of their style of melodic rock, in all of its 1980s glory. The boys always do a nice mix of guitars and keyboards, and their harmonies are impeccable. Recommended for fans of Survivor and Foreigner. 

"Fool's Confession" by Funny Money

The grunge movement came along in the early 90s and stepped on the hairband frenzy as if it were an ant hill. Bands and artists were scrambling, trying to make some sense of what just happened and why no one was buying their music anymore.

Baltimore-based outfit Kix just had their first big hit with "Don't Close Your Eyes," but the failure of their follow up records testify to the damage grunge had done to the scene. In 1996, vocalist Steve Whiteman formed a new hard rock band called Funny Money. All in all, Funny Money very much adheres to the Kix sound and Whiteman's bad boy, skirt-chasing lyrics.

If you long for the days of late 80s rock, Funny Money should please. My favorite cut off the band's fifth album (2006's "Stick It!") is "Fool's Confession," a thoughtful mid-tempo piece that had hit potential, even for 2006.

"Why Am I The One" by fun

This pop rock trio from New York won the Grammy for Best New Artist in 2012 off the heels of big hits like the #1 smash "We Are Young," which logged 6 weeks at the top, and "Some Nights," which settled at #3. "Carry On," the third single from their breakthrough album, peaked at #20.

"Why Am I The One" struck me as another tune that had top of the chart potential. The song showcases the softer side of the band, but it is no less catchy. The sweeping melodies and harmonies that fun puts into their songs make them sound like a modern day version of Queen.

Prior to fun, lead singer Nate Ruess was in an indie powerpop band called The Format, also worth checking out. It's unclear if fun will release another album since Ruess has a budding solo career. He's been featured on a number of other artist's songs, most notably the #1 duet with Pink, "Just Give Me A Reason."

"Baby My Heart" by Bobby Fuller Four

"Baby My Heart" is an awesome guitar-driven jam by the underrated garage rock band, Bobby Fuller Four. This Texas band, which consisted of Bobby (vocals/guitar) and his brother Randy on bass, is best known for their massive 1966 hit, "I Fought The Law." That classic song, a cover tune originally written by Sonny Curtis, went all the way to #9 and has won many awards.

The only other charting single for the band was "Love's Made A Fool Of You," landing at #26 that same year. They might have had more, but sadly Bobby Fuller died of asphyxiation just months after that. He was only 23 years old and whether his death was a suicide, accident, or murder has never been resolved.