What’s the Alternative?

What many call indie/alternative music can still be found these days though much of it has become either too sweet or too harsh for my ears. When I was growing up in the ‘80s it was simply known as college radio and included artists like R.E.M., the Replacements, and the Smiths- bands who released their music on small, independent record labels and offered fresh, offbeat sounds as an alternative to mainstream radio. In the early ‘90s, “alternative” music finally broke into the mainstream and bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Red Hot Chili Peppers became the face of a movement which had been simmering under the pop/rock landscape for over a decade. 

R.E.M.

Some of indie/alternative's sub-genres can sound quite exotic- jangle pop, neo psychedelic, New Zealand pop, dream pop, shoegazer, and baroque pop- but, despite the variations, it’s all basically indie rock. It's not uncommon for indie/alternative artists- especially the earliest indie bands- to credit '60s music (British Invasion, oldies, garage rock, psychedelic) as their primary influence. After all, that's the music they grew up listening to along with '70s power pop, glam, rock, and punk.

The Smiths

The Replacements were my first college radio band- I literally stumbled across one of their cassette tapes when I was in middle school- and I can still remember the night I first heard Dinosaur Jr.’s “Just Like Heaven” on a college radio station in New York. It felt exciting- and a little dangerous- to hear these strange sounds from the underground and, unlike many of my punk heroes at the time, these indie kids were much more willing to take chances and wear their insecurities on their sleeves. 

The Replacements

I came along at the end of the golden age of indie/alternative music and I am grateful for the experience. I have fond memories of lonely nights, cassette tapes, and the thrill of mystery and discovery. Every teenager should be so lucky. Today the indie spirit marches on though most of its trailblazing veterans are now grandparents and many of the new kids on the block don't seem up to the task. But isn't that the way it always goes? Here are some of my indie/alternative favorites from the past 30 years or so. Enjoy!

01. XTC – “Dear God” (1987)

02. The Smiths – “Asleep” (1985)

03. The Magnetic Fields – “The Book of Love” (1999)

04. The Replacements – “I’ll Be You” (1989)

05. Superchunk – “Everything at Once” (2010)

06. Evan Dando – “Hard Drive” (2003)

07. The Dream Academy – “Life in a Northern Town” (1985)

08. The Smiths – “Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want” (1984)

09. Lloyd Cole and the Commotions – “Are You Ready to Be Heartbroken?” (1984)

10. The Divine Comedy – “Tonight We Fly” (1994)

11. The Replacements – “Can’t Hardly Wait (The Tim Version)” (1986)

12. R.E.M. – “Imitation of Life” (2001)

13. They Might Be Giants – “Tesla” (2013)

14. The Magnetic Fields – “Very Funny” (1999)

15. R.E.M. – “It’s the End of the World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)” (1987)

16. Dinosaur Jr. – “Just Like Heaven” (1989)

17. The Dream Academy – “Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want” (1984)

18. The Divine Comedy – “Absent Friends” (2004)

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Our Band Could Be Your Life

R.E.M. – "Imitation of Life"

Classic Rock: Choice Cuts II

This is the second entry in my classic rock series and includes many British artists- and where would classic rock be without the British? I find it interesting how most if not all British classic rock artists point to American blues and jazz  as their main musical influence and yet most of their fans express little or no interest in blues or jazz. The ‘70s was the golden age for classic rock and the genre will most likely die along with the British and American artists who created it (R.I.P. Charlie T. Wilbury, Jr.). But the music will survive as long as there are people. Here are some (more) of my favorite classic rock songs. Enjoy!

Paul McCartney and Wings

01. Paul McCartney – “Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey” (1971)

02. Paul McCartney and Wings – “Band on the Run” (1973)

03. Aliotta Haynes Jeremiah – “Lake Shore Drive” (1971)

04. Fleetwood Mac – “Go Your Own Way” (1976)

05. The Stills-Young Band – “Long May You Run” (1976)

06. Elton John – “Levon” (1971)

07. Crosby, Stills & Nash – “You Don’t Have to Cry” (1969)

08. John Lennon – “Nobody Told Me” (1980)

09. Ringo Starr – “It Don’t Come Easy” (1971)

10. Traveling Wilburys – “End of the Line” (1988)

11. Paul McCartney and Wings – “Silly Love Songs” (1976)

12. Steely Dan – “Dirty Work” (1972)

13. Electric Light Orchestra – “Can’t Get It Out of My Head” (1974)

14. Pink Floyd – “Wish You Were Here” (1975)

15. Bob Seger & the Silver Bullet Band – “Night Moves” (1976)

16. Traveling Wilburys – “Dirty World” (1988)

17. The Moody Blues – “The Story in Your Eyes” (1971)

18. Van Morrison – “Saint Dominic’s Preview” (1972)

19. Electric Light Orchestra – “Livin’ Thing” (1976)

20. Paul McCartney and Wings – “Live and Let Die” (1973)

Electric Light Orchestra

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Runnin' Down a Dream

Rock Me Softly

Lite rock (also known as soft rock, or yacht rock) surfaced in the early ‘70s and was invented for casual music fans- parents, kids, yuppies, playboys, office workers- who wanted to feel cool and rock out in their own way but without all the noise and yelling. Lite rock’s early flag bearers were ‘70s album acts like Bread, Chicago, and Loggins and Messina but there were also plenty of one hit wonders hopping aboard the post-Vietnam soft rock gravy train (even the Brady Bunch formed a rock band). My earliest listening exposure to lite rock was in our family car where it was either dad’s Bread or mom’s Air Supply.

Bread

Many people today make fun of lite rock but I remember listening to these songs as a child without irony. The best of lite rock taught me a lot about love, heartache, hope, and joy. These songs were popular for a reason. They pack elaborate, meticulous production that reaches deep down and grips the human condition without mercy. Most lite rock songs are about love but may also flirt with such themes as astrology, sailing, escaping, and getting back to nature. So let your guard down, come aboard, and set sail with some of my favorite lite rock tunes. Enjoy!

Loggins and Messina (Is that Hawaii?)

01. Jay Ferguson – “Thunder Island” (1977)
02. Kenny Loggins feat. Stevie Nicks – “Whenever I Call You ‘Friend’” (1978)

03. Bread – “Everything I Own” (1972)

04. Air Supply – “All Out of Love” (1980)

05. Little River Band – “Cool Change” (1979)

06. Dave Mason – “We Just Disagree” (1977)

07. Boz Scaggs – “Lido Shuffle” (1976)

08. Christopher Cross – “Sailing” (1980)

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Just a Man and His Fans

Hard to believe it’s been twelve years since this album's release and, according to his website, Jackson Browne is still touring after half a century of making music. I’m a JB fan though I’ve always been frustrated by his studio albums as I haven’t found one where I like the majority of the songs, and his greatest hits compilations are just too hit-heavy and overpowering. This live collection of songs does a good job of showcasing Browne’s singer-songwriter talents- alternating between guitar and piano- and his storytelling and banter with the audience between songs is endearing and doesn’t feel scripted or forced. The fans yell out the tunes they want to hear and Jackson rewards them, but he also slips in some of his own favorites.

Solo Acoustic Vol. 1 is nice, laid back background music- a special treat for long time fans- and if you take the time to listen to the words, well, that’s just a bonus. The man can definitely paint pictures and create feelings with his words and music- that’s what he gets paid to do. Not every Jackson Browne song touches me but when it does it’s simply magical. And that’s probably what keeps the people showing up. Grade: B+

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Jackson Browne

Blue Jean Rock Poets

Raised on doo wop and Chuck Berry tunes, and following in the footsteps of Bob Dylan and the Beatles, singer-songwriters write and perform their own music and this makes them not only multi-talented musicians but also liberated solo artists since they are beholden to no one but their muse. Most people would agree the golden age of singer-songwriters was the early 70’s when blue jean rock poets like Joni Mitchell, Paul Simon, Jackson Browne, and James Taylor forged the template for a new sub-genre that espoused personal expression, universal goodwill, and getting in touch with our feelings but today seems struggling to survive. 

Jim Croce

Emerging from the political turmoil of the 60's, the singer-songwriters were a breath of fresh air for many listeners. They were barefoot, wandering minstrels and former flower children turned wide-eyed realists, writing and singing songs for the everyman and championing the song itself over any vocal or instrumental chops. Besides expressing their empathy for the human condition, I think what I dig most about singer-songwriters is their ability to (every now and then) craft and polish that perfect song which has just the right mixture of wit, wisdom, and vulnerability to become a classic.

Jackson Browne

For me, the best of the singer-songwriters respect the power of words. They know how to stoke those secret corners of our minds and souls and leave us something worth remembering. Sure, singer-songwriters can come across as a bit too serious and introspective at times but I believe their compassion, humor, and humanity are still sorely needed in our world today. Here are some of my favorite singer-songwriter songs. Enjoy!

01. Gordon Lightfoot – “Protocol” (1976)

02. James Taylor – “Wandering” (1975)
03. Gene Clark – “For a Spanish Guitar” (1971)
04. Gordon Lightfoot – “Carefree Highway” (1974)
05. Jim Croce – “Time in a Bottle” (1973)
06. Jackson Browne – “Running on Empty (Live)” (1977)
07. Gordon Lightfoot – “If You Could Read My Mind” (1970)
08. Jackson Browne – “Sky Blue and Black (Live)” (2008)
09. Carly Simon – “You’re So Vain” (1972)
10. Tim Buckley – “Once I Was” (1968)
11. James Taylor – “Mexico” (1975)
12. Cat Stevens – “Father and Son” (1970)
13. Jackson Browne – “Jamaica Say You Will” (1972)
14. Randy Newman – “Louisiana 1927” (1974)
15. Jim Croce – “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown” (1973)
16. Warren Zevon – “Roland the Headless Thompson Gunner” (1978)
17. Gordon Lightfoot – “Ordinary Man” (1972)
18. Jackson Browne – “Doctor My Eyes” (1972)
19. Paul Simon – “Mother and Child Reunion” (1972)
20. Paul Simon – “Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard” (1972)
21. Cat Stevens – “I’ve Got a Thing About Seeing My Grandson Grow Old” (1970)
22. Warren Zevon – “Poor Poor Pitiful Me” (1976)

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Punk Fourth of July!

What’s more punk than celebrating the Fourth of July? That’s right, you heard me. Punks are rebels, after all, and rebels founded the United States of America. When Ben Franklin, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and their unruly friends signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776- basically telling King George to go fly a kite- they knew full well they were not only committing treason but were in fact signing their own death warrants. How punk is that?

Ramones

The United States was literally born in rebellion and our cheeky nation went on to give the world all kinds of rebellious music including jazz, rap, honky-tonk, punk, and rock 'n' roll. And so, let our Independence Day be a joyous holiday for all freedom loving people everywhere to celebrate- loudly- and commemorate the ultimate act of political rebellion which changed the course of world history- and music! Here are some of my favorite punk songs in honor of America’s 241st birthday. I'll see you in the mosh pit. Enjoy the fireworks!

Screeching Weasel

01. Bad Religion – “Big Bang” (1989)

02. Dropkick Murphys – “Walk Away” (2003)
03. Screeching Weasel – “Frankengirl” (2011)
04. Bad Religion – “I Want to Conquer the World” (1989)
05. Sex Pistols – “God Save the Queen” (1977)
06. Ramones – “Rockaway Beach” (1977)
07. The Dictators – “California Sun” (1975)
08. Dead Kennedys – “I Fought the Law” (1986)
09. Rancid – “Bob” (2002)
10. NOFX – “Please Play This Song on the Radio” (1992)
11. Ramones – “I’m Against it” (1978)
12. The Bouncing Souls – “True Believers” (2001)
13. Screeching Weasel – “You’ll Be in My Dreams Today” (1996)
14. Fear – “I Don’t Care About You” (1982)
15. Angry Samoans – “Gas Chamber” (1982)
16. Ramones – “The KKK Took My Baby Away” (1981)
17. Descendents – “Thank You” (1996)

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Filmage Movie Trailer

Where's Captain Kirk?

William Shatner may be the star of Has Been but the man behind the curtain is Ben Folds who co-wrote most of the songs with Shatner. I don’t know much about Ben Folds except that he was popular in the ‘90s and has never been my cup of tea. I probably wouldn’t like these songs if Folds had performed them yet they seem tailor made for Shatner's persona and old Bill gives them his all while walking a fine line between comedy and tragedy. “Sorry to disappoint you,” says the Quebec born entertainer who played Captain Kirk. “But I’m real.” 

Has Been is a novelty record, to be sure, but it’s also smart and amiable. It bridges generations and might be enjoyed while making dinner, engaging in late night conversation, or taking a long road trip. The opening track- “Common People"- deserves to be heard even if you've never heard the original Pulp version. Has Been flies by so fast it left me expecting side 2 and, since there is no side 2, I just listened to it again from the beginning. Am I becoming a William Shatner fan- or a Ben Folds fan? Grade: B

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"Fan" Star Trek Original Series Clip to "Common People"

Leonard Nimoy - "Where It's At"

William Shatner feat. Brad Paisley – “Real” (Picture Slideshow)