Jimmy Page with Paul Rodgers Super Group: New Order, new John Waite, and The Firm

"CEREMONY"  NEW ORDER

Ian Curtis was the talented leader of Joy Division, a band that majorly influenced the New Wave sound of the 1980's.    But Ian was conflicted, dealing with depression, epilepsy, and just before reaching their highest musical moment, Ian committed suicide.   The film "Closer" vividly depicts Ian's life.  The band went on to rename itself, New Order and achieved the success Joy Division never reached.  "Blue Monday", "Bizarre Love Triangle", and "True Faith" all topped the charts.   But "Ceremony" was their first single, written by Ian before his death.  It's punk, electronica, dance music, and a haunting New Wave memory.

                              

"IF YOU EVER GET LONELY"   JOHN WAITE

John Waite, is back with a new CD "Rough and Ready" featuring a familiar retro sound, intelligent lyrics, and John's amazing voice.  John Waite was one of my first concerts on Halloween in Minneapolis.  His career has taken many turns including stints with The Babys, then going solo, fronting the underrated 80's band Bad English, and now back to his solo career.  He has that voice that can make almost anything sound good.   "If Ever" feels like Missing You Volume 2.

"SATISFACTION GUARANTEED"   THE  FIRM

Following the breakup of Led Zeppelin and Bad Company, you had two of the biggest rock stars on the planet looking for a creative outlook.   Guitar virtuoso, Jimmy Page, teamed up with Paul Rodgers for a Super Group collaboration that included the drummer from Manfred Mann.    The Firm didn't play Led Zeppelin or Bad Company songs, they stuck to their new material.    "Satisfaction Guaranteed" was the best of their singles.   The song has a slow building, sensual rock groove, that perfectly utilizes the talents of Page and Rodgers.