The Return Of Shirley Manson: Garbage, Joey Ramone With Joan Jett, Joshua Kadison,

"I HATE LOVE"    GARBAGE
It's been nine years since the last CD of new material from Shirley Manson and Garbage.   "Bleed Like Me" in 2003 wasn't as successful as their prior work, the band claimed to be "overwhelmed", and went on hiatus right after the CD dropped.   A renewed energy has been found and Garbage is back with a disc called "Not Your Kind Of People".  Like a brand new band, they're basically starting from scratch.  Frustrated by label politics, they chose to release the CD on their own label with little publicity.   A guest appearance on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon in mid-May introduced the lead single "Blood For Poppies" and a world tour just started this April.   My favorite new track is "I Hate Love", vintage Garbage with a techno meets James Bond beat. 

"PARTY LINE"  JOEY RAMONE with JOAN JETT

What a classic rock n' roll merging of two iconic voices!   Joey Ramone's estate just released on May 22nd, a collection of demos, B-sides, and lesser hits called "Ya Know?"  This may sound like a set of weak material found cleaning out the closet but a hidden gem is "Party Line" with Joan Jett backing Joey on the chorus.   Joey is the definitive voice of seminal punk rock and Joan is his female counterpart.    This song is a 3 minute treat of garage rock heaven.

"BEAUTIFUL IN YOUR EYES"  JOSHUA KADISON

"You're My Mona Lisa, you're my rainbow skies, my only prayer is that you realize you're beautiful in my eyes."   When I first heard this song, I couldn't remember which early Elton John album it was from?   The lyrics sounded like vintage Bernie Taupin and the piano sounded so familiar.   One of the most precious songs of the 90's was this powerhouse ballad by California's Joshua Kadison.   Known for his biggest hit, Jessie, on Painted Desert Serenade, Joshua created two love song masterpieces then disappeared like a mirage in the desert he described in his songs.

I Hate Myself For Loving You: Joan Jett, Marc Anthony, and Gaslight Anthem

"I HATE MYSELF FOR LOVING YOU"    JOAN JETT

From her days with the Runaways to her solo career, Joan Jett can be described as 100% AUTHENTIC.   Joan hasn't changed her style, her music, or attitude in 35 years.   Straight ahead rock 'n roll swagger faithful to the spirit of Chuck Berry, The Stones, and The Ramones.   Joan turns 54 this year yet continues to outwork and inspire so many new female rockers.

"MY BABY YOU"    MARC ANTHONY

Marco Antonio Munoz has been the top selling Tropical Salsa performer of all-time.    His self-titled 1999 CD was his first in English and gave him exposure that he's taken to new levels.  The U.S. market saw Marc's mesmerizing stage presence.   Here's Marc at his best, "My Baby You", was dedicated to his daughter Arianna (obviously not his daughter with Jennifer Lopez), and will melt the heart of the coldest soul.  Funny, my first exposure to Marc was as a killer teenager in the film, The Substitute.

"BRING IT ON"   GASLIGHT ANTHEM

Gaslight Anthem are a Jersey band that sounds like 50% Springsteen and 50% Social Distortion.   This recipe works out perfectly since both Bruce and SD are big fans!   Bruce has sang with the band many times and Gaslight Anthem has opened for Mike Ness and the boys.   "Bring It On" is from the CD American Slang and features the great lyric:  "Stop clicking your red heels and wishing for home, I'm hearing he tells you he can read your palms, Is he better than my love?  Bring It On" 

 

Bad Reputation: Joan Jett, Dave Grohl, Rob Zombie, Atreyu, Taddy Porter

"BAD REPUTATION" (with Dave Grohl)          JOAN JETT

Magical TV moment in November, Joan Jett on Letterman.    She's amazing, vocals sound the same as 30 years ago, looks as great as she did 20 years ago (how does she do it?), then to make the performance even more incredible, she adds Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters to join her on guitar and backing vocals.  By the way, Joan Jett is 53 years old here!     If you haven't seen the movie, The Runaways, check it out.   Fun bio pic, Dakota Fanning is incredible and Kristen Stewart from the Twilight films plays Joan.

"THUNDER KISS '65"                   ROB ZOMBIE

Before Rob started directing films like the Halloween remake, his band, White Zombie, made some great heavy metal records.     Four of my students play in a hardcore metal band named Ares.   They've released 2 CD's and one of their biggest music moments was being one of the opening bands for White Zombie!   How cool is that!   This video was shot in the desert with go-go dancers, "monsters" and Rob's thundering bassline hook.    Low budget video but you've got to love that beat!

"FALLING DOWN"                  ATREYU

A Minneapolis friend of mine was obsessed with the 80's movie, The Outsiders.     It featured C. Thomas Howell, Matt Dillon, Ralph Macchio (The Karate Kid), Patrick Swayze, Rob Lowe, Emilio Estevez and a young Tom Cruise.  Atreyu pays homage to the film in this film.   "Stay Gold,  Pony Boy!"      Atreyu are currently on a "break" and working on side projects but I remember them opening for Linkin Park in 2008.

"BIG ENOUGH"                      TADDY PORTER

Oklahoma band with blues riffs (check out the solo on the office table!), sleezy bar band vocals, yet still capturing a modern rock radio sound.     They are still a newer band looking for that breakout hit but based off the first CD, they've got some major potential and I'm curious what happens to them after their 2012 CD gets released.