Song vs Song, Ramones vs Pumpkins

Welcome to a new Screaming song feature, Song vs Song. Who does it better? Two great ones in my opinion, I could listen to both of these endlessly.

Today we will examine two songs based on the same theme or title. I was watching Rock n Roll High School yesterday, 50th anniversary I believe, and I noticed the bored and fantastical foray. Bored teenagers seems to be an underlying current. Spotify for these rise to the top.

This way, Smashing Pumpkins (1995): Tonight, Tonight

This way, Ramones (1978): I Just Want to Have Something to Do

UTubes:

[Tonight] Tonight 

 

[I Just Wanna] I just 

“Turn Away” Protex

This way: Turn Away

Protex are a Belfast punk band which formed in 1978. Their first records were issued on Good Vibrations records. They formed part of the first wave of Belfast punk bands along with label-mates The Undertones and Rudi. The original line-up was Paul Maxwell (bass/vocals), Owen McFadden (drums), David McMaster (guitar/vocals), Aidan Murtagh (guitar/vocals).

Protex formed in 1978, inspired by the band members experiencing first-hand The Clash’s landmark visit to Belfast in 1977, when their gig was cancelled at the last minute due to insurance problems. The Clash’s Belfast visit in 1977 is considered by many, including Good Vibrations' Terri Hooley, to be the catalyst for the punk movement in Northern Ireland. Protex was influenced by The Clash and took their original name, Protex Blue, from an album track on The Clash's eponymous debut album. The band did not realise the Clash song was about condoms.

Protex's debut live performance was in 1978 at Knock Methodist Church Hall in Belfast. Shortly after the show they shortened their name to Protex to avoid any confusion about being a blues band. They performed around Belfast and eventually secured a radio session with local station Downtown Radio. By regular gigging around the city the band soon came to the attention of Terri Hooley who they initially met at a gig at the Glenmachan Hotel in Belfast. Hooley prompted them to record a three track debut 45 which he released on his Good Vibrations record label in November 1978 as issue GOT6. The Belfast label had previously released singles by Rudi, Victim, The Outcasts and The Undertones. The single was later re-released on London-based Rough Trade Records.

Following good reviews from the NME writer Tony Parsons, and more radio air play the band secured a BBC Radio 1 session for the Kid Jensen show. This led to interest from Polydor Records who signed the band. The band were all still in sixth form at school when A&R men came over from London to see them play live at Chester’s in Portrush. At Easter 1979, Protex went to London to record their debut single for Polydor, "I Can't Cope".

[Spotify] Turn Away 

“Dip Flash” Wire

This way: Dip Flash

Released at the end of the initial period of Wire’s 3rd Act – after Aend and before the band’s post-Bruce Gilbert re-invention – Read & Burn 03 never quite got the attention it deserved. However the opening track 23 years too late, with its tour narrative text and motorik rhythm stands as one of the band’s finest achievements of any era in the view of both core fans & the band the original ep, 3rd in the read & burn series and the one not compiled on to the send album, was the last non-historic release by the original wire line up of colin newman, graham lewis, bruce gilbert & robert grey and has never been properly released on vinyl. The original version of our time and an alternate mix of desert diving are the other additional tracks.

[Spotify] Dip Flash 

[Spotify] Dot Dash 

[Charming Live] Dot Dash 

“Like Flies on Sherbert” Alex Chilton

This way: Like Flies on Sherbert

Like Flies on Sherbert is the first solo album released by American pop rock musician Alex Chilton. He had previously recorded a collection of songs in 1969 and 1970, ultimately titled 1970, but this was not released until 1996. Released in 1979, Like Flies on Sherbert was recorded at two Memphis studios, Phillips Recording and Ardent Studios, in 1978 and 1979. Chilton had previously been a member of the Box Tops and Big Star.

The album was originally released in fall 1979 in a batch of 500 copies by Peabody Records, a label run by Memphis singer and guitarist Sid Selvidge. Aura Records, a British label, put out a version that differed slightly from the original issue. A number of CD releases followed in the 1990s and 2000s, some with added bonus tracks. Selvidge's 1998 Peabody CD reissue collects all the tracks from the previous Peabody edition and the Aura reissue and adds three tracks: "Baby Doll," "She's the One That's Got It" and "Stranded on a Dateless Night."

 

The photograph used for the cover of the album was taken by noted American photographer William Eggleston, who had previously provided the cover for Big Star's second album Radio City. 

[Spotify] Like Flies on Sherbert 

“Shiftless when Idle” The Replacements

This way: Shiftless when Idle

The Replacements were an American rock band formed in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 1979. The band was composed of the guitarist and vocalist Paul Westerberg, guitarist Bob Stinson, bass guitarist Tommy Stinson, and drummer Chris Mars for most of its existence. After two albums in the style of punk rock, they became one of the main pioneers of alternative rock with their acclaimed albums Let It Be and Tim. Bob Stinson was kicked out of the band in 1986, and Slim Dunlap joined as lead guitarist. Steve Foley replaced Mars in 1990. Towards the end of the band's career, Westerberg exerted more control over its creative output. The group disbanded in 1991 and the members found various projects. A reunion was announced on October 3, 2012. Fans affectionately refer to the band as the 'Mats, a nickname which originated as a truncation of "The Placemats". 

Sorry Ma, Forgot to Take Out the Trash is the debut studio album by the American band the Replacements. It was released on August 25, 1981, by Twin/Tone Records. Squarely inspired by punk rock, the album stands in contrast to the power pop and indie rock styles of later albums.

The track "Somethin' to Dü" is a reference to the band Hüsker Dü, contemporaries of the Replacements and their Saint Paul counterparts. The track "Johnny's Gonna Die" is a reference to guitarist Johnny Thunders of the Heartbreakers and New York Dolls, specifically his heroin addiction. Thunders died in 1991.

[Spotify] Shiftless when Idle 

“Gang Related Death” The Stains

This way: Gang Related Death

The Stains is an American hardcore punk band from the Boyle Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, United States. One of the first East Los Angeles punk groups, the band started playing punk in 1976. Their style is described as hardcore and speedy, and as an innovator in bringing elements of metal into hardcore.

History

The Stains recorded their debut album in 1981, produced by SST Records house producer Spot. It was released by SST in 1983. The debut album is often considered influential in bridging hardcore punk and heavy metal before the creation of thrash metal. The band has been on tours with Black Flag, Hüsker Dü and countless others.

They were one of the bands that played at a 2001 "anniversary show" memorializing the landmark East Los Angeles punk venue, Vex Populi. The music writer Josh Kun wrote in Los Angeles magazine that their set was "punk rock enough for the Stains to leave a pool of blood on the stage's wood beams".

[Spotify] Gang Related Death 

“If I Told” Courtney Marie Andrews

This way: If I Told

Courtney Marie Andrews (born November 7, 1990) is an American singer-songwriter originally from Phoenix, Arizona. She released her first widely distributed and breakthrough studio album, Honest Life, in 2016. From 2010 to 2011, Andrews was an auxiliary member of Jimmy Eat World, appearing on their seventh studio album Invented (2010) and acting as their keyboardist and backing vocalist on the subsequent tour.

Andrews began playing guitar and writing songs at the age of 13 or 14 and began performing at 15.

In September 2009, Jim Adkins of the band Jimmy Eat World asked Andrews to sing with him on a live cover of Wilco and Feist's song "You and I". In 2010, she recorded backing vocals for Jimmy Eat World[5] on five songs for their studio album Invented. She subsequently joined them on stage to perform during the album's release and full 2010–2011 tours, acting as their keyboardist and backing vocalist.

In 2011, Andrews relocated to Seattle, Washington. It was there that she began playing electric guitar in long-time admirer Damien Jurado's band.

[Spotify] If I Told 

“Morning Noon or Night” Golomb

This way: Morning Noon or Night

The Columbus power trio, who'll make their debut on Philly's esteemed No Quarter Records next month with sophomore album The Beat Goes On, great catchy pop songs with bent frames. Dig it.

[Spotify] Morning Noon or Night 

“Ft Worth Blues” Steve Earle

This way: Ft Worth Blues

Here's a great one from Steve Eale circa 1997. 

[Spotify] Ft Worth Blues 

[Charming Live] Ft Worth Blues 

“I Want Candy” Bow Wow Wow

This way: I Want Candy

Bow Wow Wow are an English new wave band, created by manager Malcolm McLaren in 1980. McLaren recruited members of Adam and the Ants to form the band with then 13-year-old Annabella Lwin on lead vocals. They released their debut EP Your Cassette Pet in 1980 and had their first UK top 10 hit with "Go Wild in the Country" in 1982. The band's music was characterized by a danceable new wave sound that drew on a Burundi beat provided by Dave Barbarossa on drums, as well as the subversive, suggestive, and sometimes exuberant lyrics sung and chanted by their teenage lead vocalist.

In 1980, former Sex Pistols manager McLaren persuaded David Barbarossa (also known as Dave Barbe), guitarist Matthew Ashman and bassist Leigh Gorman to leave Adam Ant and form a new group he was managing. The band embarked on a six-month audition process for a lead singer. Talent scout Dave Fishel heard 13-year-old Lwin singing along to the radio at a West Hampstead dry cleaner where she worked, and Fishel persuaded McLaren to audition her. 

[Spotify] I Want Candy 

“Girl U Want” Devo

This way: Girl U Want

Devo just played a gig here in Pheonix this last week. I didnt go, but am glad to see they still have the spuds. I do recall seeing them at Dooleys in Tempe in about 1978. Here is a great one from one of my alltime fav LPs. 

[Spotify] Girl U Want 

“Out on My Own” Romeo Void

This way: Out on My Own

Romeo Void was an American new wave and post-punk band from San Francisco, California, formed in 1979. The band primarily consisted of saxophonist Benjamin Bossi, vocalist Debora Iyall, guitarist Peter Woods, and bassist Frank Zincavage. The band went through four drummers, starting with Jay Derrah and ending with Aaron Smith. The band released three albums, It's a Condition, Benefactor and Instincts, along with one EP. They are best known for the songs "Never Say Never" and "A Girl in Trouble (Is a Temporary Thing)"; the latter became a top 40 pop single.

The band was started at the San Francisco Art Institute by Iyall and Zincavage. They released a single on the recently formed 415 Records before recording their debut album, which has been deemed a "masterpiece of American post-punk". The success of their second release, a four-song EP titled Never Say Never resulted in a distribution deal with Columbia Records. The band continued to release music and tour until they broke up in 1985. The members have reunited briefly over the years. Iyall has continued to pursue music as a side project. Iyall has garnered acclaim as a skilled lyricist who explores themes like sexuality and alienation from a female perspective with "searing imagery".

[Spotify] Out on My Own 

“New Noise" Refused

This way: New Noise

Oh, there is screaming. 

Refused (also known as the Refused) was a Swedish hardcore punk band originating from Umeå and formed in 1991. Refused's final lineup was composed of vocalist Dennis Lyxzén, guitarist Kristofer Steen, drummer David Sandström, and bassist Magnus Flagge. Guitarist Jon Brännström was a member from 1994, through reunions, until he was fired in 2013. Their lyrics are often of a non-conformist and politically far-left nature and were for a time associated with the straight edge subculture.

The band released their debut album This Just Might Be... the Truth in 1994. They followed this up with Songs to Fan the Flames of Discontent (1996) and five EPs. In 1998, the band released The Shape of Punk to Come, which expanded their sound with jazz and electronic influences, but was initially poorly received commercially and critically. The group disbanded shortly after, during their subsequent tour. Despite limited contemporary success, Refused were influential on the development of rock music in subsequent decades.

[Spotify] New Noise 

“Statue Down” Alex Cameron

This way: Statue Down

Alex Cameron (born 11 September 1988) is an Australian singer-songwriter from Sydney. He is best known for his solo career, a high-concept act in which Cameron initially adopted the persona of a failed entertainer. During live performances, Cameron is often joined by saxophonist and "business partner" Roy Molloy. Before making music under his own name, Cameron was also a member of the electronica act Seekae, releasing three studio albums with them.

Cameron independently released his debut album, Jumping the Shark, for free on his website in 2013. In 2016, Secretly Canadian reissued the album to a wider audience and growing cult fanbase. In 2017, Cameron released his second studio album, Forced Witness, featuring contributions from Molloy, Flowers, Olsen and Jonathan Rado. His third studio album, Miami Memory, was released in September 2019. His fourth studio album, Oxy Music, was released in March 2022.

[Spotify] Statue Down 

“The Passenger” Iggy Pop

This way: The Passenger

This is one of my all time favorite songs. I could listen to this a few thousand times. 

"The Passenger" was co-written by Iggy Pop and guitarist Ricky Gardiner; Pop wrote the lyrics, while Gardiner composed the music. Gardiner thought of the riff in early 1977 as he was wandering throughout the countryside, "in the field beside an orchard, on one of those glorious spring days with the trees in full blossom. The song was recorded at Hansa Studio by the Wall in West Berlin between May and June 1977. The lineup consisted of Pop, Gardiner, David Bowie on piano, Carlos Alomar on guitar, and brothers Tony and Hunt Sales on bass and drums, respectively. Bowie, Pop, and producer-engineer Colin Thurston produced Lust for Life under the pseudonym "Bewlay Bros.", named after the final track on Bowie's 1971 album Hunky Dory.

[Spotify] The Passenger 

“Gone 2” Slow Pulp

This way: Gone 2

Slow Pulp is an American indie rock band from Madison, Wisconsin, currently based in Chicago, Illinois. Slow Pulp began after childhood friends Teddy Mathews, Alex Leeds, and Henry Stoehr decided to start a band. This resulted in their first release, an extended play (EP) titled EP1 in 2015. In 2017, they released a second EP titled EP2, which was the first release to feature new member Emily Massey. In 2019, the group released another EP titled Big Day.

The group was midway through recording its debut studio album, Moveys, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit; it was recorded remotely and released on October 9, 2020.The album received positive reviews. In support of the album, the band embarked on their first headlining tour, and also supported Death Cab for Cutie, Pixies, and Alvvays.

In September 2023, the band signed to Anti-, with whom they released their second studio album, Yard.

[Spotify] Gone 2 

“Radio” Freak Slug

This way: Radio

Xenya Genovese, known by her stage name Freak Slug, is a British indie rock musician from Manchester.

Genovese released her debut EP, Slow Down Babe, in 2021.Genovese released her second EP in 2022 titled I'm In Love. In 2023, Genovese released her third EP under the Freak Slug moniker titled Viva la Vulva. Genovese announced her debut studio album, I Blow Out Big Candles, in September 2024 and released it in November.

[Spotify] Radio 

“Dirt on the Bed” Cate Le Bon

This way: Dirt on the Bed

Cate Le Bon (born Cate Timothy on 4 March 1983) is a Welsh musician, songwriter and record producer. She sings in both English and Welsh. She has released seven solo studio albums, and was one half of the experimental music duo Drinks (stylised in all caps) with her then-partner Tim Presley. Her stage name is a tribute to English musician Simon Le Bon.

As a record producer, Le Bon has produced albums by Deerhunter, Wilco, John Grant, Dry Cleaning, Horsegirl, Devendra Banhart and Kurt Vile, amongst others.

[Spotify] Dirt on the Bed 

“Something Lurks” Evangilism

This way: Something Lurks

 Kensington, Philly. MM - vocals, guitar, synth, sax, lyrics

Adam - synth, guitar

Danny - bass, synth

Nate - guitar

Kei - drums, vocals

Andrew - violin

Alli - vocals

Scotty - backing vocals, samples, timpani

[Spotify] Something Lurks 

“Black Gold” Escape-ism

This way: Black Gold

ESCAPE-ISM —known as the “found sound dream drama”— is a group specializing in “minimal rock ’n’ roll” led by Ian F Svenonius on voice, beat machine, and electric guitar & featuring Sandi Denton on electric bass guitar, voice, & keyboard.

As art & expression kneels in servility to corporate dictums, ESCAPE-ISM is an outlier. They're the “rock ’n’ roll animinimalist” that rides the rails with a bindle stick; a “what me worry?” tramp who haunts out-of-the-way watering holes frequented by roughshod holdouts against computer conformity.

Known for their offhand musical insouciance, ESCAPE-ISM has gathered a devout following of know nothing acolytes across the globe. ESCAPE-ISM also hosts a series of evenings at Los Angles’ Zebulon nightclub entitled “Rated Z”, named for their full length album Rated Z (2022, Radical Elite/Monotone records). These rock 'n' roll revues are legendary events of simulated excitement. 

Dominated by lo-fi electronics, buzzy guitars, witty and subversive lyrics, and the coolly passionate vocals of Ian Svenonius, Escape-Ism represents another vehicle for the unique talents of the man who founded , , , and . Debuting in 2017 with Introduction to Escape-Ism, Svenonius has declared it to be his first true solo project, in which he writes all the songs, handles all the vocals, and plays all the instruments.

[Spotify] Black Gold 

“Pool House” TVOD

This way: Pool House

Brooklyn-based rockers TVOD stand out with emotional, sometimes juvenile lyrics, paired with driving, catchy songs that never fail to get a crowd moving/moshing. Influenced by post-punk, egg punk and krautrock, TVOD effortlessly weave musical genres in a way that comes off seamlessly. “More than anything, their sound is engineered to make you move” (Creem Magazine). The brainchild of singer-songwriter Tyler Wright, the project draws from personal and external inspirations like the nightlife/music scene, heartaches, World War II, the untimely death of a beloved pet fish, and so on. TVOD’s vivid storytelling paints a gritty tongue-in-cheek picture of being a D.I.Y. artist grinding it out in NYC, complete with fabled tales about the degenerate lifestyle and all the good and the bad that comes with it.

TVOD bloomed into existence in 2019 via a high-energy cassette full of punk songs recorded by Wright on a Tascam  4-track tape recorder in the basement of a D.I.Y. space he was living in. Since then, the band independently released two EPs – Daisy (2020) and Victory Garden (2021) – along with singles “Alien”, “Mantis”, “Goldfish”, and “Poppies”, as well as two limited run 45’s, Creem Magazine describing their sonic palette as “a nod to traditional post-punk bands like The Pixies as well as newer ones like Dry Cleaning”.

[Spotify] Pool House 

“Ruin” the Dangerous Method, Lilly Hyatt

This way: Ruin

The Dangerous Method is an indie alt-rock power trio based in Nashville, Tennessee, formed in 2014 by songwriters Joseph Jared and Emily Jared, often described as "sad songs played loud". The band, which includes drummer John D. Miller, has released multiple albums, including I Don't Know If This Is Helping, and is known for a gritty, heartfelt sound.

[Spotify] Ruin 

“Breathe Out” The Glands

This way: Breathe Out

The Glands were an American indie rock band from Athens, Georgia, United States. Their first CD, Double Thriller, was self-released in 1996 and reissued on Bar/None Records in 1998. Their self-titled album was first released in August 2000 on Capricorn Records and reissued on Velocette Records in August 2001. The Glands' unique sounds recalled a variety of influences, including the Kinks, the Who, and The Rolling Stones. The song "Livin' Was Easy" was featured in the DVD Let America Laugh by comedian David Cross. The band reunited for a brief east coast tour in late 2011, playing several dates with Yo La Tengo.

Ross Shapiro, singer, guitarist, and founding member of The Glands, died in March 2016 aged 53 of lung cancer. 

[Spotify] Breathe Out  

“Play Ball” ACDC

This way: Play Ball

"Play Ball" is a single by the Australian hard rock band AC/DC, and the first single from their 2014 album Rock or Bust. It was first used on 27 September 2014 in a trailer for Major League Baseball on TBS post-season coverage, and the single was released on 7 October. It is the first single to feature rhythm guitarist Stevie Young, replacing founding member Malcolm Young who had retired from the band for health reasons.

AC/DC's drummer, Phil Rudd, was absent from the video shoot for the single, and was replaced by the Welshman Bob Richards, who had previously played with Man, Adrian Smith, Asia and Shogun.

[Spotify] Play Ball 

“My Past Lives” Too Much Joy

This way: My Past Lives

Too Much Joy is an American alternative rock music group, that formed in the early 1980s in Scarsdale, New York.

Tim Quirk (2008)

The original members were Tim Quirk (vocals), Jay Blumenfield (guitar, vocals), Sandy Smallens (bass, vocals) and Tommy Vinton (drums). During 1982-1983 Tommy LaRussa temporarily replaced Vinton as drummer. Smallens departed on amicable terms in 1994, after which producer William Wittman joined on bass guitar and vocals. Blumenfield was also in Fields Laughing (which released an EP in 1985 on Stonegarden Records) and Smallens was also in Beauty Constant (whose Like the Enemy LP was issued in 1987). Wittman continues to play with Cyndi Lauper.

The band, originally called the Rave, took the name Too Much Joy after a phrase that Quirk had seen after his first mushroom trip.

After the success of their third album Cereal Killers, TMJ released several other studio albums, but none achieved the same popular success. In 1997, TMJ announced a hiatus, saying that the commercialism of the music business had taken the "joy" out of performing. Too Much Joy emptied its vaults in 1999 and 2001 to produce the album Gods and Sods, composed of studio outtakes and demos from the period between Mutiny and ...Finally and the live album Live at Least. The later incarnation of the band briefly reunited in the early 2000s to record the one-off holiday single "Ruby Left a Present Underneath the Christmas Tree." Its members have also formed the sometimes-overlapping subprojects the ITS, Surface Wound and Wonderlick. In 2021, the band self-released the album, "Mistakes Were Made."

Penn and Teller are fans of the band. Teller directed the video for "Donna Everywhere," and Penn Jillette would often jam with the band in studio.

While never officially broken up, the entire band performed for the first time in 10 years on May 4, 2007, at the Knitting Factory in New York City. The opening band, the Final Stand, included Tommy Vinton's son Tommy on drums and Sandy Smallens' son Ziya on bass, followed by New Jersey's the Impulse. Both TMJ bassists, Smallens and William Wittman, took part in the performance, trading between second guitar and bass. The concert was a celebration of drummer Tommy Vinton's retirement from the NYPD.[citation needed]

The band later recorded "We Are the Clash" for Recutting the Crap, Volume One, an album paying tribute to the Clash released by Crooked Beat Records.

[Spotify] My Past Lives 

“Outside Brain” They Might be Giants

This way: Outside Brain

First, do no harm. Great new song from those who might. 

They Might Be Giants, often abbreviated as TMBG, is an American alternative rock band formed in 1982 by vocalist and guitarist John Flansburgh and vocalist and multi-instrumentalist John Linnell. During TMBG's early years, Flansburgh and Linnell frequently performed as a musical duo, often accompanied by a tape machine or a drum machine. In 1992, TMBG expanded to include a backing band. The duo's current backing band consists of Danny Weinkauf, Dan Miller, and Marty Beller, while their horn section is comprised Dan Levine, Stan Harrison, and Mark Pender.

TMBG has released 23 studio albums with Flood being certified platinum, while their children's music albums Here Come the ABCs, Here Come the 123s, and Here Comes Science have all been certified gold. The duo has been nominated for four Grammy Awards, winning two. Flansburgh and Linnell won for writing "Boss of Me", the theme to Malcolm in the Middle (Best Film or Television Theme) and They Might Be Giants won for Here Come the 123s (Best Children's Album).

[Spotify] Outside Brain 

“Clearest Blue” CHVRCHES

This way: Clearest Blue

Chvrches are a Scottish synth-pop band from Glasgow, formed in September 2011. The band consists of Lauren Mayberry, Iain Cook, Martin Doherty and, unofficially since 2018, Jonny Scott. Mostly deriving from the synth-pop genre, Chvrches also incorporate indietronica, indie pop, and electronic dance into their sound. 

Two years after their formation, Chvrches released Recover EP in March 2013, which included hits "The Mother We Share" and "Recover". Their debut studio album, The Bones of What You Believe, was released on 20 September 2013, while the band was ranked fifth on the Sound of 2013 list by the BBC. Two years later, on 25 September 2015, the group released their second album, Every Open Eye. Their third album, Love Is Dead, was released on 25 May 2018. Their fourth album, Screen Violence, was released on 27 August 2021.

[Spotify] Clearest Blue 

“Baby, Woah!” TV Budah

This way: Baby, Woah!

Did my Jesus Marychain eat their V Underground? If they did then this is the bastard daughter of it. Uncle Wire attends funeral. This is from Chicago.  

[Spotify] Baby, Woah! 

“23 Years Too Late” Wire

This way: 23 Years Too Late

New single from Wire that slays. Headlock in gridlock. Wire are a British rock band, formed in London in October 1976 by Colin Newman (vocals, guitar), Graham Lewis (bass, vocals), Bruce Gilbert (guitar), George Gill (lead guitar) and Robert Grey (aka Robert Gotobed; drums). They were originally associated with the punk rock scene, appearing on The Roxy London WC2 album, and were instrumental to the development of post-punk, while their debut album, Pink Flag, was influential for hardcore punk.

Wire are considered a definitive and highly influential art punk and punk band, due to their richly detailed and atmospheric sound and obscure lyrical themes. 

[Spotify] 23 Years Too Late 

[Cool vid] 23 Years Too Late 

“Stranglehold” UK Subs

This way: Stranglehold

U.K. Subs are an English punk rock band, among the earliest in the first wave of British punk. Formed in 1976, the mainstay of the band has been vocalist Charlie Harper, originally a singer in Britain's R&B scene. One of the first hardcore punk bands, elements of rhythm and blues music - including harmonica - also remained an occasional element of their work.

1976–1978 

Although the U.K. Subs were part of the original punk movement in England, the band originally started playing as part of the pub rock scene under the name The Marauders. In 1976, after seeing a couple of punk rock shows at The Roxy, the band decided to become a punk rock band, changing their name at first to the Subversives but later modifying it to the U.K. Subs. The band consisted of founder Charlie Harper, guitarist Nicky Garratt, bassist Paul Slack, and a drummer who went under the name Rory Lyons. By the time the band recorded their first single, Pete Davies had replaced Lyons and was the band's regular drummer.

Their style combined the energy of punk and the rock and roll edge of the then-thriving pub rock scene. The band's first six hit singles, including "Stranglehold", "Warhead", "Teenage", and "Tomorrow's Girls", all managed to enter the Top 40 of the UK Singles Chart. Their first four albums would also make the U.K. charts. However, they never had another single or album make the charts after 1981.

[Spotify] Stranglehold 

“Louder = Better” Customs

This way: Louder = Better

Customs (founded 2008) is a Belgian indie/new wave band of four retrofuturists from Leuven. They are known for melody, atmosphere and mathematical edge. Influences detected by several journalists include: The House of Love, Echo & The Bunnymen, The Sound, Red Lorry Yellow Lorry and Cocteau Twins.

[Spotify] Louder = Better 

BeeHive of Live highlights

Live is live and sometimes living and dying, which may not be live. 

Here are a few highlights from my mind of live performances worth
watching and that other thing.

This way: Reed and Bowie and The Dirty Blvd

These two, kicking it hard.

This way: PJ Harvey Rid of Me on Leno

PJ Harvey, I recall watching this appearance on TV (Leno, 1993) when it was first broadcast. She had such charm, and wow, just her and a guitar. Bold as ever.

This way: Capt Beefhart

Do you like Trout Mask Replica by Capt Beefheart? Well then this analysis of the song Frownland is for you. 30 mins talking about a less than 2 min song. A fascinating examination.

This way:  Marc Bolan & T.Rex with Elton John and| Ringo Starr - Tutti Frutti

Marc Bolan, with Elton John and Ringo Starr. Filmed in Apple Studios, in 1972, for the film 'Born to Boogie', The trio are seen jamming the Little Richard 50's classic.

—Brendan

“Smoko” The Chats

This way: Smoko

The Chats are an Australian punk rock band that formed in 2016 in the Sunshine Coast, Queensland. They describe their sound as "shed rock". The current band lineup is composed of guitarist Josh Hardy, drummer Matt Boggis, and bassist and vocalist Eamon Sandwith. Known for their songs about Australian culture, they initially went viral for their song "Smoko" and its music video in 2017, and later with "Pub Feed" in 2019. To date they have released two EPs, The Chats (2016) and Get This in Ya!! (2017), and two studio albums High Risk Behaviour (2020) and Get Fucked (2022).

2016: Early years and debut EP

Josh Price, Matt Boggis and Eamon Sandwith met in music class at St. Teresa's Catholic College in Noosaville, Queensland. When they were 17, in September 2016, they formed the Chats, with Price on guitar, Boggis on drums, and Sandwith on bass and vocals. Former member Tremayne McCarthy also played bass and guitar in the original lineup. The band takes its name from the phrase "that's chat" - (Australian slang to describe something gross/disgusting/bad).

Their debut self-titled EP, recorded at another local high school, was released on 7 November 2016. Triple J described the EP as "seven joyous sky-punching tracks that combined 60s garage punk and 70s new wave punk". 

[Spotify] Smoko 

SoftheD Playlist b05

Dear Kind reader, I have compiled the songs of the day into multiple playlists
for your listening pleasure.  

2,116 songs posted so far. Can you handle the latest V? 140 songs, 8 hours plus . . .

This way to the latest [Spotify]: Playlist b05

Please enjoy responsibly 

Past pop drivel for the semi-last lost masses,
preferably this way:

playlist b4 Sotd playlist b04

playlist b3 Sotd playlist b03

playlist b2: Sotd playlist #b02

playlist b1: Sotd playlist #b01

playlist a10: Sotd playlist #10

playlist a9: Sotd playlist #9

playlist a8: Sotd playlist #8

playlist a7: sotd playlist #7

playlist a6: sotd playlist #6

playlist a5: sotd playlist #5

playlist a4: sotd playlist #4

playlist a3: sotd playlist #3

playlist a2: sotd playlist #2

playlist a1: sotd playlist #1

Thanks a million 

brENDan, still screaming

“Crash, Burn, Sin” Terminal White

This way Cool live): Crash, Burn, Sin

I caught these guys playing live in Phoenix last week, and wow, what a great sound. They got there start in Chicago in the early 80s. This was the great period as Alt Slash Indie was getting its start and this band was one of the trailblazers, DIY baby. The leaned towards the Waxx Traxx sound, which was a great sound for those days. Terminal White a tale of three cities? Chicago, Bucharest, and Phoenix. Born in the Wicker Park neighborhood of Chicago in 1983, the band gained critical acclaim in clubs like Exit, Neo, and Metro, and on radio stations WNUR, WNYU, KUSF, 89X, WXRT and WCBR among many others. During the 1980s and 90s the band released a series of successful records including Death and Love, Hamtramck, Worker, Substitution and the Colorline. Their videos Slaughter Me and Hamtramck charted in the U.S., Europe and Japan.

In the early 1990s, Terminal White leader David Pistrui began to split his time between Chicago and Bucharest. Terminal White’s first Romanian gig was in 1992 at the Rock 92 Concert in Bucharest. During the 1990s the band released Ate 8 Eight, One Million MPH and Tijuana Donkey Show. The band received extensive airplay on Radio Romania, ProFM, Radio Contact, Radio Delta the BBC, RFE and many more.

The band has been busy during the 2000s releasing South Michigan Affair and Fifty, along with a concert DVD Live at IIT, and a video supporting the single Wide Open.  In 2015 the bank released Blind Pig CD.  The band is being featured in Balta Alba, a documentary film that chronicles music and art from Bucharest, Romania.

Still going strong!

[Spotify] Crash, Burn, Sin