In ancient times when colossi bestrode the earth and people downloaded instead of streamed, I downloaded a couple of albums by this band. I have no idea who they are/were or any recollection of where I heard about them, but they’re pretty good. Here’s a good Who rip-off, and here’s another one like the one above. More songs on YouTube if you’re so inclined, some may be better. It looks like they only made two albums.
Whoa Indeed
Paul McCartney + Todd Rundgren + Memphis = Van Duren. Van made probably the best album from the ’77-’78 local power pop “scene.” I use quotes because that “scene” consisted of three bands, a revolving cast of girfriends, about 20 midtown weirdos, and no clubs that would book those bands more than once. So barely a scene at all. Which is why everyone tried relocating, with varying degrees of failure.
Great song, although he might have overused the “whoas.”
Come To Butthead
First half of season 4 coming January 21st. All episodes, you may ask? I don’t know, I might very well answer.
Excited Ones
From the new Guided By Voices album Crystal Nuns Cathedral in stores Friday, March 4!
I think this is their 35th studio LP.
And One More For Thursday
Please to enjoy this sonic blast of optimism from Mudhoney’s Steve Turner.
Inspiration
An uplifting tune to get you over the midweek hump.
Whoa
https://youtu.be/dPiplYL897o
Here’s a note-for-note live recreation of The White Album by a group called The Analogues giving me the feels.
They’re from WHERE?
While off down internet wormholes prompted by this blog, I ran across the horrible clickbait article “Best Band from Every State,” which is designed mostly to start fights. It caught my attention because the Boys of Beach, above, and as pictured in the article, might qualify for the California designation… but not without Brian Wilson, SMH.
Anyway, I learned a little band geography and will be curious to see everyone’s reaction. As the sometimes Pacific Northwest rep, I’ll say that they’re right about Idaho, glaringly wrong about Oregon, and a little off with Washington.
Who Knew?
I think we all did. But the Beach Boys weren’t surfers is such pedantic gold.
Enjoy Pavid Vermin and I’m pretty sure that’s Mary Ann at about 0:30.
Just Don’t Dance
It can’t be New Year’s without seeing someone make an ass of himself. Who’s better at that than Mike Love? This begins as a funny/sad skit, but the real comedy begins at 2:27 with 70’s footage of Love trying to preen and prance around like Mick Jagger. He also apparently hit a Goodwill dumpster trying to copy Mick’s look. Jesus.
People who shouldn’t dance (I’m one) should know better by the time they reach adulthood. The most blessed of us never really wanted to anyway. I get that singers feel awkward just standing there. Fine, but if they can’t dance, give them a prop guitar. I’m guessing the other Beach Boys preferred letting him make a fool of himself to arguing with an asshole.