June Songs - Just in Time for July

Man, have I ever been delinquent in getting out new and old songs to cool down your hot summer.  My bad, I'll try not to let it happen again.  Here are some songs that I thought were worth listening to.  If you’re up for it, I am, too.  And I swear that I’m not related to any of these artists, much to their relief.  Ready?  Me, too.  Hey ho, let's go!
 
Kasabian
 
This English band has been around for quite a while, and they are big-time in their native land.  But in the U.S., they are virtual unknowns.  Why?  Me don’t know.  But I saw them a few years back at the TLA, and they rocked.  They also are not afraid of very loud bass, the kind that makes you think you can feel your own heart beating while you are just standing there.  Here’s a great track called “Empire.”  Dig it.

 
? and the Mysterians
 
I know you know these guys and that you know this song.  “96 Tears” is, without a doubt, one of my all-time favorite songs.  I love the pumping organ, the fantastic lyrics earnestly delivered by ? himself, and the garage-rock flavor of this track.  It’s a song that should never be forgotten, and so here it is again, remembered. 

 
4 Out Of 5 Doctors
 
Sticking with the one-hit wonders theme, here’s a great track by a virtually unknown band.  Along with the Pousette-Dart Band, one of the best things that my older brother ever introduced into our household was the song “Waiting For A Change.”  It’s as true today as it was when it was released in the early 80s.  When I was in college (I know, hard to believe that I was ever a college boy, right?) I saw these guys at the long-defunct Bayou in Georgetown, and had a great time.  If you know this song, you’ll know what I am talking about.  Otherwise, welcome to the team!

 
999
 
Last one-hitter, ok?  These guys are so 1970s new wave it is hard to listen to without being transported right back to those days.  Never saw them, don’t know if they ever toured the U.S.  But this song from 1978 is catchy and has a great guitar sound.  I have no idea what it’s about – never cared enough to explore the lyrics – but it’s a great song for the car in the summer with the top down and the volume up.  Here’s the excuse:  “Sorry, officer, it was that damned BRP and his 999 recommendation!”  Works every time!  Here you go:  “Chicane Destination.”

 
The Weeks
 
Most opening acts need polishing and many never amount to much.  But the Weeks opened for the Revivalists at Union Transfer, and simply tore the joint up.  Fronted by twin brothers, these guys are originally from Mississippi but now hang out in Nashville.  They don’t sound like traditional Nashville one bit – they rock!  Maybe they are hanging out with the Kings of Leon or Dan Auerbach?  Who knows, but listen to “Buttons” and then start digging into the Spotify account for more, more, more.  Then tell me how do you like it.

 
Colony House
 
This band name sounds like a restaurant off the New Jersey turnpike.  Their music, however, sounds fantastic.  I found out about them watching MTV Live late one night.  I can’t remember the show, but they played a few songs live, and I liked every track.  That’s unusual.  I grabbed my phone, wrote myself a note to check them out, and now you get the benefit of my fastidious and careful lifestyle.  Hahaha.  Anyway, this song is called “Silhouettes” and It’s really good.
 

​White Reaper
 
Hats off to Luke who turned me on to these guys.  I can hear a lot of influences in there, but they have an original rocking sound that reminds me of the best garage bands and power pop, 80s style.  The track I picked is “Little Silver Cross,” but check out the video for “The World’s Best American Band.”  The lesson from that one is to never eat a hot dog that you find in the woods.
 

 
That’s enough for today.  I’ll keep hunting for great new songs and digging into the archives for past treasures.  I’m always interested in your suggestions, too.  Keep ‘em coming, and I’ll share with the rest of the BRP community, which is HUGE.  Enjoy the day and visit me again soon.  Love you, Philly!