Time to Play B-Sides

Big in the UK, Not So Much in the US You've never heard most of these. But you'll want to.

Big in the UK, Not So Much in the US

If you're a fan of pop, rock and soul -- and ESPECIALLY if you're, like me, interested in the whys and wherefores of the Billboard charts--then I bet you'll enjoy this post.

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Like Power Pop? Here are 10 of the best. “Defining power pop is the ultimate argument-starter.”

Nice Lowe, Todd Rundgren, Big Star, Buzzcocks and many others ... If you like Power Pop, you'll love this post.

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Blondie’s Debut Album is an Overlooked Gem I was going to entitle this something click-bait-y like “Is Blondie’s debut album their best?”, but I couldn’t quite get there.

Blondie is a group. Blondie is a vibe. Blondie is one of the greatest power pop bands ... period. Take a look as we celebrate their debut album.

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Following 9/11 most people were happy to (or at least willing to) welcome DHS based on the promise of greater security. DHS evolved into (spawned) ICE. What do you think ICE is going to evolve (or de-volve) into? Let's all wake up: Trading civil liberties for "security" is always a net negative

I'm sure Venezuela's allies China and Russia aren't going to sit on the sidelines much longer.

She's temporarily taken the lead in the right-wing's never-ending game of "Who can demonstrate the least humanity?" I'm sure someone will pass her by the end of the day, though ...

I keep waiting for countries to announce they are boycotting the LA Olympics but, of course, there are too many dollars at stake ...

The Sweet Soul Sound of The Stylistics With maybe, just maybe, the greatest falsetto of them all.

Do you love classic Philly Soul? Betcha By Golly, Wow!

Dexy Midnight Runners’ debut album had everything. Whispers! Shouts! Soul Rebels! Beatniks!! And, at the heart of it all, a tortured soul.

In 1980, years before the worldwide hit "Come On Eileen", Dexy's Midnight Runners released a debut album that was compelling, complicated, and quite brilliant. Come take a look.

Why did the U.S. ignore The Jam? The ultimate "big there, not here" band.

The Jam are absolute icons in the UK. But they never caught on in the US. Many say they were "too British", but other iconic British artists have done quite well stateside. So what was it?

Big in the UK, Not So Much in the US You've never heard most of these. But you'll want to.

Ever wonder why some songs were gigantic in the UK but virtually unheard (and unheard of) in the US? Me Too! Channeling my inner @cmolanphy.bsky.social with this one ...

They don't even try to hide the extortion anymore.

Seems utterly, fantastically unlikely. But you gettin your clicks, right?

The pre-E Street Springsteen song that paved the way for Rosalita And how it was influenced by The Who.

Come take a peek at our free Substack.

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They don't give a damn about us, living or dead. The sooner we all accept that, the sooner we can put a new and better opposition in place.

Sometimes, you just can’t beat a good instrumental Who needs lyrics when there's Instrumental Joy?

From the Allman Brothers to Barry White. From Hawaii Five-O to The Green Hornet. Let’s go from Paradise by the “C” to Outta-Space and enjoy some really great rock, pop and soul instrumentals.

Dave Edmunds Doesn't Get Nearly Enough Credit So let's give him his due.

You may have heard that Dave Edmunds has suffered some health problems lately (reports are optimistic, though). Let’s take a look at a handful of the reasons why he’s one of our favorites. #TimeToPlayB-Sides

Jackie Wilson Said Here's why I'd give nearly anything to take the time machine back to see a performance by the aptly named Mr. Excitement.

If we're playing the game of "who would you travel back in time to see", put me down for the man known as Mr. Excitement. #timetoplaybsides

WaPo would like everyone to just ease off and leave the aggressors alone, just as they did.

The crushing tide of New Wave. Some great bands, like The Motors, got pulled under by the powerful undertow of 80s synth pop.

This post is Approved by The Motors. #music #newwave #pubrock

Hard as it may be, let's not take the bait on their latest diversion. Musk tweeted it once, now probably millions of people have, in effect, retweeted it for him across every platform.

Paul Simon's "American Tune" Remains Essential Listening Nestled in among the satellite radio staples “Kodachrome” and “Love Me Like a Rock” is a song from Paul Simon’s There Goes Rhymin’ Simon that you may not have heard in a while.

Because there's more to being American than hot dogs and fireworks.

I sent this to my do-nothing magat Congressman, FWIW

Making the Case: The J. Geils Band Including the amazing parallel path of the Allman Brothers and J. Geils bands.

The 4th brings with it lists of the greatest American songs and bands. There's no wrong answer, of course, but here I make the case for why I put the J. Geils Band near the top of my list.

The day I broke up with Bruce Springsteen. What drove me away. What brought me back.

40 years ago, #BruceSpringsteen broke my heart. But not for what you might think.

Mr. Jaws Turns 50 And, no, we’re not talking about the classic movie.

There was a time when AM Top 40 radio was the home of the hit novelty record. 50 years ago, there was even was a song called "Mr. Jaws" which featured an interview with the shark from the movie Jaws. No, really.

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The Profound Legacy of Delaney & Bonnie Not Hall of Fame worthy? My ass.

That Delaney and Bonnie are not considered "hall of fame worthy" is one big crock of sh**.

#Americana#Roots#EricClapton#70sMusic#RockandRollHallofFame

If this is the answer, the question was even worse than we imagined.

Is this the Stones’ most underrated album? I know, I know … it’s only rock n' roll.

The #RollingStones have released several thousand albums, or so it seems. Here's one that doesn't get talked about much any more. #Stones #Music #Rock #70sMusic