poptransmission

Category: Music

  • The Top 20 Songs in Movies That Moved, Shocked, and Surprised Us

    As I’ve acknowledged before, us pop culture geeks love our best-of lists. That’s one of the main joys I got from the High Fidelity book and movie (I haven’t watched the Hulu series), for I too can give you my top 5, say Pearl Jam songs, on a moment’s notice. We love it when a…

  • Bands That Took 20 years (or more) Between Albums – Part 5: The WHO

    WHO. At this point in their career, what more do they need to say. The WHO album came 13 years after Endless Wire which came 24 years after It’s Hard. While, the Who were a touring force over this time period, they only produced two albums in 37 years. How do these two later albums…

  • Reggae Music: In Honor of the Roots

    I like reggae. It really does hit the spot sometimes, especially on hot summer days. Its repetitive nature, however, makes it a small dose diversion for me. But it’s repetitive by design. The staccato chords of the guitar (or piano) playing on the offbeat of the dominant rhythm section. It’s instantly recognizable. So, while it…

  • Concerts: Let’s Celebrate Their Return with a Highlight from “Before”: Elvis Costello and Blondie 2019 Tour

    As we return to attending concerts, I’m sure we’ve all looked back at what was our last concert. Mine was Courtney Barnett at the Fremont Theater on February 1, 2020. I saw Elton John for the first time in September, 2019 at the Honda Center in Anaheim. What a show in the true sense of…

  • Record Store Day Spotlight: Boo Boo Records in San Luis Obispo, CA

    One of my favorite things to do in life has always been a trip to the local record store. As an early teen it was DoReMi on Pico Blvd. in West L.A. As a high-schooler it was the original Rhino Records on Westwood Blvd. near UCLA. At UCSB, it was Morninglory Records in Isla Vista…

  • Bands that Took a Long Time Between Albums: Part Four – The B52s

    The B52s. What comes to mind right away? Fun? Dancing? Party? The Beach? Outer Space? All of the above? Yes, in honor of coming out of our COVID shells and the beginning of summer, what better band to celebrate with than the B52s. So, let’s go to the Funlex, put our Hot Pants on, and…

  • Bands that Took 20 Years (or more) Between Albums: Part Three – Ride (and a shout out to Shoegazers)

    Shoegazer. A name given to bands from the U.K. in the late 1980s and early 90s who stood motionless during live shows with their heads down due to heavy use of foot pedals. The bands were characterized by an ethereal mix of obscured vocals, distorted guitars, and feedback. Their music was a LOUD blur of…

  • Remain in Love by Chris Franz: A Story of Talking Heads, Tom Tom Club, and Love

    I love rock bios. I’ll have to admit that the extreme decadence of constant sex, drugs, and rock n’ roll makes for a wild read. The antics and stamina of Led Zeppelin, the Stones, Van Halen, Aerosmith, and many more are hard to believe. Remain in Love is not that book. First and foremost, it’s…

  • Bands that Took 20 Years (or more) Between Albums: Part Two – Psychedelic Furs

    “Frenetic,” “harried,” “cacophony,” “drudgery,” “chaotic,” “punishing,” and as Pitchfork uniquely called it “a cawing of crows.” These are common words used to describe the 2020 Psychedelic Furs release, Made of Rain. And they are all from very positive reviews! I guess I’m in the minority on this one. After repeated listens I still can’t get…

  • Bands that Took 20 Years (or more) Between Albums: Part One – X

    Alphabetland, the first album from X in 27 years is a full throttle return for the the seminal L.A punk band. It’s 27 minutes in length(!) with only one song topping in over three minutes (and that’s 3:04). The title song opens the album and from the opening welcome from Exene you know you’re in…

  • Future Islands: As Long as You Are Review

    And now for something different…let’s move from more guitar-focused bands to a synth-pop group. I hate to define bands into such a tight corner, but it gives you an idea of where we’re headed. I am just discovering Future Islands with their 2020 release As Long as You Are and it’s their sixth album. Future…

  • Doves: The Universal Want Album Review

    Doves are an alt rock band from Manchester, England. They put out four albums between 2000 and 2009, with the fifth, The Universal Want, coming out in 2020. The trio is made up of twins Andy and Jez Williams on drums and guitar, respectfully, and Jimi Goodwin on bass guitar. All three contribute to songwriting…