While Uncle Joe is best known as one of America's top Classic Rock historians, throughout his 35-year career he's always been acutely aware of current trends in the music industry. Indeed, Classic Rock itself was the finest new music of its day, composed and performed by artists at their creative peak. For a scholarly insight into today's trends, J.B. presents Rave's Raves.
Rave's Raves are composed by Bruce Ravid, a veteran of Capitol Record's A&R Department and in no way reflect the official viewpoint of Uncle Joe, his staff or management. They are written from Rave's industry viewpoint, originally for friends within the music business, but now shared with the world. New editions appear in April/May, August/September, and December with occasional updates in between. Enjoy!
March 2004
***RAVE'S RAVES #19.1***
RAVE'S FAVES (on the air, new this year)
The Thrills, The Vines, Phantom Planet, Yeah Yeah Yeah's ("Maps"), Jem, The Faint, Postal Service ("Heights"), Air ("Cherry"), Modest Mouse, Jet (various), The Strokes ("Reptilia"), Maroon5.
Lots of great new stuff so far in 2004! The Thrills from Scotland have an Adult Alternative hit with great hooks. The super new Vines song gives me hope that their sophomore effort will score for them. Phantom Planet, the Yeah Yeah Yeah's and Modest Mouse have all been getting top requests on L.A.'s trend-setting KROQ, along with the Eighties techno-leaning hotties from The Faint and Postal Service. Jem have a melodic, electronic flavored tune with their entire CD coming soon. Maroon5 have grown on me, and I now really like both of their radio/video hits. Honorable mention goes to songs from Incubus, Yellowcard, Living End, Ima Robot, and Franz Ferdinand, who are the hottest new band this year in the UK. The Franz CD drops stateside in mid-March. Word has it that they've been stealing live shows from headliners. I'm looking forward to their LA gig at The Troubadour. On the CD side, I really like The Darkness and Crystal Method. The Darkness are the first over the top metal band to score since the Eighties. Their CD won a Brit for Best Rock Album in the UK. In the U.S., they just went gold and are getting a huge push from their label. Air are getting great reviews and I enjoy their latest, but it's very mellow. I prefer the direction on their last one.
A NEW WAVE?
Grunge and post-grunge took guitar "hooks" away, but they're coming back and I couldn't be happier. On a broader scale, something very cool is happening. More of our fave bands are beginning to hit the rock mainstream. I noted above that so many of the faves are getting top requests on mainstream alternative radio in L.A. Most of these songs wouldn't have been played a year ago. There was a related feature article in the L.A. Times Calendar section earlier this year. The piece discussed the tremendous reaction that alt-rocker KROQ has received on these artists. Seven of the Top 10 audience response songs of 2003 were by people like The Strokes, White Stripes, and Jet. KROQ has played a higher percentage of this music and the article went on to remind us that most U.S. cities tend to be more resistant to change than L.A. listeners. Things will continue to evolve on a national basis. Here's a thought for you: This alteration of the rock landscape is being accompanied by a major increase in the activism of Bush's political opponents. Maybe it's just a coincidence, but perhaps there is also a connection. Any thoughts on your end?
80'S COLLEAGUES
Iron Maiden had a great run of January shows in New York and L.A., on their way to Asia. This time, about 70% of the set was new music. Still, the guys completely pulled it off. How many bands can actually do that without suffering from an energy drop? Of all the hard rocking bands from the early Eightie's, Maiden are one of the few who continue to do everything completely on their own terms and who are still so successful at it. The reformed Duran Duran have an original tune on the "Queer Eye" soundtrack. "Sunrise" is what I've been hoping for: a positive, melodic song over a modern, electronic backing track. The song itself doesn't sound like a hit to me, but it does whet the appetite for more. Despite continued denials from both the Hagar and Van Halen camps, my reliable information is that they will tour, and that it will probably begin in early June. It sounds like an album is in the works as well.
...and...
This column normally accentuates the positive. However, I must tell you that there is no one I root against more than Courtney Love. Her personality is despicable. I'm sure she has her friends and fans, but anyone I know that has dealt with her has had nothing good to say. It is amazing that the media find her so compelling. They say that everyone loves a train wreck and Courtney Love is certainly a train wreck.
I would like to again thank Uncle Joe for providing this forum for these Rave's. I also enjoy receiving the feedback that comes from our readers. If you care to write, please make sure that you put "Raves" in the subject line so that your message is not deleted as spam. Enjoy the rest of your winter. We'll be back in the spring with Rave's # 20. Until then,
RAVE ON!!!
December 2003
***RAVE'S RAVES #19***
RAVE'S FAVES (on the air )
Distillers, Belle & Sebastian ("Office"), Jet (various), Foo Fighters ("Nicki"), Offspring, Iggy Pop, Crystal Method, Rancid ("Moon"), White Stripes ("Myself")
The Belle & Sebastian song is melodic and original sounding, but it's way too light for mainstream rock acceptance. I predict that Jet will have at least two more airplay hits in 2004. As I said last time, they have lots of depth in this album, and radio is beginning to pick up on that. Not only is Iggy's "Lust For Life" riff featured in the Jet hit, but the original glam/punk dude is back himself. What makes Iggy's commercial tune work especially well is the backing of Sum 41. Burt Bacharach & Hal David loyalists may not like the White Stripes' cover of their tune, but I think it's great for a laugh. Honorable mentions go to The Darkness, The Shins, Hoobestank, Death Cab For Cutie, and Polyphonic Spree.
RAVE'S TOP FIVE AIRPLAY FAVES OF 2003
1) White Stripes — "Seven Nation Army"
2) Hot Hot Heat — "Bandages/Talk To Me, Dance With Me"
3) Jet — "Are You Gonna Be My Girl"
4) Rooney — "Blueside"
5) Distillers — "Drain the Blood"
Can there be any doubt about the Stripes being #1 on my list as well as many other rock lists? The song was around virtually all year, the bass line was unforgettable, the tune was a hit, and the CD went platinum. Most importantly, I really liked it. HHH brought a fresh, quirky blend of various retro influences to the airwaves. The two songs were so close in my opinion that it makes sense to simply put the band in the #2 spot. The Jet hit was obvious from the first listen, and it's also a case where the song's primary hook came from a guitar. Rooney lacked any commercial success to speak of, but this tune was purely a pop/Beach Boys-flavored gem. Meanwhile, the AAA (Adult Alternative) format has picked up on their "I'm Shakin." The Distillers provided us with a near perfect rock song with high energy, a great chorus, a Nirvana influence, and compelling musical parts. The Raveonettes just missed with both "Attack of the Ghost Riders" and "Chain Gang of Love."
COMING SOON
Air are finally releasing a new album early in the year. For me, one of the most anticipated new releases will be from Fischerspooner. Their last album has remained a favorite of mine, and I like virtually the whole thing. They're much more than a typical electroclash act. They have lots of 70's progressive rock influences and my understanding is that their next album will be even more in that direction. The one new song in their show was a major highlight.
80'S COLLEAGUES
It's great to have people talking about Bob Seger again with the release of his new "Greatest Hits 2" CD. Uncle Joe Benson scored a top-flight, far-reaching interview with Bob on Off The Record. I sure hope Seger decides to tour — he was always one of the best. As Joe says, if Bob's going to get the band in shape to play at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies, he might as well get them ready for a full-scale tour. Speaking of tours, Iron Maiden will be back in the U.S. for dates in New York and L.A. as their world jaunt continues. Perhaps you caught the Duran Duran segment on VH-1's True Spin. I had a quick sound bite and the show discussed the fact the "Rio" was a love song to America. After the "Rio" album had been out for a long time and looked like it wouldn't catch on in the U.S., I took Simon LeBon and Nick Rhodes out to dinner one night and told them that only a miracle would save the album. The miracle finally did come from MTV's playing of their videos, but Nick's response to my dire assessment was "We'll make it in America if it's the last thing we do!" As they say, the rest is history. I recently ran into Simon at a party and he said the band were still pulling in different directions as to what their new CD will sound like. I continue to vote for positive, hooky melodies backed by modern, electronic tracks.
...and...
If you'd like to contact me, please remember to mention "Raves" in the subject so that your note isn't mistaken for spam. I'd like to thank Uncle Joe for hosting these Raves again this year on his unclejoe.com site. I'd also like to thank you for your attention and input throughout the year. I wish you great holidays as well as a happy, healthy, and successful 2004. Take care and...