Pop Music is Still Alive!

Today, I have a special contributor to my blog...my mom! Melissa Martin is one of the major reasons why I'm such a big music enthusiast. Here's a blurb she wrote on Pop Music:

"Pop Music....remember the jangles, the bridges, the hooks that had you singing the chorus and the songs that stuck around for years? A song that if you sing or hum, many people say "I know that song!" That's Pop Music. The music is still around and soon coming near our town. This is going a way's back but do you remember, "Went to a Garden Party...you can't please everyone, so you...got to please yourself." and "I'm a Travelin' Man...' well, that's from the 50's and 60's and it's by Ricky Nelson. Then from the 90's, if you know those two platinum blonde long-haired brothers that sang "I can't live Without Your Love and Affection" well, that's by "Nelson"- Matthew and Gunnar, sons of Ricky Nelson. This Saturday Matthew and Gunnar will perform at LL Bean doing the songs of their Father called Ricky Nelson Remembered, featuring "Nelson".

If you want to sample songs that they will be performing, go to this link.

It's free and it's a show not to miss!

And for those who miss the hit makers of yesteryear, I found a great podcast called "Pop Garden Radio". Pop Garden Radio is hosted by Adam Waltemire and airs late late late Saturday night, 10pm to 3am eastern on AM920 WMEL as well as on the web at PopGardenRadio.com.

Last Saturday, I heard John Denver, Nick Lowe, Paul McCartney, The Rubinoos, as well as newer, lesser known bands worth listening to. If you're into what they call Power Pop, lately, you will probably hear songs from the forthcoming Jellyfish Tribute CD.

Incidentally, there is a connection between Adam Waltemire and Ricky Nelson.

Due in the Summer of 2007 on Jealousy Records is Fools Rush In: A Loving Tribute to Rick Nelson will feature several Pop artists from around the world performing new renditions of some of Rick's best known songs.

This tribute was started and co-ordinated by Pop Garden Radio's Adam Waltemire as a way of honoring the music and legacy of his favorite artist, Rick Nelson. You can listen to samples here.

So folks, just when you thought that most of the music you hear on the radio isn't what you used to hear, know that there are many new artists are writing and performing songs that have the elements of a true pop song, you just have to uncover it!

If you liked the ZOMBIES, hunt for the out-of-print SWAG project.

Like the BEACH BOYS? Take a listen to the solo release from PANDA BEAR (from the band Animal Collective).

You loved the HOLLIES? Get with The Posies "Dear 23".

If you like the BEATLES and SQUEEZE, you MUST find the only two JELLYFISH CD's.

Do you remember the theme song from THAT THING YOU DO? Well, that's MIKE VIOLA from The Candy Butchers. Try this CD.

If you like ELO,and even George Harrison, listen to BLEU'S L.E.O. project.

And that's just on MY travels...

Go see the show on Saturday and tune into Pop Garden Radio!!"

Okay, that's enough, Mom.

I picked up the new White Stripes and Polyphonic Spree albums, and they both sound great. I'll post reviews for both very soon. I also picked up Arms Down by Get Him Eat Him.

Get Him Eat Him is an indie Power Pop band from Rhode Island, and they will be perfoming at the Space Gallery on Saturday night at nine. Tickets are $7, so you should definitely check out the show.