Happy (Almost) Fall! Welcome to the Back-to-School edition of the Now and Then, the Pop Rocks Radio newsletter. As always, I’m your host, Bijan.
August and September have been all about live music for me. Not the big arena shows (though they have their charm) — because let’s be real, you’re not catching Paul McCartney in a club, and Cheap Trick isn’t busking on the street (though, if any band would be badass at that, it’s them). I’m talking about intimate gigs in local bars and small venues, the kind where you don’t have to shell out $500 for a ticket, $50 for parking (Seattle, we need to talk), and another $50 for a t-shirt.
Just last week, I caught three incredible bands for $25, found free street parking, and was greeted by a friendly merch table with a sign that said:
The place was packed, and every band was clearly pumped to be there, delivering a fantastic rock show. And it was a Wednesday night!
One band that really stood out was Thee Deception, who call themselves "the most dangerous band in Seattle." They brought old-school punk energy that I haven't experienced in a while. Their debut album, We The People, drops in November. I snagged a copy at the show and have had it on repeat ever since. Bad Nerves headlined, and while I hadn’t heard them before, the rest of the crowd knew every word (yeah, I gotta get out more). But seriously, they blew me away, and their latest album, Still Nervous, is up for grabs on their site. Do yourself a favor.
As we dive into this month’s fun, stay bold, stay loud, and be a real punk, huh?
Bijan, September 2024
These Are Not Reviews
New Music from The Toms!
It’s hard to think of many artists with a career as diverse and interesting as Tommy Marolda’s. From composing and performing music for Sylvester Stallone films to teaching songwriting to future rock stars (I see you, Imagine Dragons), Marolda has done it all—and still managed to build one of the most distinctive discographies out there.
Recording under the moniker The Toms, Marolda is back with Rock Paper Scissors, his second album in just a year. Though his work is generally referred to as “power pop”, to apply that term here is limiting. Each project, starting from the self-titled album from The Toms in 1979, has its own blend of classic power pop and lo-fi DIY charm.
On this latest outing, some standout tracks for me include "Pilot," "Stationary Bike," and "It’s Personal".
The album is available for download on Bandcamp, along with many others in his catalog!
I Have Some Thoughts…
One thing I’ve learned as a fan of independent music is how much we depend on recommendations from others. Whether it’s from podcasts, social media, or word of mouth, we all need to support each other by sharing the music we discover and love. Gone are the days when we could rely on traditional radio (if we ever could, really?). And I don’t want to sound like a grandpa (I’m not quite there yet), but I do remember when indie radio stations weren’t tied to rigid playlists—they were shaped by the personal taste of DJs passionate about sharing their favorite tracks.
Those DJs are still out there - SiriusXM is doing a fantastic job, especially on Little Steven’s Underground Garage, with hosts like Palmyra Delran, Marky Ramone, Michael Des Barres, and the iconic Rodney Bingenheimer continuing to champion great music. Plus, creators like areallulu on TikTok keep leading me to amazing new finds (like The Bites—check them out below for some authentic, sleazy, Sunset Strip-style rock 'n' roll the way it’s meant to be played).
Here are some more resources that will get you on the righteous path:
Power Pop Overdose - Curt Vance’s show on Mad Wasp Radio, available on Apple Podcasts.
The Music Authority - Radio veteran Jim Prell’s show. This bit from the show page on Apple Podcasts is all you need to know: “The biggest question being asked is ’What format is The Music Authority?’ And The Answer IS...’Whatever I want to play or whatever my friends and listeners ask for!’
KEXP FM - I’d be remiss if I didn’t give a shoutout to my hometown favorite—one of the last truly cool radio stations left in Seattle!
And, of course, please check out the Pop Rocks Radio show, now on Apple Podcasts!
Latest from Pop Rocks Radio on YouTube
As I’ve been busy at work on completing The Bings: Don’t Stop Dancing, the output on Pop Rocks Radio on YouTube, admittedly, has been sparse. As such, I bring you something from the vault that got the ball rolling for us. This is the first volume in our series of “Forgotten Power Pop Bands (That are Actually GREAT!)”.
Hope you enjoy! And stay tuned for more next month!
On Tour
Click the images below for more info!
Bad Nerves
Dany Laj and The Looks
Gyasi
Bob Mould
The dB’S
PONY
What’s Spinning at Pop Rocks Radio
Long-Lost Power Pop - Velvet Elvis
Velvet Elvis, formed in 1984 in Lexington, Kentucky, consisted of Dan Trisko, Sherri McGee, Scott Stoess, and Jeff Yurkowski. The band caught the attention of Mitch Easter and went on to release two albums: What In the World (1986) and Velvet Elvis (1988). Thanks to my friend, Dave Franco, for bringing this great band back to mind!
Go see shows! Be a real punk! Buy merch! Thanks for your support and we’ll see you next month!