Welcome to the August edition of the Pop Rocks Radio newsletter! As always, I am your host, Bijan.
As I dive into this third edition of Now and Then, one thing is becoming increasingly clear—not just to me, but probably to my readers, as well: I’m not exactly a seasoned reviewer. I know what I like, but putting that into words in a way that feels truly artful is a challenge. The more I read the works of greats like Greg Shaw, Jordan Oakes, and S.W. Lauden, the more I’m tempted to share my new favorites without any commentary, trusting that you’ll see what I see. After all, I’m 'not an expert, just a fan.'
Having said that, I do have some thoughts…
Bijan Marashi, August 2024
New Music from Tamar Berk!
Tamar Berk has always had a knack for crafting guitar pop with a slightly offbeat edge, a skill she honed during her days with Starball. Her solo work has taken that talent even further, showcasing the confidence of an artist fully in control of her music from start to finish. This is especially true on her latest album, Good Times for a Change. With each release, Tamar’s songwriting becomes more personal and assured, blending catchy hooks with lyrics that grapple with grief and the quest for brighter days. This album captures her at a pivotal moment—balancing the weight of the past with a longing to break free and embrace a better future.
Check out the album’s awesome first single “Good Impression”, now available on Bandcamp, and be sure to follow Tamar there, as well. Watch for the exclusive video drop for her followers on Bandcamp! For those of us of a certain age, “20 Minute Workout” holds a special place in our, um…hearts. Ahem…
I Have Some Thoughts…
I was wrong about Facebook. Scott Theabo has shown me the light.
For the longest time, I believed that Facebook—and social media in general—offered little more than a daily flood of breakfast photos and FOMO-inducing posts. But every now and then, I stumble upon a post that leads me down a delightful path I might not have explored otherwise. That’s where Scott Theabo comes in. Scott frequently shares what’s spinning on his turntable, often multiple times a day. His vast musical knowledge and eclectic taste have sent me rushing to Google more than once, wondering how I missed the incredible bands he highlights. That’s exactly what happened with Enuff Z’Nuff’s 1998 album Paraphernalia.
My only memories of Enuff Z’Nuff were tied to their first MTV hit in the late '80s. Back then, I wasn’t a fan of what hair metal and glam had become. But when I saw the video for ‘New Thing,’ something about these guys felt different. Beneath the makeup and neon theatrics was a sound more akin to Cheap Trick than a candy-coated imitation of Van Halen.
In 1989, any power pop band had to disguise itself behind such a facade to get airplay.
By the late '90s, though, the facade was gone, and Chip Z’Nuff was proudly wearing his influences on his sleeve. Their songwriting is exceptional, blending Beatlesque pop with Cheap Trick-inspired rock. I’m sure artists aren’t thrilled about being compared to others, but I offer it only as a point of reference. Enuff Z’Nuff has created something uniquely their own. Like many purveyors of melodic rock, they defy easy genre classification, leaving record labels scratching their heads.
Rick Nielsen even contributes to several tracks, including a killer cover of the underrated Cheap Trick classic ‘Everything Works If You Let It.’
Thanks, Scott. Feel free to post your breakfast now and then—you’ll hear no complaints from me.
Latest from Pop Rocks Radio on YouTube
Discover the story of Chicago power pop legends Chris Vandalay & Dave Franco and their 40-year friendship in this exclusive interview with Pop Rocks Radio! Learn about their music, influences, and their work with Oh Boy!, The Quick, The Vandalays, Too Much Saturn - and the new single by The ChrisVandalay Project!
Coming Soon!
The Bings! - Fresh off their set at David Bash’s International Pop Overthrow Festival at the Redwood Bar in Los Angeles, The Bings share their forty-year journey to bringing their recordings to light.
Tales From Bomp! - Dave Chrenko from The Bings spent the late 70s/early 80s working for Greg and Suzy Shaw at legendary Bomp! Records in Los Angeles. With daily visits from icons such as Blondie, Devo, Cheap Trick, and Stiv Bators, his stories are something you won’t want to miss (with contributions from the incredible Suzy Shaw, herself!)
On Tour
Bob Mould
The dB’S
PONY
The Lemon Twigs
Nada Surf
What’s Spinning at Pop Rocks Radio
Long-Lost Power Pop - The Dangtrippers
The Dangtrippers were a psychedelic jangle-pop band hailing from Iowa City, Iowa, active from 1986 to 1991. During their run, they released two standout albums: Days Between Stations, and Transparent Blue Illusion. Enjoy!
And don’t forget…BUY THAT MUSIC! We’ll see you next month!