The Who is in my blood. Quadrophenia was my religion. I think and hope those words will continue across generations, as they have at least mine, born in 1980, and I think to an extent at least my daughter’s, born in 2014.
"Shake Some Action" is a pretty incredible song and recording. I also like "Yellow Pills" by 20/20. Is that a power pop song? I think I saw your other half's band (Flamin' Groovies) with The Ramones at the Roxy. It was a great double bill. For the past five years, I have listened to The Who's music, from their beginning to Tommy. Pretty impressive and extraordinary. I have always loved The Who, but recently, I have gotten into them, especially the mid-60s version of The Who.
Check out The Who "Sell Out" album from 67, it's magnificent. I would definitely define "Yellow Pills" by 20/20 as Power Pop. That is great you saw that Roxy gig, it may have been a Sire promotional show for the Ramones to get them exposure. I know they brought The Ramones over to the UK as the support band for the Groovies and it propelled them to major success. I just posted a podcast Chris did in December on my Notes. It's almost 3 hours but his career was about 50 years.
Steampacket formed in 1965 playing in small clubs to mod crowds. Blues and Soul inspired. Band included Long John Baldry, Julie Driscoll. Rod's vocals are amazing and they toured with the Stones in 65. I had some old bootlegs. You might be able to see if there is some stuff on discogs, they never had a major label deal. After Steampacket Rod joined the Jeff Beck Group. Listen to this: https://youtu.be/64x62FEwEE8?si=633s512Qdm2XHhCQ
Both great bands! And both come up a lot in power pop discussions and debates. For this ongoing series we ask the invited contributors to choose only 5/6 songs. My guess is that both Squeeze and Buzzcocks will (ahem) pop up eventually.
Wow, Lori. I identify with pretty much all of this piece. Did I tell you that if it wasn’t for Shaun Cassidy I wouldn’t have burned my cheeks with a curling iron?
The Who is in my blood. Quadrophenia was my religion. I think and hope those words will continue across generations, as they have at least mine, born in 1980, and I think to an extent at least my daughter’s, born in 2014.
Truly amazing band.
You're already starting the generational thing and how awesome your daughter is into Quadrophenia. There's a lot of mod kids and scooter clubs around.
Thanks! I’m One and Bellboy are her favs. Loved this piece by you; great insights musically and emotionally.
Thank you Tim, that means a lot!
Brilliant! Thank you for sharing
I'm glad you liked it!
Such great stories. Such glorious tunes. Thank you 🎸🤘👊
"Shake Some Action" is a pretty incredible song and recording. I also like "Yellow Pills" by 20/20. Is that a power pop song? I think I saw your other half's band (Flamin' Groovies) with The Ramones at the Roxy. It was a great double bill. For the past five years, I have listened to The Who's music, from their beginning to Tommy. Pretty impressive and extraordinary. I have always loved The Who, but recently, I have gotten into them, especially the mid-60s version of The Who.
Check out The Who "Sell Out" album from 67, it's magnificent. I would definitely define "Yellow Pills" by 20/20 as Power Pop. That is great you saw that Roxy gig, it may have been a Sire promotional show for the Ramones to get them exposure. I know they brought The Ramones over to the UK as the support band for the Groovies and it propelled them to major success. I just posted a podcast Chris did in December on my Notes. It's almost 3 hours but his career was about 50 years.
I'm a huge fan of “Sell Out” My favorite Who album.
I knew we’d get along. 😀
Have you heard Petra Haden's remarkable cover?
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petra_Haden_Sings:_The_Who_Sell_Out
Thx for the tip I’ll check it out!
It's really well done (and, it occurs to me, it might be a good one for S.W. Lauden to share with his daughter).
Heck ya! I took Lucy to see/meet The Haden Triplets when she was about 10-11. They are such an incredibly talented family.
What can you tell me about Steampacket?
Steampacket formed in 1965 playing in small clubs to mod crowds. Blues and Soul inspired. Band included Long John Baldry, Julie Driscoll. Rod's vocals are amazing and they toured with the Stones in 65. I had some old bootlegs. You might be able to see if there is some stuff on discogs, they never had a major label deal. After Steampacket Rod joined the Jeff Beck Group. Listen to this: https://youtu.be/64x62FEwEE8?si=633s512Qdm2XHhCQ
Oh, wow. I love The Who, and I love Lori's story about reaching out to the contest winner... she's a real go-getter!
you got that right!
A discussion about Power Pop with no mention of the Buzzcocks or Squeeze confuses me.
Both great bands! And both come up a lot in power pop discussions and debates. For this ongoing series we ask the invited contributors to choose only 5/6 songs. My guess is that both Squeeze and Buzzcocks will (ahem) pop up eventually.
The Buzzcocks entire catalog pretty much deserves to be on that list but most specifically:
Ever Fallen in Love (with Someone You Shouldn't Have Fallen in Love With) and, of course Orgasm Addict.
As for Squeeze the entire Eastside Story album but I think that the Elvis Costello produced (and co-written) Tempted absolutely has to be there.
The Jam's A Town Called Malice belongs on any Power Pop list.
Green Day is another band that has contributed mightily to the Power Pop ouvre.
While I love The Who, for sheer Power Pop majesty you really can't beat the OGs, Lennon & McCartney. I Wanna Hold Your Hand is up there, too...
you should submit an article!
I picked up that "Johnny, Are You Queer?" 12 inch at the Goodwill store in my hometown for 50 cents. It's in excellent shape.
Nice!!! You know she still has been touring recently!
Great stuff, thanks for sharing the insights!
Great stuff, thanks for sharing the insights!
Loved the article. Great insight into a great genre that I love.x
Wow, Lori. I identify with pretty much all of this piece. Did I tell you that if it wasn’t for Shaun Cassidy I wouldn’t have burned my cheeks with a curling iron?