The Alarm reaches the summit in new video "Whatever" (inspired by John Lennon)

Check out the anthemic new track and accompanying music video for The Alarm's "Whatever"...Robert Kinsler 

Mike Peters of The Alarm / Photo courtesy of the artist

"If I can get back to the mountaintop, I’ll know I am on the right track." Conquering The Elements Makes It To The Summit in New Video “Whatever” Video Premieres via The Big Takeover

THE ALARM "Whatever" Link:  https://youtu.be/Mf6fBg9CCsw

MARCH 27, 2023 (Wales, UK) – “Whenever I’ve been in hospital, I have projected my imagination towards recovery and the mountain summit has always been a place I aspire to get to as a sign of recovery,” says Mike Peters, vocalist/guitarist of THE ALARM who release their new single and video “Whatever” today, April 27, 2023. The video, which shows him hiking up a mountain during a snowstorm, is symbolic of his struggle to make it back to good health, as Peters continues to rebound from a serious leukemia relapse in 2022.  “If I can get back to the mountaintop, I’ll know I am on the right track.”   “I was inspired to write this song after hearing John Lennon sing ‘Whatever Gets You Thru The Night’ on the hospital radio. I thought to myself ‘Never mind the night, what am I going to do to get through life?’,” he told The Big Takeover, who premiered the video.  He elaborates, “The song ‘Whatever’ was born soon after and it’s really about the most simple, yet most important things like family, friends and loved ones who help you in the hours of need and an appreciation of life’s fundamental gifts such as being able to breathe, talk and to walk.”   Filmed on Moel Hiraddug, a mountain in Wales which “is literally right outside my front door in the village of Dyserth where I was born and raised,” the video carries a bit of symbolism in addition to portraying his uphill struggle with cancer. Carrying a retro relic of the ‘80s - the Sony Watchman, a suitcase and a mylar star balloon, Peters struggles amidst adverse conditions to make it up the summit to a television tower.   “All this carried me up the mountain towards an old abandoned tower that I have always been fascinated by,” he explains. “Often, when I look up to the mountain at night, I can sometimes see a light coming from inside the building and wonder who is up there and obviously using the place as a shelter. I tied my silver star (which is a symbol of the new record), to my suitcase of life belongings, and headed for the shelter. The snow was beginning to fall as I walked ever higher, and then with the wind picking up it literally felt like I was climbing through the life storm of recent times. I had brought an old Sony Watchman with me which was another symbol connecting the past to the future. Was this really the first portable screen I had owned, and precursor to the modern screens of devices that feed us news, information and psychobabble 24-7?”

“Whatever” is the third single from his forthcoming album Forwards (out June 2, 2023), following “Next” and title track “Forwards.”  Forwards is being released physically on both CD and Vinyl with the LP release featuring two different record sleeves and colored vinyl configurations. A classic green and white star white vinyl edition (Mike’s healing color combo), is being made available to outlets everywhere along with a unique Metallic Green vinyl limited edition available exclusively to independent record stores only.   Forwards is also being released in all digital formats including Hi-Res and Dolby Atmos editions. Pre-sale and pre-save is available here: https://ingrv.es/thealarmforwards.   Described by Bono of U2 as “the second greatest rock and roll band in the world”, Mike Peters has been the driving force behind The Alarm for over forty creative years of new music making, and dedication to presenting the band’s classic songs in ways both imaginative and inventive.

Forwards cover art Tracklist:  1. Forwards 2. The Returning 3. Another Way 4. Love and Forgiveness 5. Next 6. Whatever 7. Transition 8. Love Disappearing 9. New Standards 10. X

THE ALARM U.S Dates     Jun 23     Gramercy Theater         New York, NY    Jun 24     Gramercy Theater         New York, NY

New Music: Pink Floyd, Depeche Mode, Nickel Creek

A stunning hardcover edition celebrating the 50th anniversary of Pink Floyd's The Dark Side Of The Moon as well as eagerly-awaited full-length returns from Depeche Mode and Nickel Creek are featured in my column this week.

Title: Pink Floyd — The Dark Side Of The Moon: The Official 50th Anniversary Book

Author: Jill Furmanovsky
Publisher: Thames & Hudson

Hardcover: 160 pages

Tell me more: Released in March 1973, Pink Floyd's eighth studio album The Dark Side of the Moon would ultimately prove to be one of the most iconic rock albums of the 20th century and is the groundbreaking English troupe's most beloved effort. According to Wikipedia, The Dark Side of the Moon is certified 14 times platinum in the United Kingdom and topped the LPs and Tape charts in the U.S. where it has "charted for 975 weeks." Now in celebration of the 50th anniversary of that release, Thames & Hudson has issued the must-have "Pink Floyd — The Dark Side Of The Moon: The Official 50th Anniversary Book." 

Curated by Jill Furmanovsky and featuring art direction from Aubrey Powell, the gorgeous LP-sized hardcover volume features rare and previously unseen photographs (including backstage and onstage images of the band taken during The Dark Side of the Moon tours of 1972-1975), song lyrics, tour dates, a Melody Maker review of the band's 1972 Wembley concert and much more; the book was created with the involvement of members of Pink Floyd. A truly marvelous keepsake for fans of Pink Floyd and The Dark Side of the Moon. Information: wwnorton.com.

Artist: Depeche Mode

Title: Memento Mori (Columbia Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Depeche Mode, Color Theory, Erasure

Tell me more: On their 15th studio album Memento Mori, Depeche Mode remind the music world why the British outfit matters more than ever; this is especially true following co-founder Andrew "Fletch" Fletcher's tragic death on May 26, 2022. Electronic rock's most enduring artist, Depeche Mode's David Gahan and Martin Gore are back with a brilliant batch of tracks that revisit familiar territory even while moving their sound ever onward into the future. The opener "My Cosmos is Mine" is a dark and brooding track with Gahan's powerful baritone awash in the troupe's signature electronica soundscape. The compelling "Watch Another Angel Die" is infectious on its surface even as the song's lyrics ponder religious doubt. The album's most enticing track, "Ghosts Again," is a sweeping number with a dynamic rhythm and irresistible flow across its full length. Romantic doubt ("Don't Say You Love Me," "Before We Drown"), self reflection ("My Favorite Stranger"), death ("Soul With Me"), obsession ("Always You," "Never Let Me Go") and human nature ("People Are Good") are detailed expertly via compelling originals produced by James Ford — along with additional production by Marta Salogni. Information: depechemode.com.

Artist: Nickel Creek

Title: Celebrants (Repair Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Nickel Creek, First Aid Kit, bluegrass music

Tell me more: Celebrants is Americana outfit Nickel Creek's first original album since 2014's A Dotted Line. It almost goes without saying that it is wonderful to have new music from the talented trio of Chris Thile, Sean Watkins and Sara Watkins — especially when the disc is as great as this one. My favorite track is the sumptuous musical jaunt "Strangers," with the dashing mix of Thile's mandolin, Sara Watkins' fiddle and Sean Watkins' acoustic guitar work dancing with the trio's artful harmonies. Other standout songs on the 18-track disc include the gorgeous "Holding Pattern," rousing "Where the Long Line Leads," sonically ambitious "The Meadow" and bewitching "Stone's Throw." Additional kudos to bassist Jeff Picker for his musical skills that enhance the music making across Celebrants. Information: nickelcreek.com.

Robert Kinsler

Revisit U2's 'Elevation' opener in March 2001 via my coverage of the band's March 24, 2001 concert

On March 24, 2001, U2's Elevation tour began in Sunrise, FL. I was fortunate to be at the event and cover the memorable concert for The Orange County Register. Check out my review as it appeared in the deadwood edition of the newspaper on Monday, March 26, 2001. Click the image below to see a full screen version of the review...Robert Kinsler

John Fogerty to be honored with the Music for Life Award at the 2023 NAMM Show

I am happy to see Rock and Roll Hall of Famer John Fogerty will be honored at the 2023 NAMM Show in early April...Robert Kinsler 

John Fogerty to Be Honored With the Music for Life Award at The 2023 NAMM Show

CARLSBAD, Calif. – March 21, 2023 – GRAMMY® winner, composer, and musician John Fogerty will be presented with the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) “Music for Life” award at The 2023 NAMM Show on Thursday, April 13 in Anaheim, California. The award is the music products, pro audio, and entertainment technology industry’s highest honor and is presented in recognition of Fogerty’s lifelong contributions to music and commitment to inspiring music makers everywhere.  “John Fogerty is a living example of inspiration and character, as a singer, guitarist, songwriter, and artistic visionary,” said NAMM President and CEO Joe Lamond. “When I was 10, my dad brought home the Creedence Clearwater Revival album Green River and said, ‘Play like this.’ That moment started my own musical journey, and I imagine many walking The NAMM Show floor can say the same thing. Honoring him with the Music for Life Award will be a personal highlight for me and a huge privilege for all NAMM members.”    The award annually recognizes individuals or organizations that exemplify NAMM’s vision of music-making as a precious element of daily living for everyone. In receiving the award, Fogerty will join past recipients, including Quincy Jones, Garth Brooks, Melissa Etheridge, Jason Mraz, Graham Nash, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, Yoko Ono, Henry Mancini, Bob Weir, Nancy Wilson, and, in 2022, Kenny Loggins, among others.    This year, Fogerty has another reason to celebrate, having officially realized a decades-long dream of acquiring a majority interest of the worldwide publishing rights of his historic song catalog from Concord, a deal that he hopes will help usher in new “revival” of his most treasured hits.   John Fogerty, seen here performing in May 2007, will be honored at the NAMM Show on April 13, 2023. Photo: Robert Kinsler As the leader of Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR), Fogerty forged a distinctive, groundbreaking sound all his own — equal parts blues, country, pop, rockabilly, R&B, swamp boogie, and Southern fried rock ’n’ roll, all united by his uniquely evocative lyrical perspective. Fogerty is a Grammy winner and has been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame. In addition, he is the only musician to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame for his song “Centerfield,” a staple at baseball stadiums across the country. He has sold over 100 million albums throughout his career.    Among Fogerty’s many hit songs, both as a solo artist and as leader of CCR, highlights include “Centerfield,” “Proud Mary,” “Susie Q,” “Fortunate Son,” “Born on the Bayou,” “Bad Moon Rising,” and “Have You Ever Seen the Rain,” among many others. In 2019, Fogerty celebrated 50 years in music with a worldwide “My 50 Year Trip” tour. That same year, he released “50 Year Trip: Live at Red Rocks,” an album featuring a collection of Creedence Clearwater Revival hits and fan favorites that included songs from the set list of his performance at the legendary Woodstock music festival in 1969.     In April 2020, while self-quarantining, the Fogerty Family, featuring John with his sons Shane and Tyler and daughter Kelsy, gathered in their home studio to play music together. A weekly video series began and became so popular that a digital EP, Fogerty’s Factory, was released via BMG on Fogerty’s birthday, May 28, 2020. An extended Fogerty’s Factory full album was released on November 20, 2020. In December of that year, Creedence Clearwater Revival's Chronicle Vol. 1 hit a milestone after charting more than 500 weeks on the Billboard 200 and becoming only the eighth album to ever do so. At the end of 2022, Chronicle Vol 1. was listed at No. 55 on Billboard’s Top 200 Albums year end chart.   In January 2023, Fogerty acquired a majority interest in the worldwide publishing rights to his historic CCR song catalog from Concord, giving him control of his music for the first time in 50 years.    In early March 2023, Fogerty joined has joined Spotify’s “Billions Club” with Creedence Clearwater Revival’s enduring recording of his song, “Have You Ever Seen the Rain,” commemorating an outstanding achievement of over 1 billion streams on the platform, a feat that has been reached by less than 400 songs. His iconic song “Fortunate Son,” also recorded by CCR, is also on track to hit 1 billion streams later this year.    Additionally, when it comes to overall monthly listeners of bands founded in the ’60s, CCR currently ranks in Spotify’s Top 3, landing just behind The Beatles and Fleetwood Mac, and ahead of acts like The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, and Led Zeppelin. Nearly 55 years after their debut, it is a remarkable testament to their timeless appeal.   Fogerty and his band will be hitting the road in 2023 for The Celebration Tour, and he will once again be joined by his sons Shane and Tyler, as well as their band, Hearty Har. The tour will make stops in Europe and across the United States.    For more information about Fogerty’s career, please visit www.JohnFogerty.com   The NAMM Show will see the return of much-loved industry award events, including the Parnelli Awards, the TEC Experience, and the She Rocks Awards, as well as Hip Hop 50 and MIDI@40 celebrations, networking opportunities, including the Top 100 Alumni, Pro Audio Pool Party, Women of NAMM and NAMM Young Professionals receptions, and more.    In addition to the events and professional development sessions, attendees of The 2023 NAMM Show will enjoy a robust show floor with exhibiting brands, including Adam Hall; ADJ; Allen & Heath; American Music & Sound; Apogee; Avid; beyerdynamic; C.F. Martin & Co.; Casio; Conn-Selmer; d&b audiotechnik; Ernie Ball; ESP; Harman; IK Multimedia; Ibanez; Kala; Kawai; KMC Music; Konig and Meyer; Line 6; Pioneer; Shure; Tama; Ultimate Ears; and Yamaha, among many others.     Registration is now open for The 2023 NAMM Show. To register, please visit https://www.namm.org/thenammshow/attend.

'A Night At The Family Dog/Go Ride The Music/West Pole' 2-DVD set out May 12, 2023

An exciting trip back to the groundbreaking Bay Area music scene of the 1960s and early '70s is set to arrive in early May courtesy of Mercury Studios...Robert Kinsler

RELIVE THE HIPPIE GLORY OF 1960s SAN FRANCISCO

A Night At The Family Dog/Go Ride The Music/West Pole

2-DVD Set Out May 12

New York, NY (March 21, 2023) — Mercury Records will release A Night At The Family Dog (1970), Go Ride The Music and West Pole (1969), three psychedelic trips down memory lane, on May 12, 2023 as a 2 DVD package, complete with new artwork and ‘60s-styled poster. All three films were originally produced and created as groundbreaking television documentaries by Ralph J. Gleason [1917-1975] who did more than any other journalist to hip the world to what was shakin’ in San Francisco in the late ‘60s. A Night At The Family Dog held on February 4, 1970, featured the brightest three lights of the Bay Area, Jefferson Airplane, Grateful Dead and Santana. These three bands would define a scene that had the whole world wondering what exactly was going on in the Haight-Ashbury section of San Francisco. A Night At The Family Dog starts with two iconic Santana performances before Grateful Dead covers Otis Redding. Jefferson Airplane then splits the club wide open with their patented incendiary and provocative performance style. And when Carlos Santana, Jerry Garcia, Jorma Kaukonen, Jack Casady and Paul Kantner kick out the jams to end it all, all hell breaks loose. The original mono recording has been remixed and remastered. The San Francisco Sound, as it became to be known, was a montage of shrieking guitars and bold now-classic Acid Rock. Go Ride The Music is a stunning document of Jefferson Airplane and Quicksilver Messenger Service (a band destined for stardom who short-circuited their own success). There are also cameo appearances from David Crosby and Jerry Garcia. West Pole captures the magnetic attraction of musicians who provoked the establishment enough to create national news. Gleason knew it. And via his writings, eventually so did the rest of America. Here’s a chance to witness first-hand the birth of a culture: Steve Miller Band, Jefferson Airplane, Grateful Dead, Quicksilver Messenger Service and others. Those born too late to experience first-hand just what made this city at this time so significant will finally understand. Even Beatle George Harrison had to visit from England to see what the fuss was all about. It was a time of wild experimentation. Poetry, music, film, journalism, sex, drugs and political activism shared the spotlight as American Culture itself began to shapeshift into forms heretofore unknown.

A Night At The Family Dog/Go Ride The Music/West Pole Track listing: A Night At The Family Dog  Incident At Neshabur - Santana  Soul Sacrifice - Santana  Hard To Handle – The Grateful Dead  China Cat Sunflower – The Grateful Dead  I Know You Rider – The Grateful Dead  The Ballad of You And Me And Pooneil – Jefferson Airplane  Eskimo Blue Day – Jefferson Airplane  A Super Jam - featuring Carlos Santana, Jerry Garcia, Jorma Kaukonen, Jack Casady, Paul Kantner and more! Go Ride The Music  We Can Be Together – Jefferson Airplane  Volunteers – Jefferson Airplane  Mexico – Jefferson Airplane  Warm Red Wine – Quicksilver Messenger Service  Somebody’s Crying – Quicksilver Messenger Service  Subway – Quicksilver Messenger Service  Plastic Fantastic Lover – Jefferson Airplane  Somebody To Love – Jefferson Airplane  Mona – Quicksilver Messenger Service  Emergency – Jefferson Airplane  Wooden Ships – Jefferson Airplane West Pole  Music – Ace Of Cups  Roll With It – Steve Miller Band  Greasy Heart – Jefferson Airplane  New Potato Caboose – The Grateful Dead  Dino’s Song – Quicksilver Messenger Service  Sittin’ In Circles – Steve Miller Band  Simplicity – Ace Of Cups  Freedom – Sons of Champlin  Gospel Song – Ace Of Cups About Mercury Studios:  Mercury Studios is a multi-faceted content studio established to develop, produce, globally distribute, and invest in innovative, music-rooted storytelling across a range of media including film, television, podcasting, publishing, and live-streamed performance. Taking its name from the iconic Mercury Records label, Mercury Studios is powered by Universal Music Group and creates an open space for experimentation to unleash and amplify both emerging and established artists. With offices in London and Los Angeles, Mercury Studios harnesses its established relationships with best-in-class talent from music and film, seamlessly bridging the two worlds to create a completely distinctive community of trailblazers driven by original IP, innovation, and collaboration.

New Music: U2, Günter Werno

Ambitious new releases from Irish legends U2 and German composer/keyboardist Günter Werno are definitely worth adding to your music library.

Artist: U2

Title: Songs Of Surrender [4 CD Super Deluxe Collector's Box Set] (Interscope)

You might like if you enjoy: U2, Simple Minds, The Alarm

Tell me more: Since its formation in the late 1970s, Irish quartet U2 has created a legacy built on an incredible body of memorable songs, enthralling concerts and an otherworldly ability to remain relevant for 45 years. The band's latest release (Songs Of Surrender [4 CD Super Deluxe Collector's Box Set]) continues to challenge and reward discerning listeners via 40 new acoustic and reimagined recordings of songs from the band's expansive catalog — all produced and compiled by guitarist/keyboardist The Edge. Fans searching for Bono's soaring vocals or The Edge's shimmering atmospheric guitar lines won't find much of that on Songs Of Surrender, nor will they hear the propulsive rhythm work of drummer Larry Mullen Jr. and bassist Adam Clayton. Rather, they will hear largely introspective acoustic readings reflecting more mature and contemporary takes on classics reflecting, as The Edge notes in the liner notes, "a 21st century reimagining." Take "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For," delivered by Bono in a rootsy countrified soundscape that feels totally at home with his signature voice. Whereas there was a palpable anger when U2 recorded "Sunday Bloody Sunday" for 1983's War, there is a more painful take on the new recording with the continued tragic violence of the modern world reflected in the moving performance.  As a long-time follower of U2 — I first caught the band live at the US Festival on May 30, 1983 and have seen them dozens of times over the years in concert — I appreciate how the Rock and Roll Hall of Famers have never been satisfied to be a one-trick pony.  Among my favorite versions on the four-disc set is the sweeping "Every Breaking Wave," yearning piano-anchored "Electrical Storm," sweeping "Invisible," unsettling "Until The End of the World" and tender "Stay (Faraway, So Close)." Packaged in an eight-panel embossed digi-sleeve with 2 x 12-page booklets on stunning mat art paper, this limited and numbered boxset includes new lyrics by Bono, exclusive photos by Anton Corbijn and liner notes from The Edge. Information: U2.com.

Artist: Günter Werno

Title: Anima One (Frontiers Music Srl)

You might like if you enjoy: Vanden Plas, Hans Zimmer, Jon Lord, Danny Elfman

Tell me more: Best known as the keyboardist of German progressive rock troupe Vanden Plas, Günter Werno has fused Neo-classical and prog rock together across Anima One. The expansive symphonic masterwork was created after Vanden Plas performed composer-keyboardist Jon Lord's "Concerto for Group and Orchestra" at Fruchthalle Kaiserslautern in Germany on Jan. 11, 2019. As noted by Werno in the press notes for the new live recording released on March 10, 2023: "Christoph Dammann, the culture officer for the venue, came to me and asked if we could do something like this again, but instead of covering someone else's work, he asked if I would write an original composition. This was a challenge for me as I had written orchestrations to rock, pop, and musical songs before, but never for an orchestra in the classic form of three movements. But, before I had even left the building after our conversation, I already had the first tune in my head, which ultimately became the intro of the first movement. I freely played around with tunes and themes and finally found the suitable way forward for me from there." Fans of sophisticated rock as well as 20th century orchestral and film score music will likely be swept up in the impressive Anima One. The first movement titled "Animabilis" conjures up a range of emotions, with Werno's keyboards and the orchestra gently building artfully for more than three minutes before the piece becomes significantly more dramatic. The second movement ("Animosus") is generally more reflective, with various orchestral, choral and electric instrument voices positioned in front of the listener, only to be replaced or layered as other forces emerge leading up to the soaring finale of that section. The third movement ("Animato") is both dramatic and beautiful, showcasing the full power of keyboardist Werno, guitarist Stephen Lill, singers Andy Kuntz and Astrid Vossberg, and the Pfalzphilharmonie Kaiserslautern orchestra. Anima One is available as a CD + DVD release, with the DVD showcasing the May 13, 2022 concert performance captured for the title. Information: https://www.facebook.com/gunter.werno.

Robert Kinsler

Review: 'Bono & The Edge: A Sort of Homecoming with Dave Letterman'

Bono & The Edge: A Sort of Homecoming
 with Dave Letterman / Photo credit: Disney

You don't have to be a fan of U2 to love the new documentary "Bono & The Edge: A Sort of Homecoming with Dave Letterman," but it certainly doesn't hurt.

The new TV special (available on Disney+) is a wonderful Morgan Neville-directed film that somehow blends history, humor, love, friendship and palpable charm along with truly glorious music into a fast-moving special that obviously promotes U2's newly-released Songs of Surrender — which features 40 mostly-reworked songs from the group — while ultimately reminding the world why the Irish quartet is one of rock's great and enduring voices.

"We wanted to strip away the artifice that inevitably emerges after you’ve been around this long," Bono says early in the documentary.

Although drummer Larry Mullen Jr. and bassist Adam Clayton do not appear in the documentary — Mullen was recovering from surgery while Clayton was busy making an "art film" according to Bono — the special does provide entertaining insight into the band's singular career stretching back to their roots as students at Mount Temple Comprehensive School in Dublin where they met in the late 1970s. In addition to Letterman's colorful travels about Dublin and his insightful discussions with Bono and The Edge, there are also interviews with Irish artists including Glen Hansard, producer/U2 collaborator Jimmy Iovine and others to add additional perspective on U2.

Photo credit: Disney

Some of the highlights of the film include several performances at the Ambassador Theatre in Dublin, including kicking off with a reworked musical reading of "Vertigo." Toward the end of the special, Bono and The Edge gather with musical friends — including Imelda May, Dermot Kennedy and the aforementioned Hansard — in a pub to perform a casual singalong that will connect with anyone who has ever been to Ireland or an Irish pub on this side of the Atlantic.

The film ends with a new track, "Forty Foot Man," a wonderful song inspired by Letterman's visit to a notable south Dublin swimming location where the 75-year-old talk show host donned a wetsuit and dove into the freezing waters of the Atlantic.

"Bono & The Edge: A Sort of Homecoming with Dave Letterman" doesn't begin to tell U2's full story, but watching the documentary is certainly time well spent. 

Robert Kinsler

The Smithereens and Robin Wilson impress with power, songcraft at The Coach House

The Smithereens with guest vocalist Robin Wilson; The Matter

Where: The Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, CA

When: Saturday, March 11, 2023

Next: The Smithereens will perform with Marshall Crenshaw at Ardmore Music Hall in Ardmore, PA on March 16

Information: OfficialSmithereens.com

Review and photography by Robert Kinsler

Guitar great Jim Babjak, left, with singer Robin Wilson at
The Coach House on March 11, 2023.

Established in 1980, The Coach House has hosted countless performances by The Smithereens since the mid-1980s. The New Jersey rock troupe — a band launched the same year that the enduring San Juan Capistrano venue opened its doors — has miraculously continued to attract sold-out and enthusiastic crowds with rousing performances despite the death of original lead singer-rhythm guitarist Pat DiNizio at the age of 62 on Dec. 12, 2017. The band's magical run was bolstered in 2022 by the release of a glorious full-length collection (The Lost Album) originally recorded in 1993 while the band was between record label contracts.

Before their performance on March 11, The Smithereens had performed there with guest vocalist Marshall Crenshaw in February 2019 (read my review of that concert HERE) and again in August 2021 (read my review of that event HERE). However, the more recent date marked the first time that the outfit had performed at the Coach House with guest vocalist Robin Wilson (lead singer of the Gin Blossoms).

Guest vocalist Robin Wilson and The Smithereens performing early in their set
at The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, CA.

Lead guitarist Jim Babjak, drummer Dennis Diken and bassist Severo 'The Thrilla' Jornacion (the latter filling in for founding bassist Mike Mesaros who was unable to perform this night) were on fire, obviously enjoying the moment and joined Wilson at various moment during the 110-minute concert recalling experiences performing at The Coach House.

Guitarist Jim Babjak

Drummer Dennis Diken

Opening with the hard-hitting "Behind the Wall of Sleep," a strong cut from their 1986 album Especially for You, Wilson's signature vocal style immediately impressed as a perfect fit with the sound of The Smithereens. Wilson encouraged the crowd to raise their hands and get everyone into upping the energy during the opening moments of the set.

Robin Wilson in action at The Coach House.

Wilson pulled out his tambourine to enhance the sound on "Top of the Pops" from 1991's Blow Up — the track's finale was an explosion of celebratory rock with Babjak unleashing an extended guitar solo; the famed producer of that album, Ed Stasium, happened to be in the audience as well making the performance even more special. 

The 110-minute performance succeeded on every level with the quartet delivering inspired performances of the Smithereens' best-known songs as well as equally marvelous deep cut album favorites along with a few select covers.

For aficionados of the Smithereens' expansive discography there were standouts across the night. The affecting mid-tempo "Sorry" (from the band's 2011), "Strangers When We Meet" (featuring some of Wilson's most nuanced singing of the night), the psychedelic '60s-minded "Groovy Tuesday" and wistful "Green Thoughts" (the latter introduced with a tribute to the late DiNizio) were early highlights.

After a wonderful performance of their 1988 classic "Only a Memory," Babjak playfully noted "I feel like it's 1986 again."

Drummer Dennis Diken behind the kit.

For casual fans, the majority of the band's hits and FM rock radio standards were performed with power via mostly faithful arrangements, albeit with extended solos showcasing the might of Babjak and Diken ("Dennis and I have been playing together since we were 14...now I'm on Medicare," Babjak mused). 

Wilson explained that before his success as frontman of the Gin Blossoms, he worked at several record stores in Mesa, Arizona. He noted that while working at Rockaway Records, "I used to play this song on repeat over and over again." That song, "Cut Flowers," was beautifully sung and it was among the night's shining moments.

The Smithereens' hard rock instincts were highlighted via a strong late-set string of favorites stretching across "Blues Before and After," "Miles From Nowhere" (with Diken playing Keith Moon-like dynamics during the song's guitar solo) and "House We used to Live In" (the latter which included a musical interlude with the band playing a selection from The Who's Tommy).

Bassist Severo 'The Thrilla' Jornacion.

Robin Wilson, left, with drummer Dennis Diken and bassist Severo 'The Thrilla'
Jornacion performing "Blood and Roses" at The Coach House.

With the house lights all red, Jornacion launched into the well known bass line that anchors "Blood and Roses." The six-minute rocker allowed the band's players to continue to showcase how powerfully the mix of musical muscle, terrific singing and masterful songcraft work in a live setting.

Drummer Dennis Diken, left, and singer Robin Wilson.

The encore included a soulful take on the Sam Cooke classic "Chain Gang," Badfinger's 1970 hit "No Matter What" and fiery version of their own 1989 favorite "A Girl Like You."

The Matter performing on March 11, 2023.

Opening the bill was Orange County, CA-based quartet The Matter. The band's melodic rock was a good fit with the headliners, and several songs stood out — notably "Someone Grab the Reins." A faithful cover of Talking Heads' "Psycho Killer" was also well performed. 

From left, Jim Babjak, Robin Wilson and Severo 'The Thrilla' Jornacion.

The Smithereens setlist on March 11, 2023

Behind the Wall of Sleep / Top of the Pops / Sorry / Strangers When We Meet / Groovy Tuesday / Green Thoughts / Only a Memory / Now and Then / Don't Look Down / Cigarette / Cut Flowers / I Don't Want to Lose You / Yesterday's Girl / If the Sun Doesn't Shine / Blues Before and After / Miles From Nowhere / House We Used to Live In / Blood and Roses 

Encore

Chain Gang (Sam Cooke cover) / No Matter What (Badfinger cover) / A Girl Like You

New Music: Ed Ryan, Chris Church, Stephen Lawrenson

Power pop is front and center thanks to a terrific trio of new releases from Ed Ryan, Chris Church and Stephen Lawrenson.

Artist: Ed Ryan
Title: A Big Life (Kool Kat Musik)

You might like if you enjoy: Matthew Sweet, Fountains of Wayne, Shoes, The Rudies

Tell me more: While it's not uncommon for modern-day artists to enlist dozens of co-writers and multiple producers to complete a single album, leave it to talented singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Ed Ryan to write, sing, play and produce his outstanding album A Big Life all by himself. Fans of power pop and melodic rock will love the dozen-track album (his fifth release on the Kool Kat label). The euphoric opener "Settle Down" features a driving rhythm, stellar vocal harmonies and shining guitars. The buoyant "As I Am" also benefits from Ryan's great talents playing all the instruments, with the track bolstered by flashy multi-layered guitar lead solos that further define the original. "Lighthouse" is another nugget, somehow blending shimmering power pop and raucous garage rock during its irresistible run. While the tuneful rockers such as "Testify" and "Trial By Fire" are an obvious attraction here, Ryan also displays his knack for more acoustic stylings via the lovely "Wonder" (which features an especially marvelous electric guitar solo) and the Baroque ballad "The Dreaming Moon." A Big Life is set for release on March 17, and is available now for pre-order. Information: KoolKatMusik.com.

Artist: Chris Church
Title: Radio Transient (Big Stir Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Chris Church, The Fixx, Wire Train, Tears For Fears

Tell me more: Radio Transient is a dazzling 10-track album, enhanced by Chris Church's superlative musical gifts, literate-minded songcraft and an '80s-minded retro spirit that is a perfect union with his towering melodic instincts. The hyper romp "GCRT" opens the album with an explosive sound that blends '80s alt rock and New Wave perfectly. The album's lead single "Going 'Til We Go" has a similarly-powered propulsion, but a more wistful melodic spark showcasing the Lenoir, North Carolina-based artist's great vocals; the song is adorned with shimmering rhythm and lead guitar textures. His songs each have a distinctive stamp to be sure. The spirited "I Don't Wanna Dance With Me," affecting "One More Chance To Get Over You" (the latter featuring some fine fret work from guest guitarist Bill Lloyd), dashing "Over and Out," Paisley Underground-flavored "Gotta Go, Gotta Ramble" and infectious "Far Too Late" are among the truly great originals on the disc. Radio Transient is set for release via audio CD and streaming services on March 24. Information: BigStirRecords.com.

Artist: Stephen Lawrenson
Title: Chants Of A Lifetime (Kool Kat Musik)

You might like if you enjoy: Big Star, Teenage Fanclub

Tell me more: Stephen Lawrenson's new album Chants Of A Lifetime really conjures up an era when top-tier songcraft, melody, experimentalism and distinctive vocals mattered. In fact, this great 10-song album (available now) draws natural comparisons with masterworks from Big Star, Todd Rundgren and Teenage Fanclub. Chants Of A Lifetime marks Lawrenson's first album since 2013's Obscuriosity; the new album was written and recorded between 2016 and 2022 — a challenging time for the artist that included dealing with periodic bouts of writer's block, the death of his father, and the global pandemic. The inviting opener "Really Good" (featuring guest lead guitarist Rybo Lewan of Twin Strike fame) works with its creative mix of crunchy guitars, lovely vocals and rich keyboards. The yearning "In Circles" surprises with all types of glorious sonic layers and a potent lead vocal. "Blue Room" (with guest Beard of Bees' Rob Perez delivering stunning lead guitar work) is a dynamic and bewitching rocker; the beautiful acoustic folk rock gem "My Muse" recalls the magical approach heard on Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young's Déjà Vu. The parade of wonderful songs also includes the wistful "King of Sympathy," evocative rocker "Here & Now," enchanting "Streets" and sweeping "Last Song (Save Me)." Information: KoolKatMusik.com.

Robert Kinsler