"I'd Love To Turn You On..."

A group from Philadelphia called Marah pick up the tradition of the E Street Band and The Asbury Jukes. Their CD is called "Boys From Philly."
-- Cousin Steve

Marshall Crenshaw is overdue in recognition, and his new album "447" maintains that tradition of a great album that fails to get noticed, unless YOU give a listen!!! Do It!
Jill Sobule and Aimee Mann have new releases and are worthy of attention too!
-- Cousin Steve

Did I mention the CD by Matthew Ryan?
There seems to be some airplay for Eva Cassidy (great rendition of Sting's "Fields Of Gold") and her posthumous collection, "SONGBIRD."
Shawn Mullins' deal with Sony came on the heels of some airplay for his "Lullabye."
-- Cousin Steve

Please check out Brian Wilson's IMAGINATION CD
-- Cousin Steve

There are always new songs coming out in the CLASSIC ROCK mold. Here are some new titles and groups:
"Flagpole Sitta" by Harvey Danger
"The Way" by Fastball "Closing Time" by Semisonic
"3 A.M." by Matchbox 20
The Wallflowers
Mary Lou Lord
-- Some one anonymous

Stills! That's right, CHRIS STILLS. The name familiar? He is the 23 year old son of twice Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Stephen Stills. His album, "100 Year Thing" is due out in January. Don't miss this one! The songs that I heard so far are: "Rattlesnakes," "If I Were A Mountain," and "Desert Sands." It is eerie! Chris has the talent, the real genes! The blues without the dues, which is rare! "Desert Sand" is remarkable. The sounds of dad, and even of Crosby, Stills and Nash. A bit like "Wooden Ships," a bit like Buffalo Springfield. I'm going back to listen to these tracks again, and again, and again. ---- Cousin Steve

Record stores can alphabetize this group in between The Beach Boys and The Beatles....they are The Beatifics and it looks like they are from Minnesota. Nice fresh pop/rock sounds. A catchy song is called "Something/Anything" not to be confused with a Todd Rundgren album. I also like "This Year's Jessica." -- Cousin Steve

Karl Wallinger's WORLD PARTY continues to stockpile new songs and with the new release of "Egyptology," has created a world class gem. With obvious reflections of British 60's music, Wallinger takes new songs and sounds and paints them with pleasing strokes. For example, "Vanity Fair" sounds like it could have been a hit for Peter & Gordon. And "She's The One," my favorite, is an extension of Paul McCartney's "Dear Friend," while "Curse Of The Mummy's Tomb" reflects the music of John Lennon's "Steel & Glass" and "How Do You Sleep?" (Interesting that McCartney and Lennon wrote "Dear Friend" and "How Do You Sleep?" in response to each other, and now Wallinger has picked up on those influences, at least to my ears.) Some stores sell Egyptology with a bonus CD, which I didn't get, so look for that too! --- Cousin Steve

The Beach Boys have been around long enough to already be inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame. At the risk of revisionist history, I'd love to turn you on to a little known song from the "STILL CRUISIN'" album, called "Somewhere Near Japan." The Beach Boys took us from California to Hawaii, and with this different song they continue the journey to the Pacific Rim. Nice jangling guitars, and a co-write by John Phillips of Mamas & Papas fame. --- Lori Mills

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