Track Listing:
1. Granny Takes A Trip
2. Red Moon Over Paris
3. Baby Boomers Lament
4. The Lion in Winter/The End of the Game
5. Fetch Me Water
6. Three Shadows
7. Makin’ It Real
8. Night Surfing
9. Count My Blessings
RIP David Johansen, Badfinger's Joey Molland, Robert "Sad Eyes" John, Roberta Flack, Gene Hackman ...five great talents. Strangely, I've written nothing about Johansen, even though I first saw the New York Dolls March 1, 1973 at K-K-Katy's in Boston. If Johansen passed February 28, 2025, that's like 52 years to the day before that I saw them. I taped the show, of course, but it sounded like a big old jet liner in a little club. I was 19 years of age. It looked like Mick Jagger in the room, with two hot blondes on his arms, so I went over and asked "Will the NY Dolls be on Rolling Stones Records" and the fellow said "No" into my tape recorder. It was Steven Tyler of Aerosmith with I believe Maxanne Sartori on one arm (she made them famous via WBCN) and Elissa Perry (Joe Perry's first wife) on the other arm. Elissa Perry got Jimmy Miller and I the Buddy Guy project, and we did publicity together in the mid 1980s. Johansen knew I signed his NY Dolls guitarist Johnny Thunders to New Rose Records, I was their first album signing in 1978 when they called themselves Flamingo Records, as A & R I signed Willie Loco Alexander to our RCA Distributed label. Johansen cornered me at a party for one of Don Law's secretaries and was telling me I had to clean Johnny up (from his heroin abuse.) When my band opened for Johnny at the Paradise a WERS DJ wanted to interview Thunders but Johnny kept saying "Joe Vig has to interview me" so I did. Would love to have that tape. Anyway, my little tribute to Johansen. Saw him play many times, just a tremendous artist. I first saw him play 52 years ago yesterday.
My significant other comes back up the stairs before heading off to work and says "Bill next to our car heard you on WJIB yesterday" (talking about Jackie DeShannon, I guess, thank you John!) this is another Bill on Whittier Drive, not to be confused with Billy Boy, WJIB is the #1 station where I live, and it is amazing Bob Cook listens in his apartment, Billy Boy and Sharon have 740 am playing in the recreation room. Here's a new 2011 version of Bette Davis Eyes by Jackie DeShannon, Singer/Songwriter https://youtu.be/M9R2tiCnI6c A year after her induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, Jackie returns with 11 new recordings of her best-known tunes. Those include her hits Needles and Pins; When You Walk in the Room; What the World Needs Now Is Love, and Put a Little Love in Your Heart plus Bette Davis Eyes; Don’t Doubt Yourself Babe; Come and Stay with Me, and others she wrote!
Peter Zicko live at the Magic Room, with Larry Lessard engineering, a video and new single, "One Voice."
It's a commanding sound with Pete's authoritative voice. "Let me be heard for miles around." Captain Kirk said on Star Trek's Mirror Mirror S. 2 Episode 4 "In every revolution, there's one man with a vision." The Zicko revolution is here. Peter Z on a six string acoustic with a tight band behind him, and exquisite lead lines, a drummer with a powerful beat. If it had heavy keyboards one would think Moody Blues. Tim is on a melodic piano, Tony and the crew making Z company rock. The 4:39 of the YouTube has 52 seconds of intro making for a song of 3:40 thereabouts. It's catchy, memorable and worthy of your attention. You'll keep spinning it. JV 5:45 pm 2/24/25
some words from Peter Feb 27 at 5:52 PM
Cool man!!! I really wanted you to check out my video that I spent thousands of dollars to produce... 3 days of shooting in my hometown of Natick ...30 extras with several drone shots all set to the track One Voice... Recorded at Melody Way studios... The Magic room video is ok... Larry did a great job with the sound... But 3 weeks before the show the guitar player quit and the girl singer quit... Tony had to learn 40 songs in 3 weeks on guitar... Some original songs that he had never even heard before... So it didn't go well... To say the least...Lol...
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=Fsg6IFjCd3s&list=OLAK5uy_n4uouqWrUot2Nxkxlsw1ILPYOxKKJQOSE
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Luis Fonsi, Stefflon Don - Calypso
Spoiler alert: SUITS LA SUCKS
To quote the great Roma Maffia from the film Disclosure, LA Suits lacks any managerial
brio. What I love about the old Perry Mason series (and spin-offs Jake and the Fatman, Matlock and Diagnosis Murder, and let's face it, Law & Order SVU is definitely a Perry Mason spin off) is the terrific stories, directing delivery/acting, they work on all cylinders.
Was SO excited to go back to the worlds of Suits, White Collar, even the m.i.a. Lincoln Lawyer. They all are captivating, fun and exciting. Episodes 1 and 2 of Suits LA both have no character development, no identity, at least when the comedy vinyl lp The Masked Marauders did a parody of Bob Dylan and Mick Jagger it was humorous. There is no humor in this watered-down pathetic excuse for a Suits spin-off. If you like boredom and a television program that says nothing, does nothing, this empty suit is for you. The original is still the greatest.
March 7, 2025 Press Release
Produced by Gaspard Murphy, son of Elliott and a producer in the French pop music world, “Infinity” was recorded at Murmure studio in Paris with Elliott's virtuoso guitarist of 29 years Olivier Durand along with Melissa Cox (violin), Alan Fatras (cajon and percussion). Song titles include “Granny Takes A Trip,” “Red Moon Over Paris,” “Baby Boomers Lament,” “The Lion in Winter/The End of the Game,” “Fetch Me Water,” “Three Shadows,” “Makin’ It Real,” “Night Surfing,” and “Count My Blessings.” All songs (except “Count My Blessings”) were composed by Elliott Murphy in an energetic flurry of creative activity last year.
“For me “Infinity” is a collection of energetic cultural icons dancing their way to all kinds of music. Inspiration comes in waves and new songs started crashing onto the shores of my consciousness sometime last year as I sat with my fingers on the strings of my 1961 Fender Strat or my hands on the keys of my 1973 Fender Rhodes electric piano, trying not to filter myself, and staying open to wherever the words, melodies and chord changes were leading. Each new album I release takes the shape of a novel with songs as chapters and I hope “Infinity” tells a story of our current confusing times and hazy future with icons keeping us grounded.”
ElliottMurphy.com
https://thesomervillenewsweekly.blog/2025/02/25/hotline-to-the-underground-11/
HOTLINE TO THE UNDERGROUND
By Joe Viglione
Back in the early days of the Boston Rock and Roll Scene it was James Isaacs’ Cellars by Starlight and Rory O’Connor at the Real Paper who ran weekly columns that benefited our music scene greatly. Along with those pioneers was Ms. Janis Reed’s monthly column in Musicians’ Magazine, which migrated to The Beat in the 1980s.
As I managed Janis and she is somewhere in South America, I decided a few years back to resurrect the column in Billy Tauro’s Somerville/Medford News Weekly.
My goal is to inspire more rock writing in Boston, and to give exposure to veteran musicians as well as the up and coming.
A GREAT PLACE TO MEET IS AT BRISTOL STUDIOS
WHEN: Friday March 14, 2025 @ 7 pm! WHERE: Bristol Recording & Voice Studios 238 Huntington Ave. Boston, MA 02115 It’s an Open Mic night
Admission goes toward a studio services raffle for all participating artists! Pre-registration is required for all performers Give us a call to learn more: 617-247-8689 Or email us at info@bristolstudios.com Original music or covers are welcome Bring your own tracks or accompany yourself Keyboard & PA system provided This is a family-friendly event – no profanity, please!
Owner Ric Poulin told me via phone on Saturday, the 22nd, that they tape the performances. Call the Studio for more details
DEAN PETRELLA, bassist Chris Cruz and drummer Anthony Marotti = THE COMPLAINTS ARE BACK!
One More Fight by Dean and the Boys is now out
https://youtu.be/yx8sjgKs69w What’s intriguing about this tune is that an acoustic duo version is available before the recording happened https://youtu.be/iogsIQcv2ts
Dean Petrella, performs One More Fight Live from Alley Taps, Nashville
TN 9.12.2023. Co-written by Joe Martira. Songwriter showcase at this
legendary Nashville hot spot. Impromptu guitar work from the legendary
John Brazile. The song works as an acoustic number or with the band’s
legendary trademark sound. Their debut album, Fear, from 2000 means that
this is twenty-five years of refining and defining their sound, a
quarter of a century. It shows on “One More Fight” which perfectly
continues their great structured work of melodic rock
Aart Knife has an amazing new band Wicked Theory
When Aart was on my Boston Rock and Roll Anthology #2 in the band L-88
they were a big hit on WBCN – the early 1980s, and we put them in the
Worcester Centrum with Blue Oyster Cult due to the popularity of the
hit.
“This Could Be Love” by Wicked Theory, an all original hard-rock
quintet, clocks in at 3:02. Wonderfully layered guitars in the
twenty-two second intro draw you in with Jodee Frawlee’s distinctive
voice setting the pace. Not a cover of The Cars “This Could
Be Love,” Wicked Theory has its own brand of crunching, relentless rock
that would fit on any free-form radio signal. Led by L-88/Theory 13
guitarist, producer Aart Knyff, and with versatile bassist Tony Franklin
(The Firm, White Snake, Blue Murder, Bonham and original Foreigner
vocalist Lou Gramm,) Keith Ryan on drums and Jeff Instasi on rhythm
guitar and vocals, these veterans create an intelligent, fun and
explosive rock sound that delivers the goods. Frawlee’s authoritative
and heartfelt approach to each lyric along with the web of guitars makes
for repeated spins. Music recorded at Compound Recording and mixed and
mastered at PDQ with 16 time Grammy Award winner Bob St John, “This
Could Be Love” is a winner. Joe Viglione 9:44 pm
And at Sanctuary – Cultural Arts Center
80 Main St, Maynard, MA 01754-2541 you can close out February on Friday
evening, the 28th at 8 pm Doors 7 PM | Show 8 PM with Gary Backstrom
Band and The Gravel Project
Liquid Light Show by Sons Lunaris
Originally created by Andrew Gravel (vocals, guitar), The Gravel Project
is an all star band of Boston music veterans including brother, Jordan
Gravel (organ, keys), Dave Fox (drums), and Eguie Castrillo
(percussion). The Gravel Project’s live show blends rock, world music
and jazz with power and soul. Carrying the tradition of 70’s blues and
psychedelic rock music, The Gravel Project embodies the spirit of
Santana combined with the classic raw energy and moving songwriting of
The Allman Brothers and Tedeschi Trucks Band. With three studio albums, a
live album and countless past performances, the future is bright for
Boston’s The Gravel Project, and as the title of their 2022 studio album
suggests, there are “Many Miles Ahead.”
The Gary Backstrom Band will be opening the night – a Boston-based band that mixes Soul, R&B, Funk, Rock and Latin grooves
RADIO SHOW OF THE WEEK, ROCK UNDER THE RADAR WITH MARIAN FERRO Rock Under the Radar
Marian Ferro is the host of this show on Mark Skin Radio
Q: When did you first start in radio?
A: 14 years ago, 2011 on the Watertown public access station, WCAC. I was on WMFO starting in 2016. When covid was rampant, we community members were not allowed to go to the station. I’m still technically on the staff but I had to stop doing a show when my hip problems made it impossible for me to walk up those stairs.
Q:Where do you find the music that you play?
A Many places. My boyfriend, Walter, is always finding new bands/CDs. Musicians, publicists, and labels send me some music. I also try to keep up with artists that I like to find out when they have something new.
Q:How do artists contact you?
A Sometimes email, sometimes through Facebook *Marian’s e mail is attila5@comcast.net
Q:Tell us the focus of the show
A It’s called Rock Under the Radar because I focus on rock, and I like to introduce my listeners to artists/music that they don’t yet know. I also play a lot of blues, and local artists, some local classics. And I end each show with the piece de resistance; Serious Guitar Time!
JV: Thank you for participating
Upcoming show: Come down and rocknroll in Roslindale.
Hambone Skinny The Guilloteenagers Screw Cart
The Square Root March 29, 2025 8PM $10 The Square Root
2 Corinth St, Roslindale, MA 02131-3015,
Kenny Selcer has a terrific video with “Waves” 5 minutes and 8 seconds of instrumental magic https://youtu.be/LhFw4v6GHOY Kenny’s cover of Lowell George’s ”Willin” is sublime. Willin’ by the great Lowell George of Little Feat fame. Enjoy! Please subscribe to my You Tube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/kenselcer
Paul Norman has a TV show Music Alive North Shore which we will profile soon. Check out the Facebook page. Paul’s son, Alex Norman is doing music in Mexico and has an autobiographical song out, The Space Between.” https://www.facebook.com/reel/1007971737888431
The Joe Vig Top 40 www.joevigtop40.com
By Joe Viglione
Hummingbird Syndicate will be at the Tavern at the End of the World in Boston with Low Spark on March 9th at 4:30 pm 5pm – 6pm Hummingbird Syndicate 6:20pm – 7:30pm Low Sparks. Hear 5 minutes of pure Pop with “Gracefully” from Lynn Shipley, Steve Gilligan, Jon Macey and the gang. You tube here: https://youtu.be/kd7cH79K0wA It’s a gorgeous video and a classy, memorable guitar line that Macey has been known for from his days in Fox Pass, Mercury Records’ Tom Dickie and the Desires and Macey’s Parade. Continue reading The Joe Vig Top 40 www.joevigtop40.com
As for Low Spark: Lucky Girl EP
Short review by Joe Viglione
Released on November 15, 2014
the Lucky Girl EP bv Low Sparks is smart pop with bursts of melodic
energy that delights. “I Just Want You Back” is five minutes and six
seconds of a wonderful musical excursion, kinda like a sequel to the
Rolling Stones’ “Wild Horses.” A slow groove with pensive vocals and
music
that would make Gram Parsons proud. “No Getting Over You” is reminiscent
of Emmit Rhodes, “I Just Want You Back” is five minutes and six
seconds of a wonderful musical excursion, kinda like a sequel to the
Rolling Stones’ “Wild Horses.” A slow groove with pensive vocals and
music
that would make Gram Parsons proud. “No Getting Over You” is reminiscent
of Emmit Rhodes, while New Year’s Day and its chorus of “just let go”
would be welcome on any post-Lou Reed Velvet Underground album from Doug
Yule. Thanks to Bandcamp where I found this
https://lowsparks.bandcamp.com/track/new-years-day
If you want some spectacular reggae, listen to HONEY B
Clocking in at 4:20 Honey B’s “Happy For You” is a delightful, uptempo
positive look at life. The kaleidoscope, calypso, cosmic cheerful sounds
would put anyone in a good mood.
Produced by Issachar Muzik and featuring the legendary Roots Radics
founding members Honey B’s voice propels the celebration. This isn’t
Millie Small’s 2 minute opera “My Boy Lollipop” with Chris Blackwell of
Island Records’ insight, the almost four and a half minutes go by just
as
quickly as Small’s definitive and iconic 60’s hit. You’ll find “Happy
for You” on repeat, just as “My Boy Lollipop” was….and still is. Joe
Viglione 7:13 pm 2-17-25 http://www.joevigtop40.com
FROM PATRICK MANIAN OF MOBILE STEAM UNIT
PEACE AND QUIET
Patrick Manian’s solo project, including “Peace and Quiet” is a
marvelous travel to a dreamy landscape. Five minutes and thirteen
seconds of an exotic world peopled by multiple sounds that cascade
alongside Patrick’s science-fiction vocals. Released on: 2025-02-11 the
guitar and percussive feelings melt into the lyrics which quickly
find themselves swirling with other voices and by the 2:15 mark threads
of keyboards building – not to a crescendo, but to soothing, oozing
thoughts inside the perpetual mellow mood.
joe viglione review, 4:29 pm Feb 17, 2025
Babygirl, Nicole Kidman
Age Gap relationships a big thing nowadays, especially on YouTube with Cher, Mick Jagger, Rupert Murdoch and so many others dating people they love that are…well, people, where age doesn’t matter. A handsome young intern – Samuel (Harris Dickson,) plays mental games with a CEO (Romy) played by Nicole Kidman. “Incredibly inappropriate” is the catchphrase from Samuel, whose competition is Antonio Banderas as Jacob. On IMDB everyone has a first name only, and what could have been devolves into a long, drawn-out watered down Fatal Attraction. When Antonio and Harris (or Samuel and Jacob, how Biblical) get into fisticuffs the first thought that came to my mind was….threesome. Unfortunately they all don’t jump into bed (good idea for a sequel) and it just kind of fizzles away. If mind games and good looking people are on your menu for a nice night out…or nice night at home streaming, well, Babygirl is your cheap fling at the movies.
Zach Kaas & The Macrocosmonauts have a truly post-psychedelic video with “Stock Tips.” It’s a driving well-played song with unique splashes of pop/jazz and musical diversions that keep your attention. Music, Lyrics & Visuals by Zach Kaas Mixed and Mastered by Jason Felitto at My Lady On Fire (Brighton, MA)
Chicago, Live at 55, DVD/Blu Ray on Mercury Studios (the old Eagle
Rock) is a very Las Vegas look at the venerable band that delivered hit
after hit throughout the decades. From the press release: Chicago, the
legendary Rock & Roll Hall of Fame band with more than 100 million
albums sold worldwide, are captured in this 2½ hour event recorded this
past November at Ovation Hall at the Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic
City, NJ in front of a live audience of 10,000 fans over two nights.
The film, produced by Award Winning Producer Barry Summers as part of
the critically acclaimed Decades Rock Live concert series, features the
band who play songs from the album, including some
never-before-performed songs as well as “unplugged” versions of some of
Chicago’s classic tunes.
Joined by special guests Robin Thicke, Chris Daughtry, Steve Vai,
VoicePlay, Judith Hill, Robert Randolph and Christone “Kingfish” Ingram,
each performance is visualized in vibrant video and animation.
Joe Vig’s thoughts: “Hard to Say I’m Sorry” is picture perfect, like the hit single. From the 1982 film Summer Lovers, which could have been much more (don’t blame the song, it fits in perfectly) flawless guitar, flawless vocals, this professional band knows its audience and how to deliver. Not for fans of the Velvet Underground who will find this ostentatious and grandiose, nor will Deep Purple’s Appreciation Society run to these sounds, but Chicago’s success was always playing to a mainstream audience, different audiences through the 60s, 70s, 80s, but always the mainstream in those audiences. Good for them. Well done, and a supreme delight for their vast fan base.
E mail Demodeal@yahoo.com if you have music new or old and maybe you’ll get on the JoeVigTop40!!!
