When I lived in Philadelphia in the early 90’s there was a great public radio station called WXPN (associated with the University of Pennsylvania). It was like a college radio station, but with a professional staff and production values. That station was a constant companion during my years there, and turned me on to alot of great music that I’m still listening to today. I remember first hearing this song on the drive in to work one morning, and I was hooked. The album by the same name was Matthew Sweet’s breakout out album, and was loaded with great guitar, great harmony vocals, and great power pop hooks in song after song. A perfect combination of power pop and rock and roll. He put out a string of similarly great albums in the years after, but this one remains my touchstone, and Girlfriend one of my favorites from it.
I wanna love somebody I hear you need somebody to love Oh, I wanna love somebody I hear you’re looking for someone to love
‘Cause you need to Be back in the arms of a good friend And I need to Be back in the arms of a girlfriend
Heard this on a new music play list a few weeks back and its been on constant rotation on my phone and in my head since. I’m not sure what it is about Australian female singers, but it definitely seems I’ve got a thing for them, esp. when its a power pop earworm like this song. Driving guitar, huge chorus, and then it kicks to a high level with the soaring sax solo in the middle – completely unexpected! I could listen to this over and over (and I have!)
Check it out and see what I mean. God I love this song!
You take off at Cape Canaveral And pick me up like Coach Bombay You’re school captain every year You’re Christmas without Boxing Day You haven’t had a day off in weeks Your voice is shaking when you speak It might not be my place to help But don’t but don’t but don’t be so hard on yourself
Couple weeks ago I went to see the smithereens. They did not disappoint. Loved the concert. One of the revelations though was the opening act, Jeremiah Tall. He played banjo, guitar and drums with a company asked who played bass and on one song, a chain (you’d have to see it to believe it). Really cool interesting music. Here’s one of my favorite songs from his short set.
For me, good summer song and a good driving song are one and the same. Sun shining, windows down, sunglasses on with just the right tune. This all checks all the boxes for me. Mike Campbell’s killer guitar Solo at the end of the song is not to be missed.
There a bunch of songs that would work for today – chose this one as I have always loved it and it’s not super well known (at least to the masses). Off X‘s 1987 album See How We Are. Written by Dave Alvin who brought it with him from his previous group The Blasters.
Happy 4th to all my fellow American music bloggers! And happy Thursday to everyone else!
Mike and Paul's Music Blog 