Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes - The Jukes

Name: Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes
Album: The Jukes
Year: 1979
Style: Pub Rock, Blue Eyed Soul
Similar Bands: Little Steven & Disciples, Steven Van Zandt, E-Street Band, Graham Parker, Springsteen, Tom Petty, J Geils Band, 
"One-Word" Review: Solid Pub Houseband
Based Out Of: Jersey Shore, NJ
Label: Mercury, Phonogram, Polygram

Cover, Sleeve, Record

Back, Lyrics, Record

The Jukes (1979)

1. All I Want is Everything 3:04 (Single)
2. I'm So Anxious 3:02 (Single)
3. Paris 4:20
4. Security 3:13
5. Living in the Real World 3:58 (single)/
6. Your Reply 3:53 (Single B-Side)
7. The Time 3:38
8. I Remember Last Night 3:56
9. Wait in Vain 4:16
10. Vertigo 3:47

Album Rating (1-10): 7.5

Members & Other Bands:

• Southside Johnny (Lyon) - Lead Vox (Poor Fools, Steven Van Zandt, Bruce Springsteen, Sonny and the Starfires, Sundance Blues Band, Steel Mill, Studio B, Blackberry Booze Band, Dr Zoom and the Sonic Boom, Jersey Artists for Mankind, Chris Spedding, David Hayes, Gary US Bonds, Lisa Bouchelle, Keith Reid Project, Allman Brothers, Glen Burtnick, Cats on a Smooth Surface, John Williams, Killer Joe, Bob Bandiera, JAC Redford, Bob Delevante)
• Billy Rush - Guirtar, Vox (Gainsbourg, Taka Boom, Charlotte & Serge Gainsborug, Bambou)
• Allan Berger - Bass 
• Kevin Kavanaugh - Keys, Vox (Jersey Artists for Mankind, Ken Viola, Kog Nito & the Geeksm, Fabulous Perms, Little Steven & the Disciples of Soul, Bobby Bandiera, James Deely & the Valiants)
• Ed Manion - Baritone Sax (Miami Horns, Little Steven & the Disciples of Soul, Jersey Artists for Mankind, Joe Grushecky & the Houserockers, La Bamba & the Hubcaps, Fabulous Perms, Sessions Band, Bruce Springsteen, Gary US Bonds, Shannon, Paula Abdul, Graham Parker, Debbie Davies, Robert Cray Band, Bon Jovi, Culture Club, Joey Ramone, Misfits, BB King, World Party, Darlene Love, Jessie Wagner)
• Steve Becker - Drums, Vox, Percussion (Kog Nito & the Geeks, Mtume)
• Richard "La Bomba" Rosenberg - Trombones (Jersey Artists for Mankind, La Bamba & the Hubcaps, Little Steven & the Disciples of Soul, Late Night Horns, Miami Horns, Bruce Springsteen, Monroes, 8000C, Arrow, Rick Derringer, NY Voices, Ricky Martin, Livingston Taylor, BB King, Allman Brothers, Los Straitjackets, John Mayall, Richard & the Young Lions, Sugarray Rayford, Conan O'Brien)
• Joel Gramolini - Guitar, Vox (Laurie Sargent)
• Rick Gazda - Trumpet (Brian Pastor Big Band, Miami Horns, Gary US Bonds, Bruce Springsteen, Robin S)
• Bob Muckin - Trumpet, Flugel Horn (Miami Horns, Bruce Springsteen)
• Stan Harrison - Tenor Sax, Flute (Hook Horns, La Bamba & the Hubcaps, Little Steven & the Disciples of Soul, Mud Music Ensemble, Borneo Horns, Miami Horns, Radiohead, David Bowie, Kester, Jody Harris, Caroline Loeb, Michael Gregory, Ron Rogers, Mtume, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Double Trouble, Serge Gainsbourg, Shannon, Taka Boom, John Waite, Nona Hendryx, Sheena Easton, power Station, Robin Clarke, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Bowie+Jagger, Casiopea, Bruce Springsteen, Grace Jones, Bambou, Duran Duran, Belouis Some, Norman Nardini, Kenia, Judy Mowatt, Lenny pickett, Hue & Cry, Talking Heads, Robert Palmer, Vaughan Bros, Ric Ocasek, Tyler Collins, David Sanborn, Vivienne Williams, The Party, Chic, Jan Hammer, Chieli Minucci, Jim Beard, Mercedes Hall, Lulu, They Might Be Giants, Dennis Chambers, Ernest Kohl, Paul Brill, David Byrne & St Vincent, Coheed & Cambria, Darlene Love, Steve Elson, Weird Al Yankovic)
• Barry Beckett - Producer
• Gregg Hamm - Engineer
• Amundo Enterprizes - Mgmt
• Aram Gesar - Photos
• Stephanie Zuras - Design
• Bob Heimall - Art Direction

Unknown-ness: Vaguely heard their name in passing, but don't really know much about them. From the name, they sound like a rough and tumble 50's throw back party band. The artwork gives a late night, after hours, ready for a classy hangover vibe.

Album Review: Mixing brass and blue eyed soul, The Jukes plays energetic bar room music that begs the listener to move. They have a gritty, loose feel to them like they were called up on stage from a musically trained audience to add in sections on the fly. Although, "I Remembered Last Night" has a Blues Traveler "Runaround" feel to it. Southside Johnny is is considered to be the Grandfather of the NJ / Jersey Shore Sound, influencing the likes of Jon Bon Jovi. He was born in a bar and grew up with parents who were into & played music. A contemporary of Springsteen, their mutual friend Steven Van Zandt was part of this band's early years. Solo and as a band,  (and advisors on fictional bands), Johnny and the Jukes performed in and wrote music for a couple of movies and tv shows. They had a documentary made in 1980 while playing in their home town of Asbury Park. On 7/11 of this year, they headlined a drive-in concert, the first major music performance since the pandemic began, at Monmouth Racetrack with horn honking in place of applause.

Stand Out Track: I'm So Anxious

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Max Webster - Universal Juveniles

Name: Max Webster
Album: Universal Juveniles
Year: 1980
Style: Pub Rock, Power Pop, Prog
Similar Bands: Foreigner, Rush, Trooper, April Wine, Triumph
"One-Word" Review: Bland Power Prog
Based Out Of: Toronto / Sarnia, Ontario Canada
Label: Mercury, Phonogram INC, Polygram

Cover, Lyrics & Liner Notes, Record

Back, Lyrics and Liner Notes, Record

Universal Juveniles (1980)

1. In the World Of Giants 4:18
2. Check 2:37 (single)
3. April in Toledo 3:40
4. Juveniles Don't Stop 3:32
5. Battle Scar 5:48 /
6. Chalkers 3:45
7. Drive and Desire 3:53
8. Blue River Liquor Shine 4:15 (single)
9. What Do You Do With the Urge 3:20
10. Cry Out Your Life 5:33

Album Rating (1-10): 5.5

Members & Other Bands:

• Jack Richardson - Producer
• Kim Mitchell - Guitar, Vox (Grass Co., The Quotations, Big Al's Band, ZOOOM,Northern Lights, Toronto Together, USA for Africa, Voices With Heart, Shelton Kirby III, Coney Hatch, Steve Blimkie, Garnett Ford, Hagood Hardy, The Hunt, Gowan, Ian Thomas, Tom Cochrane, Helix, Flutie Bros Band, Tiles, Barenaked Ladies)
• Gary McCracken - Drums (Zing Dingo, Wrabit, Klaatu, Tony Ray, Lisa Price, Gary O, Triumph, Ronnie Flay & Panama Bandits)
• Dave Myles - Bass (Grass Co., ZOOOM, Zing Dingo, Rastus, Tony Ray)
• Pye Dubois (Paul Woods) - Lyrics, Overseeing (Grass Co., The Quotations, Big Al's Band, ZOOOM)
• Doug Riley - Piano, Clavinet, Synth (Brian Russell, Prototype, White Wolf, Pat Hervey, King Biscuit Boy, Guido Basso, House of Commons, Everyday People, Beverly Glenn-Copeland, Moe Koffman, Rob McConnell & Boss Brass, Milan Kymlicka, Bruno Gerussi, Edward Bear, Kenny Rogers, A Foot in Coldwater, Patsy Gallant, Dr. Music, Joe Probst, Billy Mysner, more)
• Neil Pert - Drums (Rush)
• Terry Watkinson - Keys (Grass Co., The Quotations, Big Al's Band, ZOOOM, Antlers, Rock Show of the Yeomen, Klaatu, Teratology, Sonny Brite & The Sequins)
• Alex Lifeson - Guitar (Rush, Bubbles & Shit Rockers, Jakalope, Rock Aid Armenia, Bid Girty Band, Victor, more )
• Dave Stone - Synth (AraPacis, Rainbow, Symphonic Slam, Oak, Vision, Paul Odette, Quincy Jones, Dio)
• Geddy Lee - Vox (Rush, Bubbles & Shit Rockers, Northern Lights, Big Dirty Band, USA For Africa more)
• Meloshe - Bass
• Dave Greene - Engineer
• Lenny DeRose - Asst Engineer
• Ringo Hrycyna - Asst. Engineer
• Bob Ludwig - Mastering
• Rodney Bowes - Cover Design, Photos
• Greg Elliott - Illustrations, Lettering
• Peter George - Special Effects
• Jon Erikson - Sound
• John Coulson - 
• L.Stephen M. - 
• Mike McCarty - 
• Rascal Houndi -

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this artist, but he looks rather old for jumping around with a guitar in one hand, a flame in the other, all while clad in a bright yellow bam-bam one shoulder strap spandexy leotard. Kinda like a post-prime David Lee Roth. The back pics of him basically running don't help out. All that said, I can't see this being cut and dry metal or rock, but i'm going to have to guess it is hard rock trying to have an much heavier edge than it does.

Album Review: This is the fifth and final album from this band which has never featured one member named Max Webster (they were going for a Jethro Tull type name). Although popular in Canada, thanks in part to a energetic stage presence and wild antics, they never reached success elsewhere. This album features the song Battle Scar, which was recorded along side the Rush trio of Lee, Pert & Lifeson. Honestly, the album is not very good: the vocals sound rushed and the music feels like it is trying to cover too many genres, and because of that, failing to stand on it's own feet.

Stand Out Track: Battle Scar

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Rockspurs (the) - Getting Off

Name: The Rockspurs
Album: Getting Off
Year: 1979
Style: New Wave, Pub Rock, Powerpop
Similar Bands: Police, Cheap Trick,
"One-Word" Review: Bark But No Bite New Wave
Based Out Of: NYC, NY
Label: DJM records, Phonogram, INC, Polygram

Cover & Record

Record & Back

Getting Off (1979)

1. Thinkin' About the Good Times 3:25
2. She Can't Get Off 3:54
3. Dream Love 3:28
4. You're With Me Tonight 3:13
5. I Wish There Were More to the Story 3:27 /
6. Red Light Runner 3:02
7. Night Full of Rain 5:02
8. I Could Give it All 3:36
9. Sabotage 3:03

Album Rating (1-10): 7.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Arthur Braun - Producer
• Larry Alexander - Producer
• Mick Moran - Lead Vox, Guitar
• Michael Festa - Vox, Lead guitar, Pedal Steel (Shakin Stevens, Mike Festa & the Bluesmen)
• Gregg Hollister - Lead Vox, Bass (The Silver Caboose, Anthem, Marco de Sade, Phil Garland)
• Peter Brillon - Drums, Percussion
• Joe Barbaria - Engineer
• Gary D'Amato - Production Assistant
• Jon Smith - Asst. Engineer
• Bruce Buchhalter - Asst. Engineer
• Massimo Crevani - Executive Producer
• David Krieger - Design
• Joel Brodsky - Photography

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band, but i appreciate the sexual connotations with their name, the album title, and the album artwork. Looking at their costumes, i imagine this to be some solid power pop / new wave.

Album Review: Its like every other song is good...some are straight up powerpop, some are lighter and have a bit of reggae influence, and some are pub rock; basically spanning the gamut of what passed for New Wave. The driving song Sabotage to end the album is their best track.

Stand Out Track: Sabotage

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(the Sensational) Alex Harvey Band - The Impossible Dream

Name: The Sensational Alex Harvey Band

Album: The Impossible Dream

Year: 1974

Style: Theatrical Glam

Similar Bands: Kiss, Kinks, Bonzo Dog Band, Sparks

One-Word Review: Over-the-top Glammy Rock
Based Out Of: Glasgow, Scotland

Label: Vertigo, Phonogram, Inc

 Cover & Record

Back & Record

The Impossible Dream (1974)

1. The Hot City Symphony Part 1 Vambo 5:02
2. Part 2 Man in the Jar 8:11
3. River of Love 3:10
4. Long Hair Music 4:36 /
5. Sergeant Fury 3:26
6. Weights Made of Lead 2:36
7. (a) Money Honey, (b) Impossible Dream 2:06
8. Tomahawk Kid 4:30
9. Anthem 7:42

Album Rating (1-10): 7.5

Members & Other Bands:

• David Batchelor - Producer
• Derek Wadsworth - Producer
• Gilbert Kong - Mastering
• Peter Waldman - Photography
• Alex Harvey - Vox, Rhythm Guitar (Hair, Alex Harvey's Big Soul Band, Big Beat Band, Rock Workshop, )
• Zal Cleminson - Guitars (Tear Gas, Nazareth, Tandoori Cassette, Zal Band)
• Chris Glen - Bass (Tear Gas, Cafe Jacques, Michael Schneker Fest, Vengence )
• Hugh McKenna - Keys & Synth (Tear Gas, Stoics)
• Ted McKenna - Drums (Tear Gas, Phenomena, Michael Schneker Fest)
• Martin Rushent - Engineer
• Cyrano - Engineer
• Vicki Silva - Vox (Mick Ronson, Nazareth, Everything But The Girl, Cornelius Cardew)
• London Scottish TAVR - Pipes & Drums

Unknown-ness: I've never heard of them, but I picked this up as it looks fun, somewhere between Bonzo Dog Band and Frank Zappa...probably a very Cabaret version of Glam-meets-Prog...guessing some Alice Cooper influence too, perhaps. And the way the tracks are laid out, it looks like it may be a rock opera.

Album Review: Before this band, Harvey was responsible for writing music for a London Stage performance of Hair, and that theatrical element can easily be picked up on this record, even more than just how the tracks are broken out. At times, the theatrical rock music sounds like the Kinks, Sparks, Elton John, and many others which he makes his own. Before that, he was in a couple Scottish big, jazz, and skiffle bands, one of which opened for a band that would become the Beatles in Scotland/1960.

Stand Out Track: Sergeant Fury

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