Album Review: Donnie Vie / Beautiful Things - by Scott Carr

SPOTIFY PLAYLIST - LISTEN WHILE YOU READ

Beautiful Things is the latest solo album from former Enuff Z’Nuff singer and chief songwriter Donnie Vie. The album was released on July 5th via Deko Music, distributed by Warner music Group.

I feel like I am always explaining to people who Donnie Vie is. It's such a shame that more people do not know him. I've penned a few Pencil Storm articles in the past about Enuff Z’Nuff in an effort to spread the word about one of Chicago's best kept power- pop secrets. If you missed my previous ramblings about Donnie and Enuff Z’Nuff, I will give you a quick recap and then move on to Donnie's latest album.

Most people first heard of Enuff Z’Nuff in 1989 when their self-titled debut album hit record shelves and their videos "New Thing" and "Fly High Michelle" were being played in heavy rotation on MTV. The band was formed in 1984 by bassist Chip Z’Nuff, who eventually recruited a young Donnie Vie to front the band. Chip said in an recent interview about Vie, "If it wasn't for Donnie, no one would even know who I am." After years of playing clubs and writing hundreds of songs the duo landed their first major label record deal in 1988. After the success of their debut album the band released another 12 studio albums, as well as a few live records. Donnie took an extended hiatus from the band in 2002 to focus on his solo work. He would eventually return to the band in 2006 for another album, but left again in 2013.

That brings us to present day and the release of Donnie Vie's latest album Beautiful Things.

Beautiful Things is Donnie's fourth official full-length solo album and the follow up to 2014's The White Album.

Beautiful Things began as a crowd-funding project through Pledge Music. Donnie was able to fund the project in record time and he kept the fans updated on a regular basis on the album’s progress. Donnie loves interacting with his fans and getting their input. He even asked fans to submit photos of things that they thought were "beautiful" and he would include those images on the album’s cover art.

Things seemed to going along smoothly but then Pledge Music abruptly folded and ran off with all the money that had been pledged by fans to make Beautiful Things, along with many other crowd-funded projects as well.

The Pledge Music disaster delayed the release of Beautiful Things but Donnie quickly found a label and distribution for the record and it was worth the wait.

Beautiful Things is full of all the elements that you would expect from Donnie: amazing singing and well-crafted pop songs. Donnie has always had a knack for writing perfect power-pop melodies, that at times sound like Elvis Costello or Squeeze with a healthy dose of Lennon & McCartney thrown in for good measure.

Side one of the album opens with some tasteful guitar noodling from Mr. Big Guitarist Paul Gilbert. This guitar intro serves as a soundscape that leads us into the album’s title track: “Beautiful Things" is a perfect mid-tempo opening for the album that finds Donnie in top form vocally.

"Plain Jane" follows and has a more rocked-up vibe that may sound more familiar to fans of Donnie's work with Enuff Z’Nuff. A power-pop gem that will instantly have you humming along.

"Breaking Me Down" features great Beatle-sounding harmonies and some sweet-sounding 12-string electric guitar that brings to mind The Byrds. This is definitely a standout track that falls into the "should be a hit" category.

"I Could Save The World" was the first single released from Beautiful Things. The theme of this song is reminiscing about the days when things were cool and wishing they would return. This track features some beautiful orchestration from former Jellyfish keyboardist Roger Joseph Manning Jr. "I Could Save The World" was the first song Donnie had penned in nearly three years and it gave him the confidence to do another record.

Side one wraps up with an introspective piano and vocal piece called "Fly."

Time to flip the record over kids. Yes, there is a vinyl release of Donnie's new record.

"Tender Lights" opens side two with a bit of a country influence but the power-pop hooks and great lyrics shine through brightly.

"I'll Surrender" follows and for me is the album’s highlight. Another perfect Beatle-influenced song. Add this one to Donnie's long list of songs that should be hits.

"Whatever" is a fun upbeat tune that tells the story of Donnie's musical evolution. The jangly guitars bring to mind Revolver/Rubber Soul era Beatles.

"Falling Through The Pages" is my second favorite track from the album, right behind "I'll Surrender." This is probably the most Enuff Z’Nuff sounding track on the record and that's not a bad thing.

The album closes with a piano ballad called "Back From The Blue."

Beautiful Things is a triumph for Donnie Vie and an album that he thought he would not be able to make. It had been four years since his last studio album and he felt like the well had run dry after 30 years of writing songs. Luckily he found the inspiration he needed and delivered an album that is as strong as any of his previous work.

In an interview with Ultimate Classic Rock Donnie explains the moment when his extended writer's block came to an end: “The gods left a basket of really cool ideas on my doorstep, and then it was like a build-your-own sundae out of melodies and sounds.”

You can order Beautiful Things here.

Donnie recorded a cover of John Lennon’s “Instant Karma” and it is featured as a bonus track on the Japanese edition of Beautiful Things. Check out the video for that and a few other things below…..

Donnie Vie - Beautiful Things | Deko Music ORDER: http://www.merchbucket.com/category/DEKOMUSIC-DONNIEVIE.html For more information, visit us at: www.dekoentertainment.com Follow us @DekoEntertain

I Could Save The World From the forthcoming album 'Beautiful Things' Written, arranged and performed by Donnie Vie Vocals, Guitars: Donnie Vie Additional Vocals: Phil Angotti Bass: Casey McDonough Piano, Strings-n-Things: Roger Joseph Manning, Jr. Drums: Matt Walker Recorded at Beautiful Things Studio, Chicago Illinois; Gravity Studio, Chicago, Illinois and Big Fish Recording, Encinitas, California Produced, engineered and mixed by Mike Tholen.

Provided to YouTube by Deko Music Fallin' Through the Pages · Donnie Vie Beautiful Things ℗ 2019 Deko Music Auto-generated by YouTube.

Provided to YouTube by Deko Music I'll Surrender · Donnie Vie Beautiful Things ℗ 2019 Deko Music Auto-generated by YouTube.

Scott Carr is a guitarist who plays in the Columbus, OH bands Radio Tramps andReturning April. Scott is also an avid collector of vinyl records and works at Lost Weekend Records. So...if you are looking for Scott....you'll either find him in a dimly-lit bar playing his guitar or in a record store digging for the holy grail.

Six Albums That Changed My Life - by Scott Carr

The Albums That Changed My Life series on Pencilstorm was conceived and launched by our Virginia correspondent JCE (John Egertson to his friends & family) last November, and will continue as our regular Sunday feature until we run out of submissions. To view the complete series, click on the Music heading on the Pencilstorm home page.

Albums that changed my life? Man, that's a tough one.

I always struggle when it comes to making "best of" lists. I've been a music fan since my pre-teen days and there has been so much music in my life, it's not easy to whittle that down to just a few choices.

Along the way there have been records that have had a bigger impact than others, so here are some that could be considered "life changing"....

KISS - ROCK AND ROLL OVER (1976)

Kiss in the ‘70's without hesitation had the biggest influence on my musical journey.

You could insert any Kiss album from the decade here (yes, even Dynasty) and I would not argue.

Rock And Roll Over for me is Kiss sounding like Kiss. Bare bones, no frills Rock N Roll. I love the songs on this record and Eddie Kramer’s production captures Kiss at their best. Another highlight for me on this record is Ace Frehley’s lead guitar work, amazing! Ace was in top form on this release. I only wish he had been confident enough to supply a lead vocal on the record but in all honesty, I would not change a thing about it. Plus that cover artwork is probably my favorite Kiss album cover of all time.

Rock and Roll Over on most days is my favorite Kiss record. I don't know if I can pick one Kiss album as life-changing but I would just say experiencing Kiss in the ‘70's changed my life forever. According to my mom I first saw Kiss on television on the Midnight Special. She pulled me and my brothers out of our slumber to witness the spectacle, I have no solid memory of that event but I'm told I was present. I do remember seeing Kiss for the first time on the Destroyer tour and from there on the rest is Kisstory.

IRON MAIDEN - IRON MAIDEN (1980)

After Kiss, my next big evolution in music was "metal." Kiss really weren't metal, so I wasn't really sure what "metal" was. I had heard some Sabbath records but Sabbath didn't really feel like my band. I love Sabbath but they felt like they were a generation older than myself. When I was a kid I was told by older kids that Black Sabbath created Heavy Metal and I was like, "Cool."

Seeing Judas Priest open for Kiss on the Dynasty tour really opened my eyes to a new breed of metal that would soon be invading American shores.

In 1980 the New Wave of British Heavy Metal was taking shape and Iron Maiden led the way. I bought their first album just based on the cover artwork alone. The music on the vinyl sounded exactly the way the cover looked. It was heavy and raw. I loved everything about it. This started a new chapter in my musical journey. At that point I started buying all kinds of European metal by bands like Diamond Head, Motorhead, Saxon, Def Leppard and the list went on and on. From 1980 to 1985 or so, I was a total metalhead kid.

RAMONES - RAMONES (1976)

I discovered the first Ramones record from going through my uncle’s record collection. He had moved away and left all his records at my Grandma's house. He said I could go through them and take whatever I wanted. His collection was mostly hippie stoner rock records, which I didn't appreciate at the time. I left lots of cool stuff behind, but I did take all of his Budgie records.

One of the cool records I found in my uncle's collection was the first Ramones record. I had no idea what it was but seeing those four guys leaned up against a brick wall wearing leather jackets and ripped jeans and the bold RAMONES logo above them really caught my attention.

When I put it on the turntable for the first time, I felt like I was listening to something from another planet. I had never heard anything like it before. All the songs were fast and under three minutes long, I think the longest song on the record is maybe two and a half minutes long. Again, another album that sounded exactly how the cover looks. They looked like punks and sounded like punks.

I never became a full fledged punk rocker but this record certainly struck a chord with me and I've been listening to Ramones records for decades now.

CHEAP TRICK - CHEAP TRICK (1977)

Still my favorite Cheap Trick album to this day.

I saw Cheap Trick in 1978 opening for AC/DC and soon started buying their records. At the time I was only aware of In Color and Heaven Tonight.

My first exposure to the band’s debut album was on the soundtrack to the movie Over The Edge. Back in those days there was no quick resource like Wikipedia to look up a band’s discography, so you just kinda discovered things by mistake. In July of 1979 I took my birthday money to the record store to buy some new records and while looking in the Cheap Trick section, I found a copy of their debut album. I clutched onto it like I had found the Holy Grail. I rushed to checkout counter and gave the clerk my birthday money and ran home to put the record on my turntable.

The whole album is perfection. I think it's really the only Cheap Trick studio album that accurately captures their raw power-pop energy. They have other great albums, but this one is their best in my book. Again, like Kiss, you could put any ‘70's Cheap Trick album in this spot and I would not be upset.

THE KNACK - GET THE KNACK (1979)

Just like Cheap Trick's 1977 debut album, Get The Knack is pure power-pop perfection from beginning to end.

The Knack really had their own thing going, they weren't really new wave and they weren't punk but they fell somewhere in the middle of both genres.

This is definitely one of my all-time favorite albums.

I wrote about it in a past Pencil Storm piece and you can check it out here

JELLYFISH - SPILT MILK (1993)

An unlikely masterpiece of an album that came out during the fall of glam metal and the rise of grunge.

Jellyfish were equal parts Queen, Beach Boys, The Beatles and a pinch of The Partridge Family.

During the early ‘90's I was a bit lost musically because everything was changing and I had been knee-deep in the MTV Glam Rock scene. By that time glam metal was becoming pretty disposable and even bands like Guns N Roses seemed like their time had come and gone. I wasn't in tune with the Seattle stuff. I liked the sentiment of it all, but it just really didn't strike a chord within me.

Jellyfish was like breathing new life into my floundering musical journey. Their first album Bellybutton came out in 1990 and spawned a minor hit with the single "Baby's Coming Back." Almost two and half years later the band returned with an album that leaned more towards their Queen influences and is way more adventurous than their debut.

Sadly Jellyfish did not last long after this record. They were gone in a flash but with just two albums they gained a fan base that hopes one day maybe we will see album number three.

So, I think I will leave you with those six uniquely different records. If I look at my choices too long, I will probably rewrite this entire thing. I think that covers the bases pretty well for me, though: Rock, Metal, Punk and Power Pop.

_____________________________

Honorable mention: I don't know if these albums qualify as "life changing" but they are albums that I consider near-perfect ear candy and are go-to albums I listen to when I feel like there is nothing to listen to.….

BLUE OYSTER CULT - FIRE OF UNKNOWN ORIGIN

BILLY SQUIER - DON'T SAY NO

REO SPEEDWAGON - HI INFIDELITY

APRIL WINE - NATURE OF THE BEAST

DEF LEPPARD - HIGH N DRY

ALICE COOPER - FROM THE INSIDE

ENUFF Z NUFF - STRENGTH

THE POSIES - FROSTING ON THE BEATER

QUEEN - A NIGHT AT THE OPERA

THIN LIZZY - BLACK ROSE

Scott Carr is a guitarist who plays in the Columbus, OH  bands Radio Tramps and Returning April.  Scott is also an avid collector of vinyl records and works at Lost Weekend Records. So...if you are looking for Scott....you'll either find him in a dimly lit bar playing his guitar or in a record store digging for the holy grail.

I own no content. Posted for fan based channel for comment and discussion only !

Show de 1980 com Paul Di'anno

Ramones performing blitzkrieg bop at CBGBs circa 1976....

Cheap Trick - He's A Whore - Night Gallery 1977

Мои предыдущие каналы (My previous channels): https://www.youtube.com/user/NoMadU55555/videos https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuK71d5hQd9F5DQLyO_d2aQ/videos

Spilt Milk tour, en vivo en Munich, Alemania 1993

August 1989: Enuff Z'nuff Release Their Debut Album - by Scott Carr

By the end of the 1980's the world of heavy metal glam-rock had become pretty nameless and faceless. The last round of bands scoring contracts with the major labels all seemed to be cut from the same fabric. It was becoming increasingly tough to tell one band from the next. Metal Edge magazine was packed cover to cover with all the latest groups, each trying to outdo the next by seeing who had to biggest hair or wore most make-up.

Although Enuff Z'nuff fit the image of what was going on at that time, their music put them in a different league all their own.

Hailing from Blue Island, IL Enuff Z'nuff was formed by bassist Chip Z'nuff and lead vocalist/guitarist Donnie Vie. The band got their start as Enough's Z'nuff in 1984 and quickly recorded a demo of original material. The band gained a quick following around the Chicago area playing clubs and their song "Fingers On It" received strong local airplay.

The band went through a few line up changes during their early years but by 1988 lead guitarist Derek Frigo and drummer Vikki Fox had rounded out what would become known as the classic Enuff Z'nuff line up.

The band eventually signed to Atco records and released their self titled debut album on August 22, 1989. 

The album's first single "New Thing" was accompanied by flashy video tailor-made for the glam rock that was a staple on MTV. The video was in heavy rotation and followed by another glamtastic video for the album's power ballad and biggest hit "Fly High Michelle." Elsewhere on the record you will find uptempo rockers like "Kiss The Clown," "Little Indian Angel" and "Hot Little Summer Girl." There were no more singles pulled from the record but there were at least three more tracks that should have been hits: "I Could Never Be Without You," "For Now" and "She Wants More" are all standout tracks from the record.

While the band's image was all glam there was an undercurrent of psychedelia that set them apart from all the other acts of the day. 

Musically they were a blend of The Beatles, Kiss, Cheap Trick, Slade and Van Halen. Guitarist Derek Frigo pushed their sound in more of a heavy metal style but underneath it all Enuff Z'nuff were a Power Pop band. Frigo once commented that without his guitar playing the band was basically be the Bay City Rollers.

I'll admit that I am a fan of The Rollers but there is much more depth to the music that Enuff Z'nuff were creating. Their sound would be fully realized on their next album, Strength, but their debut laid out the groundwork and was the perfect late summer record. It was full of hooks and harmonies and the energy was in the grooves.

Enufff Z'nuff captured the attention of some industry heavyweights who all had great things to say about the band. 

Rolling Stone magazine called them "the next big thing" and "heavy metal Beatles."

The band also caught the attention of shock jock Howard Stern and were featrued on his radio show numerous times. Stern often said "this band deserves rock star status."

....and the praise continued:

David Letterman; "When it comes to rock and roll, these guys are all you need"

Paul Stanley; "Their debut album is a classic!"

Litte Steven Van Zandt; "Enuff Z'nuff are one of the most underrated bands of all time"

Although it seemed like everything was heading in the right direction for Enuff Z'nuff, the big break never came. The band was dropped from Atlantic after the release of Strength in 1991. They signed with Arista for their third record, Animals With Human Intelligence, in 1993 but they would soon find themselves without a record deal again. 

After two failed attempts at the majors Enuff Z'nuff began making music on their own terms and started releasing their music independently. Most bands probably would have thrown in the towel but Enuff Z'nuff weren't quitters. They were always about writing the next record and moving on. To date they have released a total of 14 studio records and several live and compilation records.

Since the release of their 1989 debut Enuff Z'nuff have been through many line-up changes with Donnie Vie and Chip Z'nuff being the only consistent members until Vie left the band for good several years ago. Guitarist Derek Frigo passed away after years of heavy drug addiction and drummer Vikki Fox left after recording the band's third studio record. Sadly, longtime drummer Ricky Parent passed away after a battle with cancer.

Vocalist and chief songwriter Donnie Vie left the band after years of being frustrated of not being able to break out of the glam rock bubble that the industry still seems to put them in. Donnie has been creating some amazing solo records and is preparing to release his latest record, Beautiful Things, later this year.

Bassist Chip Z'nuff is still carrying on the name Enuff Z'nuff with an all new line-up and they recently released the album Diamond Boy.

Many things have changed since the release of their debut in 1989 but the record still holds up. It's one of those albums that take you back in time to when you first heard it. It feels like the summer of 1989, but somehow doesn't feel dated. 

Fans of Enuff Z'nuff are still getting high on a "new thing" almost thirty years later.

If you are looking to explore more music from Enuff Z'nuff , here are my top 5 you should seek out along with their debut.

1. Strength (1991) - Their 1991 sophomore release. Many fans consider this to be their masterpiece. 

2. 1985 (1994) - An archival release of the bands original demo. This album captures the band in full on power pop mode. 

3. 10 (2000) - Another great power poppy record from the band.

4. Paraphernalia (1998) - They cover Cheap Trick on this one, so it must be good.

5. Dissonance (2008) - Last record recorded with Donnie Vie, and features guest appearance from Jake E. Lee.

A pic of me with Chip Z'nuff and Derek Frigo. A band I was in got to open a show for them during their tour of their debut album. RIP Derek.

Scott Carr is a guitarist who plays in the Columbus, OH  bands Radio Tramps andReturning April.  Scott is also an avid collector of vinyl records and works at Lost Weekend Records. So...if you are looking for Scott....you'll either find him in a dimly lit bar playing his guitar or in a record store digging for the holy grail.

The Enuff Z'Nuff classic, reformatted for 16:9 aspect ratio/YouTube viewers. http://www.enuffznuff.com http://www.chipznuff.com http://www.fb.com/chipznuff http://www.chipznuffstudios.com

The Enuff Z'Nuff classic, reformatted for 16:9 aspect ratio/YouTube viewers. http://www.enuffznuff.com http://www.chipznuff.com http://www.fb.com/chipznuff http://www.chipznuffstudios.com

Enuff Z'Nuff - For Now featuring the great Ricky Parent RIP.

Uploaded by Donnie Vie on 2017-06-02.

Uploaded by Donnie Vie on 2017-09-18.

Provided to YouTube by Warner Music Group Kiss The Clown · Enuff Z'Nuff Enuff Z'Nuff ℗ 1989 Atco Records Band Member: Chip Znuff Band Member: Derek Frigo Band Member: Donnie Vie Band Member: Greg Errico Band Member: Vikki Foxx Composer, Lyricist: Donald E. Vandevelde Auto-generated by YouTube.

Provided to YouTube by Warner Music Group Little Indian Angel · Enuff Z'Nuff Enuff Z'Nuff ℗ 1989 Atco Records Band Member: Chip Znuff Band Member: Derek Frigo Band Member: Donnie Vie Band Member: Greg Errico Band Member: Vikki Foxx Composer, Lyricist: Donald E. Vandevelde Auto-generated by YouTube.

Christmas Songs That You Won't Hear At The Mall - by Scott Carr

It's that time of year again. All the stores are playing fifty different versions of "Baby, It's Cold Outside" and "Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire."  Out of the thousands of Christmas songs that have been recorded over the years, they always seem to play the same ones over and over again until the Christmas spirit has been sucked out completely. It becomes mind-numbing.

This is the first Christmas season in almost 16 years that I haven't worked in a big box retail environment and I must say it has brought some joy back into my Christmas music listening experience.

I thought since the Pencil Storm staffers are taking some time off for the holidays I would compile a list of some Christmas tunes that you probably won't hear in your local Wally World. Some you may be familiar with and others you probably haven't heard at all.

So, sit back and pour yourself a glass of your favorite Christmas beverage and enjoy the music......

1. Material Issue - Merry Christmas Will Do

Power Pop Christmas perfection from Chicago Illinois' Material Issue. This song was originally featured on a compilation cd called Yuletunes, It's kinda hard to find but worth searching for.

Material Issue's contribution to the 1991 Christmas CD compilation "Yuletunes", on Black Vinyl Records. "You don't have to say you love me, I know that that's not true. Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas will do."

2. The Darkness - Christmas Time (Don't Let The Bells End)

Completely over the top and exactly what you want from The Darkness and a great Christmas song.

Watch the official music video for The Darkness - Christmas Time iTunes: http://smarturl.it/TheDarknessiT Amazon: http://smarturl.it/TheDarknessAmzn More The Darkness Videos - http://smarturl.it/TheDarknessPlaylist Click Here to Subscribe: http://goo.gl/G21T8

3. Fountains Of Wayne - I Want An Alien For Christmas

Another Power Pop take on Christmas. Who wouldn't want an alien for Christmas???

This is a single: non-album song, but It is present in the double compilation album called Out-of-State Plates, as track number 10 in Disc 2.

4. Ramones - Merry Christmas (I Don't Want To Fight Tonight)

Punk rock Christmas classic!

Get The VHS of lifestyles of the Ramones http://adf.ly/1dhO0P Vocals: Joey Ramone Guitar: Johnny Ramone Bass: Studio Version:Dee Dee Ramone/Video:CJ Ramone Drums:Marky Ramone Merry Christmas, I don't want to fight tonight with Merry Christmas, I don't want to fight tonight Merry Christmas, I don't want to fight tonight Merry Christmas, I don't want to fight tonight with you Where is Santa?

5. Enuff Z Nuff - Happy Holiday

Cool tune from Blue Island Illinois Glam Power Poppers Enuff Z Nuff. The song was originally record for the soundtrack of Home Alone 2 but wasn't used. It found it's way onto the bands Peach Fuzz cd and has become a holiday favorite.

HAPPY HOLIDAY!!!!!! From the album Peach Fuzz available on itunes http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/peach-fuzz/id81804555 Disclaimer: I do not own the audio which is entitled Happy Holiday this belongs to Enuff Z'Nuff Lyrics:- In Wonderland the snow is on the ground. The happiness, you hear it all around. Santa Claus and mistletoe And old Jack Frost, yeah don't you know?

6. Hanoi Rocks - Dead By Xmas  (What more could I add to that?)

A-side of the single "Dead By X-Mas/Nothing New" (1981) on Johanna Kustannus Oy (Ltd).

7. Lillian Axe - Here Is Christmas

Great take on a song written by Ann Wilson of Heart.

from the "Here is Christmas" EP Grand Slam Records 1992

8. Shoes - This Christmas

Another one from the Yuletunes Christmas compilation.

"This Christmas" by Shoes. Hard to find song.

9. Eels - Christmas Is Going To The Dogs

This song comes from the soundtrack for the remake of How The Grinch Stole Christmas. The soundtrack turned out much better than the film.

Good song

10. The Kinks - Father Christmas

Best Christmas song ever!

Took the old video with the bad audio quality and put the MP3 version of the song I had on there. It syncs up pretty well but it gets a little off near the end. Pretty good though overall.

11. Billy Squier - Christmas Is The Time To Say I Love You

A personal favorite of mine and I wrote all about it last year. Check it out here.

Back in the heyday of MTV, Billy directed this video of his Christmas single, "Christmas Is The Time To Say I Love You."

12. The Three Wise Men (XTC) - Thanks For Christmas

XTC in disguise

13. Cheap Trick - Come On Christmas/I Want You For Christmas

Hey, it's Cheap Trick, of course they get two entries.....

Cheap Trick with their holiday altered version of "Come On, Come On". This is "Come On Christmas." Come on Christmas Come on Christmas Come on Christmas Come on Christmas Come on Christmas Ooh I'm feelin' good Ooh tonight's the night Been so long, but I don't why Ooh somebody, treat me right I'm really in the mood tonight Come on Christmas and come on time Come on, come on Come on now Christmas!

Music video by Cheap Trick performing I Want You For Christmas.

14. Tom Waits - Christmas Card From A Hooker In Minneapolis 

Kind of a depressing Christmas tune, but sometimes Christmas is a little depressing...

All credit goes to the artist.

15. Colin Gawel - Still Love Christmas

It's no easy task to write an original Christmas tune but I think Colin Gawel nailed it.

The title song to Colin Gawel and the Lonely Bones' December 2010 release. We shot the video at the "Still Love Christmas" release party at Rumba Cafe in Columbus, OH. COLINGAWEL.com

16. The Tories - Wonderful Life

Technically not a Christmas song but it's lyrics are based on one of the most popular Christmas movies of all time It's A Wonderful Life. It's a crime that more people don't know this song and this band.

Title track from The Tories cd "Wonderful Life"

Scott Carr is a guitarist who plays in the Columbus, OH  bands Radio Tramps and Returning April.  Scott is also an avid collector of vinyl records and works at Lost Weekend Records. So...if you are looking for Scott....you'll either find him in a dimly lit bar playing his guitar or in a record store digging for the holy grail.

Lost Weekend Records Power Pop Happy Hour @ Ace of Cups June 3rd - by Scott Carr

On Friday June 3rd I will be guest-DJ'ing the Lost Weekend Records Record Store Happy Hour at Ace Of Cups. My Lost Weekend co-worker Brian Baker will be joining me in what we hope will be the ultimate 2 1/2 hours of Power Pop bliss. Brian and I have been digging through our record collections and pulling out what we think will represent the best mix of our favorite music genre....

Power Pop's roots can be traced back to the British Invasion of the early 60's when bands like The Who and The Kinks popped onto the scene. Songs like The Who's "My Generation" and The Kinks' "You Really Got Me" are some of the earliest examples of Power Pop, although at the time the genre did not exist. These songs have tight punchy guitars and well-defined vocal melodies, two ingredients that are essential to the best power pop. The heyday of Power Pop began in the early 70's with bands like Badfinger, Raspberries and Big Star releasing very influential albums. The evolution of Power Pop would continue throughout the 70's and 80's with bands like Cheap Trick, The Cars, The Knack, Shoes, and many others. All of these bands put their own stamp on Power Pop and stretched the boundaries of what Power Pop was. The umbrella of Power Pop has come to include elements of new wave, bubblegum, glam, garage rock, punk and continues to thrive and expand on it's original concept.

Power Pop is a music genre that doesn't get a lot of attention but has a die-hard fan base and is, as my deejay co-host Brian Baker recently said, endless and infinite. 

The Lost Weekend Records Power Pop Happy Hour will take place on Friday, June 3rd at Ace of Cups, located at 2619 N. High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43202.  The event will start at 6 pm and run until about 8;30 pm.

I thought I would take this opportunity to share some of my favorite Power Pop tunes as a preview of what you will be hearing on June 3rd.  

Scott Carr is a guitarist who plays in the Columbus, OH  bands Radio Tramps and Returning April.  Scott is also an avid collector of vinyl records and works at Lost Weekend Records. So...if you are looking for Scott....you'll either find him in a dimly lit bar playing his guitar or in a record store digging for the holy grail.

1. Raspberries - Play On

This song comes from Starting Over, the last studio record from Raspberries. Bassist Scott McCarl takes lead vocals on this track and proves he is a perfect fit for Raspberries. McCarl joined Raspberries after original bassist Dave Smalley exited the band the previous year.

I'm a big fan of the Raspberries. This song was written by Eric Carmen and Scott McCarl, and I believe Scott is singing lead as well (fellow 'berries fans let me know if I'm correct). The track is from their final studio album "Starting Over" released in 1974.

2. Paul Stanley - Wouldn't You Like To Know Me

While Paul Stanley is best known for writing arena rock anthems with Kiss, he somehow managed to perfectly craft one of the best Power Pop tunes of all time or at least that is what Colin G. thinks. This track appears on his 1978 solo album and stands as one of the best songs Paul has ever penned. Paul has said that the Raspberries were a big influence in the early days of Kiss and it rings through on this track.

The 4th song off of the Paul Stanley SOLO Album, which was originally released in 1978.

3. The Knack - Radiating Love

It was tempting to put "My Sharona" here but everyone has heard that one before, correct? So I present you with the opening track from the bands third album Round Trip. As catchy as anything the band ever recorded and listen to that thumping bass line. The guitar solo is quite tasty too.

Provided to YouTube by Universal Music Group Radiating Love (2002 Digital Remaster) · The Knack · Doug Fieger · Berton Averre Round Trip ℗ 1981, 2002 Capitol Records, LLC. All rights reserved. Studio Personnel: Ron McMaster Producer: Jack Douglas Auto-generated by YouTube.

4. Sweeney Todd - Tantalize

This track leans a bit more towards the glam side of power pop but it's hooks and harmonies cannot be denied. One of the more interesting facts about this song is the lead vocals are no other than a 15 year old Bryan Adams. Yes "Cuts Like A Knife" Bryan Adams.

If Wishes Were Horses is the second album of the Canadian glam rock band Sweeney Todd. Released in 1977, it is the only Sweeney Todd album on which a 15 year old Bryan Adams appears as the temporary singer. The producers deliberately sped his voice up to sound younger than it already was.

5. Aviary - Anthem For The USA

Hard to believe that this song was released in 1979! Aviary are a west coast band that released one album for Epic records during their time in the major leagues. Mixing their pop with a bit of prog Aviary created a sound that was way ahead of it's time.

from the self titled debut (USA, 1979) Brad Love --vocals, keyboards Toby Bowen -- guitars Paul Madden -- keyboards Ken Steimonts -- bass Richard Bryans - drums

6. The Spongetones - She Goes Out With Everybody

Hailing from Charlotte, NC but sounding more Beatley than The Beatles on this infectious song. Perfect example of Beatle inspired Power Pop.

Provided to YouTube by The Orchard Enterprises She Goes out with Everybody · The Spongetones Always Carry On: The Best If the Spongetones 1980-2005 ℗ 2008 Loaded Goat Records Released on: 2006-04-09 Auto-generated by YouTube.

7. Any Trouble - Growing Up

Bruce Springsteen isn't the first name you think of when talking about power pop but after listening to Any Trouble's fantastic cover of "Growing Up" you may change your mind. Any Trouble gives "Growing Up" a complete power pop makeover and it works perfectly. It should also be noted that Springsteen jammed on stage with The Knack, so maybe the Boss is more in tune with Power Pop than given credit for.

Often compared (favourably) to the nervy, hyper-literate pop of Elvis Costello (at the time a new phenomenon), Any Trouble really had a bit more of the Joe Jackson sound to them; but for my money their debut album, Where Are All the Nice Girls, bests either of Jackson's most similar -and admittedly great- first two albums. Led by Clive Gregson, Any Trouble's debut is full of catchy breakneck Stiff pop that stands up to anything else from the era.

8. The Searchers - September Girls

It's pretty hard to beat Big Star's original version of "September Girls" but The Searchers do mighty fine job. The Searchers were among the original British Invasion bands and had great success during the early to mid 60's. A reformed version of the band released two magnificent power pop tinged albums in the late 70's early 80's. This version of "September Girls" comes from their 1981 album Love's Melodies.

The Searchers - September Gurls (Big Star cover) The Sire Sessions, Rockfield Recordings 1979-80

9. Off Broadway - Automatic

Coming from the same state that brought us the undisputed kings of power pop Cheap Trick, Off Broadway are a relatively unknown band but they managed to release two excellent records for Atlantic Records. "Automatic" is the opening track from the bands second release Quick Turns. A perfect blend of hooky guitars and a great vocal melody. This track in particular reminds me of another band from Illinois that was more associated with the glam metal scene of the late 80's but were a great Power Pop band in their own right, Enuff Z' Nuff.

Here I am with Off Broadway - Automatic

10. The Quick - It Won't Be Long

This Los Angeles based power pop band released a terrific record on Mercury Records called Mondo Deco in 1976 and not long after that they were gone. The Quick gets credit for doing a Beatles cover that is actually better than the original and that's not easily done. They manged to make "It Won't Be Long" completely their own and it's amazing. 

More than likely the best Beatles cover ever. At least the first one I feel comfortable saying is better than the original. This is the first track on their only full-length album 'Mondo Deco'.

Pencilstorm Hall of Fame Nominee: Get The Knack by The Knack - Scott Carr

Click here for the complete nomination list for the 2016 Pencilstorm Hall of Fame. Winners announced April 14th at CD102 Big Room Bar.

When the idea of the Pencilstorm Hall of Fame was first hatched and the nominating committee began bouncing ideas around, Get The Knack by The Knack was the first thing that I thought of.

Released at the tail end of the 70's , Get The Knack is possibly the best power pop debut album ever released. Actually, you could say best debut album from any genre. Comparisons to The Beatles were often mentioned in early reviews of the band but The Knack felt musically they had more in common with The Kinks and early Who. Listening to Get The Knack proves the band was more in touch than their critics.

"My Sharona" still stands as one of the best singles ever released. The guitar solo in "My Sharona" is worthy of it's own nomination in the Pencilstorm Hall of Fame...it's really that good.

Beyond "My Sharona" the album is loaded with great songs. I won't bore you with all the details but you can read my article I wrote about it last year on it's anniversary here..

While I respect Pencilstorm mastermind Colin G's choice of Paul Stanley's 1978 solo album being inducted this year. Paul's album has one major flaw: has anyone heard the song "Hold Me, Touch Me"?  It's a snoozefest. Get the Knack is 100% perfect start to finish. So, if we only induct one album into the hall this year it should without question be Get The Knack.

So I ask my fellow committee members to not "Nuke The Knack" and give this album some serious consideration for the 2016 class of the Pencilstorm Hall of Fame.

Listen to the "My Sharona" guitar solo in all it's glory.......

I don't own the rights of this piece of song; they belong to The Knack

One listen to Get The Knack and you'll agree it deserves a spot in the Pencilstorm Hall of Fame....

Vinyl

....and lastly check out the trailer for the new movie Everybody Wants Some!

Subscribe to TRAILERS: http://bit.ly/sxaw6h Subscribe to COMING SOON: http://bit.ly/H2vZUn Like us on FACEBOOK: http://goo.gl/dHs73 Follow us on TWITTER: http://bit.ly/1ghOWmt Everybody Wants Some Official Trailer #1 (2016) - Glen Powell, Tyler Hoechlin Comedy HD A group of college baseball players navigate their way through the freedoms and responsibilities of unsupervised adulthood.

Scott Carr is a guitarist who plays in the Columbus, OH  bands Radio Tramps and Returning April. Scott is also an avid collector of vinyl records and works at Lost Weekend Records. So...if you are looking for Scott....you'll either find him in a dimly lit bar playing his guitar or in a record store digging for the holy grail.