Lazlo, founder of BlowUpRadio.com (an online radio station based around New Jersey artists), shines a light on some of the many new releases from NJ based musicians each week with this column. This week Lazlo takes a look at new releases by Mark Parker, Average Blonde, Cold Weather Company, Dana Why, The Grip Weeds, and Todd Bailey. Plus a look back at "How Dare You Call Yourself Justice" by Ferocious Designs.
Mark Parker - "A Little Bit More". "A Little Bit More" is not only the name of the new EP from Mark Parker, but also could describe it. I've been a fan of Mark Parker's music for a long time now, but there truly something a little more about this EP than his previous releases, and it is not just the edition of a Roland T-8 beat machine, though it is possible that was the catalyst for the new creative pathways that this EP takes from previous releases. Highly recommended!
Average Blonde - "Average Blonde". Average Blonde (the artist formerly known as Joey Biondi) has put out their self-titled debut, and it is full of stunning synth-alt-dream-pop.
Cold Weather Company - "In Time". There is a real irony in Cold Weather Company releasing an album during a very hot late June. However, "In Time" will chill you out with their unique blend of alternative and folk rock, with a haunting falsetto.
Dana Why - "The Cracked Hand". Dana Why is a master of harmonious indie-pop. If that is your vibe then you need to check his new album, "The Cracked Hand", now!
The Grip Weeds - "Soul Bender". It is incredible to see a local band that formed back in the late 1980's still at it. Even more incredible is that The Grip Weeds latest album, "Soul Bender", is as good as anything else they've put out, maybe even their best. The album hits you with power-pop, but there is also mid-tempo balladry, and psychedelic-garage rock.
Todd Bailey - "Cover Band Town". A few weeks back in this column I talked about Todd Bailey's song, "Cover Band Town". Now a full album of the same name is out. His singer-songwriter style remains mid-tempo throughout, which makes it a perfect album to relax to in my opinion.
Not New, But Memorable Corner
Ferocious Designs - "How Dare You Call Yourself Justice". Ferocious Designs' "How Dare You Call Yourself Justice" is less than a year old, but given how 6 Supreme Court Justices continue to act, it feels appropriate to remind people of. 'Nuff said.
That's all for this week.
Remember BlowUpRadio.com, plays these and many other New Jersey based artists on our internet radio station, so please check us out. #SupportGoodMusic - If you like any of the above artists, please purchase their music from their site. And if you would like to be part of BlowUpRadio.com's New & Notable, please send downloads or contact Lazlo at Lazlo-at-BlowUpRadio-dot-com. We're also on Mastodon (and bridged on BlueSky)
When you talk about legendary music journalists in the Garden State, the list has to include Jim Testa. He founded a popular zine called Jersey Beat back in 1982 and has written for numerous publications over the years, His main job for the last few decades was at the Jersey Journal until it ceased publication in February.
(SUMMIT, NJ) -- Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and picnic baskets to Reeves-Reed Arboretum and celebrate summer with their 2025 concert series, Sounds of a Summer Night! All performances will be held on select Wednesday evenings on the grounds of this non-profit public garden located in Summit.
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