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BlowUpRadio.com's New & Notable NJ Music 11/20/23


By Lazlo

originally published: 11/20/2023


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 Pet Rock Olympian, Strange Talking Animals, Jacob Chacko, and Renee Maskin. Plus a look back at "Headlock" by Crewman Number Six.

Pet Rock Olympian - "No Cohesion". "For fans of emo-pop, punk, skramz and anything in between", says the Bandcamp page for Pet Rock Olympian's EP, "No Cohesion", and that does sum it up pretty succinctly. While I am not a big fan of skramz, blended along with the other styles it worked for me.

Strange Talking Animals - "In the Glow of the Coming Dawn". This is the fourth, and final, album in Strange Talking Animals' 2023 FAWM 50/90 collection (writing 50 songs in 90 days). All four albums contain are wonderful collections of prog/chamber/psychedelic/pop rock songs, but if you only have time to listen to one, I think I like "In the Glow of the Coming Dawn" best. Songs like "Model Citizen", and "My Own Worst Enemy", really stick out as great tunes, but there I thoroughly enjoyed the entire album.

Jacob Chacko - "Make It". Jacob Chacko describes his latest single, "Make It", as a song that, "attempts to touch on the delicate subject of mental health and related issues. It tries to portray the struggles one goes through but also the possibility there is light at the end of the tunnel." It also is a beautiful song, and quite possibly my favorite release of his so far.

Renee Maskin - "Shimmer". It is always a glorious day when I receive new music from Renee Maskin. "Shimmer" is the type of album I like to listen to with the lights low, big headphones on, and my eyes closed. Renee's vocals and alt-country/Experimental Americana soundscapes always evoke a journey for me. In fact, the video for "Scrimshaw", shot in black & white Super8, is exactly the type of imagery I visualize when listening to her music. Brilliant!




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Not New, But Memorable Corner

Crewman Number Six - "Headlock".  About 21 years ago I first met the guys in Crewman Number Six, when they were just a hard rock instrumental band looking for a lead singer. They found a special kindred spirit a year later when they found Ross Sandler, as he not only added vocals, but also added a funky-soul sound to their hard rock that has defined them for the last 20 years. "Headlock" is but one of many of their incredible songs.

Side note, any one who ever sees me outside in colder weather will note I am always wearing my Crewman Number Six winter hat (which sadly, I don't think they have sold in a long time)



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 part of BlowUpRadio.com's New & Notable, please send downloads or contact Lazlo at Lazlo-at-BlowUpRadio-dot-com. We're also on Mastodon at https://gardenstate.social/@BlowUpRadio




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EVENT PREVIEWS

Middletown

Middletown Summer Concert Series presents Goldenseal

(MIDDLETOWN, NJ) -- Goldenseal will kick off Middletown's Summer Concert Series on Wednesday, July 29, 2025 with a free concert on the Middletown Arts Center lawn. Showtime is 7:00pm.



South

South Orange Summer Nights to Offer Free Concerts Every Wednesday Night In July

(SOUTH ORANGE, NJ) -- Get your family and friends together for a summer filled with music and joy! Heading into its 20th Anniversary season, the South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) is proud to present local artists of all genres including Classic Rock, Country, Indie Covers, Neo Soul, Funk, and more, as part of South Orange Summer Nights at Flood's Hill in Meadowland Park.



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The Stone Pony Summer Stage presents The Head and the Heart with special guests Wilderado and Marfa

(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- The Stone Pony Summer Stage presents The Head and the Heart with special guests Wilderado and Marfa on Thursday, July 31, 2025. Showtime is 6:00pm.



See

See a Free Preview of the 2025 Philadelphia Folk Festival on August 1st

(PHILADELPHIA, PA) -- On August 1, 2025, Philadelphia Folksong Society and Rising Sun Presents will preview the 62nd Philadelphia Folk Festival with an evening at Bryn Mawr Twilight Concert Series featuring performances from Larry Ahearn, Lili Añel, Cloudbelly, and Max Davey. Showtime is 7:00pm, admission is free.



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The Newton Theatre presents FJ - A Tribute to Foreigner & Journey

(NEWTON, NJ) -- FJ - A Tribute to Foreigner & Journey comes to The Newton Theatre on Saturday, August 2, 2025 at 8:00pm. The music and energy of two legendary stadium rock bands comes together in one electrifying show!



FEATURED EVENTS

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Goldenseal

Goldenseal

Tuesday, July 29, 2025 @ 7:00pm
Middletown Arts Center
36 Church Street, Middletown, NJ 07748
category: music


 

Zeppelin

Zeppelin Reimagined

Wednesday, July 30, 2025 @ 7:30pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
100 South Street, Morristown, NJ 07960
category: music


 

Rick

Rick Estrin & The Nightcats

Wednesday, July 30, 2025 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ 08087
category: music


 

Deadgrass

Deadgrass

Thursday, July 31, 2025 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ 08087
category: music


 

Richard

Richard Baratta

Saturday, August 02, 2025 @ 7:30pm
The Morris Museum Back Deck
6 Normandy Heights Road, Morristown, NJ 07960
category: music