New Jersey Stage logo
New Jersey Stage Menu



 

BlowUpRadio.com's New & Notable NJ Music: 9/26/22


By Lazlo

originally published: 09/26/2022


 

Lazlo, founder of BlowUpRadio.com (an online 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 releases by 9fm, Joe Juliano, Jon Caspi & The First Gun, Yawn Mower, Plus Tax, The Smithereens, Taser Video, and Old Smile.

9fm - "Uh Huh Yeah Okay".  "Shoulda stuck to songs for Twilight Zone," says the title track of the two new songs from 9fm, who used to solely write songs based around Twilight Zone stories. I think he is doing exactly what he need to do as, "uh huh yeah okay", may in fact be my favorite 9fm song yet, and the b-side, "Too Big a Fire", is also now amongst my favorites from Jarrod Pedone's project. Also, all proceeds from uh huh yeah okay will be donated to relief efforts for victims of Hurricane Fiona.

Joe Juliano - "Fantasies". Joe Juliano's latest single is a beautiful ballad lamenting that fantasies don't come true.

Jon Caspi & The First Gun - "The Studio 650 Sessions". Recorded live in studio, this album manages to capture the band's live energy on some of Jon Caspi & The First Gun's most rocking tunes, along with covers of The Misfits, Black Flag, and The Greg Kihn Band. Rock on!

Yawn Mower - "To Each Their Own Coat". Yawn Mover have been around 7 years, but this is somehow their first full length album. It also breaks the mold of their typical fuzz-rock sound, adding soundscapes that broaden their sound and add to their awesomeness!




Promote your shows at New Jersey Stage! Click here for info



 

Plus Tax - "Plus Tax". I don't know anything about Plus Tax. Their Bandcamp page was all I could find and it had no bio or anything other than the 9 songs that make up their self-titled debut. But I do hope the band finds this review and knows how much I enjoyed this modern rock album, that I think may have been influenced by bands like Dinosaur Jr. and Screaming Trees.

The Smithereens - "The Lost Album". Look, you shouldn't need me to tell you who The Smithereens are, but in short, they are masters of Power-Pop since the 1980's. This "new" album was recorded in the fall of 1993, which means it features the late Pat DiNizio on vocals. By their own admission, "The Lost Album remains only 80 percent finished and rough mixed." Their 80 percent is better than most's 100 percent. I happily put this into my Smithereens album collection right next to their other classics.

 

Taser Video - "Kennedy" [single]. If it was the early 00's this type of indie-alt rock with hooks & background harmonies would have been a radio hit. I still love it, and it should still be a radio hit (it will be on BlowupRadio.com)! 

Old Smile - "Name" [single]. The new Old Smile single "Name", evokes (to me at least) the melancholia of a latter day Lennon/McCartney tune. it is perfect accompaniment for the colder fall season descending upon us.

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




Promote your shows at New Jersey Stage! Click here for info



 


 

EVENT PREVIEWS

NJPAC

NJPAC presents An Evening with Kem, aka "Soul's Greatness"

(NEWARK, NJ) -- KEM, known as Soul's Greatness, will perform at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) on Friday, July 18, 2025. KEM's passion for music and the emotions he brings to life on stages worldwide have been a part of him since childhood, when he played the old piano at his grandfather's church. Showtime is 8:00pm.



Newton

Newton Theatre presents The Ultimate Queen Celebration

(NEWTON, NJ) -- The Ultimate Queen Celebration comes to The Newton Theatre on Friday, July 18, 2025. The band features vocalist Yvan Pedneault (endorsed by Queen) and backed by some of the finest musicians on the scene who have toured with the likes of Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Rock of Ages, Cher and more. Doors are at 7:00pm, showtime is 8:00pm.



NJPAC

NJPAC presents KEM with special guest Melania Fiona

(NEWARK, NJ) -- New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) presents a special evening with KEM, known as Soul's Greatness, on Friday, July 18, 2025 at 8:00pm. Special guest Melanie Fiona will open the night.



Jazz

Jazz Concert at Trenton City Museum will Feature the Joe Baione Vibraphone Experience

(TRENTON, NJ) -- Trenton City Museum will present a free jazz concert Friday, July 18, 2025 at the museum's Ellarslie Mansion in Cadwalader Park. Featuring world-renowned vibraphonist Joe Baione, the Joe Baione Vibraphone Experience is the first group to perform in a series of jazz events leading up to the museum's 2026 TRENTON MAKES JAZZ exhibition, in collaboration with the City of Trenton.



Blues

Blues Traveler and Gin Blossoms to Play Tour with Spin Doctors

(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- Multi-platinum rock legends Blues Traveler and Gin Blossoms have joined forces for an electrifying co-headlining summer tour. Currently headlining The 90s Cruise at sea, the bands behind iconic hits like "Run-Around" and "Hey Jealousy" have announced a 30-date tour set to kick off on Friday, July 4 at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Locally, the tour comes to Ocean Casino Resort's Ovation Hall on Saturday, July 19, 2025.



FEATURED EVENTS

ART | COMEDY | DANCE | FILM | MUSIC | THEATRE | COMMUNITY

To narrow results by date range, categories,
or region of New Jersey
click here for our advanced search.


Jax

Jax Hollow

Saturday, July 19, 2025 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ 08087
category: music


 

A

A Night of Worship with Bishop William Murphy - Live in Concert!

Saturday, July 19, 2025 @ 7:00pm
New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC)
11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
category: music


 

Joanna

Joanna Connor

Tuesday, July 22, 2025 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ 08087
category: music


 

Lynette

Lynette Sheard - ​​​​​​​Gatsby Reimagined

Thursday, July 24, 2025 @ 7:30pm
The Morris Museum Back Deck
6 Normandy Heights Road, Morristown, NJ 07960
category: music


 

Back

Back to the Eighties Show with Jessie’s Girl

Thursday, July 24, 2025 @ 7:30pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
100 South Street, Morristown, NJ 07960
category: music