By Lazlo
originally published: 07/24/2023
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 releases by The Make Three, Kate Ortiz, Lupe Dragon, Cyclone Static, Jon Caspi & The First Gun, The Cucumbers, and Ruby Bones. Plus a look back at Outcry's "On and On".
The Make Three - "You, Me & The Make Three". What do you get when you combine members of local bands The Brixton Riot and The Anderson Council? You get the debut from The Make Three, "You, Me & The Make Three". It is indie-punk meets power-pop and garage rock, and to my ears that is auditory bliss!
Kate Ortiz - "A Really Fun Song About Wanting To Die". There is a lot of false advertising out there, but Kate Ortiz's new single is not. "A Really Fun Song About Wanting To Die", is exactly that!
Lupe Dragon - "Attached". Lupe Dragon's latest single, "Attached", lyrically sounds like a very personal song, but it also has a beat and music that makes it a party anthem too!
Cyclone Static - "Cave Pop". "Cave Pop" is the energetic new EP from Cyclone Static. The four songs on it are punk infused power-pop to the Nth degree! What does that mean? Listen and find out.
Jon Caspi & The First Gun - "My Best Shot". If we were playing "Never Have I Ever" and you said, "Never have I ever heard Jon Caspi & The First Gun use a stylophone in a song", I would have to take a drink because their peppy new tune, "My Best Shot", utilizes the instrument to great effect!
The Cucumbers - "Old Shoes". "So dependable and true, Just like a pair of old shoes", is a line from the title track of The Cucumbers latest release, "Old Shoes", but also describes their music to a T. The Cucumbers have been a legendary part of the New Jersey music scene since the 1980's, and "Old Shoes" is just another high quality acoustic-indie-rock release from them that wraps around me like a warm blanket on a cold day.
Ruby Bones - "Really Good Time". Is it too cheesy to say I had a really good time listening to Ruby Bones new single, "Really Good Time"?
Well I'm saying it anyway, because I did. It is a fun tune with some playful sax.
Not New, But Memorable Corner
Outcry - "On and On". Ah, the 90's... so much grunge rock... and yet, Asbury Park's Outcry thrived locally, and even gained some traction nationally, with a decidedly non-grunge rock sound. Influenced by artists like U2, The Police, and Prince (whose songs they often covered during live shows), they had both songwriting chops and electrifying live energy. They released an EP, "Wentworth", and a full length, "This Side Of Anywhere" (which was self released and then re-released by Eureka Records). The song "On & On" was on both releases, and was a fan favorite.
Side note: Outcry indirectly led to BlowUpRadio.com, but that is a longer story I have told elsewhere, possibly in an interview on the "About Us" page on BlowUpRadio.com)
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
EVENT PREVIEWS
Albert Music Hall presents Pineystock on Sunday
(WARETOWN, NJ) -- Albert Music Hall will be filled with peace, pickin' and harmonies on Sunday, August 9, 2026 as Pineystock returns for a "far out" afternoon celebrating the sounds and spirit of the late 1960s and early 1970s.
The Newton Theatre presents Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives on August 12th
(NEWTON, NJ) -- The Newton Theatre presents Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at 7:00pm. In a career spanning over 50 years, dozens of albums, and too many shows to count, Marty Stuart charts a course through new territory at every chance possible.
BoDeans - 40th Anniversary Tour comes to Newton Theatre in August
(NEWTON, NJ) -- BoDeans are celebrating the 40th anniversary of their critically acclaimed debut album, Love & Hope & Sex & Dreams, in 2026. In honor of the anniversary, the band has a special tour planned which comes to The Newton Theatre on Friday, August 14, 2026 at 8:00pm.
Music Box at the Borgata presents The Marshall Tucker Band on August 14th
(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- Music Box at the Borgata presents The Marshall Tucker Band on Friday, August 14, 2026 at 7:30pm.
Christone "Kingfish" Ingram to Headline 2026 Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Christone "Kingfish" Ingram has been announced as the headliner for the 2026 Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival. The free festival will be held on Saturday, August 15th on the Green. The music begins at noon and runs until 10:00pm. The lineup also includes James Langton New York All-Star Big Band, Richard Baratta Gotham City Latin/Jazz Septet, LaBamba and the Hubcaps, and Dylan Triplett.
The Newton Theatre presents Supernova: A Tribute to Oasis on August 15th
(NEWTON, NJ) -- Supernova: A Tribute to Oasis comes to The Newton Theatre on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at 8:00pm. They are an Oasis tribute band obsessed with recreating the raw energy, intensity and swagger of a real Oasis gig.
Rob Garrett's Neil Diamond: The Tribute comes to Atlantic City
(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- The Grand at Golden Nugget Atlantic City presents Rob Garrett's Neil Diamond Tribute on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at 8:00pm. The longtime Las Vegas performer has been called "the best of the best" when it comes to tribute acts.
Showboat Resorts Garden Pier hosts RE-WIND 69' Music Festival
(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- The inaugural RE-WIND 69' Music Festival at Showboat Resorts Garden Pier takes place August 14-16, 2026 - the anniversary weekend of the original Woodstock 1969 festival. This is a spectacular revival of a moment in American history when music united generations, healed communities, and sparked cultural change. For three unforgettable days, Atlantic City becomes a living time capsule, bringing the spirit of Woodstock and 1969 back to life through world-class recreations of the now legendary musical performances by a dynamic mix of New Jersey musicians along with national and international touring acts.
Widespread Panic to Play Three Nights at Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena
(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- Widespread Panic is taking over Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena for three nights from August 14-16, 2026 with shows at 8:00pm each night. The popular jam band has been together over three decades. Tickets are available for each show individually or as a 3-Day Pass.
The Temptations to Bring the Motor City to the Ocean City Boardwalk on August 18th
(OCEAN CITY, NJ) -- Legendary Motown group The Temptations look to continue their celebrated touring schedule with a summer stop at America's Greatest Family Resort, Ocean City, New Jersey on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. The Rock & Roll Hall of Famers and multiple GRAMMY Award winners celebrate more than six decades of hits with their acclaimed live performances, remain one of the most enduring and influential groups in American popular music. Renowned worldwide for their signature harmonies, impeccable choreography, and an iconic catalog of timeless hits, their legacy continues to span generations.
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