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 BreakTime, The Martyr, The Funky JC's, Joe P, A Ghostly Heart, and Latewaves. Plus a look back at "Nurture" by Cuppa Joe.
BreakTime - "Specials". BreakTime's second album, "Specials", is another special collection of fun retro 60's tunes (think early Beatles meets Beach Boys).
Fun fact: Listening to "Specials" produces the same amount of serotonin as a day's worth of sunlight*
(* this statement has not been scientifically proven)
The Martyr - "Jackrabbit". The band formerly known as The Last Martyr, return with a new name & single, but still kick-ass as a punk infused metal band. Here is hoping that The Martyr's single, "Jackrabbit", is far from the last we will hear from this high energy band.
The Funky JC's - "Greetings From The Funky JC's". "Greetings From The Funky JC's" showcases 7 funky, jazz-rock tunes, plus a unique take on Madonna's "Crazy For You". Don't sleep on The Funky JC's. Honestly it is impossible for me to sleep during their music as they make me get up on my feet and dance... badly... I am not a good dancer. But that is not the point. Go check their music out!
Joe P - "Don't Wanna Love U". "Don't Wanna Love U" may be the name of Joe P's new single, but if you love anthemic alt-pop there is a good chance you will love this song.
A Ghostly Heart - "A Ghostly Heart". The self-titled debut album from the former front man for Meet Me In Montauk, Andrew Golburn, new project, A Ghostly Heart, is 13 excellent mid-tempo modern rock songs. While it was well worth the wait, I hope we don't have to wait more than 15 years for the new release from a Golburn project.
Latewaves - "Italian Smokes". "Italian Smokes" is the first single from Latewaves forthcoming self-titled LP. I haven't heard the rest of the album yet, but this song is an indie-rock anthem that makes me want to hear more. And the video is a nice snapshot of their touring life.
Not New, But Memorable Corner
Cuppa Joe - "Nurture". This album pre-dates BlowUpRadio.com, which was established in 2000. Cuppa Joe'e "Nurture" came out in 1994, during my college radio days. Here we are nearly 30 years later and the album is still an outstanding collection of indie-pop tunes. In particular, "Broken Arms", is an earworm that I find rattling around in my head frequently.
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
