By Lazlo
originally published: 09/16/2024
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 Dodgeball, John Gilman, Wiser Time, Tiny Ships, Sean Faust, Nick and the Leg Heavy Boys, Ali Zanders, and nobody anonymous. Plus a look back at "Start of Something Good" by The Extras, Inc.
Dodgeball - "missing pieces." Late 90's/early 00's power-pop-punk band Dodgeball reunite (sans drummer Terry Cook, who passed away in 2016) 25 years after first coming together at the New Jersey shore to record some fan favorites as well as 2 brand new songs. "missing pieces." is a blast! I hope this is not the last new music we'll hear from Dodgeball.
John Gilman - "Matchsticks". I was unfamiliar with John Gilman going into listening to his new album, "Matchsticks", (I have since found out he was a contestant on the Voice several years ago), so I did not know what to expect. What I got to hear is a wonderful collection of "rock" songs. I put "rock" in quotation marks, because John Gilman masterfully mines different styles from the past. There is a lot of catchy, upbeat, pop rock, but there is also some rockabilly, and classic country rock. Very enjoyable album.
Wiser Time - "All Fired Up". Any time there is new music from Wiser Time I am "All Fired Up" to hear it, so that is an appropriate title for this 7 song collection. You'd never know Carmen Sclafani (professionally known as Wiser Time) is from New Jersey from his music, as he is a master of Southern-Blues-Soul-Rock. The release kicks off with some rockers, before giving us some soulful balladry.
Tiny Ships - "PEEK". Modern Rock/Post-Hardcore band Tony Ships' debut release, "PEEK", is a powerful 7 song debut!
Sean Faust - "Status Quo Radio". Sean Faust fans may recognize the song "Status Quo Radio" as one he's been performing live for several years, but this new release marks the first studio recording of the song and it is a lovely lament. The title might make you think it is about the state of commercial radio, but Sean's Bandcamp page notes that this is "A look at society's addiction to social media, staring at screens, and familiarity."
Nick and the Leg Heavy Boys - "Stoned". The first new single from Nick and the Leg Heavy Boys in a while shows a more 70's hard rock sound than their previous music, and I freaking love it!
Ali Zanders - "earthquake". About halfway through Ali Zanders' new single, "earthquake", there is a vocal harmony breakdown that made the hairs on my arm stand up, it is just magical. The rest of the song is just as powerful, musically and lyrically... Ali describes the song as being about "when your emotions feels bigger than you."
nobody anonymous - "The Demos Part I". "The Demos Part I"... these are demos? The 2 "demos" on nobody anonymous' release are incredible pop rock songs!
Not New, But Memorable Corner
The Extras, Inc. - "Start of Something Good". When Dodgeball (see review above) originally broke up in the early 00's, bassist Pete Jager moved over to vocals and guitar and formed The Extras, Inc. The band put out several releases of punk rock, with pop & folk overtones. One of my favorite songs, from 2012's "The Long Way", is "Start of Something Good". I think Pete once introduced this song as being a sad song, and I strongly disagree. The song is a jangly, upbeat tune, whose chorus says, "It’s the end of the beginning, it’s the beginning of the end, All I know, it’s the start of something good.", which to me sounds like you're moving on from a bad time in your life, or situation, to "something good". Few people who know me would call me an optimist, but dammit, I think this song is optimistic. Listen for yourself and you be the judge.
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 at https://gardenstate.social/@BlowUpRadio
EVENT PREVIEWS
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.
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.
Prudential Center presents Reggae stars Beres Hammond and Beenie Man on August 20th
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Newark will see a night of reggae's best when Beres Hammond and Beenie Man perform live at Prudential Center on Saturday, August 20, 2026 at 8:00pm. Experience the artistry of Beres Hammond, one of Jamaica's most esteemed vocalists, as he graces the stage with Marcia Griffiths and Baby Cham. It will be an exceptional evening featuring the captivating performances of reggae music, showcasing soulful melodies and heartfelt expressions.
MPAC presents Glen Burtnik's Summer of Love Concert on August 20th
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Relive the memories, share the spirit and celebrate the songs of the Woodstock Generation when Glen Burtnik's Summer of Love concert comes to Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) on Thursday, August 20, 2026 at 8:00pm.
Middletown Arts Center presents an Indoor Summer Nights Singer-Songwriter Showcase on August 20th
(MIDDLETOWN, NJ) -- The Middletown Arts Center invites music lovers to an Indoor Summer Nights Concert: Singer/Songwriter Showcase on Thursday, August 20, 2026 in the MAC Theater. Enjoy an evening of original music and exceptional live performances from some of New Jersey’s talented singer-songwriters, including Shotgun Bill, Dan Toye, Christian Beach, Michael Brett, Erika Sherger, Frank Patrouch, Jim Crawford, Roger Gardella, Kevin Liebkemann, and Stu Coogan. Showtime is 7:00pm.
51st NJ Clearwater Festival to Take Place August 22-23 in Asbury Park
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- New Jersey Friends of Clearwater is proud to announce the 51st NJ Clearwater Festival, taking place on August 22-23, 2026, at Bradley Park in Asbury Park, NJ, directly across from the boardwalk at Convention Hall. Hours: Saturday, 12:00pm-10:00pm; Sunday, 11:00am-7:00pm.
Hunterdon Hills Playhouse presents Vegas Country Show
(HAMPTON, NJ) -- Hunterdon Hills Playhouse presents Vegas Country Show August 21-23, 2026. Get ready for a night of country hits, high energy, and pure star power as Vegas Country brings the music of Shania Twain and Tim McGraw to life.
WBJB's Songwriters on the Beach series presents Nicole Atkins on August 27th
(BRADLEY BEACH, NJ) -- WBJB's Songwriters on the Beach presents Nicole Atkins on Thursday, August 27, 2026 at 7:00pm. Cory Blair will open the night. The free outdoor concert takes place at the Newark Avenue Beach in Bradley Beach. ** The show was rescheduled from July 16th due to the Air Quality Alert issued across New Jersey.
FEATURED EVENTS
