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 with this column. This week Lazlo takes a look at new releases by Night Windows; Bionic Rhoda; The Mighty Alrighty; Danello, The Sad Surfer; Wiser Time; and Mars Kushi. Plus a look back at "Hot Town" by Chris Rockwell.
Night Windows - "Josie (feat. Love? said the Commander)". "Josie", the new single from Night Windows (feat. Love? said the Commander), may be under 90 seconds long, but the song says so much, in such a beautiful way, in that time.
I'll let Night Windows explain: "Inspired by an NPR article that followed a 16-year-old transgender teen who moved from Florida to Rhode Island to escape state-level restrictions on gender-affirming care and LGBTQ+ expression. The story highlights the emotional strain of separation from her parents and the severe impact of anti-trans legislation on youth mental health, contrasting her former environment with a more supportive school experience in her new state.
Released in June to celebrate Pride Month, all proceeds go to Salem County Pride+. The mission of Salem County Pride+ is to provide support, resources, representation, and a safe space for the LGBTQIA+ community and promote human rights of all people in Salem County, New Jersey."
Bionic Rhoda - "Laid". I did not expect a new single from Bionic Rhoda, but there it was on Bandcamp the other day. "Laid" shows that this band that started 30 years ago, is still putting out amazing indie-alt-rock.
The song is available for name your price, but if you can throw a few dollars there way it would be a great help to their guitarist Anthony Ilczuk who is fighting lung cancer and going through chemo. A benefit happened this past weekend at Pino's (Highland Park) for him. You may be able to find some more info on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/bionicrhoda
The Mighty Alrighty - "Necessary Disaster". I'm told it took three and a half years for The Mighty Alrighty to release their latest opus, "Necessary Disaster". Considering it took Guns N Roses over a decade to complete and release "Chinese Democracy", The Mighty Alrighty can almost release three albums in that same time frame.
Despite the name, The Mighty Alrighty's album is not at all a disaster, but I would call it necessary listening. Their self named "apartment rock" music style is mid-tempo catchy alternative-pop.
And lucky track 13 album is the perfect anthem for these crazy times we are living through, "Party At The End Of The World"
Danello, The Sad Surfer - "Danello, The Sad Surfer III". Are you ready for Sad Surfer Summer?
Danello, The Sad Surfer's third album, "Danello, The Sad Surfer III", is the perfect fun, power-pop/indie-pop album for your summer activities. The album includes the summer earworm, "Jersey Shore" (which was originally released as a single last November), along with 7 other catchy tunes.
Wiser Time - "There's A Change A Comin'". I've been a long time fan of Wiser Time's music, but Carmen Sclafani's project's latest release, "There's A Change A Comin'", is something special. It is a modern folk album, it is personal, intimate, and powerful. Put on some big headphones, turn the lights off, and enjoy.
Mars Kushi - "ONLY LOVE". I have "ONLY LOVE" for Mars Kushi's latest release. Seven songs that runs the gambit from hip-hop to R&B soul to acoustic balladry, this is Kushi's strongest album to date, and I like to think a foreshadowing of what it is yet to come.
Not New, But Memorable Corner
Chris Rockwell - "Hot Town". Flipping through the radio dial the other day I heard The Lovin Spoonful's "Summer In The City", a song which since 2007 always makes me think of Chris Rockwell. That was the year Chris Rockwell released his first EP, "No Relation To Norman". The first song I remember playing on BlowUpRadio.com from that EP was, "Hot Town", which sampled the Lovin Spoonful song, but more importantly, showcased a promising beginning of Chris Rockwell's alternative-hip-hop, which continues to impress me with every new release.
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 (and bridged on BlueSky)
