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!
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
EVENT PREVIEWS
Telegraph Quartet to Perform on the Morris Museum's Back Deck to Kick Off Its Celebrated Summer Outdoor Concerts Series
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- On Thursday, June 11, 2026, the Telegraph Quartet will return to perform for the Morris Museum's seventh annual Back Deck season. This outdoor concert series began during the pandemic, and The New York Times describes it as "Live Music Splendor in a Parking Lot." Showtime is 7:30pm.
Carteret PAC presents Jo Dee Messina
(CARTERET, NJ) -- Chart-topping country music icon Jo Dee Messina will perform at The URSB Carteret Performing Arts and Events Center on Friday, June 12, 2026. Messina is known for her powerful vocals and extensive catalog including nine number-one hits, 16 Top 40 songs, and awards and nominations from the ACM, CMA, AMA, Billboard, and the Grammys. Showtime is 8:000pm.
SOPAC to Celebrate 20th Anniversary with Gala 20: Featuring Max Weinberg's Jukebox
(SOUTH ORANGE, NJ) -- The South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) will celebrate its 20th Anniversary on Friday, June 12, 2026 with Gala 20: Featuring Max Weinberg's Jukebox — a venue-wide celebration from 5:00pm–11:00pm.
Trenton City Museum presents Art & Song: A Musical Gallery on June 12th
(TRENTON, NJ) -- Trenton City Museum presents the concert Art & Song: A Musical Gallery on Friday, June 12, 2026 at 6:30pm. Versatile vocalists Tom Chiola and Pam Jorgensen, accompanied by the George Sinkler Trio, will delight audience members with selections from Broadway, Blues, Jazz, and more. Transformed into a stylish jazz café, the museum will also provide delicious food and beverages amid the art of the just-opened Ellarslie Open 43 exhibition. Doors will open at 6:00pm.
French Montana to Headline Grand Opening of Dream Live Performing Arts Center
(EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ) -- American Dream will celebrate the region's opening World Cup match between Brazil and Morocco with the debut of its newest venue, the Dream Live Performing Arts Center, with a postgame concert by French Montana on June 13, 2026 at 9:00pm.
Sergio Mendes' Wife, Gracinha Leporace, Brings His 'Best Band Ever' to New Jersey
Sixty years ago, Herb Alpert Presents Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66 (A&M Records) emerged as both a masterful artistic statement and a major commercial breakthrough album. The record helped introduce the sophisticated rhythms and cool elegance of Brazilian bossa nova and samba to a truly global audience, blending Brazilian musical traditions with American pop, jazz, and contemporary studio production and repertoire.
Marc Ribler & Friends to perform Paul McCartney birthday tribute "When I'm 84" at Axelrod PAC
(DEAL, NJ) -- As a tribute to Sir Paul McCartney's upcoming 84th birthday in June, Jersey Shore musician Marc Ribler has put together an all-star lineup to perform "When I'm 84" at the Axelrod Performing Arts Center on Saturday, June 13 and Sunday, June 14, 2026.
Levoy Theatre presents Paul Thorn on June 18th
(MILLVILLE, NJ) -- The Levoy Theatre presents Paul Thorn on Thursday, June 18, 2026 at 7:30pm. When it comes to songwriting, less is more, and simplicity is strength. Just ask Paul Thorn, who’s spent three decades turning soulful grooves and small syllables into songs that pack a big wallop.
Erin Harpe & Countryman Jim Bring Award-Nominated Country Blues to Lizzie Rose Music Room on June 18th
(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- Award-nominated country blues duo Erin Harpe & Countryman Jim will bring their captivating blend of traditional country blues, folk, and Americana to the Lizzie Rose Music Room on Thursday, June 18, 2026 at 7:30pm.
The Black Crowes and Whiskey Myers to Perform at Prudential Center
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Genre-defying rock legends The Black Crowes bring their massive co-headlining Southern Hospitality Tour with modern rock's boundary-pushing powerhouse Whiskey Myers to Prudential Center in Newark on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 8:00pm.
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