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
Sinatra Celebration Concert To Swing in Ocean Grove This June
(OCEAN GROVE, NJ) -- Sinatra Celebration Concert, a theatrical special event to honor the legendary career of musical icon Frank Sinatra, is being presented by producer Karen Morris of Sand Castle Communications and The Rat Pack Music Alliance.
Broadcast Legend Sid Mark to be Remembered at Ocean Grove Event on June 7th
(OCEAN GROVE, NJ) -- Sid Mark, the popular and iconic radio host, sadly passed away four years ago, on April 18th, 2022. Sid’s son Brian Mark, Executive Producer of Orange Productions' nationally syndicated radio program The Sounds of Sinatra with Sid Mark, will be a very special host/guest speaker, at a musical event which will highlight the legacy of his father and celebrate the 70th Anniversary of The Sounds of Sinatra broadcast program.
Prudential Center presents Mexican superstar Carín León on June 7th
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Mexican superstar Carín León entered a bold new chapter of his acclaimed career with the release of Muda - his new studio album and one of the most eclectic of his catalog. See for yourself when he performs at the Prudential Center on Sunday, June 7, 2026. Showtime is 8:00pm.
Greater Princeton Youth Orchestra presents "Music in Bloom" on June 7th
(PRINCETON, NJ) -- The Greater Princeton Youth Orchestra (GPYO) will present its Spring Concert, Music in Bloom, on Sunday, June 7, 2026 at Richardson Auditorium on the Princeton University campus. The performance will feature GPYO's top ensembles in a dynamic program of orchestral works by Beethoven, Mozart, Tchaikovsky, Andrew Lloyd Webber, and John Philip Sousa. Showtime is 3:00pm.
The Vogel presents Jeffrey Gaines & Josh Joplin on June 7th
(RED BANK, NJ) -- The Vogel presents Jeffrey Gaines & Josh Joplin on Sunday, June 7, 2026 at 7:00pm. NOTE: This show was originally scheduled for May 14. All tickets will be honored on the new date.
Orion Weiss Returns to South Jersey on June 7th
(SEWELL, NJ) -- Music at Bunker Hill welcomes pianist Orion Weiss in his third appearance on their series on Sunday, June 7, 2026 at 3:00pm. Weiss is a "brilliant pianist" (The New York Times) with "powerful technique and exceptional insight" (The Washington Post).
Mahwah Museum to host Les Paul 111th Birthday Celebration: "The Les Paul & Mary Ford Tribute Show with Tom & Sandy Doyle" on June 7th
(MAHWAH, NJ) -- Raise a toast to a legend. Celebrate Les Paul's 111th birthday with an unforgettable Les Paul & Mary Ford Tribute at The Mahwah Museum performed by Tom & Sandy Doyle on Saturday, June 7, 2026 at 2:00pm. Cake will be served as they toast the birthday.
Anderson Brothers to Play 'Best of Berlin' at June Jersey Jazz LIVE! Concert in Madison
(MADISON, NJ) -- In March 2025, multireedists (and twin brothers) Will and Peter Anderson released an album on the Arbors Records label entitled The Best of Berlin, performing 13 tunes composed by Irving Berlin.
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.
MORE EVENTS
Click on the listing to bring up its webpage
