James Deely is an artist from New Jersey who has spent the last few decades on the west coast. The Valiants were a popular Jersey Shore band in the 1980s and it was great to see him start releasing music on a regular basis again in the 2010s.

This album has some of the best songs of his career. Tracks like "Beneath These Dreams", "A Harder Road", "Nashville's Finest" and "The Last Ride" evoke memories of the 80s while seeming modern as well. It's a combination that is found on all of his recent releases. Thankfully, he remembered to include some sax. He may have left Jersey, but Jersey never left him :)

This would be his last album with Paul Ford of the Valiants who passed away far too soon. It also includes performances by the late Kevin Kavanaugh of Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes fame.

Here are two more tracks to check out

 

COLUMNS

Makin Waves Song of the Week: "New Years at the Airport" by Yawn Mower

The Makin Waves Song of the Week is "New Years at the Airport" from Yawn Mower's brand new sophomore LP, "I Just Can't Wait to Die," on Mint 400 Records.

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Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites...8/28/25

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This Week in Music: Previews for Concerts from August 26 to September 1, 2025

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BlowUpRadio.com's New & Notable NJ Music 8/25/25

 

MORE NEWS

The Scottish Rite Auditiorium presents The Orchestra starring former members of the Electric Light Orchestra and ELO Part II

(COLLINGSWOOD, NJ) -- The Scottish Rite Auditiorium presents The Orchestra starring former members of the Electric Light Orchestra and ELO Part II on Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at 7:30pm.

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Simple Plan's Bigger Than You Think! Tour Proves Growing Up Was Never the Plan

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Leigh Pilzer: Hearing the Basie Band was Like 'a Bolt from the Blue'

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Makin Waves with Laurie Berkner: Exciting Kids' Imaginations 

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Bell Theater presents Late For The Sky - Jackson Browne Tribute

 

UPCOMING SHOWS

An Interview with Vinnie Amico from moe.

Buffalo, NY based jamband moe. has toured throughout the U.S. and internationally. This year, moe. is celebrating its 35th anniversary. Through ups and downs, moe. serves as a cornerstone of their musical genre and has triumphantly been on the road in support of their recent studio release, "Circle of Giants". I recently caught up with Vinnie Amico (drummer) on location at People Fest in Hillsboro, WI.

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Steve Forbert to Play Two Shows in New Jersey

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Makin Waves with Laurie Berkner: Exciting Kids' Imaginations 

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Bruce Springsteen Archives & Center for American Music presents Born to Run - A Jersey Shore Celebration Concert