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Hall of Fame:
1983-present

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Michelle Shocked
"Short Sharp Shocked"

Released in 1988

Michelle Shocked is a singer-songwriter from Texas. Her debut album, "Short Sharp Shocked" is utterly brilliant. Led by the massive hit "Anchorage", my favorites include "Memories of East Texas", "Hello Hopeville" and "If Love Was a Train".

She has had a horrible time dealing with bootleg records throughout her career - one was even released nationally without her permission. Due to her past and the limited royalties paid out to artists online, Michelle has removed her work from all online sites. Instead of embedding a copy uploaded by a fan, I'm respecting her wishes and encouraging people to buy a copy of this album if they ever see it in a record store. It's one of the best albums of the 1980s imo.






 

COLUMNS


Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Body Cast" by Tiny Cities

The Makin Waves Song of the Week is "Body Cast," the latest video from the North Jersey dynamic duo Tiny Cities.




Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites... 07/09/2026




This Week in Music: Previews for Concerts from July 7-13, 2026




BlowUpRadio.com's New & Notable NJ Music 7/6/26








 

MORE NEWS

(RED BANK, NJ) -- The Count Basie Center for the Arts added two more honorees to its Walk of Fame on Friday, July 10, 2026, inducting Fred Schneider and Kate Pierson of The B-52s and Dramarama during a special ceremony outside the historic venue in Red Bank.


The U.S. Army Field Band and Soldiers’ Chorus LIVE! at PNC Bank Arts Center




New Jersey's Deardarkhead releases 'The Pendulum Swings', their first album in 26 years




Progressive Rock Ensemble Jane Getter Premonition Releases New Album "Transmogrify"




Theo Bleak Releases Reimagined Cover of "We Will Not Be Lovers" by The Waterboys








 

UPCOMING SHOWS


MPAC Announces Free Summer Concert Lineup for 2026

(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Mayo Performing Arts Center's Arts in the Community free summer concert schedule for 2026 has been announced. MPAC will present six free concerts between June and August. The lineup includes the return of three of their most popular events – Bollywood Dance Party, Country Line Dancing and Salsa at Sunset, as well as singer-songwriters, and more.


2026-27 Season Preview: Split Level Concerts at Jersey Shore Arts Center




MPAC's Summer 2026 Preview




2026 Maplewoodstock Music + Art Festival to Take Place July 11-12