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

This Week in Music: Previews for Concerts from January 27 to February 2, 2026

Here is a look at shows taking place from January 27 to February 2, 2026 along with our featured listings and a look at some upcoming shows. New Jersey Stage offers previews of concerts throughout the Garden State as well as select shows in New York City and Philadelphia areas.

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Makin Waves Song of the Week: "The Death of Renee Good" by Bruce Tunkel

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Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites... 01/22/2026

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This Week in Music: Previews for Concerts from January 20-26, 2026

 

MORE NEWS

Lily Vakili to Release Live In-Studio EP, "Live Wire"

(NEW YORK, NY) -- Building on the success of her 2025 full-length release Oceans Of Kansas and tour, comes Lily Vakili's first live EP, Live Wire out May 8, 2026, an in-studio, live audio and video recording of songs named for what fans and critics alike say is a perfect description of her charismatic performance style.

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The Newton Theatre presents Dar Williams

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The Landis Theater presents BOSTYX - The Ultimate Boston & STYX Tribute Band on Friday

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The Broadway Theatre of Pitman presents Born This Way - A Lady Gaga Tribute show on Thursday

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ParkStage announces first concerts: Sublime, The Head and The Heart, and The B-52s

 

UPCOMING SHOWS

BBD Rhythm & Blues Band are 'Keeping the Blues Alive'

(OLD BRIDGE, NJ) -- People Get Ready for the 'Keeping the Blues Alive' 2026 Tour, featuring the BBD Rhythm & Blues Band. They have two shows in January - Sammy D's Bar Wine & Spirits in Old Bridge on Saturday, January 24th and Lizzie Rose Music Room in Tuckerton on Friday, January 30, 2026. Additional shows run throughout February.

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The Broadway Theatre of Pitman presents Born This Way - A Lady Gaga Tribute show on Thursday

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People Get Ready: A "Blues & Rock 'N' Roll Summit" is coming to Lizzie Rose Music Room featuring Glenn Alexander & Shadowland plus James JB Barnes & The JB Blues Band

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Prudential Center presents Rascal Flatts with Openers Lauren Alaina and Chris Lane