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Pop Rocks Radio
United States
Приєднався 10 лип 2023
Welcome to Pop Rocks Radio, your channel for all things Power Pop. Our mission is to shine a spotlight on both classic and emerging bands within this electrifying genre, providing a unique blend of insight, history, and musical exploration.
From the iconic hooks of the '70s to the catchy melodies of the latest bands, we dive deep into the world of Power Pop. Our Pop Rock Shorts bring you up close with your favorite artists, uncovering their stories and inspirations. We also introduce you to the fresh faces on the scene, giving you a first look at the new wave of Power Pop talent.
Whether you're a longtime fan of bands like Big Star and Raspberries, or you're just starting to discover the allure of Power Pop, there's something for everyone here. So join us on this journey through the vibrant world of Power Pop, where the hooks are tight, the melodies are catchy, and the music is forever captivating.
Remember to hit that subscribe button and tap the bell for notifications!
From the iconic hooks of the '70s to the catchy melodies of the latest bands, we dive deep into the world of Power Pop. Our Pop Rock Shorts bring you up close with your favorite artists, uncovering their stories and inspirations. We also introduce you to the fresh faces on the scene, giving you a first look at the new wave of Power Pop talent.
Whether you're a longtime fan of bands like Big Star and Raspberries, or you're just starting to discover the allure of Power Pop, there's something for everyone here. So join us on this journey through the vibrant world of Power Pop, where the hooks are tight, the melodies are catchy, and the music is forever captivating.
Remember to hit that subscribe button and tap the bell for notifications!
Ten Killer Songs For Your Halloween Party Playlist!
Welcome to Pop Rocks Radio! Looking for some killer Halloween party songs for your playlist? These ten rock 'n' roll Halloween Party Songs will set the mood perfectly, blending spooky vibes with energetic beats. From rock, new wave, punk, and power pop, this Halloween party soundtrack will have your guests grooving all night long.
And if you like these videos and would like to see more, please like, subscribe, and hit that notification bell so you never miss an episode!
00:00 Introduction
00:44 Ghosts of New Wave Past
01:22 Monsters in the Garage
01:42 Ghoul Rock Riot
02:05 Dance of the Vampires
02:28 Mashin’ With Monsters
03:00 Spooky Sonic Dream
03:22 Power Pop in the Graveyard
03:39 Punk Rock Monster Bash
04:32 Haunted Rock ‘n’ Roll
05:36 Finale: The Crypt Closes
And if you like these videos and would like to see more, please like, subscribe, and hit that notification bell so you never miss an episode!
00:00 Introduction
00:44 Ghosts of New Wave Past
01:22 Monsters in the Garage
01:42 Ghoul Rock Riot
02:05 Dance of the Vampires
02:28 Mashin’ With Monsters
03:00 Spooky Sonic Dream
03:22 Power Pop in the Graveyard
03:39 Punk Rock Monster Bash
04:32 Haunted Rock ‘n’ Roll
05:36 Finale: The Crypt Closes
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Відео
Josie Cotton: From 80s Music Icon to National Treasure
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Josie Cotton is an icon in the world of 80s power pop and new wave music and a national treasure. From her breakthrough hit 'Johnny Are You Queer?' to her status as an underground icon, Josie Cotton has carved out a lasting legacy in pop culture. Explore her music, influence, and why she remains an enduring figure for both retro enthusiasts and new generations of listeners. Special thanks to Jo...
Chicago Power Pop Icons: Chris Vandalay & Dave Franco Share Their Story!
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Discover the story of Chicago power pop legends Chris Vandalay & Dave Franco and their 40-year friendship in this exclusive interview with Pop Rocks Radio! Learn about their music, influences, and their work with Oh Boy!, The Quick, The Vandalays, Too Much Saturn - and the new single by The ChrisVandalay Project! Pick up the latest single, "Better Than Before" by The ChrisVandalay Project on Ba...
Five Long-Lost Power Pop Bands (That Are Actually GREAT!), Volume 4
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Join Bijan and Pop Rocks Radio as he once again explores five more long-lost power pop bands that are actually GREAT! So many bands, so little time! Keep sending me your suggestions and we'll make sure these bands get the love they deserve! Music from these bands can be found on the usual streaming outlets (Apple, Spotify, etc.). A few of these artists can be found on their Bandcamp pages, as w...
From Garage Rock Heroes to MTV Darlings: Mike Skill of The Romantics!
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Bijan from Pop Rocks Radio sits down with Mike Skill of The Romantics! Mike Skill, legendary guitarist from The Romantics, shares insights on their iconic hits and Detroit rock roots. Don’t miss this exclusive interview! Join us on Pop Rocks Radio as we delve into the fascinating journey of Mike Skill from The Romantics, from garage rock to power pop icons. Discover the secrets behind their kil...
Five Forgotten Power Pop Bands (That Are Actually GREAT!), Vol. 3
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Join Bijan and Pop Rocks Radio as he explores five more forgotten power pop bands that are actually GREAT! The more we dig, the more bands we find that deserve their due! For those of you who have never forgotten these bands, thank you! I am grateful to those of you who have brought them to my attention! I aim to spread the word to our little corner of the internet, as well. If you're intereste...
How Alternative Rock Saved Power Pop
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How Alternative Rock Saved Power Pop
Five More Forgotten Power Pop Bands (That Are Actually GREAT!)
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Five More Forgotten Power Pop Bands (That Are Actually GREAT!)
Paul Collins Interview: The King of Power Pop Returns!
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Paul Collins Interview: The King of Power Pop Returns!
My Chat with Steve Cooper & Gary Herrewig from the band Artful Dodger!
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My Chat with Steve Cooper & Gary Herrewig from the band Artful Dodger!
Pop Rocks Radio Talks with Jeff Murphy of Shoes - Part Two
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Pop Rocks Radio Talks with Jeff Murphy of Shoes - Part Two
Pop Rocks Radio Talks with Jeff Murphy of Shoes - Part One
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Pop Rocks Radio Talks with Jeff Murphy of Shoes - Part One
5 Forgotten Power Pop Bands (That Are Actually GREAT!)
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5 Forgotten Power Pop Bands (That Are Actually GREAT!)
5 Albums You Never Find In a Used Record Store
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5 Albums You Never Find In a Used Record Store
Why Cheap Trick is America's GREATEST Rock Band
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Why Cheap Trick is America's GREATEST Rock Band
Raspberries in Four - A Pop Rock Short
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Raspberries in Four - A Pop Rock Short
Does Ozma count?
Both
I like the concept of your channel!
I appreciate your kind words! Thanks for that and thanks for watching!
Bram Tchaikovsky actually had a top 40 hit with ‘Girl of my Dreams’.
@@sotheresthat7882 I didn’t realize they had charted with that! Awesome song, so that’s great to hear. Thanks for that and thanks for watching!
I discovered this song via the Tia Carrera version of it in Wayne's World
The Kings, Hilly Michaels, . . .
Love The Kings! Embarrassed to say that I didn't know Hilly Michaels - not sure how I missed him! Started listening to Calling All Girls...great stuff! He goes on the list. Thanks for that, and thanks for watching!
@@poprocksradio , with pleasure. The whole album is great. Especially "Turn me on the Radio" and "Shake it and Dance". For your information, before going solo he was Sparks' drummer on Big Beat album. Keep your great work with your videos. I love them
@@dreamlifeds4412 I just read that! They did a cameo in the 1977 Rollercoaster, as well! (ua-cam.com/video/sNCbMEM7fPU/v-deo.html) And thank you for your kind words...I really appreciate that!
Jack Lee & Debbie Harry ❤
I have that Album 'Straight Up' by Badfinger, they were a great band with a sad history. I am Welsh so do have a connection with them.
Such a great album! If you're a Badfinger fan, their "lost" album "Head First", which has some of Pete Ham's final recordings is getting a proper vinyl release in the new year. Definitely worth a listen! Thanks for watching, too!
The nerves had so many great songs. Im glad this was one, because this is how I found them, amd I'm sure many more did too
Cool overview of Josie's career. Bijan, as you know, I was a Bomp! staff member. My memory may be foggy on this, but I recall, "Johnny Are You Queer" coming out as a 12" single on the Bomp! Records label in 1979. Rodney Bingenheimer gave it lots of spins on KROQ. I believe Elektra re-released it in 1981. ~Dave from "The Bings"
Thanks Dave! I can’t seem to find a reference to the single on Bomp! before 1981, but I may have missed something. I did see a copy of the (in)famous “People Against Obscenity” letter - that was dated Dec 1981, so maybe that may be a sign. I’ll have to check with the “official” source! lol
RIP DWIGHT
Norma Tanega You’re Dead
Bauhaus Bela Lugosi’s Dead
Perfect Halloween song! Next year, I should 20 instead of 10. 🤣. Thanks for that and thanks for watching!
What? No Cramps or 45 Grave???
Someone else I really trust told me The Cramps was a miss for me, too. I have them in the background of the intro, but you’re right…they really deserve their own entry! Checking out 45 Grave now. Thanks!!
Just listened to their Evil Tracks - EP...great stuff! Thanks for that and thanks for watching!
@@poprocksradio "Partytime" is their signature track. I think the version on the Evil Tracks EP is an old demo version, which is not very good. Check out the original album version, or, even better, the "Zombie Version" which was used to great effect in the movie _Return of the Living Dead_.
@@mournblade1066 Love it! I'm embarrassed to say that I only recently watched "Return of the Living Dead" for the first time...just awesome!
@@poprocksradio It is, in my humble opinion, THE greatest zombie flick ever made. It is simultaneously laugh-out-loud funny AND genuinely scary. It is THE perfect horror-comedy. Most horror-comedies forget the scary part.
Halloween by Helloween. That's 13 minutes of the party right there!
Daaaaaang…epic track!! I admit I hadn’t heard it, but I put it on for a workout this morning and now I’m sold! Thanks for that and thanks for watching!
You've obviously never heard of the misfits...
Love the Misfits! Had Horror Business and Don’t Open Til Doomsday / Hell Night on the list but thought I needed a broader mix. Great band…thanks for calling them out and thanks for watching!
Yachts - There's A Ghost In My House from Without Radar LP
Hadn’t heard this one and really wish I had…great song! I can already think of what I would have swapped out to include this. 🤣. Thanks for the great rec and thanks for watching!
Never heard of a single one of these bands.
Hope you enjoyed it, though...thanks for watching!
Halloween has become almost as big now here in Australia as it is in America so this list is valuable to me! Have a spooky one.....🦇🎃
Awesome, thanks Rich! Man, it takes over the entire month of October here (and a bit into September, too). I'm getting this out super late! 🤣
What a great list !
Awesome...thank you!
The Tin Openers
Having a hard time finding anything about them! Do you have any links you can share? Thanks for that, and thanks for watching!
@@poprocksradio all i know is they have a track on a compilation of Irish bands
@@garyrigby21 Thx for the reply! Ok, I'm on a quest to find them, now. Cheers!
@@garyrigby21 Ah! Found them...didn't think to search their name as one word. Fun stuff! Thanks for the rec! www.discogs.com/artist/1705204-Tinopeners
Can't forget something you've never heard of.
Too true. If you've heard of them now, mission accomplished! Thanks for watching!
@@poprocksradio So, the title was meant to be a trick to fool people into learning names of bands that had nil impact on the music world by planting the idea that some kind of recollection would be experienced? I'm not at all a fan of being tricked.
@@haytguugle8656 Oh boy...well, I would say it's more like not that you specifically have forgotten about them or that no one has heard of them and I want to trick you to learn about them, but that they created great music and for whatever reason, "time" has forgotten about them - and my job is to remind the world they existed. Thx!
@@poprocksradio Ah. I see. That's why we shouldn't take words for granted. They have meaning. And it's difficult enough to insure that the meaning is understood correctly when the exact, right words are used. So when what one says is "kind of" what they mean, and there are better words that more clearly express the intended message, it is obviously even more likely that your meaning is likely to not be what is understood. The title of this video then is a case in point. Thank you for the clarification. 🙂
I saw Josie Cotton with four other bands (Tonio K, Naughty Sweeties, The Kingbees, and DFX2) on Saturday October 9, 1982 at Perkins Palace in Pasadena. Ticket cost nine dollars! Great show!
Wow...that must have been a great show! I have The Kingbees on my list for the "Long Lost..." series I do. I love them. Thanks for that and thanks for watching!
I was a fan then and remain a fan now ❤
Love that! Thanks for watching!
I loved the music that helped define the indie vibe and edgy pop/new wave of the early 80s. Josie Cotton's Johnny Are You Queer and He Could Be the One were big hits of that era. It was sort of polished garage rock. It was such a special time back then. Nothing like it. Big help from Valley Girl to boost her career. Can't forget the scene where she and her band are playing the dance and the fight breaks out. Such a classic.
Really like how you put that! Thanks for that and thanks for watching!
Never heard of her. Nice publicity stunt.
Thanks for watching, just the same! Forgive the copy and paste - here is a response I gave on another similar thread: Totally understandable...I get it! For sure, Josie has never been a household name. One of my goals for this channel has always been to highlight artists that have never gotten the recognition they deserve - and especially for women in power pop (her work encompasses other genres, as well), that is more often the case. I think her influence can be felt all the way to artists like Katy Perry or Charli XCX today. And honestly, not many artists have had such a lengthy career and are still putting out vital and exciting music that stays true to their sound - if you haven't heard her last two albums, Pussycat Babylon and Day of the Gun, they're great! Anyway, point taken - and I appreciate the feedback from everyone bringing this up!
A great singer and hot woman 😎
Who? I was born in 68' and was a teenager from 1981 to 1988. No idea who you are talking about and I am a musician who started playing guitar in 1982 and was playing clubs in New Orleans by 1986 when still in high school.
Ok, I had forgotten about, but do recall the "Johnny are you Queer boy?" song, feel like it was in some sort of teenage coming of age movie in the early 80's but that's it.
I have loved Josie's music since the 80's. To say she should be on "the Musical Mount Rushmore" is simply laughable. Even a bit absurd. Again, I love Josie, but c'mon...
Yeah, I was going to say the same thing. I was born in '65 and lived on MTV in the 80's and I don't remember her either. Unless she was strictly in California, I don't see her as an 80's icon or National Treasure.
Totally understandable...I get it! For sure, Josie has never been a household name. One of my goals for this channel has always been to highlight artists that have never gotten the recognition they deserve - and especially for women in power pop (her work encompasses other genres, as well), that is more often the case. I think her influence can be felt all the way to artists like Katy Perry or Charli XCX today. And honestly, not many artists have had such a lengthy career and are still putting out vital and exciting music that stays true to their sound - if you haven't heard her last two albums, Pussycat Babylon and Day of the Gun, they're great! Anyway, point taken - and I appreciate the feedback from everyone bringing this up! Thanks for watching!
Gotta love Josie. So glad to hear she’s still rockin
Nice!
Thanks, Quint! Glad you liked that...was quite fun to make. Hope you like The Bings' video (it's coming along!), too! 😁. Chat soon, my friend!
@@poprocksradio It’s all wonderful.
Yes! I requested Miss Cotton a while ago. I had all the singles. 😘 So glad she's still active. 💚🌵
Awesome! Yes...still very active and doing great work (quite impressive for 40+ years in!). Thanks for watching!
Lovely tribute! Far too few women like Josie who mine the power pop sound and get recognition for it, she is definitely a one-off talent. Cheers.
Thanks, Rich! I agree that women are sorely under-represented (or under-appreciated, really) in power pop. Love her and had fun doing this. Great to see you here, and thanks!
Off Broadway are such a great, underrated band, . Cliff Johnson has a killer power pop vocal chops. 'On' is such a great power pop album. The perfect companion piece to Trick's 'In Color' & 'Heaven Tonight'. RIP Cliff.
Amazing band! And according to some folks I've talked to who have been on the same bill with them - super nice guys, too. Thanks for watching!
Where are the Def Leppard and Harley Quinn versions???? But honestly, Blondie is the best!!! 😎👌🏻
Ok, have to admit I hadn't heard either of these...love them! Especially the Def Leppard version...damn, stellar cover! Thanks for that and thanks for watching!
I am in fact in the Seattle area. As a vinyl collector, I have the Heats record, but honestly I’m not familiar with the music. I’ll check it out! Thanks for replying!
The Posies from Seattle were amazing! What about Flop, or Harvey danger? And dig deeper into Seattle you’ll come across the Allies. Thanks again for showcasing all these great bands!
You're digging deep! You must be from Seattle, too. 😆. Flop was a great band. I just played "A. Wylie" in an episode of the podcast: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pop-rocks-radio/id1764989207?i=1000669157925. The Allies - "(I'm In Love With) Emma Peel" is a classic! I liked Harvey Danger, as well (maybe unpopular opinion: think they have so many better songs than the one they're remembered for!). Are you a fan of The Heats? They actually have a new album coming out (first in like 40+ years!). Thanks for watching!
Love your content! I’m surprised by how few of these bands I actually recognize, thanks!
Awesome...thanks for watching!
Someone already mentioned Jellyfish, but my FAV power pop band is Dada!
Oh wow...that's a band I haven't thought about for a long time! I admit I only know "Dizz Knee Land" from the radio, but listening to "Playboy in Outerspace" right now (ok, I just liked the name), and liking what I'm hearing. Will dig in further. Thanks for that and thanks for watching!
Nobody ever mentions the Paley Brothers. Their compilation featuring Ramones is gotta be near the top of the list. (And brother Andy helped Brian Wilson do some of his best solo work, though it’s only been intermittently released.)
Great mention…love the Paley Brothers! I couldn’t agree more! Spoiler alert: you might find a little something about them in this video: ua-cam.com/video/PQvKEGSQsZ8/v-deo.htmlsi=_2-t24LVPLHiLERZ. Thanks for watching!
How about the Atlantics
Great band! Have them on the list for a future video. Thanks for that and thanks for watching!
Shout out to Gary Valentine!
The Click Five, The Rubinoos, Donnie Iris, Nazz, Rooney, Utopia
Such a great list…love each of those artists! I have Donnie Iris in the show for next week, too (Pop Rocks Radio on MixCloud and Apple Podcasts). Thanks for watching!
Steel Breeze....
Wow…haven’t heard that name for quite a while. “You Don’t Want Me Anymore” is a great song! Thanks for that and thanks for watching!
Two more obscure bands: Research Turtles Off Broadway ua-cam.com/video/3u5YM2ViHz8/v-deo.htmlsi=nZb3gBn3HlK-f90Q
Thanks for watching this one, as well! I replied to your comment on the other video, but have to say that I'm loving The Research Turtles...thanks for that rec!
Two of my fave but obscure bands: The Research Turtles Off Broadway
You got me with The Research Turtles...hadn't heard them but been listening to their s/t album and love it! Thanks for that. Also, if you're a fan of Off Broadway, check out this video: ua-cam.com/video/ckclldEq8vY/v-deo.html. Thanks for watching!
While I am an amateur historian of the entire history of this beautiful subgenre, as a teenager/young man in the 90s, this will always be my fave era. You listed a few of my fave acts, but there are countless great bands of the time. I fucking love your channel. Long live power pop!
Thanks for that! I really think that the 90s gave us one of the more unique and diverse periods of music, and is so much more than "grunge". Please send some of your faves my way...would love to hear them. Thanks for watching!
Love this group; wish I could get a T-shirt.
In a perfect world, we would all be wearing Artful Dodger t-shirts. Love these guys, too. Thanks for watching!
Just found your channel. It feels like you made this channel just for me. Thank you!
Awesome...love to hear that! Welcome to the channel and thanks for watching!
Crabby Appleton... and the single "Go Back "... The whole album was very good.... 1970 - '71?
Ah! Now there's a band that should have been bigger. Love that song, "Go Back". Thanks for that and thanks for watching!
Coming from Hollywood in the early-80s, a lot of these bands are new to me. The Bings got popular in the wake of The Knack. But, we never promoted ourselves as a "Power Pop" band. Back in 1980-83 the genre didn't exist. We called ourselved "New Wave", which included bands like The Bings, who were melodic. But, Punk Rock also defined us - as a band whose guitars and pounding drums invoked The Ramones. It was an era of amazing creativity and musical cross-pollination.
BTW: Bijan, an excellent video, as usual.
@@TheBings Thank you, my friend!
My Five underrated Power Pop bands (and their best album) Scritti Politti (Provision or Cupid e Psyche) FGTH (Liverpool) Saga (Heads or Tales) Art in America (Eponymous) Afghan Whigs (Gentlemen)
Awesome list! I have to admit, I hadn't thought about some of those bands as power pop, but great bands just the same! That Afghan Whigs album is amazing. Thanks for watching!