The Senders, Radar Love (with UPDATE)

I’m sure this video does these die hards a disservice, but it also defines the problem of rocking but maybe not being all that original.

The Senders were considered New York’s best bar band. At some point. That’s not a bad thing, especially when the PBR and Cosmos are flowing.

And it doesn’t mean they didn’t rock in their day, though this is weak.

So, Radar Love. By the Senders.

UPDATE: This is not the New York City band called the Senders. This is a Rhode Island band called The Senders, who have been playing out and around for more than 25 years, which is pretty cool. But they’re not the best bar band in the world. Or New York City.

Peter Wolf, Tragedy

Screenshot 2015-06-07 01.05.03This is a live video recorded on, maybe, an iPhone a couple of years ago. It got me thinking about what a Remnant is. The first two J Geils Band albums are great, and the next three were hugely popular. This is a guy who had Mick Jagger singing backup vocals on one of his solo records, and is still playing out, in smaller venues.

He’s put together what sounds like a pretty fine band, and is entertaining fans now more than 40 years after the debut J Geils Band album. More power to him, for sure. A classic and a remnant, at once.

Live From Roosters Roadhouse, a Report From Mike Fenger

Mike Fenger says: Friday night at Rooster’s Roadhouse in Almeda (CA), had a great time with the Biletones (featuring Rock Remnants’ very own Lawr Michaels, second from right). I had a good time, nice music! The first (called-out) original, the instrumental one, was really nice. The Dylan was excellent as well; liked the Weight and Everybody Knows this is Nowhere. (click picture to enlarge)

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The Angels, Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again

The Angels were big in Australia in the 80s, though it seems like even in Australia a band should have known enough not to call themselves the Angels. This is a band playing funny looking instruments, and a singer who gives away the song’s best joke with his t-shirt. But the joke is funny enough (in the crowd’s enthusiasm) to keep on giving, all the way to the end.

Black Crowes, Lovin’ Cup

The Stones’ version is better, but I was in a bar tonight and heard this cover and was so glad someone thought that this great song was worth covering.

I have to say, the biggest difference is Jagger, who knows way more about the way words work and perform.

But even without Jagger and Bobby Keys (who is missed terribly, too) this version is fine. Though maybe more a reminder about how great the Exiles on Main Street performances and mixes are, and how a great song can make a less than great band seem good enough.