This week's blog (most of it, anyway) is devoted to a band, which, maybe a year and a half ago, I had a passing interest in, mainly because they performed at my hometown's arts festival, has now become a force on my current music playlist. And if I sound like a broken record the past few weeks or so talking about them, so be it: this band has earned it.
 |
| New Jersey alternative band ScreenAge who have the top two blog songs and who have released their second album, DNR |
ScreenAge's second album, DNR, was officially released today (as I am writing this, May 21), and I am speechless. To be honest, I wasn't sure to what I was listening to---a band consisting of 19 and 20-year olds, or a veteran group of musicians who have been playing over fifty years.
You got to wonder if these four--lead vocalist/keyboardist/guitarist Emily MacMahon, guitarist and backup vocalist Alex D'Amico, drummer and saxophonist Sam Novotny, and bassist/backup vocalist Joey Banwer--actually played on this album. I know they did, because of their recent Livestream performance as well as from video clips I've seen (and hope to see them live very soon), but you have to be scratching your head. Most kids this age are into hip-hop, drum beats, auto-tuned vocals, and sparse production. Furthermore, the age of the concept album, probably went out with Pink Floyd. And don't get me started about the style of these songs, and the top-notch production.
The Jersey band (the members are from Edison, Milltown and Freehold) describes itself as a blend of garage and alternative rock, and this new album--which follows 2019's debut Station 42, shows a maturity over that initial outing. The band improves on the rawness rock sound of that album with a more professional, polished but still very innovative set of originals. The set encompasses many styles, some of which go back way back before they were even gleams in their parents' eyes.
I mentioned above that DNR is a concept album about the cycle of a life, from start to finish. Each of the songs set a different mood, and with it a varied and different style. The unique vocals of Ms. MacMahon, to the backup harmonies and excellent guitar, bass, keyboard and drumming throughout, becomes a very pleasurable experience all the way.
To really appreciate the album's mission, you need to follow the lyrics, but sometimes that is hard to do because of the music. It's easy to groove to some of it, but you get stopped in your tracks when another song...namely "Wilting" here in this case, comes on, with its many changes.
While I don't normally review albums--I have reviewed a handful of favorite, indie, up-and coming artists--this one definitely gets the treatment. It's very fitting because on this week's playlist, "North Star" and "Think Again" are one-two...but more on that later.
The above two songs I mentioned, of course, were the first two singles released in advance of the album. "North Star", this week's #1 for a second week, is probably the slowest song on the album which gives off a 1970's adult contemporary flavor. It's about the beginning of a life from the point of a new mom, with a life discovery of a newborn and their introduction to the world.
"Think Again", the second track, which moves to #2 this week, continues the growth. A contrast to "North Star" this one is an infectious pop-rocker. Emily describes the video was something out of a middle school dance band. No doubt the song is about making then dropping friends, maybe keeping them and the hardships of being of school age.
Next comes "Going Back". The band actually delivered a preview video of this one back in August and I had commented then at this is another garage-heaven track which would only enhance their profile. Well, that certainly is true, as it is in a similar style but by no means a copy. It's another feel-good, up tempo track which perhaps describes high school relationships and burgeoning maturity. Unless the band releases a video for one of the songs (which they have announced that one is coming out soon), I plan on adding "Going Back" as the next blog entry once the other two songs have run its course. (Late flash: As I am writing this blog, the new video is in fact, "Going Back"...looks like a third ScreenAge song will be imminent soon!)
Decisions on what to do with your life comprise the next cut, "Questions". A bit harder rocking, the song deals with directions regarding what one wants to accomplish in the adult real world Perhaps attaining your goals is the topic in "Like Wine Fine", a bit smoother, but still rocking song. Relationships, success, choosing your life path.
But perhaps a reality of life is explored in "Wilting", an over eight and a half minute piece with twists and turns, triumph and tragedy. Perhaps it's about ones own life in doubt or a loved one, maybe a parent or life partner about to depart for heaven. A piano intro evolves into many changes, even a bluesy interlude, thinking back to the good times. This suite would normally be a complete closure to the album, and if anything, shows the band is adept at the progressive natures, only adding to their versatility.
But, these are four musicians who are wise beyond their years, so the final cut, the short, barely-over-a-minute finally "To Rest" perfectly sums up the album's mission, and someday you yourself will leave the earth and be reunited with your loved one.
It's so refreshing to see a band create a series of songs with a common thread, something that has been sorely lacking lo these past few decades, and doing it with expert musicianship. This is a band with great potential. I have to admit that when I heard my first ScreenAge song, "Vague" two years ago, while I thought they had talent, they hadn't yet reached their true potential. It took just two short years to realize that potential. And one shudders to think what they're capable of down the road. I am very excited for their journey.
CHARTING: As I mentioned above, and as possibly hinted at last week, ScreenAge becomes only the second act in my blog history to have the top two songs on the SNS 100 playlist. "North Star" holds onto the top spot for a second week, while "Think Again" moves 5-2, just edging out The Weeknd's still national #1, "Save Your Tears" which drops 2-3 but is still bulleted. The band, as mentioned last week, thus join The Revivalists who did the trick in 2019. Fleet Foxes and Oneiric round out the top five. Elle King grabs her sixth blog top 10 as her duet with Miranda Lambert, "Drunk (And I Don't Want to Go Home)" rises 12-10. Bebe Rexha (Impact Award), The Black Keys , Quarters of Change, and Tim Izzard all crack the top 20. It's the 14th such distinction for The Keys, the first for all the others. Oneiric's follow-up to "The Ride", "Golden Cage" grabs Mover honors in a 46-29 move.
THOSE MIDDLE-ING KIDS AND OTHER DEBUTS: Seven new adds this week with a combination of new and seasoned acts. Aussie trio Middle Kids lead things off with their strongest to date, "Questions" (not the ScreenAge album cut discussed above). Beginning with a Lana Del Rey vibe, lead singer Hannah Joy puts a fresh spin on this emotional mid-tempo romp. It's another song which gives me the chills (there seems to be a lot of them lately). The song really gets going with the brass kicking in midway through. This song can only get better with every listen. Should top the band's 2019 "Real Thing" which got to #11 here; in fact this is a potential #1 song.
Next is Pageants. Like many bands recently, they are releasing multiple singles before an upcoming album release. With "All Bets Aside" moving 9-7 with a bullet, the duo's second effort, "It May Be Crazy" will also come from sophomore album Sun and Settled Days, due on July 30. The effort, purely 90's style alternative is similar to the prior single, but is more reminiscent of bands like Veruca Salt and Lush. Without a doubt I am a Rebecca Coleman fan and her innocence image in these videos as well as her Instagram posts looks like she is enjoying life and having fun making music, and it shows here. The band has an unblemished track record on my blog (8 for 8 in top twenty songs), and this should continue the streak.
Another Australian act is next, The Kid LAROI, with "Without You", his blog debut. I believe there are two versions of this song, one solo, the other featuring Miley Cyrus. It is the version with Ms. Cyrus, a hot blog property of late, is the one I added and which clicks with. It is a mid tempo excursion with some emotion, on the part of both singers. Miley has a video that you can't not like, preconceived notions notwithstanding. The harmony when both are singing together blend in very well. Should top Miley's recent duet with Dua Lipa, "Prisoner".
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| Michigan band Greta Van Fleet has released their second album, The Battle at Garden's Gate. |
Greta Van Fleet is back with "Heat Above". A couple years back the band debuted with a sound reminiscent of Led Zeppelin, prompting criticism from those who thought these guys ripped off the classic British band (the same ones who don't mind that current rock doesn't matter). This one is not overt Zeppelin, actually Josh Kiszka sounds more like Rush's Geddy Lee than Robert Plant. The song is from their sophomore set, The Battle at Garden's Gate. The band's two blog songs from their 2018 debut Anthem of the Peaceful Army both reached the top 20.
Coldplay is back with "Higher Power". The band's lead Chris Martin was noted for being the first performer during the pandemic to do an online concert. But the whole band is back together with their first effort since then. The sound holds up rather well, and has for the most part, a full band sound, although there seems to be electronics in the mix
Two newcomers, one from England, Holly Humberstone ("Falling Asleep at the Wheel") and Norway's Girl in Red (real name: Marie Ulven Ringheim) round out the debuts. The former sounds a bit like Billie Eilish, the latter is sort of a hip-hoppish rock hybrid. Both are worth a couple of listens.
REACTIONS: It's always nice when I get reactions to the subjects that I post, even if they are negative reactions. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees always seem to invoke opinions, and last week was no exception. Aside from the expected "Jay-Z is not rock", responses, there was negative reaction to the Go-Go's induction. "Give me a break!" commented one friend; another thought that this all-girl band should be the female counterpart to that pre-fab TV band The Monkees. (I retorted that The Spice Girls should actually have that 'honor"). Personal opinion: The Go-Go's certainly should be in there. They paved the way for other all-female self-contained contingents, especially in a traditionally all male genre. Having said that, I wished the band Fanny, which preceded the Go Go's by a decade and had two top forty hits between 1971 and '75, should have gotten recognition first. One comment by David Porfirio felt that Randy Rhodes, the late metal guitarist associated with Ozzy Osbourne and Quiet Riot, should have gotten in as metal in general has always been slighted. Finally, one friend joked that The Osmonds should get in. They did have a cool rock song called "Crazy Horses" back in 1972 (that evoked a complement from Ozzy himself) but one friend wasn't impressed at all, exclaiming "WTF! In had never heard this and wish I never did".
Twas all in good fun.
A different discussion apart from the blog, was about the band Dry Cleaning. One friend was looking for a new band to listen to, but noticed that the British band's lead singer, Florence Show doesn't really sing on the records, only talks. The song I am featuring, "Strong Feelings" moves 82-67 in its third week.
SUMMERTIME MADNESS: This week marks the first in determining my personal "song of the summer", a contest that I've done since the blog's inception. I tally up points awarded between now and mid-September to determine the honor. Last year it went to Hawaiian band Pepper, with "Change". Who will it be this year?
AND FINALLY: I am amazed as to how I have been keeping this blog going week after week and not missing one. But next week, I am going away for several days so there is a strong possibility that I won't do one. If that is the case, this week's playlist will be frozen for a week. If you're traveling during Memorial Day weekend, please be safe!
Scenes ‘n’ Soundwaves 100 Playlist
May 16, 2021
|
This Week |
Last
Week |
ARTIST-Title |
Weeks
on List |
|
1 |
1 |
NUMBER ONE:  Album: DNR (2 weeks at #1) |
6 |
|
2 |
5 |
3 |
|
|
3 |
2 |
15 |
|
|
4 |
3 |
12 |
|
|
5 |
4 |
11 |
|
|
6 |
7 |
11 |
|
|
7 |
9 |
6 |
|
|
8 |
11 |
10 |
|
|
9 |
6 |
12 |
|
|
10 |
12 |
Elle King and Miranda Lambert - Drunk (And I Don'tWant to Go
Home) |
8 |
|
11 |
14 |
8 |
|
|
12 |
8 |
10 |
|
|
13 |
23 |
TOP 20 IMPACT OF THE WEEK:  Album: Better Mistakes |
4 |
|
14 |
21 |
10 |
|
|
15 |
19 |
10 |
|
|
16 |
22 |
5 |
|
|
17 |
10 |
11 |
|
|
18 |
20 |
9 |
|
|
19 |
24 |
8 |
|
|
20 |
13 |
13 |
|
|
21 |
15 |
13 |
|
|
22 |
30 |
4 |
|
|
23 |
32 |
4 |
|
|
24 |
16 |
12 |
|
|
25 |
28 |
7 |
|
|
26 |
34 |
4 |
|
|
27 |
31 |
8 |
|
|
28 |
33 |
7 |
|
|
29 |
46 |
MOVER OF THE WEEK:  (Single Only) |
3 |
|
30 |
35 |
7 |
|
|
31 |
37 |
4 |
|
|
32 |
18 |
10 |
|
|
33 |
26 |
17 |
|
|
34 |
17 |
9 |
|
|
35 |
39 |
8 |
|
|
36 |
27 |
14 |
|
|
37 |
38 |
6 |
|
|
38 |
40 |
6 |
|
|
39 |
41 |
6 |
|
|
40 |
29 |
20 |
|
|
41 |
51 |
3 |
|
|
42 |
25 |
14 |
|
|
43 |
56 |
3 |
|
|
44 |
43 |
Black Coffee ft. Maxine Ashley and Sun El Musician - You Need Me |
15 |
|
45 |
44 |
20 |
|
|
46 |
53 |
5 |
|
|
47 |
54 |
4 |
|
|
48 |
45 |
26 |
|
|
49 |
55 |
13 |
|
|
50 |
42 |
17 |
|
|
51 |
36 |
11 |
|
|
52 |
47 |
20 |
|
|
53 |
61 |
7 |
|
|
54 |
60 |
8 |
|
|
55 |
73 |
2 |
|
|
56 |
--- |
TOP DEBUT:  Album: Today We're the Greatest |
1 |
|
57 |
48 |
15 |
|
|
58 |
58 |
8 |
|
|
59 |
52 |
9 |
|
|
60 |
66 |
5 |
|
|
61 |
79 |
2 |
|
|
62 |
76 |
2 |
|
|
63 |
49 |
16 |
|
|
64 |
80 |
2 |
|
|
65 |
69 |
9 |
|
|
66 |
50 |
17 |
|
|
67 |
82 |
3 |
|
|
68 |
57 |
19 |
|
|
69 |
68 |
7 |
|
|
70 |
71 |
3 |
|
|
71 |
--- |
1 |
|
|
72 |
83 |
2 |
|
|
73 |
--- |
1 |
|
|
74 |
59 |
18 |
|
|
75 |
63 |
12 |
|
|
76 |
86 |
2 |
|
|
77 |
62 |
16 |
|
|
78 |
64 |
14 |
|
|
79 |
78 |
18 |
|
|
80 |
65 |
10 |
|
|
81 |
72 |
15 |
|
|
82 |
--- |
1 |
|
|
83 |
67 |
25 |
|
|
84 |
81 |
7 |
|
|
85 |
92 |
2 |
|
|
86 |
70 |
6 |
|
|
87 |
--- |
1 |
|
|
88 |
75 |
9 |
|
|
89 |
--- |
1 |
|
|
90 |
--- |
1 |
|
|
91 |
85 |
20 |
|
|
92 |
93 |
2 |
|
|
93 |
74 |
11 |
|
|
94 |
77 |
13 |
|
|
95 |
87 |
19 |
|
|
96 |
84 |
5 |
|
|
97 |
88 |
9 |
|
|
98 |
91 |
18 |
|
|
99 |
89 |
18 |
|
|
100 |
90 |
16 |
|
|
Songs with the greatest increase in
favorite points over the prior week. ●
Songs with
25 or more plays on iTunes/iPods ▲ Songs with 50 or more plays.
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