Tag Archives: cheap trick

Music, Pop Culture

Video Clip of The Week: Big Eyes, “Stake My Claim”

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“Big Eyes” is the name of one of my favorite Cheap Trick songs, and it’s probably no accident that the Brooklyn based rock quartet also known by that name harnesses the same power pop sensibility accompanied by a hard rock edge — which is a proven formula for nearly-flawless music. Active since 2009, through various line-up shifts, Big Eyes is the project of Kaitlyn (Kait) Eldridge, a singer/songwriter/guitarist who fronts her band with the same self-possession that Joan Jett fronts The Blackhearts. In other words, she’s badass

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Music, Pop Culture

Video Clip of The Week: Black Belt Karate, “Transformer”

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At a time when I can’t even bear to turn on the radio for fear of being exposed to whatever mortifying horrorshow that’s passing for popular music, LA-based rock quartet Black Belt Karate are like oxygen in a vacuum. Being schooled veterans of many and varied rock projects (guitarist Jason Mezilis also plays in Owl with Cult bassist Chris Wyse) BBK deftly blend power pop hooks with a classic rock edge to deliver addictive tunes that will appeal to fans of Sloan, Green Day, Foo Fighters and Cheap Trick.

The very fun clip for “Transformer” — a buoyant anthem with a positive message of self-realization — sees the band auditioning for a casting director in front of a backdrop that makes it look like they’re part of a police line up. Interesting! The video takes on a bit of a “Sharp Dressed Man” feel with its interspersing of sassy video babes and clips of the band rocking out. You can see that lead vocalist Ryan Hanifil is just dripping with Rock Star charisma. Rumor has it that they also occasionally perform as a Doors Tribute band. Excellent.

Keep up with Black Belt Karate’s music, news and live performances by following them on the FaceBook at This Link. Enjoy!

Black Belt Karate Band

Black Belt Karate Are: Ryan Brown (Drums), Harry Ostrem (Bass),  Jason Mezilis (Guitar) and Ryan Hanifil (Vocals).

Film and Television, Pop Culture

Big Star Documentary Nothing Can Hurt Me Comes to DVD

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Big Star Nothing Can Hurt Me DVD
Photo By Gail

Perhaps you are unfamiliar with musician Alex Chilton, but if you’ve heard The Replacements’ song by that same name, then you at least know that children by the millions sing for him and are in love with his songs. And that’s all you really need to know in order to enjoy the sublime documentary Big Star: Nothing Can Hurt Me, a profoundly detailed love letter to the wildly influential, Memphis-based 1970’s power pop band that Chilton co-founded along with guitarist/songwriter Chris Bell, drummer Jody Stephens and bassist Andy Hummel.
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Music, Pop Culture

Recommended Listening: Palmyra Delran, You Are What You Absorb

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You Are What You Absorb

Well known on the NYC rock scene as the guitarist and primary songwriter behind retro garage-pop quartet The Friggs, Palmyra Delran is a bit of a local music icon. While The Friggs never broke commercially, they opened for legendary bands such as The Ramones and Cheap Trick, earning a devote regional following as well as solid professional props for being an “all-girl” band that could rock as hard as any group of guys. In her second solo venture, Delran stays close to the layered pop sound she helped to hone in The Friggs, while continuing to demonstrate innovation with regard to arrangements and intriguing personal storytelling in songs that draw the listener into her very relatable world.
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Music, Pop Culture

Recommended Viewing: Big Star, Nothing Can Hurt Me

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Big Star Barn By Carole Manning
Big Star: L to R Alex Chilton, Jody Stephens, Chris Bell (Seated) and Andy Hummel (Photographed By the Late Carole Manning)

Perhaps you are unfamiliar with musician Alex Chilton, but if you’ve heard The Replacements’ song by that same name, then you at least know that children by the millions sing for him and are in love with his songs. And that’s all you really need to know in order to enjoy the sublime new documentary Big Star: Nothing Can Hurt Me, a profoundly detailed love letter to the wildly influential, Memphis-based 1970’s power pop band that Chilton cofounded along with guitarist/songwriter Chris Bell, drummer Jody Stephens and bassist Andy Hummel.

Continue reading Recommended Viewing: Big Star, Nothing Can Hurt Me →