Marc Platt's Stellar "The Runaway Train"

I always look forward to checking out new music from Marc Platt, a talented singer-songwriter who's been writing and performing outstanding songs for many years now, both as a member of the power pop band The Real Impossibles, and as a solo artist, on albums like That Midlife Thing and The Golden Ticket. His latest release, The Runaway Train, is another top-notch collection of well-crafted folk-rock tunes, filled with an emotional resonance that hits you right in the center of your soul. That's certainly not true of most of what passes for pop/rock music these days, but Platt always wears his heart on his sleeve, and I mean that as a compliment.

Just take a listen to evocative tracks like the heartfelt "AM Radio," where he reminisces about listening to music in the car with his Mom, or the powerful "The Way It Goes" in which he examines the roads traveled in his (and our) lives, and perhaps laments the ones he (and we) haven't taken. Platt's insightful and sometimes heart-wrenching look at the ups and downs of love and relationships is a recurring theme in his music, and it's showcased on The Runaway Train via terrific songs like "The Score," "See You Again," and "Never Look Back."

The Runaway Train also includes another Platt trademark, some cool 1960s pop-infused tunes, including the title track and "Like a Time Bomb." Platt successfully captures the essence of the classic rock, pop and folk sound, while still giving the music his own personal spin. Other standouts on the album include the sardonic "Thoughts and Prayers," and the reflective "My Love Waits," and "The Way It Goes." One of my favorites on an a record filled with high points is the lovely "New Year's Bells," a tune that should be an instant addition to your holiday tunes playlist.

The instrumental work and production on the The Runaway Train (all superbly handled by Platt) is excellent, as usual. The album is another magnificent jewel in Marc Platt's ouevre. I urge you to check it out, and to take a deep dive into the rest of his discography. You can find the album at bandcamp by following this link: https://marcplatt.bandcamp.com/album/runaway-train. Platt also does some really fine work with his company Radio Candy, helping indie artists get their music out there and heard on internet radio. You can find out more about that by following this link: https://radiocandyradio.com/.

DeLisle's Back & Rocking With Cherie Currie!

I don't usually highlight the same artist two weeks in a row here at Eclectic Avenue, but it's also not very often these days that a performer releases two terrific singles within a short span of time. Unless, of course, that artist happens to be someone like the supremely talented Grey DeLisle, a versatile musician and voice actor who's been featured on The Simpsons as Martin Prince, and is also the long-time voice of Daphne in the Scooby Doo franchise, among her many roles in animated films and TV series. Her magnificent work as a musician and songwriter spans multiple genres and musical styles, including rock, country and children's music.

Last week, I raved about her down and dirty, bluesy number "I Can't Be Kind." Well, Ms. DeLisle recently issued another excellent single entitled "Forty-Somethin' Runaway," which features her sharing vocals with none other than Cherie Currie, a founding member of those celebrated 1970s rockers The Runaways. The song tells the story of a hard-livin' chick who's "headed eastbound in a stranger's car/leaving LA with a mix tape and a scar." While the "hitch-hikin life ain't going her way," this "Forty-Somethin' Runaway" may be down, but she certainly isn't out, as this badassl rock and roll tale illustrates, thanks to some cool lyrics and impressive work from DeLisle and Currie.

Their superb performances anchor the song. Their voices blend together perfectly, and there's some cool guitar and cowbell driven instrumental backing courtesy of producer Marvin Etzioni, who also worked on "I Can't Be Kind." If "Forty-Somethin' Runaway" and "I Can't Be Kind" are any indication, DeLisle's forthcoming album is going to be fantastic, and well worth the wait. In the meantime, head over to this talented and prolific artist's page on YouTube and check out some of her other work. And rock out to "Forty-Somethin' Runaway," by following this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eoTFPNuMAHY.

DeLisle's Irresistible "I Can't Be Kind"

If you're looking for a low-key sort of woman to hang out with, steer clear of the lady in Grey DeLisle's superb new single, "I Can't Be Kind." Veteran musician and voice actor DeLisle offers a bluesy, raunchy and sensual performance on the song, defining herself as the kind of gal you probably shouldn't bring home to mama. She's so irresistible, you'll have a devil of a good time with her, but you just might regret it later!

Her full-throated, boisterous vocal on "I Can't Be Kind" recalls early Bonnie Raitt, with a touch of Janis Joplin and a dash of Etta James thrown into the mix. The multi-talented DeLisle is comfortable performing in a variety of genres, whether it be rock, country, rockabilly, or soul. Borrowed, her 2022 album of covers, is a testament to her versatility, featuring her versions of songs from Pink Floyd, Ray Charles and Nancy Sinatra, among others. Her recent cover of the classic "Help Me Make It Through The Night," performed with Eddie Clendening, is simply stunning: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idChrJPhnt4.

"I Can't Be Kind," is a guitar-infused, rocking tune, featuring a rip-roaring, saucy vocal turn by the incredible Grey DeLisle. This is a song that will definitely get stuck in your head, and having you adding it to your regular listening rotation, and your playlist of red hot blues tunes. Produced by Marvin Etzioni (of Lone Justice and Thee Holy Brothers), you can listen to the song by following the link below, and like the image above says, Play It Loud:  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5o8vyK0zAGo&list=OLAK5uy_lRdqSzzK57bBZwC7_XqxdOEvSSsjpGCcM.

Retro Movie: Wellman's "Safe In Hell"

Dorothy Mackaill holds court in Safe in Hell

Film noir tales aren't the only classic movies that dealt with sex, violence, murder, dark subject matter, and disreputable characters. Between 1927 and 1934, before the Hays Code enforced its censorship rules on the motion picture industry, Hollywood produced a number of films that have come to be known as "Pre-Code" movies, thanks to their frank (for the time) depiction of taboo subject matter. Night Nurse, Baby Face, Employee's Entrance and Scarface are some of the best known examples of this type of film, but one of the more intriguing Pre-Code melodramas is 1931's Safe in Hell, directed by William Wellman, who also helmed Wings, the original version of A Star Is Born and Beau Geste.

Safe in Hell, tells the story of Gilda Carlson, who ends up being accused of the murder of a man who led her into a life of crime and prostitution. Gilda's nice guy boyfriend,  a sailor named Carl, helps her stow away on a ship bound for a Caribbean island with no extradition laws. Gilda hides out on the island, but runs afoul of a group of disreputable men who are also hiding out there, all of whom want to get to know her, shall we say, a LOT better. But Gilda has vowed to stay true to Carl, who plans to rescue her when his tour of duty ends, so they can spend their lives together.

There are some twists and turns in the plot, and Gilda's past does catch up with her. Suddenly, it looks like there's a light at the end of the tunnel, and perhaps there's a happy ending in the cards for Gilda and Carl after all. But the universe has other plans for our heroine. Safe in Hell concludes on a dark note, though there's also a sense of hope, as Gilda meets her fate knowing she's kept her promise to remain faithful to Carl. Her final choice also thwarts the plans of a lecherous villain who hoped to have his way with her. The ending of the film is almost noir-like. It's the kind of conclusion you could only see in the Pre-Code era of cinema, before the Hays Code "cleaned up" the movie industry.

Safe in Hell is a crackling tale, filled with snappy dialogue, liberally strewn with double entendres. Leading the cast is Dorothy Mackaill, who offers a bravura performance as Gilda. The cast also features Donald Cook, Charles Middleton, and Morgan Wallace. Nina Mae McKinney and Clarence Muse also appear in the film, and their roles are refreshingly free of the sterotypical portrayals of African American characters on screen at the time. The film was written by Joseph Jackson and Maude Fulton, based on a play by Houston Branch. The movie was recently restored, and is being shown on Turner Classic Movies this month. It's also been released on DVd and Blu-ray as part of the Warner Archive Collection. This atmospheric, dark tale is worth checking out for fans of Pre-Code cinema.

Nick Piunti's Power Pop Heartbeat

Nick Piunti is one of the most talented current practitioners of power pop fueled rock and roll. He and his band, The Complicated Men, enthralled listeners with their last two albums, Downtime and Heart Inside Your Head. Now Nick is back to dazzle power pop fans with his latest single, "Heart Stops Beating," which will be released on March 31. This marvelous song features undeniable hooks, jangly guitars and glorious vocals. It's a delicious slice of rocking power pop heaven that will get stuck in your head, have you singing along, and bopping around the room...and you won't mind one bit. 

"Heart Stops Beating," which predates Piunti's work with The Complicated Men, was originally recorded all the way back in 2015. That session featured Donny Brown on drums, Andy Reed on bass, and Ryan Allen on harmony vocals. Piunti wasn't completely satisfied with his vocal work on the track, which was first released on his album Beyond The Static. Fast forward to 2023: Piunti went back into the studio at Big Sky Recording, along with producer Geoff Michael. He recorded a new lead vocal, and also added some rhythm guitar and harmony vocals to the tune. Feeling the song now sounded much closer to what he originally intended, Piunti decided to release it as a single.

Piunti is a prolific artist, having released six albums in the last 9 years, as well as taking time out to participate in several tribute discs, including 2021's JEM Records Celebrates Brian Wilson. In addition to his stellar work in the rock and roll world, Piunti also owns and operates Sibley Gardens, an Italian steakhouse located in Trenton, Michigan. Three generations of his family help run the business, including his wife and three daughters. Piunti's daughter Megan also designs much of his album artwork, and he says his family is one of the inspirations for his songwriting.

While "Heart Stops Beating," might sound as if it could be a lost track from the heyday of power pop in the 1970s and 1980s, Piunti's top notch songwriting and performing skills make this terrific tune about a heartbreaker of a bad girl uniquely his own. It's a song that looks back while also managing to sound fresh and up to date. This is a fantastic tune that will captivate fans of masterfully crafted pop/rock. I really dig this song, and I can't wait to see what other new music we'll hear from Nick Piunti in the coming months. "Heart Stops Beating" will be released on JEM Records (and digital music outlets) on March 31.

An "Eclectic Avenue" Top Ten

Next month marks the twelfth anniversary of Eclectic Avenue. I thought it would be fun to take a look at the top ten posts on the blog, since its inception in April 2011, based on your views, so here they are:

1. It's A Terrifying Trilogy of Terror: This post from March 2019 was part of a blogathon I participated in, and is all about the 1970s TV classic, Trilogy of Terror: https://jveclectic.blogspot.com/2019/03/its-terrifying-trilogy-of-terror.html. This is the most visited post on the blog.

2. Vincent's Dazzling "Whatever It Takes": From March 2021 comes a review of Kyle Vincent's album, "Whatever It Takes" is number two: https://jveclectic.blogspot.com/2021/06/vincents-dazzling-whatever-it-takes.html.

3. The Bellero Shield: This 2018 review of one of my favorite episodes of the original Outer Limits TV series is number three: https://jveclectic.blogspot.com/2018/07/robert-culp-rocks-outer-limits.html.

4. Early Elton, a superb tribute band that I've seen a number of times throughout the years, has been featured on the blog several times. This review of a 2017 performance is number four on the list: https://jveclectic.blogspot.com/2017/06/early-elton-resurrects-madman.html.

5. Andrew Curry of Curry Cuts Records: Andrew is the fabulous producer behind several excellent tribute albums. We've talked several times over the years, and our 2021 chat about an Andy Gibb tribute album is number 5 on the list: https://jveclectic.blogspot.com/2021/05/higher-than-mountain-songs-of-andy-gibb.html. 

6. Cinesavant: My look at the work of the supremely talented film writer Cinesavant shows up at number six: https://jveclectic.blogspot.com/2020/12/cinesavant-trailers-from-hell-comfort.html.

7. Ken Sharp: At number seven, it's a look at musician and author Ken Sharp's insightful and revealing book on the sessions for John Lennon and Yoko Ono's album, Double Fantasy: https://jveclectic.blogspot.com/2020/10/an-in-depth-look-at-starting-over.html.

8. James Bond Music: Producer Andrew Curry returns to the top ten with this review of a 007 tribute disc: https://jveclectic.blogspot.com/2017/05/the-music-of-james-bondis-back.html.

9. Here Comes The Reign Again: And Mr. Curry notches his third appearance in my all time most viewed posts with a review of the stellar 1980s tribute disc, Here Comes The Reign Again: The Second British Invasion: https://jveclectic.blogspot.com/2014/09/here-comes-reign-again-second-british.html.

10. Grey DeLisle: Finishing off the Eclectic Avenue top ten is my review of wonderful songstress and voice actor Grey DeLisle's cover of the song "Valentine," written by Murry Hammond. https://jveclectic.blogspot.com/2022/02/grey-delisles-haunting-valentine.html.  

Thanks for reading, and your support of this blog, and my writing, throughout the years. Please use the search function on the right side of the main page to check out some of the other articles from Eclectic Avenue!

A Fantastic "Trick" From The Tearaways

Are you craving a dose of good old fashioned rock and roll? Then you absolutely need to check out And For Our Next Trick, the latest from The Tearaways. The band’s lineup features lead guitarist David Hekhouse, bassist John Finseth, rhythm guitarist Greg Brallier, and Clem Burke, the ubiquitous drummer best known as a member of Blondie and The Empty Hearts. The album features a fantastic set of songs, from straight ahead rockers such like “Come on Jaan” to compelling ballads such as “Emotional Distance” and power pop-styled numbers such as “Easier Done Than Said” and “Married and Single.”

And For Our Next Trick also includes some terrific 1980s infused tunes like the gorgeous “No Love Lost” and the propulsive “Not Good Enough” which recall the alterna-pop/rock sounds of artists like Marshall Crenshaw, The Smithereens, and The Outfield, with a dash of Elvis Costello tossed into the mix. Fans of well-crafted rock/pop will definitely dig the crunchy, guitar-drenched “Goodnight Nurse,” the compelling ballad “Emotional Distance,” and the exuberant “Saturday Everyday.” The disc also features a cool tribute to three iconic drummers on the excellent “Charlie, Keith and Ringo.”

The band’s boundless energy and passion for their music comes through on every track. Their vocals and instrumental work are top notch, and the guest appearances by Benmont Tench, of Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers fame, on keyboards, and Steven McCarthy from The Jayhawks and The Long Ryders, on pedal steel guitar, enhance the expert musicianship on the disc. It’s no surprise that the album has strong echoes of classic power pop and 1980s alternative rock, as the record was produced by the one and only Ed Stasium, who’s worked with everyone from The Smithereens, Hoodoo Gurus and The Ramones to Living Colour and Talking Heads.

And For Our Next Trick will be like manna from heaven for devotees of The Tearaways’ marvelous melange of rock, power pop, and alternative sounds. If you’re not already a fan of the band and their superlative music, this album will turn you into a believer. These dazzling, hook-filled tunes will get stuck in your head, and you’ll most certainly be adding this remarkable record to your regular music rotation. And For Our Next Trick is now available from the UK based label Dirty Water Records. Here’s a link to the video for “Saturday Everyday,” the album's first single: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0uSC4GntwU.