Soul Shoes by Graham Parker and the Rumour (1978)

I've seen Graham Parker's music described as a precursor to punk. I think I would disagree. After all, Graham's music often feature horns! I think of his music more like pub rock with an edge. Either with his original band The Rumour or on his own, Graham has released dozens of albums over the years. Here he is live in 1978 with a song off of his debut 1976 album Howlin' Wind.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWm8RUD4jOE

Metal Axe by Dark Age (1984)

In looking up info for this blog post, I discovered that there are/were many bands called Dark Age over the years. The one that I am referring to today is the Los Angeles 80's metal band version. Here is the opening track to their one and only self-titled album.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vkm2vi4gRYI

Putty in Your Hands by Jean and the Statesides (1964)

I don't know much about this British girl group from the 60's, but I know that I like this chill version of the classic tune also recorded by the Shirelles, the Yardbirds, and much later by the Detroit Cobras.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiRbbdB80ho

Monkey Business by Starz (1976)

Starz' self-titled debut album is an example of a mid 70's arena rock album that never had wide popularity, but managed to influence a number of hard rock hair bands in the years that follow. Specifically, Twisted Sister, Motley Crue, and Poison thought of New Jersey's Starz as an influence.

Listen, there is nothing too heavy here(musically or lyrically). It's just good ole rock n' roll writ large.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KePc0eeHksE

Right On by Boogaloo Joe Jones (1970)

And now for something completely different. Here is some bluesy jazz mood music for your Sunday morning. This is the opening track off of Boogaloo Joe Jones' fourth album.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUVNIJl6h38

High Time by Total Fury (2000)

Today's entry is some turn-of-the-century Japanese hardcore that was heavily influenced by early Black Flag and Minor Threat. If those bands are your heroes, you are okay in my book...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OkjfITcLGSI

Where's Captain Kirk by Spizzenergi (1979)

Spizzenergi came into some brief popularity at the tail end of the punk rock movement. Add to that, the very punk move of changing your band name every year(Athletico Spizz 80, Spizzoil, and The Spizzles to name a few), and this band's popularity was lost to the ravages of time. The band itself, however, continued to play off and on for years. They still play to this day.

Here is their big hit.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivZ3q5NFXpY