Remakes are hit or miss. For example, we can’t really decide if Weezer’s “Africa” is better than Toto’s original. Of course, we don’t know if we truly like the original—unless it’s a rainy night and we’ve had a little too much vino. Then we’re signing along, poorly, like we own the joint. But we digress. Toothgrinder (ouch) has done a very cool re-imagining of Fleetwood Mac’s “The Chain.” “As child, my father’s three favorite groups were Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Fleetwood Mac, and The Allman Brothers,” said singer Justin Matthews. “I grew accustomed to Southern Rock from an early age. As a lyricist, I subconsciously write in that frame of mind. I love a good story written through song. Fleetwood Mac in particular has always held a special place in my heart.” While in the process of writing the band’s latest album, Phantom Amour, Matthews needed to clear his mind. So he put some Fleetwood Mac in his earhole, and it did wonders for him. So why not cover some Mac? See if “The Chain” pleases you: Though teeth grinding is a nasty habit, we give the boys two thumbs up from us. And a foot in yo face!
Maybe when you become just a one-name artist you’re setting yourself up for success. Like, Madonna. Cher. Whitney. Mariah. Perhaps Olivia Somerlyn is trying to channel that one-name-all-fame groove.
Olivia now prefers to be known as LIVVIA. And she’s got a new piece of pop ear candy that just might give her all her little heart desires. She scored a Top 30 hit with “Catch a Body” featuring Quavo (if we did pop music and needed to collaborate, we'd do it with Cuervo. As in, Jose. This is why we're not a famous singer. Nevermind that we can't really sing), and she's opened for Meghan Trainor, Jessie J, The Jonas Brothers, and Big Time Rush. While we’re waiting for her official video to drop, check out her latest track, “Damn”.
This song makes us do this a little... yeah... feel it...
The Spaceman is back! Ace Frehley, original lead guitarist for KISS, is all set to drop a new album entitled…. Spaceman! Yes, he’s all stoked about his new music. But what he really wants us all to know is that he deeply desires to Chuck Norris-roundhouse-kick-to-the-head that dweeb that’s trying to fill his seven-inch platform boots in his old band. Other bitter pills everyone can shove: He’s been the coolest member of KISS (because he has swagger, is laid-back, and his tongue is normal-sized) Even people who don’t like KISS love Ace. He’s had the most successful solo career of any member of KISS, current or former. Insert the: "nanny, nanny, boo, boo" Look, Ace. Don’t be an ass. We all know the imitations and replacements are not as good as you. It’s cool, babes. With all his Bitter Betty vibe, you’d think he'd hate his former bandmates, yet he collaborated on a couple of tracks with Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley. (This screams reality TV show fodder to us.) Okay then. Spaceman (the album) is a nine-track unintentional autobiography. The track that fascinated us the most-- his cover of Eddie Money’s “I Wanna Go Back.” “I was laying in bed with Rachael (Gordon) watching YouTube videos, and that song came on. I told her I was gonna cover it. It’s about me.” Aside: Rachel Gordon is a 50-something singer influenced by rock music from the 70s. What a coincidence. Kudos to your “laying in bed” with some youngness. But the bigger question is: Which version is better? Ace or Eddie’s? Remember: Ace is the one true Spaceman. P.S. Ace is the real Spaceman. P.P.S. Really. |
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