Song of the Day: 'New Rose' by Rachel Sweet

I guess every writer finds himself saying, "How did I not write this" at some point or another. But a New York Times piece about "12 forgotten songs by women-led New Wave bands" -- featuring Josie Cotton, Holly and the Italians and the Waitresses? Seriously, how did I NOT write this?!!!! Best part: I've recently been on a Rachel Sweet kick -- someone I haven't given my full attention despite loving "Voo Doo" and her theme for John Waters's "Hairspray" -- so this confirmed I'm totally on the right track. Read HERE.

Former Spin magazine editor in chief Doug Brod writes:

On her second album, released when she was just 17, this Midwestern squeaker and howler convincingly covers the Damned’s 1976 classic about the glory of the burgeoning British punk movement. Strangely, her version replaces the signature slashing opening riff, as she employs her Ronnie Spector-ish pipes to make the song all her own. Perhaps even stranger, after leaving the music business Sweet went on to write and produce TV sitcoms, including “2 Broke Girls” and “The Goldbergs.”

P.S.

Click HERE to find out what Rachael has in common with Jenna Elfman, Katey Sagal and Madonna.

Song of the Day: 'Punk Xmas' by Holly Beth Vincent

Fresh on the heels of news that Holly and the Italians will be performing next month in Los Angeles comes the release of "Punk Xmas" on Holly Beth Vincent's Soundcloud page. She wrote and performed it -- and it sounds like it could have been been included on one of those 1980s holiday albums that I miss so ...

Glorious b-roll interview from 1981 HERE. Love the fake British accent! 

P.S. 

Totally missed this (remix?) effort from 2015. Listen HERE.

Song of the Day: 'Crush' by the Oblivious

As longtime readers know, I'm kind of obsessed with Holly Beth Vincent, best remembered for writing the song "Tell That Girls to Shut Up," which was recently heard on "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel." Not only do I think she's the most underrated woman of the New Wave -- she was right there with Debbie Harry and Chrissie Hynde in my book -- I'm fascinated and heartened that she has continued to find new ways to make music even after her "next big thing" moment passed (The Oblivious, Vowel Movement, CD Baby). I recently located her on Facebook, and if I'm not mistaken, it looks like she and a reformed version of her band The Italians are playing an upcoming gig at the Redwood Bar in Los Angeles, one I sadly will not be able to attend, Please reach out if you're going. If you're going, please know that I need to know EVERYTHING! (How about a return to NYC, Holly Beth?) 

An '80s gal has a '90s moment ...

Fun discovery on HBV's wall ... I'd forgotten just how beloved Cheap Trick was by the alternative crowd. 

Also found this photo on the Waitresses' Discogs page. Although it's widely known that Patty Donahue was briefly replaced by Holly during the fractious recording sessions for "Bruiseology," I had no idea Polydor ever set up any photo sessions. As I said when it was first released, it was a real missed opportunity to not include any of the songs Holly Beth recorded with the band on the 2013 "Just Desserts" compilation, which was purported to be their "complete recordings." Anyone have access to any of those? 

UPDATE: From a friend.

He writes:

I got "The Akron Sound" book for Christmas -- finally tells what really happened with the Waitresses. I think when Patty died Chris Butler didn't want to trash her but enough time has gone by ... 

Holly Beth Vincent was hired as a replacement... did a few gigs and then just didn't show up to one. That was the end of that. They imploded recording "Bruiseology" -- too much partying. Patty got pissed when Chris Butler started recording vocals with Tracey Wormworth. The band split but the record company offered Patty $$ to come back and do a video at least. Then she tried to continue the band without Chris -- and the other members were offered salaries. She recorded demos with new songwriters for a third album and the record company passed. 

Chris Butler says: "She went Hollywood on me -- bad advice from bad people." 

They did reconcile before she died. 😇

If ANYONE has access to those Patty demos, I will do anything to get my ears on them!

Song of the Day: 'Youth Coup'/'Rock Against Romance' by Holly and the Italians

It's hard to believe it was the same woman who recorded "The Right to Be Italian" and the confusingly named solo album "Holly and the Italians," but that's just how talented Holly Beth Vincent was. Whereas the album from which these two songs came was polished power pop, the followup was delicate and artsy, replacing New Wave guitar licks with mandolins and violins to create an cluttered yet incredibly intimate sound, The Chicago-born singer/songwriter/guitarist has never been wholly recognized for her genius, but will occasionally turn up on "best albums you've never heard" lists. I'm grateful I'm not one of those people.