With their jangly guitars and vocal harmonies rubbing shoulders with an, ahem, driving beat, The Motors had were the prototype for Power Pop. (more…)

Here’s an example of what happened when a hippie group decides to jump on the punk bandwagon in the search for success. (more…)

Akron girl Jane Aire’s star burned briefly but brightly with this compellingly quirky slice of twisted teen-dream Americana. (more…)

The little-known city of Akron – self-proclaimed “Rubber Capital of the World” – had a musical moment in 1977. In fact Ohio had a bit of a moment, if you include Cleveland. Devo were Akron’s biggest export. (more…)

Back in 1977, one of the hardest-working bands on the live circuit was 999. They also had some of the best tunes. And Emergency was the best of the lot. (more…)

The Prefects occupy a unique place in music history. They released no records at all while they were together – but put one out one a year after they split. (more…)

This song is for my old mate Gavin Martin who died yesterday. My not-so-old mate. He was 60. (more…)

Siouxsie & The Banshees brought punk fire and fury to their cover of Helter Skelter, written by John Lennon for The Beatles. (more…)

A reggae obscurity, this hymn to marijuana lives up to its title both lyrically and in a production swathed in dub effects – all echoes and strange sounds. (more…)

The ideal song for a sunny day, from another vocal trio whose harmonies shimmer and float on a melody that sticks in your head. (more…)