How do you define a “supergroup”? Generally speaking, the band members that make up a supergroup usually have achieved some level of success as solo artists or members of other groups. Sometimes (but not always) they are short lived, and only manage to release one or two albums. In the 60s it was bands like Cream, Blind Faith and CSNY; in the 70s, ELP and Bad Company; in the 80s and 90s it was Asia, The Travelling Wilburys, The Firm and Bad English.
In recents months, two new “supergroups” (pictured above) have hit the scene that I think are worthy of mention. The first is Chickenfoot, consisting of Michael Anthony (Van Halen), Sammy Hagar (solo and Van Halen), Joe Satriani (solo) and Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers). On paper, it doesn’t take a genius to figure out that these guys aren’t going to be playing any balllads at their shows. Their debut cd hit stores last month. If you’re a Sammy or Joe fan, then this may be right up your alley. Check out the video of their first single, “Oh, Yeah”. I kinda like it.
The other new supergroup is Tinted Windows. Whereas Chickenfoot is hoping to attract fans of Van Halen circa 1990, Tinted Windows is aiming to attract fans of such power pop luminaries as Cheap Trick and Fountains of Wayne (count me as a fan), which makes sense when you look at the band’s makeup: Bun. E. Carlos (Cheap Trick), Adam Schlesinger (Fountains of Wayne), James Iha (Smashing Pumpkins), and on vocals, Taylor Hanson of “MMMBop” fame*. It might seem like an odd mix at first, considering Taylor Hanson wasn’t even born until Cheap Trick had already released about seven albums, but it works. In fact, Hanson, Schlesinger and Iha have a history together, so this isn’t just some random get together. Unfortunately, while their debut album is available through outlets like Amazon.ca, it’s not yet available on the Canadian iTunes store (although you can buy two of their singles). Check out their video for “Kind of A Girl”:
(*Bit of MMMBop trivia: ever watch the show House? It’s the ringtone on House’s phone. Hilarious, considering the nature of the character.)
Filed under: In the News | Tagged: Fountains of Wayne, Van Halen, Cheap Trick, Bad Company, Cream, Blind Faith, CSNY, ELP, Asia, The Travelling Wilburys, The Firm, Bad English, Chickenfoot, Joe Satriani, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Sammy Hagar, Tinted Windows, Hanson, Smashing Pumpkins
Hey, I was actually meaning to bring the Tinted Windows CD over to you last week, but just didn’t get around to it. It’s great power pop all the way through.
Along with that, I think you’ll like The Gaslight Anthem album “‘59 Sound”. There’s a strong New Jersey working class vibe to it – if you know what I mean – and not a dud track on it.
Got a bunch of MP3s to run by you as well (which is why it was taking me so long to get in gear). I’ll drop everything over with you next week.