TUNES: Uncovered

This episode is all about the everyman and the eclectic. From songs about life on the road to songs with a medieval angle these two albums were big hits in 1976. Bob Seger's Live Bullet and Kansas' Leftoverture were in constant rotation on FM radio. Live Bullet had a large number of songs touching R&B, soul, country and more. Leftoverture started with one of the best acapella openings...

In the first of a multi-episode stretch this episode is all about the albums released in the very prolific year of 1976. The first of four albums we chose are: Peter Frampton - Frampton Comes Alive Boston - Boston (debut album) It was very difficult to narrow down to just 4 albums for a year that saw some of the most successful albums released. We start with one of Mark's favorite all-time alb...

The British Invasion didn't stop with the Beatles and the Rolling Stones. Bush hit the scene in 1994 with Sixteen Stone, their debut album which spawned Comedown and Glycerine which had good airplay. Little Things was also on the album but enjoyed less exposure but is nonetheless worthy of a listen. Led by Gavin Rossdale, the band enjoyed their heyday until around 2000 and then split up. They...

Not every artist has a Silk Degrees in their discography but Boz Scaggs most successful album was one of the top albums of 1976. With 4 amazing singles including this one, Georgia, the album stayed on the charts for more than 2 years. His studio musicians were the cream of the crop and their talent shows up in each and every song.

Rumors was obviously the biggest Fleetwood Mac album, but there were other good albums and songs in their catalog. Their 1973 release Mystery To Me had one of those songs, Hypnotized. The title was an apt description of the tune as a hypnotizing feeling is what the song emotes. Bob Welch also released this on his solo album after leaving the Mac and it was well received there as well. Let's tr...

Austin Texas has turned out some amazing talent over the years. This episode's uncovered tune is from one of those bands. Storyville was formed in 1993 and their second album gives us this catchy tune, Good Day For The Blues. And as a special treat we have a guest joinging us for this one. We welcome John "Johnny Wishbones" Burrell to the show as we talk about one of the 90's mos...

In our 4th in a series of songs from past one hit wonders this episode introduces us to Rickie Lee Jones and another track from her debut album. Last Chance Texaco is Rickie Lee's story of a girl in need of a tune-up. Using thinly veiled references to garages and cars, she tells a compelling story. If you remember Chuck E.'s in Love, this was farther down the track list but a good tune non...

Looking for an encouraging word, a positive thought? Sister Hazel's Change Your Mind fits that bill. From Gainesville Florida this five man band has released 11 albums of which Fortress was their 3rd. The song was written as a plea to 'change your mind' if you were going through a hardship and focus on the positive. This one was a fun one to record, remembering other one-hit wonders ha...

If you think Play That Funky Music was Wild Cherry's biggest hit, you would be right. But they also had other songs that are worth your time to search out. We've done that for you with their much slower song Hold On. Written by lead singer and guitarist Robert Parissi Hold On was an ode to blue eyed soul, and man did they do it justice. Take a listen and let us know what you think.

Jessie's Girl was a huge hit for Mr. Springfield but he is so much more than bubble gum pop. This song isn't what some people would equate with Rick but is much closer to what his actual discography contains. The movie was a fairly close representation of touring and the soundtrack was very well done. Love Somebody dot some airplay and charted, but not as high and long lasting as Jessie&#3...

Foreigner ruled the airwaves with their first album, songs like Feels Like The First Time and Cold as Ice were everywhere. This episode's uncovered tune is a lesser known gem. Fool For You Anyway didn't get airplay like the singles but shows a different side of the band. A stripped down song with layered background vocals makes for a smooth late 70's song we like to revisit often. Take...

Take a listen to this episode originally published December 14, 2024. Rarely will you get such musicianship coupled with strong lyrics, great production, and great live performances like you will with this episode's band, Giant. Formed by Dann and David Huff, Giant was a powerhouse band. Dann's playing and production talents have graced the albums of many a hit artist. When you get a chanc...

Sometimes a tune needs to be talked about again. This is one of those songs. Take a listen to this episode originally published July 13, 2024. Just a few hours down I-40 there once was a band that had catchy songs and great production but you probably haven't heard of them. The Silver Seas released five albums and today's episode revolves around their 3rd release, Chateau Revenge and it&#3...

If you ever saw Human Radio live, you were truly one of the lucky ones. Clever and intelligent lyrics, catchy melodies, masterful musicianship and a live show not to be missed. Me & Elvis was their hit but this song will get you moving. Featuring Steve Arnold on bass, this is a tour de force of a tight groove with all the hallmarks of a song that stays with you long after you've heard it....

Rod Stewart was all over the radio with Maggie May, Hot Legs, and many more hits from the 70's all the way through the 2000's. This episode's uncovered tune is I Was Only Joking was off Rod's 1977 album Foot Loose and Fancy Free. His voice is instantly recognizable and it's easy to place yourself back to the time when the song was on the radio. Storytelling was a strength of Mr...

This Canadian band started strong, had another solid album and then promptly broke up. It took them another 24 years before their third album. This episode's uncovered tune Out of The Blue is off their second album Luminescence. Some might call it yacht rock but we call it one of the best tunes we're heard lately. An uplifting message, tight vocals and great production make for a must list...

If you were asked what was the biggest selling single to come out of Australia, this episode's song would probably have not been your answer. Split Enz was at the top of their game in 1980 and their album True Colours gave us I Got You, a catchy tune with an amazing number of airplays and sales. Grab your leg warmers and hair gel and take a listen to this 80's classic.

You couldn't get away from this band in 1980 and years following. REO's Hi Fidelity released in 1980 spurned many many hits. Twenty-seven years later this song was the title track of their album Find Your Own Way Home. The album didn't have much fanfare when it was released but it was full of catchy tunes. This one is no different. Take a listen to this uncovered tune and then check ou...

Lennon/McCartney, John/Taupin, Jagger/Richard, Difford/Tilbrook? Touted as two of the best UK songwriters Squeeze had them both. This episode's uncovered tune is their 1980 release Pulling Mussels from the Shell. Their videos were in heavy rotation in the early days of MTV and their sound is infectious. Listen as Carey & Mark talk about this blast from the 80's.

What do you do when you leave a successful band like Foreigner? You start another tight band with amazing vocals and catchy hooks. Spys only had 2 albums and they were both wonderfully crafted with great songwriting. If you like early 80's pop-rock you'll love this song. And it's our 100th episode! Here's to 100 more!

The Beatles were not afraid to experiment, in the studio, or with psychedelics. From backward tapes to hanging band members upside down, Tomorrow Never Knows was a ground breaking song. Released as the last song on Revolver it ended the era that included their early years, and ushered in their SGT Pepper, The White album, and other later works. There is also an unusual musical oddity in the song a...

53 years after The Beatles called it quits as a band, this episode's song was released to wide acclaim. Now and Then had to wait until the technology caught up with the needs to make this a reality. So many things had to happen to make this release come to light. Listen for a unique and sweet Memphis connection.

The second of our 4-pack of Beatles songs. Glass Onion referenced other Beatles tunes and was John Lennon's musical answer to all of the crazy theories and rumors surrounding their music. This song may need several listens to hear and understand all of the references and innuendo.

Our first of four Tunes: Uncovered episodes spotlighting the Beatles. Dear Prudence, released in 1968 on the White album isn't in heavy rotation on most radio stations but an interesting song nonetheless. Written at a retreat in India to coax Prudence Farrow from her chalet/hut, Lennon & McCartney do it again. Listen as we discuss how this uncovered tune was written and released on one of...

Two unlikely artists came together to release music that stands the test of time, and won some impressive awards. Sam Brooker and Ruby Amanfu were based in Nashville but their music was born by way of Wisconsin and Ghana, West Africa. Their voices blended so well they had to make music, and 2 EPs and one LP later they were done. Check out this soulful song off of their 2009 album The Here And The...