|
Post by petrolino on Jun 11, 2021 23:50:00 GMT
Cheap Trick
Big Star and Raspberries uncorked a bottle of cheap wine that exploded into a power pop revolution but the movement's roots are complicated to trace as it didn't start out as any kind of tangible artistic movement. On the surface, Big Star and Raspberries couldn't have been more different, though they both had members who'd been working in the music industry since the mid-1960s, and melodic songwriting, adventurous musicianship and the spirit of sonic invention lay at the heart of both bands. With just four albums apiece, I think they both recorded strong albums all around.
Psychedelic groups like Nazz and Flamin' Groovies were the progenitors of power pop and they projected the raw humour of the hallucinogenic movement at the time, using satire as a pointed weapon against the establishment. When Cheap Trick and the Knack came along, perhaps they combined the best of both worlds. I think of the Knack as a great singles band, whereas Cheap Trick launched themselves into a run of albums that was the equivalent of the Ramones' initial run in punk.
Robin Zander
Cheap Trick perform 'Arabesque' in Bloomington, Minnesota in 1976
Cheap Trick were writing songs about serial rapists, serial killers and other assorted degenerates in 1975, so they weren't exactly ready for radio airplay. Their trump card when it came to gathering radio slots was that their writing was often ambiguous so they weren't always showing their hand like the Dictators or the Misfits. They were also hopeless romantics, like all the great power pop bands of the 1970s.
Rick Nielsen
'The Ballad Of TV Violence (I'm Not The Only Boy)' (1977, 'Cheap Trick' produced by Jack Douglas)
'Big Eyes' (1977, 'In Color' produced by Tom Werman)
'On The Radio' (1977, 'Heaven Tonight' produced by Tom Werman)
'The House Is Rockin' (With Domestic Problems)' (1979, 'Dream Police' produced by Tom Werman)
Cheap Trick as good as lost me in the late 1980s. I was attending secondary school in England at the time, and only became a fan retrospectively when I discovered their early music (and that of the Cars) through movie soundtracks if my memory is right. I still think albums like 'Standing On The Edge' (1985), 'The Doctor' (1986), 'Lap Of Luxury' (1988) and 'Busted' (1990) do the band a terrible disservice as they're smothered in synthetic clean-up sound, utilising just about every grating production technique that was being made fashionable by the worst excesses of hair metal bands being played on regular rotation on MTV at the time. The bass was effectively neutered for these albums in order to coat them with a high gloss finish.
Tom Petterson
'World's Greatest Lover' (1980, 'All Shook Up' produced by George Martin)
'I Want Be Man' (1982, 'One On One' produced by Roy Thomas Baker)
'3-D' (1983, 'Next Position Please' produced by Todd Rundgren)
'All Shook Up' with George Martin behind the desk hadn't been entirely successful either, with the band themselves at times drifting into Abbey Road homage, but it was ambitious and musically interesting, and it continued the group's desire to experiment in the studio. I think it was a similar case to when the Ramones recorded their divisive fifth album 'End Of The Century' (1980) with producer Phil Spector, an intriguing oddity that halted the Ramones' remarkable early run of punk albums. Similarly, there were things that didn't work out when Roy Thomas Baker was at the helm for 'One On One' (1982), but he was another talented Londoner who knew how to lay down some serious rock 'n' roll.
Bun E. Carlos
'Let Her Go' (1994, 'Woke Up With A Monster' produced by Ted Templeman)
'Hard To Tell' (1997, 'Cheap Trick' produced by Cheap Trick)
'O Claire' (2006, 'Rockford' produced by Cheap Trick and guests)
Nowadays, Cheap Trick work with producer Julian Raymond by choice and this seems to be a relationship that's working. They even released their first Christmas album together, 'Christmas Christmas' (2017). More power to them.
|
|
|
Post by Admin on Jun 12, 2021 20:59:08 GMT
This photo must have been taken during the Pete Comita/Jon Brant years. lol
|
|
|
Post by petrolino on Jun 12, 2021 23:16:44 GMT
This photo must have been taken during the Pete Comita/Jon Brant years. lol
Speaking of former band members, I've become intrigued to explore the music of Randy Hogan's band Bad Boy. Their debut album was 'The Band That Milwaukee Made Famous' (1977). I don't think Cheap Trick recorded any material with Hogan, though there are some early live recordings of the band floating around.
I like Fuse's self-titled album from 1970, with Rick Nielsen and Tom Petersson. 'To Your Health' is one of the great psychedelic epics.
'I Dig Go-Go Girls' - Cheap Trick
|
|
|
Post by Admin on Jun 12, 2021 23:22:26 GMT
I like Fuse's self-titled album from 1970, with Rick Nielsen and Tom Petersson. First I've heard of it. Guess I got a new mission.
|
|
|
Post by petrolino on Jun 12, 2021 23:46:01 GMT
I like Fuse's self-titled album from 1970, with Rick Nielsen and Tom Petersson. First I've heard of it. Guess I got a new mission.
I'd recommend it to any fans of power pop as it shows how the roots of the music were in garage and psychedelia. Both Big Star and Raspberries had members rooted in psychedelia, and the Flamin' Groovies' were a psych band. It's no coincidence that Fuse courted members of Nazz before they folded. Todd Rundgren is the godfather of the power pop movement and just an all-around great guy.
|
|
|
Post by Admin on Jun 12, 2021 23:52:48 GMT
First I've heard of it. Guess I got a new mission. I'd recommend it to any fans of power pop as it shows how the roots of the music were in garage and psychedelia. Both Big Star and Raspberries had members rooted in psychedelia, and the Flamin' Groovies' were a psych band. It's no coincidence that Fuse courted members of Nazz before they folded. Todd Rundgren is the godfather of the power pop movement and just an all-around great guy.
I was a latecomer to the Cheap Trick party. I've always liked One on One, but for whatever reason, I didn't really get into them until I heard "Let Go" from Lap of Luxury, and it's not even in the running for my favorite CT track. At any rate, I started delving into the entire discography and discovered what I was missing out on simply because I didn't like "I Want You to Want Me" and "Dream Police." I'm a huge fan now (latest two albums notwithstanding) and I'm really interested in checking out Fuse. Thanks.
|
|
|
Post by petrolino on Jun 12, 2021 23:57:49 GMT
I'd recommend it to any fans of power pop as it shows how the roots of the music were in garage and psychedelia. Both Big Star and Raspberries had members rooted in psychedelia, and the Flamin' Groovies' were a psych band. It's no coincidence that Fuse courted members of Nazz before they folded. Todd Rundgren is the godfather of the power pop movement and just an all-around great guy.
I was a latecomer to the Cheap Trick party. I've always liked One on One, but for whatever reason, I didn't really get into them until I heard "Let Go" from Lap of Luxury, and it's not even in the running for my favorite CT track. At any rate, I started delving into the entire discography and discovered what I was missing out on simply because I didn't like "I Want You to Want Me" and "Dream Police." I'm a huge fan now (latest two albums notwithstanding) and I'm really interested in checking out Fuse. Thanks.
Oh, cool, I also came to late to them, though for different reasons. I needed to hear their early records to become a fan, as I found the polished productions of their albums being released when I was becoming a teenager to be a stumbling block.
I'm going to check out some music by Bad Boy, they sound like another staple of midwest rock, and as a Violent Femmes fan, I'm always keen to explore influential music from Wisconsin.
|
|
|
Post by Admin on Jun 13, 2021 2:04:10 GMT
I was a latecomer to the Cheap Trick party. I've always liked One on One, but for whatever reason, I didn't really get into them until I heard "Let Go" from Lap of Luxury, and it's not even in the running for my favorite CT track. At any rate, I started delving into the entire discography and discovered what I was missing out on simply because I didn't like "I Want You to Want Me" and "Dream Police." I'm a huge fan now (latest two albums notwithstanding) and I'm really interested in checking out Fuse. Thanks. Oh, cool, I also came to late to them, though for different reasons. I needed to hear their early records to become a fan, as I found the polished productions of their albums being released when I was becoming a teenager to be a stumbling block. I'm going to check out some music by Bad Boy, they sound like another staple of midwest rock, and as a Violent Femmes fan, I'm always keen to explore influential music from Wisconsin.
The guy on the left: Rick Nielsen or John Lithgow? haha
|
|
|
Post by petrolino on Jun 13, 2021 2:09:59 GMT
Oh, cool, I also came to late to them, though for different reasons. I needed to hear their early records to become a fan, as I found the polished productions of their albums being released when I was becoming a teenager to be a stumbling block. I'm going to check out some music by Bad Boy, they sound like another staple of midwest rock, and as a Violent Femmes fan, I'm always keen to explore influential music from Wisconsin.
The guy on the left: Rick Nielsen or John Lithgow? haha
Interesting shot, and he's credited with playing mellotron too which seems like a sign of the times. I've been listening to Cheap Trick again and right now I can't think of anything better. To me, they are like the Ramones in that they never let you down because they play straight-up rock 'n' roll, and play it well. Fantastic musicians too, to a man.
|
|
|
Post by petrolino on Jun 19, 2021 1:39:26 GMT
Linnea Quigley : Cheap Trick Superfan With A Chainsaw
'Mother told me, yes, she told me, That I'd meet girls like you, She also told me, "Stay away - You'll never know what you'll catch" Just the other day I heard, Of a soldier's falling off, Some Indonesian junk, That's going 'round ...
Mommy's alright, Daddy's alright, They just seem a little weird ... Surrender .. Surrender .. But don't give yourself away ... Hey, hey ....'
'Surrender'
|
|
|
Post by Admin on Jun 20, 2021 4:39:33 GMT
Linnea Quigley : Cheap Trick Superfan With A Chainsaw
What's the connection there? And what's with the hot chicks headlining your posts? Are you talking about Cheap Trick or selling cars? lol
|
|
|
Post by petrolino on Jun 20, 2021 4:49:10 GMT
Linnea Quigley : Cheap Trick Superfan With A Chainsaw
What's the connection there? And what's with the hot chicks headlining your posts? Are you talking about Cheap Trick or selling cars? lol
It's 3 pictures of actress and guitarist Linnea Quigley who was in punk band the Skirts. She'd worked on 'Deathsport' (1978) for film producer Roger Corman who was casting for a new musical, 'Rock 'N' Roll High School' (1979). Corman and director Allan Arkush wanted Cheap Trick to play the band in the movie. Quigley was a huge fan of Cheap Trick so she auditioned, but the role went to P.J. Soles, and Cheap Trick declined the offer, to be replaced by the Ramones. Quigley went on to work with Corman on other productions.
|
|
|
Post by Admin on Jun 20, 2021 4:52:50 GMT
What's the connection there? And what's with the hot chicks headlining your posts? Are you talking about Cheap Trick or selling cars? lol It's 3 pictures of actress and guitarist Linnea Quigley who was in punk band the Skirts. She'd worked on 'Deathsport' (1978) for film producer Roger Corman who was casting for a new musical, 'Rock 'N' Roll High School' (1979). Corman and director Allan Arkush wanted Cheap Trick to play the band in the movie. Quigley was a huge fan of Cheap Trick so she auditioned, but the role went to P.J. Soles, and Cheap Trick declined the offer, to be replaced by the Ramones. Quigley went on to work with Corman on other productions.
oh.
|
|
|
Post by petrolino on Dec 22, 2021 21:47:47 GMT
It's 3 pictures of actress and guitarist Linnea Quigley who was in punk band the Skirts. She'd worked on 'Deathsport' (1978) for film producer Roger Corman who was casting for a new musical, 'Rock 'N' Roll High School' (1979). Corman and director Allan Arkush wanted Cheap Trick to play the band in the movie. Quigley was a huge fan of Cheap Trick so she auditioned, but the role went to P.J. Soles, and Cheap Trick declined the offer, to be replaced by the Ramones. Quigley went on to work with Corman on other productions.
oh.
I found a nice quote about this, from an interview Linnea Quigley gave some years back at Cryptic Rock. She talks about the casting process for 'Rock 'N' Roll High School' in one of her autobiographical books, but I forget which one. She loves Cheap Trick, but she came to the belief that they wouldn't have worked so well for that particular movie which needed the kind of raw, direct energy a punk band like the Ramones could bring.
- -
Interview Excerpt : 'Horror Scream Queen Linnea Quigley Intervewed At Cryptic Rock'
Crypticrock.com – You have been involved in music for a long time now.
Linnea Quigley – Yea I started pretty early in my career. When my career started taking off I was learning guitar and started joining punk rock bands. I went through a few of those until The Skirts were solidified.
Crypticrock.com – That’s really cool. Speaking of the Punk Rock scene in the 80’s, what was the scene like back then? It had to be really amazing.
Linnea Quigley – It was great. When pure punks were around it was really fun. People really lived the part it was like Suicide in Return Of The Living Dead said “It’s a way of life”. They really lived the part and they had fun. It was really fun, we used to rehearse underneath the Pussycat Theater on Hollywood Blvd at the Mask. It was this place where the Go Go’s were on one side of us The Motels on the other and The Germs would come in and try to break instruments every now and then.
Crypticrock.com – (laughs) It sounds like it would have been a blast because there is so much great music from that era and so much influential music. Being involved in music as long as you have I imagine you are a passionate music fan as well. What are some of your favorite bands and musical influences?
Linnea Quigley – I love Fleetwood Mac, that’s one of my favorite’s. I like Stone Temple Pilots and Metallica. It’s hard to say all the bands that I like, but those are the top bands. The Rembrandts. I have a vast variety of different music that I like. Those are some of my favorites. AC/DC and The Ramones of course (laughs).
Crypticrock.com – Did you ever have a opportunity to hang out with the Ramones?
Linnea Quigley – Yea I did mainly it was just Johnny. He was really sweet, really nice guy. When you think Punk Rock you think of the Ramones. Plus they did that movie Rock N Roll High School. I actually read for that movie and I was new to my career when that was happening. I had never done Return Of The Living Dead or Savage Streets or anything. They actually had Cheap Trick as the band instead of the Ramones, but thank god they changed to the Ramones because the really played better than Cheap Trick would have.
Crypticrock.com – Yes the music alone makes the movie. Did you ever have an opportunity to hang out with The Cramps at all?
Linnea Quigley – Oh yea, definitely. Down at the Mask The Cramps would be down there, The Dead Kennedys, and everybody. That was kind of the hang out for the bands practicing and to do an impromptu show down there. The punks were really cool. They were nice people and caring. They were really decent people until the beach punks came in, then it was a different story.
Crypticrock.com – I think that’s a misconception people had about original punk scene that they were not good people and that’s a bunch of nonsense.
- -
Funnily enough, many years later, Linnea Quigley made an appearance in a music video the Ramones shot with special effects creator Thomas Rainone, for their cover of the Who's song, 'Substitute'. A latterday member of her own group, the Skirts, was Joey Image of the Misfits.
Thanks for everything you do here. Hope you are able to enjoy Christmas.
'Merry Xmas Everybody' - Cheap Trick
|
|
|
Post by petrolino on Jun 18, 2022 19:42:02 GMT
Sister Bands ~ Cheap Trick & Bad Boy
'Randall Hogan, also known as Xeno, is the former original lead singer of the band Cheap Trick. He is also a member of the Wisconsin-based band Bad Boy. One of the first bands that Randy Hogan (aka. Xeno) was a part of was the band Cheap Trick. He left the band shortly after Cheap Trick's formation to join a band called Straight Up and was replaced by Robin Zander. Hogan went on to become a member of Milwaukee-based AOR band Crossfire (since renamed Bad Boy), of which he is still a member. The band was inducted into the Wisconsin Area Music Industry's Hall of Fame in 1994. Hogan also has been with the Sleighriders, No Strings Attached, and Three's a Crowd. He also performs numerous events with multi-instrumentalist Mitch Cooper and drummer Brian Bruendl.'
- Wikipedia
'I Gotta Move' (1975) - Crossfire
'The Stone Toad was a decent sized downtown club that supposedly hosted Jimi Hendrix (I forget if that's true or not). I do know that Cheap Trick played there in the early-mid 1970s and the Violent Femmes in the early 1980s before they became the soundtrack for a burger commercial.'
- Milwaukee Rock Posters
'Disco' (1977, 'The Band That Made Milwaukee Famous') - Bad Boy
'Girls, Girls, Girls' (1978, 'Back To Back') _ Bad Boy
'Run From Yourself' (1981, 'Private Party') ~ Bad Boy featuring the Bad Boy Orchestra
|
|
|
Post by Admin on Jun 18, 2022 23:50:13 GMT
Sounds more like April Wine than Cheap Trick. I could totally hear this guy singing lead for CT, but if he hadn't left the band, we may have never known Robin Zander. At any rate, this is a great track. I like it.
|
|
|
Post by petrolino on Jun 19, 2022 0:00:40 GMT
Sounds more like April Wine than Cheap Trick. I could totally hear this guy singing lead for CT, but if he hadn't left the band, we may have never known Robin Zander. At any rate, this is a great track. I like it.
I'm not too familiar with April Wine. I'll check them out, thanks. It'll be kind of perfect as I'm purposefully listening to Canadian bands at the moment who emerged in the late 1960s / early 1970s.
|
|
|
Post by Admin on Jun 19, 2022 0:12:30 GMT
Sounds more like April Wine than Cheap Trick. I could totally hear this guy singing lead for CT, but if he hadn't left the band, we may have never known Robin Zander. At any rate, this is a great track. I like it. I'm not too familiar with April Wine. I'll check them out, thanks. It'll be kind of perfect as I'm purposefully listening to Canadian bands at the moment who emerged in the late 1960s / early 1970s.
When you're diving deep, don't overlook Say Hello and Babes in Arms from "Harder...Faster."
|
|
|
Post by Admin on Jun 19, 2022 4:23:02 GMT
petrolino - So I was giving The Band That Milwaukee Made Famous a spin, and I couldn't help but notice this riff in "Overture," starting around 3:27... How is that not "Crazy on You" by Heart, which was released a year before?
|
|
|
Post by petrolino on Jun 19, 2022 5:01:54 GMT
petrolino - So I was giving The Band That Milwaukee Made Famous a spin, and I couldn't help but notice this riff in "Overture," starting around 3:27... How is that not "Crazy on You" by Heart, which was released a year before?
I know nothing of the rock 'n' roll band Heart. Anybody?
|
|