Buzzcocks – “What Do I Get?”

Buzzcocks - "What Do I Get?" (Pete Shelley) Copyright 1978 Complete Music Limited

Back in ’77, one thing UK punk bands didn’t have much use for was love songs. But Pete Shelley of the Buzzcocks wrote what could be called “modern love songs”; honest songs about longing, romance, loneliness, and yes, love — all laced with self-deprecating humor. But their music was aggressive, all raging guitars, pounding drums & pummeling bass. With those thoughtful (dare I say, sensitive) lyrics on top, it was the best of both worlds. On this episode, we take a deep dive into the Buzzcocks classic “What Do I Get?”.

If you’re a Buzzcocks fan, check out The Hustle Podcast’s interview with Steve Diggle.

Buzzcocks – “What Do I Get?” (Pete Shelley) Copyright 1978 Complete Music Limited

— This show is one of many great music-related podcasts on the Pantheon network. You should check them out!

Graham Day – “Glad I’m Not Young”

"Glad I'm Not Young" (Graham Day) Copyright 2008 Graham Day (MCPS)

After a few longer-than-usual episodes, I thought it was time for a quick take on a straight-forward rocker with a premise not often heard in rock, pop, metal or rap — Graham Day & The Gaolers (pronounced “Jailers”) with “Glad I’m Not Young”.

“Glad I’m Not Young” (Graham Day) Copyright 2008 Graham Day (MCPS)

Superchunk – “Me & You & Jackie Mittoo”

"Me & You & Jackie Mittoo" (James August Wilbur, Jonathan Patrick Wurster, Laura Jane Ballance, Ralph Lee Mccaughan) Copyright 2013 All The Songs Sound The Same Music

Do we expect too much from music?  A great song can do a lot, but it can’t fix everything.  This song is 2 minutes of joy… sometimes, that’s enough.

“Me & You & Jackie Mittoo” (James August Wilbur, Jonathan Patrick Wurster, Laura Jane Ballance, Ralph Lee Mccaughan) Copyright 2013 All The Songs Sound The Same Music

Graham Parker & The Rumour – “Stupefaction”

"Stupefaction" (Graham Parker) Copyright 1980 Street Music

Graham Parker arose from the UK Pub Rock scene, a back-to-basics sound that was a precursor to Punk.  Along with his band, The Rumour (which included guitarist Brinsley Schwarz, a legend in his own right), he recorded a handful of essential albums in the ’70’s and has released a string of great records throughout his long career.  A notable songwriter with a distinct edge and a wonderfully biting voice, he’s influenced many artists that followed.  Here’s one song that represents everything I love about Graham Parker.  

“Stupefaction” (Graham Parker) Copyright 1980 Street Music