Visual Sound: Issue 2
JOE P,
“CROWN VIC (BLACK CLOUD)”
Upon the pandemic forcing the break-up of Joe P’s Asbury Park band, the singer/songwriter turned inward and produced some of the best music of his career. Since his signing to Neon Gold/Atlantic Records, he’s created a memorable debut EP Emily Can’t Sing. He’ll be celebrating its release at Baby’s All Right in Brooklyn Nov. 30.
DION,
“ANGELS IN THE ALLEYWAYS”
Dion’s not from Jersey! He’s from the Bronx. So what is he doing here? Watch and find out. This is from Dion's new Stomping Ground album.
VESSEL OF LIGHT,
“MEET AND BONE”
From Vessel of Light's 2019 Thy Serpent Rise album, this is Jersey metal at its finest. Nathan Opposition, Jimmy Schulman, Ron Lipnicki and Dan Lorenzo throw down the gauntlet on this Lorenzo/Jochum composition.
DOC ROTTEN,
“PSYCH WARD 103”
Punk-Rock from Trenton! Although Doc Rotten’s Unite Resist (their fourth disc/first full-length) won’t be out until March, this doozy is a good example of what singer/guitarist Wes Bentley, drummer AJ Martinez, lead guitarist Andy Keris and bassist Dough Pumbo are up to. The new album is being recorded in Asbury Park and mastered in Hamilton.
JOEY DEE & THE STARLITERS,
“THE PEPPERMINT TWIST”
“The Peppermint Twist,” by Joey Dee & The Starliters, was a #1 song in America in 1962. Dee, from Passaic, had a good ear for talent. In his band, at various times, were Jimi Hendrix, 3 of The Rascals, actor/guitarist Joe Pesci and the underaged Ronettes. His new book, Peppermint Twist Chronicles, has it all.
TALASIA,
“REJOICE”
Not since Ray Charles done stole that call-and-response style right from church in 1959 for “What’d I Say” has a soul singer taken gospel to such glorious heights. Brother Ray, of course, brilliantly co-opted the cherished tradition for his own secular purposes. Atlantic City’s Talasia stays true to her Christian teachings but adorns it in smart, gorgeous, funky and modern populism.