Sept. 4-6, Dallas, Texas - "The Labor Day Weekend Show" at Saltwater Willy's and Austin Ranch with Jim Asbell & The Tropiholics, Jimmy Parrish & The Ocean Waves Band, Brent Burns, Dennis Davis, Corned Beef & Curry, Don Burke and yours truly. Click here for registration information. As my grandmother said, "Never pass up a chance to hang out with Jon Burns."
Some of you have asked for sound clips or links to the old recordings by The Thundermen, for whom my late cousin Rick was the lead guitarist in the early days. Their best-known 45 rpm - "Money" and "Flyin' High" - was released in late 1962 on the old Soma label out of Minneapolis, which also included The Castaways (Liar, Liar); Trashmen (Surfin' Bird); and Fendermen (Mule Skinner Blues). The Thundermen's version of "Money" hit No. 1 on WAXX in 1963. Listen to The Thundermen's version of "Money" and "Flyin' High"
Some of you have heard my stories about my oldest cousin, Rick, whom I usually refer to as an "old rock 'n' roll guitar player." He had been pretty sick lately and died while we were on our spring vacation. Rick was a member of The Thundermen, a legendary local band in the '60s in the Eau Claire, Wis. area. Since the first time I strapped on a guitar, he was a source of encouragement; offering use of his home studio; letting me sit in at various local gigs; and always offering a kind word about my songwriting and recording. Basically, he was a good guy who, to me, embodied the spirit of garage band rock 'n' roll. I will miss him greatly. Here's the link to the obituary in the Eau Claire Leader-Telegram. A history is available on The Thundermen Web site.
Thongs In The Key Of Life, Vol. IV - Just a quick note to let you know that Thongs In The Key Of Life, Vol. IV is now available for online ordering at CD Baby. I'm biased, but I think the lineup is pretty solid. Early response and reviews have been very, very good. Thanx to all who already have bought a copy the old-fashioned way - ...cash or "check's in the mail." Most importantly, thanx for continuing to support independent music.
Songlist
1. Magic Chair - John Reno
2. Tonight - Young Rebel Goombas
3. Sailor's Story - Bob Banerjee
4. Tangy Margaritas - Boat Drunks
5. Shorts, Sandals and Shades - Ray Fogg
6. Magic Cruise - Ramajay Intercoastal
7. I've Got A Beach In My Backyard - Brent Burns
8. Lazy Days - Larry Joe Taylor
9. Key West Address - James Slater
10. Out of the Blue (Here Comes My Paradise) - Rob Mehl
11. Southeast Texas Rain - Jerry Diaz & Hanna's Reef
12. Sunshine State - Lauren Adams
13. Blame It On The Margaritas - Howard Livingston & Mile Marker 24
14. Sand Dollar Millionaire - Bob Karwin
15. Callin' In Gone - Jim Hoehn
16. Lost Keys - Kevin Mulvenna
17. Blame It On Buffett - Kelly McGuire
Yes, it's true. "Callin' In Gone" has made the airwaves at WMIL-FM106.1, Milwaukee's largest country station. (www.fm106.com). Here's the basic blurb.
Jim-
We received your submission to our New Music Page of FM 106.com. I'll be playing Callin In Gone on the week's show. Home Made Jams airs Sunday night at 10pm on WMIL/FM 106.1.... I hope you get a chance to tune in.
Sincerely-
Duncan MacManus
Host
FM 106.1's Home Made Jams
Anyway, you can hear it here on the WMIL Web site. Thanx for listening.