PREVIEW: Paul Collins' Beat Brings Classic Power Pop to Troy
10/17 @ No Fun
RRRRRRRR "I'M IN THE PHONE BOOTH ITS THE ONE ACROSS THE HALL! IF YOU DON'T ANSWER I'LL JUST RING IT OFF THE WALL! I KNOW HE'S THERE, BUT I JUST HAD TO CALL!"
Those in the know, know. You who aren't probably hit Google already. The Nerves' 1976 hit gets my adrenaline going like few other songs. It's not the fastest, the heaviest, or the hardest track released that year, but something about the way the vocals, guitar, and drums come in screaming like they're the last message from a deserted island always sends me into fits. Debbie Harry from Blondie felt the same, that's why they covered it and ended up in the UK top 5. We often hear about "your favorite artist's favorite artist" and while some have been uncovered, brushed off, and polished to death (don't try to clean velvet too hard, folks), there are still some unsung heroes out there.
The Nerves helped define the power pop genre with tasty hooks, catchy lyrics, and tight drums that launched 1000 ships. By ships I mean sweaty vans full of other power trios, but I digress. For those who haven't come across the term before, power pop exists somewhere between punk and pop (it's not pop punk, it's...different). Influenced by the most aggressive songs from early British-invasion acts like The Beatles and The Who, some intrepid bands of the ‘70s carried the torch and pushed radio rock to its limits. The drums weren't lightning fast, but they were quicker than most. Lyrics weren't shouted, but they were belted out in delicious harmony. The guitars weren't machine gun aggressive, but I wouldn't want to stick my head right in front of the cab either. Bands like The Jam, The Romantics, Fountains of Wayne, and many others took the torch and ran from small clubs and basements right to the charts.
It isn't often that we get to see one of the progenitors of a genre grace our scene, but as always, the brain behind Hey Greasy! did the impossible. Paul Collins' Beat will be bringing the best of the Nerves and his followup hit-factory The Beat to downtown Troy and local power pop/glam aficionados Flavour will be releasing and playing hits off their brand new album, Zip It Up, to mark the occasion. Expect a night of foot-stomping, toe-tapping rock that'll feel like it's over too soon before it even begins. Between sets, Kingston's Smash Crash Bash will be spinning records that simply force you onto the dance floor. Grab a bite from Burrito Burrito next door, a beer from the bar, and get ready for a night full of songs that'll be stuck in your ears for years to come.
Paul Collins' Beat plays No Fun on October 17. Tickets are available on Eventbrite or in person at Burrito Burrito. Visit www.nofuntroy.com for more details.
