He actually released a record as Wreckless Eric just last year. It's called AmERICa, and it's quite decent. It contains a song about his early career and lack of mainstream success: https://www.youtube.com/wat…

The Feelies' debut is another perfect example of this phenomenon. Everyone raves about that first album, but follow-up The Good Earth is very strong. It's more rustic and laid-back than the twitchy debut, but I love it.

It happened to me…

Check out "Sincerely" and "Twilley Don't Mind." Both solid records. Phil Seymour, who played with Tilley and sang background on Petty's "American Girl" and "Breakdown," also released a couple of decent solo records: "Phil Seymour" and "Phil Seymour 2." If you're a fan of power pop, or melodic rock in general, you'll…

I'd already gone through an extensive US/English punk phase by that time too, seeking out just about every "significant" album of the punk era. Green Day didn't sound all that revelatory when put up against the Pistols, Clash, Ramones et al.

Vancouver's little-known Pointed Sticks might veer a little close to power-pop rather than pop-punk. I'll let the esteemed AV club members decide.

"Jump Boys" and "I Gotta Getta" for example.

"Guitar Romantic" is a such a great record. And even the posthumous b-sides, demos collection "Shattered" has its moments.

I'm pretty sure he started it as part of a Sam Beam lookalike contest….

It's nice to have vintage Cooley back on this one. He's been far too subdued on their past couple.

Hell yeah. State of the Nation gets many a play in these parts.

I still unashamedly love Def Leppard's "High n' Dry" – a classic in the NWOBHM canon. "Let it Go" and "Another HIt and Run" still sound great to these ears.

Talking about The Game and not a single mention of "Need Your Loving Tonight?" For shame. Also, I guess I'm in the minority, but I have a real soft spot for "Jazz" and don't find it "tepid" at all: "If You Can't Beat Them," "Dead on Time"….some quality tunes on that one.

"It says 'He took the microphone and shoved it up his ass!/The old man and his wife were aghast." Great couplet."

"I'll be You" - some great Westerberg observations in there ("I'm dressing sharp and feeling dull" "Lonely, I guess that's where I'm from")

C'mon man…name another band that will come to your town and help you party down.

Start all over again….

Yes, you should. Personally I'd start with Global A Go Go, but Streetcore will give you some of that Clash sound (Coma Girl, All in a Day) mixed with Strummer's penchant for experimentation.

I mostly found King's books to be good, kinda creepy fun….until I read Pet Semetary. That is one unnerving book.

I mostly found King's books to be good, kinda creepy fun….until I read Pet Semetary. That is one unnerving book.