Sound of the Suburbs

Great pic of PHN guitarists Mario Palermo and Mitch Deason at the American Association of Podiatrists annual Christmas fundraiser. Stamping out toenail fungus is a cause near to their hearts. Kudos, gents, on another year of charitable giving!

Sound of the Suburbs Christmas Party. The editor likes to break the ice.

✂️ SOTS Christmas Party 15 seconds · Clipped by John Mathews · Original video "The Who - 'I Can't Explain' (Dancing Mod)" by Niall Stewart

Follow-up to the previous post—here is “Shadowplay” by Joy Division. Compare it to “Mirrors” by Nightbus. Is this an homage, or outright plagiarism? Did Nightbus ask an AI songwriting app to “write a song like Shadowplay?”

Joy Division - Shadowplay Artist: Joy DivisionSong: ShadowplayAlbum: Unknown PleasuresLyricsTo the centre of the city where all roads meet, waiting for you,To the depths of the ocean ...

BREAKING NEWS!!!

https://youtu.be/C1wlUWDe8Io?si=5elLGJZ-U2XkBYv9

In collaboration with Jarvis Tallmidge,
SOTS has a very real and depressing scoop.

As you know, SOTS has a very soft spot for Manchester bands. We read an article in the Guardian about Nightbus, and immediate sought this band out. At first listen we loved them—right in our wheelhouse—moody, atmospheric Manchester sound with the added depth of a female vocalist. Then we shared the song “Mirrors” with Jarvo, who is one of the few locals with an even greater affinity for the Mancunian sound than SOTS.

His initial response—“isn’t that the bass line from “Shadowplay” by Joy Division? Then he said “isn’t that the same melody?” Then SOTS looked at the lyrics (below). Absent songwriting credits, or at least a recognition that this song is an homage to Joy Division, this song is perilously close to plagiarism. We can’t help but wonder if it wasn’t created by AI.

You can read the lyrics below and watch the videos on YouTube, or listen to both songs on most major streaming services. SOTS welcomes your comments, readers….

Mirrors
To the centre of the city where my mind breaks waiting for you
Where the room starts spinning you’re the vortex swallow the truth
And you can’t keep calling my name if it’s out of your mind

Shadowplay
To the centre of the city where all roads meet, waiting for you
To the depths of the ocean where all hopes sank, searching for you
I was moving through the silence without motion, waiting for you
In a room with a window in the corner I found truth

Nightbus - Mirrors (Official Video) Nightbus - Mirrors Written by Nightbus Produced by Nightbus Mixed & Mastered by Jake Cottier Released by So Young Records Directed by Nightbus Camera / DOP b...

Delaplaine Magazine—the local social and society magazine—features PHN in their most recent issue. SOTS is loathe to criticize other journalists, but this article is the puffiest of puff pieces. No mention of 2nd lead guitarist Mario Palermo’s recent inflammatory comments about Estonian-Americans. Nothing about the continued dissension between the lead singer and bassist over the former’s desire to “bring back prog rock.” And certainly no interest in digging into drummer Mike Casey’s recent disastrous visit to Guatemala for Botox treatments. Readers—stick with SOTS for the real news!!

We hear you, Jello. This one hurts….

Hardcore legend.

https://www.nme.com/news/music/urge-overkill-drummer-blackie-onassis-has-died-aged-57-3456271

SOTs were never huge Urge Overkill fans. But they were a huge part of the scene which put Chicago on the music map in the 1990s, and their talent was undeniable. Another musician gone too soon. RIP, Blackie Onassis.

Urge Overkill drummer Blackie Onassis has died, aged 57 American drummer Johnny "Blackie Onassis" Rowan has died at the age of 57, his former band Urge Overkill have announced.

https://www.mancunianmatters.co.uk/news/11052023-frontman-punches-bassist-as-scottish-rock-band-play-manchester-venue/

Violence against bass players—a disturbing trend or natural selection?

Frontman launches punch at bassist as Scottish rock band The View play Manchester venue - Mancunian Matters A rock band’s reunion show in Manchester was cut short last night – when a fight broke out between band

Critically acclaimed bands that SOTS really doesn’t like. Not saying they are bad bands, or unimportant bands, but we have always been baffled by their popularity and critical acclaim. Comments and attacks welcome!

1) The Beach Boys. So many critics and music buffs are all in on “Brian Wilson is a genius and “Pet Sounds” is one of the greatest albums of all time.” Really? SOTS made a concerted effort to find the genius in this and other Beach Boys albums, and we don’t see it. If we said “Simon LeBon is a genius and “Seven and the Ragged Tiger” is a masterpiece” we would be relentlessly and rightfully mocked. Nothing wrong with Duran Duran, but that’s the level we place The Beach Boys at.

2) Pearl Jam. Demographically and generationally, Pearl Jam should hit our sweet spot. They don’t. Just don’t see the appeal.

3) The National. Boring, boring, boring. Seem like the type of guys who genuinely agonize over the decision to buy a taco because they are concerned about accusations of cultural appropriation. They just have that vibe. And did I mention boring?

Bring the hate!!

The Springsteen tour is in Ireland. Bruce apparently took some time to threaten and intimidate a bed-ridden and sickly Shane McGowan. That’s why he’s the Boss!

The PHN/SOTS shirts designed by Kiki were met with great approval by the hip, moddish fan base of this journal and the band. “Where can I get one of those shirts?” “What a design—I need one!!” “I feel like that shirt would make me part of an elite inner circle and I want one!”

If anyone is interested, message us at SOTs or post here. If we get a few (more than 1 or 2) requests, we’ll run up some more. These are sold at cost—nobody is making a cent. We will ask for payment in advance, which will likely be around $22-$25 per shirt.

SOTS was once again astounded by the outpouring of support from the community for the annual Riverside Rocks for Charity Spring Fling music festival. While our reporters were admittedly overserved at the hospitality tent and did not see as many bands as we would have liked, we have nothing but praise for the shows by Poolhouse Noize and Jameson Shakes. You guys rocked it. And we hear good things about all the other bands on the bill as well. Thanks to all the bands and volunteers who brought this event to town!

And finally, Jerry Owen, Matt Benson and Jerome Tomas from PHN are chilling out before bringing you some hot tunes at Spring Fling on Saturday. Get your tickets now!!

PHN drummer Mike Casey and rhythm/2nd lead guitarist Mario Palermo are ready to bring the noise and bring the funk. Are you? Get your Spring Fling tickets now!

Poolhouse Noize lead axe man Mitch Deason has shaved his beard, dyed his hair, and is ready to salute those about to rock. If you haven’t bought your Spring Fling tickets yet, what are you waiting for?

Why is Liam sad? Because he didn’t buy tickets for Spring Fling and Noel did. Our kid will be missing out on what SOTS can say—without hyperbole—is the greatest late April music festival in the area. Don’t end up like Liam—get your tickets now!!

Johnny and Joan are excited! Know why? Because they have their tickets for Spring Fling. How about you, readers? hear some great local music and support a great cause! The hour approaches….

As many of you know, Poolhouse Noize vox Matt Benson likes to sharpen his stagecraft by doing some solo shows in the early spring. Last year he brought his unique stylings to the Polish bars lining Archer Avenue, where he earned the nickname “śpiewak karpiowy.”

This year, he decided to reach out to our Mexican friends and neighbors, promoting a series of family friendly shows performing south of the border favorites. Unfortunately, Matt’s Spanish is not good, and while he intended to promote the shows as “Mi Canciones Favoritas,” the actual fliers and social media posts advertised “Mi Cojones Favoritas.” This attracted a very different crowd……

SOTS is getting ready for Spring Fling
by going through our archives. Here’s one of Poolhouse Noize 1st lead guitarist Mitch Deason and stick slinger Mike Casey in the early 80s, when they toured as “The Funky Groovesters.” Memories.

https://www.riversiderocksforcharity.com/spring-fling-bands

Check out this list of bands! Old festival faves like Jameson Shakes and El Rando, vets of the Chicago hardcore scene Johnny Fu, the always impressive Steve Ramone and a host of others. If you want to see lots of bands (or perhaps avoid certain bands) this event can’t be beat! Get your tickets now! Support local music!

BANDS | My Site We are so fortunate to have an immense amount of musical talent in such a small geographic area. Many thanks to our musicians who donate their time to this amazing event. 

Last chance! Officially licensed genuine PHN/SOTS shirt designed by Kiki—the Vivienne Westwood of the Riverside scene. Post here if interested!

The t-shirt shop is closing on April 5. If any fans are interested, please message or post here (if you already did, we got you). Once we know how many are ordered, we’ll let you know the cost.

Remember, rock n’ roll and style go hand in hand.

Our photographer was on the scene today for this baffling and frankly disturbing interlude today. Our Kid embarked on a psychedelic-fueled vision quest ala Jim Morrison or Syd Barrett, seeking inspiration for new music and new direction for PHN. We really don’t know what to say to this.