On Brand – Five Out of 5
What/Who/Why
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“Scenes from an Italian Restaurant” by Billy Joel
Submitted by Dave
when I was a lad I played the shit out of this album. I learned to play many of the songs on the piano and Italian Restaurant was one of them. Think I will re-learn it too.
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“Road Runner” by Jonathan Richman and the Modern Lovers
Submitted by Bill
Richman is one of those writers who often riffs on pop culture touchstones. A classic song (with a big debt to “Sister Ray”) about being young, loose and free in American suburbia. Brand name: Stop N Shop, etc.
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“Chris-Craft No. 10” by Wonderments
Submitted by Ed
They ended up being Brian Wilson’s backing band, but put out a coupla fine power-pop records of their own. This track is so luscious and sugary that you may need a dose of insulin.
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“GTO” by Ronny & the Daytonas
Submitted by Ian
I used to sing this song all the time as a kid. Would go to car shows with my dad and as soon as i saw one, this song would pop up in my head.
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“Cold Beverage” by G. Love & Special Sauce
Submitted by Alan
It’s a messy, funky groove and I loves it. Described as Hip-hop blues, G. Love is a Philadelphian which adds a certain prior to this nomination. There is something that just screams summer for me. For the sticklers out there, he mentions Sprite, A&W and, of course, Wawa.