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Today in rock history: on this date in 1987, Siouxsie and the Banshees released its eighth studio album, a collection of cover versions of songs originally recorded by other artists entitled Through The Looking Glass. The album was in part a nod to David Bowie’s sensational 1973 covers album Pin Ups but was also inspired by the superb cover of “Dear Prudence” (originally recorded by The Beatles) that the Banshees recorded in 1983. Lead singer Siouxsie Sioux and her heralded goth/post-punk band The Banshees decided to focus on bands that influenced its own style and sound and concentrated on music released in the early 1970s. Songs by respected artists like Television, Sparks, Roxy Music and Kraftwerk found their way onto this fine album as did the band’s spirited cover of Iggy Pop’s “The Passenger” which resulted in a British hit single for The Banshees. The record was well-received by critics in both the U.S. and the U.K. and some of the artists represented on the collection even offered their praise for the unique arrangements and renditions Siouxsie and company recorded.
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On this date in 1942, Lou Reed was born in Brooklyn, New York. A fan of music at an early age, Reed, born Lewis Allan Reed, was a member of a local doo-wop group while in his teens. Later, Reed landed a job as an in-house songwriter for budget record label Pickwick Records. He would crank out piles of pop songs in the early 1960s, taking inspiration from popular hit records of the day. Reed would soon meet Welsh experimental musician John Cale and the two would form what’s now regarded as one of the most influential bands of all time, The Velvet Underground. The band’s 1967 debut album is regularly regarded as one of the most important and integral rock records ever and has been cited as being a strong catalyst in the rise and creation of punk rock. Reed’s post-Velvet solo career had plenty of highlights too: his 1972 glam rock masterpiece, Transformer, which was produced by David Bowie and Mick Ronson, is considered to be one of the cornerstones of the audacious genre and contains the pop classic “Walk on the Wild Side.” Reed passed away at the age of 71 in 2013 due to liver disease but left behind an incredible body of work. His indelible mark on the spirit and the swagger of rock and roll music.
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Today in rock history: on this date in 1984, This is Spinal Tap, the hilarious mockumentary about a fictional British hard rock band was released. Directed by former All in the Family television co-star Rob Reiner, the comedic talents of Harry Shearer, Christopher Guest and Michael McKean were on full display in this brilliantly accurate spoof on countless rock and roll films. The film tells the story of the band from its rise as a Beatles-esque pop band to the current day where it has adopted more of a metal look and sound and are struggling for relevance in a world that’s long since forgotten the band's musical stature. Plenty of actors like Billy Crystal, Dana Carvey and Anjelica Huston made cameos throughout this hilarious movie, but the most memorable has to be Fran Drescher’s all-too-familiar portrayal of Bobbi Flekman, the cheesy, schmoozy artist relations representative from the band’s record label. Heralded for its uncanny resemblance to so many real films that preceded this satire, the film still has a dedicated cult following that regularly quotes lines from the movie. A soundtrack album from the film was also released the same year as the film that chronicled the musical history of the grand, mythical Spinal Tap.
STUMPIN' JON
S*** You'll Never See Again: Jon Bon Jovi jams with Tim Kaine at St. Pete's State Theater (review + photos)
Today in rock history: on this date in 1962, John Francis Bongiovi Jr. was born in Perth Amboy, New Jersey. Better known by his stage name, Jon Bon Jovi, the singer and songwriter made his mark in the 1980s during a slow and steady climb to the top. His first album came in 1984 and was met with moderate success. By 1986, however, Bon Jovi and his band’s third album, Slippery When Wet became a monster hit and produced several hit singles including “You Give Love a Bad Name,” “Wanted Dead or Alive” and “Livin’ on a Prayer.” The multi-platinum success of the record helped the band rise to headliner status after spending many years as an opening act for various established rock bands during their ascent to pop stardom. Jon has gone on to become an in-demand actor in both feature films and television shows and has released a string of highly successful albums with his band as well as a solo artist. Read our review of the band's 2017 Bay area Valentine's Day set here.
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This article appears in Mar 1-8, 2018.