The Fabulous Thunderbirds feel energized with "On The Verge"

I talked with Kim Wilson about 18 months ago (interview found HERE) and a couple of things stood out to me.  One, he just really seemed to be in great spirits over this band he's assembled.  He described what each brought to the table and how it really energized the sound.  Secondly, he talked about recently really getting into the stuff from Specialty Records (Sam Cooke, Soul Stirrers, etc) and other soul singer acts.  It wasn't a surprise when you listen to this new album that you notice the energy as well as a soul and funk sound infused with their signature blues.  If you are a longtime fan, you're in for a treat as On The Verge is one of their best!  And for those that haven't listened in a while, this will be the album to bring you back!  The first single, "I Want To Believe" is a great groovin' track that will have you singing along before the first chorus has ended.  Sometimes you don't know what your missing in your musical repertoire until you hear it and this is something that was missing in mine!  Other standouts include the funky ("Too Much Water", "You Got To Bring It With You"), the soulful ("Hold Me", "Lovin' Time"), the blues ("Lonely Highway", "Do You Know Who I Am") and my personal favorite, "Running From The Blues".  That one has a great summer sound and hopefully you'll be hearing it on the radio soon!  Pick this one up wherever you like to get your new music and you'll be glad you did!

"I Want To Believe"

"Lovin' Time"

Jan Berry of "Jan & Dean" died this day in 2004

Jan Berry of "Jan & Dean" fame died this day in 2004.  Berry had a severe car crash in 1966.  He had a long road toward recovery after the wreck left him with partial paralysis and brain damage.  Even with his physical limitations, he eventually reunited with Dean after the success of the TV movie Deadman's Curve.  Berry is sometimes overlooked for his contributions in the studio as producer.  Even Brian Wilson, who collaborated many times with Jan, said "I learned to make cleaner background tracks (from Jan).  I learned how to be ambitious from Jan.  He had a very strong spirit for recording music."  Read more from his former partner Dean Torrence from our interview last December at this LINK.  Enjoy some great moments of Jan's career below-

"Sidewalk Surfin"

"The Little Old Lady From Pasadena"

"Deadman's Curve"

"Baby Talk"

Happy Birthday Mike Love

The Beach Boys' Mike Love (2nd from right) was born this day in 1941.  Love is a first cousin with Brian, Carl and Dennis Wilson.  The band did their 50th Anniversary tour last year as well as their latest album, That's Why God Made The Radio.  See Mike and Bruce Johnston on tour this year- http://beachboysband.net

"Do It Again" (50th Anniversary Edition)

"Surfin' USA"

"Fun, Fun, Fun"

"Kokomo"

"Rock N Roll To The Rescue"