Eddie Japan – “Fight Song” (2014)

Eddie Japan - Fight Song
Eddie Japan
“Fight Song”
2014

This might just be the slickest protest song you ever hear. Recorded in 2014 and dedicated to the Wisconsin protesters of 2011, Eddie Japan’s “Fight Song” is an inspiring tune delivered with style. The message being swooned and crooned feels as relevant as ever with election season heating up. Give it a listen and feel empowered and entertained at the same time.

Where to get it:

Eddie Japan – “Albert” (2015)

eddie japan albert
Eddie Japan
“Albert”
2015

Wow. I don’t even know how to describe what Eddie Japan is up to these days. “Movie music without the movie” doesn’t cut it anymore. Their sound is grand and layered. The lyrics, in this case inspired by Albert Camus, are colorful and well-considered. They play with passion and purpose. “Albert” brings all of this together in stunning fashion. Strings! Horns! Backing Vocals! Guitar twang! Breakdowns! Outros! Eddie Japan have found the perfect middle ground between their unabashed pop (“You Will Find Me Dead in My Comfort Zone”) and their love of the epic (“A Town Called Nowhere”). It’s the sound of thirteen musicians coming together for love.

Where to get it:

Full Disclosure: Nicole Anguish of Daykamp Creative did the artwork for this single. That’s why it’s so awesome. The artwork, not the song. I mean, the song is awesome, she just can’t take credit for that.

Eddie Japan w/ Ruby Rose Fox – “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” (2014)

eddie japan Christmas Baby Please Come Home with Ruby Rose
Eddie Japan w/ Ruby Rose Fox
“Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)”
2014

This is good. This is really good. I’m all for crazy renditions of holiday classics, but I always come back to well crafted versions that echo the originals. This here rendition of “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” with Eddie Japan and Ruby Rose Fox is just right. Old school recording techniques, great vocal interplay and special guest Doug Orey on guitar make this worth the download. All of the proceeds benefiting the DCF Kids Fund make it worth a lot more.

Where to get it:

Videos With Important Words In Them

Music can have a message. Videos can have a voice. Eddie Japan, Dream Generation and The Michael J. Epstein Memorial Library have found their voices in their latest clips. Three videos. Three unique styles. Three important messages. The art and causes may vary, but the end result is the same: a music video that makes an impact. Oh, and they all have words in them, so put on your reading glasses.

Eddie Japan - "Fight Song"
Eddie Japan – “Fight Song”

Dream Generation - "Runaway"
Dream Generation – “Runaway”

The Michael J. Epstein Memorial Library - "I'm The One Who's Dead"
The Michael J. Epstein Memorial Library – “I’m The One Who’s Dead”

Eddie Japan – “First Of The Gang To Die” (2014)

eddie japan - first of the gang to die
Eddie Japan
“First Of The Gang To Die”
2014

I’m not a big Morrissey fan. I do, however, quite enjoy Eddie Japan’s cover of Morrissey’s “First Of The Gang To Die.” Whether that says more about me, Eddie Japan or Morrissey, I’m not sure, but it does say something. EJ’s laid back approach puts the song’s narrative front and center, backed by the type of nuanced arrangement that has become the group’s trademark. It’s a fitting statement from a band paying tribute to one of their influences.

Where to get it:

Friday Finals Flashback

So, you’re headed to the sold out Rock ‘N’ Roll Rumble Finals tonight and you’re wondering what to expect. Look, these things are pretty unpredictable. No one ever really knows what’s going to happen. Petty Morals, Await Rescue and Goddamn Draculas have been on point the whole Rumble. There’s no reason to expect anything less tonight. However, if you think you know what tricks the bands have up their sleeves or who’s going home in a tiara, you may be in for a surprise. We’ll find out soon enough when we pack into TT’s to watch in all unfold. Then we’ll catch a set from The Information before they announce the winner and spray the champagne. In the end, we’ll have our memories. Maybe we’ll have some pictures. Here are a few of mine from the last 3 Rumble Finals. See you tonight!

The Dogmatics - 2013 Rumble Special Guest Band
The Dogmatics – 2013 Rumble Special Guest Band
Eddie Japan - 2013 Rumble Champions
Eddie Japan – 2013 Rumble Champions
Glenn Yoder And The Western States - 2013 Rumble Finals
Glenn Yoder And The Western States – 2013 Rumble Finals
Twin Berlin - 2013 Rumble Finals
Twin Berlin – 2013 Rumble Finals
The Grownup Noise - 2012 Rumble Special Guest Band
The Grownup Noise – 2012 Rumble Special Guest Band
Bow Thayer And Perfect Trainwreck - 2012 Rumble Champions
Bow Thayer And Perfect Trainwreck – 2012 Rumble Champions
Garvy J. And The Secret Pockets Of Hope And Resistance - 2012 Rumble Finals
Garvy J. And The Secret Pockets Of Hope And Resistance – 2012 Rumble Finals
Motherboar - 2012 Rumble Finals
Motherboar – 2012 Rumble Finals
The Shods - 2011 Rumble Special Guest Band
The Shods – 2011 Rumble Special Guest Band
Spirit Kid - 2011 Rumble Finals
Spirit Kid – 2011 Rumble Finals
John Powhida International Airport - 2011 Rumble Champions
John Powhida International Airport – 2011 Rumble Champions
OldJack - 2011 Rumble Finals
OldJack – 2011 Rumble Finals

Oh, and let’s not forget the celebrations…

8686554000_d0df16fce7_b

8685500555_c68aa46ca1_b

7100483583_f9e01e8ddf_b