http://doggomatic.net/blogBLOG RSSThu, 08 Feb 2024 03:02:00 GMTThu, 08 Feb 2024 03:02:00 GMThttp://doggomatic.net/blog/80-s-synthwave-part-2The response to the 80's Retro Synthwave post last month was tremendous. Thanks! So, here is Part 2.  This is an emotional set, with an underlying sadness.  The lyrics are included - read the lyrics to a song before playing it.The first song is dedicated to someone who was very close ...If you liked the topic of this post and the previous ("Retro 80s Synthwave"), or any of the tunes ...   send comments to  swervy@doggomatic.net . General comments and suggestions about the Blog and/orWed, 12 Aug 2026 20:18:31http://doggomatic.net/blog/80-s-synthwave-part-2http://doggomatic.net/blog/80-s-synthwave-back-to-the-futureWhat is trending now at YouTube music?  Synthwave continues to gain popularity, particularly 80's Retro Synthwave.  What is Synthwave?  Here's how Google AI defines it :   Synthwave is an electronic music genre heavily influenced by the sounds, aesthetics, and themes of the 1980s, especially from movie soundtracks, early video games, and technological themes of the era. It is characterized by atmospheric synthesizers, electronic drum machine beats, and driving bass lines, often evoking aWed, 12 Aug 2026 20:19:23http://doggomatic.net/blog/80-s-synthwave-back-to-the-futurehttp://doggomatic.net/blog/smoothThis week we highlight live performances that are so "tight" that they are worthy of inclusion in a special category we call Smooth.  First up is a band from Chicago ironically named Brooklyn Charmers.  They are a tribute band that specializes in covering the songs of Steely Dan (the "Brooklyn" connection).  Nobody does that better than this group.  Their musical synchronicity is at a level higher than most bands ever achieve.  Check out their home page to see their talents on full display.Wed, 12 Aug 2026 20:20:09http://doggomatic.net/blog/smoothhttp://doggomatic.net/blog/battle-of-the-cover-bands-part-3This week, the focus is on the second of two bands that were selected as the best of the cover bands in Part 1.  All video presentations included in this post are from that band. The Lexington Lab Band has invited many guest performers in the most recent years.  However, most of the songs included in this post feature the main LLB members.  All of these videos include the founder of LLB, Michael Vandemark.  His musical direction and production skills enable the exceptional virtuosity of theseWed, 12 Aug 2026 20:20:59http://doggomatic.net/blog/battle-of-the-cover-bands-part-3http://doggomatic.net/blog/battle-of-the-cover-bands-part-2Starting this week, the focus is on only one of the two bands that were selected as the best of the cover bands.  All video presentations in this post are from that band.  The next post will highlight the other outstanding band that was selected as one of the best of the cover bands. First up is the Martin Miller Session Band, with four very special guest guitarists.  These performances are extended versions of each song, and they highlight the exceptional virtuosity of the players whileWed, 12 Aug 2026 20:21:37http://doggomatic.net/blog/battle-of-the-cover-bands-part-2http://doggomatic.net/blog/battle-of-the-cover-bands-part-1In case you haven't noticed, there's a tremendous musical competition that's been playing out on YouTube the last few years.  It involves "cover bands" - and they're getting more views than a lot of established popular music artists.  The talent on display is at times stunning, as you will see in this series of posts.  Those "worn out singles that got old long ago" have been revived, polished and infused with new energy.  This series of posts is intended to showcase musicians who have taken itWed, 12 Aug 2026 20:22:16http://doggomatic.net/blog/battle-of-the-cover-bands-part-1http://doggomatic.net/blog/before-they-were-famousLooking Back This week we examine the origins of some artists who became household names. We revisit chapters of their careers that made music history. Three from "The List" BLOODLINE - "Stone Cold Hearted". The guitar world found out about Joe Bonamassa when Bloodline released their debut album on August 23,1994.  When the band was formed it included four members who had famous fathers.  Waylon Krieger (Robby Krieger of The Doors) on rhythm guitar, Berry Oakley Jr. (Berry Oakley ofWed, 12 Aug 2026 20:22:55http://doggomatic.net/blog/before-they-were-famoushttp://doggomatic.net/blog/the-25-cent-cassette-tapesQuick Note: Entertainment data tracker Luminate says the sales of cassettes nearly doubled from 2020 to 2021, and this year's sales numbers signal further growth. Now artists not even alive when cassettes were first popular are releasing albums on tape like Billie Eilish, Harry Styles and Taylor Swift. (Editor)Do you ever check out the mark-downs, clearance items, discounts, etc. at the stores where you shop?  You might be amazed at some of the products that are being given away just to getWed, 12 Aug 2026 20:23:34http://doggomatic.net/blog/the-25-cent-cassette-tapeshttp://doggomatic.net/blog/heartache-songsSongs of the WeekSome of the most impactive songs are the ones that bring back emotional memories from the past.  Memories that have been locked away, brought back when an event reminds you of 'that time'.  You remember those feelings from back then ... and relive the heartbreak.  The following is a short playlist of songs that talk about it via lyrics and melody.  LEVEL 42 - "It's Over".  The lyrics are included here to help tell a story that many can relate to.MIKE + THE MECHANICS -Wed, 12 Aug 2026 20:24:34http://doggomatic.net/blog/heartache-songshttp://doggomatic.net/blog/legends-part-1-kevin-gilbert-of-toy-matineeMusical Favor This week we begin a series to recognize some unique artists who died young but made a huge impact on everyone they worked with.  We'll look at some key stops on their journey to becoming music legends.  First up, Kevin Gilbert and the landmark recording of a legendary band - Toy Matinee. Kevin GilbertTOY MATINEE - "Last Plane Out".  In 1988, Kevin Gilbert put together the progressive rock group known as Giraffe.  The band entered the 1988 Yamaha International Rock MusicWed, 12 Aug 2026 20:25:25http://doggomatic.net/blog/legends-part-1-kevin-gilbert-of-toy-matineehttp://doggomatic.net/blog/hit-or-missSongs of the WeekWith the many genres of music now, it's easy to miss out on some really great musical artists.  Listen closely and see what you've been missing. Four from "The List"TOAD THE WET SPROCKET - "The Moment".  This is a single from New Constellation, an independently produced and web financed album.  To fund the album, the band decided to use the crowdfunding source Kickstarter with hopes of raising $50,000 within a few months. The goal was reached in just 20 hours andWed, 12 Aug 2026 20:25:57http://doggomatic.net/blog/hit-or-misshttp://doggomatic.net/blog/mellow-voyageSongs of the WeekSongs that are considered "mellow" can be classified into many sub-categories.  Some of these have been around awhile but not talked about much.  These might change your mood.  Five from "The List"1. TOAD THE WET SPROCKET - "Hold On".  A track from the 2021 album Starting Now, their first album since New Constellation in 2013.  Aside from their rabid fan base, they are best known for the single "Good Intentions", which was featured on the soundtrack for the televisionWed, 12 Aug 2026 21:53:44http://doggomatic.net/blog/mellow-voyage