Various Artists “Second By Second By Minute By Minute: The Songs of Rick Springfield”
Rick Springfield is known for his time on the TV soap opera General Hospital and several of power pop classics from the 1980s, such as “Jessie’s Girl,” “Don’t Talk To Strangers,” and “The Human Touch.” However, Springfield has been in the music business since the early 1970s, and his work spans a variety of genres, including pop, rock, power pop, and New Wave. He remains a rock and roll survivor, and still is very active to this day.
Andrew Curry, executive producer, has assembled an incredible roster of power pop musicians to pay tribute to Rick, many of whom have been on his previous compilations (Andy Gibb, Paul Williams, etc.) Great artists like Splitsville, The Corner Laughers, Lisa Mychols, Joe Giddings, and more dig deep into the discography. Highlights include Popdudes’ faithful “Don’t Talk To Strangers,” Eytan Mirsky’s version of “Jesse’s Girl” and Barely Pink’s honky tonk version of “Love Somebody.” And if these songs encourage others to investigate Springfield’s past, dig away! Highly Recommended.
Jeffrey Foskett “Something There – Remembering Jeffrey Foskett”
Although his passing pained me, it was a revelation how crucial Jeffrey Foskett was to Brian Wilson‘s resurgence in the twenty-first century. It is a fact that Brian never would have completed the ‘SMiLE’ album or ‘Pet Sounds’ tour without him doing the high falsettos the Beach Boys made famous. Foskett also had a key role in bringing The Beach Boys back together for their wildly popular reunion record and 50th anniversary tour in 2012.
This set is a more comprehensive retrospective of his career. It includes appearances from Brian Wilson, Mike Love, America, Robert Lamm (Chicago), Christopher Cross, Los Straightjackets, and more. Several important Foskett recordings are included in this 25-song compilation (“I Live For The Sun,” “Everybody,” and “Something There”), along with rare duets and previously unreleased tracks. For Beach Boys fans this is essential listening.