By Karen Glauber
It’s been a whirlwind of shows these past few weeks—two sold-out Bleachers concerts (where I saw Little Steven, Sabrina Carpenter and Jimmy Jam!), two sold-out beabadoobee shows, also at the Greek, and several others that reminded me why I do what I do. Two onstage mentions from The Hoodoo Gurus meant everything, especially when singer Dave Faulkner later told me, “I owe you my life.” Whether or not he meant it, it was nice to hear.
Watching soundcheck for Tuesday’s Big Star show, which featured founding member Jody Stephens, Mike Mills (R.E.M.), Jon Auer (Posies), Pat Sansone (Wilco) and Chris Stamey (dB’s), it occurred to me that my generation—those of us who worked at college radio and came of age with R.E.M., could realistically be called Generation Big Star, because what we have in common began with Big Star and continued with the musicians who preached the brilliance of the band in subsequent decades.
After watching Ted go through the stress of buying Oasis tickets, maybe that’s another generational distinction, encompassing nearly every programmer in Modern Rock. There are only two Oasis songs in the rolling format playlist for the year: “Wonderwall” at #76 and “Champagne Supernova” at #148. Given the ensuing frenzy—the U.S. dates sold out in less than 15 minutes—perhaps your audience might want to hear these songs a bit more frequently.
I’m looking for any distraction from trolling Trump on IG. I don’t know how to get through the next month (or longer) of him and Vance. Also, none of his followers can spell.
When I’m not doomscrolling, I’m going through the Alternative chart, marveling at the success of Sum 41, whose “Dopamine” is now Top 5, as “Landmines” looks to be the biggest Alternative song of the year. This is the most elegant swan song a band could have—quitting while on top.
Dave Barbis has done a spectacular job at Big Loud in a short time! He’s already Top 10 with brand-new band Dexter and the Moonrocks’ “Sad in Carolina.” Their T-shirt proceeds will benefit those in North Carolina needing assistance after Hurricane Helene. Dave is also doing a wonderful job with HARDY’s “Psycho.”
I will maintain my stance that a woman should be 1) President of the United States, and 2) programming Alternative radio. There are so many phenomenal female artists who are streaming better than 90% of your playlist that deserve attention. beabadoobee’s “Beaches” is the highest-charting of this group, now Top 25. I snuck away from my office on Rosh Hashanah to visit bea’s pop-up store on Fairfax Avenue. Thousands of fans were waiting in line to buy her merch and get a photo with her. I’ll be wearing my hoodie to tonight’s Weezer show, which my kid is very excited about (the show, not my hoodie).
Hopefully, you’re aware of Suki Waterhouse; her “Supersad” sounds like a Modern Rock smash. You fell in love with her when she was in Daisy Jones & the Six, or during last year’s Coachella. Currently on Sub Pop, she’s also Top 10 at Triple A.
Gigi Perez’ “Sailor Song,” which is now on Island, is a streaming juggernaut. The label recently showcased her in L.A. and NYC, and I’ve been hearing the song all over SiriusXM. This is a one-listen, spectacular record. Another favorite is Magdalena Bay’s “Image,” which is streaming over 1 million PER DAY. David Jacobs will absolutely get this record. Also, do not forget about the brilliant Clairo, who is playing two nights at the Salt Shed in Chicago!
On Monday, I’m going to see PJ Harvey—one of the best performers in the history of music—at the Greek. Tuesday, I’m finally seeing Royel Otis, one of the biggest success stories of the year!... Going to shows is a better use of my time than watching The Golden Bachelorette. I’m two years older than the current bachelorette. Kill me now.
I haven’t been to Cleveland since I left Oberlin in 1984, but I’ll be back next weekend for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, which includes Peter Frampton, an artist whose nomination I’ve championed for years. It should be a blast!
Big Star photo by Chris Morris
