(Note: this series was originally published elsewhere.)

Something in music: origin

One evening at a hot, trendy L.A. nightclub on a rare solo outing, yours truly found himself standing alone at the bar preparing to review the upcoming act. Before he had taken more than a few notes, however, he was bookended by a pair of vivacious vixens who insisted on engaging your rockin’ writer in cozy conversation. Strangely, the subject of “marriage” arose.

One of the young ladies noted that when a gal is about to get hitched, she needs “something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue.” Your provocative penman was immediately inspired. After all, those very same terms could be applied to music too: “Something old” or classic, “something new” or recently released, “something borrowed”, a cover, and “something blue”, a blues song or a song with “blue” in the title. The rest is history.

‘Something’ in Music 313

Something Old

Our “something old” in this edition is the classic cut
“There’s Only One Way To Rock” written and first recorded by American rock singer Sammy Hagar. It was released as a single in 1981 and first appeared on his sixth solo studio disc Standing Hampton which dropped in 1982.

Something New

Our “something new” this time is the new song “Lonely One” written and recorded by American singer and songwriter Jayne Taylor. Taylor leads the way on vocals. She and fellow co-producer Gary Tanin play all instruments. In a recent Daystorm Music email, Tanin briefly commented on the cut.

He described the tune as a “fun ‘retro-esque’ nod to the era when bands like ABBA owned TOP-40 Radio.” He concluded that it is “an ABBA-esque nod to a past when harmonies reigned supreme. Jayne's single captures the essence of a more innocent time when singing to a favorite song on the radio was the pastime."

Something Borrowed

Our “something borrowed” in this edition is the song “Mary Anna” written and recorded by the American folk band known as The Wood Brothers. It's off their 2011 album Smoke Ring Halo. This dedicated cover and music video was recorded by the Minnesota-based bluegrass band named Pert Near Sandstone a few months ago.

According to a recent e-communique, this is one of the band’s “favorite songs by The Wood Brothers.” It was recorded live “for a single that is not on any album.” See a piece on one of their newer songs right here. (Keep your peepers peeled for a potential piece on the entire upcoming new release!)

Something Blue

Last but not least, our “something blue” in this edition is the blues song “Good Day For The Blues” recorded by the California-based band known as The Chase Walker Band. This blast from the past was written by frontman and founder Chase Walker and first appeared on their debut disc, Unleashed, which dropped in 2014. It features Chase Walker on guitar and vocals, Matt Fyke on drums, and Randon Davitt on bass and vocals.

Interested in hearing more? You’re in luck! In a recent email, Walker briefly discussed the future and the release of his new single, “No Good.” He said: “I'm thrilled to announce that the [new] single, ‘No Good,’ will be dropping on September 15th....with much more to come.”

When asked about the title of the new track he replied: “OK I know what you're thinking - ‘No Good’? Seriously? Agreed it is an unfortunate name. But trust me, this song is anything but no good! It's a raw gritty blues rock banger for sure and I just know you are going to love it.”

“But wait,” Walker added, “there's more! ‘No Good’ is just the beginning. I have a whole lineup of brand-new singles planned for release over the next few weeks and months, all leading up to an album release.”

He concluded: “Seriously, can't wait for you to hear it. So get ready to crank up the volume and unleash your inner badass. We'll make the world a little bit louder and a whole lot more fun!”

Did we mention your favorite “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue”? If not, let us know. Don’t forget to send us your bride photos too!

(Images courtesy of Pinterest, Rock And Roll Wedding Chapel, and/or original owners)