Greg Brown: "Dream Cafe" (1992)

Greg Brown is a folkie who hails from Iowa. He is a highly regarded acoustic guitar player who has had a number of stints on "A Prairie Home Companion" and has had several Grammy nominations. In 1992 he put out his ninth album with the title track "Dream Cafe". This is another song about relationships that drift away.
I was surprised to find out that he is married to song writer and performer Iris Dement, who's biggest hit was Our Town (1992). Then again, she's been on A Prairie Home Companion a lot as well...

Bad Manners: "My Girl Lollipop" (1982)

This song has a history. It was written in the mid- 1950's and had some controversy in who got credit as author. It was written as "My Girl Lollypop" but but changed to a female perspective when Barbie Gaye recorded it in late 1956. It was a regional hit in NYC and was played in a style that would be known as ska. This song became a prototype of the genre. I don't remember ever hearing this version.
In 1964, Millie Small recorded the song in the same style and it became a big hit in the U.S., England and Ireland. The beat was infectious and her voice was full of enthusiasm.

Bad Manners, an English ska band in the 1980's grabbed the song and reverted back to the originally written male perspective.  Douglas Trendle, who uses the name Buster Bloodvessel sings from a perspective of unrequited love in the video. Looking at the band would instantly remind you of Madness or The Specials. This is a fun sendup of the song and continues the big party ska classic.

The band continues to tour, albeit with personnel changes.

The Explorers Club: Do You Love Me?" (2008)

The Explorers Club is a band that is very immersed in (and influenced by) the music of the '60's and 70's. Hailing from South Carolina, the band formed in 2005 and appears to be very passionate about the Beach Boys in particular. Listening to their first album "Freedom Wind", We were amazed at how much it sounded like a sequel to "Pet Sounds". 

We also like that the band doesn't take themselves too seriously. Any snippets of film we've seen about them show them fooling around and mugging for the camera. Their video for "Do You Love Me?" is no different. All of the members have great voices, but the crew here believe it is Jason Brewer that really holds up the high end. Close your eyes and you will be transported to the surf.