It’s been a while since I added a new track to Music to play in your vintage Mustang, but it certainly hasn’t been due to a lack of terrific songs submitted by new and rising artists. In fact, I’ve been overwhelmed by the sheer number of great submissions. Case in point: “Sweet Jenna Please,” from garage rock trio Sugartone Noise Co., out of Grand Rapids, Michigan.
I love the ebb and flow of this particular track, but their debut album, Local Band Asked to Leave, is filled with classic rock-influenced gems framed with a sense of humor, from the opening track “Warmup,” to the closing track “Exit.”
Band members Ian McDonough (guitars, vocals), Peter Cook (bass, keyboards), and Carlon Parmelee (drums) were supposed to go, perhaps even be on, a regional tour to promote their debut LP, but this damn pandemic thwarted that plan. Nevertheless, they’re taking this time to hone their creativity, so I doubt you’ll have to wait long before they’re back in the studio and releasing another album.
You can learn more about sugartone noise co here
About the Curator - Jane Asylum
When my mother wasn’t walking around the house belting out early 60s’ girl-band lyrics, she was collecting compilation albums, specifically from K-Tel. She may not have had the most refined taste, but she enjoyed variety, or at least that’s what I recall. I poured over them all, preferring some sounds to others. And when I found the perfect song, I’d play it over and over until ready to perform my latest theatrical dance incarnation.
With my family all gathered on floral grey sofas in our basement apartment, I’d set the vinyl on the turntable of a brown fibreboard stereo and not-so-carefully lower the needle. It would pop, screech, and crackle before any music spilled from the weaved-wheat speakers. My toes would press, lift, and sweep through the blue-green shag carpet, my arms would flail, and the music would bass and treble through my soul.
I’m no longer that 6-year-old doing private-audience interpretive dance routines, but my passion remains just as intense. I have no special superpowers as a curator — just my love of sounds and lyrics that transport, transform, move, and make your body groove.
Jane recently curated the musicto community playlist: “What is Alternative Music” - well worth checking out along with her three part article on her favorite “Alternative” artist: “My Ultimately Alternative Relationship With PJ Harvey - Part 1”
