Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Classically Martin: The Connells - '74-'75

I've never been able to flesh out a full top 10 list of my favorite artists. This probably comes from a reluctance to not have someone in the list that deserves a spot. I have mentioned two previously: the Jean-Paul Sartre Experience and Skinny Puppy. They hold down the top spots, respectively.

One band that I can tell you belongs there, would be The Connells. If you are again scratching your head wondering if you have heard of them, it is possible. The North Carolina band have a alt-country pop flair that can be likened to Toad The Wet Sprocket and seen as a R.E.M. step-child. I found out about them when their single "Stone Cold Yesterday" from their 1990 album One Simple Word was getting airplay on our college station KUNV. I kept adding their music to my collection but have yet to get to their earlier albums (they're on my Amazon wishlist, though.) Anyhow, they scored their biggest hit in 1993 off their Ring album. The song "'74-'75" was a smash hit in Europe (topping the charts in several countries.) Actually, if you are look at the top of the video it says that it was #5 in VH1's list of One Hit Wonders... I'm guessing VH1 U.K. Another big song off that album, "Slackjawed," received heavy U.S. airplay on alternative radio. The band is still around and are re-doing their Web site... which may mean a new album. Good stuff. Enjoy.

3 comments:

LoraLoo said...

I don't remember this band at all - maybe I'd recognize the other one, "Slackjawed". It actually took me until mid-video to get into it, perhaps another listen would do it.

Bar L. said...

Well now I can't say I never heard of them!!

Anonymous said...

i heard this song for the 1st time 8 years ago and the moment i did i knew it was one of the best songs i've ever heard!it's just perfect and every time i hear it it makes me feel so sad...just great