Moon Fever “Single All Summer”
From the get-go, “Single All Summer” has vocalist Cody Jasper bellowing in a way reminiscent of the golden age of classic rock. Moon Fever — which has had an eventful summer between touring with the likes of Buckcherry, Adelitas Way, 10 Years and Hinder and moved its headquarters to Seattle — has been featured on StripJointsMusic.com for its single “Cocaine” so you know they’re bona fide for gentlemen’s club jams. Guitarist Mitch Micoley mentioned in an interview with ED Magazine that “Single All Summer” is “about being free, enjoying your life, living to the fullest. I can see some shaking to it.” The song is up-tempo but with a tinge of youthful innocence that oozes contagious enthusiasm and will definitely have people vibing.
DJ Khaled “Body in Motion”
You probably already know DJ Khaled from his numerous musical exploits over the years: DJ, producer, record exec. He’s got hits like “All I Do Is Win”, “I’m the One” and “Wild Thoughts” to his name and featuring some of the biggest names in music. Seemingly a man that only knows one speed, DJ Khaled is back with another one, this time “Body in Motion” which features Bryson Tiller, Lil Baby, and Roddy Ricch. This song has a breezy, laid-back groove that evokes memories of Khaled’s collaborative efforts with Justin Beiber. It doesn’t take a crystal ball to foretell this song will be a hit in clubs because of the several voices chiming in as well as the tune’s melody. This much is clear, also, all DJ Khaled does is win.
Kurt Deimer “Have A Cigar”
Kurt Deimer has been around the block and then some — having carved out a successful business career before pivoting to acting (he was in the 2018 “Halloween” remake among other films) and songwriting. Deimer’s rendition of the Pink Floyd classic “Have a Cigar” holds its own against the 1975 megahit. Make no mistake about it, Deimer has a tough, gritty sound and his guttural drawl complements the lyrics perfectly. The song also utilizes the talents of guitarist and musical director Phil X, who was tabbed to replace Richie Sambora for Bon Jovi. According to Deimer’s website, “When people listen to my music, I want to help them decompress and feel better after a brutal day. That’s what music always did for me …” Mission accomplished with this one — time for a victory cigar anyone?
Penny Billionaires “Awoken (Alt mix)”
Born from the timing of the pandemic, duo Penny Billionaires is composed of Evan Berg and Greg Jacks. From the onset, it’s clear this song has some serious musicianship behind it. From the synthy pop sounds stemming from Jacks’s days playing with French band Superbus in the mid 2000s to the ensuing haunting riffs. This song is a perfect example of music’s potential when it dares to venture beyond its traditional confines. “As a performer, Greg is a monster,” Berg said in an interview with ED Magazine, courtesy of StripJointsMusic.com. “Playing with him, not only as a musical partner, but also as my friend has improved me in a lot of ways. The energy he brings on stage pushes me harder every time and I found without him, I don’t have that magical feeling. The chemistry we share musically is incomparable.” This song will definitely get everyone in the club jazzed up.
TEMPT “Living Dangerous”
TEMPT is a New York City-based band made up of vocalist Zach Allen, guitarist Harrison Marcello, bassist Chris Gooden and drummer Nick Burrows. Their song “Living Dangerous” churns along as a vibrant, rock anthem that sounds a bit like ‘80s Bon Jovi or the hair-metal bands of the time. The song also features the sultry vocals of Dorothy — who in this track draws comparisons to Heart’s Ann Wilson — to mesh masterfully with Allen. Live a little and get this song on your playlist ASAP.
Candlebox “All Down Hill From Here”
Candlebox has been at it since 1991, hailing from Seattle so you know the band has had time to hone its sound. In this single “All Down Hill From Here” is off the band’s seventh studio album “Wolves.” This song is the sound of a band at the might of its powers, past any growing pains and fully embracing the sound it wants to generate. “All Down Hill From Here” is a very easy listen that has the band looking up, even if vocalist Kevin Martin sings otherwise “Spent half of my life in a rock and roll band … They say ‘the harder they come, the harder they fall’ / Well I hit it pretty hard babe, still reelin’ from it all /And I made it to the peak babe, but it’s all downhill from here now.”
Maneskin ft. Iggy Pop “I Wanna Be Your Slave”
We covered Maneskin’s song “I Wanna Be Your Slave” in Vol. 92 of StripJoint reviews. At the time, we wrote about how the band had become a smash hit in Europe — Maneskin is an Italian quartet. Now the band is back with the incomparable Iggy Pop and it’s a welcome addition. Where the original took advantage of a fast beat that maximized on singer Damiano David’s talents, the deference to Iggy Pop to lead off the singing only serves to bolster the track. This song manages to accomplish two goals: it keeps Maneskin on DJ’s playlists and also proves that at 74, Iggy Pop still brings it as the Godfather of Punk.