This column is dedicated to featuring those bands that arenÁ¢€â„¢t household names but, to my ears, should be. Growing up in a small town in southern Michigan, the closest major…
Darren’s Great Unknowns
18 Articles
Darren Robbins
1 Min Read
In 1975, music critic Jon Landau, having seen Springsteen’s performance at the Harvard Square Theater, wrote the immortal words, “I saw rock and roll’s future, and its name is Bruce…
Darren Robbins
1 Min Read
From the moment I heard Bruce Gary’s infectious drum beat on the intro to “My Sharona”, I was hooked. I had never heard of this band, The Knack. Then, of…
Darren Robbins
1 Min Read
One of the most dramatic success stories of 2007 is Amy Winehouse, who first captivated us with her stunningly retro hit, “Rehab”, then flew off the rails in a haze…
Darren Robbins
2 Min Read
I was such a wee lad when the first Boston album came out in 1976 that I remember little else from the time, but I distinctly remember how much an…
Darren Robbins
1 Min Read
I dig Snow Patrol. There, I said it. I liked Snow Patrol back when they were just an Irish band getting some BBC airplay for their first album. In hindsight,…
Darren Robbins
1 Min Read
The Beatles were my first love, musically. I remember being a young kid and having my uncle play me a copy of “Help!”. I hadn’t even heard of the Beatles…
Darren Robbins
1 Min Read
In our second installment of tracks from Cheap Trick’s legendary New Year’s Eve show at L.A.’s Forum, we’re going to forego any further delay of gratification and focus on the…
Darren Robbins
1 Min Read
On New Year’s Eve 1979, Cheap Trick, riding a crest of massive international success via the multi-platinum At Budokan record (and the newly released Dream Police), came to L.A.’s Forum…
Darren Robbins
1 Min Read
In trying to figure out which Trick tracks to make available this week, I figured I’d showcase a particular show that included some material that we as Trick fans haven’t…
Darren Robbins
1 Min Read
While the chances of ever seeing the original VH line-up put aside their egos and assorted differences are beyond slim, it is impossible to argue how freakin’ monstrous this band…
Darren Robbins
1 Min Read
All 24 tracks from this Japan-only release will be available to CHARITY SLICE readers. Stay tuned.
Darren Robbins
1 Min Read
1981 may not seem to be the most memorable year in rock history, but, in hindsight, the ratio of great bands all occupying the Earth at the same time was…
Darren Robbins
1 Min Read
I’ll never forget first hearing The Cult’s UK “Revolution” EP. I was instantly transfixed by the regal, yet organic sound of this band at a time when synth-pop and goth…
Darren Robbins
1 Min Read
We all have our guilty pleasures, right? I know a guy in a death metal band who is a huge Carpenters fan. I like my 80’s music cheesy. I bought…
Darren Robbins
1 Min Read
Due to popular demand, the 2003 In Color tracks are being made available through March to all DONATE TO CHARITY SLICE readers. To sweeten the pot, I am also making…
Darren Robbins
1 Min Read
For those not in the know, before Butch Walker was the producer de jour that he is these days (producing and co-writing with artists from Midtown to Sevendust to Avril…
Darren Robbins
1 Min Read
In homage to the band who penned the song from which this blog takes its name, we are making available the rough mixes of Cheap Trick’s 2003 studio re-recording of…
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