Some FEATURED ARTISTS on this week’s Stronger Than Dirt (Saturday, January 10, 8-10pm) include The What Four, Traffic, Shoes, Edith Nylon, Lyres, Jam, Adam and the Ants, Didjits, Supersnazz, Stereo Total, lots of new music as well as the weekly Dusty Diamond.
COVER ART OF THE WEEK: Shoes are a rock band from Zion IL that contributed greatly to the 70s and 80s American power pop scene. Formed in 1974 they released several early home recordings on their own label before signing with Elektra in 1979. In 1981 they were one of the first bands featured regularly on the new MTV music network. They continue to play live and released a single as recently as 2020. “Present Tense,” their first album on Elektra, was released in 1979 and featured art direction by Ron Coro and photography by Elliot Gilbert. (Click on image to enlarge)
DUSTY DIAMOND OF THE WEEK (a vintage gem from the STD vaults): The Long Blondes were a mid 00s indie rock band from Sheffield UK that described their music as “sexy and literate, flippant and heartbreaking at once.” Formed in 2003 they split in 2008 following a stroke by main songwriter and guitarist Dorian Cox. “Long Blonde” is a loping indie rocker showcasing Kate Jackson’s excellent vocals and searing guitar work by Cox. It appeared in 2004 on a split EP with the Boyfriends on the Filthy Little Angels label. Listen to it here:
Promo art from the Didjits’ 1992 “Little Miss Carriage!” EP on Touch and Go. Cover art and photo design by Shake It Loose Graphics.