Tonight on LNG, I figured we would go with the “last Monday of the year” theme. I found this little gem in some notes about music tucked away in one of my many notebooks. I swear I need to make some sort of resolution to organize these notes. I’m shaking my head. This is the equivalent of a vow to lose weight, exercise more, or quit smoking, and my all-time favorite, focus on me. This is my year. Anyway, I digress.
“Thank God It’s Monday” is a unique punk rock anthem released by NOFX in 2000 on their album “Pump Up the Valuum.” The song, written by Mike Burkett (Fat Mike), offers an ironic twist on the typical Monday blues sentiment. The track presents a contrarian view of weekdays, celebrating Mondays while criticizing traditional weekend activities. The lyrics express a preference for Mondays over Fridays, pointing out how weekends are filled with crowded, smoky bars and packed restaurants. The song’s protagonist lives a “5-day weekend” and a “year-long holiday,” embracing Mondays when most people are at work. Each day is compared to a holiday—Tuesdays are like Christmas, Wednesdays like Hanukkah, and Thursdays like Thanksgiving.
Alabama Shakes, a band whose name evokes the southern roots from which they emerged, has captivated audiences around the world with their raw, soulful sound. Since their formation in Athens, Alabama, in 2009, the band has garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base for their electrifying performances and genuine musicality.
At the heart of Alabama Shakes is lead vocalist and guitarist Brittany Howard, whose powerhouse vocals and emotionally charged delivery have become synonymous with the band’s sound. From the moment she belts out the opening notes of a song, Howard effortlessly commands attention, infusing each lyric with a sense of urgency and sincerity that cuts straight to the soul.
Backing Howard is a talented ensemble of musicians including Heath Fogg on guitar, Zac Cockrell on bass, and Steve Johnson on drums, whose collective chemistry and tight instrumentation provide the perfect backdrop for Howard’s powerhouse vocals.
What sets Alabama Shakes apart is their commitment to authenticity. In an age where studio production and auto-tune reign supreme, the band’s stripped-down approach to music feels refreshingly genuine. Their debut album, “Boys & Girls,” released in 2012, is a testament to this authenticity, with its raw, bluesy sound and heartfelt lyrics resonating with listeners deeply and personally.
Tracks like “Hold On” and “I Found You” showcase the band’s ability to blend elements of rock, soul, and blues into a seamless and infectious sound that feels both timeless and contemporary. With each soulful guitar riff and impassioned vocal performance, Alabama Shakes transports listeners to a place where music is not just heard but felt.
The band’s sophomore effort, “Sound & Color,” released in 2015, further solidified their status as musical innovators. From the hauntingly beautiful title track to the raucous energy of “Don’t Wanna Fight,” the album is a sonic experimentation and emotional depth masterclass.
Beyond their recorded music, Alabama Shakes is renowned for their electrifying live performances. Whether performing in an intimate club or headlining a festival stage, the band’s energy and passion are palpable, leaving audiences spellbound and craving more.
As Alabama Shakes continues to evolve and push musical boundaries, one thing remains constant: their unwavering commitment to authenticity. In a world where trends come and go, the band’s timeless sound and genuine spirit remind us of the power of music to move, inspire, and unite us all.
Few bands stand out in the vibrant tapestry of punk rock history quite like Adam and the Ants. With their flamboyant style, infectious energy, and rebellious spirit, they carved out a unique niche in the late 1970s and early 1980s music landscape.
Formed in London in 1977 by frontman Adam Ant (born Stuart Leslie Goddard), Adam and the Ants quickly made a name for themselves with their distinctive blend of punk, glam rock, and new wave. With Ant’s charismatic persona at the forefront, the band’s music became synonymous with theatricality, bravado, and unabashed rebellion.
At the heart of Adam and the Ants’ sound was their innovative use of tribal rhythms and dual drummers, which added a primal, tribal element to their music. Combined with Ant’s swaggering vocals and catchy guitar riffs, the band created an infectious and unmistakably their own sound.
Their breakthrough came with releasing their sophomore album, “Kings of the Wild Frontier,” in 1980. Fueled by hits like “Antmusic” and “Dog Eat Dog,” the album catapulted Adam and the Ants to international fame, earning them a legion of devoted fans and cementing their status as icons of the punk rock movement.
But it wasn’t just their music that set Adam and the Ants apart—their larger-than-life image and fearless sense of style. With their elaborate costumes, tribal face paint, and provocative lyrics, the band embraced a sense of daring and empowering theatricality. They dared to challenge societal norms and push the boundaries of self-expression, inspiring countless fans to embrace their individuality and inner rebellion.
Throughout their career, Adam and the Ants continued to push musical boundaries with albums like “Prince Charming” and “Friend or Foe,” showcasing their versatility and innovation as artists. Tracks like “Stand and Deliver” and “Prince Charming” further solidified their status as cultural icons, earning them critical acclaim and commercial success.
Though the band’s lineup underwent changes over the years, with Ant pursuing a successful solo career in the 1980s, the legacy of Adam and the Ants endures. Their music continues to resonate with audiences old and new, serving as a testament to the enduring power of punk rock to inspire, provoke, and ignite the fires of rebellion.
Adam and the Ants remind us to embrace our inner eccentricities and celebrate our unique identities in a world that often prizes conformity over creativity. With their infectious energy, fearless spirit, and unapologetic attitude, they remain timeless symbols of punk rock swagger and defiant individualism.
Memoirs of Madness 