And now I find myself in '19. The pop and rock songs we knew back then have given way to an entirely different style of music for the next generation to enjoy. With each passing decade that leaves the 80s further and further in the rearview mirror, the music from that era sounds better than ever.
Though we'll never have those days again, is it possible for a band to play a fusion of both styles of music?
The answer is, yes.
I've recently discovered The Mylars.
The Mylars (Danny Roselle, vocals, guitar; Chris O'Hara, drums; Nick "Quig" Clemente, bass; Dan "Nashville" Rainey, lead guitar; and Nick Polito, keyboard) are from Union City, New Jersey. Their debut CD, Modern Records, was released in 2017.
Three words to describe Melody Records: fun, simple, and enjoyable.
Of the eight songs on this album, the best representation of that and more is heard in "Betty, Buddy, and Me." First off, this is another great song to mention legend Buddy Holly...on an 8-track, no less and a '57 Chevy. Radio up, windows down, white lines are all we'll see. I can take that any day.
You will no sooner cue up "Breathe Again" when you'll hear guitar riffs easily reminiscent of 70s/80s pop/rock music combined with vocals that mimick the intonations you hear in today's music. Best of all, you'll be amazed at clear, effortless lyrics.
The song that I believe has the best musical fusion is "Forever Done". The melody has a 90s-style sound to it. However, the guitar break is a break from that and fits in smoothly.
The song that stands out to me is "Shine." The guitar intro sounds very much like one of The Clash (apparently, I'm more of a fan than I realized). Lyrically speaking, it includes--and this is something I appreciate and rarely hear in songs anymore--lines from rock songs that could be life mantras (not to mention Facebook posts and Tweets): "Find the things that make you run...I'll find out the things that make me shine...Make the most of your one life. Ignite the strength inside you and take passion for a ride/Start your road to freedom and shine." This song is great to take on the road with you, no matter where you're going or even where you are in life.
In "What Do You Got To Lose", you'll get the best of everything in music, a catchy, steady guitar riff and a line that will make you go "hmmm": Wouldn't you like to get drunk in the movies? It's otherwise just a simple love song about the endless possibilities in life. I recommend this song to a dating couple getting serious.
Listening to this album has given me a considerable amount of ear candy. I feel like I've gotten a breath of fresh air. What has surprised me (for some reason) is a song about fame and falling, "selling dignity", as heard in "12 Minutes."
With all of this fine rock music fusion, the band would be remiss if they didn't make a classic rock cover. What is it? In two words: "Let's Go". What I love about it is, it's not too deviant from the wonderful original, as made popular by the Cars. The magic and absolute fun of that song aren't lost at all. (I'll admit I'm biased because this is my favorite song by the Cars.)
In a nutshell: the Mylars are a modern-day rock band that rocks their guitar passionately like Bryan Adams, makes songs great for a long road trip, a la Bob Seger, and, for good measure, a smidgeon of some punk rock attitude.
I'm not only breathing again but, for the first time in way too long, my heart went pitter-patter when I heard these songs.
And my heart is racing faster in anticipation of The Mylars' next album.
To be released soon.