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NEM#195: Nicholas Tremulis Reads Better Books

Nick has fronted 10+ carefully arranged solo albums since 1985 in various styles from R&B to Latin to alt-country.

We discuss “Amanda and the God’s Honest Truth” from Rarified World (2021), “Buffalo Man” from Little Big Songs (2008), and “River of Love” from More Than Truth (1986). End song: “Super Human Love” from For the Baby Doll (2013). Intro: “Heartbeat Getting Stronger” from Nicholas Tremulis (1985). Follow @NickTremulis1.

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NEM#194: Vashti Bunyan Is Not a Folk Singer

Vashti was discovered in the mid-60s by the Rolling Stones manager, recorded a seminal acoustic album in 1970, then quit music until her work was rediscovered in 2000, recording two albums and releasing an autobiography since then.

We discuss “I Want to Be Alone” (a 1965 single), “Rose Hip November” from Just Another Diamond Day (1970), “Wayward from Lookaftering (2005), and the title track from Heartleap (2014). Intro: “Train Song” (1966 single); the singles were released on Some Things Just Stick in Your Mind (2007). More at anotherday.co.uk.

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NEM#193: Peter Case’s Songs About Now

Initially compared as a rock singer with John Lennon in the late ’70s and early ’80s with The Nerves and The Plimsouls, his subsequent sixteen solo albums beginning in 1986 have embraced blues, solo acoustic guitar, and on his new album, highly percussive piano (on his new album).

We discuss “Have You Ever Been in Trouble?” from Dr. Moan (2023), “Every 24 Hours” feat. Richard Thompson from Let Us Now Praise Sleepy John (2007), “When You Find Out” by the Nerves from their self-titled EP (1976). End song: “Anything” from Torn Again (1995). For more, see petercase.com.

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NEM#192: Guitarist Ivan Julian Serves the Song

Ivan was a founding member of Richard Hell and the Voidoids in 1977, fronted The Outsets in the ’80s, and has put out two solo albums while playing with Matthew Sweet, Shriekback, and other projects.

We discuss “I am Not a Drone (Alone)” (and listen to “Voodoo Christmas”) from Swing Your Lanterns (2023), the title track from Naked Flame (2011), and “Liars Beware,” by Richard Hell and the Voidoids from Blank Generation (1977). Other clips: “Everything or Nothing” by Outsets from Punk Voodoo Collection (1984) and “Someone to Pull the Trigger” by Matthew Sweet from Altered Beast (1993). For more, see ivanjulian.com.

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NEM#191: Chris Slusarenko and John Moen As (And Before) Eyelids

Chris and John are veterans of the Portland music scene since the mid ’80s. By the ’00s, John was drumming for bands like the Decembrists, while Chris was playing bass for Guided by Voices. They recorded together as Boston Spaceships (aka The Takeovers) with GBV frontman Robert Pollard from 2005-2011 and then founded Eyelids, which has now issued 17 releases including four full albums.

We discuss “Runaway, Yeah” from A Colossal Waste of Light (2023), “Seagulls Into Submission” from 854 (2014), “Shrunken Head” by Chris’ band Svelt from Souvenir (1996), and we listen to “Blindfold Follies” by John’s band The Maroons from You’re Gonna Ruin Everything (2002) and “Ceremony” by Eyelids from The Accidental Falls (2019). Intro: “My Will” by The Takeovers from Bad Football (2007). For more, see musicofeyelids.com.

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