Sherman & Ski - Talk You Into It

Have you been to the land Down Under? Us either, but that doesn't mean we are scared to flip hemispheres. This episode of Sherman and Ski lauds the songwriting and pop sensibility of lead singer Colin Hay, and the whole Aussie gang. Men At Work were clearly a new wave phenomenon, but incorporate a wide variety of instruments, EXTREMELY high melodic notes, and tons of ska/reggae influence which tends to get overlooked. In terms of albums, Business As Usual went supernova of course (Best New Artist Grammy), but both Sherman and Ski agree that Cargo is the underappreciated gem. They streaked like a comet across the outback, then the States, and of course, Ski digs deep into the catalog for his picks. Sherman throws in a fun personal interaction with Mr. Hay (who is hilarious, btw) backstage at Bonnaroo one year, and we all climb back into the cassette tape time capsule. It's beyond time to reassess Men At Work. Crikey!

Just when you think that we wouldn’t dare do it, we invite you to KEEP IT COMIN’ LOVE - Sherman and Ski are vouching for disco (and Latin FUNK) superstars and underrated heroes, KC and THE SUNSHINE BAND. Literally, there are nothing but hits from Miami native Harry Wayne Casey. In fact, a person can drive from Washington DC to Carlisle PA, and you are NOT out of hits, not by a longshot. Sherman and Ski DO get to a couple of extremely deep cuts from the catalog, specifically from their earlier funk records which has some serious bass and horn action.

Ski reminds us that there’s not too much of the string section of traditional disco.  However, Sherman informs us that there is plenty of Booty and Boogie references that remain. Sherman can’t get enough of their fourth album, the oddly titled KC & The Sunshine Band Part III, which is jam-packed with earworms and rump-shakers. Ski pulls from the stellar 1974 debut album Do It Good, and boy is Ski ready to party and Sound Your Funky Horn. Sherman is floored that Please Don’t Go was originally penned by KC as he only knows the KWS 90’s club cover, but of course Ski knew it. We both DO agree that the premium KC material leans towards the earliest work, and one should probably avoid the 2000’s album Yummy, with a bizarre Peter Gabriel cover…yeah, let’s stick with the Latin funk and disco stuff. We also reconnect briefly on the Rock & Roll HOF class of 2022, and see how we did…have a listen!

Happy New Year!! Sherman and Ski are BACK from a small hiatus to bring you some fresh NINETIES era content - we are talking you into another listen of the legendary Luscious Jackson. Founded by Jill Cunniff, Gabby Glaser, Vivian Trimble and joined by ex-Beastie Boys original drummer Kate Schellenbach, this incredible foursome produced some of the most unique sounds of the early to mid 90's. Best known for their 1996 chart hit, the mega-catchy track "Naked Eye", it's hard to overstate how overlooked their catalog has wound up, as they were true alt-rock pioneers with a true blend of hip hop rhythms, speak singing, harmonies, synth flavors...just damn fine work, really.

As usual, Ski discovered this record during his year in Bologna, and reminds us of their later catalogue which is a kids record, while Sherman stumps about the In Search of Manny EP and the debut record Natural Ingredients, and realizes that he may enjoy their…jazz influences? But let’s just say the deep dive we go into is absolutely worth the plunge…as Luscious Jackson’s entire oeuvre has been criminally overlooked. Thanks for jumping back on board with Sherman & Ski!

When David Lee Roth left (or was fired from?) Van Halen following their massive album “1984” the Van Halen brothers considered several possible replacements, from Patty Smythe from Scandal (“I am the WARRIOR!!) to, yes, Phil Collins and, are you sitting down, Daryl Hall from Hall and Oates. Ultimately, they wanted to stay true to the concept of a four-piece band and followed the lead of AC/DC who went from Bon Scott to Brian Johnson. They landed on Sammy Hagar, who first gained notoriety as lead singer of the criminally underrated and overlooked Montrose and then as a solo artist (“I can’t drive……55!!”). Unburdened by trying to land a record deal or establish a name for themselves, Van Hagar could simply focus on being arena rock heroes.

And who can argue with the results? Four US Number 1 multi-platinum albums, MTV video staples (“Right Now” and “Top of the World”), and sold-out tours. So confident that their fans would come along for the ride, Van Halen barely touched on those Roth-era albums during their tours, incorporating a bit of Sammy solo but nothing besides “Jump” from their formative years. The turn to synths and pop on “1984” paved the way for Van Hagar power-pop gems like “Why Can’t This Be Love” “When It’s Love” “Dreams” and “Love Walks In.” But fear not fans of rock and roll, they could still knock you over the head with the first power-drill hit (“Poundcake”) and “Best of Both Worlds” and tap into the blues with “Finish What Ya Started.” Sammy was a more traditional hard rock lead singer with a top-heavy range only surpassed by Anthony’s background vocals that seamlessly transitioned from Roth to Hagar.  Despite Van Hagar’s success, the Van Halen brothers had yet another falling out with a lead singer and Sammy was out by 1996. After trying to catch lightning in a bottle a third time with Gary Cherone from Extreme on “Van Halen III” (note to listeners: there will NOT be a podcast on Van Cherone), and a brief reunion with Sammy for a tour in the mid-2000s, Van Halen went back to Roth in 2007 as you always kind of knew they would. When Eddie died, we lost a chance to hear those Van Hagar songs just one more time. But the music lives on. Just get your best pair of board shorts and Hawaiian shirt, head down to the beach on a sunny summer day, pour yourself a margarita and crank up “5150.” Long live Van Hagar.

Van Halen is one of the most influential bands in rock-n-roll history. Period. And their story simply cannot be told in one chapter (or podcast).

Chapter 1: DIAMOND DAVE, BABY.  The first four Van Halen albums – Van Halen, Van Halen II, Women and Children First, Fair Warning – are iconic, unparalleled in the annals of hard rock and heavy metal. Lead singer: David Lee Roth: master showman and the ultimate frontman. What he might lack in vocal chops, he more than makes up with charisma, hoots and howls, leg-kicks and “I WILL ENTERTAIN YOU UNTIL YOU ARE ENTERTAINED” determination. And, yes, he probably invented LSD: Lead Singer Disease. On guitar: Edward Van Halen. EVH. I mean, c’mon. It’s Hendrix, Clapton, Page, and Eddie Van Halen. Bruce Springsteen once said “If you sound like them, you play like them.” And how many guitarists in the 80s and 90s tried to sound like Eddie Van Halen? Every single one of them. And not just the usual suspects from the Sunset Strip, but Billy Corgan and Mike McCready from Sherman and Ski’s sweet spot of 90s alternative too. Everything was held down by the ultimate rhythm section of Michael Anthony on bass and Alex Van Halen on drums. Unlike Eddie, you might not find them on any top ten lists of their craft, but they laid the foundation and powered the band forward, especially live. And not to be overlooked, Anthony’s backing vocals reached incredible heights and are almost foundational to the sound of the band, unlike anything you might here this side of Mike Mills from R.E.M.

They became arena rock heroes when rock bands were still able to break through relentless touring and FM radio. And then there was the birth of MTV and music videos. The album “1984” was their swan song with Roth and their most commercial album to date, layered with synths and pop gems like their first number 1 hit, “Jump” and videos that defined the time like “Hot for Teacher.” Much to the chagrin of their longtime fans and rock guitar absolutists, Van Halen was suddenly climbing the pop charts and rubbing shoulders with Madonna and Michael Jackson (Eddie of course added his signature sound to “Beat It”). Yet at the height of their success, Roth left to pursue a solo career and it seemed Van Halen had reached the end of the line. How many bands in rock history get a second act when they replace the lead singer? Well, Sherman and Ski have a story to tell you about the birth and success of Van Hagar. But we’ll leave that to the next installment!

Well, one week into the new year, but we can't let the music from last year go JUST yet. Sherman & Ski give their take on their top five records of the past year, somewhat surprisingly without any overlaps!  These picks run the gamut this year - Sherman wound up digging some alt-jazz, an unbelievable soul singer, some spoken-word UK post-punk and a 90's throwback...Ski went with a shoegaze vibe, an heir to a musical throne, something nutso out of France and some dirty southern rock, to name a few.  Who are these randos???  Take a listen to find out!  Also check out our Spotify playlist with Sherman's Heavy Rotation from 2021 to see what else he was into.  Happy new music discovery day everyone!!

The podcast at least eighteen years in the making is finally here.  As the 20th episode of Sherman & Ski: Talk You Into It draws nigh, at the close of the year 2021, we bestow upon our dear listeners the ELECTRIC SIX, the ultimate disco/funk/punk/rock/metal demigods of Detroit (Rock City!).  Do you like dancing?  Do you like irreverent lyrical content?  Do you prefer over the top theatrics?  Do you like Jack White, Kiss' Dynasty album, Spinal Tap, and bizarro covers of the Alan Parsons Project, Roxette, and Stevie Nicks?  Do you enjoy a band with a rotating lineup of ridiculous fake names?  And most importantly, have you ever declared nuclear war on the dance floor?  Look, if you're stuck in the house this New Year's Eve, fire up our Electric Six companion playlist (after hearing this pod) and boogie down all night.  Kiss off both 2021 and snooty rock critics alike, and join us worshipping at the throne of lead crooner Dick Valentine and his merry band of mayhem-raisers, the Electric Six.  Irrepressibly fun, catchy hooks and hip-shaking rhythms, insane lyrics and shout-out along choruses, the Six are the only band to announce that they are not her to play 18 songs, but NINETEEN.  And then, they'll play the hits.  ENJOY! - Sherman & Ski

Trailblazers. Pioneers. MTV 80s Icons. And at long last, Rock and Roll Hall of Famers. Ladies and Gentlemen, The Go-Go’s. Sherman and Ski remain baffled that it took 15 years after they first became eligible, that the Go-Go’s received their first nomination for the Hall. Thankfully, the powers at be recognized that they had waited long enough and gave credit where credit was due: in the face of a record industry that had only found space for all-female singing groups, Belinda Carlisle (vocals), Charlotte Caffey (Guitar), Jane Wiedlin (Guitar), Kathy Valentine (Bass) and Gina Schock (Drums) showed the world that the Go Go’s could more than hang with the boys: they could flip the script and usher in a musical revolution. Think about it: “We Got the Beat,” “Our Lips Are Sealed,” “Vacation”: three songs that defined the sound and the era of early 80s music, even without the synths: brilliant, post-punk pop gems, simple and clear to the point, unforgettable. And that list of classics doesn’t even include their best song, the undeniably infectious “Head Over Heels” (featuring a bass breakdown for the ages courtesy of Ms. Valentine). Yes, written and performed by the Go-Go’s. That should go without saying, but in the late 70s and early 80s it was unheard of for a group of five women to achieve that level of success on their own and on their own terms.

Don’t be fooled, though, this wasn’t a singles band. Look at “Lust to Love” How Much More” “Turn to You” and their fierce anthem “This Town.” All elements of the Go-Go’s can be found here too: the cool rock steady twin guitar attack of Caffey/Wiedlin, Belinda’s angelic vocals rooted in punk rock (with a nice assist from Jane on backing vocals) and the Valentine/Schock rhythm section that remains a force of nature (We got the beat, indeed).

By 1985, they were burned out and Belinda went on to a hugely successful solo career (“Mad About You” “Leave a Light On For Me” “Heaven Is a Place on Earth”) that suggests, had they stayed together, more hits would have followed (though we also shouldn’t overlook Jane’s Top 10 Hit “Rush Hour” and Ski would like to make a plug for Charlotte’s post Go-Go’s outfit The Graces, featuring “Lay Down Your Arms.”). You always got the sense that the Go-Go’s felt they had unfinished business, and numerous reunions followed, and a fourth album in 2000, God Bless The Go-Go’s, that is more than worthy to be included in their alongside their LPs from their 80s heyday, with an assist from Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong on “Unforgiven.”

What followed? The Bangles, Hole, The Donnas, Liz Phair and, ahem, Elastica. And so many others. These women earned their rightful spot alongside rock’s greatest and they’re still at. Sherman and Ski will take two tickets at the 9:30 Club, please. See you there.

Welcome back to Sherman & Ski – who are thrilled to tackle one of the most critically derided, yet highly popular bands of the grunge era, sleazy rock titans STONE TEMPLE PILOTS. Dismissed as a ripoff act of Pearl Jam & Soundgarden, at their peak around 1994 and 1995 they were just as potent as anyone recording, and the songs completely hold up. Ski recounts a club show he saw STP at in Italy (massive), Sherman raves about Scott Weiland’s stage presence, and both stan for the 2nd & 3rd albums - Purple and the slightly underrated Tiny Music, Songs from the Vatican Gift Shop. We also briefly discuss the San Diego music scene (there was one, believe it or not), Ski supports a later release from the late 2010’s called Meadow, and we vouch heartily for a band who have almost no shot for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, but have a depth in their catalog that too many people ignore. Also! Sherman & Ski are now available on Amazon music and Audible, in addition to Apple, Google Play, Spotify, Anchor and everywhere else.

Living Legend.  They are the two best words that you can put together to describe the one of the greatest showmen of the 20th century, the one and only LIONEL RICHIE.  From the Commodores, to writing with Michael Jackson, and now to American Idol, he has literally spanned generations of musicians, and sure, you THINK you know his whole catalog....but do you?  Sherman and Ski are here to either reinforce your notions that Lionel cannot hope to be contained, or make you realize that even his softest ballads are white-hot gold and demand your eternal respect.  Come for the cheesy goodness of Lionel (who's kinda goofy in person, according to Sherman) and stay for the early funk hits.  Ski and Sherman both will attest that his stage show is simply second to none. Let's face it, he had you at Hello, and he Can't Slow Down - nor should he.  Re-experience the joy of Lionel on this episode of Sherman & Ski: Talk You Into It.

It's Christmas in July!  Sherman and Ski have a PAIR of gifts for our listeners...a supersized podcast featuring the legendary CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL plus a counterintuitive holiday opening round.  In this episode we get into the extremely litigious history of the band, the endless fights between the brothers Fogerty, and also Doug & Stu (the other guys).  We chat about John Fogerty's flannels, infomercials, their insane musical output in the year 1969, royalty payments, CCR covers vs originals, why all new bands should drop shorter albums, and the best song to play on a jukebox at the end of a long bar night.  PLUS, since we recorded this at the holidays, the first segment is about all our favorite Christmas music, so crank that up in this ninety-ish degree heat.  Happy summer!

What's the problem with dance-rock?  Sherman and Ski tackle an age-old question in Episode 15 of Talk You Into It in praise of, wait for it, JESUS JONES.  One of the most under-acknowledged 'tweener' acts of the last thirty years, Jesus Jones deserves another moment in the sun.  The band had the misfortune of recording at their peak at nearly the exact wrong moment - too many years before the late 90's electronica boom and only a few months before grunge took over.  We are here to rectify this oversight.  Far greater than their enormous hit, Right Here Right Now, Mike Edwards and company released three terrific records at the dawn of the 90's (Liquidizer, Doubt and Perverse) and helped set the table for the alternative radio techno/electronica scene (think Prodigy, Chemical Brothers, Fatboy Slim) that they didn't get to participate in.  With the foundational sound of 80's industrial titans like Ministry, layered with psychadelic samples, early trip-hop loops, and multiple overlapped synth tracks, there's a depth of sound that has gone unnoticed.  Our Jesus Jones case study takes on similar artists of the era (Soup Dragons, EMF, poppier NIN) and talk about other records they influenced (Franz Ferdinand, Garbage, 90's era U2 and INXS).  Truly, Jesus Jones has been overlooked/ignored for way too long - and we are here to TALK YOU INTO IT.

Ever wonder how and why an artist/band gets into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame??  For the purposes of this podcast, it's kinda all Sherman and Ski think about.  On the eve of the announcement of the class of 2021, our boys weigh in on the nominees, the process, the snubs, and pick the five artists that they each think should be in.  Also, Sherman disses Bon Jovi and Joan Jett's inclusion, Ski argues for a big Hall and yet thinks the Foo Fighters shouldn't be first ballot!  Sherman tells his Hangout Fest story, and also talks up his favorite salesperson of all time.  Ski also takes a controversial position on Rage Against the Machine...so much goodness in this episode.  We can't wait to have a classic bar argument with any of our listeners in person...now that bars might actually open again!  Tune in and let us know what you think - and looking forward to tomorrow's announcment!

Welcome back to a stupendously ambitious topic for Sherman & Ski - Talk You Into It, GUNS N' ROSES.  A person may wonder, 'What is there left to discuss about one of the biggest bands in the history of History?'  And we respond, well, at least an hour and five minutes worth! In this episode, Sherman outs Axl Rose as a huge closet musical theater nerd and Meat Loaf enthusiast.  Hear Ski posit a controversial hot take that Appetite For Destruction is the first nail in the coffin of the death of hair metal.  Plus, play Keep It Or Dump It with our efforts to edit down Use Your Illusion I & II into just one album, hear us rattle off our must have cassettes of the mid 80's, and wonder if Guns n Roses should better appreciated for their prowess at covering songs.  Take a listen on Apple, Spotify, Anchor, Google, Stitcher and don't forget to subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts!

The history of new wave music cannot be told without two essential words : New Order.  From the ashes of the legendary Joy Division, this fully synthesized British band were the forefathers of an entire genre of music (new wave dance rock) that owe their roots to their beats and epic new wave jams.  This episode, Sherman & Ski pick their favorite tracks, discuss why they aren't as widely appreciated in the United States as they should be, try to remember the names of the actual songs (tougher than Ski thinks!) and how in the world they have never even been NOMINATED for the Rock & Roll HOF. Regrets, anyone?  Only if you forget to subscribe to our podcast - now on Apple, Stitcher, Spotify, Anchor, Google play...and anywhere fine products are freely distributed.

Hello Cleveland!  Direct from Ohio, it's the inimitable Chrissie Hynde and THE PRETENDERS, the subject of this episode of Sherman & Ski: Talk You Into It.  Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees from the class of 2005, style icons, and owner of her singular sensual growl, Ms. Hynde and company are now into their fifth decade (!) of making hip-shaking rock & roll.  Join us as we dig deep into the stellar album cuts from the legendary initial trio of records (Pretenders I, II, and Learning To Crawl).  Plus, Ski reminds Sherman of a great record from the mid '90's (Last of the Independents) and Sherman hypes 2020's Hate For Sale for further Pretenders enjoyment...happy snow day to the Northeast!

Seasons greetings from Sherman & Ski!  This double album blockbuster pod kicks off with Sherman & Ski talking you into four of their all time Christmas/holiday songs.  From classic crooners to essential Muppets (yup, that's right) - the boys have their opinions and are stickin' to 'em.  Take a perusal at the Sherman & Ski Spotify playlist as well for A Very Special Christmas playlist for your endless shuffling enjoyment while learning to bake.  Also!  Sherman & Ski each contribute five albums each that we require as a must listen from 2020, creating a truly monumental, collaborative top ten list of this most unusual year.  From NJ metal gods The Atomic Bitchwax (Ski), to agit-prop hiphop heroes Run The Jewels (Sherman), local DC pop-punk faves Bad Moves (Sherman) to Philly rockers Beach Slang (Ski) and spanning the globe from coast (Jersey Shore) to coast (Los Angeles) to coast (Australia) - we've done the digging for you, all you need to do is listen.  Thanks for letting us talk you into it all year long, here's to 2021! - Sherman & Ski

It's October, so let's get spooky, dark-wavey and listen to another criminally underappreciated band, The Cult.  On this side of the Atlantic Ocean, there is a massive knowledge gap in the alt-rock canon regarding Ian Astbury's glammy, muscle-y, and extremely hook-driven songs, and in this episode Sherman & Ski unearth the treasures.  Another classic case of songs you don't know you know, and worth a few thousand more spins.  

Sherman and Ski discuss Rock & Roll HOFers Blondie and their influence on an entire generation of musicians. We chat about the symbolic importance of Debbie Harry to the future of women in rock, their extensive new wave influences, and avoid 'The Tide Is High' at all costs.