Just To Dull The Shine

The Prime Ministers “Summer Shoulders” — There’s a particular trait common to those of us who were born, raised and still reside in the Midwestern portion of the United States — we don’t trust good weather. You see, in order to survive the long winter, one must turn their back on the sunshine and learn to embrace the cold air and grey skies. What begins as resentment towards those who live in warm weather states eventually morphs into a strong sense of community with your brethren who also bury themselves deep within their down comforters for months on end. But when the weather turns in May and thermometers creep past 70 for the first time, things begin to change. Not slowly, mind you, I’m talking overnight. And by that, your Uncle Grambo means that girls start showing SKIN, yo. You know that dame who you see in line for coffee at Starbreezy every day? The one who’s always bundled up in scarves and has salt stains on her boots? Turns out she’s not frumpy after all, that bird is fit (but she knows it)! And that girl from accounting who glances at you during your Tuesday morning status meeting? Glamorous gams revealed!

In short, that feeling is what this song is all about. Long unappreciated in their hometown of Detroit, The Prime Ministers are to the Midwestern suburbs what the Fountains Of Wayne are to those who live in the shadow of the skyscrapers of Manhattan — a band whose richly expressive, hook-laden power pop songs explode when they hit the speakers and make you glad to live where you live. (Click here to buy their latest LP, “Go For Glory”)

The Holy Fire “Hate Your Smile” — Despite the perception that Detroit’s music scene consists of angry white rappers (Eminem, Kid Rock) or angry white garage rockers (White Stripes, Von Bondies), we actually have some other angry white musicians round these parts. And, SURPRISE, a few can write a catchy rock song with the best of them. All kidding aside, a band called The Holy Fire is perfectly positioned to capitalize on all the attention that major labels are showing bands from The D™ these days. Only THIS band has got a trick up their sleeve. Sure, they play loud, they play fast, they look the part. But, more importantly, they’ve got the undeniable songwriting chops that will allow them to survive the impending giant flush that will signal the end of the garage rock era. Don’t be surprised if you hear this unreleased song (slated to appear on their upcoming full length LP) on rock radio by year’s end. When you add crashing guitars and an instantly memorable chorus to a subject that’s universal in its appeal (the feelings one experiences in the wake of a relationship gone awry), get ready to catch the next train leaving on the Buzz Central line. Obvs! (Click here to buy their debut EP from Insound)



Your Uncle Grambo is the dashing raconteur responsible for curating whatevs.org, perhaps best known for consistently producing Piping Hot Content For Your Sexy Bod. He would like to again thank Matt for the opportunity to talk about a few songs that have been in heavy rotation his stereo. He also added the following, “Bovs on your respective tees and mp-threes! Guest blogging, some say the hottest evs. Shmears.”