The Blokes Are Back, Although They Never Really Went Away

Over 20 years ago, Jesus Jones (@jesusjonesband) tasted success across the globe with their releases ‘Doubt’ and ‘Peverse’. These records spawned numerous pop and rock hits such as “The Devil You Know”, “International Bright Young Thing”, “Real, Real, Real,” and the song featured in this video. “Right Here Right Now” made it to #2 on the U.S. Pop Chart, only beaten out by EMF’s “Unbelievable”. Even with a change in drummer, the band continued to perform live and record throughout the late 1990s and into the last decade.

This year, the gang is going back on the road performing in their native land, with a show slated for November 15 in Derby. They also have a DVD to be released soon which can be pre-ordered at the band’s official website jesusjones.com. While there check up on the latest happenings and see what they have available for sale.

Unlike the artists who have recently become popular via social media that skeptics feel will fade away, Jesus Jones have managed to take care of themselves and provide quality performances for two and a half decades. 2004’s “Culture Vulture” remains an underrated tune that with the right label support would have been a Top 20 Alternative smash. Consider yourselves privileged if you have a chance to see them live. If the shows are a success and DVD sells well, perhaps that will lead to a new record or a U.S. leg of the tour. Fans can dream.

Veruca Salt Is Not Dead; The Outlook Is Mostly Sunny

The San Diego-based act Mostly Sunny (@mostlysunny) has garnered some attention for the tune “More Than Anyone Else” since its airing in a Red Vines licorice commercial. This commercial primarily airs during Pac-12 Network telecasts, so most East Coasters may be unfamiliar with the tune.

The song is a throwback to the female-led groups of the 1990s Veruca Salt and Luscious Jackson. The lyrics combined with singer Jenni McElrath’s poppy voice are an excellent reminder of emo grrl music that charted nearly 20 years ago. Will this tune become a viral hit in 2013? Who knows and who cares? There is a place for classic alternative music and “More Than Anyone Else” fits like a glove.

The band seems to be doing well for themselves out west thus far. In their genre, they are the #9 ranked artist in San Diego on ReverbNation. Music veteran McElrath recorded this particular song without mates Danny Wallis and Mike Fish and their latest recordings such as “Maybe Someday” are a departure from the 90s alt-rock sound, but equally lovely and worth hearing.

Substance Over Style: Why Kerosintini Should Surpass t.A.T.u

Rodion and Marina, better known as Kerosintini (@KerosintinI), is a Russian electronica duo who show Top 40 Pop potential with “You Are Going Insane”. Back in the mid-1990s and last decade, this would have been a surefire hit with mainstream radio programmers. In this social media era, to be a hit a song does not necessarily need to be overplayed on the radio. Millions of views of a single video can generate revenue and increase downloads and CD sales.

This tandem is the ultimate DIY group, as they handle all of the production themselves right down to the video featured here. It is shy of a million views now, but with the proper awareness nothing is going to hold Kerosintini back from international success.

t.A.T.u, a one-time global sensation, made it big with “All The Things She Said”, a highly regarded pop rock track with a controversial music video in tow. The video’s theme and the band’s “gimmick” were off-putting to some music consumers and Lena Katina and Yulia Volkova’s popularity waned. Rodion and Marina are a nice looking pair, but they are going to let the music they produce and perform speak for itself.

Ed Sheeran May Get The Attention, But This Bloke Could Give Him A Run For His Money

Englishman Tom Odell is slowly making a name for himself in the States, something that “The A-Team” singer Ed Sheeran has done in the last couple of years. The song featured in this video ranks at #46 on the Adult Rock Chart this week. The downside is that it is down from last week, when it was ranked at #39. Hopefully, this lad with the Alex Band looks and the haunting, brooding voice will continue to make an impact. The video is up to over nine million views on YouTube.

Perhaps RCA Records will market Odell to the Hot AC and Alternative markets. They have fumbled in the past with acts like Damone and Longwave, but it would really be a shame if they let Odell fall through the cracks. Come see and hear what nine million viewers have discovered.

A Band Whose Success May Make Veteran Groups Jealous

Smallpools is an act that formed earlier this year and already has a record deal with a major (RCA). There are artists who work for years, if not decades, to become signed to a contract for more exposure and income. Some critically acclaimed groups like Frostiva , The Big Creak, and The Favors split up before that recording contract and radio airplay ever happen.

Not only is this band on RCA, but their song featured in this video, is #26 on the Mediabase Alternative Chart and climbing. Damone and Longwave, former members of the RCA family, never received that kind of success during their stints with the label.

After three weeks on YouTube, the video already has over 150,000 views. If it can surpass that magic number of a million and the song become licensed in a commercial or two, watch out.

A Band Featured In A Commercial Should Have More Attention Than This

This band is starting to get some attention in an AT&T ad, but it is not translating into YouTube Hits nor radio success. Not yet, at least. Please look for the Colourist and their track “Little Games” on a TV set near you, but hopefully online and on the Alternative and Pop Charts.

A Band Wade Barrett Could Be Proud Of

This Manchester-based group has hit alternative rock stations with this tune and are taking the U.S. by storm. Unfortunately, it looks like the track might bottom out as it is down in plays this week at #34, but do not let that stop you from enjoying this catchy track.

Crossover Rock Band Could Potentially Hit Top 10 With Kick Arse Track

The members of veteran rock group Skillet may happen to be Christians, however, do not let that fool you. The band has reinvented themselves from their earlier look and sound and this new tune is a throwback to more recent hits “Monster” and “Hero”. They are one of only a handful of artists from the “Christian” genre to be regarded by the mainstream as just a great band, joining the likes of P.O.D., Switchfoot, and Owl City.

On Mediabase’s Active Rock Chart, the song is at #15 with 757 spins last week and climbing. Will this make the Top 10 and even higher? That’s up to the listeners. If a station near you is not playing this, check it out here to make your decision.