Michael Simmons is a true treasure, a rockin' pop force of nature, a benevolent Midas capable of transmogrifying the mundane into pure pop gold. He's demonstrated his magic touch time and time again: As a solo artist, as the pilot of the incomparable combo sparkle*jets u.k., as one of the driving elements of the always-loveable Popdudes, and as the producer and sonic wondermaker of so many great records by so many other sublime artists. Closer to TIRnRR home, Michael is the reason my own passion project Make Something Happen! A Tribute To The Flashcubes sounds so seamlessly, unerringly awesome.
In pop circles, I don't hear the Michael Simmons name mentioned anywhere near as often as it oughta be. sparkle*jets u.k.'s Box Of Letters was one of THE best albums of 2023, and the new Michael Simmons covers album Fun Where You Can Find It arrives just in time to claim its rightful place as one of 2025's best as well.
On Fun Where You Can Find It, the original source material saluted by Simmons is varied and delightful, as our Michael meets 'n' greets the diverse likes of the Grass Roots, the Beach Boys, Squeeze. Steely Dan, World Party, Simon and Garfunkel, Nick Lowe, Fountains of Wayne, Genesis, Phil Collins and Phillip Bailey, and Elvis Costello and Allen Toussaint, looks 'em each in the eye without flinching, smiles, and buys 'em all the drinks of their choice. Whether we're imbibing bourbon or Yoo-hoo, we're havin' a party.
And here's the party's soundtrack: A Top Ten plus one, going up to eleven with taste, accomplishment, and an overriding belief that the song's the thing, the music matters, and love of music can help turn doldrums into gold. Like Midas. Like Brian Wilson. Like this. True treasure. Anyone who loves pop music should treasure Michael Simmons.
We sure do.
This is what rock 'n' roll radio sounded like on another Sunday night in Syracuse this week.
NEXT WEEK: Our last regular show of 2025, and our Featured Performer will be the late Steve Cropper. IN TWO WEEKS: On December 21st, THE 27th ANNUAL THIS IS ROCK 'N' ROLL RADIO CHRISTMAS SHOW. IN THREE WEEKS: On December 28th, THE COUNTDOWN!! Epic status is assured.
This Is Rock 'n' Roll Radio with Dana & Carl airs Sunday nights from 9 to Midnight Eastern, on the air in Syracuse at SPARK! WSPJ 103.3 and 93.7 FM, streaming at SPARK stream, and on the Radio Garden app as WESTCOTT RADIO.
You can read all about this show's long and weird history here: Boppin' The Whole Friggin' Planet (The History Of THIS IS ROCK 'N' ROLL RADIO). You can follow Carl's daily blog at Boppin' (Like The Hip Folks Do).
TAX DEDUCTIBLE DONATIONS are always welcome.
Carl's latest book The Greatest Record Ever Made! (Volume 1) is now available, and you can order an autographed copy here. You can still get Carl's previous book Gabba Gabba Hey! A Conversation With The Ramones from publisher Rare Bird Books. If you like the books, please consider leaving a rating and/or review at the usual online resources.
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