Current hit:  “Like I Love Country Music" by Kane Brown Linked to:  “"Chattahoochee" by Alan Jackson / 1993 Because:  Both are upbeat with a summer-time vibe. Kane Brown's newest, an ode to the Country genre, fills a national need for a lighthearted break from real world problems. Coming off a string of hits, including seven number ones, "Like I Love Country Music" generated instant Country radio airplay. Charting:  #14 on the Country format   The post A Lighthearted, Upbeat Song For Summer appeared first on Boomer Music Update ..read more

Current hit:  "Damn It Feels Good To Be Me" by Andy Grammer Linked to:  "Changes" by David Bowie / 1972 Because:  Both songs reflect on life's many twists and turns and the inevitable "re-evaluation."   Grammer's delivery is more uptempo, simplistic, and  enthusiastic, while Bowie's is more insightful and complex. Ooo-oh-oo-oh-oo-oh-oo/I'm no good at being you My philosophy/Damn, it feels good to be me Ooo-oh-oo-oh-oo-oh-oo Ain't got nothing left to prove Man, I'm finally free Damn, it feels good to be me   Charting  #16 on Adult Top 40   The ..read more

Jay Black, of Jay & the Americans, has passed away.  He was 82 y/o. There were three iterations of Jay and the Americans--and all three had lead singers named Jay--but it was Jay Black, who could hit notes that even opera singers find challenging, who fronted their biggest hits. Together, with the other "Americans" including singer Kenny Vance, their sound is etched into Boomer's  memories with songs such as "Cara Mia" (summer, 1965) and their late 60's cover of The Drifters "This Magic Moment." Jay and the Americans' biggest hit was "Come A Little Bit Closer."  (Fall, 1 ..read more

Current hit:  "Come Back as a Country Boy" by Blake Shelton Linked to:  "Thank God I'm a Country Boy" by John Denver / 1975 Because:  Both songs exult Country music  and the Country lifestyle. Pop star John Denver  whooped with delight at being a "Country boy" and his song was upbeat and positive; Blake Shelton, an actual Country star, declares his love for all things Country with a defiant, in your face delivery: When I die, I wanna come back as a country boy No, there ain't no better life if you ask me If my neck don't come out red, then Lord, just keep me dead 'C ..read more

Current hit:  "Move" by Santana, Rob Thomas and American Authors Linked to:  "Smooth" by  Carlos Santana/1999. Because:  Melodic elements of "Smooth" are evident and intertwined into "Move," but edgier. Also because of the urgency throughout the overall production.  It's trademark Santana,  a perfect complement to the  driving vocals. Second time around:  22 years ago, Santana and Matchbox Twenty's Rob Thomas collaborated on the award winning "Supernatural" album, which included the #1 smash,  "Smooth." Charting:  #22 on Adult Top 40 and #12 on ..read more

On Thanksgiving weekend,  "Get Back," the six-hour, three-part Paul McCartney docu-series from director Peter Jackson, is set to air on  Disney+. In addition,  kicking off the month, McCartney is releasing his long awaited life story--told through his music-- in the book "The Lyrics 1956 to the Present." Pulitzer Prize winning poet Peter Muldoon, who collaborated with McCartney on the book, said,  "Based on conversations I had with Paul McCartney over a five year period, these commentaries are as close to an autobiography as we may ever come. His insights into hi ..read more

Current hit "Mine Forever" by Lord Huron Linked to: "Your Wildest Dreams" by the Moody Blues /1986 Because:  There's a  60's vibe, smooth, wavy, and groovy, with elements of a surf sound. Lord Huron, a Boomer Music Update fave, delivers brilliant songwriting, musicianship and production.  "Mine Forever" is an Adult Alternative sensation, confirming that the band are the keepers of a sound with timeless appeal. Charting:  Top 5 on the Adult Alternative format.   The post  New Song with a Moody Blues Vibe appeared first on Boomer Music Update ..read more

Current Hit:  "That's What I Want"  by Lil' Nas X Linked to:  "I Want Your Love" by Bernard Edwards and Nile Rodgers/1979 Because:  Desire, and the quest for love, is, was, and always will be a music constant, in all its forms and permutations.  Sometimes it's elegant and sophisticated, sometimes it's rough and rowdy; in this case, Lil Nas's brash in-your-face delivery obscures his plea:  "I want someone to love me." "That's What I Want"  is fast moving and up-tempo,with a sing-song delivery. Ranking this week:  #12 Top 40, #27 Adult Top 40, and #28 ..read more

After watching the film "Werewolf Of London," the late Phil Everly asked Warren Zevon and guitarist Waddy Wachtel to write a dance song called "Werewolves Of London" for The Everly Brothers, which they did; later, Zevon recorded it, and it became his biggest Top 40 hit.   The post "Werewolves of London:"  A "Must Have" for Your Halloween Playlist appeared first on Boomer Music Update ..read more

Current hit:  "Sand In My Boots"  by Morgan Wallen Linked to: "Sand in my Shoes" by the Drifters/1964 Because:  The titles are so similar we couldn't resist connecting them, even though the two songs don't sound remotely alike. "Sand In My Boots" is well written and has a beautiful melody; the Drifters song is classic 60s Drifters. The Morgan Wallen Brouhaha The last two years have been a huge success for 28 year old Morgan Wallen, in terms of sales, streams and downloads. His double platinum album, "Dangerous," is nominated for the Country Music Association's "Album of the Year ..read more