The Sounds, Kim Wilde, and “the Americas”

The Sounds are a band from Sweden whose sound is rooted in a mix of punk rock and 80s pop, with driving guitars/bass, danceable beats and catchy keyboard lines and vocals. I can definitely hear the influence of The Cars (driving guitars, catchy keyboards…), along with Blondie and Kim Wilde.

Maja Ivarsson, photo from AfterEllen.com

Deborah Harry, photo from allposters.com

The band totally looks like they could be from the 80s and the singer, Maja Ivarsson reminded me of Deborah Harry of Blondie, then I heard her sing. When the vocals kicked in I thought of British singer Kim Wilde right away. I will admit that the title of this tune, “Living In America” reminded me of “Kids In America” by Kim Wilde right off the bat, but I think she really sounds like her… a lot. So for fun, here is “Living In America,” released in 2002 by The Sounds and “Kids In America” from Kim Wilde, originally released in 1981.

Ok, back to the states with Infernal Devices

A few posts back, I said that eventually I would post about a band from the US. Not that it matters where you’re from, but most of the bands I’ve been posting about are European and there’s a whole world of music out there. So here is Infernal Devices from Brooklyn.

Infernal Devices

According to the band’s official Web site, their name comes from the 80s steampunk novel Infernal Devices. Very synth, very pop, and some of their tunes remind me of 80s band OMD as well as Gary Numan. Some of the synth sounds even cross over into the realm of bands like The Cars.  I came across Infernal Devices on the blog The Boy With The Thorn In His Side.  It seems that as of late, blogs have become my new hunting grounds for new sounds.  I haven’t yet found a video for Infernal Devices, but there are plenty of great tunes on the band’s official web site and their myspace page, check ‘em out!

No Doubt “Don’t Let Me Down”

Ok, here is the No Doubt song that I had mentioned in an earlier post. “Don’t Let Me Down”  from the album Rock Steady which Ric Ocasek helped to produce. Now listen to this and tell me that you don’t hear The Cars!!

Written by Stefani, Kanal, Dumont

Produced by No Doubt, Ric Ocasek, Stent

From the album “Rock Steady”

Released December 11, 2001

Speaking of The Cars… HELLO AGAIN (Remix Version/Vocal) from the original 12″ single

The Cars – Hello Again 12″ single

1. “Hello Again” (LP Version/Vocal) – 3:47
2. “Hello Again” (Remix Version/Vocal) – 5:54
   “Hello Again” (Dub Version) – 6:02

Written by Ric Ocasek

Produced by “Mutt” Lange

Released October 15, 1984