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Wednesday, 21 March 2007 16:32

Journey | Can I just say one thing? Steve Perry's voice. Sure, the songs - especially back in the '70s (don't worry; I had to go back and dig them up; I wasn't into Journey in grade school or anything) - were proggy and later catchy, perfect anthems to capture a moment. But it was that voice. I especially liked Departure, the first album Perry was on, before original vocalist/keyboardist Gregg Rolie left the band. When those two harmonized, the angels sat back and wept, I'm certain. I remember the first time I realized it was Perry's voice - his voice! Not an instrument - holding that high note in "Wheel in the Sky" over the bridge; it was a moment of awe and wonder. Despite the fact that Perry left the band, I still had to catch their summer '05 30-year reunion tour. Not quite shiver-inducing, but it made me remember that early awe and appreciation all over again.

Rick Springfield | Last year, I got to interview the Americanized Aussie, and it was something I will never forget. No, I don't listen to him like I used to, but you can't tell me "Jessie's Girl" isn't one of the coolest songs in the history of the world. Back in high school I'm sure I was more taken by his looks than his music, but it holds up surprisingly well. And the disc he put out a couple years back (Regret/Anger/Shock/Acceptance) showed he still has relevance as a songwriter and performer.

Panic! At the Disco | Kiernan, please don't kill me. The songs make no sense. The voice is yelpy and contrivedly cool. But something really grabs me when I hear their stuff. After catching songs here and there on the radio, I finally broke down and got the disc. I know, they're revoking my indie club card as I type. | Laura Hamlett