MUST BUY, No Lie: Rick Springfield

Victoria’s going to give Jessie a run for her money on July 29.



“Jessie’s Girl” is no doubt Rick Springfield’s biggest hit, but when “What’s Victoria’s Secret?,” off his upcoming album, VENUS IN OVERDRIVE, hits the airwaves Springfield should be seeing his name returning to the top of the charts.

The song is so catchy; it would be a hit even without his name on it. The same can be said for most of the album. The clever wordplay on “I’ll Miss That Somebody” makes this another ideal radio track. And of course, no disk would be titled after a crappy song.“Venus is Overdrive” showcases the edgier, arena rock Rick, similar to “3 Warning Shots.” “She” kicks off with the chorus and stays strong. From beginning to end, VENUS IN OVERDRIVE is an addictive listen.



Now, I’m aware that Planet Verge blog readers are probably split down the middle when to comes to Rick Springfield awareness. The half that’s in their late-twenties (gasp, I’m well past my mid-twenties) are still rocking out to “Jessie’s Girl,” on their ipods, like my co-workers and frequently do. The more Warped Tour interested bunch of you are probably weary of what I wrote above. But here’s the thing: Don’t we all love great power pop rock? Someone’s got to pick up where Bon Jovi left their coolness (and talent for good pop rock songwriting- sad as I am to say) years ago. Let it be Rick Springfield.



RICK SPRINGFIELD PERFORMING "WHO KILLED ROCK N ROLL" ON GENERAL HOSPITAL

Fans were lucky enough to see Springfield return to General Hospital as Dr. Noah Drake (the role he originated 25 years ago) a few months ago as rock star Eli Love. The character (and singer) performed on the air for a LIFEbeat concert. It showed that Springfield still rocks after all these years and I no doubt, plan on being in the audience next time he hits NJ/NYC.



And here’s where things get even more fun. LIFEbeat, like Planet Verge, is a sponsor of The Independent Music Awards this year. And I suppose as publicist for the IMAs, now is a good time to announce that RICK SPRINGFIELD WILL BE JOINING THE IMA JUDGING PANEL THIS YEAR!


* By Joelle, who has grown up watching General Hospital like it’s her religion and shares her love of Rick Springfield with PV’s Cait (who fronts Spoons for Adam & is influenced by Springfield).


LISTEN NOW: www.myspace.com/officialrickspringfield

I am not an American Idol fan.

I'm really not, and I can't stand most of the contestants--winners nor losers (though you gotta admit, despite not selling well, Ruben Studdard was absolutely precious). However, my mom watches it religiously, and last night I walked in on this performance by a fellow named Jason Castro (which, let's be serious, is awesome enough in itself):



After that, I immediately fell in love and scoured YouTube for him, and he's that good all the time. So now, I'll watch A.I. for his performances, then shut it off because I know for a fact that no one will be better.

And really--those eyes!


*By Jess, who's stoked to see Spoons for Adam this Saturday at the Khyber in Philly--keep me company!