My music collection is full of pop gems. What’s a “pop gem?” A pop gem is a perfectly composed pop song full of promise and panache that a band typically releases as a single, or some times it comes about as a special one-off project. Sometimes it’s a fluke, and sometimes it’s a deliberate shot at creating a hit. It’s always catchy, with a tune that worms it’s way inside your head and refuses to leave, a beat that sets your foot tapping, a melody that you’ll find yourself whistling non-stop, and lyrics that you can’t resist. Usually it clocks in under four minutes and, really, if it’s a true pop gem, half that long. Often—but not always— it proves to be a band’s sole commercial release—for whatever reason—before they flare out like a shooting star. Gone before you know it. Blink and you miss them. I suspect in many cases, pop gems are the absolute creative culmination of a band’s talent and ability. Ask them to produce a whole record’s worth of memorable songs and you’d be asking for trouble. Pop gems shouldn’t be confused with one-hit-wonders either. Those are bands that have a commercial hit, and then spend years and countless recording sessions trying tweak the formula like musical alchemists in an effort to repeat their success. Pop gems are seldom a commercial success (although they can be) and yet they often become collectors items; enshrined on the wall above the cash register in used record stores sporting ridiculous price tags.
To my knowledge, Annie & The Aeroplanes only ever released one song — and up until a few months ago when I finally found a picture of the 45 sleeve online, I never even knew the band had recorded a second song as the b-side. I’ve never been able to find any information on the band —was the lead singer’s name really Annie? Where is the band from? Whatever happened to the Aeroplanes? etc., etc. That obscurity (especially in this Wickipedia-day and age) definitely contributes to making today’s Happy Medium Song of the Day, “A Million Zillion Miles,” a fabulous pop gem. Part girl-group, part punk, part Motown, the song bops along for three minutes and just begs to be added to your next compilation CD or party mix. Give a listen and you’ll hear what I mean. I’m sure of it.
To my knowledge, Annie & The Aeroplanes only ever released one song — and up until a few months ago when I finally found a picture of the 45 sleeve online, I never even knew the band had recorded a second song as the b-side. I’ve never been able to find any information on the band —was the lead singer’s name really Annie? Where is the band from? Whatever happened to the Aeroplanes? etc., etc. That obscurity (especially in this Wickipedia-day and age) definitely contributes to making today’s Happy Medium Song of the Day, “A Million Zillion Miles,” a fabulous pop gem. Part girl-group, part punk, part Motown, the song bops along for three minutes and just begs to be added to your next compilation CD or party mix. Give a listen and you’ll hear what I mean. I’m sure of it.
Tomorrow is Valentine's Day… and here's hoping that love carries you—as today's Happy Medium Song of the Day by Annie & The Aeroplanes says — “A Million Zillion Miles.”
Oh, and PS. you won’t find this one on Amazon or iTunes!
(Please use the comments box to share your thoughts.)
Oh, and PS. you won’t find this one on Amazon or iTunes!
(Please use the comments box to share your thoughts.)