Public Announcement Based On Happy Times
May 19, 2020
This episode features Jesse Smith, a talented musician and restaurateur known as Gentleman Jesse, who shares his deep admiration for Tommy Keene. He reminisces about how he introduced the hosts to Keene’s music and discusses his roots in the D.C. punk scene. The conversation highlights Keene's struggles with major labels, his session work with bands like the Goo Goo Dolls, and playful studio anecdotes. Jesse brings a personal touch, connecting the past to the present amid reflections on the impact of COVID on their musical community.
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Episode notes
Critical Acclaim Without Commercial Breakthrough
- Tommy Keene was critically acclaimed and poised for mainstream success but remained overlooked despite strong reviews.
- The hosts frame him as a power-pop legend whose records connected 60s melodists to 80s guitar pop.
Major Label Mismatch
- Major-label expectations clashed with Keene's aesthetic, harming his fit at Geffen Records.
- The label tried to mold him into an arena-rock star, which didn't suit his power-pop sensibility.
Label Priorities Exposed
- James and Chris note Geffen signed Tesla and Guns N' Roses after Keene, illustrating label priorities.
- They use this to explain why Keene's record got deprioritized commercially.
