SONG OF THE WEEK: 11-15-2026

 

SONG:  "Your Boyfriend Sucks" (acoustic version)

ARTIST:  The Ataris

ALBUM:  "Hang Your Head In Hope"

YEAR:  2011

PLACE OF ORIGIN:  Anderson, Indiana

YEARS ACTIVE:  1996 - present

WHAT I THINK THE SONG IS ABOUT:

The Ataris' song "Your Boyfriend Sucks" is about unrequited love and the frustration of being stuck in the "friend zone" while watching a crush stay with a neglectful partner. Originally released on their 1999 album "Blue Skies, Broken Hearts...Next 12 Exits", the track captures the bitter humor and emotional sting of acting as someone's shoulder to cry on while harboring deeper feelings.

THE ATARIS DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):

1997 - Anywhere But Here (Kung Fu Records)

* did not chart on the Billboard 200

1999 - Blue Skies, Broken Hearts...Next 12 Exits (Kung Fu Records)

* did not chart on the Billboard 200

2001 - End Is Forever (Kung Fu Records)

* did not chart on the Billboard 200

2003 - So Long, Astoria (Columbia Records)

* peaked at #24 on the Billboard 200

* certified Gold

2004 - Live At The Metro (Columbia Records)

* did not chart on the Billboard 200

2007 - Welcome The Night (Sanctuary Records)

* peaked at #85 on the Billboard 200

2015 - Hang Your Head In Hope (self-released)

* did not chart on the Billboard 200

2015 - Record Store Day 2015 (self-released)

* did not chart on the Billboard 200

2017 - Silver Turns To Rust (funk turry funk Records)

* did not chart on the Billboard 200

2020 - Live In Chicago 2019 (self-released)

* did not chart on the Billboard 200

MY THOUGHTS ON THE ATARIS:

The Ataris formed as a band back in 1996, hailing from Anderson, Indiana. The band is essentially the brainchild of guitarist/vocalist Kris Roe, who basically writes all the music and lyrics for the band. Plus the fact that the band has basically been a revolving door when it comes to band members with Roe being the only constant. The band's debut album dropped in 1997, titled "Anywhere But Here". This whole album was recorded in less than a week. At this time, the band was really struggling financially and Roe was living in his car in California at that point. The band's 1999 album, "Blue Skies, Broken Hearts...Next 12 Exits", was the album that started generating some buzz around The Ataris, especially from what is their signature song, "San Dimas High School Football Rules". In 2001, the band released "End Is Forever" which finished their relationship with Kung Fu Records. At this point, The Ataris were garnering attention from major labels and eventually they would sign with Columbia Records. Their major label release, 2003's "So Long, Astoria", proved to be the high point for the band. It was their highest charting album, peaking at #24 on the Billboard 200 and it would eventually be certified Gold. Their cover of Don Henley's "The Boys Of Summer" proved to be a huge radio hit for the band. Here's where things start turning somewhat sour for the band. All of the band members besides Roe would leave the band. Roe brought on new members and began work on their  next album, 2007's "Welcome The Night". This album was a real departure from The Ataris style and sound. It was darker and lacking the pop punk and melodic rock sensibilities that The Ataris were known for. I thought it was a real bummer of an album. In 2009, there was talk that The Ataris had completed a new album tentatively titled "The Graveyard Of The Atlantic" but the album would never see the light of day. Eventually, the songs recorded for this project would show up on later EP's and compilations that The Ataris would put out. From 2010 to 2020, the only full lengths The Ataris would put out would be compilation albums or rarities or re-recordings like 2017's "Silver Turns To Rust" or the all acoustic "Hang Your Head In Hope" in 2015. Most recently, Kris Roe has stated that The Ataris have been in the studio in 2024 writing and recording a new full length album so we'll see. The band has released a single called "Car Song" in 2025 and Roe has confirmed that the band will cover Bryan Adams' "Summer Of '69" on the new album.  The Ataris at their best are a pop punk band. Even their major label debut, "So Long, Astoria", had pop punk elements, maybe with a more mature sound but that catchy, melodic pop punk was always at the core. "Welcome The Night" was a disaster. I don't know what they were trying to prove with that album. It's just boring and has no life to it. Sometimes you are what you are. I know people want to push themselves but their is something at it's core that is the reason why people love what you do. Hopefully Kris Roe doesn't lose sight of that with this new album he's working on. People love The Ataris melodies and people love the heartfelt, personal lyrics of Kris Roe. Let's hope he gets back to his roots on this new release.

SIMILAR ARTISTS:

Fenix TX

MxPx

The Starting Line

Midtown

Rufio

TEN THE ATARIS SONGS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT:

1. Summer Wind Was Always Our Song

2. San Dimas High School Football Rules

3. The Boys Of Summer (Don Henley cover)

4. A New England (Billy Bragg cover)

5. The Saddest Song

6. Boxcar (Jawbreaker cover)

7. Your Boyfriend Sucks

8. Rock N' Roll High School (Ramones cover)

9. All Soul's Day

10. Not Capable Of Love

SONG OF THE WEEK: 11-8-2026

SONG:  "Said Gun" (Embrace cover)

ARTIST:  H2O

ALBUM:  "Don't Forget Your Roots"

YEAR:  2011

PLACE OF ORIGIN:  New York City, New York

YEARS ACTIVE:  1994 - Present

WHAT I THINK THE SONG IS ABOUT:

The H2O track "Said Gun", a cover of the Embrace song, is a direct critique of organized hatred, violence, and toxic aggression.

H2O DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):

1996 - H2O (Blackout Records)

* Did not chart on the Billboard 200

1997 - Thicker Than Water (Epitaph Records)

* Did not chart on the Billboard 200

1999 - F.T.T.W. (Epitaph Records)

* Did not chart on the Billboard 200

2001 - Go (MCA Records)

* Did not chart on the Billboard 200

2008 - Nothing To Prove (Bridge 9 Records)

* Did not chart on the Billboard 200

2008 - CBGB OMFUG Masters:  Live August 19, 2002 - The Bowery Collection (MVD Audio)

* Did not chart on the Billboard 200

2011 - Don't Forget Your Roots (Bridge 9 Records)

* Did not chart on the Billboard 200

2015 - Use Your Voice (Bridge 9 Records)

* Did not chart on the Billboard 200

MY THOUGHTS ON H2O:

H2O is a New York City hardcore punk band that formed back in 1994. Lead vocalist Toby Morse was a roadie for New York hardcore legends Sick Of It All before he started his own band, H2O. The band released their debut album in 1996, titled "H2O". This album caught the ear of legendary punk label Epitaph Records which signed H2O to a two album deal where they released "Thicker Than Water" in 1997 and in 1999, they dropped "F.T.T.W.". In 2001, the band signed a one off deal with major label MCA Records to release "Go". This album features one of their more famous tracks, "Role Model". In 2008, H2O signed a deal with Bridge 9 Records which has pretty much been their label to date. There they released 2008's "Nothing To Prove", the 2011 covers album "Don't Forget Your Roots" and their most recent release, 2015's "Use Your Voice". As I said earlier, H2O is a New York hardcore band to the fullest. Much of their catalogue is a testament to their family, their friends and the hardcore scene that took them in. They are known for their passion and energy, especially playing live shows. I knew of H2O going back to the mid-90's but didn't start to digest their music till after I heard the song "Role Model" in 2001. That led me to go back to their older material and to follow them till the current day. They haven't released a new album since 2015, but they are very much active, in fact, they have played shows in 2026 celebrating the 30 year anniversary of their self-titled debut album.

SIMILAR ARTISTS:

Ignite

Pennywise

Good Riddance

The Bouncing Souls

Pulley

TEN H2O SONGS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT:

1. Role Model

2. Family Tree

3. One Life, One Chance

4. Everready

5. Nothing To Prove

6. Skate!

7. Memory Lane

8. Journey To The End Of The East Bay (Rancid cover)

9. Hard Times (Cro-Mags cover)

10. True Romance

 

SONG OF THE WEEK: 11-1-2026

SONG:  "I Am The Highway" (Audioslave cover)

ARTIST:  Chris Cornell

ALBUM:  "Songbook"

YEAR:  2011

PLACE OF ORIGIN:  Seattle, Washington

YEARS ACTIVE:  1983 - 2017

WHAT I THINK THE SONG IS ABOUT:

The central meaning of the Audioslave song "I Am The Highway"—written and sung by Chris Cornell—is a powerful assertion of self-worth, autonomy, and independence after being taken for granted or controlled in a relationship.

CHRIS CORNELL DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):

1999 - Euphoria Morning (A&M Records)

* Peaked at #18 on the Billboard 200

2007 - Carry On (Interscope/Suretone Records)

* Peaked at #17 on the Billboard 200

2009 - Scream (Interscope/Suretone Records)

* Peaked at #10 on the Billboard 200

2011 - Songbook (Universal Music Enterprises)

* Peaked at #69 on the Billboard 200

2015 - Higher Truth (Universal Music Enterprises)

* Peaked at #19 on the Billboard 200

2020 - No One Sings Like You Anymore, Vol. 1 (Universal Music Enterprises)

* Peaked at #78 on the Billboard 200

MY THOUGHTS ON CHRIS CORNELL:

Chris Cornell, of course, was the legendary rock vocalist, most notably of Seattle legends Soundgarden, but also of Temple Of The Dog, Audioslave and what I'm focusing on for my song of the week, his solo career. His start in music dates back to 1983. From the years 1984 till 1997, he was the voice of the mighty Soundgarden. While Soundgarden helped form the foundation of the Seattle sound, once Nirvana broke through in 1991, Soundgarden quickly followed suit, becoming one of the most successful rock acts of all time. When Soundgarden disbanded in 1997, Cornell focused on a solo career. His first solo release would be 1999's "Euphoria Morning". This album marked a clear distinction from his work with Soundgarden. It was more acoustic based and not nearly as heavy. It was an exploration of other genres and sounds for sure. The one sure connection was Cornell's powerful vocals. Shortly after touring to support this album, Cornell hooked up with the three remaining members of Rage Against The Machine when their vocalist Zack de la Rocha left their band. The newly formed supergroup would be called Audioslave. From 2001 to 2007, Audioslave was a juggernaut, both with their albums and their touring. In 2007, they disbanded due to some differences. Cornell would turn his focus back to his solo career at this point. In 2009, he released his sophomore album, "Carry On". In 2009, Cornell teamed up with R&B producer Timbaland to release "Scream". This was a real departure for Cornell as the album was pretty much a total R&B album, though Cornell did re-record some tracks as rock songs later on. Even though it was Cornell's highest charting album, it was mostly panned by critics and not heavily favored by fans. 2011 saw Cornell drop the live acoustic album "Songbook". This is a fantastic album. Just Chris, an acoustic guitar and his powerful voice. The album spans tracks from his entire career, solo, Temple Of The Dog, Soundgarden and Audioslave, as well as some covers, most notably his fantastic take on the Led Zeppelin classic "Thank You". This started becoming a very busy time for Cornell. Soundgarden had gotten back together in 2010 and they would put out new music and tour extensively. Cornell managed to release another solo album, 2015's "Higher Truth". In 2016, he along with Temple Of The Dog bandmates Stone Gossard, Jeff Ament, Mike McCready and Matt Cameron toured in celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Temple Of The Dog album. They not only played Temple classics, they also played songs from Mother Love Bone and Mad Season as well as other cover songs, most notably Black Sabbath's "War Pigs", which they really need to release a great quality version of, just saying! On May 18, 2017, after performing a show with Soundgarden in Detroit, Cornell was found dead in his hotel room, dying of an apparent suicide. As if there wasn't enough darkness and depression that surrounded the Seattle scene from the deaths of Kurt Cobain, Layne Staley and Andrew Wood, losing Cornell was just devastating. The 90's Seattle explosion meant so much to me. I started to lose touch with rock music in the 80's when I was a kid and band's like Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, Nirvana and Alice In Chains brought me back big time. I always liked music before grunge, but after grunge I became consumed by it. I couldn't get enough and to this day, I'm constantly seeking out new bands while following older ones. My favorite band is Pearl Jam but even though I love Eddie, no one can sing like Chris Cornell. His range was crazy and like I said earlier, do yourself a favor and listen to his live acoustic "Songbook" album really loud! It's just amazing and so powerful. Cornell's family released a posthumous album in 2020 titled "No One Sings Like You Anymore, Vol. 1". This album features all cover songs that Chris completed before his death. His family has also confirmed that their will be a Vol. 2 to that as well. The songs are not as complete but there is enough there to make something out of it. It would be awesome if they can bring in Eddie Vedder and Jerry Cantrell to help finish some of the songs. Who knows? Maybe he had a verse or two of a cover song and maybe Eddie can complete the missing verse or whatever. That would be epic! Soundgarden has also finished an album which will feature some of the last vocals Cornell had on tape so I can't wait for that for sure. I'll just end this with saying Chris Cornell is a legend. I'm so happy that there will be some new music with him but I wish there would be so much more.

SIMILAR ARTISTS:

Soundgarden

Audioslave

Temple Of The Dog

Pearl Jam

Mad Season

TEN CHRIS CORNELL SONGS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT:

1. Sunshower

2. Seasons

3. Nothing Compares 2 U (Prince cover)

4. The Keeper

5. Thank You (Led Zeppelin cover)

6. When I'm Down

7. Scar On The Sky

8. Can't Change Me

9. Nearly Forgot My Broken Heart

10. You Know My Name

 

SONG OF THE WEEK: 10-25-2026

SONG:  "The Northside, The L&L, And Any Number Of Crappy Apartments"

ARTIST:  The Lawrence Arms

ALBUM:  "A Guided Tour Of Chicago"

YEAR:  1999

PLACE OF ORIGIN:  Chicago, Illinois

YEARS ACTIVE:  1999 - Present

WHAT I THINK THE SONG IS ABOUT:

“The Northside, The L&L, Any Number Of Crappy Apartments” by The Lawrence Arms is a bittersweet, deeply melancholic look at the burnout, stagnation, and fleeting youth of a hard-partying lifestyle within the Chicago punk scene.

THE LAWRENCE ARMS DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):

1999 - A Guided Tour Of Chicago (Asian Man Records)

* Did not chart on the Billboard 200

2000 - Ghost Stories (Asian Man Records)

* Did not chart on the Billboard 200

2002 - Apathy And Exhaustion (Fat Wreck Chords)

* Did not chart on the Billboard 200

2003 - The Greatest Story Ever Told (Fat Wreck Chords)

* Did not chart on the Billboard 200

2005 - Cocktails & Dreams (Asian Man Records)

* Did not chart on the Billboard 200

2006 - Oh! Calcutta (Fat Wreck Chords)

* Did not chart on the Billboard 200

2014 - Metropole (Epitaph Records)

* Did not chart on the Billboard 200

2020 - Skeleton Coast (Epitaph Records)

* Did not chart on the Billboard 200

MY THOUGHTS ON THE LAWRENCE ARMS:

The Lawrence Arms are a Chicago band that formed back in 1999. The band's original members, Brendan Kelly (bass/vocals), Chris McCaughan (guitar/vocals) and Neil Hennessy (drums), are still the line-up to the current day. The band's debut full length album would be 1999's "A Guided Tour Of Chicago". While this album only featured Kelly on vocals, every album from here on out would feature Kelly and McCaughan on vocals starting with 2000's "Ghost Stories". In 2002, the band inked a deal with Fat Mike of NOFX's Fat Wreck Chords. The Lawrence Arms released three albums through Fat. 2002's "Apathy And Exhaustion", 2003's "The Greatest Story Ever Told" and 2006's "Oh! Calcutta". "Oh! Calcutta" is arguably the band's most successful album to date. It would be eight years until The Lawrence Arms released another full length album. In 2014, the band released "Metropole" through Epitaph Records. The band's most recent release would be 2020's "Skeleton Coast". The spaced out releases from 2006 till the present day is most likely due to the members focusing on some side projects, most notably The Falcon, which features Brendan Kelly and Neil Hennessy and Sundowner, which is a solo project by Chris McCaughan. Brendan Kelly also released solo projects in those years as well. The Lawrence Arms stamped their space in the Chicago punk scene alongside such acts as Alkaline Trio, Rise Against and 88 Fingers Louie. They play a melodic punk style that feels urgent. Their songs reflect personal stories as well as pop culture. They are indeed one the more influential bands to emerge from the early 2000's punk scene. I knew of The Lawrence Arms right when they came out, probably from compilations and such, but I didn't become a huge fan till I heard 2006's "Oh! Calcutta". Once I heard that album, I quickly got up to pace with their earlier releases and have been following them ever since. They're a really solid, maybe even underrated band in my eyes. I love Brendan Kelly's vocals too, even tho he said he wanted to try and sound like the guy from the Goo Goo Dolls! I'll let it "slide" BK!!

SIMILAR ARTISTS:

The Falcon

Dillinger Four

Banner Pilot

Dead To Me

Red City Radio

TEN THE LAWRENCE ARMS SONGS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT:

1. The Devil's Taking Names

2. Spit Shining Shit

3. Great Lakes/Great Escapes

4. Porno And Snuff Films

5. On With The Show

6. Seventeener (17th And 37th)

7. An Evening Of Extraordinary Circumstances

8. PTA

9. Turnstyles

10. Quincentuple Your Money

 

SONG OF THE WEEK: 10-18-2026

 

SONG:  "Wannabe"

ARTIST:  Staind

ALBUM:  "Staind"

YEAR:  2011

PLACE OF ORIGIN:  Springfield, Massachusetts

YEARS ACTIVE:  1995 - Present

WHAT I THINK THE SONG IS ABOUT:

The song "Wannabe" by Staind is a direct, confrontational attack on anonymous online critics, internet trolls, and detractors who insult successful musicians from behind a keyboard.

STAIND DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):

1996 - Tormented (Self-Released)

* Did not chart on the Billboard 200

1999 - Dysfunction (Elektra Records)

* Peaked at #74 on the Billboard 200

* Certified 2X Platinum

2001 - Break The Cycle (Elektra Records)

* Peaked at #1 on the Billboard 200

* Certified 7X Platinum

2003 - 14 Shades Of Gray (Elektra Records)

* Peaked at #1 on the Billboard 200

* Certified Platinum

2005 - Chapter V (Atlantic Records)

* Peaked at #1 on the Billboard 200

* Certified Platinum

2007 - Live At The Hiro Ballroom (Eagle Rock Records)

* Did not chart on the Billboard 200

2008 - The Illusion Of Progress (Atlantic Records)

* Peaked at #3 on the Billboard 200

2011 - Staind (Atlantic Records)

* Peaked at #5 on the Billboard 200

2012 - Live From The Mohegan Sun (Eagle Rock Records)

* Peaked at #127 on the Billboard 200

2021 - Live:  It's Been Awhile (Yap 'em Records)

* Did not chart on the Billboard 200

2023 - Confessions Of The Fallen (BMG Records)

* Peaked at #64 on the Billboard 200

2026 - Break The Cycle (25th Anniversary Live) (BMG Records)

* Did not chart on the Billboard 200

MY THOUGHTS ON STAIND:

Staind formed as a band back in 1995, hailing from Springfield, Massachusetts. They self-released their debut album "Tormented" in 1996. Early on, Fred Durst of Limp Bizkit took the band under his wing and even helped produce the band's sophomore effort, 1999's "Dysfunction". This album was the spark for Staind, thanks in part to songs like "Mudshovel", "Just Go" and "Home". If "Dysfunction" was the spark, 2001's "Break The Cycle" was the all out explosion! This album began a string of three straight #1 albums on the Billboard 200 and thanks in part to the smash single "It's Been Awhile", "Break The Cycle" would go on to be certified 7X Platinum! Thus, making it Staind's most successful album of their career to date. Staind continued success with their next two #1 albums, 2003's "14 Shades Of Gray" and 2005's "Chapter V". 2008 saw the band release "The Illusion Of Progress" and in 2011, the band's self-titled "Staind" was released. In my mind, "Staind" was a return to the heavier sounds of "Dysfunction". I love this album! By 2012, the band reached a point where they needed a breather and they decided to take a hiatus. After playing a few live shows in 2014, the band's hiatus continued up to 2019. During that time, it allowed vocalist Aaron Lewis to focus on his solo country career as guitarist Mike Mushok would form a band with Three Days Grace vocalist Adam Gontier called Saint Asonia. In 2019, it was announced that Staind would start performing live show and appearing at several festivals. On 2023, the band was fully back in business with a brand new full length studio album titled "Confessions Of The Fallen". Most recently the band released a brand new single in 2026 called "Ghosts" which will be on a brand new studio album titled "The Space Between The Darkness And The Light" which is slated for release in 2027. Staind is a post-grunge/alternative metal type band. They started out as a very dark and heavy band but as the years went on, their songs tended to get more melodic and radio friendly, especially their singles. I got into Staind when "Dysfunction" came out so I'm a little biased to their heavier side but if you dig around the singles to the albums that followed, there's still plenty of dark, heavy material filtered through their catalogue. And that's not to say I don't like their singles. I think they're great songs. Staind overall is a great band. I've seen them live a few times and they were great every time and put on an awesome live show. It's great to see they are getting active again over the past 5 years or so. It seemed like when Aaron went solo there, it might have been it for Staind but I'm happy they are still making great music and still playing live. Great band. What more can you say? These are my home state Massachusetts brothers!

SIMILAR ARTISTS:

Seether

Creed

Puddle Of Mudd

Trapt

3 Doors Down

TEN STAIND SONGS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT:

1. Not Again

2. Mudshovel

3. Right Here

4. Epiphany

5. So Far Away

6. Zoe Jane

7. Tangled Up In You

8. Come Again

9. Lowest In Me

10. Ghosts