Song of the Week – When You Find Out, Hangin’ on the Telephone, The Nerves

IGNORED OBSCURED RESTORED

In the mid 70s (’74-’78) there was a short lived power pop band founded in San Francisco but relocated to LA called The Nerves. They never reached their full potential, but a couple of the group members went on to greater fame – Peter Case with The Plimsouls (“A Million Miles Away”) and Paul Collins with The Beat. Both had decent success as solo acts too.

But The Nerves put out some pretty good tunes that still deserve to be heard. The first is the British Invasion inspired “When You Find Out” written by Case.

It opens with a simple drum beat, jangly guitars and a catchy melody. The lyrics are simple and earnestly sung with a nice harmony in the chorus.

The other song is “Hangin’ on the Telephone” – yes, the same song made famous by Blondie through its inclusion on their blockbuster album Parallel Lines.

The Nerves version is a bit slower, rawer and less dense. Although I love Blondie’s recording, I think I like this one better.

Long live power pop!

Enjoy… until next week.

One thought on “Song of the Week – When You Find Out, Hangin’ on the Telephone, The Nerves

  1. Good tight songs and great harmonies. I have to say, however, about which Hanging is better, that Blondie has Debbie Harry, which is a huge advantage.

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