As I continue to struggle to find time to write blog posts, I still enjoy finding new obscure songs and bands.
Lately work has been really demanding with many big stories like the earthquake in Turkey, the high-altitude objects the U.S. shot down or the train derailment in Ohio. So yeah, I have barely time to have a breather. Writing this now at around 8pm after my little one is already asleep.
You must remember the classic Shelflife compilation “You Make Me Smile (A Shelflife Records Collection)” released on CD by the superb American label in 2000. Catalog number was LIFE 010. That compilation introduced me to many bands. Its been a while since I listened to it. But was checking it again. And a name popped up, The Palm Songwriters.
What do I know about them? Nothing really. Just this song, “Brenda Walsh”, that is great. But is there more to know? So I start digging.
I assume the song is dedicated to the TV character Brenda Walsh, that was portrayed by Shannen Doherty in Beverly Hills, 90210 for the first four seasons. Must be.
The song was released in 1998 as the A side for a 7″ single on the fine Japanese label K.O.G.A. Records (KOGA 059). And yes, that’s right, the band was Japanese. It was formed by Hiroshi Tsutsumida aand Seiji Fukuda. Oh that first name is familiar to me! I interviewed Hiroshi about The Korova Milk Bar and also about Johnny Dee in the past. And wrote about Johnny Johnny! I think with The Palm Songwriters I might have featured all the bands he was in? Would be cool to interview him about these less well known projects.
Seiji of course was also on The Korova Milk Bar and was in 101 Dalmatians who I have written about in the past. Super groups!
The band recorded another song. It was on the B side of the single I mentioned. It was called “Stop that Girl”. This was actually a cover of Vic Godard and The Subway Sect.
I don’t find much more info online. I wonder if they played live, and of course, if they recorded any more songs. Would be great to know more details about them! My Japanese friends remember The Palm Songwriters?
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