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Review of Whatever Planet by the Dipsomaniacs

By Gary Wien

originally published: 09/05/2005


The Dipsomaniacs' followup to their brilliant Freakin' Eureka CD is called Whatever Planet. It's another strong effort from the band and there are plenty of songs which radio stations should be playing.

The Dipsos continue to make songs in the late 80s / early 90s "alternative music" vein... back when alternative actually meant something. We're talking hints of Elvis Costello, The Replacements, The Smithereens, Ben Folds, and the Beatles. And like I always say, good influences usually bring about good music. In this case, the theory holds true again.

Upstage Radio is currently playing a bunch of these tracks in heavy rotation. Our favorites from the record include "Syd Barrett," "Thank You," "Quitters", "Like An Aeroplane", "Daddy's On a Book Tour", and "The Hoodie Song."

The disc also contains a second disc of rarities called "Down The Drain" that includes a few incredible gems like "Hello Cleveland" which is the song we're playing the most. Take a look at "I Need A Beer" and "White Trash Girl" as well. You'll be glad you did...




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About the author:

Gary Wien has been covering the arts since 2001 and has had work published with Jersey Arts, Upstage Magazine, Elmore Magazine, Princeton Magazine, Backstreets and other publications. He is a three-time winner of the Asbury Music Award for Top Music Journalist and the author of Beyond the Palace (the first book on the history of rock and roll in Asbury Park) and Are You Listening? The Top 100 Albums of 2001-2010 by New Jersey Artists. In addition, he runs New Jersey Stage and the online radio station The Penguin Rocks. His personal website is at lightyscorner.com. He can be contacted at [email protected].


EVENT PREVIEWS

(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- On Thursday, June 11, 2026, the Telegraph Quartet will return to perform for the Morris Museum's seventh annual Back Deck season. This outdoor concert series began during the pandemic, and The New York Times describes it as "Live Music Splendor in a Parking Lot." Showtime is 7:30pm.
Carteret PAC presents Jo Dee Messina

Carteret PAC presents Jo Dee Messina

(CARTERET, NJ) -- Chart-topping country music icon Jo Dee Messina will perform at The URSB Carteret Performing Arts and Events Center on Friday, June 12, 2026. Messina is known for her powerful vocals and extensive catalog including nine number-one hits, 16 Top 40 songs, and awards and nominations from the ACM, CMA, AMA, Billboard, and the Grammys. Showtime is 8:000pm.
SOPAC to Celebrate 20th Anniversary with Gala 20: Featuring Max Weinberg

SOPAC to Celebrate 20th Anniversary with Gala 20: Featuring Max Weinberg's Jukebox

(SOUTH ORANGE, NJ) -- The South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) will celebrate its 20th Anniversary on Friday, June 12, 2026 with Gala 20: Featuring Max Weinberg's Jukebox — a venue-wide celebration from 5:00pm–11:00pm.
Trenton City Museum presents Art & Song: A Musical Gallery on June 12th

Trenton City Museum presents Art & Song: A Musical Gallery on June 12th

(TRENTON, NJ) -- Trenton City Museum presents the concert Art & Song: A Musical Gallery on Friday, June 12, 2026 at 6:30pm. Versatile vocalists Tom Chiola and Pam Jorgensen, accompanied by the George Sinkler Trio, will delight audience members with selections from Broadway, Blues, Jazz, and more. Transformed into a stylish jazz café, the museum will also provide delicious food and beverages amid the art of the just-opened Ellarslie Open 43 exhibition. Doors will open at 6:00pm.
French Montana to Headline Grand Opening of Dream Live Performing Arts Center

French Montana to Headline Grand Opening of Dream Live Performing Arts Center

(EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ) -- American Dream will celebrate the region's opening World Cup match between Brazil and Morocco with the debut of its newest venue, the Dream Live Performing Arts Center, with a postgame concert by French Montana on June 13, 2026 at 9:00pm.
Sergio Mendes

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Sixty years ago, Herb Alpert Presents Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66 (A&M Records) emerged as both a masterful artistic statement and a major commercial breakthrough album. The record helped introduce the sophisticated rhythms and cool elegance of Brazilian bossa nova and samba to a truly global audience, blending Brazilian musical traditions with American pop, jazz, and contemporary studio production and repertoire.
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(DEAL, NJ) -- As a tribute to Sir Paul McCartney's upcoming 84th birthday in June, Jersey Shore musician Marc Ribler has put together an all-star lineup to perform "When I'm 84" at the Axelrod Performing Arts Center on Saturday, June 13 and Sunday, June 14, 2026.

Levoy Theatre presents Paul Thorn on June 18th

(MILLVILLE, NJ) -- The Levoy Theatre presents Paul Thorn on Thursday, June 18, 2026 at 7:30pm. When it comes to songwriting, less is more, and simplicity is strength. Just ask Paul Thorn, who’s spent three decades turning soulful grooves and small syllables into songs that pack a big wallop.

Erin Harpe & Countryman Jim Bring Award-Nominated Country Blues to Lizzie Rose Music Room on June 18th

(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- Award-nominated country blues duo Erin Harpe & Countryman Jim will bring their captivating blend of traditional country blues, folk, and Americana to the Lizzie Rose Music Room on Thursday, June 18, 2026 at 7:30pm.
The Black Crowes and Whiskey Myers to Perform at Prudential Center

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(NEWARK, NJ) -- Genre-defying rock legends The Black Crowes bring their massive co-headlining Southern Hospitality Tour with modern rock's boundary-pushing powerhouse Whiskey Myers to Prudential Center in Newark on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 8:00pm.

 

MORE EVENTS

Click on the listing to bring up its webpage


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Sam Morrow Band

Tuesday, June 09, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
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The Brandee Younger Trio

Wednesday, June 10, 2026 @ 7:30pm
McCarter Theatre Center (Berlind Theatre)
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Susan Werner

Thursday, June 11, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
Tuckerton, NJ


The Sergio Mendes Band

Thursday, June 11, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
Morristown, NJ



 

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