Johnny Thunder - "I'm Alive" (Calla Records cat.C - 161 (Produced by Tommy James)) Forget the obvious confusion with the Punk icon, this Johnny Thunder (sans “s”) made Soul hits with a smile. His voice was clean, his productions were clean and they really do bring a smile to your face. That isn't to say the songs aren’t good or even great because they are. Sometime in the late 80’s I heard, “I’m Alive,” and immediately assumed there had to be a second Johnny Thunder. I did come across a copy here or there but condition was always an issue. Recently I picked up this copy from Cyclotronic Records via his digs in the massive 7-inch collection Revilla Grooves purchased. The song is even better than I remember. The track crawls in, dragging a fuzzed out psyche guitar line, and immediately begins it’s assent into storming Garage drenched Soul. Thunder is pleading desperately to be noticed or at least not ignored. The first time I heard the tune I assumed he was pleading with someone he recently split with but listening now I realize the song is far more political. The lyrics are simple but the message is universal. It doesn’t matter who we are, we matter. Thunder never lets up, he screams and tears through the song and there is no way you can miss him. Come hear this and TONS of new finds that I have yet to spin at D.C.’s Tavern. First Thursday, April 6th from 7PM to close. Hobo-X opens the night from 7 - 9PM and Brian Daly fills you up with booze. See you there! #johnnythunder #imalive #callarecords #tommyjames #primitivesoundsystem #vinylrules #vinyljunkie #recordcollection #recordcollector @dcstavern #dcstavern @dalespix @la_bry @disislim @tfool @cyclotronic @revillagrooves