Album Notes

Finally the long awaited (25 years?) release from quintessential 80’s electro-pop band Commuter, lead by Los Angeles singer/songwriter Dave Merenda. The album is a collection of demos and recordings showcasing trendy synthesizer sounds, eclectic guitar and a driving backbeat against pop melodies. Merenda seamlessly fused electronic and acoustic music into a genuinely modern pop style that holds up so many years later.

Like such other New Wave and 80’s artists as Elvis Costello, Thomas Dolby, Billy Idol and Depeche Mode, Merenda deals with love lost and hurting. Bookending the set is their hit song “Young Hearts” from the movie, “The Karate Kid”. One is a studio demo and the other is a live version recorded at the Palace in Los Angeles. On both, one immediately recognizes the sequenced keyboard sound that loops through the song. The live version is as tight and full as the studio version.

The musicianship on the entire album is tight and top notch. With the bass and drums forming a strong bond, and the guitar laced throughout, it leaves room for the thick dynamic keyboard parts that identify the band and the era.

Produced by Dave Merenda

Executive Producer Cathy Merenda

Mixed and mastered by Dave Merenda at Westwood Studios, Los Angeles, CA
"Young Hearts" recorded live at the Palace, Los Angeles, CA by Cathy O'Donohue

Dave Merenda – keyboards, vocals, programming
Glen Lynskey - guitar
Arco Iris guitar guy - guitar
John McCormick - bass
Mark Keefner – drums
Reek Havok – drums

All Compositions by Dave Merenda
Published by Dave Merenda Music (ASCAP) except “Young Hearts” published by Chrysalis Music Group obo Rare Blue Music and EMI Golden Torch Music (ASCAP)