Heath Thomas is making rock music unlike anyone else in the game right now, but he still wears his influences proudly. On his debut album Awesome, the Illinois-based songwriter—who releases music as Heathers—moves between scuzzy, buzzing guitar rock (the title track), whimsical, off-kilter art rock (“I Believe in You”), and sludgy, heavy power pop (“No Direction”).
The music is often overtly political, a trait Thomas takes from some of the artists featured on the influences playlist he threw together for us. Though Heathers is a singular project, the brash confidence with which he tells fascists and corrupt politicians to fuck off is in line with his musical heroes. He cites Geese, Rage Against the Machine, Car Seat Headrest, and The Beatles as seminal acts, and gives shout outs to everyone from Todd Rundgren to Jockstrap. Thomas is a real head, and Awesome is a tribute to diehards everywhere.
With the record out now, stream Awesome here and find Thomas’ influences playlist below.
The Beatles, “She Said She Said”
I’ve always considered myself a pretty extensive Beatles fan, but for some reason I would gloss over this album [Revolver]. But about two years ago, when I was making Awesome, I just sunk my teeth into it. It’s my favorite one—it’s just incredible. Something about this song is just so futuristic to me. Doesn’t feel like a song from 1966. Bands were influenced, sure. But I don’t think anyone could have made a song like that when they did. Also, best album cover, bar none.
The Hives, “Walk Idiot Walk”
This is just one of the great songs of rock—great riff, great chorus, beat, voice. I tried to channel it in the song “Carry On.” I’m not too deep on anything else by The Hives but this is a song I come back to all the time. I found it because FIDLAR parodied the music video in their music video [for “40 oz. on Repeat”]. So thank you, FIDLAR.
Geese, “2122”
Geese and Cameron Winter really rocked my world when I found them. I remember my family dog dying, and then very soon after finding this album. This song just blew my mind. I remember laughing out loud at how good it was, while still sniveling and ugly-crying about my dog. Everything from the guitars to the drums to the fact that the title is a Rush reference (I’m pretty sure)—without a doubt, this song changed my life.
Lindsey Buckingham, “Holiday Road”
My family loves this song; we would always listen to it on our annual trip to Holiday World. I don’t know, it’s cheesy, but not really. It’s just a pristine song, in my opinion. I love the electronic drums and the background singers. And the dog bark sample.
Cheap Trick, “Come on, Come On”
Cheap Trick were done dirty. They didn’t get the recognition they deserved in the States. I think this song’s a good example of them being fucked over. Just great pop rock. It’s romantic, but not creepy; it’s rock but not shreddy or egotistical. I remember this album soundtracking my life during high school perfectly. Listen to more Cheap Trick.
Todd Rundgren, “Long Flowing Robe”
I feel like Todd is doing good with younger people now. Or maybe not, I could be in a bubble. But I never hear anyone talk about this song, and this album [Runt: The Ballad of Todd Rundgren] by extension. It’s great, and this song is fantastic. It’s one of those songs where you think you’ve reached the chorus, and then there’s more. Always thought this song would be good in a movie.
MJ Lenderman, “You Have Bought Yourself a Boat”
Asheville King Von’s newest album is awesome, and probably his best. But this song and the album Boat Songs prove that people just weren’t paying attention—not that he had to get good. Probably the best guitar solos of the ’20s belong to him. Love when he says “Clothes again” twice. Absolute rizz.
Jockstrap, “Greatest Hits”
I think I found Jockstrap through “City Hell,” and I’ve just been sort of infatuated with them since. I don’t think they make music anymore, but man, this record is fantastic. She has such a beautiful voice. The production on this track is so ’80s, and not in a stupid revivalist way like a Sabrina Carpenter song or something. More like a love letter than a Halloween costume.
The Strokes, “I Can’t Win”
I’m one of the guys who likes Room on Fire more. We exist. This song gets slept on, probably because it’s the last track and it has, like, 15 seconds of silence at the beginning. It’s short, sweet, doesn’t overstay its welcome. Great closer to the record. I’m walkin’ here!
Andrew W.K., “Party Hard”
I think I just like that Andrew W.K. exists. He’s like a real-life Ted Logan. This song fucking rules. I don’t think there’s a single minor chord in this song. It’s a pure supernova of positivity and fun. “When things stop feeling alright (alright), then everything is alright.”
Rage Against the Machine, “Take the Power Back”
I mean, it made me a communist. When I found this song in, like, ninth grade, it made me realize all the bullshit in this world (homework, parents, bedtime etc.). Genuinely, though, I think it’s had more of a positive effect on the American left than most other shit they try to do. This album made more leftists than any Occupy Wall Street or No Kings protest. These motherfuckers closed the stock market. They act, they don’t preach.
Alex G, “Hope”
I could’ve picked any of Alex G’s songs, but “Hope” is just different, man. This song scares me, makes me cry. It’s descriptive to an uncomfortable degree. I strive to put even an ounce of what Alex put in this song. It’s the sound of grief, concentrated sorrow. It’s almost too real. Not only are happy endings rare, but the sad stories never end. Even when you die, it’s not over. Not until everyone who ever loved you is dead, too. Chill on ’em, Giannascoli!
The Who, “I’m One”
The Who were one of the first rock bands I really got into as a young kid. Who would’ve guessed that the musician likes the song about a struggling musician? This song is probably my favorite by them; to me, it really highlights the band’s ability on dynamics. They love to build and then explode, literally and figuratively. Also, the best episode of Freaks and Geeks is the Who episode.
Car Seat Headrest, “Unforgiving Girl (She’s Not An)”
Car Seat Headrest is one of those bands like Nine Inch Nails where the name makes you think they’re gonna sound way different than they actually do. I remember discovering this album [Teens of Denial] and being so surprised that it was rock. I guess I was expecting some weird stupid internet-type music or something. Something that’s buzzy in small circles for small amounts of time. But CSH is some of the best rock music of the past 30 years; it’s up there for me with the legends. They’re what boomers might call “a real band.” If you’ve written them off, you should try again.
