Having a song included in Little Steven’s Underground Garage "Coolest Song in the World" poll is one of those “honor just to be nominated” moments. Diane and The Gentle Men’s single “Motorcycle” (streaming below) earned a place among that weekly group with 51 other artists ranging from local stars to very big international names. The song and video pay a playful homage to the late 50’s/early 60’s ideal of a youthful desire for rock n’ roll kicks. While clean-cut teenagers watch bad boy motorcycle movies on TV, Diane sings about “riding on the back with her ray bans and leather jacket” over a chugging rock rhythm. Soon the kids are up dancing as the chorus hooks with lyrics “blame it on summer heat, when the moon is high, and the air is clear, and the sky is wide.” The track stands out with numerous unexpected sonic twists, like the slightly askew descending keyboard line in the second verse and the momentum shifting percussive breaks, scattered throughout the tune. There’s a country-western warmth to the chorus, with its chord structure, big impassioned lead vocal and sweet background harmonies. – Dave Cromwell
