The Great Book Giveaway Contest #2

Liz Tracey

I would venture that today’s (or perhaps yesterday’s) Huey Lewis is Hootie from Hootie and the Blowfish. Catchy does not even begin to describe “I only wanna be with you”, and sports is covered in that very same video with the appearances of sports personalities and golfing blowfish. Indeed, the Blowfish themselves are reminiscent of “The News” — there’s a great deal of personality in the band with small frissons visible at times, but for the most part they are obscured by the charismatic Hootie/Huey.

chris cullmann → www.cullmanndesign.com

Maroon 5 of course: Cross-market psuedo rockers that ride on the success of insanely catchy hooks. All that’s missing is an episode of “Where are they now?”

Peter G. → www.gurrydesign.com

I’d have to say that I don’t know who Huey Lewis is and I don’t care enough to read the long Wikipedia entry. But I should also say that I think this is a great contest, and I was just thinking about buying Bulletproof Web Design today.

Fernando Vieira → simplesideias.com.br

Well. I don’t know him, but I still want the book! ;)

Jason Speck

I agree with Ms. Tracey: Darius Rucker. (I can’t believe I know his name.)

That said, why can’t Huey Lewis be the modern day equivalent of, um, himself? He’s still playing and whatnot. And he’s still goofy.

Martin Alderson

Steve Jobs, if you replace music with computers.

(PS: This is my attempt at trying a thoughtful answer. It fails miserably but I’d like to win the prize so I thought it’s worth it for the lottery element.)

Lemoentje

I would go for Elvis Costello. To be truly honest, i just listened to some Huey on Amazon.com so i basically don’t know what i’m talking about. Every once in a while, on a depressing day, listening to Costello brings that smile back on my face, and i reck’n Huey does the same for you!
Keep up the good work!

Dale Cruse → www.24stgeorge.com

Bob Mould.

He’s middle aged.

He’s awkwardly goofy. See his blog at http://modulate.blogspot.com for proof.

He’s a sports lover - used to be a professional wrestling script writer.

And he’s written undeniably catchy songs like, “See A Little Light” and “If I Can’t Change Your Mind.”

And he’s coming to Boston soon and me and my girlfriend already have tix.

Joris van Tilburg → www.skinner.nl

I really have no idea! (No chance winning the best, most creative answer)

Kevin → lawver.net

This is a tough one, but it’s got to be Eels. May not be middle-aged, but he is goofy looking, and the music is extremely catchy.

Chris Vannoy → rhythm.dummied.net/

How about Smash Mouth?

Kind of intentially goofy, song called “All-Star” (which pretty much covers the sports thing) and none of the band strikes me as being much below middle-aged. And as much as their songs start to grate on you after an entire summer of wall-to-wall radio play, I don’t think anyone can deny that their tunes and undeniably catchy.

John → johndavidanderson.net

I’m thinking it’s Blues Traveler: a little awkward, not really mainstream, they have the harmonica action goin’ on, catchy tunes (when they were still in the groove).

Congrats on your new book - I’ll have a copy one way or another.

Jim Dabell → www.jimdabell.com/

Hmm. Dunno about sports-loving, but Bob Geldof mostly matches the rest, although I don’t think his band’s that big on your side of the pond.

Dougal Campbell → dougal.gunters.org/

I guess the problem is that answering this question would require listening to pop radio. Which I don’t really do much of, these days. Well, I suppose that the station I listen to the most *does* play some pop, but it’s not really a current-day Top 40 bastion.

That said, I’ll go with John Mayer. Not that his tunes have the same general infectiousness and energy as Huey’s, but they are fairly catchy in their own right.

Erin

I’m not sure there is a 2005 equivalent of Huey Lewis… and here’s why: Music more than ever is all about image and style. I just don’t see anyone with Huey’s attitude and goofy personality surviving in this day and age.

The music industry is so multi-dimentional — from clothing to music videos to endorsements and everything else in between, if it’s not cool (or can be cool), artists don’t want a part of it.

Huey (and the News… don’t forget the News!) seemed like a guy who didn’t give a damn whether he was playing in front of a crowd of 20,000 at an arena or in the back corner of a bar with a lampshade on his head. It just so happened he wrote catchy stuff. :)

Rodrigo Webler → www.6gon.com.br/webler/

Damn… Bob Mould was getting to the top of my mind! Way to go, Dale Cruise! 8)

I’ll say it’s Robbie Williams, if you take the middle-aged part off: catchy songs, soccer addict.

Scott → nonsponsored.com

Huey Lewis has no equal.

Thierry

Well I think this guy, Huey Lewis, is an anomaly. You can’t have a complete page for tou in wikipedia and be, let’s put it that way, “normal”.

But, as far as I’m concerned, we’re better with people like him, and did I saw Steve Jobs somewhere on this page?, than with a world of straight and unfunny people.

This is my opinion and, as a “not so famous” tv show host in here says, everybody have the right to ear my opinion. (As I have the right to take a chance at winning those two books ;) )

leslie → pmachine.com

Hi Dan,

this is a really easy question, at least compared to squashing evil, nasty, disgusting css bugs in the browser-that-shall-not-be-named.

The answer, of course, is Sammy Hagar.

Sammy is undeniably the best singer that Van Halen ever had. Davy was neat and a decent screamer, but Hagar owned the stage and the entire VH catalog. Dave fans with a dissenting opinion can speak out at www.sammyisbetterthandaveeverywas.com.

Sammy started out as a boxer and owns a sports bar in Cabo San Lucas. There is nothing quite like watching a Super Bowl there, or so I’m told by people wealthy enough to afford Cabo San Lucas during the holiday season!

Unlike Dave and Van Halen, Sammy is still rocking, still having fun, still writing catchy tunes in the prime of his middle-agedness. His solo albums are great and anybody that devoted to tequilla has to be goofy.

Which brings me to the ultimate proof that Sammy is the new Huey (aside from the fact that their names rhyme of course). The hair.

There is nothing quite so awkwardly goofy as a person with a ludicrous hair-style who wears it proudly. Sammy looks like he pokes his finger into an electrical outlet every morning to get the red-fro to match his Red Rocker Tequilla line “just right.” Huey looks like he does the same thing, but he doesn’t have Sammy’s fro so it just results in an 80’s style business cut that looks like something out of a bad Cyndi Lauper video.

Throw in great, fun songs like “I Can’t Drive 55” and “Mas Tequilla” and Sammy is the hands done, indisputable answer to your question.

Jason TC

I have no idea who the modern Huey Lewis is, but what’s up with Snoop dOg in the GM TV spots?!

Lord Palf

Couldn’t resist taking the chance to win this great book, though i have to admit it’s the first time i heard the guy’s name. Maybe i heard a couple of songs, not knowing it was his…
Keep up the good work !!

courtney → midvaleschool.blogspot.com

What is this Bob Mould conspiracy? And besides, when was the last time you heard Bob Mould on the radio? Aha!

My pick is John Mayer. Average guitar player, catchy tunes (if you listen to that kind of crap), but WAY WAY WAY too much hype. All these other modern little bands will only be around as long as it takes their iPod batteries to die for the first time.

Eddie

I’d say Randy Newman. Very awkward and very catchy songs. Does have the cheese factor that Huey had/has, but he’s still my answer.

Dave Gregory → www.screwlewse.com

I hafta agree with #17. There is no equal. Maybe someday there will be, but in this day and age.. it just wouldn’t pan out in the music industry.

It was and always will be an 80’s thing I guess.

JR Smith → www.jrsmith.net/

I don’t listen to enough pop music to even begin to have a suggestion. I think there are a LOT more younger artists out there making catchy, idiotic songs whose popularity defies belief. Any of the American Idol winners come to mind.

You could also look to veteran rappers for a comparison. Most of their lyrics are terrible. Don’t get me wrong, I like rap when it’s poetic or funny. But I can’t listen to Snoop Dogg anymore. He’s become ridiculous, and is still somewhat popular. He’s relying more on catchy beats and hooks these days, and he’s older, so he might fit.

Rob

I don’t htink there is a Huey of the day

Chris R → www.chrisrobins.com

Who, in 2005 is a middle-aged, awkwardly goofy, sports-loving rock star who, despite all that, wrote undeniably catchy songs?

I would say Damon Albarn (Gorillaz, Blur)

Tony → www.tonyscida.com

Huey Lewis was in his 30s in the ’80s. I’m not sure I’d call that middle-aged. Still that’s older than someone like, say, John Mayer, who probably otherwise fits in that category (goofy rock star with catchy songs).

Ed C. → www.splitmetal.com/

Vanilla Ice. He’s certainly awkwardly goofy, and wrote (unfortunately) catchy tunes. And he’s into sports, as proven by Fox’s Celebrity Boxing and his participation in motocross. Maybe not quite middle-aged, but close enough.

Dale Cruse → www.24stgeorge.com

I just heard Bob Mould live on KEXP within the past week. I can’t believe my own girlfriend (#22) just tried to sabotage my answer!

Jason → www.bnpositive.com/blog

Well, not sure if I should have unique submission or not, but I did agree with Hootie and Maroon 5. If I need a unique submission for more kudos, I’ll submit Jason Mraz. Definitely unique and somewhat goofy, and very catchy tunes.

David → www.davidjghay.com

Jack Johnson, perhaps? Hugely catchy, and seems to be really laid back and not overly concerned with anything. Not sure if he qualifies as goofy though…

Shaun Andrews → www.shaunandrews.com/mon

I’m gonna have to go with Rivers Cuomo from Weezer. Talk about writing a catchy tune.

Chris Detmer → keinrhythmus.com

Ben Folds.

He’s goofy, rather normal in appearance and writes undeniably catchy songs. He’s not middle-aged, but he’s not your typical barely-twenty pop star.

Huey Lewis is a longtime favorite of mine. He’s on my iPod and in my heart. He is one of a kind.

Matt → www.capndesign.com

I’d have to go with Cake. John McCrea is always doing his own thing and doesn’t exactly fit into the modren lexicon of music, but seems to keep having a hit or two with each album (except for the new one, which was a touch of a stinker). The band isn’t goofy in the awkward way Huey was, but they’re still goofballs who love the work-a-day fellow (check out their video for Short Skirt/Long Jacket).

I admit, the fit isn’t perfect, but Huey really was his own man. Weird Al is also kinda close, but he’s much sillier and far less pedestrian.

Clay Johnson → www.bluestatedigital.com

What about Elvis Costello?

He’s still old, and is still writing undeniably catchy songs…

Nirav

There is no equivalent to Huey Lewis for the year 2005 as yet.

Nathan Colgate

Sufjan Stevens or Harry and the Potters

Christian Machmeier → www.redsplash.de

Hey Dan, thanks for your competition. Great idea. I already got (and read) Web Standards Solution, so letting me win your new book (or the t-shirt) would be greatly appreciated. :-)

Clay Johnson → www.bluestatedigital.com

Dave Matthews is also one that may fit.

Blake → blakems.com

as an answer to the question “Jack Johnson” — a little young though maybe.

Joseph Lindsay → josephlindsay.com/

Rivers Cuomo or Dave Grohl

knome → knome.ath.cx/

Huey, Dewey and Louie? :)

aron → www.uswebpro.com

he’d be Eric Hilton from Thievery Corporation

http://www.thieverycorporation.com/

Mark McGrath → www.inertiawebdesign.com

Didn’t know who he was, but anyone who has appeared in Back to the Future is pretty cool in my book. That didn’t answer the question at all, I realize.

Kris

What people are failing to see with their Bob Moulds and John Mayers is that Huey Lewis was the quintessential average Joe who wrote average rock songs about average subjects. And yet he was popular. That he transcended his absolute mediocrity is what made him special.

Bob Mould is not a follower — he’s led an interesting life, maintains cult status as leader of one of the greatest rock bands of the 80s, and is a contemporary of Lewis’ (not a follower — and he’s gay, for whatever it’s worth). Same with Elvis Costello (except the gay thing). John Mayer: Berklee College of Music is far from average. Darius Rucker might be a closer bet . . . or maybe Jewel. Or Mark McGrath. Except that these three each have their own slightly interesting characteristics (black man leading a rock band, woman from Alaska, good-looking).

There isn’t a Huey Lewis around right now. The marketing would be too difficult.

Dave Mead → www.dmwebsites.com/

I too was a big HL fan in the 80’s - I don’t know if there is a direct comparison but Bare Naked Ladies might come close to some of the criteria:

Catchy tunes
Kinda goofy (in a good way)
Middle aged-ish

Fingers crossed for me winning the book :-)

Kerry

I don’t think the Second Coming of Huey has happened yet. But you can bet I’m stockpiling canned goods and bottled water for when it does.

Stuart → www.muffinresearch.co.uk

I would put down Dave Matthews, he’s a bit goofy on occasions; listen to his pink panther impressions on the luther college cd.

Also he has in common with Huey a couple of Film credits.

Adam Reyher → www.adamreyher.com

I’d have to agree with one of the above comments. Smashmouth has done some pretty catchy songs in recent history, and keeps coming out with more. Very interesting question, though. I love Huey Lewis.

Bruno Figueiredo

Why do we have to always label people and try to categorize them? Why this undeniable love with taxonomy? People are all unique. In time, someone manages to be loved by a very large group of people, attracted by its remarkable way to be. We should cherish and remember these people, not try to find their latest reincarnation.

Cory → 32n5w@blogspot.com

The answer is, of course, Jack Black. He is 35 until august 28th, so that covers the middle aged. For awakwardly goofy (e.g. school of rock and/or live shows and itnerviews) and undenianly catchy songs (wonderboy, tribute, friendship, rock your socks, etc…) he is unbeaten. Sports loving is a little harder to prove here, but note that there is an easily observable spastic athleticism about him. PLUS you have the movie soundtrack connection. Huey had Back to the Future, Jack Balck had School of Rock. I think the choice is clear.

Travis Chase → www.supercodepoet.com

I will have to go with Dave Matthews although he is more talented.

Scott Limmer → www.scottlimmer.tk

More parallel to Huey Lewis’ time rather than present day, it’d have to be Elvis Costello. Awkardly-goofy and eccentric with undeniably catchy songs, the similarities are more than there. Not to mention their shared passion for movie and television roles.

Steve

Jon BonJovi. He’ll tell you he’s an actor. He’s wrong.

Göran → www.s02.nu

I vote for swedish (middle-aged) rock star Mauro Scocco

neil → www.beatnikpad.com/

After some thought, I think the question is flawed: Huey Lewis himself would be the most appropriate answer to your question. I think the question should probably be “who will be the equivalent of Huey Lewis in 10 years?” - ie. who is or has written a bunch of catchy, throwaway tunes that will fade into obscurity in the near future?

In that case, the answer is easy: Mark McGrath from Sugar Ray.

Julian Schrader → maasda.de

I don’t know who he is - but I’d love to get a copy of your book!

steveo

Bob Mould? Come on, given Husker Du was big at the same time Huey Lewis was actually still huge, it just points out that Bob’s still relevant. Plus he totally changed directions when he went electronic, he’s still growing.

But for my answer, music has changed alot since the 80’s. And so I think the best contemporary pop analogy is R. Kelly. He writes bland catchy stuff that sells well. And he’s a HUGE sports fan. There’s even widely distributed video of him involved in “sports”

Rory Parle → www.soylentred.net/

Well to me Huey Lewis is the guy playing Power of Love when Marty McFly is skating to school in the beginning of Back to the Future. That’s the only thing I know him for, besides a single throwaway line in an episode of Family Guy. So the modern day equivalent is whoever plays the catchiest tune in the modern day equivalent of Back to the Future.

That’s where I’m stumped. I guess that moment is just too iconic for me to possibly consider that anything could be its equivalent. The answer has to be: The modern Huey Lewis is Huey Lewis, just as the modern Marty McFly is Marty McFly. You may as well try to replace Indiana Jones; it’s not going to happen.

Then again you might get something more insightful from someone who knows more than one of the guy’s songs.

Horst Gutmann → weblog.zerokspot.com

Musicians trying to get into movies? DMX, Britney Spears? Nah! *g* And please don’t kill me for writing these two in one and the same sentence :)

… why do I have to think about Wayne’s World now …. I honestly don’t know… music, movies.. arghh

neil → www.beatnikpad.com

Cory said: “The answer is, of course, Jack Black. He is 35 until august 28th, so that covers the middle aged.”

Dear lord, man, if you think 35 is “middle aged”, then what the heck do you think 55 is?

Patrick Bouchard → www.life.mindenigma.com/

I think this is Billie Joe Armstrong from a Green Day maybe?

Marcus

I haven’t heard of Huey Lewis, but I have yet to hear soemone that has created undeniably catchy songs in recent years. As some others have suggested, perhaps Dave Matthews would be closer to that than anyone else I have heard.

Dale Cruse → www.24stgeorge.com

Kris (#46) has some interesting comments. However, while Huey Lewis may have been the quintessence of “average,” “average” wasn’t part of the criteria outlined at the top of this post. The question asked was: “Who, in 2005 is a middle-aged, awkwardly goofy, sports-loving rock star who, despite all that, wrote undeniably catchy songs?”

The word “average” does not appear in that description and therefore is not a prerequisite, in my opinion.

Summerville → tonysummerville.com

Huey Lewis on Broadway is the Huey Lewis of 2005.

Pieter Belmans → pieter;servslet.net

As a lot of people I don’t know Huey Lewis, but I’d propose Tom Barman from the wonderful Belgian band dEUS. He doesn’t perform in movies, he makes them. Actually, he has never learned to play music, he should not be in the studio making wonderful records but recording good Belgian movies, as they are quite rare.

Michael Irwin

Huey Lewis has no equivalent today.

quis → www.quis.cc

I’ll throw Black Francis/Frank Black into the mix, he has an antihero kind of charm and is responsible for music like “The Holiday Song”.

Ron Green

I really don’t think there is an equivalent to Huey. Huey just kind of did his own thing as far as music was concerned and didn’t really seem to care how many people were listening. I think the following article is quite interesting:

http://www.sfweekly.com/issues/2005-08-03/news/feature.html

Ryan Latham → www.unmatchedstyle.com/

Bill Clinton…

Middle aged: Well I guess 59 is pushing middle aged but he could live to be 120.

Goofy looking: I think that McDonalds loving tubby was always goofy looking.

Sports loving: He through some opening pitches.

Rock star: He lived like one. Rocking out with his…

Catchy song: He gave us such classics as “I did not have Sexual Relations with that Woman,” “Sucking ain’t ****ing,” and a remake of a Devo song “Whippit (out).”

Steven Ametjan → www.wolfsreign.com

I’ve seen a couple of answers that I can agree with so far (Damon Albarn, Rivers Cuomo), but I also think that all three guys from Blink-182 fit the bill as well. They’re all in their 30s, have a penchant for sports (mostly skateboarding), and have an irreverent sense of humor.

Jeff J. Snider → www.twofatguys.net

I am going to go with Bono of U2. I don’t know if he is a huge sports fan, but he sure does play at every major sporting event. And when it comes to goofy and middle-aged, Bono is it.

Jeremy → www.it-ohio.com

While I would like to put Bill Clinton or Hootie and the Blowfish.. I would have to say it’s Smash Mouth, because their song WAS in the Top Ten and “Shrek” would never be where it is without their songs.

Dan Century → www.dancentury.com/

Even if I don’t win I’m buying this book!

Summerville → tonysummerville.com

Patrick Bateman: “Do you like Huey Lewis and the News? Their early work was a little too new wave for my tastes, but when Sports came out in ‘83,I think they really came into their own, commercial and artistically. The whole album has a clear, crisp sound, and a new sheen of consimante professionalism that really gives the songs a big boost. He’s been compared to Elvis Costello, but I think Huey has a far much more bitter, cynical sense of humour.”

Erik

hmmm…..In terms of sheer intelligence in his song writing, honestly, Marilyn Manson. Yes he does look a bit freaky but his songs are great for social/political commentary. He is by virtue of his interviews, a very down to earth, average guy who chooses to shock everyone by way of his appearance. Decidedly not pedestrian but worthy of listening to and ruminating on.
Cheers
Erik

Damon Seymour

I honestly have no idea, simply because I never listen to much music. But I do like Switchfoot.

Yeah, lame response.

Jeff Wheeler → nokrev.com

Isaac Brock is my best guess, from Modest Mouse.

I would love those icons…

Simon → www.simondvorak.com

Well, I see no reason why it has to be a male singer. I’m going with Gwen Stefani.

Caroline

Well, I admittedly hadn’t heard of Huey Lewis before now, but judging by your description the group Bowling For Soup pops to my head first.

Middle-aged? Thereabouts.
Awkwardly goofy? Well, let’s just say that they are not by any means graceful.
Sports loving? I honestly don’t really know, but in their “Almost” music video there was a lot of high-school/college age sports.
Undeniably catchy songs? Well, as annoying as I think we all agree “1985” and “Almost” can get, I’ve never listened to them without finishing without them stuck in my head.

That’s my uber-novice take on this. =)

Brian Oberkirch → www.lightbox5.com/likeitmatters/

Truly diabolical post, to put such an unforgiving earworm in my head this afternoon. I’m with Leslie, the Red Rocker springs to mind as a Huey Lewis type. You’re slightly embarrassed that you know those songs so well, and, yet, over the course of a few rounds, it seems not to matter.

Emil

I disagree with Göran about Mauro Scocco and vote for another Swedish rock star, namely Ebbot from The Soundtrack of Our Lives.

Kyle Klaus → www.dormlife.us

Huey Lewis is a bit before my time … Hard for me to give any kind of an intelligent answer, so maybe an unintelligent one will do.

Huey Lewis then == Me now

:-D

Bill → bill.simonifamily.net

It’s gotta be either Jack Black or Dave Matthews. Maybe I’m focusing on awkward and goofy too much.

Jason

There will never be another Huey Lewis.

Joe D'Andrea → www.joesapt.net/

All of my picks except one have been voted for already: Ben Folds, Elvis Costello, Bob Mould, and Frank Black.

My other - perhaps favorite - choice is Michael Penn (47).

Note: I already have BWD (congrats Dan!) but wanted to add my $0.02 nonetheless.

Cameron → moorereason.blogspot.com/

Beck. Is he into sports?

Joe D'Andrea → www.joesapt.net/

Oh! I completely forgot about Matthew Sweet (42 in October). OK, that’ll do …

Taylor

It’s Stephen Malkmus. Perhaps you haven’t heard of him… but then, perhaps you should check him out. He’s one of my current favorites.

On to the evidence:

* He’s middle aged, or at least that’s my belief; he’s been around for a while (used to be the guitarist for Pavement) and he LOOKS middle aged in many of the photos on his (unfortunately Flash) website. I couldn’t see his face very well when I saw him live.

* He’s AWKWARD. I don’t know how anyone who hasn’t seen his band, Stephen Malkmus & the Jicks, can possibly relate to this. But he is undeniably awkward onstage. He’s tall, sort of lanky, and just looks out of place. But the music rocks, of course.

* His songs are terribly catchy. Check out Pig Lib. I get one of those songs stuck in my head every time I listen to the album.

* Sports fan? Clearly. On his personal bio page on his site (he is the bottom left guy on the “Bios” page—poor usability ahem ahem), it says that he “Feels most at home around darts”. Additionally, there is a picture of a jockey (as in horse racing) on the “Media” page. Plus I saw him wearing sweatbands onstage. What more evidence do you need?

Malkmus!

Steve → www.springworks.co.uk/

Neil Finn, formerly of Crowded House.

Roger Johansson → www.456bereastreet.com

Bruce Springsteen or Bryan Adams.

Amor Entintado → www.amorentintado.com

Well, most of my initial choices for the modern-day Huey role have already been mentioned in previous comments (Mark McGrath, Jon Bon Jovi, Darius Rucker), so I’ll have to tread the WTF path and say Will Ferrell.

Think about it: he is middle aged, he is most certainly goofy, as far as I know he’s into sports, and even if he’s not a rock star per se, he can certainly sing and he played one hell of a rock musician (complete with long, greasy hair and bare midriff) in the ubiquitous “Cowbell” sketch.

Andreas → www.blomback.se

I have to say Jay-Z.

He’s a part owner of New Jersey Nets, and has released “catchy” hits like H to the izzo and Encore.

And he’s definitely goofy, at least when he is standing next to Beyonce :)

Arthur Case → www.bureau-de-mischief.net

Bryan Adams? Although he’s not that goofy and I don’t know about his level of interest in sports. Approaching middle age though.

Terrence Scoville → fluidusa.com/design

Rusty Shackelford

Justin Perkins → www.sacramentoweb.org/

Wow, that’s a tough one Dan. I’ve already pre-ordered the book, but I love *trying* to win stuff.

Rather than rack my brain for hours trying to figure out the perfect modern day Huey Lewis (which I don’t think exists), I’ll just spout off the first band that comes to mind:

Ween.

Catchy lyrics, really dorky (although not goofy) and a lot of people love them (including me and I also liked Huey Lewis when I was a kid).

Chris Garver

Id have to say that Delmore Pilcrow is the next Huey Lewis.

Kristof Rutten

Don’t you throw the book at me, Mr. Police Officer.

You can just mail it to my homeaddress

Dave S. → www.mezzoblue.com/

Free book to the hundredth caller? Yes please!

Ben Ward → ben-ward.co.uk

I will also have to admit to being a little out-of-touch with Huey Lewis himself, I claim ‘youth’ as my excuse.

However, based on the summaries of his character above, ish, I’ll nominate Jarvis Cocker of Pulp. Jarvis is a bit of a weirdo, wrote insightful, clever and sometimes perverted lyrics and with Pulp created some of the greatest pop songs of the mid-nineties. ‘Different Class’ was an absolutely outstanding. His contributions to the ‘All Seeing I’ dance project.

He also made an all time great appearance on ‘Shooting Stars’, where he was (if I remember rightly) branded ‘the weed in tweed’ and for the final challenge had to throw fruit ‘in the style of a girl’. Class.

Mike

“Who is the present-day equivalent to Huey Lewis?” … thankfully there isn’t one!

“Have I lost my mind?” … Yes.

bcooke

Beck or Jay-Z

Ward → www.wardofdesign.com

Ben Folds

Shawn Sorichetti → sackheads.org/~ssoriche

I don’t know who the present day Huey Lewis would be, but I do miss the old one. I received Sports with my first “ghetto blaster” as a birthday present when I was a kid. With only one tape to play I listened to it over and over. *SIGH* the good ol’ days.

Tom Oakes → www.oakcd.com

This is so simple - it’s obviously Zach de la Rocha, formerly of Rage Against the Machine. Rage’s catchy, upbeat pop grooves were…oh wait, that can’t be right.

I hated Huey Lewis - I just want a copy of the new book. I already own the icons, and the old book.

I must say I’m sad to see Bob Mould’s name appear in this list…

James Asher → 17thdegree.com

I was kind of thinking of Will Smith. He’s getting closer to middle aged - 37, 38 somewhere in there. He’s not as awkward as he once was, but at one point in time he was The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. He’s had lots of catchy songs - the song Switch, which is getting old, fast and the ever so annoying Gettin’ Jiggy Wit’ It. *gag* As for being sporty, he’s been in sporty movies, at least - Ali and The legend of Bagger Vance. Which also ties into the whole movie thing - he’s done tons of them.

That’s about all I’ve got.

Ken Meyers → www.kenmeyers.com

Dave Matthews.

Diogo Chaves

Felipe Dilon, for sure :p

Rob Weychert → www.robweychert.com/

The first answer that popped into my head startled me with its peculiarity: Today’s Huey Lewis might be formed in the synthesis of Andrew W.K. and the Magnetic Fields’ Stephin Merritt. I don’t think I care to contemplate it further.

Aaron Schaefer → elasticdog.com

I’d have to go with Macho Man Randy Savage…not only is he middle-aged, but he’s also released his own rap album entitled “Be a Man”, with the single “Hit the Floor” (featuring DJ Kool) being surprisingly catchy!

On top of that, Huey Lewis wrote “Hip to be Square”, and Macho Man Randy Savage often finds himself insided the squared circle. Coincidence? I think not…

No, Macho Man Randy Savage doesn’t have The News to back him up, but he did play Bonesaw in Spiderman, a movie that often made the news.

Unlike Huey, MMRS may not be willing to climb Jacob’s Ladder, but I’m sure he’d bash someone over the head with it if he had the chance. The similarities are mind boggling…Ohhh Yeah!

Todd → www.toddsilverdesign.net

It’s been beaten to death above, but I have to go with “Hootie” and his gang.

While he’s somewhat goofy to be sure, and the Blowfishs’ songs were catchy they also have the same “friendly pleasantness” that overshadows their music.

They’re (were) hip. But harmless. Just like Huey’s bunch.

Camila Malaman

My boss Fernando Chamis.

jeremy → www.nothingistrue.net

Are there really that many people that don’t know who Huey Lewis is? He co-starred in a film with Gwynneth Paltrow, fer crissakes.

Geoff → nubyonrails.topfunky.com

Definitely Dave Matthews.

Yes, he’s sold a bazillion more albums than Huey Lewis, but his voice has always been quirky and his tunes memorable. And, he came to fame in midlife and appeals to a broad range of people. Old, young, hip, professional.

Scott

A no brainer. It has to be Benjamin Gibbard from Death Cab For Cutie.

omit → timothompson.com

I would have to say Ben Gibbard from Death Cab For Cutie and Postal Service. He’s a little young (28?), but he is unabashedly soft rock for now people. Watch this video. Read this comment: “As it turns out, I had mistaken Gibbard’s relative genericness for outright mediocrity. Though much of his catalog does not do much for me, he is capable of periodic flashes of low-key brilliance, particularly when he is in his comfort zone of creating a vaguely arty version of soft rock. He’s famous for covering Phil Collins, and judging by his best songs, doing that was never an ironic or kitschy gesture.”

omit → timothompson.com

Damn…beat by one post.

Alex → a-online.co.uk

I’d never heard of Huey Lewis before this blog entry so I can’t really compare him to anybody I’ve heard of but I’ll have a go anyway.

Elton John? He’s a bit passed middle aged but could be classed as slightly goofy, and slightly rockstar-ish in some ways and has created some catchy music in his career. Thats the best suggestion I can think of at the moment.

Good luck everybody in the contest! :)

Gordon → www.gordonmclean.co.uk/

Marilyn Manson.

Don’t laugh, you’ll look back on this in a few years and agree.

Or not.

Phil Collins?

juque → www.juque.cl/

“awkwardly goofy”?..mhhhh George W Bush

Sam → sam.sc

iTunes listeners recommend Jimmy Buffet, Quiet Riot and Rod Stewart.. I’ll go with one of those!

Chris Clark → www.heartsong.biz/Chris/blog/

definitely Trey Anastasio.

Neil → www.agonotheta.com/

How about Will Smith? I think he fits pretty well if you just consider his music career.

Jeremy → www.metaicon.com

Like most the people who have commented, I really don’t know who Huey Lewis is, but if you drop rock-star off the list of characteristics, you’ve got Tom Arnold.

Matt → www.eitheror.org

I’ll throw my hat in the ring with Ben Folds. Catchy as anything and he’s definitely got the goofy thing down.

Richard Schreiber → www.wiffbi.de

This is a really tough one. To compete with Huey’s look, well…

I would pick Edwin McCain, though there are better ones in some aspects such as goofiness… but Edwin’s overall performance in the required aspects (though I do not know about sports, actually) let him stand out. Oh, and I like his music and wanted to promote him too. ;) And of course, get the chance to win signed copies of your books. By the way… do you sign t-shirts? :)

Chris Griego

Not Rock, but I’d have to say the equivalent is Petula Clark.

Drew Goodmanson → www.goodmanson.com

Alanis Morissette - If she’s not middle-aged, awkward and goofy, I don’t know who is.

Second choice, Dave Matthews…

Eugene Chan

Paul McCartney. He did play the Superbowl.

Jon Livingston → www.livingstonandpartners.com

As you’re humming Wicked Game…

The world was on fire no-one could save me but you…
Strange what desire will make foolish people do…
I never dreamed that I could win a book like this…
I never dreamed that I’d write a comment like this…

No, I don’t wanna learn css from someone else
(this game is only gonna break my heart)
No, I don’t wanna build tables again
(ie browsers are only gonna break my heart)
With you (Bulletproof Web Design Book)…

What a wicked game to play, to make me write this way…
What a wicked thing to do, to make someones dream not come true…
What a wicked thing to say, a book has never made me feel this way
What a wicked thing to do, to make my dreams not come true

No, I don’t wanna lose this game (this css world is only gonna break my heart)…

So, I guess I would have to say Chris Isaak.

Winston

This one is easy. The modern-day Huey Lewis has to be Diogo Chaves, my friend and co-worker.

Seriously, I couldn’t take the right time to get to know Mr. Lewis from his Wikipedia page. But Diogo here, *huge* fan of your books went berserk and asked everybody he could think of to answer your contest.

Great writer you must be, says this Yoda. And good luck to Mr. Diogo “Huey” Chaves.

Michele → www.ieatrice.com

There is and always will be only one Huey Lewis.

HOWEVER, if you had to compare him to ONE singer of the present day, it would have to be Tim McGraw. Hands down.

-Both experimented with musical crossover - Tim, hip hop and country; Huey, blues and rock.

-Both are much smarter than they look. Huey attended Cornell University; Tim was his high school salutatorian (Don’t believe me? Visit imdb.com).

-Both successfully crossed over to film. Tim, of course, in the SPORTS movie Friday Night Lights; Huey, most notably, in Duets and Short Cuts.

-Sex appeal. The ladies love(d) ‘em.

Most importantly, their fan base is EXACTLY THE SAME: Beer drinkin’, middle american, male sports fans.

Mike Rundle → businesslogs.com

I will second the notion that Ben Folds is the new-age Huey. Give me that book!

Kris

Tim McGraw. Now that’s an answer I can get behind.

feaverish → www.feaverish.com

Eminem.

Fernando Chamis

George Bush! He sings in accordance with the song that are being plaing.

Mario Duchesne → www.500monkeys.com

My pick would be the lead singer from Bare Naked Ladies.

Jon-Paul LeClair → mcwilliamsworld.com

Hey…I like giveaways!

As for the question…I don’t think there is a Huey Lewis-like performer today.

Paul Goscicki → paulgoscicki.com

Huey who?

Never heard of him and Wikipedia page doesn’t make him any more familiar…

John Kopanas → www.kopanas.com

Dr. Dre

Hey… you said modern day didn’t you! :-p

Anders Sondergaard

I would have to say Tue West, but that’s mostly because I hope none of you know who he is and therefore won’t guess that I have no answer to the question, but just want a chance to win the book.

Brad Smith → www.mindsmith.net

William Shatner

Penar → www.peshkupauje.com

No Clue…can I get the book now?

Phil Balchin → www.whatisnext.co.uk

OK, hows a bout someone like Chris Martin of Coldpay fame? Different type of music i know, but he has definied the music of a generation, and know else has chosen him yet

Matt Massey

Ted Nugent :)

Noah Brier → www.noahbrier.com

Hmmm . . . my first response was to answer simply with “who cares.” However, after some more thought, I believe there are two major issues here.

1. What current popular musician will turn into a middle-aged “awkwardly goofy, sports-loving rock star”?
If Benjamin Gibbard of Death Cab for Cutie can be considered a “popular musician” I am fairly certain he would eventually turn into an “awkwardly goofy” middle-aged man. However, based on the emotion in Gibbard’s songs I would have to believe he does not like sports (there’s simply not enough testosterone in there. Seriously, is there any question Kid Rock is a sports fan? How easy is it to imagine him on his couch on Sunday’s scratching his balls, eating Cheetos and rooting on the Lions? Very easy, but I digress.). That is, of course, unless Gibbard is a Chicago Bears fan, in which case he, like I, is only emotional because of the years of misery the team has put him through. However, that still leaves us with a major hole . . .

2. What singer writes “undeniably catchy songs”?
While Gibbard may write some catchy songs, I have trouble imagining there’s anyone that would call anything he’s written “undeniably catchy.” However, I would also argue that you would be hard-pressed to find very many songs written in the last five years that have been “undeniably catchy.” Justin Timberlake and Usher both seem to be spot on (if anyone here claims they haven’t had either “Cry Me a River” or “Yeah” stuck in their heads they’re full of shit). Usher owns a part of the Cleveland Cavaliers, so he’s probably a sports fan.

However, both those answers leave us with the issue of becoming awkward at middle aged. They both are smooth . . . maybe too smooth. It is quite possible that as they age all that machismo will slowly transform to awkwardness as they attempt to relive their days of dating supermodels while they sport pot-bellies and half a head of hair. Unfortunately, no matter how much I try to convince myself otherwise, it’s a hard story to buy.

That leaves me with two possible answers. One is to return to my original thought, which is the answer of, simply, “who cares.” However, this is important, so I’ll continue. I conclude by offering up a singer/songwriter who defies nearly every norm. He’s a pop artist who writes explicitly sexual songs, including a 12-minute song called “Sex Me.” He’s a man who was caught on tape urinating on an underage woman, yet remains free and popular (although there was backlash, it has since passed).

That’s right ladies and gentleman, I am arguing R. Kelly is the modern-day Huey Lewis. “Ignition (Remix)” is an “undeniably catchy song.” I think we can assume he’s a sports fan, since he was in his 20’s an living in Chicago during Michael Jordan’s run and I doubt anyone who went through that isn’t a Bulls fan.

Which leaves us with one last criteria: Will R. Kelly be “awkwardly goofy” when he’s middle aged? That seems easy, just imagine your kid comes home from school and everyone’s talking about the tape where daddy is peeing on the little girl. Enough said.

Carol → www.creativeshock.com

It has to be Bono.

Waylon → www.waylonrobert.com

Though a bit past middle-aged, I’d venture to say Van Morrison holds the card. His songs are still rather popular (especially “Brown-Eyed Girl”). To say nothing of the fact that he is an avid soccer lover and from what I’ve read, very goofy indeed.

Jody Stockley → www.jstockley.com

I would have to say that the modern day Huey Lewis is none other than (drumroll please)… Neil Young! Well, maybe he’s a little older than middle aged, but he sure as hell knows how to rock and has written some pretty darn catchy songs. The thing about Neil is that the older he gets, the cooler he is. You gotta love Canadian rockers!

Mike Hendry → www.hendrydesign.com

I would have to go with Hootie as well, but he isn’t exactly current anymore, (unless you count the Burger King commercials).

Red Wolf → www.redwolf.com.au/column/opinion/

I don’t know that there is a parallel to Huey Lewis. Anyone who had any chance of getting where he was has been stepped over in favour of mindless teenagers who are easier to control by record companies.

That said, I’m going with Pinky Beecroft of Machine Gun Fellatio.

Ben

Hey Dan

First I would like to say that I received my copy of Bulletproof Web Design that I preordered from Amazon.com. So far it looks great, and I wanted to say how much I love how you not only give answers to better improve methods of web design, but also show the other possible ways and then prove how the methods you chose are better. It is a great way of learning the content by seeing “why” it is better, not just being given the answers.

Now onto the question at hand. My choice would have to be Counting Crows. Not only does the guy look goofy, but has some of the catchiest songs out there. He was off the map for a few years, then when Shrek 2 came out and his song was featured in the movie “Accidently in Love”, which alone has a goofy title. I think there is no other choice!

Bryan Haggerty

I’m with Ben Folds on this one. Much like Huey, Ben Folds put his own name in the band’s name as well.

Simone Merli → www.codexcoop.it

I say The Who the best band in the world (in 60’s/70’s) and the best prehistoric band at live8 (pink floyd who??)

Sean

Ted Leo. It’s gotta be Ted Leo.

Silvia

snoop-doogy-dog!

TW → ramblewoman.blogspot.com

I immediately thought Scoble but I saw the question asked for musician. Uncle Cracker. That darn song gets stuck in my head. But really, one has to really consider whether the definition of rock star would include Scoble…he meets the awkwardly goofy fan stuff really well.

Min Lee → minwoo.blogsite.org

Beck

Corey → www.redjazz.com

There will never be another Huey. The heart of rock & roll is still beatin’…

MJ

Noah’s (#147) argument for R. Kelley is strong. But maybe he had it at Kid Rock: Goofy-cool. Raspy voice. Middle-agey. Catchy tunewriter. And an avid sports fan.

Keith → www.wiredvision.com/

I’m gonna go with Noel Gallagher (from Oasis).

He’s middle-aged. Well, nearly!

He’s goofy. I’m sure most girls would attest to that.

He’s a huge Manchester City fan.

And he has written some of the best music/songs of the last 10 years.

Graeme Russell → www.motherwellminers.co.yk

Someone has already mentioned his greatest song, namely “It’s Hip To Be Square”. Anyone unfamiliar with it you will find it in American Psycho during the ‘axe scene’.

Anyways with a song like that the only possible selection could be Mr. Square (Mr and Little Miss Series of boxs - http://www.mrsneeze.com/mrmen/meetmrmen3.html).

Aside from his square body he is indeed a square, look at his bio: “Mr Strong is so strong he can lift entire buildings. If you need something lifting, Mr Strong is the one to call! He eats a lot of eggs, too, to keep his strength up.”

Thanks Dan for the chance of the book, I wouldnt mind kicking back in a T-shirt reading, sitting bulletproof next to web standards solutions or idley staring at your lovely icons - *ass kiss over*

Bryan Buchs → bbuchs.f2o.org

Another vote for Ben Folds, although if he were a bit older I’d say John Mayer (goofy, catchy hit songs)

George Papadakis → www.qupy.com/

My votes goes to U2’s Bono. He is a classic figure and artist by all means.

Tom → www.thedeplorableword.net/

Björk Guðmundsdóttir

Chase → www.cooperavenue.com

Is he related to Richard Lewis? Book me Dano!

Tony → www.more-solutions.net

I haven’t had a chance to read through all the comments, but how about someone by the name of Dan Cederholm.

~bc → recently.rainweb.net

I’d like to reply directly to Ms comment #22. Clearly you haven’t listened to enough John Mayer. Awkward perhaps, but he is actually a phenomenal guitar player and writer. If you don’t believe me, ask John Scofield or Herbie Hancock, both who asked John to be on their recent albums… they don’t just pick players cause the ladies think he’s cute. I don’t listen to pop anything, but I do listen to JM.

To answer Dan, I will have to say there is no current Huey. The best answer here thus far has been Hootie… but Huey had staying power and had many more hits.

Chris

I immediately thought of Noel Gallagher but, since that one’s taken, how about Billy Corgan from The Smashing Pumpkins

Darrin Hanson → www.wildcatforums.com/darrin3/

I’d have to go with Moby, he’s pretty goofy, getting to be middle aged, not sure about the sports lover though.

Jason → jasonspage.net

Who, in 2005 is a middle-aged, awkwardly goofy, sports-loving rock star who, despite all that, wrote undeniably catchy songs?

Sheryl Crow is obviously the only possible answer to this question.

kartooner → www.kartooner.com

William “Bill” Shatner, or Beck. Can you imagine a combined concert with those two? Yeah, a barrel full of chuckles.

Joel → www.joelblain.com

I agree, it’s Ben Folds

andy jensen

I think it would have to be the guy from Weezer. Awkward, but dang catchy stuff. Or maybe the dude from Cake.

pacey

i have two suggestions:

chris isaak

or

lyle lovett

cheers,

shannon

Keri Henare → www.henare.co.nz/

OMFG SO MANY COMMENTS!

There is only one Huey Lewis and he’s still making catchy songs.

“You’re gonna fly away, Glad you’re going my way. I love it when we’re cruisin’ together. Music is played for love, Cruisin’ it made for love. I love it when we’re cruisin’ together!”

Tim → www.bigbible.org/blog/

Hum, “middle-aged, awkwardly goofy, sports-loving rock star who, despite all that, wrote undeniably catchy songs” sure sounds like Mick Jagger to me. Well, I think he’s awkwardly goofy…

Nicole Sharp → blog.case.edu/nss10

Middle-aged and awkwardly goofy? That’s a tough call. They’re not middle-aged by any stretch of the imagination, but The Minimum Requirements are definitely awkwardly goofy and catchy.

Brian DeWitt → students.uwf.edu/bjd3

I don’t believe that anyone in 2005 could be equal to Huey Lewis.

I do feel that maybe Brother Love (http://www.brotherloverocks.com) is influenced by Huey at least a little.

Check out his songs “Summertime” and “Push.” Both really catchy.

Steve Williams → www.cameroncain.co.uk/

I think Huey was an anomaly, but in th