I used to steal all my sister's cds when I was younger. Her tastes really dictated mine. So one Sunday morning in 1993 (I wasn't really into music until around this time), I snuck into her room looking for a new album and saw the iconic photo of a naked baby 'swimming' towards a dollar bill.
All I could really think of was 'that poor baby will probably drown. Where are his water wings?!'
But it was enough to intrigue me. So I took it, put it in my portable cd player and went out to cut the grass. And from then on, I was hooked.
I had no idea who Dave Grohl was. No idea who the screaming man was. I just knew that I'd never heard anything like it.
So in appreciation of the 20th anniversary of the release of one of the greatest albums ever made, I've decided to cover the classic 'Something in the Way.' Thanks for the great music, guys.
Our friends at AntiMusic.com recently asked me to contribute to their 'Singled Out' series where artists disect some of their original work. I was happy to contribute and try and shine some light on one particular (and complicated) song I'm most proud of, the tenth and final track from 'Name It...' called 'The 4:45 Through Remembrance."
Out of respect for them, below is just an excerpt. They'll post the entire thing later this week so keep an eye on their site if you'd like to read on...
Lyric:
The 4:45 Through Remembrance is the first 'full story' song I've written. Beginning, middle, end. etc.
But the appeal of the song comes from what's not said. Yes, there's a narrative, our character, while traveling on a train through rural landscapes and backyards sees ordinary objects and happenings that emote extraordinary reactions. So much so that he eventually suffers a near panic attack before being brought back to the surface by the loudspeaker of the train, reminding him of his dimension.
Why? What has this guy been through before he got on the train that day?
It's a bit like a good scary movie rule of thumb - 'don't show the bad guy. That way, the unknown is automatically the worst case scenario for each viewer.'
It personifies to the point where everyone can relate, in the comfort of their own terms.
So you've say you've never sang on a record? Ah, that doesn't matter! Come on over to the studio!
I asked a few of my friends to help me sing the outro on our latest single 'A Summer In Sussex.' And on stormy day in Alphabet City, and in the exact same room The Strokes did 'Is This It,' we cracked open few Stellas and had a go. What the hell, why not?
We've been very kindly invited back to a scene from our early days. Our friends at the Pocklington Performing Arts Centre, who booked us for one of our first big shows opening for Sandi Thom a few years ago, have invited us back to play two days at the 8th Annual Pocktoberfest Music Festival held in Yorkshire, England on October, 28th and 29th.
We're very honored to be asked and very pleased to help contribute to the many charities this festival is benefitting.
Full list of performers and more info can be found at http://www.pocktoberfest.co.uk/
