TVD's Wellerweek | Day Two

After the success of All Mod Cons, The Jam toured Europe early in 1979 and the US in the spring. They returned to the studio in the summer to record their next album. This time, Weller wrote many of the songs at night in the studio, introducing them to the rest of the band to work out the next day. In October, The Jam released a single, posted below, called “The Eton Rifles,” which broke through the Top Ten all the way to number 3 on the charts. Inspired by news coverage of Eton students jeering left wing Right To Work marchers, the song’s lyrics illustrate Weller’s class sensibilities, while musically the song highlights The Jam firing on all cylinders – especially the fierce drumming of Rick Buckler. An anthemic song, Weller has returned to playing “The Eton Rifles” this spring for the first time in over a quarter century, saying, "the time is right again... I thought I'd never play that song again, but it's just as powerful now, just as relevant, as it was in 1979." Setting Sons, their fourth LP, came out in late-November 1979. Setting Sons rose to 4 in the charts and The Jam closed out the year on an extensive 30-day tour of the UK.

The end of February and early March 1980, The Jam was back in the US playing a string of dates including a sold-out Palladium in New York City. The tour was cut short when, in Los Angeles, news reached the band that their latest single, “Going Underground” entered the UK charts at number 1. They returned to England to celebrate. A few dates in spring and early summer, followed by a tour of Japan in July and then the band was back in the studio to record their next album, Sound Affects. After which, they embarked on a 40-plus UK and European tour from late October to early December to support the new album. I provide this info to show just how relentless their schedule was in those days – tour, record an album, and go back on the road to support it. Weller has called Sound Affects a cross-between The Beatles’ Revolver and Michael Jackson’s Off the Wall. It reached number 2 in the British charts and featured “That’s Entertainment” and a groovy selection of psychedelic pop songs. My favorite from this album, posted below, is “Man In The Corner Shop.” Seeing Weller play this last year during his three-night residency at Irving Plaza in New York was amazing - everyone singing along. Brilliant!

Another series of European, Japanese, American/Canadian, and English tours during the first half of 1981 for The Jam. Two number 4 singles and benefit gigs for the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) with Gang of Four, Fun Boy Three, and Bananarama later in the year. Weller’s political views (especially his disgust for what Thatcherism was doing to Britain) were coming to the fore and he was quoted in the press practically daily. At 23 he was being hailed as the spokesman for his generation. Musically, his interest in soul and funk informed his decision to add a horn section to The Jam’s CND shows. The release of the chart-topping single, “Town Called Malice” on January 29, 1982, illustrates where Weller was at in 1982. Posted below, “Malice” is a Motown-inspired swinger, with lyrics about unemployment in a working class town.

The Gift, The Jam’s sixth album was released in March 1982 and reached number 1 on the charts. Of course, a world tour followed. Upon his return from a July vacation, Weller let the others know he had had enough. He wanted to leave The Jam. While Bruce and Rick were devastated, The Jam was committed to a new single for September and a tour of England and Western Europe. Maybe they also hoped Paul would change his mind. In any event, the band recorded “The Bitterest Pill (I Ever Had To Swallow)” on July 16 and the song reached number 2 after its release on September 10. Posted below, I confess to loving everything about this song, especially the strings and backing vocals.

“Shopping,” also selected below, was recorded in October 1982, and turned out to be one of the last songs made by the band. Its breezy jazz-infused stylings foreshadow the musical direction Weller would head in The Style Council. Still, as evidenced on “Shopping,” Rick and Bruce continued to make great contributions to the sound. The bass playing on this song is fantastic. Indeed, while Paul Weller is justifiably remembered as the driving force of The Jam, Rick and Bruce were also so vital and obviously extremely talented.

The rumors that the band was splitting were confirmed with a public statement on October 30, 1982. Nevertheless, the band gave their fans a chance to say goodbye with a brief farewell jaunt around the UK in late November and early December. Dubbed the Beat Surrender Tour (after their final single "Beat Surrender," which entered the charts straight in at number 1) it culminated in an emotional finale on Saturday, December 11, 1982, at the Conference Centre in Brighton. Then it was over. The biggest band in Britain was no more.

The Jam - The Eton Rifles (Mp3)
The Jam - Man In The Corner Shop (Mp3)
The Jam - Town Called Malice (Mp3)
The Jam - The Bitterest Pill (Mp3)
The Jam - Shopping (Mp3)

(Release dates, chart positions, and tour info from The Jam’s Direction, Reaction, Creation)

TVD's Wellerweek | Day One

Rarely does a day go by without an email from my pal Noah with the day's Paul Weller news and updates. As the emails came in heralding Weller's 50th birthday, I wrote him back, "Y'know...I have thought..." And a theme week was born. So, take it away, Noah:

Paul Weller turns 50 on May 25th. To honor the man, known by many as the Modfather, The Vinyl District is devoting the entire week to celebrating the extraordinary oeuvre of this music legend. Over the course of a 31-year recording career Weller has been the creative force behind two of the most important bands in British history, The Jam and The Style Council, while as a solo artist, his albums have topped the UK charts twice. The range and diversity of styles in his musical output is simply staggering – from punk to funk, jazz to rock, new wave to folk, and everything in between – making it impossible to categorize or classify Weller. Nevertheless, as a songwriter, Paul Weller ranks among the greatest in British history, while his voice has gotten deeper and more soulful with age. Indeed, no less a figure than Joe Strummer called Paul Weller “Britain’s number one soul singer.” As we look back and listen to selections from his body of work this week, we also look forward with anticipation to the release of his twenty-first studio album, a double LP, titled 22 Dreams (Universal Records), on June 2nd (Yep Roc on July 22nd in the US). Described as his most eclectic and accomplished record to date, Weller has stated that he wanted make something really special, “an album to be listened to in one sitting, in the same way that Pet Sounds or Sgt Pepper were.” Can hardly wait!

Born in working-class Woking, Surrey, England, Paul Weller formed The Jam with his school mate Steve Brookes in 1972. By October 1976, when The Jam famously set up their equipment in London’s Soho Market on a Saturday morning to play to a crowd, who included The Clash, the band had become a three-piece featuring Weller on guitar, Bruce Foxton on bass, and Rick Buckler on drums. Polydor signed The Jam to a contract in early 1977 and they recorded their first album that spring. A blend of R&B and punk, In The City was released on May 20, 1977. The title track selected below bursts with a raw energy, infectious drum beat, and lyrical content celebrating youth, delivered with a searing vocal by the 19-year old Weller. I get pumped up every time I hear this 2 minute-20 second gem.

Of course in those days bands weren’t given a year or two to develop follow up material to their debut records. Polydor wanted another album right away. As the band’s primary lyricist, Weller was hard pressed to come up with songs for The Jam’s hastily recorded second album, This Is The Modern World, released in November 1977. At the time the music press generally criticized the album and it stalled at number 22 on the UK charts, but in retrospect, This Is The Modern World is much better than its initial appraisal, despite some shoddy production values. Below we have “Life From A Window” from this album. I dig the lyrics: Up here I can see the world
/Ooh, sometimes it don't look nice - That's OK. Musically, I also think the sound of the song signals the direction in which The Jam would subsequently move. All things considered, 1977 was a pretty amazing year for Paul Weller. Two albums out at the age of 19! The Jam also played over 115 shows that year, getting kicked off or quitting The Clash’s White Riot Tour after only 3 gigs and touring the US for the first time.

1978. Another series of live dates in London and a spring tour of America supporting Blue Oyster Cult, of all bands. A disaster, as BOC fans booed The Jam off the stage. Then Polydor wanted another album. The problem, however, was that Paul Weller was suffering from a bout of writer’s block. The band delivered the demos for third album All Mod Cons with most of the songs written by bassist Bruce Foxton. The company rejected these songs. To clear his head, Weller moved back home to Woking. This would turn into something of a pattern for Weller in the years to come. Whenever he went through creative droughts or experienced prolonged periods of self-doubt he would return to his roots to draw inspiration from working-class Woking or the pastoral landscape of the Surrey countryside. Thus rejuvenated and inspired, Weller came back with his best batch of songs to date. Released on November 3, 1978, All Mod Cons soared to number 6 on the UK charts and was a critical triumph for the band and Weller. Tapping into the style of one of his heroes and major influences, Ray Davies, the songs are English to the core with sharp, insightful lyrics that show maturity well beyond his 20 years. Indeed, in my opinion, All Mod Cons is The Jam’s masterpiece, comparable with The Clash’s London Calling as the best album of the era. Choosing just three songs to represent this LP is difficult. “Down In The Tube Station At Midnight” tells the story of a guy being attacked in the London Underground by thugs and is Weller’s critique of the rise of right wing movements and escalation of violence in late-70s Britain. It was released as a single and went to number 15. “In The Crowd” sees Weller commenting on the apathy of the masses and the stupefying nature of the modern world, suggesting there is a media and government conspiracy to keep everyone from enacting change. The song’s got a great psychedelic ending with backwards guitar sounds and Weller softly chanting “Away From The Numbers” a song from their first album. A few years ago “In The Crowd” returned to Paul Weller’s live sets – to the delight of everyone in the crowd! The final track selected from All Mod Cons is Weller’s first acoustic ballad, “English Rose.” The lyrics to this song were left off the album’s sleeve as Weller felt the words did not stand up without the music. A beautiful track, “English Rose” occasionally also gets a live airing by Weller these days.

The Jam - In The City (Mp3)
The Jam - Life From A Window (Mp3)
The Jam - English Rose (Mp3)
The Jam - In The Crowd (Mp3)
The Jam - Down In The Tube Station At Midnight (Mp3)

(Release dates, chart positions, and tour info gathered from The Jam's Direction, Reaction, Creation)

...or, how TVD spent the weekend.

Just down the road from here, with all due respect.

TVD's Weekend Shots

I had a Ska theme all lined up for this Weekend's Shots...but y'know, let's stick with the New Wave thing because even with 5 days of posts, we barely scratched the surface. So, some free-form blogging, folks...

Yazoo - Situation (Mp3)
The Assembly - Never Never (Mp3)
Wall of Voodoo - Mexican Radio (Mp3)
Prefab Sprout - The Devil Has All The Best Tunes (Mp3)
Go-Betweens - Cattle And Cane (Mp3)
The Icicle Works - Birds Fly (Whisper to a Scream) (Mp3)
New Order - Blue Monday (Mp3)
Depeche Mode - Everything Counts (Mp3)
Shriekback - Lined Up (Mp3)
Cabaret Voltaire - Yashar (Mp3)

By the way, this still is your forum, TVD reader. Ten tracks and some tricks? We'd love to hear 'em... It's simple - send us a note...

TVD | Friday @ Random

So, I heard from Rick over at Orpheus Records this week and despite what that big ol' ad says over there to the left, he'll be open through June but hours during the month will be a little less standard. Give them a call first if you plan to head over there next month. TVD was there last week and grabbed quite a tall stack of LP's for just $114.44. And Rick noted, all but three had just hit the floor over the past few days which bodes well as he sells off all of the good stuff that's been hidden in the back for years. | Watch this space for more ticket giveaways...we've got shows lined up for the Black Cat and 9:30 in the coming weeks--and they're bands you know, TVD reader. | Thanks to everyone who wrote in for Uh Huh Her tickets this week. BYT has an awesome set of photos and a great recap of the show this morning. | For next week's theme week, we've called in an expert on the topic. Quite frankly, I'm looking forward to reading my own blog and grabbing the downloads for myself. Hint: which UK icon turns 50 this month? | Yesterday I was thinking that 'I Ran' was possibly the quintessential New Wave track. But I was wrong. It's 'Turning Japanese'...

The Korgis - Everybody's Gotta Learn Sometime (Mp3)
Ultravox - All Stood Still (Mp3)
Ian Dury & The Blockheads - Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick (Mp3)
The Knack - My Sharona (Mp3)
Billy Idol - Hot In The City (Mp3)
XTC - Dear God (Mp3)
Talking Heads - Slippery People (Live) (Mp3)
The Mobiles - Drowning In Berlin (Mp3)
Thomas Dolby - Hyperactive (Mp3)
The Vapors - Turning Japanese (Mp3)

TVD's Daily Wax

Regarding A Flock of Seagulls' 'I Ran' posted on Monday, I'm thinking that it is perhaps is THE quintessential New Wave song. All the ingredients are there...a detached, chilly aura, heavy reliance on (simple) keys and the effects-heavy guitar sound, a plastic, spacey alienation, a gem of a hook and a so-bad-it's-good video on nearly constant rotation. Then there's the hair thing. (Ahem.) Is it just me? Are there other candidates?

Penetration - Don't Dictate (Mp3)
A Flock Of Seagulls - Wishing (If I Had A Photograph Of You) (Mp3)
Killing Joke - Love Like Blood (Mp3)
Stiff Little Fingers - Love Of The Common People (Mp3)
Ian Dury & The Blockheads - Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll (Mp3)

TVD's Daily Wax

At home he feels like a tourist / At home he feels like a tourist / He fills his head with culture / He gives himself an ulcer / He fills his head with culture / He gives himself an ulcer...

Fra Lippo Lippi - Shouldn't Have To Be Like That (Mp3)
Gang of Four - At Home He's A Tourist (Mp3)
Flying Lizards - Money (Mp3)
Culture Club - Church Of The Poison Mind (Mp3)
Talking Heads - Psycho Killer [Live] (Mp3)

TVD's Daily Wax

To clarify (after a comment received yesterday) this week's theme really isn't about the bands who went over the top with the hair or makeup or stage persona...but more of a nod to that era in general when much of the aforementioned congealed into 'New Wave' and often 'Post Punk.' And as well, a nod to Springtime in the '80's, where most of these songs were on pretty heavy rotation...

Dwight Twilley - Girls (Mp3)
The Stranglers - Golden Brown (Mp3)
Fun Boy Three - The Telephone Always Rings (Mp3)
Scritti Politti - Asylums In Jeruzalem (Mp3)
The Comsat Angels - Independence Day (Mp3)

TVD's Daily Wax

No one does anything with their hair anymore. Through the 50's, 60's, 70's and yes, the 80's, one's top topiary was intrinsically wed to a SCENE. Elvis, The Beatles, Led Zep...and yep, Flock of Seagulls (to name a very few) all had some signature hairstyle which fans aped as to be included in the SCENE. The mods, the rockers, the punks, the new wavers, the metal heads, the rockabilly kids ALL paid tribute to their brand via a hair comb.

Yet after the 80's, all of that seems to be history. Try as I might, I can't think of any particular hairstyle that speaks to the 90's or the 00's. The style is almost anti-style -- the lack of style perhaps being the statement. The band on stage looks just like the audience these days. Gone it seems is the line between performer and audience -- and worse; artist and audience. A visit to Pitchfork alone will prove this accurate.

So, this week, a tribute to the era that begat eyeliner and aerosol and apparently put the last nail in that coffin.

Flock of Seagulls - I Ran (Mp3)
Heaven 17 - Temptation (Mp3)
Frazier Chorus - Dream Kitchen (Mp3)
Martha & The Muffins - Echo Beach (Mp3)
Fischer Z - The Worker (Mp3)

Uh Huh Her and TVD. Now, that's a night out.

And we're giving away two free tickets to this Wednesday's show at the 9:30... Contest info here and check out Uh Huh Her here and here and stream tracks from the forthcoming release 'Common Reaction' here.

TVD's Weekend Shots

A Friday round of shots that foretells next week's theme...
Toyah - I Want To Be Free (Mp3)
Virna Lindt - Attention Stockholm (Mp3)
Southern Death Cult - Fatman (Mp3)
Birthday Party - Release The Bats (Mp3)
The Cramps - Goo Goo Muck (Mp3)
999 - Little Red Riding Hood (Mp3)
Au Pairs - Inconvenience (Mp3)
Dead or Alive - I'm Falling (Mp3)
A Flock of Seagulls - (It's Not Me) Talking (Mp3)
Clock DVA - 4 Hours (Mp3)

TVD | Friday @ Random

OK, so unlike the big-box blogs, we're just a lil mom-and-pop blog--but we still like to give back to the readership and we've got free tickets going unclaimed! Shoot us a note or say hello in the comments and have a night out on TVD! | Steve over at the Rock and Roll Hotel needs some street teamers to hand out flyers locally. Send him a note ( steve@rockandrollhoteldc.com ) and support one of DC's finest live music venues. | Aside from Uh Huh Her next Wednesday at the 9:30, TVD's weekly pick is Snowden at the R&R Hotel Next Tuesday, the 13th. | I know, I know...we said no more theme weeks for a while but we've got two coming up in a row beginning - next week. | More regarding that cassette that I discussed yesterday ...well, there was some room left on side two for:

Roxy Music - Dance Away (Mp3)
The Cure - The Lovecats (Mp3)
Peter Gabriel - I Go Swimming (Mp3)
Fiction Factory - The Warped Wheel (Mp3)
Nomo - Wailing Wall (Mp3)

TVD's Daily Wax | Japan "Oil On Canvas"

Believe it or not, this is the soundtrack to hissing summer lawns, kids screeching by on bikes outside as dusk descends, dishes being washed and put away, trains blowing by, sprinklers arching back and forth, screen doors slamming, one (why is it always just ONE?) dog barking in the distance.

Maybe I have a mental problem, but new music forever invokes the time it makes itself known to me -- either at a particular age or a particular time. As I wrote last December, 'Oil On Canvas' was a gift from a pen pal (remember those, internet friends?) who I never actually met but who I owe a large debt to for introducing me not just to Japan but to David Sylvian as well. And that cassette arrived in the mail as Spring slithered into Summer, 1984--rescuing me.

Japan - Sons Of Pioneers [Live] (Mp3)
Japan - Swing [Live] (Mp3)
Japan - Still Life In Mobile Homes [Live] (Mp3)
Japan - Cantonese Boy [Live] (Mp3)
Japan - Gentlemen Take Polaroids [Live] (Mp3)

TVD Free Tix: New York Times/Koko/Nerd Parade

Update: We have a winner!

NYC's New York Times lands on DC's doorstep this Saturday night (5/10) and we've got two tickets to see them along with Koko and Nerd Parade at the Velvet Lounge. Tell us why it's YOU and a guest who should be front and center in the comments section (or via email) and the band themselves will choose the lucky recipient of the free tix. New York Times hold an MFA, a Screen Actor's Guild Card, a Congressional Press Pass, and have illustrated comics for Dark Horse and DC Comics. They are one artist, one reporter, one poet, and one actor...so make it convincing. AND bring your art degree.

New York Times - Burn (Mp3)
New York Times - Gotta Know You (Mp3)
New York Times - Monster Eyes (Mp3)

TVD's Daily Wax | Led Zeppelin "Physical Graffiti"

Not unlike the gorgeous sunny day that is May 7, 2008 in Washington, DC, there came to pass a very similar day at the Jersey Shore back in 1985 when it seemed like a damn fine idea to ditch school, head to my pal Noel's house, and drink whiskey all morning long. Nothing like being three sheets to the wind, as my dad used to say, at 10 AM. Soon the word spread and a bunch of others followed and a rather impromptu and er, ...spirited day was had. One guy who ditched school that morning with us was Eric, who for some reason was called "Ebo" (pronounced 'e-bow'.) So, 'Down By The Seaside' from this Zep LP comes on, and at the point where Plant sings ' the people turned away' -- we all sang 'Ebo turned away/ Ebo turned away' waving shots of Jack Daniels in the air. F'n brilliant, right? Turns out, I can't hear the song differently all these years on. And now you can't.

Once I stood in front of this exact building at 96 and 98 St. Mark's Place in New York City. Talk about surreal contact high.

Led Zeppelin - In My Time Of Dying (Mp3)
Led Zeppelin - Kashmir (Mp3)
Led Zeppelin - In The Light (Mp3)
Led Zeppelin - Down By The Seaside (Mp3)
Led Zeppelin - Bron-Yr-Aur (Mp3)

Uh Huh Her and TVD. Now, that's a night out.

And we're giving away two free tickets...

The Los Angeles-based Uh Huh Her is the brainchild of musician/actress Leisha Hailey, formerly of alt-pop band The Murmurs who currently appears on Showtime's hit series 'The L Word', and Camila Grey, bassist and keyboardist with lo-fi rock band Mellowdrone, who has also worked with Dr. Dre, Busta Rhymes, Melissa Auf Der Maur, and Kelly Osbourne. Introduced through mutual friends, Hailey and Grey began making music together at the beginning of 2007, writing the emotionally charged electro-pop tunes that make up their debut release 'I See Red.' "Vocals were done in the bathroom," Hailey says. Produced by Grey and mixed by Al Clay (who has worked with the Pixies, Frank Black, and Blur), 'I See Red', with its laser-sharp melodies, ethereal harmonies, lush string arrangements, and muscular drums, is a great introduction to the duo.

Uh Huh Her release their new LP 'Common Reaction' (and yes, it is out on vinyl) on August 19. With 'Common Reaction', Hailey and Grey are looking to a horizon that's as expansive as their sound – which is to say, seemingly infinite. "We're getting a chance that a lot of bands aren't," Hailey says. "It's just about us showing up and proving that we can do it."

Uh Huh Her will indeed be showing up at the 9:30 next Wednesday night--and so will the TVD reader with the most well written plea for two free tickets. Really, it's that simple. Fan of the band or fan of 'The L Word' for that matter? Put pen to pixels and let us know. We'll accept your passionate pleas here in the blog comments section up to next Tuesday (5/13) at noon and notify the winner shortly thereafter.

Check out Uh Huh Her here and here and stream tracks from 'Common Reaction' here.

TVD Radio Hour

Not only do I feel fortunate to have had parents who encouraged my bourgeoning musical tastes as a kid, but I feel damn fortunate to have grown up at a time when those tastes were forged by -- wait for it -- radio. Really, when was the last time you heard a song on the radio and ran right to a store -- not your computer -- to purchase it? It's been some time, huh? Record stores and radio/radio and record stores -- that was the formula. (Insert rant against corporate suits poisoning the well here.)

A poster named Wayne over at the New Wave Outpost Message Board uploaded this radio snippet from 1979 of the WPIX Penthouse Party hosted by Dan Neer. ..and the memories trickled through. As Wayne wrote, "Listen for an early Crazy Eddie commercial, Elvis Costello, Patti Smith, Ian Dury, Joe Jackson, and at the tail end Meg Griffin playing The Stranglers. Plus throughout the clip some good old rock n' roll...."

So here it is, the sound of free form radio out of New York City, circa 1979. Two words: Crazy Eddie.

Dan Neer's WPIX Penthouse Party (1979) (Mp3 - 41MGs)

Down, Not Out: Orpheus Records Open Through May

Rick Carlisle at Orpheus Records in Clarendon. (Photo by John Mcdonnell)

Direct from the source: "I know, how can you miss us if we won't go away! No we're not following the example of rug merchants everywhere, we're not making it all up, we really did lose our lease. However, the original deal our landlord had with a local bar/restaurant fell through. That means, we get to stay while they continue the search & negotiations with whomever. The good news: we get to continue selling records at tremendous savings to you. The bad news: lots of uncertainty for everyone, a declining customer base as people assume we're closed, or spent all their money or think they purchased everything we had of interest to them. The reality: We are still open for business, we still have a lot of lps, and we are putting out more records as quickly as possible, many for the first time AND we are still ordering and stocking new releases & reissues.. I would like to sincerely thank all of you who have purchased a WHOLE LOT OF VINYL these last 15 weeks. The response has been overwhelming, quite literally. Our daily operating systems were not designed for the volume of business we've experienced recently, nor do we have the staff to keep up efficiently. I appreciate everyone's patience and diligence. Things have settled down and we are doing our best to restock so that we may continue to offer quality lps to you and get them out of here. I hope this clarifies some of the questions in peoples minds, now get down here and buy records.....Please,.... Thank you!!!."

Crowded House, Upbeat and Unpredictable

Crowded House lived up to its name literally on Friday night, as a wall-to-wall throng packed the 9:30 club to see the headlining group. And for good reason. Having reconvened last year after splitting up at the peak of its powers in 1996, it's got everything you could want in a band: an embarrassment of superb material, a charismatic frontman, a set list that's rewritten nightly, a tolerance for -- nay, encouragement of -- spontaneity and, most important, that palpable love of performing that can't be faked.

Led by underrated singer-guitarist Neil Finn -- who's revered as a songwriter of Lennonesque lyrical gifts and McCartneyesque melodic talent -- Crowded House has overcome every obstacle with grace: from the devastating (the 2005 suicide of drummer Paul Hester) to the merely annoying (the impudence of some of their own alleged fans, who welcomed the band to its first D.C. gig in more than a decade by yapping throughout the 130-minute concert). Fortunately, the reverent outnumbered the rude: "You're in very fine voice tonight, Washington," Finn gushed, deputizing 1,200 backup singers to fill out the soaring "World Where You Live." Read the rest here.
(Via The Washington Post. Image courtesy Baby, You Got a Stew Goin'!)

Crowded House set list - 9:30 Club, 5/2/08
Everything is Good For You / World Where You Live / Isolation? (new) / Bangin’ the Dust? (new) / Distant Sun / Whispers & Moans / Cinematic 9? (new) / Either Side of the World (new) / English Trees / Nails in My Feet / Don’t Dream It's Over / Four Seasons In One Day / Twice If You’re Lucky / Weather With You / Encore One / Locked Out / Something So Strong / Private Universe / Encore Two / Into Temptation / Pineapple Head / Improv song w/ crowd / Mansion In The Slums / She Goes On / Better Be Home Soon

TVD's Daily Wax | Better Than Ezra "How Does Your Garden Grow?"

College rock. Just those two words together in a sentence make me want to hurl. REM, Camper Van Beethoven, They Might be Giants, 10,000 Maniacs, Cracker, Blind Melon, Pearl Jam, et al...keep it. Keep all of it.

But how then to justify my BTE love? It's impossible - but there it is. OK, maybe it's not impossible. This could be the best LP of that loathsome era of 90's godawful "alternative" radio...and that's not damning with faint praise.

As I wrote at Fun and Heartbreak and referenced last Friday, I was out of town at the New Orleans Jazz Fest when I got the news that my friend Anne had killed herself. If there's ever a reason to jump on a plane and get home, that was it...but I was convinced to stay in town and that night was persuaded that seeing BTE at Tip's was probably the better idea than just sitting in the hotel room drinking. A lot. So, BTE takes the stage on a sticky, humid New Orleans night and opens with a loopy, slow and mournful "Live Again." And that was sweat streaming down my face just then. Really.

Better Than Ezra - Je Ne M'en Souviens Pas (Mp3)
Better Than Ezra - One More Murder (Mp3)
Better Than Ezra - At The Stars (Mp3)
Better Than Ezra - Live Again (Mp3)
Better Than Ezra - Everything In 2's (Mp3)