Song: "Complicated"
Artist: Face To Face
Album: "Live"
Year: 1998
Place Of Origin: Victorville, California
Years Active: 1991 - present
WHAT I THINK THE SONG IS ABOUT:
"Complicated" is a song that appears to be about a person who is so stubborn in their beliefs or opinions that it may wind up costing them in the future. If you have no ability to reason, you're basically living life down a one way street. If you feel strongly about something, no doubt fight for it and stand behind it, but not every issue is black and white, so when there's gray area, you should be able to engage in debate and perhaps even have your opinion altered. I chose the live version of "Complicated" for my song of the week. The original appears on Face To Face's 1996 self-titled album.
FACE TO FACE DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):
1992 - Don't Turn Away (Dr. Strange Records)
1995 - Big Choice (Victory Music)
1996 - Face To Face (A & M Records)
1998 - Live (Vagrant Records)
1999 - Ignorance Is Bliss (Beyond Records)
1999 - Standards & Practices (Vagrant Records)
2000 - Reactionary (Vagrant Records)
2002 - How To Ruin Everything (Vagrant Records)
2011 - Laugh Now, Laugh Later (People Like You Records)
2013 - Three Chords And A Half Truth (Rise Records)
2016 - Protection (Fat Wreck Chords)
CURRENT STATUS OF FACE TO FACE:
Face To Face formed as a band back in 1991, with Trever Keith on vocals and guitar, Matt Riddle on bass and Rob Kurth on drums. Their very first album, 1992's "Don't Turn Away", featured the song "Disconnected" which started giving the band some following especially in the southern California punk scene. The band was asked to re-record the song for their second release, "Big Choice", in 1995. Matt Riddle also left the band at this time and was replaced by Scott Shiflett. The success of "Disconnected" and the subsequent rise of punk rock in the mid-90's with bands like The Offspring, Rancid and Green Day led to Face To Face signing with major label A & M Records for the release of their self titled album in 1996. Being on a major would only last that one album however for Face To Face. In 1999, the band threw it's fans a curve ball with the release of "Ignorance Is Bliss". This album strayed from the melodic, catchy three chord punk rock songs that Face To Face was known for and went in a more mainstream, almost emo like direction. For a while, Trever Keith kind of disowned this album, refusing to play any of the songs live, but soon he came around and began playing those songs, in fact, Face To Face did a whole tour in honor of the album. 2000's "Reactionary" saw Face To Face get back to their punk rock roots as did 2002's "How To Ruin Everything". Those two albums were released through Vagrant Records which had the longest relationship with the band than any other label. By 2005, lots of things were going on within the ranks of Face To Face. Original drummer Rob Kurth left the band in 1997 and was replaced by Pete Parada. Second guitarist Chad Yaro, who joined the band in 1994, decided to leave the band in 2000. The feeling within the band was that maybe it was time to step away. What started as a hiatus was later said to be an official break up in 2004. Luckily for fans of Face To Face, the break up was short lived. The band got back together in 2008 with Keith on guitar and vocals, Shiflett on bass, Yaro returning on guitar and new drummer Danny Thompson as Parada joined The Offspring. The band's first album after their hiatus was a triumphant return. 2011's "Laugh Now, Laugh Later" put Face To Face right back on the punk rock map. The band hooked up with Rise Records for 2013's "Three Chords And A Half Truth". The band's most recent release was 2016's "Protection". This album was released through legendary punk rock label Fat Wreck Chords in what seems to be a match made in heaven for label and band. When you think punk rock bands of the 90's, lots of names come up. Face To Face has to be one of the most respected of all of those bands who came out. They're kind of like, gruffy punk, for lack of a better term. No nonsense, three chords, melodic and gravelly vocals. I'd say they are similar in sound to bands like 88 Fingers Louis, Good Riddance, The Bouncing Souls, Hot Water Music and the Street Dogs. The foundation of their music has been done by countless bands, but it's something about the delivery of that music that makes Face To Face stand on their own. The great news is that since they've returned from their little hiatus, Face To Face seems to be firing on on cylinders. Three more albums, constant touring, and look out for a brand new all acoustic album coming soon from this incredible punk rock outfit!
TEN FACE TO FACE SONGS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT:
1. Disappointed
2. It's Not All About You
3. The New Way
4. The Devil You Know (God Is A Man)
5. Double Crossed
6. Disconnected
7. Blind
8. You Lied
9. Right As Rain
10. That's Entertainment (The Jam cover)
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