Song Of The Week: 7/26/20

Song: "You Really Got Me" (The Kinks cover)

Artist: Superdrag

Album: "Greetings From Tennessee"

Year: 2001

Place Of Origin: Knoxville, Tennessee

Years Active: 1992 - 2010



WHAT I THINK THE SONG IS ABOUT:

Originally written and performed by The Kinks, here's what Kinks' frontman Ray Davies had to say about "You Really Got Me". "I wrote the lyric to this rambunctious rocker after watching girls dancing in a club. It's not the most articulate lyric, but that's the point: The guy in the song is so infatuated, all he can do is mutter at the girl how she's really got him." Superdrag covered this classic rock song in 2001 and it appeared on their "Greetings From Tennessee" album.

SUPERDRAG DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):

1996 - Regretfully Yours (Elektra Records)
* #158 on the Billboard 200

1998 - Head Trip In Every Key (Elektra Records)
* did not chart on the Billboard 200

1998 - Stereo "360 Sound" (Superdrag Sound Laboratories)
* did not chart on Billboard 200

2000 - In The Valley Of Dying Stars (Arena Rock Recording Co.)
* did not chart on the Billboard 200

2001 - Greetings From Tennessee (Arena Rock Recording Co.)
* did not chart on the Billboard 200

2002 - Last Call For Vitriol (Arena Rock Recording Co.)
* did not chart on the Billboard 200

2003 - The Paradise - Boston, MA 9/5/03 (Instant Live)
* did not chart on the Billboard 200

2007 - Changin' Tires On The Road To Ruin (Arena Rock Recording Co.)
* did not chart on the Billboard 200

2007 - 4-Track Rock!!! 1992 - 1995 + Complete "Bender" Sessions (Superdrag Sound Laboratories)
* did not chart on the Billboard 200

2009 - Industry Giants (Superdrag Sound Laboratories)
* did not chart on the Billboard 200

2014 - Jokers W/ Tracers (SideOneDummy Records)
* did not chart on the Billboard 200

MY THOUGHTS ON SUPERDRAG:

Hailing from Knoxville, Tennessee, Superdrag formed as a band back in 1992. The band released a few vinyl singles early on and their first issued music to cd was the EP "The Fabulous 8-Track Sound Of Superdrag" in 1995. The band debuted their first full length studio album in 1996 titled "Regretfully Yours". This album would be the only Superdrag album to chart on the Billboard 200 chart, peaking at #158. The album featured the single "Sucked Out" which received significant airplay on MTV back in the mid-90's. The band's label, Elektra Records, wasn't too happy with the band's second effort, 1998's "Head Trip In Every Key". They just didn't think there was a hit on that album though "Do The Vampire" did have some moderate success on radio. By the time their third album came around, Elektra had dropped Superdrag and they formed a relationship with the Arena Rock Recording Co. for their next few full lengths. "In The Valley Of Dying Stars" felt like a good, rockin' album whereas "Head Trip In Every Key" saw the band experimenting with different sounds. 2002's "Last Call For Vitriol" had a more heavier feel to it and really documented lead singer John Davis' ongoing battle with alcoholism. After the end of Superdrag's 2003 tour in support of "Last Call For Vitriol", John Davis announced that Superdrag was going to break up. Davis had an epiphany of sorts and turned to religion to help get him sober. He felt that Superdrag acted as a mouthpiece for a lifestyle that he no longer led. For a few years all the members had solo or other projects that they worked on but luckily, in 2007, the Superdrag original line-up reunited for some concerts. That same year, the band released a b-sides and rarities compilation, "Changin' Tires On The Road To Ruin". In 2009, the band released what would be their final proper studio full length album, "Industry Giants". The band did release one more rarities and demos compilation in 2014 called "Jokers W/ Tracers". As the wave of grunge music began to slow down a bit, it allowed some other genres to fill some voids. There was the resurgence of punk rock music and then there was a burgeoning alternative music and indie music scene. Superdrag found themselves in that particular scene. These were bands that played melodic songs that were less harsh than the grunge era bands. Sometimes these bands reflected the "college radio" scene or the sub-culture that was somewhat alternative to what was popular. In a lot of ways, I viewed Superdrag to alternative music's version of The Beatles. Their songs were very catchy, very melodic and filled with sing-a-long hooks and choruses. In my mind, John Davis should have gotten much more credit for his songwriting skills and I find Superdrag to be a vastly underrated band. I first heard of Superdrag early on. Like many, I saw the "Sucked Out" video on MTV and liked what I heard so I bought "Regretfully Yours". I liked both of their first two albums but my favorite album by them is "In The Valley Of Dying Stars". That album features my two favorite Superdrag songs, "Keep It Close To Me" and "Lighting The Way". When they came back from their hiatus and dropped "Industry Giants" in 2009, I was super excited. That was another great, underrated album. Unfortunately, that would prove to be their last studio album of newly written material. If you're a fan of Superdrag, be sure to check out John Davis' new band, The Lees Of Memory. Their sound is similar to Superdrag and seems to be a continuation of perhaps where Superdrag was going to go had they stayed together. In my mind, Superdrag is a top tier alternative rock band.

SIMILAR ARTISTS:

Ash
Everclear
Weezer
Bracket
Hot Rod Circuit

TEN SUPERDRAG SONGS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT:

1. Lighting The Way
2. Keep It Close To Me
3. I'm Expanding My Mind
4. Do The Vampire
5. Aspartame
6. Slot Machine
7. Sucked Out
8. Baby Goes To Eleven
9. Feeling Like I Do
10. Live And Breathe

Song Of The Week: 7/19/20

Song: "Another Boring Story"

Artist: The Lawrence Arms

Album: "Cocktails & Dreams"

Year: 2005

Place Of Origin: Chicago, Illinois

Years Active: 1999 - present



WHAT I THINK THE SONG IS ABOUT:

"Another Boring Story" appears to be about wallowing in depression and isolation. The vocalist just seems to be down in a hole and stuck in a rut and just seems to be getting deeper to the point where he may not be able to climb out.

THE LAWRENCE ARMS DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):

1999 - A Guided Tour Of Chicago (Asian Man Records)
* did not chart on Billboard 200

2000 - Ghost Stories (Asian Man Records)
* did not chart on Billboard 200

2002 - Apathy And Exhaustion (Fat Wreck Chords)
* did not chart on Billboard 200

2003 - The Greatest Story Ever Told (Fat Wreck Chords)
* did not chart on Billboard 200

2005 - Cocktails & Dreams (Asian Man Records)
* did not chart on Billboard 200

2006 - Oh! Calcutta! (Fat Wreck Chords)
* did not chart on Billboard 200

2014 - Metropole (Epitaph Records)
* did not chart on Billboard 200

2020 - Skeleton Coast (Epitaph Records)
* did not chart on Billboard 200

MY THOUGHTS ON THE LAWRENCE ARMS:

The Lawrence Arms formed as a band back in 1999. All three bandmates, Brendan Kelly (bass/vocals), Chris McCaughan (guitar/vocals) and Neil Hennessy (drums), were toiling around in other Chicago area bands before finally deciding to band together and form The Lawrence Arms. Surprisingly, all three members are still in the band today which is a rarity it seems in a band that has been around as long as they have been. Early on, the band signed on with Asian Man Records and released their debut album in 1999, "A Guided Tour Of Chicago". In 2002, The Lawrence Arms caught the ear of Fat Mike of NOFX and he quickly signed them to his label Fat Wreck Chords where they released their next three albums, 2002's "Apathy And Exhaustion", 2003's "The Greatest Story Ever Told" and 2006's "Oh! Calcutta!". "Oh! Calcutta" was probably The Lawrence Arms' most successful release to date. From 2006 to 2014, the bandmembers began to focus on some other projects. Brendan Kelly formed a super punk group if you will with Alkaline Trio's Dan Andriano called The Falcon plus he had a solo project called Brendan Kelly and the Wandering Birds. Chris McCaughan formed a side project called Sundowner while Neil Hennessy toured with fellow Chicago band The Smoking Popes. The Lawrence Arms still managed to throw a few EP's and 7" singles out there before dropping a new album in 2014 called "Metropole" which was through yet another legendary punk rock label, Epitaph Records. The band's most recent release just dropped in July of 2020 and it's titled "Skeleton Coast". The Lawrence Arms are a great punk rock band. I got into them right around the time they released "The Greatest Story Ever Told". In fact, I can't believe it took me so long to really delve into their music because I love them now! They offer a dual threat vocal attack on their albums. Kelly provides scratchy, gravelly vocals while McCaughan has a cleaner sound. The lyrical themes often feature references to pop culture so you gotta listen carefully to catch them. There are other Chicago bands like Alkaline Trio and Rise Against who have gotten more mainstream success than The Lawrence Arms, but there are not many bands that are more respected for their DIY ethic and staying true to punk rock ideals. Shit, they even got banned from punk rock's most famous tour, The Warped Tour! Brendan Kelly has openly called out Warped for being a corporate takeover of everything punk rock isn't about. He also blamed the Warped Tour for closing small venues and basically eliminating smaller tours which would feature three bands at small rock clubs. All in all, this band is awesome. Also, their solo projects are really cool as well. The Lawrence Arms are definitely a top tier punk rock band in my eyes.

SIMILAR ARTISTS:

The Falcon
Banner Pilot
Dead To Me
None More Black
Off With Their Heads

TEN THE LAWRENCE ARMS SONGS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT:

1. The Devil's Takin' Names
2. Porno And Snuff Films
3. Spit Shining Shit
4. Seventeener (17th and 37th)
5. Fireflies
6. Light Breathing
7. PTA
8. An Evening Of Extraordinary Circumstance
9. Nebraska
10. The Slowest Drink At The Saddest Bar On The Snowiest Day In The Greatest City

Song Of The Week: 7/12/20

Song: "Just Another Friday Night"

Artist: Carpenter

Album: "Sea To Sky"

Year: 2010

Place Of Origin: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Years Active: 2005 - present



WHAT I THINK THE SONG IS ABOUT:

"Just Another Friday Night" appears to be about a relationship that suffers from redundancy, in a bad way. Another Friday night, another night where the vocalist stumbles home from the bar in a drunken stupor. This time, however, it appears his girl is fed up with his antics and if finally kicking him out!

CARPENTER DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):

2008 - Law Of The Land (Smallman Records
* did not chart on Billboard 200

2010 - Sea To Sky (Paper + Plastick Records)
* did not chart on Billboard 200

2016 - Lifelines (Gold Stock Records)
* did not chart on Billboard 200

MY THOUGHTS ON CARPENTER:

Carpenter frontman Dan Sioui was inspired by the records of John Cougar Mellencamp of all people! So, he booked some time in a studio after the demise of his former band, All State Champion. 2005 saw the birth of his new project, Carpenter. Incorporating a style that some would term "farmcore", Carpenter first released a couple EP's, 2005's "Town & Country" and 2006's "The Country Mile". 2008 saw the band drop their debut full length album, "Law Of The Land". Around this time, the band tried to negotiate a spot on the 2008 Farm Aid concert to play alongside legends like Willie Nelson, Neil Young and their inspiration, John Mellencamp! That attempt didn't work out for the band, but they did sign to upstart punk label Paper + Plastick Records for their sophomore effort, 2010's "Sea To Sky". This album saw a maturing band that seemed ready to grow. Unfortunately, it took Carpenter six years to release another album, 2016's "Lifelines". This would prove to be their most recent release. Currently, according to the band's Facebook page, the guys seem to be ready to put out at least one more album but the Covid-19 pandemic has made it virtually impossible for the band to get together in one room. Hopefully they're bouncing a lot of ideas off each other and a new album can be in the works sooner rather than later. Carpenter's roots are in punk rock, but they do have some roots or country feel in some of their songs. A lot of their songs focus on the farming industry in western Canada, especially small family run farms and organic farms. This is why they tried to get in on the Farm Aid 2008 bill. Carpenter is one of the many bands that I found out about through the DyingScene blog (which they have to get back up and running Goddammit!!!). The first album I purchased from them was 2010's "Sea To Sky". This is a really good album. Unheralded even!! Carpenter is a really, really good, under the radar band. It has to be so hard for new bands to make it today. It sucks. You get a band like Carpenter which seems to have so much potential, but album sales are shit nowadays with people free streaming everything. Here's hoping these guys do put out some new music this year or next. Go see them live so they make some cash after this stupid pandemic is over!!

SIMILAR BANDS:

Banquets
Lowtalker
How Dare You
Timeshares
Nightmares For A Week

TEN CARPENTER SONGS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT:

1. Mean Things
2. You Might Be Right
3. You Can't Keep A Good Man Down
4. Off The Road
5. The Shadows
6. A Different Life
7. Common Law
8. Road To Nowhere
9. Joan
10. Lost & Found

Song Of The Week: 7/5/20

Song: "This Is Los Angeles"

Artist: WC

Album: "Guilt By Association"

Year: 2007

Place Of Origin: Los Angeles, California

Years Active: 1987 - present



WHAT I THINK THE SONG IS ABOUT:

"This Is Los Angeles" is like a day in the life of a gang banger in South Central, Los Angeles. Complete with the daily hustlin', drug dealing, gang violence and dealing with the police, either trying to stay a step ahead or dealing with the brutality when they get caught. Just kinda everyday life on the streets of South Central in gang territory.

WC DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):

1989 - We're In This Together (as Low Profile) (Priority Records)
* did not chart on Billboard 200

1991 - Ain't A Damn Thang Changed (as WC And The Maad Circle) (Priority Records)
* did not chart on Billboard 200

1995 - Curb Servin' (as WC And The Maad Circle) (Pay Day Records)
* #85 on the Billboard 200

1996 - Bow Down (as Westside Connection) (Priority Records)
* #2 on the Billboard 200
* certified platinum

1998 - The Shadiest One (Pay Day Records)
* #19 on the Billboard 200
* certified gold

2002 - Ghetto Heisman (Def Jam Records)
* #46 on the Billboard 200
* certified gold

2003 - Terrorist Threats (as Westside Connection) (Capitol Records)
* #16 on the Billboard 200
* certified gold

2005 - Westside Heavy Hitter (self-released)
* did not chart on Billboard 200

2007 - Guilt By Affiliation (Def Jam Records)
* #49 on the Billboard 200

2011 - Revenge Of The Barracuda (eOne Records)
* did not chart on the Billboard 200

2013 - West Coast Gangsta Shit (w/ Daz Dillinger) (Dilly Recordz)
* did not chart on the Billboard 200

MY THOUGHTS ON WC:

WC is a west coast gangsta rapper who resides in Los Angeles, California. He was actually born in Houston, Texas but moved to L.A. as a young child. His roots in rap music got it's start back in 1987 when he and DJ Aladdin formed the group called Low Profile. They released one album which was produced by Ice-T. DJ Aladdin began working with Ice-T shortly after that release so WC formed another group called WC And The Maad Circle. This group featured his brother, DJ Crazy Toones, creating the beats and also featured a young up and coming rapper called Coolio, who of course had huge success later on with the singles "Fantastic Voyage" and "Gangsta's Paradise". The Maad Circle only released two albums, but WC struck up a friendship with another legendary L.A. rapper at this time, Ice Cube. Ice Cube decided to form a rap supergroup at this time in 1995 featuring WC and Mack 10. This group was called Westside Connection. Their first album, "Bow Down", was a huge success for the trio, peaking at #2 on the Billboard 200 charts and has since been certified platinum. This would be the biggest success that WC has attained in his musical career to date. Westside Connection would only release one more album before disbanding as their were some issues between Ice Cube and Mack 10. There were rumors that Ice Cube was going to re-launch the group replacing Mack 10 with The Game, but that never came to fruition. WC's official solo debut release was 1998's "The Shadiest One". He would go on to release three more solo albums, 2002's "Ghetto Heisman", 2007's "Guilt By Association" and 2011's "Revenge Of The Barracuda". He also collaborated with Daz Dillinger on the 2013 album "West Coast Gangsta Shit". That was the last full length release for WC though he has made appearances on other artists albums, such as MC Eiht and Paris to name a few. WC is very well respected among rappers of all genres, but especially in gangsta rap. He was very lucky to have two of the godfathers of gangsta rap in his corner, Ice-T and Ice Cube. Many have called him the originator of the C-Walk or Crip Walk. WC's younger brother and long time DJ for him, DJ Crazy Toones, passed away in 2017 of a heart attack. WC is very much one of the pioneers of west coast gangsta rap and he also dabbles in film as well. He's not as well known as rappers like Ice Cube or Eazy-E, but make no mistake, this dude is hugely influential in rap circles. WC is a top tier emcee in my book no doubt.

SIMILAR ARTISTS:

Ice Cube
Mack 10
Daz Dillinger
Kurupt
Xzibit

TEN WC SONGS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT:

1. Roll On 'Em (feat. DJ Crazy Toones, Xzibit, MC Ren and Maylay)
2. Pay Ya Dues (as Low Profile)
3. Bow Down (as Westside Connection)
4. This Is Los Angeles
5. Westside Slaughterhouse (as Westside Connection)
6. Gangsta Nation (as Westside Connection)
7. You Know Me (feat. Ice Cube and Maylay)
8. Keep It 100
9. The Streets (feat. Snoop Dogg)
10. Just Clownin'