SONG: "True Believer" (live version)
ARTIST: Superdrag
ALBUM: "Changin' Tires On The Road To Ruin"
YEAR: 2007
PLACE OF ORIGIN: Knoxville, Tennessee
YEARS ACTIVE: 1992 - 2023
WHAT I THINK THE SONG IS ABOUT:
By the time Superdrag was working on their third full length album, "In The Valley Of Dying Stars", vocalist John Davis was deep in alcoholism. "True Believer" is kind of Davis admitting his problem and realizing he needs help. This is about his aberration. He needs to stop living a lie and heal himself. This is a live version of the track, performed on 6-21-2003 at the Exit/In in Nashville, TN.
SUPERDRAG DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):
1996 - Regretfully Yours (Elektra Records)
* peaked at #158 on the Billboard 200 on 3-26-96
1998 - Head Trip In Every Key (Elektra Records)
* did not chart on the Billboard 200
2000 - In The Valley Of Dying Stars (Arena Rock Records)
* did not chart on the Billboard 200
2002 - Last Call For Vitriol (Arena Rock Records)
* did not chart on the Billboard 200
2003 - The Paradise - Boston, MA 9/5/03 (Instant Live Records)
* did not chart on the Billboard 200
2007 - Changin' Tires On The Road To Ruin (Arena Rock Records)
* did not chart on the Billboard 200
2009 - Industry Giants (Superdrag Sound Laboratories)
* did not chart on the Billboard 200
MY THOUGHTS ON SUPERDRAG:
Superdrag formed out of the ashes of a band called The Used, who then changed their name to The Used To Be as to not be confused with the Utah emo/punk band The Used. Hailing from Knoxville, TN, Superdrag as we know them now formed in 1992. The band released five EP's, beginning with 1994's "Senorita", before dropping their debut full length album "Regretfully Yours" in 1996 through major label Elektra Records. This would be their only release to enter the Billboard 200, peaking at #158. This also featured their most successful single, "Sucked Out". Though Elektra pumped more money into the recording of the band's sophomore record, "Head Trip In Every Key", the label was not happy with the finished product and barely promoted it, eventually dropping Superdrag from the label. Revitalized from the constraints of their label, Superdrag put out what I feel is their best album, 2000's "In The Valley Of Dying Stars". After the release of the band's fourth album, "Last Call For Vitriol", Superdrag announced they were breaking up in 2003, mostly due to vocalist/songwriter John Davis' battle with alcohol. In 2007, however, the original Superdrag line-up got back together, initially to perform six shows, but eventually writing and recording what would be their most recent full length studio album, 2009's "Industry Giants". Unfortunately, by 2010, the band had once again disbanded. All the band members began focusing on their own projects, most notably John Davis' new band called The Lees Of Memory. In 2021, Superdrag once again started working together, posting photos of themselves working in the studio and what not. They even were rumored to have a new record coming out, tentatively titled "JINX". But, in 2023, Davis all but confirmed that Superdrag was done and the project they were working on may be released as a John Davis solo album. Superdrag was a solid little band. They somewhat caught the alternative wave of the mid 90's. Their song "Sucked Out" was a staple on MTV, when they actually showed videos! I always found their sense of pop melodies and hooks reminded me a little of The Beatles. John Davis could really craft a good pop song. I'm a little surprised they didn't get more popular. As I wrote earlier, I really love their "In The Valley Of Dying Stars" album. I think it all came together for them on that record but really all their records are pretty good. I was really happy with their comeback album of sorts in 2009, "Industry Giants". I guess sometimes, things just ain't meant to be. I'm hoping that the band gets over whatever conflict arose while they were working on this new album and they can release it and tour. I'd love to see these guys play live again. I saw them at T.T. The Bear's years ago and it was a great show!
SIMILAR ARTISTS:
Everclear
The Get Up Kids
Ash
Hot Rod Circuit
The Vines
TEN SUPERDRAG SONGS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT:
1. Lighting The Way
2. Keep It Close To Me
3. Do The Vampire
4. Slot Machine
5. Sucked Out
6. I'm Expanding My Mind
7. Aspartame
8. Baby Goes To Eleven
9. Live And Breathe
10. I Know The Score
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