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Vol. 1 No. 5 (Nov. 1, 2003) |
An unofficial newsletter for fans of the rock group BETTER THAN EZRA |
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| IN THIS ISSUE:
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 The Reviews Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Archives |
FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK Welcome to the fifth edition of the STREET SERENADE. This edition features contributions from a great many Ezralites and other potential contributors are encouraged to submit their story ideas for the upcoming January edition. Is BTE The Hardest Working Band in
Rock? You know, BTE just might be. Thanks to the hi-tech skills of ChrisK, SERENADE design guru, you can judge for yourself as you see exactly how many dates and miles the guys have logged in support of Closer. So sit back, relax, and double-click on this icon:
Opinion: Whenever you ask BTE fans what song should be "brought back" you invariably hear the name "One More Murder" (OMM) suggested. I am of the same opinion and I’d like to tell you why. First, the song contains deep social commentary. Despite occasional performances in support of some politicians, BTE has never really held themselves out to be a "political" band like U2, Rage Against the Machine, Pearl Jam, or the Dixie Chicks (yes, that is a joke). This was one of a few instances where the band explicitly addressed a social issue – i.e., handgun violence. I see the song as a laconic hymn about how American society deals with – or rather doesn’t deal with – this plague. Second, it comes straight from the heart. The inspiration for the song was allegedly someone threatening KG with a gun in New Orleans. After such a dreadful experience you must have so many emotions. Feelings of sadness, feelings of helplessness and rage. But the song takes a step back from the event. I hesitate to suggest that few songwriters could get these feelings on paper. I’m sure writing it was both painful and cathartic. Third, it’s a radical musical departure. The first single off the experimental (and critically acclaimed) How Does Your Garden Grow?, the song is more "electronic" than other BTE songs. It’s also so musically and lyrically darker. You get a real sense of this when you hear the masterful juxtaposition of the song with the uplifting "At the Stars." Not only was the song included on the X-Files Soundtrack, but the tune’s enduring message has been chosen as a backdrop for the prime time crime dramas Third Watch, CSI, and Homicide. Fourth, it’s a incredible live song. The polished studio version translated into a rocking live tune. It also changed over time. At first, live performances began with a simple low-key piano intro. Later, a programmed "hand clapping" sound was added. Later still, this programmed sound was supplemented by a blistering guitar lead. Also, not unlike "This Time of Year," OMM served as a host for various cover songs (e.g., REM’s "Radio Song," David Bowie’s "Cat People," "I Get Knocked Down" by Chumbawumba, and even "Nookie" by Limp Bizkit). Are these enough reasons to want to hear this song again? I think so. We need it back. Cheers, EnglishDave |
SALISBURY STATE SERVES UP This was a show that didn't start well. Tom's bass gave out right at the start of "Recognize." Rather than wing it, the guys opted to reset the "rooster" and start all over again. KG told the audience he was sure they could handle this as they were all adults or "...shortly approaching that precipice." The short technical interlude was a natural occasion for KG’s quirky sense of humor. He explained to the crowd that the swiveling laser lights on the stage were actually run by little hamsters on wheels. Representatives from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) had been by to check on them earlier in the day, but the band had explained they were the only efficient power source. Anyway, Tom’s bass got fixed. The rooster crowed. The crowd went nuts. And the show kicked off anew with "Recognize." You could tell Tom was trying hard to make up for his bass problems by laying down particularly ferocious bass solos for the rest of the evening (despite being continually shocked by his equipment).
And you know KG was going to give Tom some sh*t after this, right? At one point he remarked that the problem just wouldn’t have happened if Tom had just "read the instruction manual like he was supposed to." Later, he challenged Tom to climb the rock climbing wall on the side of the Gym and crowd began to chant "Tom, Tom, Tom..." The guys continued to power on through their set. The guys kicked into "Misunderstood" which concluded with a falsetto ending. Next came a short "Talking About Salisbury" Dave Matthews impression that led into "Good." This really got the crowd hopping. The already steamy gym atmosphere immediately climbed a few degrees. Right before "Rolling," Kevin explained to the crowd that "Tom plays maracas on this song." Amid audience chuckling, KG asked "Got your sh*t together now Tom?" The sweet keyboard sounds of Jim Payne heralded the coming of "Live Again." Kevin introduced Jim to the audience as "Malachi." Later he called him "Ezekiel." Is this some sort of "Children of the Corn" reference, I wonder? It just seemed that there were an awful lot of cornfields in the Salisbury area... Tom played an extra special bowel-shaking bass solo during the song. And he was doing a lot of jumping around during the song, so much so that he spilled a water bottle on the stage... (Story continued on page 2).
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