Tuesday
Oct022007
Glen
Tuesday, October 2, 2007 at 01:01PM
Glen Phillips is great.
He ended being the de facto headliner of a festival I played this past weekend. Due to sponsors pulling out, lack of publicity and a host of other issues, a few artists were asked to not come and the attendance was spotty at best.
So there was Glen all alone on this huge stage in front of a thin, scattered audience. And he was awesome.
Back in the 90's he was the lead singer/songwriter of Toad the Wet Sprocket, one of my all-time favorite bands. He's since been making great solo records, though I admit I haven't followed them religiously.
Well, he was all pro this weekend. The barriers between him and the audience were fairly great and he just didn't let it affect him at all, or let it show anyway. As an encore, he just walked out and stood in front of the stage while about a hundred people crowded around. He probably played five songs, got folks to sing other parts, made a few jokes. It was really great.
I was glad to realize that I liked some of his new songs as well, if not better, than a lot of the old Toad hits. It's hard to keep up that consistency, and it was an inspiration.
I don't know why we as an audience always seem to focus on the newest, hottest thing and leave behind the artists who are growing in their craft, their wisdom, their abilities... Not that Glen's old or anything, he's not, but he's a decade past Maroon5 or whatever boring band is on the radio now. It's our loss. So I'm excited that I have three or four records of Glen's I can explore now.
Anybody have songs or albums to recommend? Of Glen or other artists that you feel may fall in that same category?
He ended being the de facto headliner of a festival I played this past weekend. Due to sponsors pulling out, lack of publicity and a host of other issues, a few artists were asked to not come and the attendance was spotty at best.
So there was Glen all alone on this huge stage in front of a thin, scattered audience. And he was awesome.
Back in the 90's he was the lead singer/songwriter of Toad the Wet Sprocket, one of my all-time favorite bands. He's since been making great solo records, though I admit I haven't followed them religiously.
Well, he was all pro this weekend. The barriers between him and the audience were fairly great and he just didn't let it affect him at all, or let it show anyway. As an encore, he just walked out and stood in front of the stage while about a hundred people crowded around. He probably played five songs, got folks to sing other parts, made a few jokes. It was really great.
I was glad to realize that I liked some of his new songs as well, if not better, than a lot of the old Toad hits. It's hard to keep up that consistency, and it was an inspiration.
I don't know why we as an audience always seem to focus on the newest, hottest thing and leave behind the artists who are growing in their craft, their wisdom, their abilities... Not that Glen's old or anything, he's not, but he's a decade past Maroon5 or whatever boring band is on the radio now. It's our loss. So I'm excited that I have three or four records of Glen's I can explore now.
Anybody have songs or albums to recommend? Of Glen or other artists that you feel may fall in that same category?
Reader Comments (26)
the album Mutual Admiration Society (a joint effort between Glen Phillips and Nickel Creek) got some great reviews. I only gave it one spin and forgot about it, but I'll have to pull it out again. Thanks for the reminder!
Winter Pays for Summer is a great record. I got into Glen's solo stuff after hearing "Courage" on the TV show Scrubs. Mr. Lemons is great too..."Everything But You" is one of the best lead-off tracks in recent memory, and we sing "Thank You" in church sometimes.
Andrew - I totally agree with you. I appreciate the craft of music, not what is just full of today's pop.
Some that come to mind that you may enjoy:
1. Edwin McCain - in the mid 90's had a super big hit "I'll Be". He sort of got maligned because of that song - which is played at every wedding you go to. However, it is really not an example of some of this guys work which is strigh ahead blues and rock. He puts out some great albums that are fun with lyrics that tell stories. Recent albums such at "Lost In America" have some catchy gems on about staying in the same hotel dive where Babe Ruth use to get drunk. Edwin McCain is who he is - sort of a southern rocker, gets in trouble, doesn't care if the record labels - just the music. For a bit of fun, check out his song "Radio Star" off of "Far From Over" which pokes fun at the whole industry.
2. Angie Aparo - this guy released a fantastic album call "The American" a back in 2000. It was his one big shot, he never really flew. The ablbum is really good - albeit over produced. However, his follow-up called "From the Stars and Moon" is a little more stripped down and folky. Too bad "The American" did not take off. If you recall Faith Hill's hit "Cry" a few years ago - Angie Apro actually wrote that song. His verion is much better and is on "The American".
3. Brian Wilson - Smile: OK this is a little out there, but it really is a gem of great work. Brian Wilson (think the Beach Boys) in the late 60's sort of had a thing going with The Beatles. Each album, they would out do each other's previous work. For example, the Beach Boys album with "I Get Around", inspired the Beattle to write "Rubber Soul". "Rubber Soul" inspired the Beach Boys "Pet Sounds" album - which is number three on Rolling Stones' all time best. "Pet Sounds" lead McCarthney and Lennon to "Sgt. Peppers". The Beach Boys answer was Smile - but it never came to be. Brian Wilson tried and tried to get the album out, but his drug intruced histeria and other problem sort of killed it. Capital record released a sort of version of the album with the hit "Good Vibrations" and "Hero's and Villans" both of which are examples of incredible synmphonic min-symphonies. However, everyone always wondered what the real "Smile" project would have sounded like. A couple years ago, Brian Wilson re-recorded the entire album with it's original vision. It is amazing and it would have been interesting to see what the Beattle response would have been. It is probably out too late to have much of an impact, but it would have been interest to see where it would have ranked in the late 60's era.
4. INXS - SWITCH Album. Close your eyes, the new guy really sounds like Michael Hutchinson. The album itself is a return to form for INXS. If you loved this band in the 80's, do check this album out. You will be suprised.
Brain Trust Kid, off Glen's Unlucky 7 EP is my current favorite of his.
Although, my favorite overall Glen Phillips recording is the soundboard recording of his 2006 Portland, Maine show that my wife took me to as a birthday present. You can hear me and my friends shouting lyrics to him when he forgets a line in "Darkest Hour." Classic.
you need to go pick up Mr Lemons right now. amazing album. check out track 3 - thank you.
also, get william fitzsimmons goodnight record.
Andy, get on Glen's website, follow the link to archive.org, and then search for a song called "Warmth for the Many"--he has performed it at a few live shows, but it's not on any of his records. He also frequently introduces the song with some interesting commentary on Christian culture.
I second the recommendation for "Winter Pays for Summer." We love this album. My current catchy favorite Glen song is the post-apocalyptic love song..."Fred Meyers" I think you can find it on "Abulum"
We got to see Glen a few years ago here at Eddie's Attic with Bill Mallonee and it was a treat. So I add Bill Mallonee-- he's got some great stuff if you haven't heard anything post-VOL.
Winter pays for summer -
you HAVE TO GET THAT ONE. I love it, tons, and listen to it all the time, from front to back, not a bad song on there at all!
Have to fourth "Winter Pays for Summer." Very solid album. :)
all of them are great. "Abulum" and "Mr. Lemons" are more raw but both great records. "Mr. Lemons" was engineered and mixed by Andy Hunt, who you know. it is more spiritual, which i really enjoyed. "Abulum" is a little darker since Glen wrote it during the period after his father passed away, but it is a great record and worth listening to.
the live DVD is great too (Bob, i want my copy back if you can find it) since it is live and in 5.1. they put ambient mics in the crowd so you'll hear people chatting and other noises occasionally, so it feels more like you are at the show. very entertaining.
"Winter Pays for Summer" is closer to the Toad stuff... more rock/pop. Great record, but different than the other 2. i'm glad he mixed it up since i like both styles of his music. i know he's working on another one and i'm sure i'll preorder it.
on a side note, Glen is not just a great writer but just a great guy. i spoke with him before a show in Houston (he was wandering around during the opening acts) and he answered several of technical questions very warmly and genuinely seemed interested in talking to me. afterwards, we've emailed back and forth several times and he always replies promptly and is kind to answer any questions i have. he's nicer than most Christians i know. :D
ps - i'm sad i missed the show.
Ya know.....seems like there was this one band a few years back......really good stuff, well written, interesting melodies, deep theological struggles......what was their name...???.......The Ordinaries??....or something like that. :)
andy and others:
one thing i love glen phillips for (besides his music) is that he allows taping during his shows (Toad did, too). not only that, he also allows folks to post his concerts on the Live Music Archive. at last count there were 142 of his shows posted and available for download.
http://www.archive.org/search.php?query=collection%3Aetree%20AND%20creator%3A%22Glen%20Phillips%22&sort=-date" rel="nofollow">go here to see the available shows and download download download!
there are also http://www.archive.org/search.php?query=collection%3Aetree%20AND%20creator%3A%22Toad%20The%20Wet%20Sprocket%22" rel="nofollow">80+ toad shows here.
most shows are lo-fi but hey - the best kind of music is the kind heard live.
i'd have to say that kevin prosch's album "Palanquin" is a great album.
but by far "Tumbling Ground" by The Black Peppercorns is the absolute best album ever made....if you can find it, it's a great listen...
As good as the Toad the Wet Sproket was, Glen's solo work is better, I think. I have all his solo efforts. Winter Pays for Summer is an incredible piece of work. I am acoustic lover from way back, so it may be a little surprising that I like Winter Pays for Summer best. On that project, Phillips sounds so seasoned, so relaxed, so ... in his element I guess one could say. The production is stunningly crisp and clean (John "Strawberry" Fields, the Switchfoot producer). (Jon Forman helps out on one song too.) There is not a weak track on the CD. The song True is a killer track, though if I recall correctly is one he didn't write. Having seen Toad the Wet Sprocket in concert one summer ago and observing Glen Phillips laid-back personality, it stuns me that he rocks with as much passion as he does. Still, I don't think it's a stretch to say that the label singer/songwriter fits him well, in the best sense of that phrase.
first, of glen's music, definitely check out http://www.archive.org" rel="nofollow">archive.org and get some live shows. there are some fantastic songs that haven't found their way onto albums yet (my favorites: marigolds, better off here, far away). i have no bad things to say about glen phillips. he's a fantastic musician and a wonderful person.
other artists:
teitur - i can't possibly recommend him enough. i first heard of him because he opened for glen for some shows back in 2003. his album "poetry & aeroplanes" is beautiful and i recommend it to everyone i know. teitur's myspace page
also, here is a link to http://www.comebackdownload.com/glen2003-11-15xm.htm" rel="nofollow"> the xm loft session that glen and teitur did together in 2003. good stuff.
josh ritter - especially "the animal years" which is my favorite album of 2006. such an incredible songwriter.
josh rouse - i was a casual listener until i saw him live and he grooved with a juicy funk that made me shake my business. i want to see him again. and soon.
and ryan adams - he gets a bad rap for his personality, but he makes some incredible music. his album "love is hell" kicks my ass every time i listen to it.
As usual, I've joined the conversation too late to contribute anything that hasn't already been said. However, I will say, luv Toad & Glen (top 5 favorite band of all time), have all their records (even the Lapdog records, which are good btw), and highly recommend them.
A couple of recommendations that came to mind while I was driving home today from work:
The Weepies: I never know how to categorize them. They're light acoustic pop. I always say "Garden State" sort of stuff (after the movie). Just good music.
Kim Taylor: Her voice is a lot like an early Karen Berquist (of Over The Rhine) or Karen Peris (of The Innocence Mission) but with some grit. If you get one of her records, get "I Feel Like A Fading Light." By far her best one.
And, of course, if you haven't heard Arcade Fire's "Neon Bible" yet...what are you waiting for? The best record of 2007...hands down. (The National and The Polyphonic Spree both have great new records this year too, just as a heads up).
Dianne - do we share a CD collection? Glen is just great - Cleareyed is such a fine song to play LOUD in the car.
Teitur is unique and his second album is brilliant too, maybe not as immediate as the first.
The 2 Joshes make fine music and I hope to see Ritter next month; nashville is my favourite Rouse album.
Ryan - don't get me started! You should get the Japanese version of Love Is Hell, a bit pricy but well worth it.
Other stuff - the first Lapdog CD, Near Tonight (another Toad spin off) is brilliant, maybe not lyrically but it is just melody distilled. Denison Witmer makes some beautiful music that will warm you on a winters night (check out www.happybirthdaydenison.com).
Ryan's current band mate Neal casal is wonderful.
I must stop, but just let me say that it refreshes me to think how well the music of one Andrew Osenga stands up next to all these remarkable talents...
Oh yeah, reading again through the comments reminded me that I wanted to mention...
I've seen Toad here in Columbus on both of their last two reunion tours. Not as tight as back in the day, but hey, what can you expect for a band that discontinued almost ten years ago?
Saw Glen at Schuba's in Chicago (a very small venue near Wrigleyville attached to the back of a restaurant with great food). The show was great, thoughtful, a bit dark (hey, it's Glen after all). It was a pleasant surprise that he just happened to be playing the entire weekend in Chicago the same weekend we were planning a weekend vacation to my favorite city in America.
ill be the umpteenth person to say that "winterpays for summer" is a great album. after i got it it stayed in my cd player for several weeks before i took it out.
other artists that i enjoy a lot:
patty griffin, aimee mann, ray lamontagne, ben graves trio
- stephen lee cavness
Seth wrote:
The Weepies: I never know how to categorize them. They’re light acoustic pop. I always say “Garden State� sort of stuff (after the movie). Just good music.
Great call, Seth. The Weepies don't rock, but if you are open to music with thoughtful, poetic lyrics backed by astounding harmonies, you must check out The Weepies. Steve Tannan and Deb Talan are good together and separately. They both had releases before they started the duo thing. If follow this link, I recommend the CD Say I Am You. Don't worry. It's not your standard folkish pap ... they have a unique vibe. Of the songs on this myspace link, try I Gotta Have You, then The World Spins Madly On. As good as they are upon a first listen, it gets a hundred fold better with time.
http://www.myspace.com/theweepies
Seth-I saw Toad last summer in Columbus, too, and agree about how the band sounded. I'll admit I wasn't thinking about it too much at the time because it was just great to hear the old stuff live again. But I have to say that Glen never sounded better! Back in the first Toad days he tended to put the microphone too high and stretch to reach it, which made his voice sound strained. He's much more relaxed now and sounds better than ever! Wow!
I am so upset that I could not make the Cary, NC show. I haven't seen Glen solo in over a year, but have had the privilege to have seen him 6 times and Toad 4 (maybe 5) times. I agree with the comments that recent Toad reunions have been less than stellar, but Glen has never sounded better.
Mr. Lemons and WPFS are the best of Glen's studio work, but I love to listen to Live at Largo.
If you are looking for music with meaning, or just great pop music in general, I HIGHLY recommend Emerson Hart's new solo album "Cigarettes and Gasoline" as well as anything by Rhett Miller of the Old 97s.
If you're feeling soulful, listen to "Seeds" or anything by Martin Sexton.
If you're feeling nostalgic, break out any old Better Than Ezra CD, but don't rule out their 2005 release "Before The Robots" - Yeah, we're all tired of "Juicy" but Kevin Griffin's songwriting and unique vocals make this a must-have!
Dave
oh yeah.. definately love better than ezra...
they might not be "indy" enough... but sister hazel has some pretty awesome stuff if you get past the "radio hits."
-stephen lee cavness
I don't know if you've ever heard of them, and they aren't a band anymore, but Jump, Little Children, or Jump in recent years left a great catalog of work behind. Incredible vocals, great musicianship, well crafted songs. I highly recommend them to anyone.
I'd especially recommend the album Vertigo, but all of them are good. However, Magazine may not be the best introduction (a lot of label control on that one)
You won't be disappointed!