On That Note: The Paisley Underground, part 2
Welcome back to Mean Dean/cyclones500 weekly music series. Here’s part 14 (and 7th of “It’s My Vault”)
The Paisley Underground, part 2 (see part 1 here).
One of the few bands from the P-Underground class that is currently active and also released a studio album in 2017.
Summary:
The Dream Syndicate formed in 1981, Los Angeles. Disbanded in 1989, reunited in 2012. Original members were Steve Wynn (vocals, guitar), Kendra Smith (bass), Karl Precoda (lead guitar) and Dennis Duck (drums). Early Dream Syndicate sound were anchored in pop song structure, but often ventured into feedback-drenched jams. (Prime example, see “Then She Remembers” below)
Smith left the band in 1983, following release of the group’s debut album, “The Days of Wine and Roses,” eventually joining Opal. Mark Walton stepped into her place on the band’s second studio release, “Medicine Show.”
Precoda departed after that album to pursue a career in screenwriting, and was supplanted by Paul Cutler (who had produced the band’s EP in 1982) for the third album, “Out of the Grey.” Cutler brought a more technically polished approach, but sometimes lacked the frenzied 6-string interplay of Wynn/Precoda.
By then, though, Wynn (the primary creative force) had begun to embrace a folkier/bluesy side, although his work continued to contain elements of fringe-noise on numerous solo recordings and side projects (such as Gutterball).
Enough of my yakkin’ --- let’s boogie. We’ll start with a recent track, then start from the beginning.
“Filter Me Through You,” the opening track on “How Did I Find Myself Here?” (2017, Anti-). I’ve only begun to indulge the new release. Early listens suggest a modern take on the band’s early-‘80s vibe. “Out of My Head” is a prime example.
STARTING POINT
“The Days of Wine and Roses” (1982, Ruby/Slash; reissued on Rhino and Rough Trade). A seminal moment that generated enough buzz to land a contract with A&M. The Dream Syndicate toured as opener for R.E.M. ca. 1984, but never truly broke into the next level. That’s a shame: Mainstream appeal has yet to catch up with his rate of endurance. He also is a criminally underrated lyricist.
Key tracks:
"Tell Me When It’s Over “
“That’s What You Always Say” is a highlight of “The Days of Wine and Roses,” but this live version from 2014 on KEXP may do it more justice (features the current unit of Wynn, Walton, Duck and Jason Victor). It stays true to the spirit of the original, then elevates it.
“Then She Remembers.” I cannot possibly elaborate. Just listen.
"Halloween." A nod toward a recent holiday (I play this song on Oct. 31 each year) … interestingly, this song was written by Precoda.
"The Days of Wine and Roses" was a tough act to follow. LPs that followed had improved production quality, but didn't always pack the same punch. It's dismissive to ignore them, though, even if you have to dig a little deeper to find the gems. Those are coming in my next post.
Welcome back to Mean Dean/cyclones500 weekly music series. Here’s part 14 (and 7th of “It’s My Vault”)
The Paisley Underground, part 2 (see part 1 here).
One of the few bands from the P-Underground class that is currently active and also released a studio album in 2017.
Summary:
The Dream Syndicate formed in 1981, Los Angeles. Disbanded in 1989, reunited in 2012. Original members were Steve Wynn (vocals, guitar), Kendra Smith (bass), Karl Precoda (lead guitar) and Dennis Duck (drums). Early Dream Syndicate sound were anchored in pop song structure, but often ventured into feedback-drenched jams. (Prime example, see “Then She Remembers” below)
Smith left the band in 1983, following release of the group’s debut album, “The Days of Wine and Roses,” eventually joining Opal. Mark Walton stepped into her place on the band’s second studio release, “Medicine Show.”
Precoda departed after that album to pursue a career in screenwriting, and was supplanted by Paul Cutler (who had produced the band’s EP in 1982) for the third album, “Out of the Grey.” Cutler brought a more technically polished approach, but sometimes lacked the frenzied 6-string interplay of Wynn/Precoda.
By then, though, Wynn (the primary creative force) had begun to embrace a folkier/bluesy side, although his work continued to contain elements of fringe-noise on numerous solo recordings and side projects (such as Gutterball).
Enough of my yakkin’ --- let’s boogie. We’ll start with a recent track, then start from the beginning.
“Filter Me Through You,” the opening track on “How Did I Find Myself Here?” (2017, Anti-). I’ve only begun to indulge the new release. Early listens suggest a modern take on the band’s early-‘80s vibe. “Out of My Head” is a prime example.
STARTING POINT
“The Days of Wine and Roses” (1982, Ruby/Slash; reissued on Rhino and Rough Trade). A seminal moment that generated enough buzz to land a contract with A&M. The Dream Syndicate toured as opener for R.E.M. ca. 1984, but never truly broke into the next level. That’s a shame: Mainstream appeal has yet to catch up with his rate of endurance. He also is a criminally underrated lyricist.
Key tracks:
"Tell Me When It’s Over “
“That’s What You Always Say” is a highlight of “The Days of Wine and Roses,” but this live version from 2014 on KEXP may do it more justice (features the current unit of Wynn, Walton, Duck and Jason Victor). It stays true to the spirit of the original, then elevates it.
“Then She Remembers.” I cannot possibly elaborate. Just listen.
"Halloween." A nod toward a recent holiday (I play this song on Oct. 31 each year) … interestingly, this song was written by Precoda.
"The Days of Wine and Roses" was a tough act to follow. LPs that followed had improved production quality, but didn't always pack the same punch. It's dismissive to ignore them, though, even if you have to dig a little deeper to find the gems. Those are coming in my next post.
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