We have been waiting all week for the new video by Britney Spears. Finally, this morning she released the video on Twitter. I have to say that I like it. And then I take a listen to the lyrics….
Merrier the more
Triple fun that way
Twister on the floor
What do you say?
Is this a song about threesomes? I guess this is the new open-minded world…
The Used first formed their band back in 2001 and now in 2009 the members areBert McCracken (lead vocals and keyboard), Quinn Allman (Guitar and back up vocals), Jeph Howard (Bass and back up vocals), and Dan Whitesides (Drums and Percussion). They just released their seventh album called, Artwork, that has made them head in a new direction. In an interview with AP magazine Bert said, “In the past, we’ve always kind of brought pop sensibility into heavy rock, but this is going to be all that much more tantalizing and brutal. Our songs are 10 times messier and noisier than they’ve ever been.” This will also be the first album to feature Dan, on the drums, since he first joined the band in 2006.
I had a chance to interview the band before they left on their tour for the album. The nationwide tour kicked off on September 21st and it reaches Europe for August and September, and then the U.S., with two Canadian dates for October and November.
Taylor Blue: Since you have been on tour a lot what has been your favorite venue to perform at? Dan Whitesides: Well I like to play anywhere at anytime but I guess one of my favorite places is the Starland in New Jersey. The fans are crazy and the security guards are the baddest m—— f—— around.
Taylor: Being a fan of many people I always get a kick out of hearing about other people’s fan stories. What is your favorite fan story of how that fan made you feel extra special? Dan: At almost every show there’s one or two people that can’t get in or they don’t have any money so I’ll get them in. I think just talking with fans and getting to know them a bit before or after a show is really special for me and them.
Taylor: Who are your main musical influences that come out in the music you play? Dan: There are so many but a few are Refused, Nirvana, At The Drive In, Motley Crüe, Led Zeppelin, Kerosene 54, Burning Airlines, Ink and Dagger, Earth Crisis, Tony Williams and so on.
Taylor: Do you have a certain muse, and or inspirational ritual, for lack of a better word that helps the creative juice to flow so you can write your lyrics? Dan: Anything and everything is inspirational the best thing for us is to not force anything.
Taylor: Of all the albums you have released which one is your favorite one? Dan: ARTWORK it’s probably the most honest record since the self titled.
Taylor: Now onto your new album, Artwork. I love how raw the album cover is by the way. I listened to the first track you released from it, Blood On My Hands, and noticed it has a different sound from the other songs on your previously released albums. What brought on this change? Dan: That song just came out of nowhere. Quinn had a loop and we just started jammin and about an hour later the song was finished. That was one of those days that the creative juices were flowing for everyone.
Taylor: In all things there is always the bumps in the road. What was your biggest obstacle in getting your new album released? Dan: Well the label kept pushing the release date back but that was probably for the best. Other then that there were no obstacles, we had all the time in the world.
Taylor: What was the main concept you were going for in the sounds and lyrics in the album? Dan: Dirty, raw, poppy, heavy and to be able to do whatever we wanted when ever we wanted so that’s what we did. This album is exactly what we wanted it to be.
Taylor: You are heading off for a tour soon and there has to be a favorite and least favorite part of the whole experience, people like us can only imagine what it’s like. What is your favorite and least favorite part of being on the road? Dan: I love playing every night, meeting as many people as possible that come to the show and seeing the world doesn’t suck either. I probably drink too much on tour so being hungover everyday kinda sucks. We have the best job in the world and there’s not too much to complain about.
Jack’s Mannequin have premiered the long awaited video for “Swim,” the second single from The Glass Passenger. The inspirational clip features fans, family, and friends of the band as well as fan-submitted artwork that represents any message behind the word “swim.” Watch the Steven Murashige (Incubus, The Ataris) video here.
I have to admit that this song moved me. I could easily see myself identifying with the lyrics…
You’ve gotta swim/Swim for your life/Swim for the music/That saves you/When you’re not so sure you’ll survive/You gotta swim/And swim when it hurts
I’m sure everyone has felt that one time (or many) in their life. So when you are done watching it once, watch it again. I love to let myself get caught up in the music. And this song caught me up in it’s undertoe.
