There’s something to be said about storytelling and incorporating it into music. Sam Russo does that without skipping a thought or a beat.
(Speaking of beat, I should be clear and note that I am talking about the musician Sam Russo, not the button pushing DJ. I just wanted to make myself clear there. Thanks.)
Hailing from Haverhill, England, Russo has been playing his own style of a punk-ish Americana folk-rock for years now. Having released his debut over 3 years ago, Greyhound Dreams (Red Scare Industries) is an impressive follow up.
Russo is not just another punker with a guitar and some pent up anger. When I listen to him, I think of a hybrid mix of Tim Barry, Dave Hause, and Frank Turner. The beauty of Russo is that his music does not sound like a rip off of any of the previously mentioned and is genuine and at times flooding with anguished, heartfelt memories.
Opening track “Sometimes”, a blatant blast at a harsh personal outcry, was simple yet whole, especially when others jumped in to sing along in the chorus. The song was depressing as hell when you realize why Russo admits being unruly.
“Dream All You Want” contained so many visuals in the lyrics that I had to listen to it over a couple of times to my mind could settle down. Russo singing “you either chase your dreams, or you chase your dreams away” made it clear to me, this was not a happy song. This song wasn’t just about dreams, it also was the unspoken reality of those dreams never coming true.
“Crayfish Tales” was one of the better tracks on this album in my opinion. I swear to god, this guy and I have lived in the same shoes at one point in our past. I almost predicted that he was going to sing a couple of times. “Runaways” was also a great tune and a little more upbeat and personable.
I loved that “Forever West” spoke on Russo’s journey that he experienced in the states. While listening to it, I could not help but think of my own past experiences from the time I stayed in a ghetto Motel 6 in the hood of Baltimore to when, years later, my fiancé and I drove 2800 miles to New Mexico almost non-stop. It really hit home, especially when he sung about the sun coming over the mountains as I experienced that and it was amazing. It was like a musical observation, but different.
Russo sang his heart out on “Nobody’s Fool”. I feel that this was a more important track for him as reminisced on his past pain caused from heartbreak. “I would give you everything and just disappear” was sung towards the end making for a true statement of love.
“Western Union” closed the album down strong. Things picked up in the middle with some extra help on vocals, but mostly Russo held this song down solo. Not the happiest of stories, but incredibly impactful on those lonely memories.
Russo touched on something often on Greyhound Dreams that I think we all need to consider: Life is short and full of difficulties. We’ve all been through a personal hell at some point, but Russo really leads by example in his songs (and even song titles) by singing about moving on and never stopping. No one ever said being a human being was an easy thing.
I will be honest and say I never gave Russo the chance I should have. I missed out, that is a fact. Hell, the dude even supported The Falcon overseas and I still was lame and did not buy everything he ever recorded. (Disclosure: I would have been privy to Russo years ago had I made it to that Tim Barry show at the Grog Shop…)
If you are a fan of early Frank Turner music, you will adore this album. I am not sitting here trying to compare the two, I just know what I like, and Greyhound Dreams is pretty outstanding. Russo has won himself a new fan and probably a whole lot more once they give him a well-deserved chance.
With the year coming to an end, I just found myself another album that needs to be penned onto my best of 2015 post. Nicely done Russo. I look forward to hearing more from you.
The music world lost a great man today who was also a brother and a friend to so many. What is unknown is how it happened and many of us involved in the music scene are wondering why it had to happen.
Brandon lived the dream playing in Teenage Bottlerocket with family and friends. I was lucky enough to have seen him beat on the drums live. I never met him face to face, but my friends who have said he was straight up the nicest guy. One of my pals even mentioned how Brandon remembered him from a previous band that opened for TB.
Perhaps the biggest testament to the importance of this man was how much money was raised to help pal for his medical expenses. It was amazing to see so many contribute so quickly.
Facebook has been flooded with memories of Brandon and I’d be lying if I didn’t tell you I spent some time reading them today.
My conclusion? He was a seriously good human.
Everything will be ok. It’s just going to be sad around the scene for a bit.
I hope Brandon’s family finds peace in his passing and moves on without forgetting a single memory.
I was not there, so I interviewed Joey Cape. I guess that is the next best thing, right?
Cape and his band Lagwagon just stopped at Fest in the middle of their tour to play a Halloween show. Based on the photos and videos I saw on the good ol’ internets, they donned King Diamond’s look and played a killer set.
Now, many of you know that Cape is a busy guy. Not only is he touring with Lagwagon right now, but he released Stitch Puppy, an all new solo album on Fat Wreck Chords that has really exceeded my expectations. Seriously, you should probably check it out before you read my interview so you know I am not just kissing booty throughout. I sincerely enjoyed it.
For a guy that is pushing 50, he does not seem to be slowing down one bit. Not only is he focused on his music, but he is also still continuing with One Week Records. On top of that, he is a family man. A true hero if you ask me.
I managed to get Cape’s attention the other day and was able to chat about Stitch Puppy, Lagwagon, and even other avenues. At the end, I was even able to get some fanboy questions answered. Let me just say that the final question was answered amazingly.
Check it out, and enjoy:
BHP: Man, Stitch Puppy was beautiful. Was the concept of this album leaning towards a darker path? I am not saying all tunes were gloomy, but it certainly had a somber feel to it.
Joey Cape: Well, I just decided to make it somewhat conceptual in a very broad sense. It was all written within the idea of the doll Stitch Puppy itself. It’s a victorian morning doll my daughter and wife made me. I had had a tough couple years with the death of a few friends, a falling out with an old friend, and a friend going to prison for a capitol crime. The lyrics simply represent the last couple of years of trauma in my life and the lives of others. In that way, the lyrics are no different than what I always write about. I guess I have always been most inspired by the dark side of life. It rings more true to me.
I loved the piano playing in “This Like IS Strange”. It seriously intensified the song for me, especially towards the end. Tell me, who is the monkey in this song?
I’m glad you like it. The piano is my friend Brian Wahlstrom. We have been working together for the last 5 years. We have co-written music together, his and mine and done extensive touring. I just love the way piano fills up the sound and adds tone. Brian and I have a great musical report. I am not going to share the “Monkey” name. Haha. I make an effort now to be discrete. I have gotten into a lot of trouble in the past for being too transparent.
You took a great song from a totally underrated album of yours, re-recorded it with Chris Creswell, and more or less blew my mind. Why did you select “Spill My Guts” off of that The Playing Favorites album?
I have done very little touring with that band and always wanted to play the 5 songs I wrote for that record. It just seems like the best way to re-introduce them by recording them acoustic. I don’t think any of them would work for Lagwagon.
“Moral Compass” was more folky sounding than the other tracks. Who helped you out with this song?
It was a song I originally recorded with Lagwagon for the “Hang” album. It didn’t really fit that record so I decided to do the Stitch Puppy version. The solo was written by Chris Rest of Lagwagon. I asked him if it was cool to use it. Otherwise, it was mine but, I think the reason it sounds a bit different is because I wrote it as a letter to a child and that effected the overall tone of the song. It’s supposed to be a soft delivery I suppose
“Tracks” was so emotional. Seriously, I just got chills listening to you sing “he would lay down on tracks for you”. Who was this song about?
“Tracks” was originally entitled “I Would Have Laid Down On Tracks For You”. A better title but too long for the layout. Haha. I wrote it in third person because it felt more like a story with empathy and less defensive that way. I wrote it as a letter to an old friend. Someone I knew for 30 years and recently had a falling out with. As far as I am concerned I was a scapegoat. Sometimes couples choose that “Me against the world” role in their relationships. They just have to cut friends almost randomly to keep it together. It’s a shitty move and difficult to forgive.
Tell me more about your daughter and the doll that inspired this release.
Yeah, it was all her doll and catharsis. That doll is my most prized possession and it speaks to me. There is something about a child’s ability to give a pure uninhabited view through their art. That sort of thing gets forced out in my cases by this overwhelming world. It’s beautiful and sad but vital to site and source.
I take it the cover art for this album is a representation of said doll? It’s like Powder meets the Nirvana smiley face, but different.
I thought it would be a good idea to embody the doll. It was fun to play the personality I imagined Stitch Puppy would have. I made a video for “This Life IS Strange”. I walked all over San Francisco in that get up. People starred. It was unnerving.
Can I ask, did you treat Stitch Puppy like a One Week Records recording and left it completely raw, or was there some mastering involved?
It was raw at its base. Brian Wahlstrom and I recorded the basics live at my studio just as I do the One Week Records I produce. It was aesthetically inspired by those records. I did bring some additional instrumentalist in for overdubs and had some guest singers lay down background vocals. I like the idea of not being precious with the production and going for the stripped down vibe. I like the idea of a more pure performance.
Were you able to get a lot of friends to help you write this album, or was most of it done by yourself?
I wrote the songs very quickly, then took them to my writing partner Brian Wahlstrom. Brian calls me out when I’m doing the same old same old. He’s the best sounding board I have worked with. We added a few parts, bridges, etc. and we tightened the arrangements up.
How tough is it to balance all you have going on in life? You have your solo material, Lagwagon, and One Week, plus a family on top of that. How do you do it?
As far as music goes, I just keep working and whatever is in front of me is what gets my full attention. It looks more difficult than it is. I don’t like down time. My family is of course, the most important thing to me and I would spend more time at home if possible. Unfortunately, we all need to work. At least I have a great job that I love even if it takes me away from them.
This was your first solo release in 5 years. Can we expect another one in the future?
I hope so. I just write songs and make records accordingly. It’s hard to calculate the best home for the songs. Lagwagon always gets the first right of refusal.
How’s touring going? Do you prefer the solo route or do you enjoy being with Lagwagon?
I like them both. They compliment each other. They alleviate the tension that either can bring. Sometimes a song gets lost in the band dynamic and that is where my true love lies. Doing the acoustic thing keeps that aspect alive. But I need the energy of the band too. They are both like addictions.
What does it feel like to be on an independent label that just passed the 25 year mark?
It feels great. I can’t say enough about the subject. We are so lucky to have foregone the drama and ups and downs of label change. Fat is an absolutely awesome label and they have always respected us and our wishes. We haven’t never had our integrity challenged by them. They support us unconditionally. We are the fortunate ones.
What’s one thing you can tell me that Tony Sly taught you about yourself musically?
Tony reminded me that it’s okay to do anything you want to do in songwriting. I think I reminded him of that fact too. We both recognized each other’s go to chords and melodies and I believe we both reminded each other that it’s okay to have them. They become your personality as a songwriter, your style. They can be a gift if allowed and appreciated.
Did you ever think you would be where you are today? Look at all you have accomplished as an artist. I seriously doubt you have even reached your peak.
Thank you. No, I am always surprised by every step. It’s just one of those things you are gracious for or not. I am very aware of my fortune, to be doing what I love and the ability to nurture it. I know how lucky it is to be able to spend nearly all my time doing this. I used to paint houses for a living. That is a great job and I loved that too but, this is better.
Not everyone can get into your solo stuff. I think sometimes as we grow older, our tastes change and we appreciate a good sounding acoustic track. I guess what I am asking is, which do you prefer more, Lagwagon or your solo material?
I have always loved both but I am a song guy. That’s what it’s about for me. I don’t really care much about the format. I listen for the hook, the lyric and want to identify. That is the universal language we all can speak.
What is this Cape karaoke that I keep hearing about?
I have no idea. Maybe it stems from the few shows over the years where I got sick and lost my voice. When that happens, we opt for Karaoke rather then cancelling the show. It sucks but it’s fun.
What’s next for Joey Cape?
Good question!
BHP FANBOY QUESTIONS:
I was hoping to talk about Bad Astronaut for a quick moment if you are cool with that. How did you get John Popper of Blues Traveler to play harmonica on “Our Greatest Year”?
My wife and him grew up together. I met him through her. I asked. He said yes. That simple. I doubt that will ever happen again.
So what is the fate of Bad Astronaut? Grated you stated there was no Bad Astronaut after Derrick passed on, but reforming in 2010 to play the band’s first live show as well as hints of a b-side album have gotten some of us fans curious.
Well, we still have a bunch of unreleased material but I have used many of the song ideas for other projects over the years. We have done a few tours but have had some drama with drummers and other members life schedules. We are all still very close and I imagine we will eventually record together again. They are amazing musicians and some of my closest friends.
Have you, Wahlstrom, and Snodgrass ever talked about maybe continuing with Scorpios or starting another project collectively?
Funny you ask. We are talking now. Jon and I are going to start working on some stuff in February and there is a new Scorpio in town. His initials might be C.C.. I’ll leave it at that.
I am a little late to talk on this, but I still felt it necessary to post something. As many of you know, Mikey Herrera passed away last week.
Although I did not know him personally, some of my pals did and one of them even played in SleeperHorse with him. I have always appreciated what Mikey did and was really bummed to see the bad news.
Mikey’s Facebook page has flooded with comments, memories, and photos showcasing the love that surrounded him. I found myself spending some time on there the other night just looking through endless posts of love and support.
As this website is dedicated to sharing music that I like, I wanted to post material from some of the bands Mikey was in to pay my respects to him and anyone who ever knew him.
It really freaks me out that 20 years ago, I graduated high school. For the most part, I hated that school I attended and can not say many nice things about it to this day. Let me rephrase, the school itself was not the issue, it was the experience I went through growing up there.
I will tell you though that I had a solid core of friends there who all helped me through the bad times and ensured the good times were plentiful. Lucky for me, one of my good friends introduced me to Fat Wreck Chords. I am forever grateful for that.
Fat Wreck Chords has been around for 25 years now. They remain an independent label and continue to pump out amazing releases.
I can not imagine Fat not being in my teenage years. They supplied the soundtrack of my life and have continued to do so.
In an attempt to look like all of the other sites out there posting random things, I thought I would post 15 of my favorite Fat Wreck releases. Here we go…
Fat Music Vol. II: Survival of the Fattest
-This is the one release that I will always hold near and dear to me. I fairly certain I snagged the cassette version of this back in 1996 at the Warped Tour and was immediately introduced to some of my favorite bands (well, technically it was after the show was rained out and my pals and I were driving home listening to it). To this day, I will throw this album on the turntable and relive some of my teenage days. Best comp ever. That Diesel Boy song still rules…
Useless ID – Symptoms
-Hands down, this is my favorite Fat release. I am still amazed at how good this album is. To this day, I listen to it quite regularly. It’s catchy, it’s powerful, it’s just good. I can not wait for their follow-up. If you are not familiar with Useless ID, you need to change that.
NOFX – I Heard They Sucked Live
-When I think of this live album, I think of when I would listen to it front to back and recite not only the lyrics of the songs, but also the drunken commentary by the band. I think the best part about this album is that I acquired the original pressing that I used to listen to from my friend a couple of years ago. Talk about a keepsake.
The Loved Ones – Build & Burn
Dave Hause and crew rule on so many levels. Out of all of their albums, this is the one that I hold dearest to me. “I Swear” gets me every time. You swooner Dave…
Flatliners – Cavalcade
-This is the perfect Fat release. Everything about this album is incredible. If you disagree with me, I could care less. This is my blog, not yours.
Descendants – Cool To Be You
-Sure, their SST Records releases are far superior than this one, but still, this is a great album by one of the best bands out there and I think it is bad ass that Fat was able to release it.
Rise Against – Revolutions Per Minute
-Who’d a thought some little band from Chicago would blow up and turn into rock stars? Spite how their music has matured into more of a rock sound, this album slays.
No Use For A Name – Leche Con Carne
-RIP SLY (I can not believe it’s going on 3 years…). Thank you for putting together one of the best albums ever. This one album holds some of my favorite songs ever. If any of you punkers out there have not listened to this album 400 or more times in your life, you need to reevaluate your status. This album paved so many paths for future bands. Respect.
Swingin’ Utters – Here, Under Protest -This album may hold a different style of what the Utters used to possess in their earlier years, but I love everything about it. I remember the first time I heard it and how I questioned how it was possible for them to drop such a quality album after 8 years of nothing.
Old Man Markley -Old Man Markley was so different from the rest of the Fat roster and I immediately fell in love with the album the moment I heard it. The folk-rock-bluegrass sounds are unique and fun, not to mention the band puts on a hell of a performance. You haven’t lived until you’ve seen someone shred a washboard. Trust me on this.
Face To Face – Don’t Turn Away Two staple songs of my life exists on this album, “Disconnected” & “You’ve Done Nothing”. I someone decided they needed to create a documentary about my pathetic existence, these two songs would need to be on the soundtrack.
Me First and the Gimme Gimmes – Have a Ball
-I remember the first time young punk rock me heard this album in its entirety. I thought it was the greatest thing in the world. Who’d a thought taking lame music my parents listened to and putting a punk rock spin on it would be so amazing?
Banner Pilot – Collapser
I could have easily just listed all of Banner Pilot’s albums on this post as I adore them all, but for the sake of variety I chose one. This album contains so much energy it’s ridiculous.
Strung Out – Exile In Oblivion
This band has definitely matured over the years. I am sure a lot of you can agree they are almost metal now these days. The technical punk rockers completely won me over on this album.
Against Me! – Searching for a Former Clarity
I always like to remind myself how much I thought I hated this band. Sad thing is, I never gave them a chance. Once this album came out, I realized what I was missing out on. I love seeing how far this band has gone and can not wait to see what they have in store for us fans in the future.
Given the history of Fat Wreck, I think it is safe to say we can expect plenty of releases coming at us moving forward. As of late, they have been building up their roster.
What are some of your favorite releases? Comment below if you want. Someone’s bound to read them. Enjoy.
There’s something to be said about storytelling and incorporating it into music. Sam Russo does that without skipping a thought or a beat.
“Dream All You Want” contained so many visuals in the lyrics that I had to listen to it over a couple of times to my mind could settle down. Russo singing “you either chase your dreams, or you chase your dreams away” made it clear to me, this was not a happy song. This song wasn’t just about dreams, it also was the unspoken reality of those dreams never coming true.
Tell me more about your daughter and the doll that inspired this release.
