by Jay Mouton
posted June 14, 2006
There’s a saying that’s been around forever, and I know you’ve heard it. It posits that we “can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” Do you remember it? Sure you do. Now, I don’t consider myself “old” (and somebody recently told me that 40 is the new 30 – or something to that effect), but I doubt I’ll buy that old saying anyway. In fact, my theory is that change is almost always scary, but change is almost always good. I equate “change” with learning. I believe in lifetime learning. Like Grace Slick sang in her old band Jefferson Airplane, “feed your head.” Between us, I think she was singing about feeding the head with something just a little bit contraband – but that’s another story . . .
Anyway, here’s what I’m driving at with this learning equals change thing. I have a habit of making generic assumptions about what I think I’ll like and won’t like. It’s a natural inclination that, if we live long enough, allows us to live longer, or something like that. But sometimes I err when I make these assumptions. I did it again last night. Let me tell you about it.
I took off for Riverbend 2006 specifically to hear the band, Audio Adrenaline. I first heard of these guys near the tail end of the last century (I just love referring to the 1990s like that!). Another band, FFH (never heard of ’em, thank you) was playing first, so I figured I might as well get there a little early, you know, find a good place to park – RIGHT! Okay, uneventful drive to the Tennessee, make it through the gate, find a spot, and wait.
Frame forward.
FFH opens their set, and I immediately have trouble hearing the vocals (muddy), and the instrumentation sound is a might tinny. My assumption is this show is going nowhere fast – remember I’m a member of the “instant gratification culture.” The song continues. I’m trying to hear the lyrics. The music is still tinny. I lean in. I’m trying to hear the words. I notice the tone of the vocals, and while I can’t quite make out the words I can tell the singers are not only in key, but it sounds pretty nice. I’m hearing the vocals a little clearer now. A woman is singing something about how one day she’ll fly away. Hmm, nice voice, I think. The guys harmonizing with her sound pretty good, too. I keep listening. The song continues. The sound is getting clearer. I can hear complete words now, and the instruments seem to blend better. Okay, I tell myself sometimes it takes a minute to get the sound under control. I keep listening. It’s all getting better now. I can hear the words, now. I can hear the music, now. I like it.
The band ends their song to a fairly lively round of applause. I think, so this is FFH.
Now, here’s my point. I know better than to assume I’m not going to like a band before I hear it. It doesn’t really matter what kind of music they play, really. I have much less concern for what one plays than how well they play it, so why do I continue to make such foolish assumptions? It’s a bad habit. I’ve been working on it for years, and I’m getting better, but doubt still rears its foolish head. I assumed that I wouldn’t like FFH since I’ve not been that fond of the Christian music I’ve heard (and before you “assume” I’ve not heard much, I’ll let you know I’m the co-writer of nearly 40 Christian songs and have had a few of them covered by various Christian performers back in the 20th Century – I love that!!). Well, lo and behold, I did like FFH.
The band has been together long enough to garner a number of hits, and they play a whole lot of shows – 200 plus gigs a year. The members of the band play a number of instruments, and provide some fantastic vocals. I found myself hearing strains of old Beatles' harmonies and melodies structured within some of their songs. For instance, one song they performed, “You Found Me,” held a variation from The Beatles' “You Won’t See Me.” Now, before anyone can “assume” that I’m accusing FFH of plagiarism – I’m not, not at all. I sincerely believe that virtually all-creative writers pick up themes, notes, hooks, and all kinds of musical aspects from other artists. I believe it’s impossible to avoid doing so. Music has been around too long. I think it’s a wonderful thing. It tells me that music has a tendency to live on, often far longer than the individuals who create it. I also believe that the Beatles have influenced more artists, since they blessed the world with their music beginning nearly half a century ago (ha! I did it again).
Anyone that reads my reviews on a regular basis knows that I have a fondness for songwriters. I’ll confess I have a special admiration for some of the more gifted Christian music lyricists. While the field is fairly open as far as subject material is concerned, I believe it can also be somewhat restrictive concerning the predominate theme of the songs – Christianity. FFH achieves a lyrical freshness that I know can be difficult to duplicate on a continual basis. Perhaps they are getting some inspiration from a higher power?
Jay Mouton
Wholerest58@comcast.net
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