"'Michaelangelo,' you're dreaming about reaching something divine in your art but you realize - the real point of that song is you've spent your whole life reaching for something and you forgot to touch anyone real," he said. "You have no connections to real people... the guy is starting to realize that he could change but not in time for her. He can't keep himself focused on her so he's going to leave her."
The lyrics don't leave much hope for redemption but the final notes of "Come Around" haven't completely crushed those hopes, either. Maybe it's because there's an optimist in you, hoping that all the pain and loathing leads to something more than an incredible record. It could also be guilt working - guilt that you see more of yourself in some of the dark corners of the record than you'd like to admit or guilt because you've enjoyed a record born of so much pain for so many people.
This is Part 2 of my interview with Adam Duritz. You can read Part 1 here or you can hear the entire interview as it was recorded for the B-Sides Concept Album on BlogTalkRadio.
Article comments
1 - Tom Johnson
This is great, Josh. I'm really glad you didn't just transcribe it but formed it into a narrative. I'm really fascinated to find out what prompted the "themes" behind this album, it's really helping flesh out an already great piece of work.
2 - Josh Hathaway
Thanks, Tom. There was still a lot of great stuff from the interview (the stuff that actually got aired) that didn't make it into this piece. It is definitely worth listening to when/if you have time because he gives so much insight into this record and it's such a terrific record.
I might have done more of a transcription style but this was not so much a traditional interview. I'd toss something out there to him and Adam would just take it and go. It was a bit daunting to try and create a narrative because I didn't want to misrepresent his comments. He's had that happen to him a few times. I think I stayed true to the tone and content of the overall interview. I hope so, anyway. I'm glad you enjoyed the read.