For the next 16 years, these songs would stick to me like peanut butter to the roof of your mouth. When I'd talk about music with friends, I'd often get asked who my favorite band was. I never answered with Toad the Wet Sprocket, yet I often traveled with their CDs. They probably never climbed to the rank of "favorite" band, but were always in the category of favorites.
October 1994: Driving through the Rocky Mountains, moving back to Seattle to strike out on my own for the first time, slaughtering the harmonies to "Something's Always Wrong" from Dulcinea for miles, miles, and miles. I did strike out. I lost the girl, went broke, and moved back home. There were a lot of somethings that were wrong. I still love that song.
While I was out there, I spent a lot of time by myself listening to "Crowing."
We sat around the living room, talking, and ordered some pizzas. While we waited for the food, I did my MusicNazi thing and commandeered the stereo. I put Coil in the stereo and within 45 seconds, they had a new fan. “Whatever I Fear” is still one of her favorite songs. For years, I teased her that Glen was singing “You eat my cat for breakfast” (he’s not). She was almost gullible enough to believe me but not quite. I did the same thing with Everclear’s “Santa Monica” (”I am still living with your… GOAT!”).
Article comments
1 - Brian aka Guppusmaximus
Great Article...
for me it goes further than that and when it gets inside you, songs, albums, and artists become a part of your life because they're a part of your memories.
Being a MetalHead,for me, was more about finding music that had passion & musicianship and in the late 80's there were plenty of underground Metal bands producing far more passionate & meaningful albums than what was on the radio. Dream Theater Images & Words got me through some horrible times.
That said, Toad.. was one of those bands that had a unique sound & passion for their brand of rock. Fear was also the beginning for me with the songs "Pray Your Gods" & "Stories I Tell" , the latter being just as heavy as alot of the "Hard Rock" of the late 80's. That album was a crutch for during my hardest break-up. When I found Bread & Circus, that's when I truly became a fan & Pale just made it that much easier to stay one.
That is freakin awesome that you were able to interview Mr. Phillips!! I hope the guys get back together for a few more albums & tours. I would love to get the chance to catch'em live...
2 - Phillip Winn
That was a fantastic interview, Josh!
3 - Phillip Winn
I should add that the article is fine work, too.
4 - Josh Hathaway
Brian, my thanks for the kind words, sir. You know, I never thought of how heavy "Stories I Tell" is, but you're not wrong there. There is a heaviness to the sound of that. It's not metal in the classic sense, yet there is a heaviness to it. I listened to that song twice yesterday. it's definitely a favorite.
And as for passion and musicianship, as a "retired metalhead" I understand that as well. Toad was never a band of virtuosos, but those albums they did with Gavin MacKillop always had a very professional sound to them. The music stands up very, very well.
Phillip, thanks for your kind words and for being there to listen. I hope I asked some questions that led to some interesting responses for everyone who tuned in. If you missed it, the show can be downloaded in the archives.