MaryJanes2ndLastDance

I wonder what happened exactly that made this song disappear like that. From the set lists I mean, not the clip. Was Tom displeased with how the band played it? How he sung it? The audience response? All three? It's such an uptempo number I think the people there for the hits would've enjoyed. At least its beat if nothing else. A fan on here even requested it during a show and Mike shook his head or something. Why did they stop playing it? Did anyone in the band fight for its inclusion? I wonder if any of the new book will touch on any of the set list discussions that occur between Tom and the band and what goes into Tom's reasoning when he comes up with the tour's mostly static songlist. cheers

What do you think happens when they finish an album but before they start a tour? Do they run through all the songs and decide then and there what makes the set list and what doesn't? Is it dependent on how they perform the song, not how they've recorded it? Did they think this one wouldn't go over well in the show? Do they not like it? Was it challenging to sing?

That makes sense too, a man who thinks what he is doing is good for the country with a delusional mind state. Nice one, High Grass Dog.

Taking it logically: It seems odd that Tom would have a blanket criticism of soldiers. Politicians, lobbyists, sure, I can see him doing that, but not the people who make up the military. I think it's as I said before, a reference to a bad soldier or to a doomsday prepper. And not all soldiers, and not all doomsday preppers.

The soldier line interpretation seems valid, too. But maybe it's a reference to police? But then, USA seems to point to the military.

Good points.

If true, how could this possibly surprise them? What was the last successful single and by that, I mean something that could possibly fit on Greatest Hits without people wondering what it is? I'm guessing Walls; that seemed to have a lot of airplay. They couldn't have thought Somewhere Under Heaven was going to be huge. There were no hit singles from Hypnotic Eye. It's not impossible for Tom to have a hit but I wouldn't count on it happening either. They should've just released All The Rest in time for the twenty year anniversary of its release. Maybe some hardcore Wildflowers fans would pick it up, as would the same people who purchase Tom's work.

Some random thoughts spurred by TomFest's post. shadow peopleWhat's in their headin the car next to you when the light turns redCould be thinking of lovemight be thinking of hate. ---I think it's a general statement on the alienation of people from one another. Are the "shadow people" bad? Is it paranoia? That one's thinking of great artand eloquent wordsThat one strapped on a gun and joined up with the herd.That one's saving up water,got some food stored awayFor the war that is coming on the judgement dayShadow people in shadow landand this one carries a gunfor the U.S.A.He's a 21st century man.and he's scary as hell,cuz when he's afraid,he'll destroy anything he don't understand. -----This part feels like a critique of those who would harm others for misguided beliefs. The unknown potential for good and bad within people? A critique of Doomsday Preppers? well I ain't on the leftand I ain't on the rightI ain't even sure, I got a dog in this fight.In my time of need, in my time of grief,I feel like a shadow's falling over me -----Is Tom slipping away from taking a definite stand, not wanting to be nailed down to one opinion or lacking the courage of his convictions? Or just saying he doesn't want to be on either side, doesn't want to be part of a battle between sides. Is it really a missive to personal responsibility? Shadow people and shadow land.waiting for the sunto be straight over head,til we ain't got no shadow at all. ----Seems like in the end he's hoping for peace between people, an end to fighting. I'm curious to hear what others think in relation to TomFest's post. cheers

I hadn't thought of that interpretation. I took it as just a critique of a guy who misunderstands patriotism in every day life and carries the gun around eager to use it, for fear of the unknown. A lunatic, one of the "shadow people." Someone looking to harm others. If it indeed refers to a soldier, I'd be very much surprised if Tom meant it as a general attack against the military instead focusing on a lone gunman type nut. A bad soldier. However, I'm willing to admit I could be wrong with my interpretation. You raise an interesting point TomFest. cheers

Cowboy chords! I thought you may be referring to this time of Em...isn't it also a B chord as well? Or B power chord? Whichever, that's a fun one to play. Thanks for the explanation. cheers

I can see why and how they came up with the "blues" approach to selling the album. It's Tom's 12th (?) album, Mike's guitar playing is a large factor, the songs are longer than usual, they're inspired by the blues and some songs are the blues, or if you prefer, "the blues." I'm fine with it (to a degree) being considered their blues record, since some songs actually go in that direction and seem to have inspired the entire album. What's a shame is that the record is more than the blues and that for some, perhaps myself included, it was a bit of a barrier. Perhaps it should've been pushed as their guitar showcase record. This album has some really interesting and unique songs for TPATH and I figure with time, it'll lose its blues reputation and be listened to fresh. cheers

I'm surprised you put a lot of time into 'em; you've got some sloppy integer work going on there.

I agree, the most successful songs for me, are the ones that aren't the blues or blues homages. Unfortunately, like many of their records, Mojo doesn't work as an album the way FMF or HE or Long After Dark do. Still, 8 solid songs are pretty good; it's just too long with too much filler. I think a shortened, maybe three minute tops version of Two Men Talking would've worked. Why so much shorter than how they play it in concert? With all the guitar soloing on this record, a good short groover would really mix it up. If anything, I think what this album needed was a couple shorter (and better ha ha!) written songs. cheers

Here's a little bit from Curt Bisquera on She's the One and TPATH... It's on page 6 of 7. http://www.musicradar.com/news/drums/6-career-defining-records-of-curt-bisquera-214410

This song has evolved from these initial performances; I think it was good then, it's only gotten better. cheers

Thanks for your input TomFest, despite this not being your thing. I always liked this song but it's really grown on me, a case of doing a lot with very little. What's a cowboy Em chord? cheers

Good thinking! They could play It Ain't Nothin' To Me followed up by Ain't Talkin' Bout Love. And if they're really feeling it, finish with Too Much Ain't Enough. A trilogy. cheers

Good for you! Stay healthy!! cheers

Does anyone here play it on guitar? What do you play? I've given this a go, mainly based on a youtube video I found. I think the main riff is: an E chord high on 7th fret. Then you play a F# note on the A string 9th fret. and a D note on the 10th fret on the low E string. Listen for the rhythm, it just repeats throughout. At one point, Mike plays an E chord on the 7th fret and holds it, then an F# chord on the 9th fret to E chord on the 7th fret, to a D chord on the 5th fret, C chord on the 3rd fret and ends on a B chord on the 2nd fret. I think that's roughly it. If someone has a different or better take on it, kindly post. Thanks! cheers

The more I listen to this song, the greater my appreciation for it. What TPATH do with a simple riff and some chords is really good; the song has a lot of power from its simplicity and groove. Heck, it's all groove with some really good soloing over top. Now that I think about it, I'm surprised it didn't make it onto Mojo in a shortened version. But maybe it's better as a live only track... cheers

I know this goes against my apparent ethos of no cover songs but if they are going to cover something, why not this? It has a catchy riff, it's simple to learn, and while I'm sure Mike could learn the solo, there's space for him to make it his own. Tom could approach the lyrics as getting into character, perhaps as the central figure in You Got Lucky. It wouldn't be a note-for-note rendition but still recognizable, transformed by their own musical sensibilities. Enough of Gloria, Green Onions, and the 50s-60s blues-pop song of its time they've played multiple times. It would certainly be unexpected. cheers

Bringing some posts here from the other thread on "Least Favorite Album"... These are all good points. Of course we all differ on what makes the cut, while I'd drop "I Shot the..." I mean, "Don't Pull Me Over" someone else will want to keep it. The album doesn't hold up as a listening experience, I don't want to hear to it all the way through and not in this order. Unfortunately the blues pastiches bring this record down; too much filler to get to the good, blues inspired yet Heartbreakers songs like First Flash and Something Good Coming. cheers

Thanks for posting this. Pretty good sound quality! Nice crisp, heavy and powerful drumming, the guitars ring out just fine.

I hope you're doing better now, Liberty and are in a good place in life! cheers