Buddy of mine who got me into the Menzos passed away today. Last conversation we had was about how good the album was a few weeks ago. He was the man
Sorry to hear that, I'm sure condolences from a stranger on the internet do nothing for you, but still hope you're doing all right under those circumstances
Sorry about your friend :( I've been listening to their discography on repeat almost the whole weekend. I think it's safe to say these guys are in my Top 5 favorite bands of all time and I just started listening to them last October-ish when Lookers was released.
Came across this earlier whilst learning the song. This song has been on constant repeat for me and I think when they play it at 2000 Trees festival, I might lose myself.
Just finished "Lolita", really explains where a lot of Greg's writing inspiration comes from. And of course, the title of OTIP
Is OTIP a concept album that tells a single story? Or is it more like a very cohesive album that tells several stories? I've been listening to it for a month but I feel like I'm missing something.
It's not a concept album, but there are a lot of themes that repeat throughout the album. Some of the songs and lines are based on actual events (Freedom Bridge and Burn for example) and some are more fictional. Nabokov's Lolita was a huge influence on the album too.
Oh, that makes more sense. Once I realised Good Things an the title track had the "American muscle car" line I started thinking there was a story being told throughout the album but couldn't quite piece it together. It feels weird to think this album has something to do with Lolita, I mean, it's a story about an old man and a twelve-year-old. I'm guessing the influence has more to do with the way things are told rather than the story itself (?)
I would say the muscle car reference is mostly due to a Springsteen, Seger, Fallon kind of songwriter influence from Greg. Repeating it just gives it that cohesive feel. I think that lines in the title track came from a rendition of one of the songs and I think it's on the acoustic ep "On the Possible Past". I could have that wrong though. I know CW was mostly about Scranton, but OTIP probably has both a Scranton and Philly influence to it. In terms of Lolita, I would consult with @cubsml34 because he recently finished the book and can probably tie that in better than myself.
Yeah your guess is correct. Nabokov's writing style is a huge influence on Greg, and the book really showed how. Some elements of the album are extensions of the book: thinking about escaping to Mexico, driving around in a classic car, even the Gates/Casey story has some parallels, although much different in terms of age/subject, etc.
I'd bet Captain We're Sinking. With their song premiere it said they had upcoming dates with The Menzingers but didn't say when
I feel so bad considering how many people are going to be shouting Greg songs either by accident or on purpose
I feel bad cause I got incredibly excited when this was announced, then realized it was Tom. Still going most likely, but still.
^That's some trifling discussion up above. Male Call will likely be played at this show, and it's one of their best songs IMO.
I wasn't ragging on Tom's songs at all. Rather, I was commenting on the fact that the majority of the Menz' most popular songs are Greg's, which more casual fans might not know and elitist fans might troll with.
It's confirmed that Captain We're Sinking are opening for at least the NYC cruise, because Hellgate starting selling the commemorative poster online yesterday. So glad it's just two great bands on a boat, can't wait.