The first ASU incarnation came together in 1996 when founding member Ian Eskelin decided to broaden his solo act and take a bunch of mates out on the road. The good old rock 'n' roll and notorious stage antics won them immediate acclaim.
Heady days ensued. The boys were signed to a leading record label, and after five No. 1 singles, watched their American youth group following grow into a legion of loyal fans. Over the past six years ASU has played more than 1000 shows. And only recently, during a rare yearlong break from the road in 2000, Ian took time to properly court and wed his new bride Peggy. The couple lives in Nashville, Tennessee, as do the newest faces in the ASU line-up.
Brothers Matt and Mike Payne, originally from Rockford, Illinois, have joined Ian on drums and guitar respectively, and Jeremy Hunter, a Seattle-native, is bassist and Revolution recording engineer. While the four-piece ASU team worked on the new album they took the time to rethink the ASU platform. Ian wanted to communicate something more personal. "I've written all kinds of songs, but the thing I really love and get most excited about is when I write songs that express my faith in three minutes in new and creative ways. That for me is an outpouring of my faith, my calling."
Certainly Ian's savvy use of metaphor, imagery and twisted cliché could charm a literature student for hours. His song-writing skills are clearly illustrated throughout the new record and particularly in songs like the Lennonesque "We Are The Future" and title track "Revolution". "Sweet Jesus" and the worshipful "Making It Beautiful" are perhaps more obvious in their spiritual message, but the common thread of all the tracks is the one thought-provoking challenge that Ian claims has never been more pertinent. "There are several songs on this new record that talk about change, the idea that we can make our lives better by helping to make the world better. Each of us, individually through Christ can make small differences. More than ever, I feel these songs are relevant — no matter what the circumstances of the day."
Revolution was two-and-a-half years in the writing and is the result of an artist honing his craft while personally living the themes of exploration, change, discovery and challenge. Ian has remained very "hands-on" in the production and long-term friend Mark Freegard (Manic Street Preachers, Del Amitri, and The Breeders) has mixed Revolution and ASU's self-titled debut album. Ian is not shy to express his satisfaction. "It's a ten song record and I really tried hard to trim the fat. I wanted the album to have a strong message and for people to be able to enjoy listening to every song. The guys are extremely talented musicians and really helped me with a fresh perspective on these songs."
Musically, Ian, Matt, Mike and Jeremy promise more emphasis on solid rock 'n' roll fundamentals without loosing the fun elements fans have come to love. "It's been easy to perform the songs on Revolution with the same excitement we had when we first started. The new material is written from the heart, and I feel extremely passionate about it. I want the music to be as important to the listener as it is for me. Whether in a car, living room or concert hall, I want people to leave an ASU experience reflective, energized and uplifted."
From http://www.christianitytoday.com/music/artists/allstarunited.html
Theme From Summer
All Star United Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Pool side at Flamingo Bay
Underneath the coconut trees
This sun-baked symphony
A little ditty with a melody
Drifted to me on a summer breeze
If strange, change in the weather makes your mood sway
Remember every word I say
[Chorus]
Love, baby, love
This is my theme from summer
Winter, spring and fall
Love, baby, love
In July, August or December
Anytime at all
It's never simple dear
To be in summer cheer
Underneath your Gortex and furs
If your colors fade in the wash
Of the sleet and snow in Osh Kosh
Just keep it cool in all temperatures
If strange, change in the weather
Makes your mood swing
Repeat this chorus that I sing
Touche, you've hit me with a powerful tune
You shake the pettiness of my croon
When skies are grey
Try this cliche
"All Star United's "Theme From Summer" is a cheerful and optimistic song celebrating the joys of summer and love. The song starts by describing how the singer wrote the song while relaxing at the Flamingo Bay poolside, surrounded by coconut trees. The song's melody is inspired by the sounds of the summer breeze, and the lyrics advise us to embrace love at any time of the year, regardless of the weather or our circumstances. The catchy chorus repeats the message of the song, reminding us of the importance of love in all seasons.
The lyrics' primary message is the importance of love, and the song's cheerful and light-hearted melody emphasizes that message. The song's lyrics also suggest that summer is a state of mind, and we can find joy and happiness even when things get tough. The song's lyrics encourage us to keep our cool through all temperatures and remember that love is always there, no matter what.
Overall, "Theme From Summer" is a fun and upbeat song that celebrates the beauty of summer and the importance of love in our lives. The song's catchy melody and optimistic lyrics are sure to put a smile on your face.
Line by Line Meaning
I wrote this song today
I am expressing my creativity with the process of writing a song
Pool side at Flamingo Bay
The location where I am creating this song is next to a pool at Flamingo Bay
Underneath the coconut trees
The surroundings of where I am composing my song consist of coconut trees above me
This sun-baked symphony
The song I am creating is inspired by the summer season
A little ditty with a melody
I am creating a small, cheerful song with a memorable melody
Drifted to me on a summer breeze
I am being inspired by the light and breezy feeling of summer in the creation of this song
Love, baby, love
The key message of my song is about love
This is my theme from summer
I am creating a song that represents the emotions and memories of summer
Winter, spring and fall
This song is relevant throughout different seasons, not only summer
In July, August or December
The emotions and memories of summer can be felt all year round
Anytime at all
My song is timeless and relevant forever
It's never simple dear
Being in a happy summer mood is not always easy
To be in summer cheer
It takes effort to maintain the positive emotions associated with the summer season
Underneath your Gortex and furs
Even if someone lives in a colder or less tropical location, they can still feel the vibes of summer
If your colors fade in the wash
If your mood changes due to external factors, like the weather, that is natural
Of the sleet and snow in Osh Kosh
Winter weather can be harsh and affect people's mood, even in a place like Osh Kosh
Just keep it cool in all temperatures
Regardless of the weather or other external factors, it's important to keep a cool and positive mindset
Touche, you've hit me with a powerful tune
I have been moved and inspired by a powerful song, perhaps one that was created in the summer season
You shake the pettiness of my croon
This powerful song has made me feel a sense of momentum and new inspiration
When skies are grey
When things are tough, or when the weather is negative, this song can help
Try this cliche
If you're feeling down, try listening to a happy and cheerful song about love to help boost your mood
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, CAPITOL CHRISTIAN MUSIC GROUP
Written by: DAVE CLO, IAN ASHLEY ESKELIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind