Since 1996, an evolving lineup of the band, always fronted by singer/songwriter John Easdale, has been performing in one incarnation or another (initially billed as Easdale solo but usually with assistance from former band mates), and from then until 2003 played occasional shows in the L.A. area, as well as in New Jersey. However, amid renewed interest since the Bands Reunited episode in January 2004 and a large-scale appearance at KROQ-FM's annual Inland Invasion festival concert (attended by more than 78,000 fans) in September 2003, Dramarama has been touring nationally in 2004 and 2005, and released their first new, full-length studio CD, titled "everybody dies," on October 25, 2005.
In 1982, Dramarama formed in and around Wayne, New Jersey, where founding member Chris Carter owned a record store called Looney Tunez Records. The initial line-up consisted of singer/songwriter John Easdale, "Mr. E Boy" (Mark Englert) and Carter, later joined by Peter Wood on guitars, Jesse Farbman on drums. Jesse would leave the group after the third album, and was eventually replaced with drummer Clem Burke, whose prior band was Blondie. Other early bandmates included keyboardists Theothorous Athanasious "Teddy" Ellenis and "Secret Weapon" Tommy Mullaney, who doubled as the band's tour manager.
The current lineup consists of frontman John Easdale and several players from Dramarama's former incarnation, including lead guitarist Mark Englert and rhythm guitar player Peter Wood (the only band member who moved back to New Jersey and still maintains a residence there). Rounding out the band are Los Angeles-based musicians Tony Snow on drums, and Craig Ballam (guitar) and Mike Davis (bass), the two of whom also maintain a side project called Shobud. In addition, Mike Davis is the official bass player for Judas Priest frontman Rob Halford's eponymous solo band, and appears on Halford's upcoming CD, Halford IV.
A number of prominent musicians has joined the band for studio sessions on specific tracks over the years, perhaps most notably pianist Benmont Tench of Tom Petty's Heartbreakers and guitarist Mick Taylor, late of the Rolling Stones, on Vinyl. In addition, fellow power pop artist Dwight Twilley lent vocals to several songs on hi-fi sci-fi, on which The New York Dolls' Sylvain Sylvain also made a vocal appearance.
In addition, other artists often join Dramarama onstage or in the studio, including bassist Steve "Muddy Shews" Shewchuk from seminal Jersey shore band Southside Johnny and The Asbury Jukes; keyboardist Morley Bartnoff from Cosmo Topper (formerly of the 1980s band Burning Sensations), and harmonica player "Trashcan" Ray Barwick, as well as former No Soap Radio members Danny Roselle on keys and guitar, and drummer Chris O'Hara.
Some Crazy Dame
Dramarama Lyrics
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She shakes hands, she's like a candidate
She's so happy it's a carnival
She gets snappy, she's an animal
And she was
She's on camera she's an actress now
I'm no film star I'm no modern saint
I can't draw but I know how to paint
And she was
Oh, she's so political
she's oh so critical
Oh, she's hardly sociable
she's non-negotiable
Oh, she's so subliminal
she's such a criminal
SOME CRAZY DAME!
She's fantastic, she says "Man, it's great"
She shakes hands, she's like a candidate
She's so happy it's a carnival
She gets snappy, she's an animal
And she was...
The song "Some Crazy Dame" by Dramarama seems to be about a woman who is confident and charismatic, but also unpredictable and wild. The first verse describes this woman as "fantastic" and "like a candidate," implying that she knows how to present herself well and put on a good show. However, the second half of the verse suggests that her behavior can sometimes be erratic and animalistic.
The second verse refers to the woman as an actress, suggesting that she may not be entirely genuine in her behavior. The line "such charisma on the mattress now" also implies that she may be using her sexuality to manipulate others. The singer admits that he is not perfect either, but knows how to "paint" - perhaps suggesting that he is able to create something of meaning or importance, while the woman may only be able to put on a show.
The chorus repeats the opening lines, emphasizing the woman's confidence and energy, but also introducing some negative characteristics. The line "she's non-negotiable" suggests that she may be difficult to work with or compromise with, while "such a criminal" could mean anything from illegal behavior to simply being morally suspect.
Overall, "Some Crazy Dame" seems to be a cautionary tale about the dangers of putting on a facade and trying to manipulate others with charm and charisma.
Line by Line Meaning
She's fantastic, she says "Man, it's great"
She presents herself as amazing and enthusiastic, stating that everything is wonderful.
She shakes hands, she's like a candidate
She greets people in a formal way, behaving much like a politician.
She's so happy it's a carnival
She's very elated, and it's as if she's surrounded by a festivity.
She gets snappy, she's an animal
She is turning irritable and aggressive, as any fierce creature does.
And she was
She was always like that.
She's on camera she's an actress now
She's making her way as an actor, performing in front of the camera.
Such charisma on the mattress now
She's also alluring and captivating in her relationships and encounters.
I'm no film star I'm no modern saint
The singer admits he's no perfect or grand personage in cinema or life.
I can't draw but I know how to paint
He may lack some abilities, but he's still creative and resourceful.
And she was
She kept being that way.
Oh, she's so political
She's very concerned with public affairs and policies.
she's oh so critical
She's particularly good at scrutinizing and assessing situations and people.
Oh, she's hardly sociable
She's not very interested in socializing with others.
she's non-negotiable
She's uncompromising in her beliefs and decisions.
Oh, she's so subliminal
She's subtle and suggestive, operating beneath the surface or the conscious level.
she's such a criminal
In some ways, she's behaving immorally or unlawfully, causing harm or damage.
SOME CRAZY DAME!
She's a wild and eccentric woman, possibly with some dangerous aspects.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: JOHN MILLS EASDALE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind