While they began performing live in June 2003, they soon released their 4 Song Sampler, produced by Hidden in Plain View's Rob Freeman, to help spread the word. Due to various national tours with bands such as Hidden in Plain View, The Academy Is... and Hellogoodbye, Houston Calls' fanbase grew steadily, until in spring 2004, Clayton left the band. Through mutual friends, Josh Grigsby was introduced to the band and became their drummer on May 15, 2004. The newly manned five-piece went into the studio with producer Jesse Cannon, to record their Sampler Volume 2 (2004). A few months after its release in August 2004, Houston Calls became the second band to sign with Rushmore Records, a subsidiary record label of Drive-Thru Records, who the band had been friends with ever since their formation.
On August 2, 2005, the band's official debut album, A Collection of Short Stories, was released. Produced by Ed Rose, the CD contained eleven songs, three of which had previously been released on their two samplers.
In November 2006, Kenny Ryan announced he was leaving the band, Houston Calls found a replacement in Jose Lopez in Feburary 2007 who had been filling in for Kenny.
In April 2008, the band entered the studio with producer Mark Weinberg to record their follow up to A Collection of Short Stories, The End of an Error and was released on October 14, 2008, along with the single "Life Won't Wait". The album was made available to stream via AOL on the day of release. The band went on a UK Tour as main support newcomers You Me At Six. Farewell were the openers.
At the end of December 2008, founding member Jarrett Seltzer left after no longer wishing to tour as a musician. Two weeks later, it was announced that Jose Lopez would no longer be in the band due to personal reasons. The band has announced that Dan Diaz of Red Light Green Light will be filling Jose's spot. Jason Jaksetic of The Pilot will be filling in on bass. The tour will go on as planned.
On June 9, 2009, the band officially announced that they are disbanding. They will play their last show on August 29, 2009, at School of Rock in their hometown.
Some of the members brand new band Future of the Party with some of the Paulson members.
Modest Manifesto
Houston Calls Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'll scrutinize what we take for granted,
With follow through it all should pan out,
but sadly everyone is too proud.
Don't need a gimmick or compensation
I'll show it all through a demonstration of
unapologetic, sincere demeanor so you'll
recognize I'm for real here.
I'm not reinventing, don't call to my attention
that what I'm putting in isn't breaking all new ground.
At least I know it's true - I couldn't lie to you.
Take my word - it's not true gold, but
I can promise it's as real as real gets I will not be sold.
Lay me down in graves of debt.
I'll stick around as long as I can breathe I'm broke but not done yet.
I'm in a hole with four friendly pigeons.
We'll fly away from the public opinions -
"it's been overdone," "what he said, she said"
We'll carry our own banner and just say screw them.
I don't know why I've spent time convincing,
because I know it's not heart I'm missing.
The Souls have taught me how to love the music,
sadly to a generation that's confusing.
So leave me to my 'phones, they'll never let me down I know.
I'll stay awake for days and hear my favorite singers say....
Take my word - it's not true gold, but
I can promise it's as real as real gets I will not be sold.
Lay me down in graves of debt.
I'll stick around as long as I can breathe I'm broke but not done yet.
Do you know what this does to me?
It's disheartening and it drives me crazy.
So I'll say....
Take my word - it's not true gold, but
I can promise it's as real as real gets I will not be sold.
Lay me down in graves of debt.
I'll stick around as long as I can breathe I'm broke but not done yet
The lyrics of Houston Calls's song "Modest Manifesto" are primarily a statement of intent by the singer, who is setting himself up as someone with ideas that can save the planet. He is confident that his ideas will pan out, but laments that everyone is too proud to listen. Nevertheless, he won't resort to gimmicks or compensation to get people's attention. Instead, he will demonstrate his sincerity through his demeanor, and he hopes that people will recognize he's for real.
The singer is not claiming to be breaking new ground or reinventing the wheel. He knows that what he's putting in is not true gold, but he promises that it's as real as it gets, and he won't be sold out to commercial interests. He's unapologetic about his lack of wealth because he's still breathing and not done yet. The singer also has a strong commitment to his own musical taste, even if it's not popular with the current generation. He is confident in his ability to stay true to himself, and his headphones will never let him down.
Overall, the song is a rallying cry for anyone who feels compelled to speak their truth, regardless of the consequences. The singer acknowledges the difficulty of being heard in a world where public opinion can be fickle and trends are constantly changing. Still, he takes a stand, refusing to compromise his values for mass appeal.
Line by Line Meaning
I've got ideas that can save the planet
I am passionate about making a difference in the world and have innovative solutions to global issues.
I'll scrutinize what we take for granted,
I will examine commonly held beliefs and practices to see if they are really the best way to approach problems.
With follow through it all should pan out,
If we remain committed and consistent in pursuing these ideas, they should ultimately be successful.
but sadly everyone is too proud.
However, people's egos and unwillingness to change may prevent us from making the progress we need to see.
Don't need a gimmick or compensation
I am not looking for attention or personal gain from this work; it is motivated purely by a desire to improve the world.
I'll show it all through a demonstration of unapologetic, sincere demeanor so you'll recognize I'm for real here.
My authenticity and passion will be evident in my actions, and I hope to inspire others to join me in my mission.
I'm not reinventing, don't call to my attention that what I'm putting in isn't breaking all new ground.
I am not claiming to be completely original or revolutionary in my ideas, but I believe they are still valuable and potentially game-changing.
At least I know it's true - I couldn't lie to you.
I am completely honest and transparent about my goals and intentions, and I believe in my ability to do what I say.
Take my word - it's not true gold, but I can promise it's as real as real gets I will not be sold.
While what I have to offer may not be perfect or without flaws, I refuse to compromise my principles or be swayed by external influences.
Lay me down in graves of debt. I'll stick around as long as I can breathe I'm broke but not done yet.
Even if it means sacrificing personal financial stability, I am committed to seeing my vision through to the end and will continue working as long as I am able.
I'm in a hole with four friendly pigeons. We'll fly away from the public opinions - "it's been overdone," "what he said, she said"
I may face criticism or skepticism from others, but I am determined to march to the beat of my own drum and not be influenced by negative comments or trends.
We'll carry our own banner and just say screw them.
I am not concerned with pleasing anyone else or conforming to societal norms; I will stay true to my ideals and continue pushing forward.
I don't know why I've spent time convincing, because I know it's not heart I'm missing.
Although it can be frustrating to have to persuade others or face doubt, I have complete faith in my vision and my ability to achieve it.
The Souls have taught me how to love the music, sadly to a generation that's confusing.
I have been influenced by musicians and artists who create art that speaks to the soul, but I am worried that many people in today's society are more focused on superficial or materialistic concerns.
So leave me to my 'phones, they'll never let me down I know.
To cope with this frustration and anxiety, I turn to music and personal reflection to stay focused on my goals.
I'll stay awake for days and hear my favorite singers say....
Music and art are a source of inspiration and encouragement for me, and I will work tirelessly to bring about positive change in the world.
Do you know what this does to me? It's disheartening and it drives me crazy.
The weight of responsibility and the obstacles I face can be overwhelming and demoralizing at times, but I am determined not to give up.
Contributed by Reagan W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Matthew J
Houston Calls could have been the biggest band on the planet, if only they had been discovered.... Miss you guys
Al Jaranilla
still listening to this... thank you so much uploader!