The band followed in 2000 with Social Icon, a blistering album filled with dead-on harmonies and infectious pop hooks delivered with an attitude. Along with 10 original tracks, Left Front Tire acknowledged the full range of their musical influences - not to mention their roots - with a cover of Hank Williams Jr.'s "A Country Boy Can Survive."
Social Icon, produced by Rick Beato (Mike Lee, King Konga) and released on the band's own Gladiator Records, sold over 5,000 copies. Earning a reputation as a high-energy live band, Left Front Tire not only grabbed the attention of pop-punk fans throughout the Southeast club circuit but also in the music industry. This reputation - and their ability to back it up - led to performances in front of huge crowds at Atlanta alternative rock station 99X's "Big Day Out" and Music Midtown (Atlanta, GA's largest outdoor festival).
In 2001, Left Front Tire's song "Bring You Down" was added as the third track on the American Pie 2 soundtrack just behind Blink 182 and Green Day and before the likes of Uncle Kracker, American Hi-Fi and Alien Ant Farm. In late 2001, 99X added the single to their rotation.
Now, after a decade spent honing their sound, recording and playing live dates, stacking up an impressive resume along the way, Left Front Tire is poised to release it's first album with The Redeye Label, 42 Ways to Lose a Friend. The album's title came about through a conversation the band had in their tour van during one outing. "It was one of those 'on the road' conversations," recalls drummer Josh Davis. "We actually counted up the girls we had known that more than one of us had dated; first it was 10, then when we got to 42 we were like, 'Ohmigod, this is so embarrassing,'" he says, laughing. "The reason we selected that for the name of record is that it reflects our lives in between the last record and this record - growing up, becoming a man, and the terrible things we did to each other. Somehow, we all got through it, 'cause we're all best friends in the world."
Frontman Chip Dillard couldn't agree more. "We went in a little foggy but we hacked through it, and it was just like, 'Wow, we finally did it,'" he says, talking about making the album. "I am more proud of this record than anything we've done yet; we put a lot of blood, sweat and tears type stuff in it. It's what we meant to convey - in a good way."
Left Front Tire's music is the sound of combustible youth, the impending chaos of punk rock, the sing-along melody of pop and the wisdom of performers experienced beyond their years. In short, it's damn good and it's about time you heard what you've been missing up until now. The band's third
CD, 42 Ways to Lose a Friend, hits the streets July 15, 2003!
However shortly after signing with Red Eye Records, LFT decided to call it quits. They played their final show at the 40-watt club in Athens, Georgia, in the fall of 2005.
LEFT FRONT TIRE FACTS...
Left Front Tire has:
* appeared on the American Pie 2 soundtrack (one of the top ten grossing movies of 2001)
* sold 5000+ copies of the independent release Social Icon
* had the #1 selling CD at Athensmusic.net for 2002 (an online retail store for all Athens, GA music)
* the single "Bring You Down" was added at 99X (one of the country's top modern rock stations)
* just toured the UK (Dates in Scotland, England & Wales) (Sept 2002)
* headlined a Warped Tour date in Atlanta, performed during Atlanta's inaugural On the Bricks concert series. performed at Music Midtown for two straight years' performed at Atlanta's Big Day Out for two straight years, performed at 99X's Downtown Rocks concert series (summer 2002)
* supported tour dates for American HiFi, SR-71 & Butch Walker
* wrote & recorded soundtrack songs for New Line Cinema
Left Front Tire is...
Chip Dillard - lead vocals, guitar
Josh Davis - drums, vocals
Brent Dobbs - guitar (left the band in between albums)
Justin Holcomb - guitar, vocals
Brent Reems - bass
Discography:
Left Front Tire (1996) - Independent
Social Icon (2000) - Gladiator Records
42 Ways to Lose a Friend (2003) - The Redeye Label
Therapy
Left Front Tire Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A shelter from your storm
And only you can see me here
And if I concentrate
I'll think of better things to say
And you won't feel so lonely
It's just that side of me
To bring you up when you're shot down
For what it's worth I'll call you catastrophe
It's the most beautiful name I know
And if you come to me in hard times
I'll give you everything you need
And you can call me therapy
And if I fall away
You know that I'll be back someday
To help you through the next one
And if I try today
To pick up on my past mistakes
Maybe you'll forget them
It's just that side of me
To bring you up when you're shot down
I know you'll be around
For what it's worth I'll call you catastrophe
It's the most beautiful name I know
And if you come to me in hard times
I'll give you everything you need
And you can call me therapy
For what it's worth I'll call you catastrophe
It's the most beautiful name I know
And if you come to me in hard times
I'll give you everything you need
And you can call me therapy
"Therapy" by Left Front Tire is a song about being someone's source of comfort and support in their time of need. The song opens up with the lyrics "It's just that side of me, a shelter from your storm. And only you can see me here." These lyrics suggest that the singer is offering themselves as a haven for someone they care about, a place where they can let their guard down and be themselves. The lyrics also hint at the idea that the singer is only visible to the person they're singing to, which could be interpreted as a metaphor for the intimate, private nature of the relationship.
The following lyrics "And if I concentrate, I'll think of better things to say, and you won't feel so lonely" suggest that the singer is actively trying to help the person he cares about feel better. The lyrics that follow "It's just that side of me to bring you up when you're shot down, I know you'll be around" reemphasize the singer's desire to be there for the person he cares about in their time of need. The chorus "For what it's worth I'll call you catastrophe, it's the most beautiful name I know, and if you come to me in hard times, I'll give you everything you need, and you can call me therapy" reinforces the idea that the singer is offering themselves as a source of support and comfort, even labeling themselves "therapy" for the person they care about.
Taken as a whole, the song expresses the idea that sometimes all someone needs is a safe space to be themselves, and someone to comfort and support them in their time of need.
Line by Line Meaning
It's just that side of me
This part of my personality is always here to help you through difficult times.
A shelter from your storm
I will protect you and provide comfort when you are going through tough situations.
And only you can see me here
I am here to support you in your struggles, but only you can see and feel my presence.
And if I concentrate
If I focus my thoughts and intentions, I could help you even more.
I'll think of better things to say
I will try to come up with more encouraging, uplifting words to make you feel better.
And you won't feel so lonely
By offering my support and companionship, you will not feel alone in your struggles.
To bring you up when you're shot down
My purpose is to lift you up and provide strength when you feel defeated.
I know you'll be around
I have faith in you and believe that you will overcome whatever challenges come your way.
For what it's worth I'll call you catastrophe
I see the beauty in the way you face adversity and am proud of the strength you show in difficult times.
And if you come to me in hard times
If you need me during your struggles, I will be here for you.
I'll give you everything you need
I am willing to offer all the support and help you require to overcome your struggles.
And you can call me therapy
I want to be the source of healing and comfort for you; I am here to be your therapy.
And if I fall away
If for any reason I am not able to be there for you at some point, please remember that it's not because I don't care.
You know that I'll be back someday
I hope to reconcile any issues and be able to support you again in the future.
To help you through the next one
I am committed to being here for you and supporting you through any future hardships.
And if I try today
I want to make an effort and improve myself to better serve and help you.
To pick up on my past mistakes
I am acknowledging my shortcomings and flaws and working to correct them to be a better support system for you.
Maybe you'll forget them
My hope is that my past mistakes will not hinder our relationship and that you will still trust and rely on me for support.
Lyrics © Ultra Tunes, THE ROYALTY NETWORK INC., Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: India Arie, Dru Castro, Marshall Leathers, Roy Morgan, Alonzo Stevenson, Writers Unknown, ANDREW LUIS CASTRO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Dann Brauckmann
I just got REAL nostalgic, y'all. Justin, Chip, Reems and Josh. It's Dann Brauckmann! Hope y'all are doing great! I simply NEEDED to hear this album tonight.
zikxer
Amazing song :D
Chris Wascom
Takes me back to some great nights in Athens GA, saw them every chance I got, miss this band so much.
W Costa
They are getting back together! They are from my home town so it's the big bizz around here right now.
Leon Fischer
the song is very great
heartandfirecretanpots Jocsen
American pie 2! i was searching for the whole album since 2001!!!
Loutre Cuidance, La Loutre Qui Dance.
Merci beaucoup...