A turning point in Piebald's career came when they recorded seven tracks, and put them on the CD that came to be known as Sometimes Friends Fight. Their musical sound had greatly matured, and Travis' lyrical ability was finally brought to the forefront of the band's music. Another two seven-inches later, Piebald was ready for another metamorphosis.
Eleven tracks recorded at Salad Days became the first record to showcase Piebald's signature sound and wry jokes. Traditionally the most sought-after Piebald recording (before it was immortalized in its entirety on All Ages), When Life Hands You Lemons was considered to be Piebald's best music yet. This release furthered the lyrical style that had been growing within the band, and also showcased the first lead vocals by lead guitarist Aaron Stuart, and a piano track by Shettel.
Following If it Weren't for Venetian Blinds, It Would Be Curtains for Us All, Piebald released their most popular album to date, We Are the Only Friends We Have. It featured the single "American Hearts" which achieved a modicum of success, garnering some mention on MTV and college radio. This, together with the band's signing to respected indie label Big Wheel Recreation brought Piebald their most mainstream attention to that date. This trend was continued when the band signed to the very popular Side One Dummy label and released their next album, and when Piebald was chosen to play 2004's Warped Tour.
The following album, All Ears, All Eyes, All the Time, features noticeably improved vocals by singer Travis Shettel and continues their evolutionary progress toward the piano-driven fare they've tended towards over the last couple of releases, and features such additions as horn sections, increased use of vocal harmonies, and extremely catchy hand-claps.
Piebald's latest album, Accidental Gentleman was released in late January of 2007. Its mix of raw rock and roll and perfected lyricism, which has always set Piebald apart, shows the band at a peak for themselves and the rest of the music industry. With cover songs like the Kinks' "Strangers", front man Travis Shettel brings a whole new generation the universal truths famously broken down by the legendary Ray Davies into three minute pop songs.
Lead singer Travis Shettel has released solo recordrings under the name Totally Travis. Shettel is also a member of LA based The Was.
The band generally only tours during the summer due to lead singer Travis Shettel's day job as an elementary school teacher.
Piebald announced they would be breaking up following the end of their US tour with The Format, Limbeck, Steel Train and Reubens Accomplice. Piebald played their farewell tour in April 2008 with one stop in New York city and two in Cambridge, MA.
New Boston Interlude
Piebald Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Didn't you know this is where we come from?
But now we leave from mountain and desert
Instead of always arriving at them.
You might ask well
Think of Booty Paul
To sin as a saint, you're looking at prov
To sin as a sinner you're looking at life.
Everyone looks at everyone else
Instead of no one looking at anyone.
You might ask, well,
Think of Booty Paul.
A sunny place for shady people, yeah.
The lyrics of Piebald's "New Boston Interlude" suggest a sense of nostalgia and reflection on the band's hometown of Boston, Massachusetts. The opening lines, "Haven't you heard? Haven't you seen?/Didn't you know this is where we come from?" express a sense of pride and belonging to their roots. However, the following lines, "But now we leave from mountain and desert/Instead of always arriving at them," suggest a departure from their hometown and a willingness to explore new places.
The mention of Booty Paul, described as "a sunny place for shady people," adds to the theme of exploration and a desire for adventure. The lines "To sin as a saint, you're looking at prov/To sin as a sinner you're looking at life" may suggest that the band is open to experiencing both the good and the bad in life, rather than conforming to a rigid moral code. The closing lines, "Everyone looks at everyone else/Instead of no one looking at anyone," express a desire for individuality and authenticity in a world where people may conform to societal expectations.
Overall, "New Boston Interlude" is a reflective and introspective song about the band's origins and their desire to explore new places and ideas. It encourages listeners to be true to themselves and not to conform to societal norms.
Line by Line Meaning
Haven't you heard? Haven't you seen?
Have you not been paying attention or observing your surroundings?
Didn't you know this is where we come from?
Were you unaware that our roots and origins are from this place?
But now we leave from mountain and desert
However, we depart from the usual destinations of mountains and deserts.
Instead of always arriving at them.
We choose to break free from the mundane and explore elsewhere.
You might ask well
You may be curious or perplexed
Think of Booty Paul
Consider an unconventional and seedy individual
A sunny place for shady people, yeah.
A seemingly bright and cheerful location that attracts unsavory characters.
To sin as a saint, you're looking at prov
To commit immoral acts while looking pure and holy, you must turn to Prov.
To sin as a sinner you're looking at life.
If you wish to engage in sin as a sinner, just look to life itself.
Everyone looks at everyone else
People tend to observe and judge each other regularly.
Instead of no one looking at anyone.
Rather than nobody paying attention to anyone else.
You might ask, well,
You may still have further queries or doubts.
Think of Booty Paul.
Keep thinking of that shady individual.
A sunny place for shady people, yeah.
Yes, indeed, a place that cleverly masks its sketchy inhabitants.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Alex Molochko
I remember being so disappointed when Anthem of New Boston wasn't on the record. Seemed odd that they included this instead. I used to request New Boston every time I saw the guys play, but they never played it...