If you’re a fan of indie rock’s recent past, then you’re familiar with the … Read Full Bio ↴If you’re a fan of indie rock’s recent past, then you’re familiar with the work of guitarist and singer/songwriter Ryan Ferguson. Ferguson has been a lynchpin of the San Diego music community since his high school days. He first came to international attention with his band No Knife. This seminal Southern California band toured throughout the world with prominent rock acts such as Jimmy Eat World, Cursive and Sunny Day Real Estate. Influencing many burgeoning artists of the time, No Knife earned four San Diego Music Awards before their untimely break up in 2003.
Going solo, Ferguson issued the acoustic based Three, Four in 2005. Self-released and supported by a U.S. tour with Switchfoot, the five-song EP sold thousands of copies through mail order and touring. The album’s lead track, Suddenly, was interpreted for The Sims 2 (Electronic Arts) and swiftly added to regular rotation at San Diego’s trendsetting 91X and Indie 103.1 Los Angeles. Three, Four scored a San Diego Music Award for ‘Best Pop Album’, with a tight collection of songs that set the bar even higher for future albums.
Ferguson’s latest work is the culmination of a lifetime of influences. With Only Trying to Help, he expands his sonic palette and pop sensibilities, but loses none of his intensity. A lifelong San Diegan, Ferguson grew up in the 80’s. He was a songwriter by the time he hit 7th grade, having absorbed the music of previous decades. “I was way into The Boss when I was a kid,” laughs Ferguson, “And my uncle made me an instant Beatles fan by the time I was 12.”
Fans of hook-filled songwriting in the grand tradition of Jellyfish and Brian Wilson on one end, and Wire or Superchunk on the other, will find Only Trying to Help essential listening. Ferguson has crafted a unique sound full of swirling acoustic six strings, double tracked vocals and chimes, all fused with his signature bombastic electric guitar. The effect is breathtaking as he wrings every last bit of melody out of each song. Over a year in the making, Only Trying to Help hits a little harder emotionally than Ferguson’s past projects. A glance at the lyric sheet shows some heavy times indeed, but the pop edge of the tunes keep them from being melancholy.
“Because of the delicate subject matter, my goal was to write a real powerful record. One that people won’t forget too easily.” Ferguson succeeds. Despite a glossy pop edge and solid hooks throughout, the songs contain an intimacy that’s quite affecting.
In addition to producing, Ferguson plays nearly every instrument on Only Trying to Help, including drums on In the Sea. Now known as a fiery guitarist, Ferguson was originally a drummer. “I really got into Rocket from the Crypt,” says Ferguson, explaining the switch, which saw him helming No Knife through four albums. Inspired by guitarists such as John Reis and aMinature’s John Lee, Ferguson blazed a trail of manic post punk rock ‘n’ roll lasting nearly a decade.
“I’ve always written pop music, so these songs aren’t too far off from what I’ve always done," remarks Ferguson. And while his analogy might ring true on an anthemic rocker like Remission, the string and harmony-laden ballad Must be Friday Night shows a real progression in song craft. “I’m always thinking about new melodies. That’s why I keep a little digital recorder handy.”
http://www.myspace.com/RyanFerguson
Going solo, Ferguson issued the acoustic based Three, Four in 2005. Self-released and supported by a U.S. tour with Switchfoot, the five-song EP sold thousands of copies through mail order and touring. The album’s lead track, Suddenly, was interpreted for The Sims 2 (Electronic Arts) and swiftly added to regular rotation at San Diego’s trendsetting 91X and Indie 103.1 Los Angeles. Three, Four scored a San Diego Music Award for ‘Best Pop Album’, with a tight collection of songs that set the bar even higher for future albums.
Ferguson’s latest work is the culmination of a lifetime of influences. With Only Trying to Help, he expands his sonic palette and pop sensibilities, but loses none of his intensity. A lifelong San Diegan, Ferguson grew up in the 80’s. He was a songwriter by the time he hit 7th grade, having absorbed the music of previous decades. “I was way into The Boss when I was a kid,” laughs Ferguson, “And my uncle made me an instant Beatles fan by the time I was 12.”
Fans of hook-filled songwriting in the grand tradition of Jellyfish and Brian Wilson on one end, and Wire or Superchunk on the other, will find Only Trying to Help essential listening. Ferguson has crafted a unique sound full of swirling acoustic six strings, double tracked vocals and chimes, all fused with his signature bombastic electric guitar. The effect is breathtaking as he wrings every last bit of melody out of each song. Over a year in the making, Only Trying to Help hits a little harder emotionally than Ferguson’s past projects. A glance at the lyric sheet shows some heavy times indeed, but the pop edge of the tunes keep them from being melancholy.
“Because of the delicate subject matter, my goal was to write a real powerful record. One that people won’t forget too easily.” Ferguson succeeds. Despite a glossy pop edge and solid hooks throughout, the songs contain an intimacy that’s quite affecting.
In addition to producing, Ferguson plays nearly every instrument on Only Trying to Help, including drums on In the Sea. Now known as a fiery guitarist, Ferguson was originally a drummer. “I really got into Rocket from the Crypt,” says Ferguson, explaining the switch, which saw him helming No Knife through four albums. Inspired by guitarists such as John Reis and aMinature’s John Lee, Ferguson blazed a trail of manic post punk rock ‘n’ roll lasting nearly a decade.
“I’ve always written pop music, so these songs aren’t too far off from what I’ve always done," remarks Ferguson. And while his analogy might ring true on an anthemic rocker like Remission, the string and harmony-laden ballad Must be Friday Night shows a real progression in song craft. “I’m always thinking about new melodies. That’s why I keep a little digital recorder handy.”
http://www.myspace.com/RyanFerguson
Must Be Friday Night
Ryan Ferguson Lyrics
We have lyrics for these tracks by Ryan Ferguson:
And I Worry I've been getting fed up. Oh, so sick of this big…
Future Reservation You tried to walk the line But tripped on it every…
In The Sea So come on We've got to make it out to the…
Introduction Excuse my introduction My head forgets to function Instead m…
Kill My Confidence The only thing I ever cried about, I lied about…
Not On My Watch So what the hell do we know Our response is much…
On Elvira Street One two, one two three four What an awful start To thi…
Remission Please take those bad thoughts far away And remind us all…
Suddenly Suddenly - Ryan Ferguson Suddenly I just found myself waiti…
The Imposter So this account is overdrawn again? Have I forgotten to put…
Wait For Me There I don't mind if you sit beside me In everything…
Windshield Any way Any way, I can help you through the day I…
The lyrics are frequently found in the comments by searching or by filtering for lyric videos
More Genres
No Artists Found
More Artists
Load All
No Albums Found
More Albums
Load All
No Tracks Found
Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Search results not found
Song not found
Obi-Wan Kenobi
So, so many mistakes were made in a single scene.
1. Dwight didn't give anyone a spare key
2. No one could remember Hank's name
3. No one gave him a tip last Christmas
4. Pam hit Meredith in the face with a football
5. Toby put his hand of Pam's leg
6. No one told told Hank the cleaning ladies let them out
So many failures, such little time.
T H
I always loved that Creed knows Hank's name but can't remember the names of his co-workers.
ramees
Why do you love that?
I am a Pokerface
ok
Kuratian
maybe because he's a security threat
TeaInTheMorning4929
That actually makes sense to me somehow.
Michael Kraft
Creed? She's a black sassy lady
AdamG1983
I like how Jim didn't even get pissed off ...he genuinely blanked out as a human being
Woman of culture
Guys you don't need to instantly resort to violence to support your fragile ego
violence is just a tool to defend yourself or close ones. Only draw the sword when you are prepared to qill someone
choose tool appropriate for situation not to hide your insecurities.
But if you use violence when such necessity arises and there's no other way do it swiftly and decisively with maximum impact and be prepared to live with the consequences. because everything has a price
Dreadnought21KH
@Joe Dorben Dwight is there to protect everyone. So why fighting by yourself ? Also, Michael is prob a wimp too, but he still gets Holly.
The more you know Fools
@Michael L That’s true. I remember him running from Robert California and Andy.