Before forming the Dream Syndicate, Wynn played guitar in the Davis, California-based band The Suspects, whose members included vocalist Kendra Smith (who later played bass in the Dream Syndicate) and Russ Tolman and Gavin Blair (who would form True West (band)); in 1979 they released a single, "It's Up to You" b/w "Talking Loud." Two years later, under the name 15 Minutes, he self-released another single, "Last Chance for You" b/w "That's What You Always Say" (later performed by the Dream Syndicate), which owed much to Joy Division.
Though they were popular with critics, an influence on other musicians, and signed briefly to a major label, The Dream Syndicate were never really commercially successful. They did establish, however, the fan base on which Wynn built his solo career.
Since 1990, Wynn has released a number of albums exploring various musical styles. His first solo album, Kerosene Man, included backing work by bassist Fernando Saunders (a frequent sideman of Lou Reed, to whom Wynn was often compared early in his career), drummer D.J. Bonebrake from the L.A. punk band X, Howe Gelb of Giant Sand and saxophonist Steve Berlin from Los Lobos. Peter Buck, from R.E.M., played on its follow-up, Dazzling Display, and co-wrote the title song. Backing on Melting in the Dark (1996) was provided by the Boston band Come.
Here Come the Miracles (2001) was his best-selling solo album to date, and the best-reviewed, appearing at year's end on numerous critical Top Ten lists.
In 1985, Wynn wrote a collection of songs with Dan Stuart of Green on Red, and recorded and released them as Danny and Dusty. This collaboration was revisited in 2007 for a second Danny & Dusty album. In the '90s he was a part of the indie supergroup Gutterball along with Stephen McCarthy of The Long Ryders and Brian Harvey and Johnny Hott of House of Freaks. In 2008 Wynn and his wife Linda Pitmon collaborated with Scott McCaughey (The Minus 5) and Peter Buck (R.E.M., The Minus 5) for a record with songs about legendary baseball players - this collaboration is known as The Baseball Project.
The double CD From a Man of Mysteries: A Steve Wynn Tribute was released by the German label Blue Rose in 2004 and features Wynn's songs performed by the likes of Concrete Blonde, the Silos, Chuck Prophet, The Minus 5 and others.
Wynn also records as Steve Wynn & The Miracle 3.
Wynn is at present more popular in Europe than in the United States. While domestic tours are rare, he continues to perform regularly overseas.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Wynn_%28songwriter%29
Sunset to the Sea
Steve Wynn Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Tops out at 135 and that's all I need
I got the tape deck on, Martha Reeves on the box
Going mile by mile, tethered to the leather
Gonna be the death of me
Sunset to the Sea
It's been 17 years since I walked away
You shouldn't have anything that you're afraid to leave
Going mile by mile, tethered to the leather
Gonna be the death of me
Sunset to the sea
I had a few shots back in East LA
If I see those red flashing lights I'm not giving way
What's a few more shots gonna mean to me?
Going mile by mile, tethered to the leather
Gonna be the death of me
Sunset to the sea
The first verse of Steve Wynn's song Sunset to the Sea speaks of fast cars and driving with Martha Reeves blasting from the tape deck. The singer has a need for speed and is content with driving at the maximum speed of 135mph. He feels tethered to his leather seats and understands that this might be the death of him. The second verse points out how it's been 17 years since the singer walked away from someone or something. The reason remains unclear, and he no longer cares why he did so. He believes that you shouldn't possess anything in life that you are afraid to leave. The final verse speaks of the singer's tendency to drink a few too many shots while driving in East LA. He is not afraid to break laws and disregards the consequences of his actions. He rationalizes his behavior by wondering what a few more shots would mean to him.
Overall, Sunset to the Sea is a song about living on the edge, taking risks, and feeling invincible. It speaks to the thrill-seeker in all of us who enjoys taking chances with our lives, whether it be through fast cars, risky behavior, or leaving someone or something behind. The three verses in the song are connected by a common thread of mile by mile, tethered to the leather, which conveys a sense of being trapped by one's own choices.
Line by Line Meaning
This old V6, it's built for speed
My car is made for quick driving
Tops out at 135 and that's all I need
I don't need to go faster than 135 mph
I got the tape deck on, Martha Reeves on the box
I'm listening to music on my tape player
Going mile by mile, tethered to the leather
I'm driving slowly and carefully
Gonna be the death of me
Driving carefully is going to be the end of me
Sunset to the Sea
I'm driving from the sunset towards the sea
It's been 17 years since I walked away
I left something behind 17 years ago
I didn't know why then, I don't care today
I didn't have a reason for leaving and I don't care now
You shouldn't have anything that you're afraid to leave
Don't be attached to material possessions
I had a few shots back in East LA
I drank alcohol in East LA
If I see those red flashing lights I'm not giving way
I won't stop for the police
What's a few more shots gonna mean to me?
A few more drinks won't make a difference
Contributed by Blake B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.