Dave Alvin, the group's primary songwriter, left the band in 1986 for a critically-acclaimed solo career. He was initially replaced on guitar by Hollywood Fats (birth name: Michael L. Mann) who appeared with them at Farm Aid. Phil Alvin has led various incarnations of The Blasters intermittently since then, including a few reunion tours and live albums of the original lineup. Personnel as of 2008 was Phil Alvin together with John Bazz, Keith Wyatt, and Bill Bateman.
The Blasters stink of rockabilly. A unique part of the Los Angeles punk scene of the 1980s, they project the essence of small streets of post-war neighborhoods, car culture and the sun-bleached concrete of Downey, California. They are lead by Phil Alvin's soulful bellowing about causing chaos, chasing women and the loss of the citrus groves. Influenced by the likes of The Rolling Stones, Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, and many others who came and went during the 1950's, The Blasters play the songs of the working man's curse and rock and roll romance. Founding members Phil Alvin and John Bazz, with the addition of Keith Wyatt on lead guitar and Jerry Angel on drums, are carrying on their hard-won legacy of one of the most credible and recognizable bands in Americana music.
The Blasters first started playing in the late 70's, hammering out burning rhythm & blues and roots-influenced rock and roll in biker bars in their hometown of Downey, California. It wasn't long before word about the band's searing live sets spread to Los Angeles, and the band carved out a name for itself in the city's burgeoning club scene. Along with X and Los Lobos, the Blasters became an LA favorite. They enjoyed a punk rock following to their bluesy straightforward rock, playing to the fans of the newfangled American punk rock movement that was just at its beginning. Their debut recording on the small but feisty Rollin' Rock label has since become a coveted collector's item.
Soon thereafter, they began attracting the attention of other record companies. The band was on the crest of the wave during the resurgence of American roots rock, a genre they helped define with their debut album "American Music." Many have tried to imitate The Blasters' sound but no one has been able to harness the passion and perseverance with which they play. With a tradition of producing timeless and meaningful songs, touring extensively, and collaborating with some of the most respected roots rock artists, like John Cougar Mellencamp and Lee Allen.
The Blasters have continually stayed true to their original vision: to play songs built on America's greatest musical traditions. Upon Dave Alvin's departure to pursue a solo career in August of 1986, the band was as strong as ever and riding high on their success. After rigorously touring, The Blasters took some time off the road to reflect and work on new material. At that time, a number of major films hit theaters featuring The Blasters tunes including Bull Durham ("So Long Baby, Goodbye) and Some One To Watch Over Me ("Marie, Marie").
The Blasters spent the next few years attempting to find a guitar player suitable to measure up to the impeccable standards by which The Blasters play. The band met veteran guitar maestro, Keith Wyatt. 4-11-44 is The Blasters' fifth studio album. It is fourteen tracks of their signature rock and blues. Phil Alvin's vocals are as powerful and true as they ever were and the band follows through with steady, raucous riffs and rhythms. Their music continues to be used frequently in dark, pulp films and television shows such as From Dusk to Dawn, Streets of Fire, and Six Feet Under. Originally released in the UK in 2004, 4-11-44 was released on Rainman Records in August of 2005.
Marie Marie
The Blasters Lyrics
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Playing guitar on the back porch
I sit in my car
While she sings so sad
Marie Marie
It's so lonely in these farmlands
Please come with me
To the bright lights downtown
I said, "Hey, pretty girl Don't you understand
I just want to be your loving man"
Marie Marie
The sun is down in the corn fields
The evening is dark
And you sing so sad
Marie Marie
Marie Marie
I got two weeks in back pay
There's gas in my car
And your folks say I must go
I said, "Hey, pretty girl Don't you understand
I just want to be your loving man"
Marie Marie
Marie Marie
Playing guitar on the back porch
I leave in my car
While you sing so sad
Marie Marie
The song "Marie Marie" by The Blasters was written by the band's guitarist, Dave Alvin, and it tells the story of a man who is captivated by a woman named Marie Marie, who sings and plays guitar on her back porch in a rural area. The man is drawn to her and wants to take her from the loneliness of the farmlands to experience the bright lights of downtown. He wants to be her loving man, but there are obstacles standing in their way. He only has two weeks' worth of money, and her family won't let him stay. Despite this, he still feels a strong connection to Marie Marie and can't resist her sad and beautiful singing.
The lyrics of "Marie Marie" are a perfect example of storytelling through music. The words convey the man's deep longing for Marie Marie, and the stark contrast between the bleakness of the farmlands and the allure of the city. The repetition of Marie Marie's name in the chorus adds to the sense of infatuation and obsession that the man feels for her. The sadness in her singing also adds to the melancholic tone of the song, creating a bittersweet narrative.
Line by Line Meaning
Marie Marie
The singer is addressing a girl named Marie twice to grab her attention.
Playing guitar on the back porch
Marie is playing guitar on the back porch, indicating that she has skills in music.
I sit in my car
The singer is sitting in his car, viewing Marie playing guitar from a distance.
While she sings so sad
The singer is listening to Marie singing a sad song and empathizes with her by observing her expressions.
Marie Marie
The singer addresses Marie again to ask her to come with him.
It's so lonely in these farmlands
The singer is stating that he finds the countryside lonely, and that he's looking for some form of companionship.
Please come with me
The singer pleads Marie to come with him because he wants to show her the bright lights of downtown.
To the bright lights downtown
The singer is implying that he wants to take Marie to a more stimulating and exciting environment in the city.
Marie Marie
The singer addresses Marie for the third time, telling her that he wants to be her lover.
I said, "Hey, pretty girl Don't you understand
The singer is trying to charm Marie by calling her pretty and expressing his desire to be her lover.
I just want to be your loving man"
The singer is requesting Marie to be in a romantic relationship with him.
Marie Marie
The singer addresses Marie once more, signifying that the day has turned to night.
The sun is down in the corn fields
The singer points out that the sun has set into the corn fields, indicating the time of day.
The evening is dark
The singer remarks about the darkness of the approaching evening.
And you sing so sad
Marie continues to sing sorrowful songs, adding to the melancholic ambiance of the night.
Marie Marie
The singer addresses Marie for the final time, saying that he has two weeks of pay and gasoline in his car.
I got two weeks in back pay
The singer has some money, which suggests that he may be in a better position to pursue Marie.
There's gas in my car
The singer has a means of transportation and is ready to hit the road.
And your folks say I must go
Marie's family is not comfortable with the singer's presence and wants him to leave their property.
I said, "Hey, pretty girl Don't you understand
The singer is making a final plea to Marie to be his lover, regardless of what her family thinks.
I just want to be your loving man"
The singer is reiterating his desire to be in a loving relationship with Marie.
Marie Marie
The final line of the song repeats the singer's sentiment that Marie is playing guitar on the back porch as he leaves.
Lyrics ยฉ BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: DAVE ALVIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@brassteeth3355
Phil and Dave are national treasures.
@juliewycoff892
Saw the Blasters and Los Lobos as a double bill at the Coffeehouse on the UC Davis campus in 1983. About 75 people in the place. What a show! Incredible energy.
@alexasaltz4229
I was there too!!!
@jimferris9447
I saw the Blasters around โ82 or โ83 at the long lost, legendary Mississippi Nights in Saint Louis. A few weeks later, I saw Los Lobos at the same club. In-between shows, saxophonist Steve Berlin moved over from the Blasters to Los Lobos, so I saw him at both shows. I knew a local music critic and used to frequently sit with him. He would interview the artists in break, etc. I said to Berlin โHey - I just saw you, pal!โ He chuckled and said โI remember you guys! That was a great show!โ I told him this one is too.
@yoseprohayadi3547
2020 who is still watching
@kevintihista665
Right here!
@jackwynne2823
@@kevintihista665 same
@idolthreatpodcast2138
2021
@suzukinez
2022
@DenverDerwood
Englewood, Colorado checking in..