The Tories debut album "Wonderful Life" establishes the band's trademark power pop sound, and features some of their most memorable music.
The Tories are:
Steve Bertrand - Vocals, guitar
JJ Farris - Guitar, vocals
James Guffee - Bass, vocals
Brent Klopp - Drums
Album - The Upside of Down
The Tories have been to the other side and back. Steve Bertrand (vocals/guitar), James Guffee (bass/vocals) and J.J. Farris (guitar/vocals) have faced many changes and upheavals that would have shattered even the strongest of bands. From the parting of a member to the loss of family, The Tories have overcome their adversity to create the beautifully haunting The Upside of Down, the follow up release to their 1997 debut Wonderful Life.
Exploring a darker sound that retains elements of hope and humor on this sophomore effort, The Upside of Down encapsulates the spirit of this band. "It's sort of a starting over for us and that's what we really want to celebrate," says Bertrand. "It's been an incredibly difficult time, but it's a new day. The core of the band is still together, and we're very proud of the record we have made." Bryan Head (Black Lab) on drums rounds out this quartet and brings to the band a driving energy that is a mighty addition to their live shows.
Formed in Los Angeles in 1995, The Tories quickly found themselves in the middle of record/publishing offers after only six months of playing together. It was only when legendary producer Phil Ramone entered the picture that their dreams were realized. After signing with Ramone's own N2K Records, The Tories soon found themselves on the road tirelessly touring and promoting their debut album. "Gladys Kravitz," the first single and video from Wonderful Life, went top ten on M2. Billboard Magazine called the record "pure pop heaven." The band spent the summer of 1998 on the road with the VH-1 Rock Across America Tour as well as appearing on Entertainment Tonight, The Magic Johnson Show, The Keenan Ivory Wayans Show, E! Entertainment, ESPN, Viva Variety, USA Network and many other television programs. The tour also included dates in Europe. "We would see people in the audience in Spain or France, who could not even speak English but would be singing the lyrics to our songs," says Bertrand. "That's when it hit me how powerful music is. I'm always blown away when someone approaches me to tell me how much one of our songs has meant to them. Music is such a powerful medium and communicates so much."
After a whirlwind year of touring, it was at a hometown show that producer Gavin MacKillop (Toad the Wet Sprocket) approached the band to write and record the theme song for the NBC sitcom Jesse starring Christina Applegate. "We were so on that night", says Farris. "After being on the road so long, we were like a machine!" They went on to write the theme song "Time for You" as well as perform the underscore for the entire show. After two successful seasons in the top ten, The Tories were rewarded with the 1999 and 2000 ASCAP Film and Television Awards.
The Upside of Down was produced by The Tories and multi-talented Stuart Brawley (Foo Fighters, Don Henley, Michael Jackson.) "We couldn¹t have made this record without him," says Guffee. "It was a labor of love, and we're very grateful for his talent and contribution to the album." Brawley and renowned mix engineers James "Jimbo" Barton, Gavin MacKillop and Joe Chiccarelli deftly handled the mixing duties. Recorded almost entirely at home and rehearsal, this record is a fierce 11-song collection that still embraces the trademark Tories sound, but reflects a more seasoned approach. "Point of View" speaks of the splintering of friendships as the band found success early on. "The End" raises the sarcastic question, "What am I doing with my life?" to the beat of a marching band.
From the longing opening chords of "Would You Notice," to the transparent candor of "All The World's For Sale," The Tories plant new seeds in familiar soil. The result is the powerful The Upside of Down, a contemplative and confident record that's sure to please those who loved Wonderful Life as well as open the door to countless new fans.
Come Unglued
The Tories Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Know all the answers, but it's hard to know
Self-condemnation for the seeds I've sown
I'm thinking about you now
The last friend who spoke with you
With opened eyes and ears unplugged it's true
Do you know how bad I hurt inside because of you
It's hard to say that you were my first love
You gave your last name up so easily
I know that love can blind a heart of greed
But other motives and a card of green
New Year's Eve, justified somehow
The last time I spoke to you
With opened eyes and ears unplugged it's true
Do you know how bad I hurt inside because of you
Everything about you has made me come unglued
It's hard to say that you were my first love
The last time i spoke of you
With opened eyes and ears unplugged
Do you know how bad i hurt inside because of you
Everything about you has made me come unglued
Do you know how bad I hurt inside because of you
Everything about you has made me
Everything about me has come unglued
The Tories's song "Come Unglued" delves into the aftermath of a failed relationship and the struggle to move on from it. In the first verse, the singer is hesitant to leave their current whereabouts, feeling overwhelmed with the weight of their past decisions. They confess to having all the answers but still struggling to come to terms with the mistakes they have made. The line "Self-condemnation for the seeds I've sown" illustrates their sense of guilt and remorse for their actions and its outcomes.
The chorus highlights the pain the singer feels due to the breakup, singling out their former partner's actions as the cause for their emotional distress. The mention of their former partner giving up their last name easily could signify their lack of care or investment in the relationship. The line "Everything about you has made me come unglued" portrays the singer as unraveling under the weight of their pain, and the repetition of the phrase "do you know how bad I hurt inside because of you" emphasizes their desire for their former partner to understand the depth of their pain.
The second verse continues the same themes, with the singer expressing how tough it is to label their former partner as their "first love" due to the pain and hurt caused. The line "I know that love can blind a heart of greed" implies that their partner may have had ulterior motives for being in the relationship, which contributed to their breakup. The final repetition of the chorus shows that the singer is still struggling to move on and feeling more and more unhinged because of their former partner's actions.
Line by Line Meaning
Put on my jacket, but don't want to go
I am physically preparing to leave, but mentally am reluctant to do so.
Know all the answers, but it's hard to know
I possess intellectual understanding, but emotional comprehension is a challenge.
Self-condemnation for the seeds I've sown
I am critical of myself for the negative consequences of my past actions.
I'm thinking about you now
The person I am addressing is currently occupying my thoughts.
The last friend who spoke with you
The most recent person I know who had a conversation with you.
With opened eyes and ears unplugged it's true
This individual was attentive and impartial in their interaction with you.
Do you know how bad I hurt inside because of you
You've caused me significant emotional distress, but you may not be aware of it.
Everything about you has made me come unglued
Every aspect of your being has had a considerable negative impact on my emotional stability.
It's hard to say that you were my first love
Although it is difficult to admit, you were once the primary object of my romantic affection.
You gave your last name up so easily
You agreed to change your surname with little hesitation or reluctance.
I know that love can blind a heart of greed
I am aware that infatuation can obscure an individual's selfish motives.
But other motives and a card of green
Besides love, there were other motivations, possibly financial gain.
New Year's Eve, justified somehow
The change of surname occurred on New Year's Eve, but there may have been some rationale or justification for this timing.
The last time I spoke to you
The latest instance in which I engaged in conversation with you.
Do you know how bad i hurt inside because of you
Once again conveying the depth of emotional pain resulting from your actions.
Everything about you has made me come unglued
Reiterating that every attribute you possess has had a negative effect on my emotional state.
Everything about me has come unglued
My mental and emotional health has significantly deteriorated as a result of my experiences with you.
Contributed by Ian N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.