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.
Strange
The Tories Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I should say it's time we go
Hold my hand and on we will roll
My Friend, My Heart
Ive turned my stones and I know my blood
Dark may come if so I will run
I can't go wrong
These days are strange
Time will burn, break and whither
I should call my sister and brother
My Life's my own
Feed my soul so I will not fall
This time we hold inside these walls
We can't get out
cnd we can't go wrong
These days are strange... but we're ok
We don't need anybody else
cll that we need is in our heart
The world may turn dark and fall a part but I know I'll be with you the in the dust
Close your eyes and breathe, my love
Find your peace with me
We'll be all right
Inside I know
The song "Strange" by The Tories explores themes of companionship, resilience, and finding inner strength during challenging times. The opening lines suggest a sense of readiness to face the unknown, as the singer urges someone to hold their hand and go forward together. The repeated phrase "My Friend, My Heart" accentuates the importance of their bond and solidarity throughout their journey.
The lyrics also reveal a sense of self-awareness and determination. The line "I've turned my stones and I know my blood" suggests that the singer has explored their own experiences and understood their own essence. Even in the face of darkness, they are determined to run and not let it overcome them, confidently asserting that they cannot go wrong.
The chorus, "These days are strange," acknowledges the strangeness and uncertainty of the world, but the subsequent line "but we're okay" suggests a sense of reassurance and optimism in their resilience. It highlights the power of their connection and the belief that they will navigate whatever comes their way.
Overall, the song "Strange" encourages listeners to embrace the unpredictable nature of life and find strength within themselves and their relationships to overcome any challenges that may arise.
Line by Line Meaning
I should say it's time we go
I feel that it's the right moment for us to leave
Hold my hand and on we will roll
Let's hold hands and face whatever challenges come our way together
My Friend, My Heart
You are not just my friend, but also the core of my emotions
Ive turned my stones and I know my blood
I've examined my experiences and understand my essence
Dark may come if so I will run
Difficult times may arise, but I'll actively seek a way out
Inside I know
Deep down, I am certain
I can't go wrong
I cannot make a mistake
These days are strange
The current times are peculiar and unusual
Time will burn, break and wither
Time will relentlessly pass, causing destruction and decay
I should call my sister and brother
I feel the need to reach out to my close family members
My Life's my own
I have full ownership and control over my own life
Feed my soul so I will not fall
Nourish my inner self to prevent any downfall
This time we hold inside these walls
We treasure the present moment within the confines of our space
We can't get out
We are currently unable to escape our situation
And we can't go wrong
And we cannot make any mistakes
These days are strange... but we're okay
These times are extraordinary... but we are managing
We don't need anybody else
We are self-sufficient and don't require anyone else
All that we need is in our heart
Everything essential is already within us
The world may turn dark and fall apart
The world might become chaotic and crumble
But I know I'll be with you in the dust
However, I am confident that I'll be by your side during the hardships
Close your eyes and breathe, my love
Shut your eyes and take deep breaths, my dear
Find your peace with me
Discover tranquility by being in my company
We'll be all right
We will be fine
Inside I know
Deep down, I am certain
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Retired Bore
Remember that these are the same people who selected Johnson and Truss, and have no sympathy. They sowed the wind...
Double
They don’t suffer any of the consequences
Retired Bore
@Double They've lost their expenses for doing no work.
Etgha
they shall reap the whirlwind
Tezna
@Double pension stacked, house probably paid off, good 5x roi on that xD
J F
Exactly. The whole position of being of being a Tory is to serve yourself. If you have money we’ll look after you. If you don’t, that’s your own fault and you can get lost. I have zero sympathy for these councillors.
Joe M
She chooses to associate with them, and cries when she gets called out. No sympathy
Darceys_Dad
I hate the torries but Carol is actually a lovely lady and when my bin lid was broken it took ages and one message to her and the next day was fixed
Neil
@Darceys_Dad Good for her, and I'm sure she is, but she's still a Tory and ultimately that means she's a bit of a goon at some stage in her thinking.
Darceys_Dad
@Neil the rich need representation too, poor torries are the real goons