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.
Time For You
The Tories Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You're not alone
Seize the day, go and solve the question in your mind
Will love be found?
Time to be all the things that you've dreamed of
Time to see if the fairy tale comes true
Time to see if there's a shoulder you can lean on
Time to be, 'cause now it's time for you
That was left so cold
Try again, never looking back at the false starts
With faith so bold
Time to be all the things that you've dreamed of
Time to see if the fairy tale comes true
Time to see if there's a shoulder you can lean on
Time to be 'cause now it's time for you
And everything is new
More and more you'll find
Strength and peace of mind
I just had to be the one to tell you how
Time to be all the things that you've dreamed of
Time to see if the fairy tale comes true
Time to see if there's a shoulder you can lean on
Time to be 'cause now it's time for you
The Tories's song, "Time For You," is an empowering anthem aimed at encouraging listeners to pursue their dreams and find love. The song begins with the lyrics, "Roll away everything that's tripping up your life, you're not alone." This line speaks to the idea that we all face obstacles in life, but we should not let them hold us back. The next line, "Seize the day, go and solve the question in your mind, will love be found?" is a call to action for listeners to take charge of their lives and pursue love if that is what they desire.
The chorus of the song emphasizes the message of the song, which is that it is "time to be all the things that you've dreamed of." The fairy tale imagery suggests that the song is about finding happiness and fulfillment, and the "shoulder you can lean on" suggests that we all need support as we pursue our dreams. The bridge of the song emphasizes the idea that taking these steps towards achieving our dreams and finding love will lead to "more and more" strength and peace of mind.
Overall, "Time For You" is a song about self-discovery, pursuing happiness, and finding love. It encourages listeners to take charge of their lives, let go of obstacles, and pursue their dreams with boldness and faith.
Line by Line Meaning
Roll away everything that's tripping up your life
Get rid of all the obstacles in your life that are hindering your progress.
You're not alone
You are not the only one facing these challenges.
Seize the day, go and solve the question in your mind
Take advantage of the opportunity and solve the problem that is troubling you.
Will love be found?
Are you going to find the love that you are searching for?
Time to be all the things that you've dreamed of
It's the right time to achieve everything you have ever dreamt of doing.
Time to see if the fairy tale comes true
This is the ideal moment to discover if your dreams can really become a reality.
Time to see if there's a shoulder you can lean on
Now is the time to find out if there is someone you can rely on.
Time to be, 'cause now it's time for you
The time has come for you to start being yourself and doing what you want to do.
Diving in, falling forward, thawing out a heart
Taking risks and moving forward can help you overcome the emotional barriers in your heart.
That was left so cold
Your heart was frozen, but it can become warm and compassionate again.
Try again, never looking back at the false starts
Keep trying, and do not feel discouraged by past failures.
With faith so bold
Have complete faith in your abilities and be daring.
And everything is new
Every day is an opportunity to discover new things.
More and more you'll find
As time passes, you will discover more and more about yourself.
Strength and peace of mind
You will gain mental strength and tranquility.
I just had to be the one to tell you how
I felt the need to share this message with you.
Contributed by Charlie R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@martinsane
The Tories, what an underrated band. 2 very solid releases for just me I guess and then they were gone.
@harrisonite
One of my favorite bands. Such smart/fun pop.
@Cen2050
VERY cool song...been lookin for it for a REAL long time.
@poopsnoopful
Love this song!!
@abelorciopollales1969
Superb! That's music and this is a BAND!!!
@eduardoszell
Jesse!!!
@WKADESIGNS
+Eduardo SzéLL That show brought me here too! That show was so great, I'm so sad it only had two seasons!
@bestinthesmokersworld2422
Yep. 13-year old me is still upset that the show was canceled after two seasons.
@Martonorszag
COOOOOOOL
@anchorpoint3631
Go Bling Go! Go Bling Go!