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.
Wonderful Life
The Tories Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And Bedford Falls is watching
Stones breaking windows
Lasso the Moon for Mary
I wanna feel like George Bailey did
Kissing the staircase and holding his wife
Bells will be ringing when angels get their wings
Oh what a wonderful life
One wish be granted
A life without exisitence
Richer than Potter
A wealth of friends surrounding
I wanna feel like George Bailey did
Kissing the staircase and holding his wife
Bells will be ringing when angels get their wings
It's such a beautiful
Oh what a wonderful life
The lyrics to The Tories' song "Wonderful Life" refer to the iconic Christmas movie "It's a Wonderful Life." The first line references the Gower Drugstore, which was a key location in the movie. Bedford Falls is the fictional town in which the movie takes place, and "Stones breaking windows" refers to the scene in which George Bailey (the singer) and his friend throw rocks at a house that is being built by Potter (the film's antagonist). "Lasso the Moon for Mary" is also a reference to the film, as George Bailey famously tells Mary that he will lasso the moon for her.
The chorus of the song expresses the desire to feel like George Bailey did, particularly in the moments when he is with his wife and when he realizes the impact he has had on the lives of others. The line "Bells will be ringing when angels get their wings" is another direct reference to the film, as it is said by Clarence (George's guardian angel) when he earns his wings.
Overall, the lyrics suggest an appreciation for the simple things in life, such as love and friendship, as well as a recognition of the value of a meaningful existence.
Line by Line Meaning
The Gower Drugstore
The setting of the song, where the story begins.
And Bedford Falls is watching
The town of Bedford Falls is observing the events that will unfold.
Stones breaking windows
Violence and destruction happening in the town.
Lasso the Moon for Mary
A reference to an iconic scene from the movie 'It's a Wonderful Life', where a character named George Bailey go out of his way to do something extremely special for a girl named Mary.
I wanna feel like George Bailey did
The singer wants to feel the sense of joy and satisfaction that George Bailey felt in the movie.
Kissing the staircase and holding his wife
Referencing another iconic scene from the movie, where George Bailey kisses his wife on a staircase.
Bells will be ringing when angels get their wings
Another reference to the movie, where a character says that bells ring every time an angel earns its wings.
It's such a beautiful
The song describes the beauty of life.
Oh what a wonderful life
The song celebrates how wonderful life can be.
One wish be granted
The singer wishes for something special to happen.
A life without existence
The singer is referencing the fact that they wish to be happier than they currently are.
Richer than Potter
Referencing a character named Mr. Potter from the movie who is extremely wealthy.
A wealth of friends surrounding
The singer desires to be surrounded by many close friends.
Contributed by Lucy L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Mr. Green Jeans
20 yrs later.....still a solid album. Saw them at a fair...of course bought their cassette tape.. still have it. Many bands never get a Wonderful life or Gladys Kravitz
Gabriel Klopp
Yup, I totally agree. I bet if this song was released next year at Christmas it would take off!!!!! Great music and this song is as timeless as the movie.
Frank Reiche
Why this band never blew up defies logic, thanks for posting
TimBurVlogs
No kidding. I don't know what went wrong there except my theory has always been they were just too nice to be major rockstars. Back in the day, I must have seen them 50 times at least. And every time they were just the sweetest dudes on and off stage.
Mike Halpern
Song gives me chills
Matt & Jean Howell
Every year I look for this song and every year I still find it here. Thank you!
Adam Miller
So.Solid
Mr. Green Jeans
God im old....lol
Krissi69
Thanks..that means I am too 😆
Ken Herbst
Jellyfish-y