by Joe Fielder
We're particularly big fans of Ventura-based indie-pop act The Spires. The group released their latest album Forever City Chorus recently and we asked singer Jason Bays to write a few words on the meaning or making of five songs on the album.
Here's Jason:
We recorded the basic tracks for this record live at our practice spot/studio over Christmas last year and added vocals, guitar overdubs, etc. Sporadically over the following months, mixing along the way. Our friend J Dullum engineered, played piano and sang backing vocals on a couple tunes. I think he has now vowed to never record anyone again having gone through The Spires wringer. All the positive vibes in the world are no match for my incessant nit-picking. We wish him well at the sanitarium. It was mastered by Carl Saff.
"Waves"
Started off as a faster lamer song until Catie figured out it should be slow -- like cough syrup slow. First take was the keeper, guitar solo added later. Catie is like a perfect cross between Kim Deal and Naomi Yang on this one. I think it is about sound and repitition -- and things you can't see maybe.
"Clock Out The Clocks"
This is an older tune for sure - maybe five or six years it's been hanging around. Some lackadaisical New Order guitars on there for sure - Justin said I should stop at three of them. Not sure what it's about, but that's cool right? Nobody asks what a tree means.
"My Umbrella Fills With Rain"
Post halloween hang-over jam - I think I was trying to channel some Smog via The Smiths on this one. I really like the drums - Cool piano by Dullum. Kind of a "Who am I to blame" but myself type song.
"NYC"
The rare narrative song on the record. I like the lyrics on this one. Can I say that? Seems like a naive view of New York from the West Coast or maybe the Mid-west after listening to too many VU songs. I was tempted to put NYC (a naive melody) on the record ala Talking heads but it seemed too snarky. I think the vocals are too loud in the mix - guitars should be up. Dullum is playing Colleen's grandmothers 1950 upright piano on this one.
"Lost On A Blue Star"
A Catie fave. Some surf guitar reverb overload for sure. I think it came out pretty cool. It's actually two songs combined into one - I started singing some lyrics from a Flaming Lips song over the end as a place holder and they stuck. They just seemed to fit the song. It's cool with Wayne I'm sure. It's one of those "I'm lonely and bored" type of songs.
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