What happened to GPN?

[Musicfan]

This is a great band. Why are they doing cabaret now? It's beneath them and I sure hope the $$$$$ is worth it....

[Trish]

Musicfan, just curious what you're basing this statement on. Have you seen GPN live lately?

[kcortez]

I hear ya Musicfan - here's a video from last night's performance in Davenport, IA. My confusion is apparent.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=moOamKxW844

[eric]

This is a great band. Why are they doing cabaret now? It's beneath them and I sure hope the $$$$$ is worth it....

i have heard Grace is more of a merlot fan, but i certainly dont think its beneath any of them to switch to cabernet now, especially if it is saving $$$$$ during their excrutiating tour schedule. it all adds up, ya know. even for a high roller like Grace Potter and a bunch of northcountry ballers such as the Nocturnals ;-

[kcortez]

Eric, it was their tour manager and not Grace who had a problem with Merlot. I filmed a discussion with him and a caterer before a show last year. Yea, I know I know - I should tell people when I'm filming.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pbc_vloYRk

[Snowbird]

i have heard Grace is more of a merlot fan, but i certainly dont think its beneath any of them to switch to cabernet now, especially if it is saving $$$$$ during their excrutiating tour schedule. it all adds up, ya know. even for a high roller like Grace Potter and a bunch of northcountry ballers such as the Nocturnals ;-


Well I know I am much more of a Merlot fan than a Cabernet fan. And I'm a huge GPN fan. Cabaret - not so much.

Music Fan, I'm with Trish - curious on what you base your statement on. Or were you bored and trying to stir us up today?

[wags]

Musicfan:

I'm not sure what your statement means. What part of what GPN is doing can be considered cabaret? Yes the band has evolved, and will continue to do so. I just need more of an idea of what your talking about before I say something about it. Explain please, so I can understand what you mean.

wags

[toofarnorth]

:D
I've never been into cabernet, tired of Merlot , currently a fan of Shiraz . . . plus it kinda sounds like it goes with GPN's "Oasis"

( pssst . . not to hurt his/her feelings but don't think MusicFan knows the difference between cabaret and Folies Bergere - the one that has 1+ million views )

[eric]

nice kc!

seriously though, like a 2006ish merlot from the north fork of long island pairs wonderfully with that grace potter chocolate bar. don't call me crazy till u try it! (chianti and pinot noir aint too bad either :)

as for the tour manager pulling the switch, i should have known it was a wizard behind the curtain. that little soda pop grace potter, she would drink anything.

[Snowbird]

nice kc!

seriously though, like a 2006ish merlot from the north fork of long island pairs wonderfully with that grace potter chocolate bar. don't call me crazy till u try it!

Could never call you crazy - especially cuz thanks to you. I have tried it, and it's wonderful!! THANK YOU!!!

gots lots more snow up here by the way . . . .

[wags]

If were gonna talk wine, I love 2005 Grgich Hills Cab. Also their Fume Blanc might just be my favorite wine of all time right now. Remember that name Grgich Hills its killer.

[toofarnorth]

gots lots more snow up here by the way . . . .
Don't faint . . but I wish you could send a foot or two to northern Maine.
We have two ( 2 ! ) World Cup Biathlon races up here in a couple of weeks and the organizers have resorted to renting snow making equipment !!
There is something seriously wrong with that picture. :(

[Saygracenow]

nice kc!

seriously though, like a 2006ish merlot from the north fork of long island pairs wonderfully with that grace potter chocolate bar. don't call me crazy till u try it! (chianti and pinot noir aint too bad either :)

as for the tour manager pulling the switch, i should have known it was a wizard behind the curtain. that little soda pop grace potter, she would drink anything.

Merlot from Long Island. We bring a case of Merlot from Jasons Vinyard home with us every trip.

[Snowbird]

Don't faint . . but I wish you could send a foot or two to northern Maine.
There is something seriously wrong with that picture. :(

Seriously wrong indeed TOO FAR NORTH!! But I would share with you if i could!!! :)

[Tedheadone]

This is a great band. Why are they doing cabaret now? It's beneath them and I sure hope the $$$$$ is worth it....

Yea!! If it's not pedal to the medal, balls to the wall, full on fulltime, why bother, right "fan"?

[Trish]

Yea!! If it's not pedal to the medal, balls to the wall, full on fulltime, why bother, right "fan"?

Yeah, that's what I'm thinkin'. Why bother.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWg2yaePvVw

(Sorry, but since we're free associating).

[Zorak]

i have heard Grace is more of a merlot fan, but i certainly dont think its beneath any of them to switch to cabernet now, especially if it is saving $$$$$ during their excrutiating tour schedule. it all adds up, ya know. even for a high roller like Grace Potter and a bunch of northcountry ballers such as the Nocturnals ;-

http://media.giantbomb.com/uploads/0/4009/1097290-i_see_what_you_did_there_super.jpg

[melissa]

This is a great band. Why are they doing cabaret now? It's beneath them and I sure hope the $$$$$ is worth it....


Speculation, and speculation only... The possibility here just came to me.
Is this a reference to all the attention the glam rocker/diva is getting over the days of the "granola girl"? :confused:

(Or did we know that and were just ignoring it?)

[eric]

gots lots more snow up here by the way . . . .

pm sent!

[Tedheadone]

Speculation, and speculation only... The possibility here just came to me.
Is this a reference to all the attention the glam rocker/diva is getting over the days of the "granola girl"? :confused:

Melissa, I don't think so. Glam rocker/diva does not = cabaret.....

[kcortez]

Apologies to those who have read Dave Eggers (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dave_Eggers) rant on "sell outs" before but I'm sure there are a bunch of folks who haven't. Dave was taken to task by an interviewer for allegedly "selling out" by attempting to capitalize on the notoriety brought about after his publication of "A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius"

Here are some of Dave's (very relevant) comments. I've taken to reading this whenever I tire of seeing comments of the nature that started this thread.

I know that reading more than three sentences might be a challenge for those who would rather say something like "what the fuck, they used to be good" but hey, one can always hope.



Now, there was a time when such a question - albeit probably without the colloquial spin - would have originated from my own brain. Since I was thirteen, sitting in my orange-carpeted bedroom in ostensibly cutting-edge Lake Forest, Illinois, subscribing to the Village Voice and reading the earliest issues of Spin, I thought I had my ear to the railroad tracks of avant garde America. (Laurie Anderson, for example, had grown up only miles away!) I was always monitoring, with the most sensitive and well-calibrated apparatus, the degree of selloutitude exemplified by any given artist - musical, visual, theatrical, whatever. I was vigilant and merciless and knew it was my job to be so.


I bought R.E.M.'s first EP, Chronic Town, when it came out and thought I had found God. I loved Murmur, Reckoning, but then watched, with greater and greater dismay, as this obscure little band's audience grew, grew beyond obsessed people like myself, grew to encompass casual fans, people who had heard a song on the radio and picked up Green and listened for the hits. Old people liked them, and stupid people, and my moron neighbor who had sex with truck drivers. I wanted these phony R.E.M.-lovers dead.


But it was the band's fault, too. They played on Letterman. They switched record labels. Even their album covers seemed progressively more commercial. And when everyone I knew began liking them, I stopped. Had they changed, had their commitment to making art with integrity changed? I didn't care, because for me, any sort of popularity had an inverse relationship with what you term the keeping 'real' of 'shit.' When the Smiths became slightly popular they were sellouts.Bob Dylan appeared on MTV and of course was a sellout.
...

But was it a sellout? Probably. By some standards, yes. Can a good band play their hit song? Should we hate them for this? Probably, probably. First 90210, now they go playing the song every stupid night. Everyone knows that 90210 is not cutting edge, and that a cutting edge alternarock band should not appear on such a show. That rule is clearly stated in the obligatory engrained computer-chip sellout manual that we were all given when we hit adolescence.

But this sellout manual serves only the lazy and small. Those who bestow sellouthood upon their former heroes are driven to do so by, first and foremost, the unshakable need to reduce. The average one of us - a taker-in of various and constant media, is absolutely overwhelmed - as he or she should be - with the sheer volume of artistic output in every conceivable medium given to the world every day - it is simply too much to begin to process or comprehend - and so we are forced to try to sort, to reduce. We designate, we label, we diminish, we create hierarchies and categories.
...

Oh how gloriously comforting, to be able to write someone off. Thus, in the overcrowded pantheon of alternarock bands, at a certain juncture, it became necessary for a certain brand of person to write off The Flaming Lips, despite the fact that everyone knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that their music was superb and groundbreaking and real. We could write them off because they shared a few minutes with Jason Priestley and that terrifying Tori Spelling person. Or we could write them off because too many magazines have talked about them. Or because it looked like the bassist was wearing too much gel in his hair.

One less thing to think about. Now, how to kill off the rest of our heroes, to better make room for new ones?
...

Did I wonder if people would think we were selling out, that we were not fulfilling the mission they had assumed we had committed ourselves to?

No. I did not. Nor will I ever. We just don't care. We care about doing what we want to do creatively. We want to be interested in it. We want it to challenge us. We want it to be difficult. We want to reinvent the stupid thing every time. Would I ever think, before I did something, of how those with sellout monitors would respond to this or that move? I would not. The second I sense a thought like that trickling into my brain, I will put my head under the tires of a bus.


The full article is here (http://www.armchairnews.com/freelance/eggers.html)

I encourage you to read it. I'm sure I'll post it again soon. There are those who legitimately do not like the music on this record vs. say, the music on "NBTW". To those folks I say - fine - that makes some logical sense. To bestow "sellouthood" is, I think, an entirely different and ultimately worthless activity.

[eric]

i am with KC and Eggers on this-i think a lot of people forget that this is the bands job, this is how they get paid. the more popular they are, the more successful they are. end of stroy. this is true for any band. if your boss offered u a raise would you take it? even if now u have to wear a tie everyday to work? not such a sacrifice right...

thats not called selling out, its just called selling alot of records and concert tix. what is selling out? that is a good question. to me, selling out means getting paid to advertise for something u dont stand behind, just because u are famous. "take the $ and run" so to speak. if Grace did a commercial for Mitsubishi and knew in the back of her mind they were the most evil environmentally degradating company on the planet, that would be selling out. but the only companies she promotes is Cabot Cheese and Lake Champlain Chocolate so id say quite the opposite on that front.

as far as the clothing, not so sure about Grace's story "i was afraid to get dresed up at first." my guess, the band didnt have the budget for fancy clothes they could beat up onstage, until they were given one.

look at any band that has seen the most success. any band. Phish, Pearl Jam, Metallica, Green Day...look at pix from when they were young or a college band. lets face it they dressed like a bunch of slobs and college kids looking for a hackey sak tournament or a ride to the ac/dc concert. look at pix of those guys now (or even 10 years ago)...collered shirts, thousand dollar watches, full on touring wardrobes...of course they dont look like Grace and Cat so u dont really notice it, or havnt seen it evolve so close over the years. GPNs change was more abrupt and in your face but its no different. with success comes taking things seriously and stage precscnce and all. i think they look great and when i watch the old vids Grace is still throwing herself about and going crazy just like she does now. only difference is before she looked like a stoned out hippy (a very hot one, yes) and now she looks absolutely amazing.

also the "glam" rock thing...i thought "glam" was term for hair bands like Poison and Warrant (both amazing by the way).

at this point i am beyond confused by this whole thing. i really dont think the Nox fall into any category like that. the "granola glam queen" thing was pretty funny though. now they r just taking cheap shots. and "caberet" im not sure what that was all about. sometimes i think a band member starts some of these posts just to get a few of us going for a good laugh on their end, but who knows.

[Musicfan]

Had to check to make sure my spell-check hadn't changed "Cabaret" to "cabernet" after reading some responses (hoho!).

Sure didn't mean to offend anyone as there's room for all musical tastes. I was clear that I consider GPN a great band, but the ramped up glamor and squeaks now infused into songs reminds me of the singers who started in Disney World. I've attended several GPN shows, but last year in Cincinnati I noticed the change. Just compare the latest "Paris" video on the site with concert videos from a few years ago via youtube and you'll get my point.

And kcortez's post makes a valid point, and hey, I read it all! I haven't written off GPN at all, and I've felt for years they deserved more commercial success. I know this will date me as a dinosaur to most here, but it's similar to what Rod Stewart did. Just listen to "Every Picture Tells a Story" - the whole album - then replay Hot Legs in your brain. It was Ronnie Wood who said Rod had turned to cabaret.

I just think GPN is a great band of musicians in their own right, and the show-biz touches aren't needed. I also loved kcortez's Liza post, very funny - hoho!

[joester]

KC -
big kudos to you on the Dave Eggers book - upon a suggestion quite a while back (maybe on TIS), I bought the book and enjoyed it more than expected.
back to this post - as to the dress/attire on stage, all bands have an evolution and a certain look that they feel comfortable in.
for instance: one of my al time favorites, Jerry Garcia, was known for his loose-fitting pants (seldom jeans after the mid 70-s),
comfortable shoes (often Mephistos), and a large T-shirt (varied from black, dark blue, to even a red T in 1986: trouble ahead, Jerry in red,
but I drift a bit). this was his stage clothing.
upon leaving a venue, I have seen Jerry wearing a snappy sport jacket more often than not.
it's all about how a musician wants to dress, both on or off stage. whatever they feel like.
some dress up, some dress down.

[wags]

Are we getting to worried about the packaging here? Does it really matter? I just posted about this on another thread, but I'll put my two .02 here too. Personally I don't buy Grace saying she was afraid to dress up. I don't see that woman being afraid of much of anything. I think she was raised by hippie folk in Vermont, when she started she rocked what she knew. As success came, yes breathe it in folks GPN is cresting the wave of success now, you get more experience you see different things and have the ability to change what you want to present to your public(thats us) Change it not a bad thing its growth. Grace is not a 18 year old kid anymore folks, keep that in mind. Hell Scott is 34 gonna be 35 this year, he's not wearing the black kango hat he wore at Goddard or the black velcros he used to rock but he still brings it wicked strong on the guitar and is a better player after years on the road and playing 24/7. My point is we change, we grow as people, all of us. We should embrace that change, it means the band as people are evolving and that is a good thing.

[kcortez]

he's not wearing the black kango hat he wore at Goddard
Must.See.Pix.

[carla_k_bailey]

I'm wondering if by cabaret Musicfan was referring to the "Paris" video? Which I found perfectly appropriate. Otherwise the statement makes no sense as I do not feel their live shows have a cabaret feel at all. As far as Grace dressing sexy, shit girl, flaunt it while you got it. She has literally worked her ass off and has never looked better!

[Tedheadone]

Personally I don't buy Grace saying she was afraid to dress up.

I absolutely do. She has made it clear over the years that she was just part of a band. She wanted to really hone her chops and not give anybody the grounds to say she was just window dressing. Hell, the guys pushed her into the B-3, and I can recall the first time she appeared onstage with a guitar that she had just started to play.

She was confident, and it was time. And she knows, and has said, "I'm only gonna look this way once. I won't always be able to dress this way"

[melissa]

Melissa, I don't think so. Glam rocker/diva does not = cabaret.....

No argument here!

I couldn't quite see where Musicfan was going and I was stretching to see what it might be... I love Grace & the band, I love the evolution.

[Doc Zinger]

Thanks for all the great posts this thread has created. It's great to learn new ideas and thoughts from your suggestions.

Thanks KC for your Dave Eggers letter citation, so many points so well written, what a brilliant thinker/writer. It's always illuminating to see someone say/write something so much better than you ever thought about. I think his point about so many artists/groups that want our attention that we have to have some way to deal with it. The number of artists/groups that I've never heard of is tough to fathom but there isn't enough time to listen to all of them. Checked out the radio station GPN did a set for a couple days ago, the list of groups that have done the same thing, MG I didn't know any of them, my loss.

Erics and Wags' points on how the band has changed and evolved I think was right on. It seems to me just getting older year by year you will change whither you want to or not. Tastes change, the way you look at the world and yourself change, the clock is ticking for all of us. I though Erics' point about Grace being somewhat like a hippie girl dancing around on the stage a few years ago mirrored my view, seems like her stagecraft is light years beyond that now, can't think anyone could be serious about wanting that over what she and the band is now.

Being new to the bands existance, I've looked alot of the Y Tube vids the past weeks, and to me Grace and the band are so much better than a few yrs ago, no sharp difference but just have evolved to where they demand your attention and respect for their performance and musicianship, to the point now you may not like them or even hate them and their music but you can't say they can't stand toe to toe with anyone in the business period, not anymore. Now how big they get, what ever that will mean for them, is just a function of them doing more of what they are already doing.

Of course some wouldn't like some of the stuff they do, but they can't worry about pleasing every single fan old or new, has any artist ever pleased everyone, think not. But they also have the chops to reinvent themselves again if needed, they have versatility most bands dream about but don't achieve.
Someone said the pursuit of perfection is the enemy of the good, I'll be glad to take the good from Grace and the band because it's sooooo much be than what's in second place.

[wags]

kcortez:

Yes Scotty did rock the black Velcro's and a black Kango I will search for some early Tournet picks that I have locked away some where. What holds true is how dedicated Scott was to his craft. Goddard is a special place, and that being said Scott was amazing to watch. Luckily I got the chance to for two years. I remember the first time I ever heard him play, it was on a recording Steve (Sharon) had from Dan Glasgo music teacher then at Goddard. Scott sent this tape when he was in Nashville, TN studying and it blew my doors off. When he arrived back to campus, a band was formed and I got to work with them for a good while. I saw him play so many hours, when I see GPN live its like I know where he's heading in the middle of a jam. I will cherish those times, and the pictures of Scotty in his Black Kango :-)

[Tedheadone]

I though Erics' point about Grace being somewhat like a hippie girl dancing around on the stage a few years ago

Actually, i don't recall much "hippie girl dancing" a few years ago, that came gradually, but really exploded with the new lineup. Prior to that, when she came out from behind the B-3, she had a guitar. With Benny, there was less necessity for that, so she could be unencumbered, free to move, and could run with the advice Sharon Jones gave her.


And Carla, you're right about the Paris video, that was cabaret. But musicfan suggesting they had gone cabaret because of a music video, makes as much sense as saying Michael Jackson had gone zombie rock after seeing "Thriller"

[Tedheadone]

Wags, that will be a great pic. It preceded the truckers cap he wore for quite awhile.

[rte100expat]

nothing to add here, but going to thank Musicfan for pushing the buttons that created this awesome dialogue.

[JackieinCT]

You guys had me cracking up over the whole wine thing! Seriously though, there is NO WAY GPN should be compared to cabaret. If that was the case, well, we just wouldn't be such crazy fans. The music has evolved, but it is FAR from being cabaret. As for Grace's sexy look, you go girl! You are only young once. I can't believe anyone would complain about the low cut shirts and short, short skirts. I love her style - whether its a white button down shirt as in her cooking vid, or her new hot rockin' high-style fashion. I can't wait to see what she wears tonight on Leno! Perhaps without the killer vocals, rockin' musicianship on the B3 and flying V, awesome song-writing skills, sparkling personality, and intelligent answers to interview questions, she'd just be another pretty face.

[kcortez]

Perhaps without the killer vocals, rockin' musicianship on the B3 and flying V, awesome song-writing skills, sparkling personality, and intelligent answers to interview questions, she'd just be another pretty face.

Grace is also a Nobel Prize Winner, a Rhodes Scholar and scored a 1600 on her SAT test. Of course, she curses so that pretty much neutralizes things.

[Musicfan]

I may have been (slightly) misunderstood in why I starting this thread. Firstly, I believe GPN to be not a good, but a GREAT band - excellent musicians, and rock & roll hearts. My point wasn't just the Paris video, but the gratuitous squeaks and such she has been injecting into those great songs to sex them up. Can't argue with success though, as their exposure is definitely on the rise.

Believe me, I am not anti-evolution, as I have been a rabid Neil Young fan since Springfield days (again dating me as a dinosaur compared to most here) and for exploration and changing, he has few peers. I suspect kcortez is as well, if her moniker is any indication.

I'm also not against the short skirt etc, as I have a man-brain and that never interfered with the music anyway. I must say, I was surprised (pleasantly) that you guys are so thoughtful and articulate.

Do you guys ever discuss other artists here? Seems we have common interests but I don't want to talk about others at a GPN site if it's taboo.

[eric]

I though Erics' point about Grace being somewhat like a hippie girl dancing around on the stage a few years ago mirrored my view, seems like her stagecraft is light years beyond that now, can't think anyone could be serious about wanting that over what she and the band is now.

i think i was misunderstood or i just wrote it wrong, what i meant was maybe she used to dress like a vermont-raised hippy (nothing wrong with that-my point was identical to Wags-its evolution baby), but it appeared to me from watching vids that she always jumped around and throws herself about just like she does today (not dance like a hippy spinner girl, just rage/headbang and all...) and so what i was trying to say is i dont think the stage antics have changed all that much, Grace is Grace no matter what she wears...

TedHedOne def knows more than me and everything he wrote makes sense about her "band" approach and sitting at the organ mostly at first. i was basing what i wrote on a few pics and vids ive seen from the first few years, but they were just clips from here or there. first time i saw GPN was 2010.

here is a vid i think Wags posted on the "Watching You" thread. kind of what i based my statement on. i guess my point is, at least for Grace Potter- the more things change, the more they stay the same.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNmVQvbIIMs

looks just like Grace from today, only difference is she has gone on a shopping spree!

[carla_k_bailey]

Believe me, I am not anti-evolution, as I have been a rabid Neil Young fan since Springfield days (again dating me as a dinosaur compared to most here) and for exploration and changing, he has few peers. I suspect kcortez is as well, if her moniker is any indication.

0
OMFG! LMFAO! Not laughing at you Musicfan. I had misconceptions of KC at first too. Her feminine wiles can be tricky ;)

[kcortez]

OMFG! LMFAO! Not laughing at you Musicfan. I had misconceptions of KC at first too. Her feminine wiles can be tricky ;)

Hold on there, am I the butt of a joke. This is a serious public forum here people. I don't know if I'm being called

1) Rabid
2) A Dinosaur
3) A Creationist
4) An Explorer
5) Something else ? ?

[joester]

KC -
#5 for sure: priceless!
I too, am LMFAO :p

[Doc Zinger]

KC,

No jokes here, I and alot of others on this forum are in awe of your clever, devious, and clear thinking mind. You always seem to challenge others to examine their views/ideas.

[nate]

I'm looking forward to the year-end "Top 5 'GPN have sold their souls to THE MAN' Threads" list that Cortez will put together in December

[Tedheadone]

Kelley Cortez is da Bomb!

[kcortez]

I'm looking forward to the year-end "Top 5 'GPN have sold their souls to THE MAN' Threads" list that Cortez will put together in December

Don't think I'm not working on it. One question though. On the date that the band actually "Sold Out", did they get one of those oversized checks to hold? Because I can't find a picture of it.

Thanks

http://www.rushoutofdebt.com/images/lady-with-big-check.jpg

[toofarnorth]

gawd, I love this thread ! . . . I'm with joester - KC = #5 - something else (http://www.idiomdictionary.com/definition/something-else-again.html) :D

[Musicfan]

Oh, not to worry kcortez, I merely meant that I took the "cortez" in your moniker to be a reference to the song Cortez the Killer by Neil and covered nicely by Grace and thus (incorrectly as usual) deduced you were a Neil fan.

The only dinosaur I referenced was myself, as I picture you guys to be decades younger than I. But I must admit that, like the others here, I am fast developing a cyber-crush on you as a result of your wit, humor, and charm!

[eric]

Oh, not to worry kcortez, I merely meant that I took the "cortez" in your moniker to be a reference to the song Cortez the Killer by Neil and covered nicely by Grace and thus (incorrectly as usual) deduced you were a Neil fan.

The only dinosaur I referenced was myself, as I picture you guys to be decades younger than I. But I must admit that, like the others here, I am fast developing a cyber-crush on you as a result of your wit, humor, and charm!

i am literally pissing myself right now.

even i have to admit, u do look pretty hot in that profile pic "Kasey"

[joester]

TFN -
what a hoot, went to your link, and I loved this part: Her soups are always excellent, but her desserts are something else again.
that's what I love about KC too ;)

[kcortez]

I took the "cortez" in your moniker to be a reference to the song Cortez the Killer by Neil and covered nicely by Grace and thus (incorrectly as usual) deduced you were a Neil fan.

Big Neil Fan!

[JackieinCT]

But I must admit that, like the others here, I am fast developing a cyber-crush on you as a result of your wit, humor, and charm!

I'm in, I have a cyber crush too. And you are one hot mama KC!
This is so funny - thanks for providing much needed entertainment during these dog days of winter!

[carla_k_bailey]

Looks like Ms. Cortez has a dance card that is filling up fast. To that point I would like to order a "I'd go gay for Grace Potter" t-shirt.

[tipiboy]

"Hold on there, am I the butt of a joke. This is a serious public forum here people. I don't know if I'm being called

1) Rabid
2) A Dinosaur
3) A Creationist
4) An Explorer
5) Something else ? ?"

Uhhh ... Dude ... I think he's calling you a girl!?!?! 8*O "Nobody ever changes ... They just get more & more like themselves"

[rte100expat]

speaking of Neil Young.... as an avid fan from 30 years back (mid-career for him, I know) - I've been holding onto the belief that Grace, like Neil, has the talent and depth to navigate a number of radical changes in style and genre over the course of a long, productive career. I'm not so much concerned about hippie vs glam vs whatever since there's likely to be a fresh approach, a fresh angle, whenever it's time to launch fresh music. While every change may not be to everyone's liking, it's still necessary, it's still a positive, and it's definitely a mark of quality in an artist.

and eric, review the term "literally" and if that's the case, then TMI.

[Stot]

[QUOTE=eric;5564]i am with KC and Eggers on this-i think a lot of people forget that this is the bands job, this is how they get paid. the more popular they are, the more successful they are. end of stroy. this is true for any band. if your boss offered u a raise would you take it? even if now u have to wear a tie everyday to work? not such a sacrifice right...

QUOTE]

not pearl jam.

[Doc Zinger]

TFN.....thanks for leading the way to the IdionDictionary.com.....should help improve my writing....learned somethiing new today.

[carla_k_bailey]

Uhhh ... Dude ... I think he's calling you a girl!?!?! 8*O "Nobody ever changes ... They just get more & more like themselves"

Way to ruin the joke Tipi!

[kcortez]

This whole idea of bands "dressing up" to put on a "show" is complete and utter "bullshit". Why, bands that I love and respect like Wilco would never do such a thing (http://plaidout.wordpress.com/2009/04/16/wilco-the-nudie-suit/) because they have more respect for their music right?

I mean how can a band "bring it" when they're all dressed up?


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5oWJEJBmxE

I mean really, suit jackets on the guys? Is this a "new" thing?


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=feEBEpDLTKI

[Charles]

Good thread, very funny.

I caught the GPN fever right before the band's "makeover" and if Grace says it's the way she prefers it, then it's good with me. The glitz does get in the way of the music appreciation a bit however. This is a recent post on a Who forum-

Also - Charles, I saw Grace Potter & the Nocturnals on Letterman the other
night. I mean, it probably aired a few weeks ago, but I had it TiVo'd and just
caught up with it. It's the first time I've really seen them. Wow, based on
that particular performance, she just exudes sexuality! The music was great,
too, but I can see the attraction from the point of view of someone into chicks.
I'd like to see some other songs, of course. Maybe that one song is
particularly, uh, randy.

I've had that feedback from my other serious concert friends, and no denying what she said is true, but my defense of GPN ends up sounding like "I don't read Playboy just for the pictures" vein.

[kcortez]

Right on Charles, no self respecting rock chick with serious credentials would ever post for some sexed up pictures either right? (http://www.jerrylentz.com/ChrissieHynde.jpg) Same as it ever was.

[Charles]

Meant to add a few more things: similar to the post KC made about other bands "dressing up" - How about Tina Turner? The men in Fleetwood Mac, a damn fine live act, often wore vests and jackets, though I don't remember Stevie in mini-skirts. Townshend often wore jackets the last couple of tours, but it really was annoying watching it hang over the guitar and interfere with his hand while he played. Frankly, I don't think the GPN men look all that comfortable in the jackets, but they don't seem to consistently wear them any more do they? Clearly there is some marketing influence going on with GPN in terms of image. I kind of thought they were being positioned as the next Fleetwood Mac- great songs, but also great rock n' roll shows.

Also, there is so much of the old GPN I haven't seen, so just wanted to say I loved the "Watching You" vid posted earlier in the thread- Crazy Horse "huddle" and all!

[Zorak]

Most people don't dress the same from their early 20's to late 20's either. It's called growing up. Either way for the last time, who cares?

[oneawayman]

TH1,
What was Sharon Jones' advice to Grace?

[Charles]

Right on Charles, no self respecting rock chick with serious credentials would ever post for some sexed up pictures either right? (http://www.jerrylentz.com/ChrissieHynde.jpg) Same as it ever was.

You don't know how this is particularly funny. There is a huge Chrissie fan from the UK on the same Who forum who is bewildered by my GPN love, since there just hasn't been much GPN impact there. He is always referring to Chrissie as the hottest legs in rock. I beg to differ...."but it's not just blonde with the legs! It's the crack band with the two guitar attack too! Really! Come to show and find out!"

[kcortez]

TH1,
What was Sharon Jones' advice to Grace?

What's it like to tour with Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings?

That history with James Brown allowed her to really explore the power of being the front person. She's given me a lot of advice over the years. The first thing she noticed, she said, "Girl, why are you always sittin' behind that organ? Get out front! Involve people!"

http://www.cmt.com/news/country-music/1653928/meet-grace-potter-kenny-chesneys-new-duet-partner.jhtml

[kcortez]

You don't know how this is particularly funny. There is a huge Chrissie fan from the UK on the same Who forum who is bewildered by my GPN love, since there just hasn't been much GPN impact there. He is always referring to Chrissie as the hottest legs in rock. I beg to differ...."but it's not just blonde with the legs! It's the crack band with the two guitar attack too! Really! Come to show and find out!"

I can see a straight line between Chrissie and Grace - much straighter than the imaginary one between Bonnie Raitt and Grace for example.

Huge Pretenders fan. I always considered Martin Chambers to be one of the most amazing, underrated, rock ever. Personally, I think a GPN cover of "Tattoed Love Boys" would kill me.

[kcortez]

I think this is gearing me up to do a "Hot Chicks In Rock" post over at TIS. Nominations accepted.

To be clear, mostly I'm thinking about women whose good lucks caused others to discount their musical talents. No, I do not know where Liz Phair fits into the analysis.

[Doc Zinger]

Don't know if it's necessary, but think we have to define " Hot " should it include all aspects of the " Chick " (like vocal talent, stagecraft,musical playing) or just physical appearance. Also do we have to limit it to Rockers? Just asking so the nominations don't get out of hand.

[Charles]

To be clear, mostly I'm thinking about women whose good lucks caused others to discount their musical talents. No, I do not know where Liz Phair fits into the analysis.

They had good luck(s) with their looks? :)

We all know it is not just an issue in music; any attractive female lawyer, business person, any job really, repeatedly has to overcome such "discounts" and prove their talent to get the respect that is given automatically to men. OTOH, attractive men and women have a better chance for that first interview, getting their sales foot in the door (IMO most drug reps who push their products at doctors are attractive females) etc. So it's a two edged sword, brought on by our Darwinian primeval desire to mate with the attractive. It controls most everything.

So Grace's (recent) looks are bringing more in, but the music brings them back.

[toofarnorth]

I think this is gearing me up to do a "Hot Chicks In Rock" post over at TIS. Nominations accepted.

To be clear, mostly I'm thinking about women whose good lucks caused others to discount their musical talents. No, I do not know where Liz Phair fits into the analysis.

Society's penchant for jumping to conclusions based on appearance may not be fair, but it is what it is and probably won't be changing. However I really do think that for most people the attraction to a musician / band quickly fades if the talent isn't there ... (tween-age crushes excepted).

I'd like to just have some fun with KC's idea.


Tina Turner is almost too obvious. Clearly no one ever recognized her talent beyond her stage outfits and great legs :rolleyes:
Some of her "looks" Rolling Stone cover (http://gridskipper.com/travel/zurich-tinaturner.jpg), a staged shot (http://www.wallpaperbase.com/wallpapers/celebs/tinaturner/tina_turner_4.jpg), and have to include a shredded dress (http://i.fanpix.net/images/orig/t/u/tu2k7ey0jzsq0yzk.jpg) that seemed to be a signature look for a while.


I'll also nominate Pink. She doesn't always wear a lot of fabric, but she is a talented singer and songwriter.
Her style of music may not appeal to many in this forum, but a number of her songs have a serious message - sometimes she uses humor, sometimes she kicks you in the gut.
Did I mention she is fearless ? . . and yes it was documented she really did sing this live . .

ETA: had a note saying the video I used isn't playing very well .. so if you're curious http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3stsDXki__U

[Musicfan]

In response to kcortez's request for nomination of "rock chicks", I nominate Chan Marshall. I (of course) would also nominate Grace and Ms. Popper.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMZZp1L-MH4

[kcortez]

Total agreement on Chan

[Tedheadone]

Mojo- My favorite Chrissie look...



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYZh5cY2Gsk=player_embedded

[eric]

This whole idea of bands "dressing up" to put on a "show" is complete and utter "bullshit". Why, bands that I love and respect like Wilco would never do such a thing (http://plaidout.wordpress.com/2009/04/16/wilco-the-nudie-suit/) because they have more respect for their music right?

I mean how can a band "bring it" when they're all dressed up?

thats a great link KC, u r like a never ending resource for this stuff. reminds me of this other clip i came accross recentley. im sure a band like pink floyd would never get dressed up or shoot a video for any of their songs (yes this is the one i want GPN to cover as well):


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBOMHmbP8rY

[Musicfan]

Well Ms. Cortez, since you like Neil & Chan, you'll enjoy this clip of them together at the 2008 Bridge School Benefit concert performing CCR's Fortunate Son....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Ks2j2M-tl4

[Doc Zinger]

Hope this article hasn't been posted somewhere else.

From "Classic Rock" magazine Jan 2011 issue Crictics' choice- Best Songs of 2010: "best songs of 2010 that Didn't appear on any of our favourite albums." page 74

# 35 " Tiny Light " Grace Potter & The Nocturals (comment) " The new - and impossibily glamorous- face of drivetime rock. Check out the solo from 3 mins."

And they also had the album cover of GPN as the only picture on the page. Guess the "hard rockers" from England don't have a problem with the band looking good.

To all the contenders for the " Hot Rocker Chick " here are two videos with really tight close ups of Grace that might cause some entries to reconsider or step it up to a new level.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DzqjRNEdNNO



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBFjdeucBWU

[Tekawitha]

waaaaaay back, in the formative years, an older man from Grace's hometown came up to her after a gig in Brattleboro - this was in the days when she used to sit behind the keyboard...I was chatting with her when he approached and she hugged him and he proceeded to encourage her to get up and out from the keyboard - to "move" more - my husband and I still chuckle when we see Grace move now - and move well she does! I have loved the entire journey - from the ranks of the audience!

[eric]

still my favorite GPN video just in case anyone missed this, especially Doc.
make sure u watch the whole thing they shake it up nicely towards the middle.

i could type a lot about this video...just watch it.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ok-CvnzzxPg

[Doc Zinger]

Thanks Eric, I hadn't seem that one, it's great with the location flip/lead in. Years from now we can all look to these videos and say I knew them in their early years, some more so than others.

What would it be like if some of the great bands from the past had just about every thing they ever did taped/recorded. Maybe including when they weren't worth a crap but stuck with and evolved, when they played and almost no one showed up, maybe when they phoned it in or weren't at their best. Would they have survived the critics blasting their every short comming or failures, would they have plowed ahead anyway?

[thejimmer]

still my favorite GPN video just in case anyone missed this, especially Doc.
make sure u watch the whole thing they shake it up nicely towards the middle.

i could type a lot about this video...just watch it.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ok-CvnzzxPg


That was fantastic....

[samjp4]

Thank you for that video Eric. As a newcomer here I have missed a lot, and this video just kind of, for me, sums up this whole thread. As a newcomer I feel like I missed being part of something special - watching a band grow from it's infancy. It's a cool experience to be a part of (I've done it with one other band, but that is another thread)).

Isn't there an old saying "If you've got it, flaunt it." As Too Far North mentioned earlier - the looks might bring them in, but the talent is what gets them to come back.

[toofarnorth]

As a newcomer here I have missed a lot,....
In case you haven't already found KCortez's excellent blog .. http://www.thisissomewhere.com/
Think you'll enjoy wandering through his archives.

Again in case you don't already know - also check out the Archive section here for recaps by Tedheadone going back several years.

have fun :)

[eric]

this video just kind of, for me, sums up this whole thread

exactly...THANK YOU. glad everyone liked the vid, hard to keep up with this band and easy to miss out on current vids and such, let alone one from several months ago. ive seen it at least a hundred times and still watch it regularly. GPN always delivers but that one short vid of one short night really captures the magic like none other. it also captures the lyric that is no more? maybe? "I feel u, so close, its like im sleeping with your ghost" unless im crazy i think she pulled that line out.

they should put THAT on VH1

and thejimmer-sik profile pic! big caddyshack fan

[samjp4]

Thanks for the info on "catching up."

[thejimmer]

and thejimmer-sik profile pic! big caddyshack fan

Well...............we're waiting!


Makes me laugh every time.


Cheers...

[ChasenPants]

I don't post a whole lot in here but I lurk often....and I have to say that this might be the most entertaining thread I've read through. GREAT post by Eggers, KC. I've often thought along those lines about the 'sell-out' angle, but could never fathom how to articulate it. I will do my best to memorize it and break it out during my next late night drinking session with old friends when the discussion inevitably turns to music.

Here's my nom for your TIS post. Incredibly sexy. And a voice to match.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XK2PhImoIw0

Eric I think the acoustic sessions for the latest album are my favorite versions of every single one of those songs! I'd love to see an EP of them come out someday.

[joester]

Eric,
thanks for getting that video back up and into everyones rotation.
here's one I like a lot too:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMkWI5DpsMQ
(can't seem to get the paste working.....)
5 more days to feed that Jones :)