Late Show

#1216: A Chuckle with Blaze Bayley

RECORD STORE TALES #1216: A Chuckle with Blaze Bayley

“I know it’s not ideal, but how about 7:30 AM on Monday morning?” asked Blaze Bayley’s manager Mark Appleton.  It was Saturday and we had less than two days’ notice, but I had planned ahead for this possibility.  I brought my laptop home from work on the Friday, just in case I somehow had to balance the Blaze interview with work.  I am fortunate that I have the option to work from home occasionally.  7:30 AM would be perfect.  I start work at 8:30 AM, so that gave me plenty of time to do the interview with Blaze (30 to 45 minutes is what we were promised), and log into work with time to make a coffee.

I woke up early on the Monday morning and logged into my work laptop.  I answered a couple emails and did some work, and then hit the shower preparing for Blaze.

I was nervous, but felt that I had a good plan.  I didn’t have to miss any work, or even be late, to do the Blaze interview.  I had already gotten work started.  It would be no problem to finish up with Blaze and then right to work, even if I’d be running an adrenaline high.

The Blaze interview went smashingly well.  At the 45 minute point, Harrison asked him how he was doing for time?  He had lots of time, so we kept going.  The clock ticked closer and closer to 8:30, but I was still OK.  Blaze was inspired and inspiring.  We had to keep going as long as he was willing.

Blaze finished answering a question from Harrison at 8:35.  Harrison asked how he was doing for time again, and Blaze responded “a couple more.” Harrison threw it back to me.  As we went well overtime, I asked Blaze my final question which was about hooking up with the Absolva band, and the Appleton brothers.

“In music,” he said, “people don’t talk about being on time.  Be on time!  And actually show up.  Be on time!”  As he praised the punctuality of the Appletons, I was already ten minutes late for work myself.  Anxiety building!

We wrapped up at 8:45, and I logged back into work, only 15 minutes late.  In order to hear Blaze’s words about being on time for work, I was making myself late for work.  I think that’s just really funny.

Thanks for the advice Blaze!  I’m always really early, except for this one time, I swear!

Interview with Blaze Bayley

REVIEW: The Beaches – Late Show (2017)

THE BEACHES – Late Show (2017 Universal)

Don’t waste your summer without visiting The Beaches.

With influences from the Go-Gos through alternative and surf rock, The Beaches have found an intoxicating sound perfect for summer partying.  Their debut long player Late Show is chock full of fun, energetic and catchy songs.  A couple of hit singles (“Money” and “T-Shirt”) are storming the charts, and a Juno win this year has raised their profile considerably.  Armed with an album produced by members of Metric, it is now their time.

Singer/bassist Jordan Miller is the lynchpin.  She can wail but tends to keep it subtle.  The songs swing from slinky to punk.  The Beaches are at their best when delivering sheer hooks caked in attitude.  That’s what made “Money” such a perfect single.  The simple, understated guitar hook works its way into your brain, and it’s topped with a punchy chorus.  The Beaches can write songs.  Most are credited to the four band members.  Some bands are afraid to showcase candy-coated hooks, but The Beaches have the confidence for it.  The hooks are paired with biting rock guitars, keeping the edges sharp.  They never let the pacing slip, and they keep things fun.  It’s right there in the lyrics to “T-Shirt”:  “Don’t take me so serious.  I just like to make a fuss.”

There are plenty of tunes that pack the goods.  “Gold” has a knack for sticking.  Even the slower tunes like “Highway 6” and “Back of My Heart” have an unexpected catchiness. “Keeper” is a like a blast from the late 80s, and “Sweet Life” is a jolt of caffeine at the end.

Get some Beaches into your life.

3.5/5 stars