Joined: Sun Feb 26, 2006 8:46 am Posts: 8052 Location: Northern Virginia Gender: Male
This was a band from Knoxville, TN led by a singer/songwriter named John Davis that got big in the mid-90s thanks to an MTV smash in the song "Sucked Out." They initially signed with Elektra records, but were let out of their contract after the second album was released, based on the fact that Davis simply refused to re-write his hit single.
The band set up a studio back home with the money they were given from their contract and cranked out a phenomenal third record on an indie label while enduring lineup changes in the process. With constant touring taking its toll, a fourth record was issued and the band finally collapsed after Davis fell back into his faith.
He moved to Nashville, did session work, and released a solo record two years ago heavy on religion and southern rock sounds. Earlier this month, he put out his second album, "Arigato!" which sounds very much like Superdrag used to, only faster. While the religious lyrics aren't as over the top this time around, the sweet sweet melodies and distorted guitars that made Superdrag so good to begin with are still there. It was recorded by Nick Raskulinecz (a friend and former Knoxville resident) in the Foo Fighters' Studio 606 out in California. Dave Grohl and Chris Shiflett have professed admiration for Superdrag in the past and apparently, some of Kurt Cobain's gear was used during the recording process. Some tunes are up on MySpace and its on iTunes.
Whats more, is that not too long ago, Davis reformed the original Superdrag lineup and they are currently on a mini-tour of a handfull of cities in the coming weeks... Chicago, Knoxville, NYC, Boston, and Washington, DC. There aren't any definitive plans for a full blown reunion or album, but this was a one-hit-wonder band that should've been something more and probably could've been had they decided to bow down to their record label when they had the chance. While Superdrag gained a modest following over the years as a great rock band with Davis' amazing vocals and great melodies, I urge anyone who has never heard of them to check out some of the links below. Hopefully you'll dig what you hear. There are B-Sides collections out and on the way, but if you find yourself inclined to look for anything, I'd suggest "In The Valley Of Dying Stars," the third record. Its widely considered by hardcore fans to be the best album.
Joined: Sun Feb 26, 2006 8:46 am Posts: 8052 Location: Northern Virginia Gender: Male
Superdrag are back. After a successful 2007 reunion tour, the band recorded a new album in Nashville, TN entitled "Industry Giants." Its available everywhere on March 17.
1. Slow To Anger 2. Live And Breathe 3. I Only Want A Place I Can Stay 4. Everything'll Be Made Right 5. Cheap Poltergeists 6. Try 7. Ready To Go 8. Filthy And Afraid 9. You're Alive 10. 5 Minutes Ahead Of The Chaos 11. Aspartame 12. Deathblow To Your Pride
This is definitely not the same band that recorded "Sucked Out" all those years ago. The music has evolved, its more mature and optimistic. While its not their best record, there are a handfull of amazing songs on this: Aspartame, Everything'll Be Made Right, Live and Breathe, Try, I Only Want A Place I Can Stay. Bassist Tom Pappas has lead vocals on Cheap Poltergeists and You're Alive and rhythm guitarist Brandon Fisher sings Ready To Go.
The first single is "Aspartame," and they shot a music video for it. Its all chemtrails, Pete Townshend hazzard suits, and angry lyrics about malevolent political forces. But the song kicks ass. Its even got dub-reggae breaks in it. You can watch it here: http://www.spin.com/articles/exclusive- ... get-pissed
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