Back to Normals
March 12, 2005 6:27 p.m.

I'm going to write about love and commitment too, but not the kind you think.

I've been listen to my Normals alot today. Must be the weather, or the fact that my winamp was in the mood to play them.

I've been thinking about this band alot lately. I love them. but they are no longer recording. One of Andrew's solo songs states, "it ended like they said, not of bullets but of black and red, and little silver rings and a sacred aile." Basicly, one by one the members started getting married and having children. With familys to support, wives they wanted to be with, and kids to raise, the normals could no longer live like struggling musicians. Going away for months to record and tour just isn't a possiblity, not the mention the fact that the aren't the most successful of bands.

Now...why is that? They are amazing! I love them. I sit here and want more songs. I want a new Normals album! ...Granted I have 2 Andrew cd's and that should be enough for the moment, but it's not. I want a new Normals album and I want to see them perform again!!!

This was how I learned of their existance! I went to a small little music fest and a christian summer camp. my friend Pelton invited me. She had an extra ticket, and I didn't have to pay for it. There were a number of bands, and The Normals were the last band to play in the morning. Really, there were 4 notable headliners, ...the last 4 bands (starting with the normals) had pretty decent followings in the industry and had toured with one another, and were all great friends. first was The Normals, the WaterDeep, then All Star United, and Switchfoot. Everyone I knew was there to see Switchfoot, and they did put on a good show, but My Normals were better. in fact for switchfoot's last song they brought out members from all those bands to play and jam. It was sooo awesome.

Now here it is, almost six years later, and my normals who put out some fantastic albums, working with a big name producer, aren't recording any more, ...and Switchfoot has songs that play on top 40 radio and VH1. that really just breaks my heart.

Really, I'm glad that I went and saw every show I could during the Coming to Life tour. Man, I wish I could see them play again.

I must be getting old. It's starting, musicians I love and support are falling out of the field. The Normals aren't recording, and Fiona's album is being hijacked by Sony. Atleast Garbage and NIN are coming out with new albums and new tours this year.

Anyway, I'm sufficently coffee'ed now. I'm to go buy painting supplies.