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Message
Better than Ezra
Posted on 3/1/14 at 2:01 pm
Posted on 3/1/14 at 2:01 pm
Will play in Jackson for St. Paddy's Day Parade. It's our cultural event. Last year it was Alabama Shakes
What songs are BtE known for?
What songs are BtE known for?
8
Posted on 3/1/14 at 2:07 pm to matthew25
Posted on 3/1/14 at 2:53 pm to matthew25
And now, back despite popular demand, we are proud to present... My Better Than Ezra story:
When I was at LSU in 1988 I went to the Chimes to see a band called The Fleshtones (their best record was a great remake of "Ride Your Pony").
The opening act was some band I'd never heard of called... Better Than Ezra. I thought they were great! REM-style power pop with a strong beat. I specifically recall liking a song called "Ezra Pound". After the show I kept telling people about them and wondering why they didn't have a record deal. A friend told me, "There are a bunch of REM imitators out there. Throw a stick in Athens and you hit a hundred of them."
Soon after I left La. and forgot about them. Cut to 1995. I'm watching Letterman's intro when I hear, "And musical guest: Better than Ezra!". I nearly fell out of my chair. They'd changed their sound a bit -- classic REM had gone out of fashion - but at least they'd gotten that deal.
When I was at LSU in 1988 I went to the Chimes to see a band called The Fleshtones (their best record was a great remake of "Ride Your Pony").
The opening act was some band I'd never heard of called... Better Than Ezra. I thought they were great! REM-style power pop with a strong beat. I specifically recall liking a song called "Ezra Pound". After the show I kept telling people about them and wondering why they didn't have a record deal. A friend told me, "There are a bunch of REM imitators out there. Throw a stick in Athens and you hit a hundred of them."
Soon after I left La. and forgot about them. Cut to 1995. I'm watching Letterman's intro when I hear, "And musical guest: Better than Ezra!". I nearly fell out of my chair. They'd changed their sound a bit -- classic REM had gone out of fashion - but at least they'd gotten that deal.
Posted on 3/1/14 at 3:01 pm to Kafka
quote:
Cut to 1995. I'm watching Letterman's intro when I hear, "And musical guest: Better than Ezra!".
I remember that well... Specifically, after the song, Dave saying that they get their money's worth out of the drummer, in reference to Cary's maniacal style...
Posted on 3/1/14 at 3:08 pm to Kafka
IIRC, when Ezra was signed, the record label literally had gold fall into its lap. Couldn't believe no one had signed these guys at the time. Deluxe had sold something like 10,000 without any label support whatsoever. The record company just re-released Deluxe and started cashing checks. The biggest surprise to me, though, has been the band's staying power. I was almost certain they'd be done after "Good" ran its course through radio.
This post was edited on 3/1/14 at 4:14 pm
Posted on 3/1/14 at 3:22 pm to shutterspeed
No doubt, I thought they should've been signed on the strength of Surprise... I wonder how many copies that sold (I still have the cassette)?
I'm sure the delay had to do with Joel committing suicide and them breaking up for a while...
I'm sure the delay had to do with Joel committing suicide and them breaking up for a while...
Posted on 3/1/14 at 4:14 pm to TFTC
Jesus, why didn't you tell me how many typos were in that last post of mine, TFTC.
Posted on 3/1/14 at 5:59 pm to Kafka
quote:
in 1988 I went to the Chimes to see a band called The Fleshtones
I was there.
quote:
Better Than Ezra. I thought they were great!
I thought they were and still are lame.
Posted on 3/1/14 at 10:12 pm to Kafka
When they'd play at my cousins bar, I'd help them set up & knock back a few beers with them.
I was WAY underage and under payed, but a few years later when they played at one of the proms I was at, we laughed and joked about me helping them set up their gear for 16 people at the bar.
I was WAY underage and under payed, but a few years later when they played at one of the proms I was at, we laughed and joked about me helping them set up their gear for 16 people at the bar.
Posted on 3/2/14 at 1:38 am to matthew25
a lifetime is probably their most famous song but there are others that I like better. Just check out their greatest hits. I have always been a fan of BTE.
Check out Kings of New Orleans too. Always liked the flow of the song
Check out Kings of New Orleans too. Always liked the flow of the song
Posted on 3/2/14 at 10:00 am to wish i was tebow
A Southern Thing is a catchy tune.
Posted on 3/2/14 at 12:35 pm to Zappas Stache
I've seen them hundreds of times mostly bc my wife likes them. Don't really care for the music but I always have fun when I see them. They are pretty cool guys, a little cheesy but unpretentious and fun to be around.
Posted on 3/2/14 at 11:00 pm to Motorboat
We hired them a lot when they were a cover band. Joel did a fine job with All Tomorrow's Parties. Kevin generally chose songs I liked at the time.
Posted on 3/3/14 at 9:41 am to AlxTgr
At The Stars is their best IMO.
Posted on 3/3/14 at 12:33 pm to Coach Guidry
I grew up with Kevin here in Monroe.
Great guy....glad they are still doing well.
But his Facebook page is hillarious!
Great guy....glad they are still doing well.
But his Facebook page is hillarious!
Posted on 3/3/14 at 1:22 pm to matthew25
One of my favorite bands. I love their live stuff
Posted on 3/3/14 at 9:37 pm to matthew25
Saw them twice at The Varsity back in 96 and 97 or so. Great live show. I'd like to see them again for old times sake.
Kevin sang a couple of songs on Paul Sanchez's album Between Friends that are great.
Kevin sang a couple of songs on Paul Sanchez's album Between Friends that are great.
Posted on 3/4/14 at 7:07 am to matthew25
In The Blood is my favorite song of theirs
This post was edited on 3/4/14 at 7:08 am
Posted on 3/4/14 at 11:37 am to dirtbag lsu
quote:I saw Surfing Dachshunds in some barn in Monroe in 1985. You probably know an ex room mate of mine.
I grew up with Kevin here in Monroe.
Posted on 3/4/14 at 11:58 am to AlxTgr
BTE concert at the varisty is probably the easiest way to pull a cougar in the history of cougar getting
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