Post by tackhead311 on Oct 6, 2009 12:29:57 GMT -5
On their riveting and keenly-anticipated fourth album, Leaving Wonderland... in a fit of rage, Marcy Playground return to action in triumphant fashion. Armed with songs born of an intense and turbulent period in his life, MP's main man, singer/guitarist John Wozniak, has fashioned a record that digs deep, taking the listener on an exhilarating and satisfying emotional and musical rollercoaster ride. Its creator is justifiably proud of his accomplishment, calling it “by far the best thing I've ever done. This is the most personal record I've ever made, and I think it's the thing that will connect most with other people.”
A highly original and melodic modern rock band, Marcy Playground exploded onto the scene back in 1997 with the insanely irresistible hit single “Sex And Candy,” a song that notched fifteen consecutive weeks at number one on Billboard's U.S. Modern Rock tracks chart; and a self-titled debut album that went on to sell 1.7 million copies. Subsequent albums Shapeshifter (1999) and Marcy Playground 3 (”MP3”) (2004), while commercially obscure by comparison, showcased two periods of tremendous creative evolution for the group, and have gone on to enjoy something of “cult classic” status among the band's many loyal fans.
Over the last 10 years, Wozniak has spent a lot of time in the recording studio, on the other side of the microphones, honing his production skills. As owner and operator of famed Vancouver recording studio ‘Mushroom' from 1999 to 2006, Wozniak recorded and produced Marcy's third album “MP3”, as well as albums by the likes of Canadian rock bands Stabilo, (including the hit “Everybody”), and The Weekend's “Beatbox My Heartbeat.” During those years Mushroom also witnessed the birth of hit records from the likes of Mudhoney, Matthew Good, Tegan and Sara, Sam Roberts, Hot Hot Heat, as well as Daniel Powter's multi-platinum self-titled debut album on Warner Bros., produced by Mitchell Froom and Vancouver producer Jeff Dawson.It was Jeff Dawson's work at Mushroom, on Powter's pre-production sessions, which initially attracted Wozniak's ear, and eventually led to a collaboration on Leaving Wonderland... in a fit of rage. Powter himself contributes a fluent piano track to one of Leaving Wonderland‘s stand-out songs, “Gin And Money”, while such notable Vancouver studio players as Darren Paris, Niko Friesen, Simon Kendall, Mark Wilde and Dave Pickell are also featured.
“I think Jeff is largely responsible for why all these songs work together the way they do” says Wozniak. “Having him in the studio allowed me to focus on the creative elements of the songs, the nuances and the performances, and leave most of the production details up to him.We had a difference of opinion here and there, but it resulted in us putting our heads together to come up with something even better than either of us would have come up with alone. It really helped to have that extra brain and set of ears in the studio.”
Dawson's technical prowess and the work of mastering maestro Bob Ludwig ensure Leaving Wonderland; maintains a polished sonic consistency while demonstrating a huge dynamic sweep in the style of its material. Eclecticism has always been a Marcy Playground signature, to the point that Wozniak admits that “I honestly don't know how to describe my music. We don't have a specific genre, so I just call it all rock n roll.”
The sense of a spiritual quest, a personal emotional journey, is evocatively explored on Leaving Wonderland. The haunting and sparse “Irene” and “Memphis” possess an intimate and rootsy feel light years away from the aggressive sound of tunes like “Gin And Money,” “I Burned The Bed,” and “Emperor,” numbers Wozniak laughingly calls “our big rock songs.” His open-hearted and unaffected vocal style shines on the gently affecting ballads “Good Times,” “Thank You” (“you are the reason I'm the man you see today”), and “Blackbird,” a tender homage to his wife, while the catchy and light-hearted feel of “Star Baby” screams out for radio play.
The fact that Marcy Playground have always operated outside the musical fashion of the day has helped give their songs a timeless feel. Their material has been featured on such soundtracks as Cruel Intentions, Simply Irresistible, Jay And Silent Bob Strike Back (the 2004 MP single “Deadly Handsome Man”) and, most recently, Zack And Miri Make A Porno.For the latter film, the now classic “Sex And Candy” proved a perfect choice.
With the release of Leaving Wonderland. Marcy Playground are itching to get back on the road to both reconnect with their loyal audience and attract new fans.Joining Wozniak and bassist Dylan Keefe is new drummer, Shlomi Lavie. Wozniak is also compiling a collection of Marcy Playground B-sides and rarities for release later this year, so 2009 promises to be a banner year for the band.
So what are you waiting for? Here's a Playground and a Wonderland that demands exploration
1 I love the new album Leaving Wonderland,what goes into your song writing process?
Thanks , its different every time.I usually have a melody in my head and work it out on guitar.Lyrics usually come way later like when half of the music is done.Once in a while it might work the other way.
2 Where you surprised at the success of Sex and Candy?
o yeah lol, it was like crazy successful and i couldn't of predicted that. it was a over night success as well. I had been playing that song for 2 years and put it on that record. I really wanted to take it off cause i felt it does not fit with the rest of the CD at the time. My engineer at the time was like noooo leave it on that the best song ,so i give him allot of credit for that.
3 What are your favorite venues you have played?
The showcase in Arlington Mass was killer. I really enjoyed playing at Red Rocks as well.
4 Who are your influences?
Hendrix ,not so much for his guitar playing which is beyond amazing. For his song writing which i feel people overlook.Axis Bold as Love is such a beautifully written piece of music with rich textures thru out the song. Also Bob Dylan who also was one of Hendrix<s influences as well.
5 What is your feelings on the music games like Rockband?
O MY GOD FREAKING TERRIBLE HOW DARE THEY TRY AND GET KIDS TO LIKE MUSIC!! lol Its actually a brilliant idea and who came up with that is a genius.It gets people in to new music. The Beatles game my parents are now playing that so its a great concept.
6 Marcy's Playground-stock who is on the bill?
O cool I'm resurrecting the dead for this one. I would have Jimmies Chicken Shack and then The Beatles ,Led Zep,Jimi and I would be hanging out with John Bonham.
7 Whats your favorite guitar to use ?
Telecaster Thin line.I have decided i am a fender guy. I have a huge collection of guitars now.
8 Favorite song to play live?
You know you might be surprised its Sex and Candy. Yes I'm a little tired of playing it but it still fun cause all the girls jump on stage at our shows and sing along. Once the girls stop jumping on the stage ill stop playing it lol.Shlomi Lavie since he has been in the band everything is fun to play live he is such a great drummer! Drummers are exactly like Spinal Tap , there so hard to find a good drummer to work with lol!
Wave Motion Gun off Shapeshifter is a blast to play live as well.
9 You got to play on a cruise ship , how was that?
Yes we got to go to the Bahamas and play with Sponge it so much more fun then i expected. I was worrying what would happen if like a hurricane came along, they we would sail around it. I did not want my Captain pulling a George Cloony lol.
10 What is on the Horizon for Marcy's Playground?
We will be touring to the end of the year check us out! Feb looks like a rarity CD of our B-sides will come out ,some really good stuff there.Then the summer we hope to have a live DVD out and then this time next year i hope to be working on a new record.