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Anonymous asked: Do you like to do shows in big or small venues?
Sometimes it doesn’t really matter. There have been times when being 15 ft away from the audience didn’t feel right and other times when it felt glorious. The limitations of smaller venues also has ups and down, but mostly ups. Feeling the audience is integral to us and what we do onstage. But at the end of the day we’ll play almost anywhere….
E.L.,
The Dears
Anonymous asked: Hi Dears
Please advise when roughly you'll be playing the UK next? Oh, also please play outside the capital - come back to Bristol!
Also advise UK album release date if poss...
Cheers all
Pete
Bristol has always been one of our favorite joints to play in the world so it is our dream to be back there soon. We hope to be announcing release dates soon for the new (unbelievable) album. We are planning on a mega UK trip in early 2011, the first of many. We may not get out to Bristol the first time but as the song says: “I’ve been workin my way back to you babe…” Believe us when we say that it will be full-on.
E.L.,
The Dears
Anonymous asked: I only had the chance to see you guys once, in Buffalo in the summer of 2005.
When will you play Buffalo again?
Yes indeed; it has been quite awhile. Our intention is always to go where the music takes us. We’d love to wind up in Buffalo, playing these new songs and of course, some classics. We have fond personal memories of the last time we were there so we’ll make best efforts….see you soon….
E.L.,
The Dears
Anonymous asked: The Dears - quick question. What are the lyrics to "Halfmast"? Reason being, my older bro and I host an event in Edmonton every Remembrance Day known as the November No Remember Bender or NNRB. The event has grown in popularity every year. A cd is released every year with war-esk songs and Halfmast is such a perfect song. Also, can the song be purchased online??
Another gets born while another dies
Is that our blood on the hands of Jesus H. Christ
I’ve been waiting since the dawn for some kind of response
I’d give my limbs just to hear the truth for once
just once
Please don’t pull me down
I beg and plead
don’t pull….I’m bound to you
Somebody get me a bullet proof vest
I think I’m running for president
i mean it this time
someone get on it
Don’t tell me how
just do it now
This is my very last chance
to make a proper impression
upon this world
and upon your soul
Please don’t pull
me down
I beg and plead
Don’t pull…I’m bound to you
I’ve got the moves
to turn you on
I’ve got the moves
to turn you on
Anonymous asked: Where can I find the lyrics? I've been looking everywhere and I just can't find the lyrics for "Above a Lake of Fire". I know they are pretty easy to figure out, but english is not my first language....Thanks!
Feel
feel the sun
fan the flames
and make babies
swim
lake of fire
to a shore
a beach of coal
Oh I’m gonna be taking more chance
even if I should end up in pieces
oh I’m gone already
I can’t remember Africa or a path
I don’t recall no holocaust or anything else
all I know is I’m
sick of this
all I know is I’m sick of things
sick of all things
so I am gonna be taking some chances
oh even if it should burn me to ashes
Oh I’m gone already
Oh I’m gonna be taking more chances
Oh even if it will shred me to pieces
I’m gonna be taking more chances
oh I’m gonna get away
THE BENVIE MEMO | 10.08.2010
From the desk of Robert E. Benvie
For the last couple of tours I’ve assumed the duties of compiling playlists for the changeover before our sets: a minor but integral component of assembling a show by The Dears.
It’s a delicate balance, establishing an appropriate and effective ‘vibe,’ leading to our (hopefully) inspiring walk-on. You have to keep an audience on its toes with anticipation. You have to select music you admire and with which you feel comfortable aligning your own music. And, in a band like ours that involves a lot of prep and potential technical snafus, you have to provide yourself ample time to get things right before the mayhem is underway.
Sometimes you need to re-energize the prevailing mood following a lackluster opener. Or you need to recalibrate things after a particularly mighty opening act. Not to get all flaky, but you have to suffuse the room with the right emotional/rhythmic ‘energy’—both for the crowd, but also for yourself as you tune up, have a beverage, and prepare for an hour-plus of letting it rip.
For my own yuks* I slapped together a quick mixtape of some of the joints I’m considering for our upcoming Toronto stint. Download it here.
It starts out funky, then gets kinda trippy, then melancholic, then funky again, then sorta majestic. Kind of like what we try to do. Also if you stick it out to the end—I’m uploading it as one long (albeit highly edited) track—there’s a bonus glimpse of the new album, though it will only make sense if you come out to the residency shows. So come out.
Thine,
RBV**
*I should provide the obvious Disclaimer: this is not an official Dears release; this is meant for laffs and not commercial distribution; and my musical tastes do not reflect those of my bandmates.
**If anyone actually enjoys this weirdness, further editions might be forthcoming.
“…from aching melancholy to thunderous rage to romantic euphoria…”
This came out in EYE WEEKLY today, written by Dave Morris, in anticipation of our upcoming TORONTO residency at THE GARRISON.
October 13 / Toronto, ON / The Garrison
October 14 / Toronto, ON / The Garrison
October 15 / Toronto, ON / The Garrison
Dear Toronto:
The Dears are coming over to stay with you next week. Your city is our home away from home. In fact for some of us it IS “home.” There are 2 purposes for our visit:
1. To share our fifth album, in live form, with YOU. We will play the yet untitled, but finished work, in its entirety and in sequence. The first part of the concert is about 60 minutes long. When we are through, we will bust out some classics as your reward. Since our stay is for 3 nights, you will have 3 chances to hear this new work in all its menace. There are still some tickets left for the the first 2 nights.
2. To liquidate some “old era” merchandise, as well as a new poster (above, designed by contest winner Sarah Reid) commemorating the “residency.” All merchandise at these concerts is being offered in exchange for donations with every single penny going to War Child. If we may be so bold, we advise not to worry if something “isn’t your size” or is “not the right color” or “isn’t exactly what you’re looking for.” Surely you know someone that “fits in that shirt,” likes that “color,” or would love “that.” If you’re not able to find something for yourself, then it’s your chance to give twice!
So as you can see, this trip is purposeful. Be ready and be excited.
E.L.,
The Dears
END OF A HOLLYWOOD BEDTIME STORY: One day, we’ll play this song again. An all time classic, dedicated to you.
Not Over Yet: One More Show at Pop Montreal
Murray and I are doing an acoustic set tonight 9:45PM at St. James Church for the Montreal City Mission. Details: http://popmontreal.com/en/pop/events/music-mission. The surprise guests are us. Surprise! ♥ ∞ Natalia
