I guess I was a bit late to the party with them and only got into their music about 6 years ago when Folie à Deux was released. Now, I had heard of them long before, but figured they wouldn't be my cup of tea as they were some emo band for kids. Cut to me hearing 'I Don't Care' and thinking "man that's a good song" and "that dude has got some amazing voice on him" and so it was decided. They became my new favourite band and I had to know more about them.
Back catalogue followed and they have remained in the top songs playlist on my iPod ever since.
For me, it was always hearing Patrick's voice that brought me to the band. I'm a sucker for a good set of pipes and as much as the whole package of a song is important to me, its usually the voice that hooks me in at first.
The band went in hiatus for a few years and I was excited when Patrick released his solo album 'Soul Punk'. It's a very good album which grows on you over time. Its very different to FOB and it allowed him to step away from the band and make something completely new sounding. The end result is an album of songs which are totally him as he did everything on the album himself. No mean feat. There are hints of Prince and Michael Jackson in there and the feel is very 80s in places. In some corners the album didn't go down well which was a real shame. I for one love it and listen to a lot of the tracks from it most days. The EP that sits along side the album, 'Truant Wave', is also very different. I find it very hard to pigeon hole what its meant to be, so I just enjoy it for what it brings. I think 'Love, Selfish Love' is possibly my favourite solo song of Patrick's.
So, it's been quiet for a few years. Most people think the band have split up as they are also doing a variety of other things, but this was just an extended break. 2013 rolls around and they finish their hiatus and hit us with 'Save Rock and Roll'. The first single to be released is 'My Songs Know What You Did in The Dark (Light Em Up)' and it certainly knocked you for six. A totally new era of the band started and I think actually made them bigger than before. The videos that have been made to accompany the songs have been nicknamed 'The WFT Chronicles' as they form an ongoing story through the album. Some people have been a bit critical of the videos, but I think that to be able to put together a series of what are basically mini films that follow through each song on the album is amazing. I couldn't do it and I'm sure some film-makers would have a job to write a storyboard for an entire album of very different songs and link them all together so give them a break.
The new album took a detour and doesn't sound like old FOB. I think if fans were expecting to hear Infinity 2 they were in for a surprise. There are lots of collaborations on this album including Sir Elton John, Foxes and Courtney Love which adds to the feel of a new era of the music. The comeback was a complete whirlwind and because the sound was new and exciting, a whole new legion of fans have come to the party. Us oldies are now outnumbered by all the teenagers who want a piece of the FOB action!
I was extremely lucky earlier this year to win a competition with a radio station to see them (well mainly Patrick) play an intimate set. I had to travel over 200 miles to get there, but for this once in a lifetime opportunity I think it was a no brainer. Me and about 15 other people were treated to a 30 minute live set of acoustic songs while standing within touching distance of them. I think I held my breath the whole time in case I missed something. When it finished we did hope for a meet and greet with the band, but alas this was not to be. I did however manage to get a quick handshake from Patrick and a "it was nice to meet you" before they were whisked away. Looking back on 2013 I think this moment was both my greatest and my biggest regret rolled into one. I keep thinking "why didn't I say something cool?", but at least I have the memory of this moment to look back on as I grow old. My heart melts...
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| Yes, this really did happen. I was there! |
So, does age matter in terms of music? I'm thinking not really. I guess being older means I have a larger frame of reference than some people and can see where the links are. I mean, I have seen 'This is Spinal Tap' so I got why Pete was trapped in a giant pod during a live performance and thought it was hilarious whereas some people thought it was real. It's just an age thing which totally doesn't matter and I guess this probably meant a lot of new people went away and watched Spinal Tap. No harm, no foul.
Anyway, why should you like FOB? Patrick actually said "it either appeals to you or it doesn't". This is very true. You should like it because it's brilliant music and not because everyone else likes it or because the lead singer is hot. Have a listen, see what you think and decide how it makes you feel. If it moves you or helps you reconcile yourself in any way then maybe its for you. If all you hear are a load of nonsense lyrics and a singer with a loud mouth, then maybe you're listening to the wrong band....
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