When we first attempted FAWM, back in 2006, we were invited to take part by Burr Settles via a forum post on a lemonheads fan site after we had both featured on a covers compilation lemonheads.co.Uk had released in 2005. There were a few of us that decided to give it a try and FAWM sparked our curiosity and creativity.
Getting constructive criticism was great and that first year is very special to us. We learned a lot and really enjoyed listening to other people doing the same thing.
This song is an ode to the sort of indie-pop Evan Dando writes, with musical nods here and there. We grew up with the Lemonheads, some of the first songs we learned when starting to play the guitar we’re from It’s a Shame About Ray, so it’s in our musical DNA.
Lyrically I tried to find phrases of the type Evan might use. I hit on the idea of freedom and openness and ‘no lock no key’ was an expression of being open to people. You don’t need a key to open something if there is no lock. Thought it might be nice to include some Lemonheads song titles and make some kind of sense using them. But included another part as an alternate middle 8 just in case we didn’t want to. Of course, we used them both!
The solo at the end was the original vocal melody when it was first written, but it was too high to sing comfortably. So instead I used a version of it to write the chorus and changed the verse melody to something a bit less excited. It was also too busy for the start of the song so Tim added a solo for the start too.
So Evan, if you’re out there, this song is for you.
V1
Alive, they gave me flowers in the rain
Although we never mentioned it again
through the window of a bus
Over streams that cannot cross
Are you reaching out, are you getting what you need?
Ch 1
I’m rolling in just like the sea
No stopping me
like the sand beneath your feet
No lock, no key
V2
Behold, they gave me diamonds on a string
Although I never asked for anything
A solemn glove left on the street
Do you wonder how it feels?
Ever searching, are you finding what you need?
Ch 2
I’m rolling in just like the sea
No stopping me
like the sand beneath your feet
No lock, no key
Middle 8
Come downstairs and ride with me
Left for dead the rule of three
Half the time i think i find
Confetti on the breeze
Starting to happen, It’s all true
and You can take it with you
Don’t tell yourself Ever Rest Assured
Losing your mind at (the) door
Not rudderless anymore
Ch3
You took the world right out my mouth
When it stopped me dead
You caught the centre of my eye
No lock, no key … no win no fee
I’m rolling in just like the sea
No stopping me
like the sand beneath your feet
No lock, no key
Other bit
Cos I want to feel it all
I want to know
Which way it goes/how it ends
@burrsettles Mar 2022
wow, i think you really nailed that lemonheads vibe with the chord changes, melodies, drum beats, breatdown and maybe even the instrumentation (both acoustic and electric guitars?). the lyrics of course are full of little lemonheads easter eggs. nice. :)
the only thing that's off (from that perspective) is the guitar solo should be an attempt at an overdriven glam-metal scale exercise superimposed over the manic indie-pop. but what you have here is immanently boppable as is!
@thedutchwidows Feb 2022
This is great - good rollicking pace to it, and that chorus packs a punch and a half. Solo on the outro is a nice touch. Really enjoyed it!
@kvnwoodruff Feb 2022
This is a rockin poppy jam. Damn, it’s so good. Love the double time in the chorus - always a great change and always catches me off guard. Well done!
@guatecoop Feb 2022
At first I thought that it was too busy to be a Lemonheads-esque song, but then the verse started and I hear it now! Great pop song for sure--and I think that I am going to be humming this one in 3 months and then try to look for it in the Lemonheads discography....At the very least, I am going to have this ear candy in my head for some time. Well done!
@nancyrost Feb 2022
It is SO a Lemonheads song! Every bit of the texture is there, and it's a joy to listen to. Love the lyrics. Those vocal slides are a particularly nice touch.
@vomvorton Feb 2022
Ah this is so good! I don't think I knew your Lemonheads-tribute FAWM origin story. I'm a big fan too, I did a song in 2010 (I think) that was intended as a Lemonheads homage, yours is better though. Really nailed the style! Which song did you cover for the tribute btw?
@max Feb 2022
First: It brings back so many good memories of the evandando.co.uk forum and cover-cd series. And the fact that @burr brought us here with his enthusiasm. Plus the first years of FAWM.
Second; We (my wife and I) travelled to New York, London, and many other places in Europe to see the Lemonheads or Evan solo. This song, with the use of many Lemonheads songtitles, takes me back to a wonderful period.
Third: You nailed it, it's so f**king good. IT IS A LEMONHEADS SONG!
Fourth: Make sure you'll get it to Evan. He needs to hear this.
Thank you so much for this. Like I said hearing the first note: goosebumps! I will play this many many times. So 50 plays on soundcloud will be me :)
@max Feb 2022
GOOSEBUMPS on the first note!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Will be right back to complete my comment.
@tomslatter Feb 2022
Great groove to this, really driving. The chorus has a good hook to it too. High paced, but also kinda dreamy. Like it.
@bandybum Feb 2022
Love that intro, Jangly guitars and cool instrumentation that all bounce along happily together. evokes XTC/The Attractions.
Strong lyric (fab opening line), solid arrangement well crafted and delivered.
And your liner notes are great - love the backstory and song development.
Great stuff, guys!
@axl Feb 2022
Hey guys, fantastic to hear from you again. I haven't heard the others yet but this is well on its way to becoming a banger :)
I especially like the verses. Those have something very satisfying to it.
The upward bends at the end of the middle section grabbed my attention. I imagine it might be cool to really lean into them for some added theatrics.