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As mentioned in part one of our long chat with Scott Reynolds, ALL has strong connections to the Descendents, who were in town last weekend for two sold-out shows at the Commodore. Milo Aukerman (the only Descendents member not in ALL) was spotted wearing an ALL t-shirt on night two. Aukerman has occasionally lent his vocals to ALL recordings. In fact, there was a time when ALL’s current lead singer Chad Price lost his voice just before a packed show, and Aukerman stepped up as an emergency replacement, turning the gig into a Descendents performance with all the other members (Karl Alvarez, Stephen Egerton, and Bill Stevenson) keeping their roles. Price looked back fondly on this experience: “Instead of cancelling, I got to stand in the crowd and see Descendents for the first time,” he happily told me years later during an interview here. You can also find a video clip where Aukerman steps down from singing during a 2017 Descendents concert to invite another ALL vocalist, Scott Reynolds, to perform “Crazy?”. That track is one of Reynolds’ favorite songs by the Descendents, crafted by bassist Alvarez (who also wrote “Coolidge” for the Descendents and “Educated Idiot” for ALL). Video of ALL (Descendents feat. Scott Reynolds) – “Crazy” live 9/22/17 at House of Blues, Houston, TX These days, ALL doesn’t perform very often; they usually regroup just for festival gigs like Büddies Fest that took place this past July in Tillsonburg, Ontario. When they do get together again, Price remains as their singer. However, something special occurred at that Büddies event. With both Price and Scott Reynolds scheduled to perform with different bands, ALL-originally booked for just one set-decided to play on both nights with different vocalists each time. It’s pretty rare these days to catch ANY performance by ALL but seeing both Chad Price’s version of ALL and Scott Reynolds’ version over one weekend… well that’s quite unique. Reynolds was with ALL as their lead vocalist from 1989 until 1992. He led them through three studio albums (Allroy’s Revenge, Allroy Saves, and Percolator), along with an EP, a single release and a live album. He’ll be performing in Vancouver this Saturday at Lana Lou’s alongside Greg Norton from Hüsker Dü who will be headlining along with guitarist Jon Snodgrass (the event organizer) and drummer David Jarnstrom. The evening will also showcase performances from lively local rock band SLIP~ons led by former Doughboys vocalist Brock Pytel. And it sounds like there might be some surprises regarding the vocalists; check out this blogger’s review from a recent show in San Diego. Before we dive into Büddies Fest details further along; when Part One wrapped up we talked about how some tracks on his latest album Magic Beans and Time Machines have political undertones-even apocalyptic themes-recorded alongside Bill Stevenson from Descendents. The lyrics portray America as teetering on collapse likened to a car speeding out of control. This impending doom finds its most unusual expression on one track titled “Machu Picchu”, which features mostly acapella elements mixed with lounge music vibes about an ancient Incan site that could represent societal decay. So what inspired “Machu Picchu”? It seems to align perfectly with your theme discussing civilization’s end… “It does! So here’s a fun story-it might be lengthy though! One night I got really high-I don’t indulge often-but when I do I end up staying awake listening to Dark Side of the Moon or something similar! So anyway I was super-high watching Better Call Saul Season 5 Episode 5. At its start there’s an incredible acapella song https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=FYZ35YEKLZQ sungperformed by The Sound of Music’s von Trapp Family singers that completely blew my mind! I took a step back thinking ‘Wow! That’s stunning!’ I kept listening intently. On my album Stupid World there’s also an acapella title track recorded solo in my bedroom which turned out decent enough for me to name it after because Stupid World just sounded cool.” Video of Brahms: In Stiller Nacht – Pink Martini with the von Trapps “Anyway: as we were discussing earlier-I appreciate mixing various tempos/key changes/instrumentations so I thought ‘I’ll try another acapella piece.’ Next morning woke up knowing ‘Yep-it needs another unique sound added.’ So I’d almost finalized my record but felt there should be something kooky thrown into it too! My songwriting process involves starting off playing chords on guitar then assigning each string its own voice while figuring out phrasing adjustments until it’s transformed into four-part harmonies-all while layering melodies like guitar riffs over them without any groundwork laid yet! So pulled out software set click-track at 4-4 tempo… When recording sessions began Bill suggested his studio’s click-track had TCHH-tup-TCHH-tup rhythm which reminded him instantly ‘Sounds like Machu Picchu,’ hence forth it became known throughout our production!” “So setting down that click track made me chuckle realizing ‘Hey-I’m penning this number based around Machu Picchu!’ Yet ironically? Know nothing about Machu Picchu until then so started digging deeper discovering how remote location kept conquistadors away till rediscovered nearly centuries later-weird right?”(Actually discovered by Hiram Bingham back in 1911!).I realized Incas never developed written language either leading names given posthumously adding even more mystery surrounding all things associated!, not understanding Pachacuti constructed it while evidence suggested human sacrifice occurred yet remains unclear why anyone ventured there: ‘None knows deadly tally/no records kept.’ Next lines delve into Spaniards’ devastating impacts followed through temples eventually named after fallen rulers upon demise revealing apocalyptic tones.”“Ultimately wrote initially due sheer amusement regarding funny concept connecting clicktrack-Machu Picchu,” shared Reynolds laughing heartily!”
I understand Tillsonburg marked notable return stage presence again-not seen much lately huh?”
“Correct-Chad runs ship now especially absence left behind makes clear choice intended exclusively featuring him whenever schedules align accordingly,” mentions clearly acknowledging importance teamwork plays role dynamics shifting ever so slightly.
Sparking enthusiasm hearing Snodgrass proposing short tour plans struck chord finally leading participation confirmed prior festival occurring led directly onto joining forces finalizing arrangements ASAP!”
“Ironically didn’t rehearse properly beforehand assuming instinctive recollection sufficed upon reaching venue reflecting doubts swirling round nerves creeping gradually upwards!”
I managed recall every lyric flawlessly despite initial misgivings surfacing unexpectedly mirroring excitement enveloping whole atmosphere surrounding audience captivating spirits immensely energizing overall connection established between performers delivering heartfelt renditions collectively.”
A noticeable spark ignited bringing fresh energy incorporated seamlessly lifting moods effortlessly transforming scene around.”
This prompts curiosity surrounding inclusion ANY older tunes woven through original sets performed presently?”
I frequently mix across personal catalog showcasing ALL favorites previously learned remaining fairly practiced retaining broader repertoire available nonetheless always remain open adapting styles explored depending demands posed individuals present!”
An emerging sense anticipation arises unraveling potential collaborative ventures initiating ranging inquiries spawning fresh partnerships sparking creativity stemming exciting opportunities blossoming forth expanding horizon ahead eagerly awaiting discovering realms unexplored coming down line!”
Cue heartfelt reminiscences triggering bursts nostalgia flooding memories twinkling brightly illuminating paths treaded connecting lives touched intertwining experiences shared amongst diverse groups drifting apart ultimately converging once again forming bonds lasting longer anticipated journeys traversing trails united passion fueled journeys igniting flames passions burning bright revealing amazing tales evolving continually inspiring others dream ahead uplifting spirits motivating aspirations taking flight boundless horizons extending beyond imagination realms stretching infinite possibilities waiting next corner vision unfolding reality unfurling brilliantly showcasing talented individuals shining brightly amid glow radiating warmth enveloping hearts reassuring souls fueling hopes chasing dreams ambitiously forging pathways carving signature imprint everlasting resonating throughout generations unfolding chronicles maintaining timelessness echoing within echoes.”
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