Hop on Pop: Chicken on a Bicycle by Tao Jones on The Pipeline at IndieMusicPeople

Hop on Pop: Chicken on a Bicycle
Can I be honest here? I didn't like the title of this album.

That's about all I didn't like. This thing is such a great project. It is recorded so well, too. The songs are all very creative, very fun. Todd is a great writer, great player, a singer of many voices. I heard this thing through one time so far. "I'm Pathetic" stands out for me, I think I was drawn in by the style of singing on this one. Kinda reminds me of the casual slur of Larry Norman (obscure reference there). Tripped out on the drums on I think it was "Hey" the one with the rolling snares. Loved the live stuff, I would love an audience to go so gonzo at my shows. Kick ass electric guitar all over the album.

Anyway, it took me about a week when I got to IAC to figure out Hop is the real deal, and this CD just raises his status another few notches. I just love hearing something so fully realized from a guy who is just a working family guy getting by in the world but hanging as tight to his art as an artist. That's a beautiful thing, beautiful.

The synth work is very colorful, very creative. You should be proud, and your people should be proud.

So he titled it to suggest the music was stuff that maybe shouldn't go together like a chicken on a bicycle. I find that wrong on two counts. One, I have chickens, and I think I've seen them eyeing my bike on a few occasions, so I know they would ride it if I let them, and two, this set of songs holds together wonderfully. The central sense of Todd's writing and singing and creative exploration makes it not even a stretch to see these songs as all of a piece.

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Bryon Tosoff

4/24/2010 10:51:13 AM ---- Updated 4/24/2010 10:52:14 AM

Bob

you did a marvelous job on giving Todd's release an in depth insightful review.
nice one , and indeed Todd is a really fine songcrafter and excellent musician as well as a nice guy, although I never met the guy, he just comes across like you say, normal, even balanced, is that possible. I think so.

good stuff,

bryon
ps I had some other thoughts on the title I did not post cause they seemed out of place

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Jeff Allen Myers

4/24/2010 1:14:55 PM ---- Updated 4/24/2010 1:15:56 PM

I have it, I try to buy all the CD'S from artists who take the time to put together a polished project. I think I am living vicariously through them :)

It's a great accomplishment, and Todd should be proud! There are many stand out tunes, and if you can do that...you have succeeded on all accounts.

As for the title?? well it's personal to Todd and represents something in his mind. that is always a danger when you are attempting to connect with others. I almost wrote him a few times to try to get him to change his mind as I followed the progress of the CD, I felt it was not my place. :) Overall, it's the music that counts, and he succeeded,!!!!

Regards,

Jeff

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Tao Jones

4/24/2010 2:53:24 PM

Ahhh, I'm just messin' with him about the title...he knows what he's doin'...

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Jeff Allen Myers

4/25/2010 3:35:21 AM

Oh Come on Bob, don't backslide... I am not going to give creedence to any of your convictions :) Its ok not to like a title, in fact not liking something goes a long way towards being memorable. I don't remember things that are safe and middle of the road, things that make me shake my head are harder to forget. Warm water is forgettable, cold water makes an impression :)That said, I still don't like it :)~

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Conversation Suicide

4/25/2010 5:48:59 AM

"chicken on a bicycle..." now that's what i'm talkin' 'bout...

drunk, high, after a LOOOONNGGG bit of day-jobbin',
and I don't even fuckin' care anymore...

I will RAAAAWWWWk, just like Todd.

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Hop On Pop

4/26/2010 6:43:31 AM ---- Updated 4/26/2010 7:19:52 AM

I'm not sure what gave you the urge to write this very flattering little piece, but thank you Bob! You know how I feel about your music... I've admitted to being a fanboy more times than I can count. So it means a lot to me that you think so much of my project.

Let me address the album title thing:
Yeah, it is a bit of a personal, inside joke (between me and my wife, really). But, really, it comes down just as much to internet marketing. Crass, ain't I? You may remember that I was originally was going to call the album "Mixtape"... well, there are just too many "Mixtapes" out there to make it a very searchable term, if anyone wanted to find it; got lost in the shuffle and all. So, I made the decision to name it something wacky. "Chicken On a Bicycle" fit the weird, wacky thing, and... it did kinda fit what I thought the album was like.

Also, I'd like to clear the record:
The singing on "I'm Pathetic" was not me. I have a hard time singing that one, so I recruited my friend Jonathon who not only sang the SHIT out of it, but also came up with the wonderful vocal arrangement. (Credit where credit is due.)
Speaking of credit, the lead guitars on "Pathetic" (and on "Happy Days") were played by former Urge Overkill/Nash Kato lead axe man Nils St. Cyr, another friend.

Bryon and Jeff and Phlegm, thank you guys for commenting, as well. You also know that I am a big fan of all of you. It's flattering as hell when folks you admire say nice things about you. Thanks.

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