One of my favorite bands ever, along with Split Lip.
I knew Lisa and Tyler (actually, I don’t think I ever met Tyler, except over email) from Three Gut Records. I think they sent me that first CD, with the matchstick, which is how I first heard them. They ended up crashing at my place the first few times they played Boston. I don’t think it would be exaggerating to say that seeing the Constantines live was one of the most enjoyable things I’ve ever done. It’s kind of heartbreaking to know that I’ll probably never get to experience that again.
It interesting that you compare the Constantines to Split Lip. I don’t know that I saw that at first, except that they had a similar earnestness, and good, poetic lyrics, and both bands blended punk rock and rootsy Americana (though the Constantines probably did that more seamlessly than Chamberlain did). At some point, though, I stumbled upon Shoulder — Bry Webb’s earlier band that also included Cons drummer Doug MacGregor and possibly at least one other eventual member of the Constantines. I found the Shoulder album online — it’s fun though not necessarily great — but after hearing it just once, I was convinced that they were listening to a lot of For the Love of the Wounded at the time. I don’t remember if I ever got a chance to ask them about that. I don’t think so.
Fun listen! I appreciate the disclaimer on accuracy, I’d add that the band wasn’t poached. But you nailed it— ‘The band had that shit dialed.’ They really did! Best live band I’ve ever seen. Lisa
I didn’t know you’d worked with the Cons.
One of my favorite bands ever, along with Split Lip.
I knew Lisa and Tyler (actually, I don’t think I ever met Tyler, except over email) from Three Gut Records. I think they sent me that first CD, with the matchstick, which is how I first heard them. They ended up crashing at my place the first few times they played Boston. I don’t think it would be exaggerating to say that seeing the Constantines live was one of the most enjoyable things I’ve ever done. It’s kind of heartbreaking to know that I’ll probably never get to experience that again.
It interesting that you compare the Constantines to Split Lip. I don’t know that I saw that at first, except that they had a similar earnestness, and good, poetic lyrics, and both bands blended punk rock and rootsy Americana (though the Constantines probably did that more seamlessly than Chamberlain did). At some point, though, I stumbled upon Shoulder — Bry Webb’s earlier band that also included Cons drummer Doug MacGregor and possibly at least one other eventual member of the Constantines. I found the Shoulder album online — it’s fun though not necessarily great — but after hearing it just once, I was convinced that they were listening to a lot of For the Love of the Wounded at the time. I don’t remember if I ever got a chance to ask them about that. I don’t think so.
Hi Nathan! We still talk about the amazing breakfasts you'd make us when you'd let us crash at your place after shows! Lisa!
Very cool, one of my all time favorite bands, so sad I never saw them. thanks for sharing.
constantines! amazing band, incredible live!
Fun listen! I appreciate the disclaimer on accuracy, I’d add that the band wasn’t poached. But you nailed it— ‘The band had that shit dialed.’ They really did! Best live band I’ve ever seen. Lisa