Hidden Treasures: Ball & Chain - Bus Stop
Bus Stop were a North Carolina-based, pop/rock band, formed in 1990 by vocalist Evan Olson and lead guitarist Britt "Snuzz" Uzzell. Completing the line-up were bassist Chuck Folds and drummer Eddie Walker, though the band is also notable for the involvement of Chuck's brother Ben, who contributed piano to a number of tracks over the course of their four LPs. I first came across Bus Stop after hearing a brief snippet of their music on a TV show. The clip was literally a ten-second instrumental intro section, but it was punchy and energetic, and I was immediately hooked. The track in question - 'What You Do' - and the album from which it appears - 2000's Japanese compilation release, Ball & Chain - offered me a solid introduction to the band's music.
The most endearing aspect of Ball & Chain, is how stylistically diverse it is. There is no one sound that dominates, with a tracklist spontaneously spanning multiple genres throughout its 23 songs. The strongest tracks appear in the album's first half; 'Arrow From My Heart' makes for a timeless, mid-tempo opener, accompanied by spacious riffs that run alongside effortless vocals, while the rock-infused, sharp hooks of the aforementioned 'What You Do', progress to an even more satisfying guitar solo. Another key moment, and an overall vocal highlight of the record, is the infectiously melodic title track, with the addition of Ben Folds on piano, further complimenting what is probably the most 'complete' sounding song on the album. On the latter half of the record, standout moments come by way of the funk-driven 'Mr. Midnight', while the breezy, euphoric instrumentation of 'Livin', Lovin' revisits the sublime tone that is captured so well on earlier parts of the album.
Ball & Chain was Bus Stop's final release, and as of yet, the only album of theirs that I have been able to find a physical copy of. It is hardly surprising that their music is difficult to obtain, considering that all of their material was released prior to today's digital age, in which music is so readily available. With that being said, I am eager to track down Bus Stop's other LPs, if only to see how they fare in comparison to the strength and consistency that is so evident on Ball & Chain.
The most endearing aspect of Ball & Chain, is how stylistically diverse it is. There is no one sound that dominates, with a tracklist spontaneously spanning multiple genres throughout its 23 songs. The strongest tracks appear in the album's first half; 'Arrow From My Heart' makes for a timeless, mid-tempo opener, accompanied by spacious riffs that run alongside effortless vocals, while the rock-infused, sharp hooks of the aforementioned 'What You Do', progress to an even more satisfying guitar solo. Another key moment, and an overall vocal highlight of the record, is the infectiously melodic title track, with the addition of Ben Folds on piano, further complimenting what is probably the most 'complete' sounding song on the album. On the latter half of the record, standout moments come by way of the funk-driven 'Mr. Midnight', while the breezy, euphoric instrumentation of 'Livin', Lovin' revisits the sublime tone that is captured so well on earlier parts of the album.
Ball & Chain was Bus Stop's final release, and as of yet, the only album of theirs that I have been able to find a physical copy of. It is hardly surprising that their music is difficult to obtain, considering that all of their material was released prior to today's digital age, in which music is so readily available. With that being said, I am eager to track down Bus Stop's other LPs, if only to see how they fare in comparison to the strength and consistency that is so evident on Ball & Chain.
Very interesting! : )
ReplyDeleteI have A Little Faster compiled on my YouTube account. I also have part of Ball and Chain and the entire copy of Miracle Time. I'm willing to share if you contact me, I have two of the physical copies, but Ball and Chain is lost. Snuzz also has Facing out on his SoundCloud, the original version, anyway.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jonathan - I have sent you a message via YouTube.
DeleteYou can email ChuckFolds@yahoo.com as well. I know that he has several Bus Stop albums in cd format. Speaking of hidden treasures....Have you heard "Big Bang Boom"? Chuck and Eddie are playing in this children's music band together, along with Steve Williard. Check em out! Bigbangboomband.com
ReplyDeleteI haven't heard Big Bang Boom's music, but I will check them out - thanks!
ReplyDelete