Though flying under the radar, Bill Priddles been working steadily since leaving Treble Charger five years ago, and his first solo effort contains sharp, buoyant pop. An original and occasional touring member of Broken Social Scene, Priddles an accomplished guitarist who also enjoys that role in the band Don Vail. Finally leading his own project, Priddle stretches out for an eclectic assortment of tunes that showcase his prowess as an attentive songwriter. Producers Howie Beck, Andy Magoffin, John Critchley and Dave Neufeld each contribute to Priddles years-in-the-making debut, each coaxing him to explore his different musical interests. The work with Beck and Magoffin is likely the most seamless, as the hazy folk rock of "I Had a Job and "Like to Smoke both contain tasteful layers of sound beneath the core focus of Priddles voice and arrangements. Of the guest stars, BSS members Brendan Canning and Justin Peroff apply their quirky rhythmic signature to "Make it Go Away but generally play utilitarian roles, while Stars Evan Cranley and Amy Millan stand out on "Back Around. Like some blend of the Beatles and Weakerthans, the Priddle Concern is a promising new start for Bill Priddle.
Was making this album different for you?
At one point recording with Andy, I was taken back to the first Treble Charger records and then I realised why. On the later big budget records, wed have a producer saying, "Cut this guitar track, whereas the first records were me saying, "Lets add more and keep piling them on. Ive also never had songs prepared as well as these. On so much of the Treble Charger stuff the songs were finished and I was under the gun to write lyrics and finish the vocals. With that in mind, I never called anything a song here until it was completely done.
Will Treble Charger fans enjoy this record?
I cant see why they wouldnt; I like these songs more than my collected Treble Charger songs. Its weird, at the beginning, I dont think I was writing great songs but the arrangements and sounds were cool. At the end, I was writing better songs but we were working with producers whose job was to make it fit the radio without making you think it was being made to fit the radio. That taught me a valuable lesson; I made this record by not pleasing anyone but myself.
(Sparks)Was making this album different for you?
At one point recording with Andy, I was taken back to the first Treble Charger records and then I realised why. On the later big budget records, wed have a producer saying, "Cut this guitar track, whereas the first records were me saying, "Lets add more and keep piling them on. Ive also never had songs prepared as well as these. On so much of the Treble Charger stuff the songs were finished and I was under the gun to write lyrics and finish the vocals. With that in mind, I never called anything a song here until it was completely done.
Will Treble Charger fans enjoy this record?
I cant see why they wouldnt; I like these songs more than my collected Treble Charger songs. Its weird, at the beginning, I dont think I was writing great songs but the arrangements and sounds were cool. At the end, I was writing better songs but we were working with producers whose job was to make it fit the radio without making you think it was being made to fit the radio. That taught me a valuable lesson; I made this record by not pleasing anyone but myself.
