Song Reflections: Fair to Midland “Musical Chairs”

“Musical Chairs” — people taking turns, always moving, trying not to miss out on a chair.  This is a cautionary tale of sorts, of what it can feel like, chasing the tails of the latest trends or following the crowd.  “The right of way is a wild goose chase” — the rat chase of trying to stay ahead, sticking to what’s proven and reliable — it may leave you feeling bewildered and restless.

There are some things that don’t change, that don’t need to change.  And knowing who or what you are, and sticking to it no matter what — there is a great sense of focus, comfort and strength in that.  “I’m just a stick in the mud” he says, and I admire him for that.

 

Fair to Midland: “Musical Chairs” from Arrows and Anchors

Fair to Midland’s lyrics traditionally leaned so far to the cryptic side that I seldom made any kind of emotional connection to it, even as I connected deeply to their music. Fortunately, this lead single from their new album Arrows and Anchors is a departure from that tradition between us.  …

Fair to Midland: Arrows and Anchors

Fair to Midland is an amazing band. The cohesiveness and virtuosity of the instrumentalists, fronted by Darroh Sudderth’s incredible wide range of vocal expression, all coming together to deliver densely creative and hypnotically accessible tunes.  At the current rate, I’m going to have to add Fair to Midland to my …

Fair to Midland Rocks St. Paul

So I went to see Fair to Midland play Station 4 in St. Paul on March 24, 2011.   This was my first time seeing them. It was a great gig, and the band played with passion from the beginning to the end.  As I had expected, Fair to Midland’s …

Fair to Midland: Fables From a Mayfly: What I Tell You Three Times is True

I’ve been thinking about these guys a lot since they’re coming to St. Paul this Thursday (March 24, 2011).  Ever-cryptic Fair to Midland is a fascinating and talented alternative metal band from Texas, one of the best of young indie acts I’ve heard. What makes them so good? Well, to …