The Empire

I really would like to post this blog today so I will make a quick statement about Too Much Joy…

I LOVE THIS BAND!

There, I said it.  I could write for hours about why I love this band.  I will put it simply.

They write perfect Power-Pop songs that have smart, clever lyrics with multiple vocalists.

I was introduced to TMJ by my pals Larry and John.  The first song I heard was “King of Beers” and 16-year-old me was thrilled as I now had a theme-song to drink to and a way to explain my drinking to others.  “King of Beers” made me go buy my own copy of Cereal Killers and I quickly fell in love with the whole record.  This led to me becoming obsessed with finding everything the band had ever done.  I picked up Mutiny easily but then had to scour the record stores for a copy of Son of Sam I Am. I signed up for the band’s newsletter and went to the fan website (the now-defunct joybuzzer.com).

Eventually I was able to see them live and it was everything I could have every wanted.  They played with a passion I could relate to, sang every word out of key with me and were just as drunk as I was.  I have probably seen TMJ live about a dozen times and they were great every time.    If you look carefully at their live VHS video you can see me right in front of the stage at a show at the old Bayou.

Crush Story -You might have actually heard this one because it registered as a pseudo-hit on the Modern Rock Chart reaching the 17th position.

Magic – This one really hit home with me as an undersized high schooler.  This song taught me that if I used my brain I could make up for my lack of muscles.  And that perception is reality.

Drunk and in Love – A rare track from the Mutiny sessions that saw the light of day on the re-release of Green Eggs and Crack, the band’s first record.  I think it is just a perfect song about what one will do for the one they love, especially after a few drinks.

 Too Much Joy - Crush Story: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

 Too Much Joy - Magic: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

 Too Much Joy - Drunk and in Love: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download