The Best Band You've Never Heard Of -- Post 3 -- Wicked Farleys

Farleys

Down in San Jose there use to be a record store called Radio Free Records. Ethan, the shop owner, was one of those rare cats that was sooooo fucking cool, and had the best taste in music, and yet, was one of the warmest human beings, and nicest guys. Last I heard, his shop relocated to Chapel Hill where his shit was broken into, and he didn't have insurance. I really hope that last part isn't true. But anyway:

The year is 1998, I stumble into a live show at Radio Free with a friend, and we were expecting some Braid rip off. What we saw...The Wicked Farley's...was soooo much better.

If I had to describe the Farleys to someone now -- which I guess is the point of these posts -- I would say, "Think like one of those lame, super music theory-y college bands, like Piglet, that heard Don Cab once, and then made some really amazing music from an arrangement standpoint, BUT the Farleys were PUNK at the same time, and have really cool stand out vocals."

So yeah...whatever happened to these guys? That show at Radio Free was totally one of those turn-to-your-friend outside like "Man what we just saw was so great and unexpected." And go home all fucking inspired about music.

Never listened to the 2nd album. And I kind of don't want to. But if you don't have Sentinel & Enterprise. I feel sorry for you.

Next week...where Radiohead steals beats from!