Music historians recognize three major phases of the Answers: the founding lineup that included guitarist/vocalist Dave Fleminger and bassist/vocalist Jeff Lowe as well as drummer Joe Asaro; a middle period during which Tony Suarez took over bass duties and Dave Anderson, drums; and a latter phase that featured Jeff’s return from LA. “Electric Flowers” inaugurated that third era in the band’s history.
“Here’s the Answers live at the Headquarters, Jan. 1, 1983,” Fleminger writes. “We kicked off the new year with our first show since Jeff rejoined the band, probably about a week beforehand.
“It’s an off-the-board recording, so my raspy vocals are kinda goosed and loud. ‘Electric Flowers’ was a blast to play as it had one of our signature one-chord, 16-bar raveups in the middle of it, just bashing away in double-time … good times.
“This show and some other live recordings I previously didn’t even know existed are from Carina Burns’ tape collection — thanks Carina for letting me borrow and transfer this cassette!!!”
More Answers MP3s:
The Answers play “Lucifer Sam”: Listen now!
The Answers play “Nowhere”: Listen now!
The Answers play “Teenage Problems”: Listen now!
Another song from the beloved green cassette, but I’d never heard this live version before. More proof that these guys were a blistering live band. I love the intensity of this, the vocals, the tempo… and especially how the guitar line is the lead and rhythm all rock ‘n’ rolled into one…
I’d flip for a recording history of the Answers! … Between the professional studio sessions and Dave Fleminger’s home-studio wizardry and live recordings — and considering the volume of songwriting behind the band — there’s a massive amount of material.covering many dates, 1981-’84.
The other genius aspect here: the lyrics. Dave crafted these so that they’re clearly personal, but can apply to everyone.
“Several things have got in my way…I’d like them to leave, but I know they’ll stay…”
I know I’ve felt that way many times, and I like how this would touch everyone in their own way.
The lyrics on this tune (and others) sound to me like I was leaving myself time little capsules I’d understand better later…as if the memories will take up space, and therefore return, whether you consciously leave room for them or not. At the time I thought I was being a bit cynical, combined with hoping for a fresh world where I could cast off all the memories that could possibly have held me down. But I don’t think I could have been that selective in the casting call…there’s bad stuff, and there’s good stuff..and shades of grey in the grey matter. Which nits to pick?
And now at this later date I’m sure glad many of those mems and memes found a place in my head to hang out!
There was some room after all..
And the wall-of-raveup with Dave Anderson just absolutely kicking it out always felt like a great mind sweep too!!
That song was in the set list for a few months prior to that January gig. I remember it didn’t have a title for a while and Mr. Anderson aptly gave it a title(perhaps a Salvation Army /pre three o’clock influence?) The song has everything: great 16 bars of melody, a great guitar intro and a dirge that I would have loved to stretch out and made more racket.
This is great. I love the guitar parts on this song… it almost sounds like two guitar players sometimes. The drumming is great too.