THE STRAGGLYRS: Lost in a Tube

The Stragglyrs

Lost in a Tube

© 2006 the Stragglyrs (837101138123)

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The Stragglyrs blend beach music, country rock, folk and psychedelia into a statement about feeling lost but having hope in the modern world of war, politics, life and love.

notes

"Lost in a Tube" is a 15-song folk-rock album that laments America's slide into an era of senseless war and threatened freedoms.

The Stragglyrs' folk lyrics are wrapped in a guitar-driven, roots-rock sound with surf, blues and country influences; all four members of the ensemble band write and sing.

Among the current-issues titles on "Lost in a Tube" are "W. Drilled Us," "War President" and "All You Need to Know." Other songs include "She's Gone," a gutsy metaphor for America's lost liberties; "Lost For a While," an apt description of a distracted populace mislead into war; "Old Neil," a tribute to the musical activism of days gone by; the Beatles-esque "Lonesome Mystery"; and wraps up with "Just Play," a hopeful and upbeat celebration of California's sun and surf.

Based in San Jose, the Stragglyrs, established in 2000, have been playing and recording all-original material since then in Northern California.

reviews

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  • "Lost in a Tube" is a politically charged version of the band's surf, country ro
    author: Wade Thomas

    The Stragglyrs do more than turn a page with the release of “Lost in a Tube.” They flip the entire book over, owing to changes in personnel and the rotation of production duties to bassist Chris Purdum. Jim Braly asserts a prolific flourish in composition, guitar work and vocals. “Lost in a Tube” unfolds in polyglot contributions, reflecting a tad of anarchy able to embrace the new participating musicians as much as it has the message of the Stragglyrs. “Tube” is unlike the disciplined and focused frontier story told in the previous release “Downhill Sunset.” Instead, acerbic political commentary returns with the Braly-Purdum plaintive “W Drilled Us.” Mishler’s composition “War President” is a bridge into a high point on the CD, Braly’s surly protest “They Ask You to Die.” The surprise on this release is newcomer Tom Thompson. His guitar playing and noticeable delivery on his own piece “She’s Gone” explode off the CD. Thompson’s “Lonesome Mystery” and “Lovin’ Girl” command yet another round of appreciation by the listener. Perhaps not so surprising is how Mishler’s percussion relaxes into his country-rock-a-billy roots in each of these. Braly joins Thompson and Mishler on the tribute “Old Neil” (as in Young), grinding out a sound that is not merely chromatic imitation and deserves repeated listening. Purdum serves up some merriment to the conclude the album with his sparky “Just Play,” but it sounds like background music for a happy playground—in sharp contrast to the preceding political dissension unleashed by the rest of his band mates. “Tube” testifies to fatigue, turmoil, and transition. Oddly enough, the country’s condition is mirrored all too accurately by the Stragglyrs’ musical output. The release of this CD presaged deteriorating public opinion about the war in Iraq and the Bush presidency. The music captures anger, frustration and disgust in ways few bands would dare to venture even if they could. Purdum must have been challenged by the production of this eclectic CD. Nonetheless, his traditional training shines with accentuating brass in “W Drilled Us” and the acoustic clarity of “Tube” as a whole.

  • "Lost in a Tube" is a politically charged version of the band's surf, country ro
    author: Wade Thomas

    The Stragglyrs do more than turn a page with the release of “Lost in a Tube.” They flip the entire book over, owing to changes in personnel and the rotation of production duties to bassist Chris Purdum. Jim Braly asserts a prolific flourish in composition, guitar work and vocals. “Lost in a Tube” unfolds in polyglot contributions, reflecting a tad of anarchy able to embrace the new participating musicians as much as it has the message of the Stragglyrs. “Tube” is unlike the disciplined and focused frontier story told in the previous release “Downhill Sunset.” Instead, acerbic political commentary returns with the Braly-Purdum plaintive “W Drilled Us.” Mishler’s composition “War President” is a bridge into a high point on the CD, Braly’s surly protest “They Ask You to Die.” The surprise on this release is newcomer Tom Thompson. His guitar playing and noticeable delivery on his own piece “She’s Gone” explode off the CD. Thompson’s “Lonesome Mystery” and “Lovin’ Girl” command yet another round of appreciation by the listener. Perhaps not so surprising is how Mishler’s percussion relaxes into his country-rock-a-billy roots in each of these. Braly joins Thompson and Mishler on the tribute “Old Neil” (as in Young), grinding out a sound that is not merely chromatic imitation and deserves repeated listening. Purdum serves up some merriment to the conclude the album with his sparky “Just Play,” but it sounds like background music for a happy playground—in sharp contrast to the preceding political dissension unleashed by the rest of his band mates. “Tube” testifies to fatigue, turmoil, and transition. Oddly enough, the country’s condition is mirrored all too accurately by the Stragglyrs’ musical output. The release of this CD presaged deteriorating public opinion about the war in Iraq and the Bush presidency. The music captures anger, frustration and disgust in ways few bands would dare to venture even if they could. Purdum must have been challenged by the production of this eclectic CD. Nonetheless, his traditional training shines with accentuating brass in “W Drilled Us” and the acoustic clarity of “Tube” as a whole.

  • author: Andrew Poisoner

    "Lost In A Tube" sees the Stragglyrs expand on the Americana themes and sounds of their earlier "Downhill Sunset" with another sterling selection of original songs. The album lyrics feature political overtones, sometimes overtly ("War President") and often subtly. The guitars have a reverby surf-influenced feel that gels nicely with the eerie harmonies and minor-chord folk-rockin' feel.

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