THE TORIES: The Upside of Down

The Tories

The Upside of Down

© 2001 02 Records (660355966729)

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Loud pop music with lush harmonies and intelligent lyrics, delivered with power and grace.

tracks

1 Would You Notice
2 Time For You
3 Come Unglued
4 Greatest Foe
5 Point of View
6 Superconductor
7 Everything Keeps Coming Up You
8 The Upside of Down
9 The End
10 Other Side of Time
11 All the World's For Sale
12 Change Me
13 Alright Tonight
14 Roxanne Riley

notes

The Tories have been to the other side and back. Steve Bertrand (vocals/guitar), James Guffee (bass/vocals) and J.J. Farris (guitar/vocals) have faced many changes and upheavals that would have shattered even the strongest of bands. From the parting of a member to the loss of family, The Tories have overcome their adversity to create the beautifully haunting The Upside of Down, the follow up release to their 1997 debut Wonderful Life.

Exploring a darker sound that retains elements of hope and humor on this sophomore effort, The Upside of Down encapsulates the spirit of this band. "It's sort of a starting over for us and that's what we really want to celebrate," says Bertrand. "It's been an incredibly difficult time, but it's a new day. The core of the band is still together, and we're very proud of the record we have made." Bryan Head (Black Lab) on drums rounds out this quartet and brings to the band a driving energy that is a mighty addition to their live shows.

Formed in Los Angeles in 1995, The Tories quickly found themselves in the middle of record/publishing offers after only six months of playing together. It was only when legendary producer Phil Ramone entered the picture that their dreams were realized. After signing with Ramone's own N2K Records, The Tories soon found themselves on the road tirelessly touring and promoting their debut album. "Gladys Kravitz," the first single and video from Wonderful Life, went top ten on M2. Billboard Magazine called the record "pure pop heaven." The band spent the summer of 1998 on the road with the VH-1 Rock Across America Tour as well as appearing on Entertainment Tonight, The Magic Johnson Show, The Keenan Ivory Wayans Show, E! Entertainment, ESPN, Viva Variety, USA Network and many other television programs. The tour also included dates in Europe. "We would see people in the audience in Spain or France, who could not even speak English but would be singing the lyrics to our songs," says Bertrand. "That's when it hit me how powerful music is. I'm always blown away when someone approaches me to tell me how much one of our songs has meant to them. Music is such a powerful medium and communicates so much."

After a whirlwind year of touring, it was at a hometown show that producer Gavin MacKillop (Toad the Wet Sprocket) approached the band to write and record the theme song for the NBC sitcom Jesse starring Christina Applegate. "We were so on that night", says Farris. "After being on the road so long, we were like a machine!" They went on to write the theme song "Time for You" as well as perform the underscore for the entire show. After two successful seasons in the top ten, The Tories were rewarded with the 1999 and 2000 ASCAP Film and Television Awards.

The Upside of Down was produced by The Tories and multi-talented Stuart Brawley (Foo Fighters, Don Henley, Michael Jackson.) "We couldn¹t have made this record without him," says Guffee. "It was a labor of love, and we're very grateful for his talent and contribution to the album." Brawley and renowned mix engineers James "Jimbo" Barton, Gavin MacKillop and Joe Chiccarelli deftly handled the mixing duties. Recorded almost entirely at home and rehearsal, this record is a fierce 11-song collection that still embraces the trademark Tories sound, but reflects a more seasoned approach. "Point of View" speaks of the splintering of friendships as the band found success early on. "The End" raises the sarcastic question, "What am I doing with my life?" to the beat of a marching band.

From the longing opening chords of "Would You Notice," to the transparent candor of "All The World's For Sale," The Tories plant new seeds in familiar soil. The result is the powerful The Upside of Down, a contemplative and confident record that's sure to please those who loved Wonderful Life as well as open the door to countless new fans.

reviews

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  • Shockingly Good.
    author: Lalla

    This is very clever pop rock - I would even say shocking. A great album - one of the best I have heard in years. Production is slick and musicianship is tight. It's the little things on this album that push it over the top - those things that take more than one listening to really appreciate. Each song has a great hook and easily stands solidly on its own - each could be the lead track. I highly recommend this album to those who are looking for a great album that can be listened to at any time of the day and for any mood.

  • Another casualty of the music biz
    author: Tories Fan

    Maybe the best example ever of superbly-sung vocal harmonies backed up by guitar-driven power pop since 'The Outfield' or 'Cheap Trick'. I hear strong influences of both bands here. But the Tories make it more earthy and listenable, with great lyrics and strong hooks. Damn shame the band has broken up, but at least they left some gems behind! Buy it!

  • Great CD
    author: Nick

    The Tories are a great band. It's a shame they split up. This is a great CD. Not as good as their first CD in my opinion, but they still have a great sound on this one as well. I especially like Come Unglued and Point of View.

  • You can't go wrong with Steve Bertrand. It's just not possible.
    author: Ashley (not a groupie, I swear!)

    Upside of Down, with the three new tracks (even though they aren't a band anymore...?) is fanTABulous, and anyone who likes ANY music can easily find something to love about this music. You don't have to be in any specific mood to listen to this CD, you can pop it in ANY TiME (I'm NOT kidding) and it'll make you feel however you're looking to feel; it can make you smile when you're down, it can make you feel like you're not alone, and it can even be an outlet for you in some cases (without being angry music): Namely, Come Unglued. It doesn't get any better than this.

  • Great pop rock
    author: Marc

    excellent driving music Highly recommend

  • Fantastic CD
    author: Paul Gaff

    Marvelous CD. I'm still a big fan of Jellyfish and this harks back to their two albums. I would without hesitation advise anyone who has their roots in good Beatlesesque rock to go to their wallet, pull out a credit card and buy this as soon as possible. PG

  • Better than thier First Album !!!!!!!!!
    author: Dennis

    I loved their first album, but this album is much more mature and the songs are simply incredible! You will wake up singing these tunes. Pound for Pound there are more likable songs on this disk than the first. I have not taken it out of my main cd player in the 2 weeks I have gotten this disk. This is one of the best disks of 2004. And if you love Jellyfish like I love Jellyfish, this cd will satisfy your need for that Jellyfish sound...down to the Tuba's and Marching Band Percussion!!!!!!!!! This disk is a must have for any Power Pop lovers out there.

  • Good peppy rock!
    author: BBurney

    I first heard about 3 songs from this CD on the once great MP3.com. I kept them in my online locker for quite a while and always enjoyed going back to them. I really enjoyed The Upside of Down and especially All the World's for Sale. That last song is just great - it sounds good and can even be a little moving. If you're looking for some excellent rock outside of the mainstream, then the Tories deliver a great sound.

  • An instant classic!
    author: Christie

    Swirling tunes, smooth delightful vocals and lyrics from the heart. A really excellent album. A 'must listen'.

  • More of this and The Tories will soon be well heard of!
    author: Greg

    Thank God for the Jesse TV series or I might have never been introduced to this great album. This could be the one that leads The Tories to their BIG break. I knew it had promise after hearing Time for You. Now Upside Of Down, Everything Keeps Coming Up You, Would You Notice, and The Other Side Of Time are all stuck in my head. Even my least favorite songs on this album I'll find singing to myself. It really drew me in. Their song intro downloads from their website is what sold me. Thank you Tories, and make another gem soon.

  • I Like This Band!
    author: Old Band Guy

    I had not heard of the Torries until I received a FREE sampler from CD Baby that had the group's Flying Solo on it. I was impressed with the vocals on that cut and did a little internet research to discover more about the band. I decided to give Upside of Down and try...and I'm glad I did. This is a tight band and the vocal arrangements and production are top notch. The trios harmonies are excellent and the instrumental scoring is outstanding. I think much credit for the success of this CD should go to the producers, which were the Torries and Stuart Brawley. As for specific CD highlights my favorite tracks are Greatest Foe, The End, Would You Notice, and Everything Keeps Coming Up You. It's a shame the TV show Jenny wasn't a hit because Time For You is a great theme, every bit as good as the Friends theme. Come Unglued probably makes a great live concert rocker, definately a song to crank the volume on. There isn't a bad song on the entire CD. Thank You CD Baby for sending me the free sampler. I think it got the desired result. I found a band I had not heard before and ordered a CD from you. I highly recommend Upside of Down to everyone and I will be ordering The Torries first CD.

  • The album that will change your lives forever
    author: Jason

    The CD is a great tribute to the band and has the potential to revolutionise the face of music today. With its strong lyrics and inspiring music it is sure to cause a stir in even the most musically challenged person. The Jesse theme tune, Time for You, is a masterpiece along with Other Side of Time and Come Unglued. The listener will find in this music the answers to questions asked in life. There is no doubting that this cd is an improvement on the last.I would descibe it as sowing new seeds on old ground. That is the way that dreams are realised. The CD is brilliant, go out and buy it, it will be the best thing you do in a long while.

  • An album that forces its way effortlessly into your head and heart
    author: Simon

    This CD is one of the best I've heard all year! I was pulled in by the wonderful Upside of Down, a song that I couldn't get out of my head for days. Listen to it and Would You Notice and try not to become a hopeless fan! Then I'll tell you that these are not the highlights, Come Unglued and Everythings Coming Up You are keeping The Upside of Down in my stereo, making me move it to my car and even ending up in my walkman when I'm cycling. There is something about the music, the voice, the style that just keeps me coming back for more, time and again. If you like power pop then you will not find a better album to buy then this one!

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