1993 - September: Counting Crows ”August and Everything After”

Berkeley, California's Counting Crows seemed to become overnight sensations with their debut album August and Everything After. Lead man and pianist Adam Duritz and guitarist David Bryson came out of a group called The Himalayans, originally starting as a duet. Over time they formed the group, adding keyboardist Charlie Gillingham, guitarists Dan Vickrey and David Immergluck, bassist Millard Powers, and percussionist Jim Bogios. In a time when grunge was on the ascendancy, the Counting Crows drew inspiration more from Van Morrison and the coffee house than from Kurt Cobain and Seattle. Duritz' lyrics are a powerful draw for the band. Ironically, despite the fame-chasing lyrics of their breakthrough single, "Mr. Jones," Adam Duritz was never very comfortable with the fame that came with the success of the Counting Crows.

We hope you enjoy this lyric-rich album.

 

Round Here The first track on the album describes a man walking away from a home and a woman, only to discover that he is walking away from himself. The lyrics talk about all the things he can now do, but while these freedoms are important to children, they are not very significant to adults.

Omaha This is a deeper cut off the album, and was tried by Duritz in many previous bands before finally feeling like he got it right with this iteration. In April 1994, the city of Omaha, Nebraska designated this song the “official song of the city.”

Anna Begins Another deep cut, this song was inspired by a relationship Duritz had with an Australian named Anna. The relationship could not survive the geographic distance. “She's talking in her sleep, it's keeping me awake, and Anna begins to toss and turn. And every word is nonsense but I understand, and Oh Lord, I'm not ready for this sort of thing.”

Rain King A big hit off the album, "\“I've been here before, and I deserve a little more.” The song was written in 40 minutes after watching the film “Dr. Zhivago.”

 

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

“The X-Files” by Mark Snow The long-running science fiction television series featuring Mulder and Skully began in 1993. The truth is out there!

STAFF PICKS:

“Creep” by Radiohead Brian features the ultra-depressing lyrics of Thom Yorke. The song was inspired by an obsession York had with a stranger. When he confessed his obsession, the result was decidedly not a good one.

“I Would Do Anything for Love (But I Won't Do That)” by Meat Loaf Bruce features the longest single in history to make it to #1 on the charts, clocking in at 7:58. Meat Loaf won a Grammy for this song from the sequel album to 1977's “Bat out of Hell.”

“My Sister” by The Juliana Hatfield Three Wayne brings an alternative track that was big on the radio, but didn't make it to the charts. It is told from the perspective of a little sister or brother looking up to a big sister, with the love-hate relationship that comes with it.

“Crazy Mary” by Pearl Jam Rob's staff pick was originally a folk song written by guitar player Victoria Williams. Pearl Jam put this cover on a benefit album for Williams after she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Williams sings in the background.

 

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

“Food Innuendo Guy” by Adam Sandler This song really mashes our potatoes.

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