Here's a great set of songs for 2008. These tracks are from some working sessions that started in early 2003. We've been working on a number of tracks; some have surfaced such as “Ride” and “Fool's Ride” (b-side track for “The Night That King Fish Died”). Like those, the drums and bass were recorded around January 2003 and the guitar was recorded in the Spring of 2005, where Ed and I recorded some guitar parts at the Waldorf=Astoria in New York City.
There are a number of reasons why these tracks have taken so long to see the light of day. Technical difficulties with the masters and the portable, remote recording equipment. It seems that every time we think we're onto a break-through, something sets us back. As we head into 2009, we believe we'll be able to finish up all these tracks and put out a complete album of this patchwork effort. It's great stuff that we're sure fans will enjoy when it eventually comes out.
Like “Ride,” there are some sonic issues that wouldn't be tolerated in most Blanks sessions. But this set of songs seems to embrace and call for the rough edges. And The Blanks were very pleased and honored to have Brennan Sage – the guest vocalist who joined us on “Silver Wings” from The Warrior Ethos – provide backup vocals on “Fist Pump.” She really makes the final part triumphant.
– Kar
I've been holding my tongue for several years, but I can hold it no longer. You are sellouts!! From the late 80's/early 90's alternative music through the nothingness you produced shortly before and after the turn of the century, you've been spiraling downward slowly. Now, after listening to “Fist Pump,” I realize the spiral has stopped, for there is no further room to fall. You've hit ROCK bottom, so to speak. It is definitely a catchy little chorus and tune, but so are many pop tunes and commercial jingles. Alas, I must put it in the ilk of Beyonce's “All the Single Ladies” and McDonald's “I'm Lovin' It” – a heartless singalong. Ever since the chart-topping “Dead Tomato” was released, it seems your band has lost its heart and soul. It's nice that you get together and still create what you feel is music, as it's always nice to hang out with dear friends (although now you're creating songs without even getting together). You started with a vision of making music YOUR way and staying true to your roots of trash rock!! You have ventured so far from the truth that even as I write this (and “give me a fist pump, baby” echoes as a ditty in my ear), I tear up. This is not The Blanks. You are no longer The Blanks. I beg of you, either stop putting stuff out (I can't say creating music because neither word applies), or change the name of your group of friends to something more fitting for this sort of drivel – maybe Old Kids on the Block will do!!
– Christopher Araha Arohadej (former member of The Blanks, circa 1984)
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