A lot went into writing your favorite song, but how much do you really know about it? This week Bremerton native Mike Moen, lead singer of punk rock band Neutralboy, delves into kidnapping, Elliot Smith and sleeping with your parents. Song: “Listening To Dead Guys Sing Sad Songs”Album:
Everybody DiesRelease Date: May 19, 2009Where it was written: I do know it was written in a 1993 Dodge Ram Van in the middle of a two month tour on I-5 somewhere between Oakland and Tacoma. My Memory is a little hazy on exact time and location. Favorite line in song: “I’ve wasted time on worse, that’s why this time it doesn’t hurt. Lucky to be alive, lucky to get lucky sometimes.”Which part was the hardest to come up with: Hardest part is finding paper and a pen. Most of the time it takes me longer to find a writing utensil and something like an empty beer case to write on than it does to write down the words. As far as the music goes, I just use the same three chords over and over again.If you could go back and change anything, what it be: I’d pick better friends and lovers, and I’d just have drinking buddies that would buy all my drinks and cigarettes. Then I could retire, get drunk and smoke cigarettes.Odd fact about the song: We literally kidnapped John Snodgrass from the band Drag The River in Fort Collins, Colo. and drove him to Denver where we were recording. Then we made him sing on this song. By the time we were done recording we were so drunk he had to drive the van back to Fort Collins.What was your inspiration for writing the song: Trying to get laid while someone is listening to Hank Williams and Elliot Smith.When was your favorite time performing it live: After 21 years of playing in this band, I feel fortunate to play any song live. So, every time we play I’m playing my favorite show and favorite song, with my favorite group of friends.What is the meaning behind the song: Some people will do anything for sex after 2 a.m. Chances are if you are up after 2 a.m. trying to get laid it’s not your first time. At my age, not only have I been up after the bars close trying to sleep with you, I’ve done the same with your parents. Like your parents, I’m just lucky to be alive. So now all I have left is to worry about getting lucky tonight.Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
