Everyone knows that the boys took some time off from playing shows earlier this year in order to spend some time in the studio. What I would like to know is how productive was this time? Am I to believe that they were only able to produce an A side and a video teaser? Does anyone have any information on the possibilities of a full length? Do the boys still seem to be waiting on a label deal before releasing anything else? Thanks for the info.

they got 5 completed songs: someway somehow, bring on the night, buffalohead, blow it out and leave it all behind. mixed & roughly mastered.

a few tracks were "laid down" without vocals: one called "5/4", idea of growing old, demons, see you thru?? maybe more. my memory is failing me on this one, maybe someone else can help me out here.

yeah, i think they're waiting to see if anything happens before releasing these versions...in my opinion, they're the best sounding features recordings i've heard (and i'm not just saying that b/c my dad produced it).

Wow, I cannot express how much joy it brings me to know that "Idea Of Growing Old" has been laid down and has a chance of being on the album. For some reason, I always think that the songs that I love the band hates (I feel that way about the "damge is done").

wow...i cannot wait for this material to come out.....the features are going to get signed soon...i just have that feeling...ghostflower and I were talking about it, the band is just on fire lately, pumping out amazing songs, giving it their all during their live shows, gaining more and more diehard fans.....everything is just falling into place....i hope they get signed soon....they truly deserve it...

Thanks a lot, jynx!

I also just have a feeling something big is going to happen soon.

my talking about the features getting signed shouldnt lessen their chances of getting signed.....it's the songs and performance that matter, not my ramblings.....

True enough. I agree wholeheartedly.

Woof, dog fight...

Maybe you didn't see the last post?

Let's not get too hysterical people...Of course we all would love for the Features to get signed and rule the airwaves (or, maybe not....)
But, I have to say, I've heard all this 'they're gonna get signed soon' stuff for over six years now. I've been a diehard Features fan since Day One, and not only that, I consider them (past and present lineups) to be friends of mine. Hell, nothing would make me happier than to see them get the recognition they deserve (talk about paying your dues.) But in those six years I've watched them go through peaks and valleys...I think they had just as much momentum in '97 or '98 as they do now. When Murfreesboro made the cover of Billboard magazine and suddenly slimy A&R guys were coming to the Boro to see local bands (one of the more surreal sights I've ever seen), people were saying left and right, "The Features are getting signed...now is the time...they're tighter than ever and they're such a no-brainer...So-and-So says they're the next major thing..." etc. etc. etc. Granted, it was a different band, different times, etc. But there seemed to be a real, universal "these guys are gonna make it!" attitude amongst all who were privileged and lucky enough to witness their live show. Obviously, they never got signed (which was probably for the best considering how royally Spongebath could fuck up BRILLIANT bands) but I'm just saying, let's not hype each other into a frenzy. I would take issue with anyone who says their more recent catalog of surefire smashes (Blow It Out, God Save Rock N Roll, etc.) is any better than their old gold standards (Thursday, Extension Cord, Anti Gravity Class of 93.) The band has ALWAYS had an amazing creative output. And yes, they've ALWAYS had searing live shows. Not better now, just different as a quartet, without Don Sergio. (Speaking of, does anyone remember when they wore the Bunny Suits on stage? Those were the days.) Yes they've written a great bunch of tunes over the past year or so, but they've written a great bunch over then entire arc of their existence. All I'm saying is, as Features fans, Let's just cross our fingers for them and if something happens, it happens. if not, well, then we're still onto the best kept secret on the planet.

everyone sing along!

"untangle the extension chord i've got a 55 million watt power chord for you to hear so you better plug your ears"

you seem to be a little jaded, but you're also right. and even if the band were to get signed, there's still plenty of other matters to deal with before an album would be put out.

You call it jaded, I call it reality. There are hundreds and thousands of bands that are passed up by labels DAILY. Sure, they're probably not half as good as the Features, but it's just the reality of the business. Just ask Rory and Matt Meeks, they know what I'm saying. Don't believe anything until it's down on paper.

(Edited by cyrusomalley at 10:34 am on Nov. 20, 2002)

Yeah Ex-Liontamer!!! Just go ask Rory and Meeks!!!

Braaaaaaaaaaawk!!!

Cyrus O. knows what he's talking about on this one. I wish I could share Ray's optimism that "it's the songs and performance that matter," but I don't think that's the way the industry works. It's the money, not the music, that matters to record companies.

I know the band has been looking for a label for quite some time. Maybe they're getting close to something or maybe not. (I really don't know.) But from what I've seen, record companies love to screw around with unsigned bands. I, for one, won't believe anything until I can go to Best Buy and pick up their latest release. Until then, I'll keep going to shows, buying merchandise, and trying to convince the rest of the world that this really is some of the best rock music being made.

Amen to that.

Oh I was just joshing with you. I would not want to anger Andrew W. K.

With the exception of some years off in LA from 97-99, I've seen the Features multiple times all those other years. I do feel that in the last two years their songs have reached another level, at least they have to me. I think Someway, Somehow (I'm still scratching my head as to why this has been absent lately), Me & the Skirts, and Damage is Done is as good as any of the other songs they've written.

But of course this doesn't mean they're going to get signed tomorrow or next week. That's the sad part of this business. I know there's at least one band in every town that deserves to "make it big" which means, in my opinion, that they can quit their day jobs and do this thing full time. But until that happens I hope the guys keep playing and I'll do my small part to get some videos and stuff up that not only hopefully entertain you guys, but also helps "sell" the band in some small way.

I've been a fan for 13 months now and every time I see them it just feels like they are getting better, producing a steady flow of awesome songs, and just generally being amazing. I don't believe I've ever seen them not give it their all on stage and, judging by Buffalo Head and Leave It All Behind, the new album is going to be genius. Smee, tell your dad thank you for capturing the utter magic of those two songs on tape. If the rest of the album is done as genius-ly as those two songs, then any label would be foolish to pass on it.

yes, i am optimistic about their chances for getting signed, they really do deserve it more than any other band that i can think of. they write amazing songs, give jaw-dropping performances, and have basically blown each and every one of our minds.....yes, the band's songs have matured over the course of the last year (or at least they have to me personally). i am serious when i say that the band writes songs of the same caliber of the kinks in their prime of 67 to 69 or the jam during 79-81. this band is amazing and if there is any justice in this world, they will be signed, maybe not now(as some of you believe), maybe later, we cant tell.......and besides, the band has kept their head up for all those years, and not let anything get in their way. they've never given up.......in the end, "it's the music not the money that matters anyway",i know record companies dont share my sentiments, but it's the truth.

(Edited by ray davies at 3:25 pm on Nov. 20, 2002)

cyrus, i was wasn't contesting your views on the matter. if you had read my reply a little closer you might have seen that. i've been a fan for 7(severin) years now, and i'm a little jaded myself. it wasn't meant as an insult. i just think it naturally happens when people are around long enough to witness the ups and downs you mentioned. braaaaaaawk!!!

only 7 elt? and is braaaawkkk supposed to be the sound a frog makes? that is my brother's name. by the way, how does that toe jam taste peace frog?

Toe jam? From what? Ex Lion Tamer and I are friends... I think he got my joke... and braaaaaaaawk is not the sound a frog makes... its ribbit.

well in that case, mine tastes like strawberries. how the hell are ya anyways?

(Edited by mindylieu at 8:12 pm on Nov. 20, 2002)

Without trying to do one of those uninclusive chats... just fine, fine. I'm fine.

severin or eight.....i haven't kept close track. the "braaaaawk" is the sound of the agitated birds at pond's edge. i don't see how it would be funny to anyone that wasn't there, but it involves a bad tapestry in a former bank. there were also plenty of alcoholics anonymous chips and motorized cocktail mixers.

Mmmmmmmm motorized cocktail mixers. Thoroughly mixed coffee everytime!!!

"I'll see you your 6 months sober and raise you a year..."

Ewww, don't buy music from Best Buy. Buy it from real (preferrably locally owned) record stores. Let Best Buy sell microwaves.

the frog won't do one of those uninclusive chats, but he will resort to inside jokes with elt.

ah, the irony.

i feel so out of the proverbial loop...

Touche lawnwrangler... I'll just crawl back into my mud burrow here at Pond's Edge... crap another inside joke!!! Somebody stop me!!!

any news on the record? how's it coming along, when do i get to hear it, etc.