#11 – Steven Page – Page One
There’s a rich history of lead singers leaving their bands and forging successful solo careers. Morrissey, Sting, Beyoncé, Lionel Richie… the list goes on. Hell, Peter Gabriel and Phil Collins did it while fleeing the same band at different times.
Still, I wasn’t very confident that Steven Page’s departure from Barenaked Ladies would serve either of them very well. I figured the band would be weaker and I’d never hear from Page again.
I can’t really speak to the band. Their first post-Page album received lukewarm reviews, but I haven’t heard it.
As for Page… his first solo effort was brilliant. Better, in fact, than anything he ever released with Barenaked Ladies.
Page One showcases the wit and sense of fun that Page brought to BNL, but also a welcome maturity, both musically and lyrically. It’s a more confident record, too. Hearing this album, it’s hard not to think that being in the band was holding Page back.
I grew up but I got younger
I was torn, and cold
Now I’m fine but there’s this hunger
And a thirst for the days
Before I went and razed it all
To the ground
Got a job, found God
I did everything they told me
Spoiled the child, spared the rod
And found someone new to hold me
Though the love’s not as real
As what I used to feel when it
All went wrong
She was young, not scared – she was everything I wanted
I was dumb, unprepared – had no idea that I was haunted
By the ghosts of a life the night I hid the knives
And it all went wrong
It’s an old wound, but it opened in a new way
In a rest room in a rest stop on the thruway
She calls up her parents
And admits with embarrassment
She was wrong
Speaking of your mother
This is how it goes:
When the world gets you down
I suppose
You can fly away somewhere else
Of your own volition
Of your own accord
When you’re sad, when you’re angry
When you’re bored,
You’ve got to do what’s best for yourself
I awoke; you were gone
There was nothing left to hold onto
I was blind, I was wrong
But I could find you if I want to
So I fly to the coast where
The boys you love most
Sing into your eyes
I was lost, now I’m found
I can see, but miss the blindness
Here’s my cross; pound
It’s your mouth, your kiss, your kindness
My stigmata’s the regret for how
I could have let it all
Go so wrong
I’m going back to the place
Where they laughed in my face
When it all went
All went
All went wrong
Yes it all went –
Isn’t this what you wanted, darling?
All went wrong
Meet Me In Montauk 
I like this song, but being held back by Barenaked Ladies?? I don’t think so… maybe this song isn’t the best example of how much better he is alone than as part of that wonderful band.
It does seem that Page was the “Lennon” of BNL, though, when we saw the band live sans Page, I was pleasantly surprised how well they were faring without him, including the newer material.
After going through your Watertown posts I wanted to see where you are now and it’s good to see that you are still posting away.
I’ve always liked BNL–they were clever and had a good sound. I’m not overly familiar with the group and never knew the members by name. Page sounds okay, but I’m with Dana on this. Nothing wrong with this song, but it doesn’t grab me. I think it’s one of those tunes that would easily grow on me. Thanks for the insight on this artist.
Lee
Tossing It Out