"Rise" and the Beginnings of Watershed - by Ricki C.

By now many Pencilstorm readers have received their copies of the new Watershed Single Series Volume 4 CD containing – among 8 other tracks – the early Watershed tune “Rise.”  I consider “Rise” the first truly great Watershed song (and in fact, sometimes consider it the very first WATERSHED – as opposed to The Wires – song).  Following is a reworking of an e-mail I posted to somebody in 2014 about the first time I heard “Rise.”  

In 1990 I was a roadie for Willie Phoenix & The True Soul Rockers.  Willie had a once-a-month Saturday night residency at a really popular local club called Ruby Tuesday's (no relation AT ALL to the lame family-restaurant chain of the same name).  One month this kid band called The Wires started opening the shows.  They were nice kids, exceptionally friendly but basically hopelessly clueless.  They played originals, but it seemed like they could never quite decide who or what they wanted to be: it was like a weird mash-up of U2, The Police, The Alarm and – problematically – Rush.  (Oddly, knowing what I know now, there was not one glimmer of KISS or Cheap Trick in The Wires' sound.)  All the songs were too long, they never really went anywhere and The Wires wouldn't have known a hook if it fucked them in a closet.  But they were cute, they were compliant and they had a lot of energy, so they kept opening.

The second or third month they became Watershed.  (I remember saying to Colin one time when they were setting up: "You know there's an English post-punk band called Wire, right?"  "Yeah, that's what people have been telling us," he mumbled back.  Colin was so shy back then I don't think we made eye contact the first three or four months we knew each other.)

So one Saturday night about three or four months into the residency I'm upstairs at Ruby's tuning guitars for Willie's set.  (Willie & Mike Parks, the 2nd lead guitarist, brought 10 or 11 guitars to every show and Mike had some weird open tunings on his, so it generally took me most of Watershed's set to get everything ready.) 

Watershed took the stage, blasted into a brand-new tune – “Rise” – and Jesus Christ, they were fucking PHENOMENAL!   They had almost an entire new set, two or three other new songs, a couple of the old ones had been pared-down and rearranged/tightened, Colin had started employing his now-patented Angus Young/Pete Townshend hybrid stage presence when Joe sang lead and I really couldn't believe my eyes or ears.  I had never – and now have never, 26 years later – seen a growth spurt like that in a band from one month to the next.  It was like seeing an entirely different group.

I knew Willie had been producing an e.p. for the guys.  I figured that had to have a positive effect, Willie had been a rocker of the first order for over a decade even back then, but NOTHING Willie could have taught them in a month could have prepared me for how good Watershed were that night.  

They blasted through a 60-minute set, never let up, and left me speechless, gaping with my mouth open.  It really was quite mesmerizing.  I entirely forgot to tune the True Soul Rocker's guitars; I couldn't take my eyes off the stage. 

The Ruby's dressing rooms were down in the basement of the club, hell & gone from the main room, you couldn't really hear the onstage band clearly down there and I started to wonder if Willie knew about the transformation that had taken place in Watershed since the month before. 

I was scrambling to get the guitars tuned and put in order as Biggie and the guys broke down their gear, all I got to say to them was, "Jesus, that was INCREDIBLE!"  They just looked at me all embarrassed and mumbled, "Yeah, thanks, I guess it was okay," in their little self-deprecating Watershed manner (that continues to this day). 

Of course – almost inevitably – Willie & the True Soul Rockers (who were a truly fearsome live unit in their own right when they put their minds to it) picked that night to come out and just saunter through their first set.  I got a queasy feeling in my stomach the first two or three songs: Willie & the guys weren't even trying and they looked and sounded old & tired next to the rock & roll tour de force Watershed had just deployed.  (We were all in our late 30's then, Watershed were 19 & 20.) 

It was a bloodbath.  By the fifth song, people in the audience were starting to yell for Willie to get off the stage and put Watershed back on.  I saw it coming but I still didn't quite believe it.  Willie was REALLY BIG in Columbus back then, his audiences rarely less than enthusiastic, bordering on worshipful.  At a guitar change, Willie whispered to me, "What's going on?"  I said, "Watershed KILLED tonight, you better step it up, maybe go to third-set mode."

The True Soul Rockers never really got back on track that night and I wondered if Willie realized just how completely he had gotten blown off the stage.  The next month at Ruby's, Watershed was gone and we had a new – and decidedly WEAK – opening band.  Never let it be said that Willie Phoenix does not recognize when he’s been bested, even if only for one night.  Willie did not just fall off a turnip truck into this rock & roll game.  From that night in 1990 to this day in 2016 Watershed has never opened for Willie again.  That guy is a rock & roll genius. - Ricki C. / 2014 (updated July, 2016)

ps. I have long lobbied (in vain) for “Rise” to be reintroduced to the Watershed live set - even if only ONCE in a great while - just for old time’s sake, to acknowledge/honor their first GREAT tune, but definitely MINUS that wankified wah-wah pedal figure in the intro and during the choruses (which was NEVER a part of the tune when Watershed played it live, anyway).  I suspect that was one of Willie’s production touches which be believed would add sparkle to the tune.  Willie and I both did the better part of our useful rock & roll growing-up in the 1960’s, the heyday of the wah-wah pedal.  They were not a good idea in 1968 and they were even less of a good idea in 1990.

Bongos, Bad Karma, The Pat McGee Band and Watershed - Colin Gawel

A number of years back, Watershed was touring for the 5th of July album when we found ourselves opening for the Pat McGee Band in Nags Head, NC. As this was a beach gig, and not in say Wichita, Kansas, band morale was pretty high. Pat and his guys had finished their soundcheck and we were loading onto the stage about an hour before doors. I went up to one of Pat's road-crew members working stage right, my side of the stage, and introduced myself.

"Hey man, I'm Colin from Watershed, thanks so much for having us out. Should be a great night. I was wondering, would it be cool if we moved those bongos about 3 or 4 feet to the right of that microphone? That's where I usually sing, so if we could just slide the bongos over a little bit, we should be all set."

"Nobody touches the bongos, man," was the curt reply.

"We would be happy to move them and them move them right back after our show. We will be careful. It will only take five seconds. Literally five seconds."

"Sorry man, nobody moves the bongos. Band policy."

This was a disappointing policy. It would have made life so much easier if we could have found a way to move two lousy bongos 3 or 4 feet, but being the support act, you learn to take the good with the bad. It will make the stage look a little funky but it's not the end of the world.

"Well then, is it cool if I move the microphone three feet to the left and I will just sing there?"

"Nope. Once the bongos are mic'd, nobody moves the microphone. We already soundchecked the bongos, so no, you can't move the microphone either. Sorry man."

So now the club's sound guys have to bust out another channel and another microphone to put to the left of the bongos. However, at this point  there isn't enough time to set up another monitor for me before doors. This is less than ideal.

"I don't suppose there is any chance we could turn the bongo monitor a little my direction so I could hear some vocals, is there?"

"Like I said, we already dialed in the bongos. so no."

So as I played the set jammed between Joe Oestreich on my left, and those bongos on my right I couldn't help but think, "I bet those bongos have a hell of a stage mix."

(At this point in the story, in the interest of full disclosure, I must admit I despise bongos of all shapes and sizes. Even when they aren't in my way, I'm not a fan of bongos. You'll never hear me say things like, "Awesome! This band has bongos? That totally rocks." or " Woo-hoo!! Crank up them bongos!" I  just don't say those things.)

I thought about kicking those bongos off the front of the stage numerous times during our set, but being a professional I knew that wasn't the answer. I also took satisfaction in knowing that what goes around, comes around, and that one day this score would be settled.

That day finally came on Saturday November 23rd, 2013. I was working a busy morning at Colin's Coffee when a tune cut through the noise of conversation and the espresso machine. It's pretty hard to hear what music is playing over all the commotion but something about this song really struck a nerve. Finally, I had to stop what drink I was making and say aloud to nobody, "God, this song sucks! Who is this?"

I walked over to the Pandora connection we use (it was set on a Ray Davies channel) and pressed the Now Playing button. You have to understand, typically, I only check on songs that sound good and give them the "thumbs up." This tells the friendly robot that if it chooses, I would enjoy hearing that song again in the future. 

Why waste time pressing "thumbs down?" I mean, the song will be over soon enough and most times I can barely hear the song anyway. But on this particular Saturday, something about this song was so wussy, so sucky, I just had to know who it was even if customers had to wait an extra minute for their drink.

As I pressed the Now Playing button I mumbled, "Who is this asshole?"

Artist: Pat McGee.  Song: (blah blah blah)

So Pat, we meet again. Excellent. I knew this day would come. Revenge is a dish best served cold and in cyberspace, my friend.

I can read your thoughts, "Colin, take a deep breathe and calm down. Think about what you are doing. A "thumbs down" on Pandora is like a C - in middle school math. It goes on your permanent record and follows you for life. If you press that button, Pat will never get into college, get a job, or even get laid, ever again. Why not be the bigger man and let it go? Just don't press anything. Hit skip if you must. That sends a message too."

No, it was too late for amends. The Pat McGee Band had their chance to move those bongos, and now it was time for the sharp knife of justice to cut a gaping wound into the band's future prospects of success. 

My finger started towards the "thumbs down" symbol.

People screamed, babies cried, dogs barked and fish swam. Somebody yelled from the back of the shop, "Run for cover in the bathrooms, I think he's gonna do it."

Closer, closer, closer..

Bam!

Ain't bongo karma a bitch.

Thumbs Down, Pat. Thumbs Down.

Colin Gawel writes for Pencilstorm and plays in the band Watershed. To learn more about Colin and Watershed,  pick up a copy of the best selling memoir "Hitless Wonder - A Life in Minor League Rock n Roll". 

My Thirty Favorite Watershed Songs - by Tom Linzell

Watershed is performing at Ace of Cups, Columbus OH, Saturday, Aug 10th 2019

Last summer a guy named Nick Jezierny, in a clever twist on Colin Gawel's ranking of every Cheap Trick song, ranked every Watershed song recorded.  He included live albums and even some bonus tracks.  This was great reading, especially the notes from the band &  Ricki C. and links to videos. It inspired me to make my own list.  I have known these guys since grade school, before they picked up their instruments and decided to form a band.  I have no idea how many times I have seen them play live, but I am sure it is more than a hundred shows.  Now, I'm not going to rank every song.  "What??" you say. "What a rip off!" Really, who wants to write or read about songs that are just ok? Are we going to argue about the 40th vs 41st best football teams? Ain't nobody got time for that! So here are my top 30 songs - the ones I would put on a mix tape (CD) for someone who has never heard the band.  

For the record, there are 56 songs on the five studio albums the band has released, so 30 out of 56 that I really love is not too shabby.  I included the album and release date, as well as the main vocalist. Watershed is somewhat rare in having two front men, besides some notable bands like, oh, Kiss and The Beatles. When they started out as The Wire, they always had a lead singer:  a charismatic, David Lee Roth-type guy (first Paul Webber, then Ron Severance). When they went off to O-State, they said F-it! We can do this. They taught themselves to sing while playing instruments and kept on rocking. I believe that typically Joe or Colin will bring a song to the band they have worked up on acoustic guitar with lyrics and chords to finish in rehearsal. While they would likely poo-poo the notion of my song vs. his song, I think it sets up interesting contrasts in vocal quality, song content, mood and structure. I would love to see them do a set where each one sings only the other guy's parts. Without further ado:

30.    Everywhere I Turn    From: Twister (1995)        
    Main vocals: Joe
Notes:  When you are the first song on the list (at the bottom of the table, for you futbol aficionados) there are always going to be several songs nipping at your heels, trying to get you relegated to the near-miss list.  Good drums, good guitar, but it is the chorus that gets this one in the top thirty. See the near-miss list at the end.

29.    Superstressed        From: Star Vehicle (1997)    
    Main vocals: Colin
Notes:  Great lyrics, really heavy guitar sound with nice Rick Nielsen-style flourishes. Herb's big drums and Joe's bass set up a rock solid back line for the guitar that goes from rhythm to leads and back seamlessly. Well-produced and nicely balanced. This seems a little low on the list right now. I think Colin is an under-appreciated guitarist and this is exhibit #1.

28.    Half Of Me        From: Star Vehicle (1997)    
    Main vocals: Joe
Notes: This is one of many Watershed songs that you can just imagine someone already famous making into a huge hit.  Super clever lyrics, of course. Probably the closest they have come to writing an old school country song. I also like how at shows they sometimes play it slow and twangy, and sometimes fast and punky. This would work as bluegrass, hip hop, anything. 

27.    Sad Drive        From: Twister (1995)        
    Main vocals: Colin
Notes: Their first full length studio release, Twister is holding up much better than expected, and it gets a bad rap from the band for its production.  This recording really captures the essence of one CG's early standards - take another listen to it, loud in a car or with real headphones. Perfectly balanced and so simple: Colin's vocal and guitar strumming, mirrored by Joe's bass, share center stage over the high hat.  Starts to crescendo towards the end with guitar leads, then fades out. One of their best ever produced songs. I also like when they used to extend the ending and rock this out in concert.

26.    Wallflower Child    From: The More It Hurts, The More It Works (2002)    
    Main vocals: Colin
    Notes:  And of course, one of Joe's early standards.  This one meant so much to Joe that he got it tattooed on his shoulder.  And why not?  Clever lyrics that perfectly capture the band's early high school dorks not getting laid ethos.  *Interestingly, this is one of the very few songs that the singer (at least in the album version) is not the songwriter.  Joe usually sings this live, in much more punk style. I am not including the live albums (or ranking different versions separately) on this list, just focusing on the songs. Having said that, this isn't my favorite version of this song, but I appreciate mixing up the style for some variety on the album - they can't all be rockers. This song makes the list on it's strength as a live performance in my mind.  

25.    You Need Me        From: Twister (1995)        
    Main vocals: Colin
    Notes:    In Nick's list (he ranked this 22), Joe and Colin point out that the sweet drum intro was very similar to Van Halen's "Everybody Wants Some."  I had never picked up on that, but I hear another influence: The Dragsters "Nitro Jungle Woodie."  My brother Pete had a killer surf rock band in the late '80s/early '90s and they opened a show at Stache's with a similar, but quicker drum beat and sax solo.  When the guitar and cymbals kicked in, the floor in front of the stage absolutely exploded with girls dancing, almost like it was choreographed.  You never forget that.  It is also a great way to open your major label debut: we do need them.

24.    Mercurochrome    From: The More It Hurts, The More It Works (2002)    

      Main vocals: Joe

      Notes:  Just a poppy little number about suicide.  Sort of a hard-rockin' commercial jingle,             but rock it does!  This may be the only song that I rank same as Nick, for whatever that is             worth.

23.    The Best Is Yet To Come    From: The Fifth Of July (2005)    
    Main vocals: Colin
    Notes:  It sure is, brother - on this list anyway.  This song ends what is in my opinion their very best album, The Fifth of July. Is the best yet to come from the band? We shall see, but that will be tough to do.  More on that later.

22.    Sweet Kisses / Bitter Scars    From: The Single Series Vol. 2 (2001)
    Main vocals: Colin
    Notes: In the liner notes to this EP, they call this song "loud, proud, and bound for obscurity. Probably the best Watershed song to never make an album."  That statement is correct.  In fact, it's the only song not from a full length studio album to make my top 30.  I would love to see a master list of all Watershed songs ever written & performed. I am sure they have more than double the 56 that made albums. I bet Biggie has such a list.

21.    My Lucky Day        From: The Fifth Of July (2005)
    Main vocals: Joe
    Notes:  Such rich and efficient lyrics, I started quoting it until I realized that I would have to transcribe the whole damn song here.  Not gonna do that - go listen to it right now.  This song is just tight, tight, tight. Also fantastic drums, guitars, production, everything. I have special place in my heart for a rock song that is also positive and upbeat. This song may be underrated at 21, but competition is getting stiff.

20.    Little Mistakes    From: Brick And Mortar (2012)
    Main vocals: Joe
    Notes:  Another catchy anthem from the pen of Joe. The first of three in a row from their most recent album Brick and Mortar (what a great album title, by the way).  They just happened to get ranked sequentially.  More on how I compiled the rankings at the end.  Not sure why this album only gets 3 on the list, the highest at 18, but these are the songs I have heard performed live the least so that may explain it.

19.    Broken        From: Brick And Mortar (2012)
    Main vocals: Colin
    Notes:  Excellent production here too.  Fairly complex mix, with Joe adding harmonies throughout.  A lot going on in the background that adds depth, like the other Joe (Peppercorn's) keys. Colin's songs tend to have a darker hue, but this strikes a good balance between the lyrics, the tempo and chords.

18.    Words We Say    From: Brick And Mortar (2012)
    Main vocals: Colin
    Notes:  Have you every noticed on the later Beatles albums like Abbey Road and Let It Be that you can start to hear hints of future Lennon & McCartney solo recordings?  This song feels like a Colin Gawel and the Lonely Bones song to me - not that there is anything wrong with that.  It may be that I have heard it live with the Bones more than 'Shed.  Is Brick and Mortar the last Watershed album?  I doubt it, and certainly hope not.

17.    Getting Ready    From: The Fifth Of July (2005)
    Main vocals: Colin
    Notes:  Pretty sophisticated arrangements to these ears, lots of variation - pensive and quiet to all out and loud.  I think that's what really appeals to me here. I also love where Colin sings "something will go wrong" and Joe is in the background with "nothing will go wrong." One of many songs that make me think it must be difficult to date or be married to a song writer:  "Really, Colin?  You're getting ready to lose me?"  Probably pretty hard to get to sleep next to a murder mystery writer too.

16.    Over Too Soon    From: The More It Hurts, The More It Works (2002)
    Main vocals: Joe
    Notes:  Fairly slow paced for a "Joe song," but as usual well-crafted lyrics. Like many of their songs, it seems like one that could be covered by someone and turned into a hit, as noted by the boys in Nick's list. The production seems a little over-wrought here (apologies to Mr. Patalan).  Save the strings for the Beatles.

15.    Anniversary        From: The More It Hurts, The More It Works (2002)
    Main vocals: Colin
    Notes:  Probably a controversial ranking here. There was a time when this was the undisputed champion of Watershed songs.  In fact at one point the band did a March Madness-style 64 song tournament bracket for fans to vote on their favorites and this won.  Still a great one, but has not held up quite as well as some further up this list.  Then again, there have been three more albums of material to compete against since then.  Maybe I've just heard it too many times by now. What this song does well is take advantage of the fairly unique two-headed monster that is Watershed vocals and songwriting.  This song is a sort of duet/call and response.  I love it when they are both singing different things at the same time.

14.    Just For Show    From: The More It Hurts, The More It Works (2002)
    Main vocals: Joe
    Notes:  "I'm automatic here in my room, can't put one over on YOU!"  This song swings as well as rocks.  The chorus has a Todd Rundgren feel to it, which is kind of a cool link between the punk delivery of more Joe nuggets like "I'm just glad for the day Buddy made glasses cool" and "double-wide cheek bones slice up your face."  Besides being clever lyricists, the 'Shed boys are masters of self-deprecation.

13.    Laundromat        From: The Fifth Of July (2005)
    Main vocals: Joe
    Notes:  Power pop gem - this song has nowhere to go but up.  Grrrrrreat guitars on this one. I won't keep bothering you with lyric shout-outs but (who am I kidding, of course I will), how about this one: "I'm tryin' to get some change, for the dryer and the Pac-man game, 100 grand high score, triple A the name."  So, so sweet: see the dude who made the high score didn't even bother to put in his or her initials.  As I said before, I do have an affinity for the upbeat ones.  While I was honing in on my top 30, I was worried it would be too heavy on the Joe songs and light on the Colin songs. However, lo and behold, quite on accident they fall exactly 15 for each. How about that?

12.    Star Vehicle        From: Star Vehicle (1997)
    Main vocals: Colin
    Notes:  Another great start to an album, this a response to being dropped by Epic. I don't know how many albums put the title track first, but hats off to that. I do know another one that does: Dream Police, but more on that one later. Somewhat slower tempo, but boy does it rawwwwwk. Excellent production, great bass, drums, and guitars.  However, leading into the guitar solo with "alright, rock." used to really annoy me.  I am thinking now it may be part of the song's witty commentary on the corporate music business.  Please tell me I'm right on this, Colin.

11.    Give A Little Bit    From: Star Vehicle (1997)    
    Main vocals: Colin
    Notes:  This album is such good power pop - can't stress that enough.  Credit to producer Frank Aversa and the band.  Everything is right in front but nothing drowns out anything else. God dammit, why wasn't this a hit?  This song is just waiting to break into the top ten - a few more listens and it might.  CG is also a really good harmonica player.

10.    If That's How You Want It    From: Twister (1995)    and Star Vehicle (1997)
    Main vocals: Joe
    Notes:  Probably the first song by Watershed that made me think they would make it big. I visited them in NYC while they recorded Twister and hearing this through the studio speakers on top of the huge mixing board at the Power Station really puts the stars in your eyes.  It is interesting to listen to both recordings back to back - Star Vehicle version is a smidge quicker, but sounds more raw.  Twister is more polished - and probably my favorite. The line "we'll never just be friends" is so elegant and so good.

9.    I'd Be A Liar        From: Star Vehicle (1997)    
    Main vocals: Colin
    Notes: Hard driving, no compromise. This one brings it. "No, I wouldn't cheat my friends in playing cards / But honey, cheating on you well that ain't as hard, not as hard." Woo! Explain that line to your honey.  Interesting side note: according to iTunes the albums Twister, The More It Hurts The More It Works, and Brick & Mortar are in the genre "Pop" while albums Star Vehicle and The 5th Of July are in the genre "Punk."  Perhaps their way of saying the band straddles both.

8.    The Habit        From: The Fifth Of July (2005)
    Main vocals: Colin
    Notes:  Yep, this one might be what puts 5th of July into the punk genre. The band loves Green Day, but this beats anything by them for me. This album, besides dominating my top ten, puts me in danger of getting speeding tickets. For my 50th birthday, I want the band to play a show with at least the top half of this list.

7.    Can't Be Myself    From: The More It Hurts, The More It Works (2002)
    Main vocals: Joe
    Notes:  One of their best live songs - getting the crowd to sing the "I don't know how long I can hold out" part while Joe runs through the verses - wow, it's giving me goose bumps just writing about it. Another one where both singers are singing different parts at the same time - this always works.

6.    Slowly Then Suddenly    From: The Fifth Of July (2005)
    Main vocals: Joe
    Notes:  Dave's drums rule this one, but guitar and bass just barely get beat out, like Ricky Relish breaking the tape before Kelly Ketchup and Mickey Mustard at a Columbus Clippers baseball game. Another great memory (as the boys noted in Nick's list): the band was working on these songs and rehearsing in a vacant storefront on the now-thriving Gay Street in downtown Columbus.  They had a party there and played a show in the round, facing each other like they would in any practice space while the crowd surrounded them in this high-ceilinged future restaurant.  A magical experience, and like hearing some of the songs on Twister for the first time in the studio in NYC, this will always give this song extra meaning for me. 

5.    New Depression    From: The Fifth Of July (2005)
    Main vocals: Colin
    Notes: This song does indeed get me high.  Like all of the songs in the top ten, could be a smash hit with the right breaks or covered by the right person.

4.    How Do You Feel     From: Twister (1995)
    Main vocals: Colin
    Notes:  How Do You Feel was written about 25 years ago, and it is holding up just fine.  Again I must come to the defense of Twister and it's production. This song and this recording will still be good 25 years from now.

3.    Obvious    From: The Fifth Of July (2005)
    Main vocals: Joe
    Notes:  Another great album lead-off song. Another should have been hit.  Great bass, great guitar, great drums, great chorus, verses that mesh with the melody. Joe claims in the notes to Nick's list that this isn't about hooking up with an underage girl, and I don't dispute that.  It IS about hooking up with a girl old enough to have her own apartment, but obviously much younger than the protagonist.  Otherwise, it wouldn't be obviously wrong, right?

2.    5th Of July    From: The Fifth Of July (2005)
    Main vocals: Joe
    Notes:  The absolute definition of power-pop.  So tight - perfect match between lead vocals, backing vocals, and instruments.  If you're not keeping count, this makes 5 of the top 10 from The 5th of July, and 9 out the 11 songs on the album in my top 30.  Safe to say I consider this the zenith of Watershed studio releases. More about the other two later.  But I would put the first four songs on this album up against the first four songs from ANY album by ANY band.  Don't believe me? Let's try a few: In this corner, from Columbus Ohio, representing The 5th Of July (Obvious, The Habit, 5th Of July, Slowly Then Suddenly). The challenger: Kiss, Destroyer (Detroit Rock City, King Of The Night Time World, God Of Thunder, Great Expectations). Well of course 1 and 3 crush, 2 is ok, but 4 gives this bout to 'Shed. Next up: Bruce Springsteen, Born To Run (Thunder Road, Tenth Avenue Freeze Out, Night, Backstreets). Hoo boy, no one can accuse me of lining up tomato cans to face 5th Of July. 1, 2, and 4 are some of the most important rock songs ever written and performed.  Song 3 is good, but not better then the first four on 5th - The Boss wins, but only 2-1-1. How about Cheap Trick Dream Police? (Dream Police, Way Of The World, The House Is Rockin', Gonna Raise Hell).  Well, I'll give this one to Trick 3-1, but Watershed certainly weren't embarrassed out there.

1.    New Life    From: The More It Hurts, The More It Works (2002)
    Main vocals: Joe
    Notes:  This song gives me chills.  This has everything that makes Watershed great: the dual singing, power chords, killer drums, tight lyrics, anthemic chorus.  According to Joe and Colin's notes on Nick's list, Tim Patalan gets a lot of credit for this one. You don't have to agree with me that this is their Number One song, but if this doesn't at least scare your top ten, then you and I have very different ideas about rock and roll music.

How they were ranked:  To start with, I brought all of the CD's on our road trip to Myrtle Beach to see the band open for Cheap Trick. I played them all start to finish.  Back at home I went album to album making yes, maybe and no lists.  The yes's and no's are easy, but where do you draw the line on the maybe's?  After much listening, I had it down to 30.  From there, I sorted them into top ten, second ten, and third ten. Then I subdivided the groups of ten into groups of 3 (1-3, 4-6, etc down to 28-30). Next I decided the order within these groups of three which gave me a an ordered list. At that point, I stepped back to see if certain songs should be ahead of others.  There were some shifts up, which of course sent some down.  

Near Misses:    So those songs I talked about nipping at the heels of Everywhere I Turn? 
Suckerpunch: so, so close - but 30 is such a nice round number. I-65: one of the last ones bumped - a better song in person.  I've Been Looking Everywhere: a great start, but seems to be just a chorus, or could be kind of an instrumental. Would love to see this fleshed out.  Kind of Who-like.  Then they fade into a version of Born To Run that I used to hate, but have come to accept. You have to admire the moxie and earnestness.  Colin changes up the phrasing and tempo a bit to make it their own, for better or worse (worse.) Black Concert T-shirt: probably will get shit for leaving this one out, but that smug chorus is what keeps it out for me. Set The World On Fire: like the rest of Brick & Mortar, I think I just need to see these played live more.

The banished ones:  (Caution - feelings might be hurt!) I have left three songs out of my iTunes library of Watershed Albums.  The two I alluded to from The 5th Of July: Small Doses and Going Through The Motions.  On Small Doses, I just don't like how Colin sings the words "small doses" - it just rubs me the wrong way.  Otherwise a good song.  Maybe if Dave Grohl was screaming it out? When they play this live, which seems like every show (and every Lonely Bones show), it's time to go to the restroom and buy a beer.  But I always hear squeals of joy from the crowd - so some people must love it. Maybe the women, or maybe the younger fans.  No one I have talked to about it does.  Going Through The Motions is actually quite good.  Maybe too good.  Makes me wonder if I am going through the motions.  I never have to hear this song again. And lastly, my least favorite Watershed song, which ironically also seems to be a crowd and band favorite: American Muscle. I want to punch this song in the balls.  Arrogance that makes me root against the overdog. Endless double entendres that would make Gene Simmons blush, such as "put the liquidity in your assets " and "whip my fat wad out." Ham-handed metaphors everywhere I turn.....my eyes hurt from all of the rolling. Joe's lyrics are usually clever, but this song comes off like something from an undergrad English major with a financing minor. 

World Premier Video: Watershed "Over Too Soon"

Why don't we let the drama build before Day 6 of the Complete Watershed Song Rankings by breaking out a new video for the classic, should-have-been-a-hit song, "Over Too Soon." Please check it out and pass it around. 

Watershed Over Too Soon The More It Hurts, The More it Works Idol Records

Colin Answers Your Watershed Questions and the New Single is Out!

Click Here To Hear the New (And old) Watershed

(this story is from Oct 2016, Watershed playing Ace of Cups- Columbus, Ohio Dec23 2016.)

Colin Answers Your Watershed Questions Before Gig This Weekend

--So what’s going on in Detroit this Saturday?

C.G. – Our good pals The Fags are doing a reunion show at Small’s in Detroit and asked us to come open the show. In fact they are working on a new record. (Click here for more info on that at Pledge music) It was too good of an offer to pass up, so Joe is flying to Cbus, we are going to rehearse for a bit and then pile in the van for the short ride to Motown. We are on around 10pm. 

(Note: As of this publishing, Joe Oestreich is literally filling sandbags to protect his pad in S.C. from Hurricane Matthew. If he can't make the show, the rest of us will and it will rock. Besides, it's The Fags show anyway.)

(Note 2: Due to said hurricane 'n' stuff we got cancelled for the show in Detroit. Read more on that here )

--That sure seems like a lot of work for just an opening gig. Why? 

C.G. - Obviously, we are huge fans of the band and go way back with John and Jimmy, but without Tim Patalan producing “The More it Hurts” and “5th of July,” it’s safe to say Watershed would have disappeared long ago. He was the missing - and much more musical - member of Watershed we never had. I love all of our albums but anytime Tim works with us, something special happens. Though I’m sure we are literally in some sort of debt to Tim, we will figuratively be in his debt forever. And those Fags sure can party.

--There is a new Watershed single produced by Tim Patalan but I can’t find it anywhere. WTF? 

C.G. - Yes, in Oct. 2015 we returned to The Loft for four chilly days and long nights. It had been a long time since we had worked with Tim, not because we didn’t want to, just life and all that stuff getting in the way. Tim has a certain production style that doesn’t lend it self to tidy schedules and advance planning. Though I love his method, it’s tough to implement with jobs, kids, travel and all that. 

We brought in about 8 songs. Tim listened patiently to all and said, “I think the chorus of the last one is good, but we need to rewrite the rest of it. And you guys should just write another brand new song while you are here. Okay, get to work, I’ll be back later.” We got to work and eventually ended up with “Hey Lydia” (song #1) and “Best Worst Night.”  Shout out to Andy Harrison for jumping on board at the last minute to help in all fashions. It was some serious Brill Building shit as Andy would help engineer upstairs while the rest of us worked on the songwriting downstairs. 

But I’m off track – we offered an advance version through Kickstarter as part of the Single Series. It had the two new tracks, plus a slew of old nuggets all tied directly into the book Hitless Wonder. Biggie did an amazing job with the artwork and we hit the goal in just two days (THANK YOU!) and sent them all out this summer. Sorry, no hard copies available that I know of. I bet Ricki C. could hook you up, though. Good news is that is all goes streaming I-Tunes Friday Oct. 7th before the gig in Detroit.  

Last time Watershed played in Columbus, Herb Schupp was back on drums. What happened to Dave?

C.G. - Sorry to say, for a variety of reasons, it just wasn’t happening with Dave anymore. It was a decision we took very seriously to the point we considered just ending the band. Dave’s drumming, along with Tim Patalan’s production took us to heights we never imagined. Dave at his best is as good as any rock n roll drummer that ever played. I know it sounds crazy, but I’m telling you it’s true. Give a listen to Watershed Three Chords and a Cloud of Dust II if you want to hear for yourself. That record is basically a rock n roll drum clinic with some hacks singing over top of it. He played with finesse, musicality and personality. He played for the song. He knew where the song was going. He showed up to every practice and every gig and never sweated the small stuff. He rode in the van and never complained. He loved it all. 

But in the end, we lost the thread. It was time to move on. Many drummers were considered but it was a pretty easy choice to go back to original drummer Herb Schupp. Watershed are friends first, so that dictates many of our decisions for better or worse. I think anybody who saw the “new” line-up last summer in Columbus would agree it was the right call. It’s sorta like Tom Petty going from Ron to Howie on bass, then back to Ron. 

Does Dave play on the new single?

C.G. - Yes, that is Dave in all his glory trying to please Tim Patalan. It was the prefect way to go out. And his last gig with Watershed was opening for Cheap Trick. I feel good about that. (click here to read more about that show)

What happened to Joe Peppercorn?

C.G. - For those not from Columbus, Joe is a powerhouse in his own right. Around the time of Brick and Mortar, Joe was a little burned out leading his own projects while juggling raising young kids. He would tend bar at the Treehouse on Wednesdays and I would stop by some nights to chat. I could empathize with where he was at in his career because I had been there myself.  Drummers leaving the band, no money and young kids running around the house. 

We knew that doing the record in Columbus without Tim, we could really use a person with the musical talent of Joe Peppercorn. So we proposed that he join the band and help with the new record. For once, he wouldn’t have to shoulder the load all alone. Contribute some tunes, play some parts and drink some beer. Or put in rock n roll terms, he could be the Ron Wood of Watershed for a while. Essential to the sound, but free not worry about all of the nonsense. 

He jumped at the opportunity and I think the record we made and live shows we played together more than justified the decision. That was some of the most fun I’ve ever had in my life. And we could not have done it without Joe Peppercorn. (And Mike Landolt.)  Alas, Joe is a bandleader par excellence himself and eventually got back to doing his own thing. His band The Whiles have a new record due out soon and every December he fronts a band that plays EVERY Beatles song in chronological order in one 13 hour show. Yup. Whatever Joe Peppercorn does, you need to take an interest. He is one of the best.

Who was the other guy on guitar at Ace of Cups?

C.G. - That would be the man behind the curtain, Rick Kinsinger. He produced The League Bowlers, Dead Schembechlers, and helps out on our studio stuff. Since we all play in the Bones together it was a no-brainer for him to join up.

What are the chords to Plan B? 

C.G. - G-E-C-D  (sometimes I capo up a step) 

A question from New Zealand: How can I get some Watershed shirts over here? 

C.G. - I will pass this on to Biggie, but hit us up with a FB message and we will find a way to hook you up. I am a fan of The Bats. Could we trade shirts?

Why Isn't Ted Nugent in the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame instead of Cheap Trick?

C.G. - Easy. Because of this..

Watch the official video for the Damn Yankees' "High Enough," a 90's rock ballad that rose to No. 3 on U.S. Hot 100 chart. The band's songs appeared on several Hollywood film soundtracks, such as Gremlins 2: The New Batch, Nothing But Trouble and The Taking of Beverly Hills.

After many years, League Bowlers have re-emerged and I'm so excited. Being totally honest, I liked the Bowlers better than Watershed. Why now and what's up?

C.G. - After seeing Dan Baird at RT33 Rhythm and Brews many folks were asking what happened to The League Bowlers. Well, damn, since Rick and Herb are now playing in Watershed, maybe it's time to call Jim and Mike to get the Bowlers rocking again. Our show at Comfest was a gas and we have been playing Sunday Noon shows at Dan's Four String Brew Taproom on occasion. We have also been recording and hope to have a "Some Balls" deluxe reissue with new tracks available in 2017. Find us on facebook here. We will be very close friends.

I was a fan of Colin Gawel and The Lonely Bones but right after Superior, the "Best of" album was released, you guys just kinda disappeared. WTF?

C.G. - A tough question but a fair one. Well, I just sort of follow my muse and I felt it was time to focus on Watershed and The League Bowlers. And I forgot about "Why Isn't Cheap Trick in the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame?" Yeah, had to do that too. I'm super thrilled with "Superior - The Best of Colin Gawel" but I was waiting for Wal to finish the video for "Dad Can't Help You Now" before pushing it. That song deserves a little time. So once that is done, I'll push the solo record. Maybe next fall I'll tour solo?

What is up with a possible new Watershed full length record?

C.G. - We spent a week last January recording new demos at the fabulous Pleztone recording studios in Conway, SC. We have since cut 10 basic tracks in Columbus with Mike Landolt behind the curtain. Our hopes are to finish up this winter and perhaps a new Watershed record summer 2017, and some tour dates too. Fingers crossed.

Christmas Songs That You Won't Hear At The Mall - by Scott Carr

It's that time of year again. All the stores are playing fifty different versions of "Baby, It's Cold Outside" and "Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire."  Out of the thousands of Christmas songs that have been recorded over the years, they always seem to play the same ones over and over again until the Christmas spirit has been sucked out completely. It becomes mind-numbing.

This is the first Christmas season in almost 16 years that I haven't worked in a big box retail environment and I must say it has brought some joy back into my Christmas music listening experience.

I thought since the Pencil Storm staffers are taking some time off for the holidays I would compile a list of some Christmas tunes that you probably won't hear in your local Wally World. Some you may be familiar with and others you probably haven't heard at all.

So, sit back and pour yourself a glass of your favorite Christmas beverage and enjoy the music......

1. Material Issue - Merry Christmas Will Do

Power Pop Christmas perfection from Chicago Illinois' Material Issue. This song was originally featured on a compilation cd called Yuletunes, It's kinda hard to find but worth searching for.

Material Issue's contribution to the 1991 Christmas CD compilation "Yuletunes", on Black Vinyl Records. "You don't have to say you love me, I know that that's not true. Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas will do."

2. The Darkness - Christmas Time (Don't Let The Bells End)

Completely over the top and exactly what you want from The Darkness and a great Christmas song.

Watch the official music video for The Darkness - Christmas Time iTunes: http://smarturl.it/TheDarknessiT Amazon: http://smarturl.it/TheDarknessAmzn More The Darkness Videos - http://smarturl.it/TheDarknessPlaylist Click Here to Subscribe: http://goo.gl/G21T8

3. Fountains Of Wayne - I Want An Alien For Christmas

Another Power Pop take on Christmas. Who wouldn't want an alien for Christmas???

This is a single: non-album song, but It is present in the double compilation album called Out-of-State Plates, as track number 10 in Disc 2.

4. Ramones - Merry Christmas (I Don't Want To Fight Tonight)

Punk rock Christmas classic!

Get The VHS of lifestyles of the Ramones http://adf.ly/1dhO0P Vocals: Joey Ramone Guitar: Johnny Ramone Bass: Studio Version:Dee Dee Ramone/Video:CJ Ramone Drums:Marky Ramone Merry Christmas, I don't want to fight tonight with Merry Christmas, I don't want to fight tonight Merry Christmas, I don't want to fight tonight Merry Christmas, I don't want to fight tonight with you Where is Santa?

5. Enuff Z Nuff - Happy Holiday

Cool tune from Blue Island Illinois Glam Power Poppers Enuff Z Nuff. The song was originally record for the soundtrack of Home Alone 2 but wasn't used. It found it's way onto the bands Peach Fuzz cd and has become a holiday favorite.

HAPPY HOLIDAY!!!!!! From the album Peach Fuzz available on itunes http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/peach-fuzz/id81804555 Disclaimer: I do not own the audio which is entitled Happy Holiday this belongs to Enuff Z'Nuff Lyrics:- In Wonderland the snow is on the ground. The happiness, you hear it all around. Santa Claus and mistletoe And old Jack Frost, yeah don't you know?

6. Hanoi Rocks - Dead By Xmas  (What more could I add to that?)

A-side of the single "Dead By X-Mas/Nothing New" (1981) on Johanna Kustannus Oy (Ltd).

7. Lillian Axe - Here Is Christmas

Great take on a song written by Ann Wilson of Heart.

from the "Here is Christmas" EP Grand Slam Records 1992

8. Shoes - This Christmas

Another one from the Yuletunes Christmas compilation.

"This Christmas" by Shoes. Hard to find song.

9. Eels - Christmas Is Going To The Dogs

This song comes from the soundtrack for the remake of How The Grinch Stole Christmas. The soundtrack turned out much better than the film.

Good song

10. The Kinks - Father Christmas

Best Christmas song ever!

Took the old video with the bad audio quality and put the MP3 version of the song I had on there. It syncs up pretty well but it gets a little off near the end. Pretty good though overall.

11. Billy Squier - Christmas Is The Time To Say I Love You

A personal favorite of mine and I wrote all about it last year. Check it out here.

Back in the heyday of MTV, Billy directed this video of his Christmas single, "Christmas Is The Time To Say I Love You."

12. The Three Wise Men (XTC) - Thanks For Christmas

XTC in disguise

13. Cheap Trick - Come On Christmas/I Want You For Christmas

Hey, it's Cheap Trick, of course they get two entries.....

Cheap Trick with their holiday altered version of "Come On, Come On". This is "Come On Christmas." Come on Christmas Come on Christmas Come on Christmas Come on Christmas Come on Christmas Ooh I'm feelin' good Ooh tonight's the night Been so long, but I don't why Ooh somebody, treat me right I'm really in the mood tonight Come on Christmas and come on time Come on, come on Come on now Christmas!

Music video by Cheap Trick performing I Want You For Christmas.

14. Tom Waits - Christmas Card From A Hooker In Minneapolis 

Kind of a depressing Christmas tune, but sometimes Christmas is a little depressing...

All credit goes to the artist.

15. Colin Gawel - Still Love Christmas

It's no easy task to write an original Christmas tune but I think Colin Gawel nailed it.

The title song to Colin Gawel and the Lonely Bones' December 2010 release. We shot the video at the "Still Love Christmas" release party at Rumba Cafe in Columbus, OH. COLINGAWEL.com

16. The Tories - Wonderful Life

Technically not a Christmas song but it's lyrics are based on one of the most popular Christmas movies of all time It's A Wonderful Life. It's a crime that more people don't know this song and this band.

Title track from The Tories cd "Wonderful Life"

Scott Carr is a guitarist who plays in the Columbus, OH  bands Radio Tramps and Returning April.  Scott is also an avid collector of vinyl records and works at Lost Weekend Records. So...if you are looking for Scott....you'll either find him in a dimly lit bar playing his guitar or in a record store digging for the holy grail.