The Mystics, a white doo wop group from Ontario, Canada, formed in Brooklyn, NY in the late 1950s, was known as The Overons. They recorded their first album, Crazy For You, in 1982 for the Ambient Sound Label. The group consisted of Phil Cracolici (Original Lead), Albie Cracolici (Original Baritone), Allie Contrera (Original Bass), and John.
The Mystics were a psychedelic rock band from Ontario, Canada, known for their mix of hard-hitting blues, southern rock riffs, and Canadiana storytelling. Their songs, such as “Hushabye” and “Don’t Take the Stars”, have been a source of joy for fans for over 60 years. In 2007, filmer and Albee Cracolici left the group, and Phil Cracolici now performs with a new group.
In 2021, original founding member Al Contrera wrote a book about the band. The Mystics released a vocal group on this release, consisting of Phil, Albie, Allie, and George. Pete and Vinny also recorded some singles under their original name.
In 1962, The Capris and the Thundermen recorded a reel-to-reel tape performing hits of the day, including songs by Chuck Berry, Chubby Checker, and Joey Dee. The Mystics continue to bring their music to audiences through the 21st century, with their song “Hushabye” still bringing joy 62 years after its release.
📹 How Simon and Garfunkel Changed Music
#simonandgarfunkel #musichistory #popculture In total, Simon & Garfunkel won ten Grammy Awards and sold more than 100 …
Who else sang into the mystic?
“Into the Mystic” is a song by Northern Irish singer-songwriter Van Morrison, featured on his 1970 album Moondance and his 1974 live album, It’s Too Late to Stop Now. The song is performed by artists such as Paul Carrack, Joe Cocker, Glen Hansard, Markéta Irglová, The Dead, Jackson Hawke, Colin James, and Ben E. The song is also included on his album “And It Stoned Me” and his 1974 live album.
Who are the most famous mystics?
Christian mysticism, a term used to describe the development of mystical practices and theories within Christianity, has been closely linked to mystical theology, particularly in Roman Catholic and Orthodox traditions. It involves various practices, such as ecstatic visions of the soul’s mystical union with God and prayerful contemplation of Holy Scripture. Mystics’ experiences are often framed within theological approaches to God, such as Quietism and Pietism. This list includes philosophers, theologians, anonymous theological books, religious groups, and movements who have influenced Christian mystics and the Christian mystical experience.
Who are the members of the mystic dead band?
Mystic Dead, consisting of drummers Eric Hyland and Jay Hartley, guitarist/vocalists Toby Kniffin and Ian Kelly, and keyboardist/vocalist Jordan Giangreco, will play at the Knickerbocker Music Center in Westerly on Friday. The band has a history with jazz, Top 40, and rock bands, including Green Tea and various Dead cover groups. However, the band was never intended to be anything more than a casual exercise, and their musicality is evident in their diverse range of musical experiences.
Who is the lead singer of the mystics?
The Mystics, a group formed in 1960, was initially formed by Jay Traynor, Kenny Vance, Sandy Yaguda, and Howie Kirschenbaum. However, the group never saw the photos of their album, and Traynor felt disillusioned with his role as lead singer. He left the group to form the original Jay and the Americans. In 1961, The Mystics needed a lead singer and were introduced to Eddie “Shots” Falcone by Lou Rotondo of The Passions. Falcone had previously sung in Lou Rotondo’s unrecorded street group, the Del Rays from South Brooklyn.
The group recorded “Star Crossed Lovers” b/w “Goodbye Mister Blues” with Falcone on lead. The label brought in Stan Vincent to produce the session, believing that Vincent might better connect with the teenage market. The song “Goodbye Mister Blues” was recorded by Billy DeMarco and the Renditions on the Up label.
Eddie Falcone left the group shortly after. The Mystics often hung out and sang at Frankie and Johnnie’s bowling alley, where they were approached by Ralph Lizano with “Darling I Know Now”. The group cut “Sunday Kind Of Love” b/w “Darling I Know Now” and “Again” featuring Ralph Lizano on lead. Laurie released “Sunday Kind Of Love” b/w “Darling I Know Now” but received no airplay. “Again” remained unreleased until the Crystal Ball LP. By mid-1961, Bob Ferrante and Albee Cracolici decided to call it quits, and The Mystics stopped recording and performing.
What state are the mystics from?
The Washington Mystics is an American professional basketball team based in Washington, D. C., that plays in the Eastern Conference of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). The team began as an expansion in 1998, aiming to emulate the Washington Wizards. The team’s first season was a league-worst 3–27 record. However, the team’s first overall pick in the 1999 draft was Chamique Holdsclaw, a University of Tennessee forward. Holdsclaw helped the Mystics improve their record and earn their first playoff berth in 2000.
In 2002, the Mystics advanced to the Eastern Conference finals, but were defeated by the New York Liberty. In 2005, the Mystics were sold to an ownership group that included Sheila C. Johnson, the first Black woman to own a WNBA team. The team reached the Eastern Conference semifinals in 2006 and 2009, but were eliminated by the Indiana Fever. The following year, the Mystics improved to 22–12, tying the Liberty for the best record in the Eastern Conference.
What do mystics believe about God?
Buddhist meditation aims to transcend the spiritual realm, a concept that many mystical schools have adopted. Western mysticism views God as transcending both material and spiritual creation, describing him as the Ineffable, Infinite, and God beyond being. Mystics in these traditions claim their experiences are limited to the spiritual, but they believe the spiritual was created and transcended by God. Other mystical traditions, such as the Daodejing and Christian mysticism, also consider similar ideas but differ in their approach.
The Daodejing asserts that the unnameable, ineffable Father is utterly transcendent, while the nameable Mother is manifest everywhere. Christian mystics extend the doctrine of the Incarnation of God in the man Jesus to express a concern with the omnipresence of the Word in the whole of creation. Mahayana Buddhists embrace an equivalent paradox, referring to phenomenal reality as shunyata, which they view as empty because it also transcends itself.
Mystic experiences are always limited to the spiritual and do not include contact with the transcendent. Spiritual phenomena may appear ultimate, self-existing, and divine, or as contingent. Spiritual phenomena are not considered self-existent but attest to a superordinate role by a creator who transcends them. Mystics distinguish between the spiritual and the divine, inferring the divine from experiences of the spiritual.
Who is number 35 on The Mystics?
The Herd with Colin Cowherd addresses a variety of topics related to professional and collegiate athletics, including the 2024 NFL Power Rankings, NFL College Football, NBA, MLB, and College Basketball. Additionally, the program delves into the 2024 MLB Playoff Picture and provides insights into international soccer leagues and tournaments.
Who were the original members of the mystics?
In March 2015, the original Mystics were inducted into the Doo Wop Music Hall of Fame in Cerritos, California. In 1958, The Mystics recorded two songs for Laurie Records, “Adam and Eve” and the old Weavers tune “Wimoweh”. Unsatisfied with the results, Laurie Records commissioned Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman to write an original tune for the group. Their first effort, “A Teenager in Love”, was given to labelmates Dion and the Belmonts. The next day, the writers returned with “Hushabye”, which was released in May 1959 and became a hit. Alan Freed featured “Hushabye” as the closing tune on his televised Saturday night Big Beat Show.
Gene Schwartz, head of Laurie Records, was visited by Mark Harris, who wrote “Don’t Take the Stars” for the group’s next recording session. The song hit the chart and became The Mystics’ second hit after “Hushabye”.
Who owns the mystics?
The Washington Mystics, an American professional basketball team based in Washington, D. C., competes in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) as a member club of the league’s Eastern Conference. Founded in 1998, the team is owned by Ted Leonsis through Monumental Sports and Entertainment, which also owns the Mystics’ NBA counterpart, the Washington Wizards. The team plays in the Entertainment and Sports Arena in the Congress Heights neighborhood of Washington DC. Sheila C. Johnson, co-founder of BET and ex-wife of Charlotte Sting owner Robert L. Johnson, is the managing partner.
The Mystics have qualified for the WNBA Playoffs in 13 of its 23 seasons of existence, and have been home to high-quality players such as two-time WNBA MVP Elena Delle Donne, Tennessee standout Chamique Holdsclaw, athletic shooting guard Alana Beard, and Maryland product Crystal Langhorne. Until 2018, the Mystics were the only current WNBA franchise that had never made it to the WNBA Finals.
The Mystics were one of the first WNBA expansion franchises to be established, with high expectations after drafting Chamique Holdsclaw in 1999. Despite not making the playoffs in 1998, the team improved and eventually made the playoffs in 2000, losing to the New York Liberty in a first-round sweep.
Which religion is mysticism?
Mysticism represents a belief system that is found in a number of Abrahamic religions, including Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, and Buddhism. It is not tied to a single religion.
📹 Inside Jellyfish’s ‘Spilt Milk’ with Roger Joseph Manning Jr. – Warren Huart: Produce Like A Pro
Roger Joseph Manning Jr. is an American power pop and electronic rock musician, singer, and songwriter with a prolific career in …
In the ocean of comments asking for more bands I just want to thank you for doing this article on my favorite band/duo. When I was ripping the music from my Dad’s old CDs, S&G seemed not that interesting. However upon replaying songs I found I could listen to them over and over again and even the ones I deleted turned out to be gems. IMHO The Boxer is their best and the rest of their songs feel like they all could be a contender for a second best.
I’d just like to appreciate you for a balanced report on their relationship. So much is made of their personal conflicts making it sound like they ended up hating each other. In truth they were just very different people who had a phenomenally successful run together, and then went their separate ways.
When I was a young Kid in the 70s I used to listen to my mothers LPs. She had early Beatles, etc….and the 1972 Simon and Garfunkel best of album. That album engrossed me. I used to listen on headphones, totally absorbed. When I found out that they had broken up before I had even heard their music I felt a sense of loss that seems beyond an 8 year old. I guess kids feel more deeply than we adults can credit.
It wasn’t a mutual break-up in 1970. Paul decided he didn’t need Art anymore. With modern recording technology he could do 2 part harmonies by himself. You can hear this in several of Paul’s big 70’s hits like Me & Julio, Kodachrome and Late In The Evening. But he did reunite with Art for the song My Little Town which was a hit in 1974.
Thank you for this! I am 47 so not old enough to have enjoyed them in their youth but have since I was a child. Saw Paul twice right before he quit touring. The first show was an experience. Some how I scored tickets 6 rows from the stage. By the encore, which was The Boxer, I was close enough to see the individual hairs on his body through the swelling tears in my eyes. Made several life long friendships while his music wafted around us. Think I am going to go listen to “Diamonds on the Souls(soles) of her Shoes” now ❤
“The Boxer” was S&G’s best, imho. I stopped into a bar after taking a final exam when I was a Jr in college. The first time I heard it played on the jukebox, I realized it was the greatest song I’d ever heard. 55 years later my opinion hasn’t changed. I’ve seen Simon in concert a number of times. My son first heard Paul Simon in concert when he was in the womb. Now he’s 42. Another great concert: Paul Simon and Bob Dylan. That one was good.
What a different article Mr. Beat! Have always loved Simon and Garfunkel ever since I borrowed all of their albums from my Dad growing up. My personal favorite song is Frank Lloyd Wright which is really about Simon’s relation with Garfunkel not the famous architect. Other favorites are Richard Cory and Most Peculiar Man. Still can’t believe that Simon briefly married Carrie Fisher. Would loved to have been a fly on their wall (or maybe not)!?!
Something I read in one of the books about them: They signed a contract early on which would split all live concert proceeds as 60/40; Sixty percent to Simon and fort percent to Garfunkel instead of the customary 50/50 split. I don’t know why Art ever signed it or why Paul felt it was okay to offer his then friend Art, a lesser amount for their concert performances as Paul would still receive 100% of all of his songs he wrote, but I feel that this was probably one of the first wedges early on that indicated that Paul never viewed them as equals. p.s. I was lucky enough to see them just after The Graduate came out – at Yale Bowl in New Haven, CT in the Summer of 67.
Good article! In the late ’60’s, I would have called “Simon and Garfunkle” my favorite band. Since then, I have veered into Hillbilly Music, with lots of pedal steel, but I still greatly enjoy many of “Simon and Garfunkle’s” songs. The biggest musical influence that “Simon and Garfunkle” had in my circle of friends, was Paul’s use of finger-picking the guitar, instead of just strumming the guitar. — Finger-picking resulted in songs, sounding much more MUSICAL, while strumming sounded boooooooring. — In the early 70’s, Simon’s finger-picking songs were the RAGE among my friends. — About 15 years later, the first guitar tune I taught my eldest son, was “Scarborough Fair”, my son LOVED IT, and then he continued to forge his own path. — Ironically, one of my favorite “S&G” songs, is STILL the not-finger-picking “Richard Cory”. Rock
What do you think of Art Garfunkels ability to sing? Mapmaker: I stated years ago before he ended up losing his voice that his singing voice had been severely damaged by his drug addition to nicotine. Studies have shown that people who are addicted to nicotine in the long run are more cranky defensive, argumentative, and most of all irritable. For example: 1)Garfunkel threw a backstage hissy fit when a staffer couldn’t instantly produce a tissue for his nose. Offered a paper towel, Garfunkel screamed, “I said a tissue!” — and threw it back,The tale sounds plausible in light of his cranky behavior while Reading poetry at a show at the Turning Stone Resort & Casino in upstate Verona, Garfunkel stopped twice because a developmentally challenged person in the front row was making noise. Finally, he said, “I’m as sympathetic as anyone to the handicapped, but I’m trying to do a show.” A minder pushed the wheelchair-bound person out of the theater, leaving some in the audience feeling like they should have walked out, too. Another good example of Garfunkels lack of maturity and defensiveness- During one song, Paul Simon reported I think it was The Boxer, I made a mistake over when to come in, and it threw Artie off for a second,” he said. “But it was an accident; it wasn’t intentional. So later, we’re singing Feelin’ Groovy, and suddenly Art just stops singing at the part that goes ‘Life, I love you’, and I’m just left there by myself, trying to figure out what to do. I assumed it was another mistake – no big deal.
I’m surprised you didn’t touch upon the final song they recorded together “My Little Town” which is among the darkest songs Simon ever wrote. “Only Living Boy in New York” is my favorite S&G song as well, and I think Bookends is my favorite Album as well. though of course, I am a huge fan of Simon’s solo work, considering “Graceland” to be one of the best albums of the 80’s
Good overall history, but you forgot to mention that throughout the 1970s their relationship was more or less cordial although they did not work together much. You didn’t mention that in 1975 they recorded a new single, “My Little Town” which a major hit. And you also didn’t mention the real break between the two that happened in 1983 when Simon aborted what was supposed to be their comeback album (instead releasing it as a solo album with Garfunkel”s parts removed).
Art Garfunkel main contribution is his angelic voice and beautiful timbre. Paul Simon is the writer. But Art spoiled his voice with heavy smoking. Paul Simon simply did not need him for his writing and music, only for his vocal skills. That was a huge part of their disagreements. And I can’t help it, I suspect Art Carfunkel was never able to accept that Paul Simon is the far superior songwriter and musician.
I don’t think it would would hurt to sample some of the songs you talking about. I know some of the fans coming to see this article are probably already simon and garfunkel fans. I am not. I am a 80s baby and the height of their success was in the decade I was born. I only know 2 paul simon songs and I was just curious about their career and their previous sound. I know your probably more of a History buff and a incredible one of that. But try to sample some songs in these articles for people who are not fans. I dont think youtube will cut your monetary for sampling a 10 sec sound bite. All I hear is you talking about their history yet I feel they made zero impact in the music industry based on your explanation. Seems like they got famous by force feeding music to the public based on your explanation. maybe play sample music in the background. I am a big fan of the stream but just giving my 2 cents. keep up the good work.
I was selling audio equipment in the early 90ds and a guy came in and wanted to listen to a pair of speakers. He handed me a CD and said play this. It was the album Bellybutton. About 10 seconds into “The Man I Used To Be” I was hooked because of the band and sound quality. (I’m an audiophile). I immediately bought the CD and also “Spilt Milk”. Spilt Milk is a Masterpiece.
I managed to get one friend to listen to Spilt Milk and he loves it, thank God. But other than that, I simply never meet anyone or know anyone who has ever heard of this album. When people ask me what music I like I never mention Jellyfish or Spilt Milk because I figure it will mean nothing to them. So it’s a pleasure to read these comments and see that there are lots of other people out there who have been listening to this album and loving it as long as I have. it is an absolutely gorgeous album. Lyrically, so clever, the arrangement so lush, the blend of influences so seamless that it can glide from Queen to Beach Boys via Supertramp and it never feels forced. Even though my tastes have changed as I’ve grown older this is one album I have never stopped listening to at any time in my life.
I have been checking every day since the Bellybutton article. You have done a great service to the Jellyfish community with these interviews with the genius that is Roger. Find any excuse to interview him or any other members to be honest. Keep up the great work I been a subscriber of yours for some time. Cheers from England.
So happy to hear Roger talking about “glittery / Wizzard” saxophones on Joining A Fan Club at 6:38! He implies they got drowned in the final mix, but you CAN hear them under “wear that lampshade crown of thorns”… I didn’t spot them until I’d listened to the song for about 10 STRAIGHT YEARS, but since then they were one of my favourite moments in one of my favourite songs. Reminded me of See My Baby Jive, so beautiful to know Wizzard were the exact reference 😊 What a song, what an album, what an interview. Thank you!
Stumbled across this show, which was fantastic. Growing up as a teenager, Jellyfish were my band. First concert I ever went to, remember buying the on tour T shirt. With the slogan” another shameless jellyfish promotion “😄 The full band signed it and I went home with a huge smile on my face. Both albums have stood the test of time. Great interview 🙏🏼
This is the interview I’ve been waiting for since I was 14. Jellyfish was my first concert, opening for Tears for Fears at South Broward Greyhound park. I joined the fanclub and was in the Jellyfish Army and had that beautiful Spilt Milk poster on my bedroom wall. Jellyfish introduced me to Pet Sounds because on their fanclub questionnaire they all listed it as one of their favorite albums. This is a great interview, done with a genuine love of this incredible music, asking a bunch of questions that fans would ask. Well done. Long live Jellyfish!
Such an epic episode …. I loved seeing the joy and feel the pain in RJMjr’s face. So much pride in this epic record and a sense of sorrow for what’s been lost … Grateful to have this record in my life …it was so influential… bravo. Roger you’re a genius and still inspire us with your work now and then.
I sing “Hush” to my little 4 year old daughter and have done since she was born, She now sings it with me when I tuck her into bed. Her favourite song from the album is “Sabrina, Paste And Plato. Thank you so much for this. My face is full of smiles when I play Jellyfish. Warren I hope the queen is perusal so you can become a Sir. Thank you
I bought this album by mistake, I was on a Jason Falkner binge at the time and when I got home and discovered he wasn’t on the album I was bummed. I thought, “screw it, let’s listen anyway” and was completely blown away to the point where I listened to it 3-4 times every night for about 6 weeks until I was fully able to absorb the bounty of goodness therein.
Late to the party but all the more grateful for this opportunity to see and hear the stories from Roger. This band, and their two beautiful contributions, are undoubtedly underrecognized for their talents and should be held in the same high regard as any other masterpieces of modern musicianship. Thanks for giving them the tributes they deserve.
I listened to the Bellybutton album and the RJMjr interviews at least 5 times each. I could listen to Roger talk about music all day. And still want more. More it is! Thanks Warren. I was just talking with one of you awesome Produce Like a Pro staff members about getting this very interview. Glad you decided to put it out.
When Roger spoke about the best music transporting one out of their current environment, I thought, “Jellyfish did this masterfully.” The music was in lockstep with the lyrics to create that special blend of emotional imagery. It wasn’t just ear candy–it was sweetly poignant and transformative. When I was younger, they were a guilty pleasure I was reluctant to admit to. But, I couldn’t help but marinate my children in it. Today I came full circle when my 24 year old son notified me that some of the founding members of the group formed The Lickerish Quartet. I’m glad they are still creating and iterating on their beautiful talent to create new sounds. And thanks, Roger, for this insightful interview.
I have two teenage daughters, and luckily they share my opinion that Sgt. Peppers Loneley Hearts Club Band is a defining album (the best) in western music. Spilt Milk is a testimony to that, and Jellyfish should be proud of having made an album with so many similarities to the epic album by the Fab Four . There are so many SPLHCB things on these tracks…amazing. I have Spilt Milk on CD (Bellybutton I have on LP, and my daughters are huge LP fans, but don’t really know much about CDs…), I will dig it up from somewhere and start playing it to them very soon. Thank you for doing this, Mr. Huart. Loved it!
I’ve watched this a dozen times. You need to get Roger’s commentary on all of the demo tracks that made it to the rereleases, as well as some live tracks like Mr late and their cover of Eleanor Rigby in Japan. Roger and Andy were in Beatnik Beach too, some great tunes to cover there too. Roger’s solo albums all deserve a session as do Lickerish Quartet… A lifetime of great music. Thanks
I’m 56 yo and my 17yo daughter (part of the streaming generation) has been exposed to a lot of “my” music but I don’t think she ever bothered to pay attention to a whole album until I played Bellybutton and Spilt Milk for her while we worked on a jigsaw puzzle. She’s been playing both albums IN THERE ENTIRETY on heavy rotation ever since. Both of these albums are amazing musically, lyrically, and theatrically and ageless in their ability to transport the listener. Thank you for giving us this timeless gift.
I worked in Music retail back in 1993. I had bought Bellybutton and the label rep had brought in a promo copy of Spilt Milk. It was spring of 1993, grunge was rampant and yet, here was an album that sounded like a Beach Boys, Monkees, Cheap Trick Beatles….savior. I snagged that promo and really gravitated to Sabrina, and the bouncy The Ghost At Number One. It was a melodic haven in a very unmelodic time.
April 93, live at The Coach House: still the greatest performance I’ve ever seen. I’m blessed to have been alive and into Jellyfish from 90 til their dissolution. Roger, thank you for making my life a better deal. Andy: you made one hell of a difference. Guys: solidarity and love above all LOVE JELLYFISH STYLE X
I was going through a big Queen phase way back in the early 90’s when I read somewhere that the band Jellyfish sounded a lot like Queen. So I decided to pick up both their CD’s. I was amazed at their very British hippie appearance especially since I knew they were from America! I’ve been hooked on them ever since. The only sad thing is that I’ve met very few other people over the years who’ve also heard of them. As a drummer myself, I just couldn’t get over what a big well mixed drum sound Jellyfish had in every song I heard. Also, I was amazed at how pop like they could be one moment then they could hit you with some heavy rock out of the blue. However, if I never knew up front, I’d swear by their overall sound they were a British rock/pop band!
as a drummer/lead singer who grew up on queen, jellyfish got me in a lot of trouble in the 90’s… A. i wanted to do THIS while everybody else wanted to play grunge. B. it bolstered my adamance to lead sing more of our material, and C. i started gigging as often as possible playing standing up. the whole front line HATED that, especially when people would comment on THAT more than, say, the 10 minute guitar solo that evening, lol.
Honestly, I didn’t hear about or hear this band until now! Warren played a few snippets and I had to stop the article to look Jellyfish up in spottify, started the album and I could not stop listening, I was immediately hooked. THIS IS GENIUS! I shouted out and I might have woke up the neighbors (I was wearing a head set late at night) Thanx Warren, I wil have to watch the whole interview later, because I want to sit down for this. P.s. does anyone know where i can buy this in hi res audio (96k) I want to hear it in the best possible audio quality.
Such a special moment to sit with Roger Manning and go through the incredible, evocative, layered musical world that is Spilt Milk. Along with the other (Bellybutton) article, I was often left wondering what was going through Roger’s mind when he sat with that sphinx-like expression during some of these songs playback (and I identified most closely with Warren, grooving with that smile on his face, in obvious enjoyment). Was it difficult for him to hear these old songs, or did I detect a certain pride in his and Andy’s work from so long ago? At any rate, I’m so grateful to have this article and a sense of the musical genius behind the music. Would love to see a similar sit-down with Andy!
As a teenager, I had a CD player/alarm clock which let me wake up to any track I set it to. That was great except for the nights I fell asleep with headphones plugged in to vibe to the awesome soundscape of Spilt Milk in stereo! Love Jellyfish and this album as a story in itself. Check out Roger’s Catnip Dynamite from 2008ish for more! ☮️❤️🎶
I’m sorry to say that I had never listened to Jellyfish until this article… such a shame to have missed out on so much! Sounds fantastic! Side note, its awesome that so many of the talents that survive the years have ties to prog – which I tend to think of as the height of western music… but also that you guys love King Crimson and Tears for Fears… I recall in the KC box set there was a photo of Roland and Curt rocking out in the front row of an early club show of the 80s Crimson. Its just fun to see the connected-ness of great music and musicians!
Jellyfish was the first group that I found and loved independently of my 2 older sisters. I remember being in 5th grade and begging for 1st Bellybutton, then Spilt Milk. I would listen over and over on my headphones. I still remember all the lyrics and feelings of the songs. Roger spoke about how his favorite artists would transport him places. Both albums did this for me. I always remember these songs taking me places in my mind. Thank you for posting this
One of the best albums EVER recorded – I’ve loved it from the first second of the first note I heard back when it came out. From my own dissections of the production, I’ve realised that the kick drum sound is pretty much the same right the way through – which is odd for such a diverse album… and I think that brings a consistency to it that is pretty subtle but important in stitching it all together. So inspiring. I write and record a lot of metal but I am influenced so vocally by this album… This along with Roger Waters’ Amused to Death were the records that really showed me there’s nothing you can’t try to do to make a landscape with sound. Great article and some insights I’d not considered.
I cannot put into words how much I enjoyed this, and how pleased I was to see that Roger is such a humbled dude. I physically have not been able to listen to anything that is not Jellyfish for the past couple of months, and this article taught me so much more about this masterpiece. Also, hearing them talk about some of my other favorite bands (Tears For Fears, Genesis, Elvis Costello) was spectacular.
This record is a kaleidoscope of brilliance! The type of record that makes you wonder how it even got made because of the amount of work that must have gone into it. What a writing duo. Glad that Andy is happy in his other musical endeavors, but it is absolutely criminal that we haven’t heard more of his singing. Few artists can deliver with that kind of dynamics and emotion.
I love the way this album loops with the same sustained string melody… noticed it first listen through and so happy Joseph commented on it. Gosh, what a diamond this band is! Discovered only a week ago. Warren, so grateful for you man! These are listening session / interviews are priceless and hopefully timeless. Ever so gracious! Will def check our Swervdriver too! 😊 Cheers
Oh man! What can i say. Im out of breath everytime i hear this album. Screaming out the beautiful lyrics, smashing my air drums and playing almost any and every part put in to these songs. From back when the album came out til this day i find inspiration so i can write songs. Production was amazing on this but the songs holy cow! Thank you Roger and the rest of the band for these albums and thank you Warren for putting Roger in the reminiscing hot seat. Im hoping and praying Andy could swing by and give his take on the albums to. That would have been amazing. But any how. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻❤️. Bravo and much love!
Man – this band, and their two albums are works of art that will stand the test of time. Spilt Milk is one of the most seductive and well- crafted recording projects in human history. It’s like a banana split served on top of birthday cake and drizzled with chocolate syrup and topped with whipped cream. Thanks for proving that it can still be done.
This album rocked me when I heard it. I was young in my musical career but had all these same influences and it spoke volumes to how (with practice and luck) you can always add a touch or flare of “where you came from” in your music. I’ve literally played this album on repeat 1000’s of times! Thank you Jeff Carlson (Gladhands) for opening my ears to this album!
This album just about saved the 90’s for me. This and Grace. Spilt Milk is a ‘kin masterpiece. Thank you Warren and thank you Roger. And an extra thank you for including the first guitar solo from EWTRTW. OMG. One of the best. BTW. Neil Taylor was the session guy who did the second solo. That’s a gem too.
My oh my oh my! This is the conversation I’ve waited 27 years for! This record absolutely blew my mind in my 20s when bought on release day & soundttacked my life. The next most important band to the mighty B’s in my opinion. So wonderful to watch this right now. Baby(s) come back! Would love to see you play live again 😍❤️❤️❤️
Roger, I am trying to pass it on to the next generation. My 10 yr old loves Jellyfish. She just said recently, ” I hate it when you play your old stuff, except for Jellyfish. You can play them anytime.” And she plays percussion in her school band bc she wants to play a stand up kit like Andy did. She has great taste!!
The 90’s was a sad musical place for me until I heard New Mistake on WHFS! I felt like I was hearing Queen, the Beatles, Earth, Wind and Fire and 10 cc in one song! I wore that little pink cassette out back then and now it rotates heavily on my iTunes. Thank you this article so I can dive deeper into my most cherished albums of the all time❤️
I’m blesses enough to have seen them 5 times on this tour. I think the last time in Houston was their second to last show ever. If I’ve ever wished a band would get back together it’s Jellyfish. The world right now needs a band like this. If I would win the Mega Jackpot I would give them $10,000,000 in cash to record and play a show at my house for family and friends. And that’s 100% no bullshit.
I love that they talked about the seeming randomness of the orchestra on “New Mistake”. That one second’s worth of string stabs that happens at the 3:00 mark of the song are my favorite moment on the entire record, and just one of the myriad of little nuances that cement this record’s legacy as a masterpiece.
Hung out with Andy, Roger, Tim and Eric in Dallas when they opened for Tears For Fears…Roger has such a great sense of humor, and Andy … so insightful and I was so tongue tied… I had all these great music questions that I had planned to ask, but just went all mush standing and looking at them. In Awe…It’s the only time I’ve been star struck….. Ooooweee I love Andy. I’m a sucker for his talent.
YES! I’m so glad you and Roger got around to this. This album changed my life. It was an absolute musical epiphany for me. I’ve cried, laughed out loud and felt a lump in my throat while immersed in this album. If there’s one album that commands my complete and total uninterrupted attention, it is Spilt Milk.
I’m a huge prog fan. My iTunes library is chocked full of old Genesis, ELP, Yes, Floyd, and my favorite band of all time, Rush (was in a Rush cover band in the 90’s). And yet, if you go to my iTunes playlist of “most played” songs, four of the top five, including #1, are from 𝑺𝒑𝒍𝒊𝒕 𝑴𝒊𝒍𝒌. There’s a reason for that. The band’s brilliant songwriting and arrangements coupled with the sonic genius of JJ Puig’s production values yielded an album that is always fresh to the ears. I hear something new every time I listen to it. EVERY TIME. 𝑺𝒑𝒍𝒊𝒕 𝑴𝒊𝒍𝒌 is a power pop masterpiece with no peer. We will never hear its equal, ever. This is a timeless work of art that should inspire courageous musicianship and brilliant, sophisticated studio craft for generations to come. A perfect achievement.
This might be the best article I’ve seen on YouTube in a decade. Found it when doing down a JJP rabbit hole. Every note of this album is seared into my brain, so it was a particular treat to listen to it all being unpacked these 20 years later. Thank you so much. Absolutely brilliant. Saw them live in NYC on this tour and was just absolutely stunned by the commitment to play the songs as close to their album versions as possible. I was absolutely blown away, but given their reputation, I shouldn’t have been so surprised. The bit about Jon Brion coming up with that solo was great. I LOVED his work on Aimee Mann’s “Whatever,” in particular, and with “The Grays” as well.
I LOVE the look on your face as you listen to these songs with Roger. It’s very endearing. You look like you want to convey how much the music affects you, but then realise that Roger might get a bit embarrassed if you do so. Hahaha. Brilliant. Great to see how much you love Jellyfish. I’m exactly the same. I worship this band and those two miraculous albums.
Warren, thank you for this. I’m not sure how but I completely missed the boat on Jellyfish back in the day but so glad I recently discovered them. During the interview I was constantly writing down names of bands and albums you 2 referenced. Roger, you are so diplomatic when referring to your relationship with Andy, I’m sure there is much more that you would like to say, kudos to you for exercising restraint. You should be very proud of your contributions to Jellyfish.
Just wanted to say to Roger Manning after hearing your hope for Spilt Milk and Jellyfish (41:25) that I have a 17 year old son who will be going to music school next year and is very much a composer and music producer himself, and this is one of the albums that he has fallen in love with that I introduced him to. So I certainly DO think the music will continue to cross generations and I thank you for that – it’s fun as all get out to share and enjoy this great music with him.
Thank you Warren and Roger for sharing. Like many in this comment list Spilt Milk has remained in my top 3 albums of all time for over 20 years. It simply does not age. It has such depth of content and musicality that it can be listened to again and again to discover new aspects. One day, I like others, hope to see these incredible songs played live again by Roger and Andy.
I was in Licorice Pizza (chain music store) and having no idea the new Jellyfish was ready to go, heard Joining A Fan Club and immediately shot to the counter…”This has to be Jellyfish… right?!” Bellybutton is great but this was the Jellyfish I wanted… It was BALLSYbutton. I’ve not seen Roger in years – the most intelligent, nicest guy. Thanks to all!
I remember coming randomly across Bellybutton back in the 90s without knowing anything about them, and it instantly became a favorite. Incredible, melodic power-pop. Spilt Milk is the far more produced version of that. The lesson here is: be born in the right time or you can be amazingly good and still remain mostly unknown.
Thank you! I absolutely love both of these Inside Jellyfish / Roger Manning Jr. articles. Would be wonderful to hear you two talk tangents for the full 90 minutes in a future article. Really enjoyed the Jon Brion story and reminiscing over old Largo on Fairfax. So many great musical & comedy moments there in the late 90’s – the magic really began after a couple black & tan pints and the start of the 2nd sets that went on until 2am!
Warren Huart This is the article I’ve been waiting for SINCE “Spilt Milk” came out. Seriously. I can die now (well not really) but…this is such an important part of me….Thank you Roger and thank you Warren for making this happen!!! Can’t thank you all enough!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I’ve loved this band since the first album came out. The songs really stick with you. My favorites are Bedspring Kiss and Calling Sarah, the opening piano on that song just settles you in for the ride your about to be taken on. I think you guys forgot to mention Imperial Drag which was Roger and Eric’s band right after JF.
This is a fascinating interview. I had never heard of Jellyfish before Willie Dowling mentioned them as an influence. Roger is so articulate and knowledgable about music and recording, and I appreciate all the jargon and allusions to people and albums. Going to listen to all their stuff. Great article. By the way, Bryan Adams was one of my students in 1969.
Watch Warren’s interviews with Roger, and write down every band or artist mentioned. That list should be required listening for anyone working in pop music. Every namecheck is golden. The warmth and enthusiasm here is delightful, and Roger is so humble about his extraordinary achievements in a period were the exquisite lines of a well-tailored pop song is typically valued far, far less than the PR effort behind it. He has cemented a place for himself alongside the all time great performer-songwriters, from Hoagy onwards.
I love that the 10cc influence got expanded on a bit in this conversation. So few have embraced that as successfully as Jellyfish did. Their extremes – that incredible mix of the sublime (Old Wild Men, Mandy…) and the ridiculous (Clockwork Creep, I Wanna Rule The World…)… heck, One Night in Paris does it all in one track. Cinematic. A journey. Life’s rich tapestry.
So great to witness your absolute exuberance in sharing this masterpiece with the world Warren! My kids were single digits when they were first subjected to this album’s sonic magnificence. Thanks for reminding me to dig out this gem and crank it on my Big Reds!!! Please do more of these interviews/reviews…cause legacy’s sometime just need a nudge to bloom😉
I don’t know if anyone has said this but for me Bellybutton is the Revolver and Spilt Milk is the Sgt. Pepper. Both great albums. Purely subjective as to which one likes better. I prefer Bellybutton because I was on board from the beginning when it was released and it has a feeling of being crafted. Spilt Milk is wonderful but has so much more production. As a musician myself I identify more with the musicianship than the production aspects. But these are two of my favourite all time albums. Pure genius.
I saw Jellyfish back in the day opening for World Party in DC and enjoyed them despite not knowing their recorded work (I also met Jellyfish mega-fan Brooke Shields after the show, but that’s a different story). Unfortunately I didn’t follow up by buying the albums–d’oh! This interview (and the Bellybutton one) is absolutely fantastic and is hitting all the musical pleasure centers of my brain! Just hearing Roger and Warren talk rhapsodically about 10cc, The Move, Cheap Trick, the Attractions, Thomas Dolby and so many other absolute favorites had me shouting “Yes! Exactly!” many, many times. Now I’m falling (quite blissfully) down the Jellyfish rabbit hole, and am anxious to hear everything else each member has done since! Thank you!
This was an incredible episode, thank you for sharing this with us and letting us experience it. And as a side note, I agree that the guitar solo on “Everybody Wants To Rule The World” is a work of utter genius and hands-down one of the greatest solos ever put down on tape. It was great perusal you both really basking in it’s awesomeness. Cheers.
I love perusal Roger’s face while listening. I’d love to know what he is thinking and whether it transports him back to memories of creation of what is a masterpiece. The other thing that makes me happy are all of the influences because they too are my heroes, the only difference is that they could bring it out musically. Thank you for this! It would be great to hear JJP’s take on the mixing of the albums
Excellent call, Warren. These guys truly elevated the art of production and songcraft during an era when it was not exactly lacking. Their records stayed front and center of my playlist for a LONG time. I used a couple songs from Bellybutton to ‘tune the room’ for quite a while, maybe a half year, and that is not something I do very much with pop music. Their mixes were so meticulous, their arrangements so finely wrought, lyrics so mind bending, these faves really helped me understand the speakers and room I was newly meeting in a way most pop music merely obfuscates. Plus, it was fun seeing the delight on faces, as Jellyfish was sadly underexposed. I was asked many times “is this yours?” Oh, how I wish.
The final song, with its parade vibe reminded me of the haunting vibe of Wings’ “Let Em In”. Coincidentally, Paul McCartney had the solo album out the same time as this Jellyfish album, very early spring of 93. There was a song called “Come On People” which had that “marching band fading in the distance” mystique. Great memories.
American Music Club….I fell in love with a girl listening to Mercury. I’m still obsessed with that album. Still listen to it. Mark Eitzel is a genius…for anyone reading this do yourself a favour and check it out. It’s also great to see Swervedriver getting the love they deserve. A band all musicians seem to love.
My wife looked up and said “who’s Jellyfish”? I replied “my generations Beatles, Queen, Etc”. Then I was like- fuck the Beatles…its Jellyfish. I remember seeing them at The Cotton Club in Atlanta (’92 or ’93 maybe? college years). Andy Sturmer was sitting backstage alone in a barber chair after the show like a lone God daring to be disturbed. That show is one of my best memories still…and thankfully I can relive all the years good fuckin memories when I listen to such a beautifully performed, recorded, mixed, and mastered record. I graduated Recording Arts at Full Sail back in ’99. THIS was surely one of my generations landmark albums for training my ears for audio engineering and drumming. BOTH projects, really. Thank you for doing this vid! It’s been a long time someone did this. Next? King’s X? or Rush? or better yet their audio engineers! LOL!
Thanks, Warren! What a masterpiece this album is. Still holds up easily today. For me, it was the Sgt. Pepper of its time. The songs are written so well, but the arrangments are stunning. Probably some of my favorite things on this record are the “space” created by such great arrangements and the drums being so upfront is just exhilarating. I could go on and on. Such a credit to JJP and AG for making such a powerful record. Thanks, RJM, and again Warren, this one is at the top of the list for me…,