I guess I should say I was in a band. We went the way of most bands: nowhere. But not before we released the 745th least successful album of all time. Okay, I made that number up, but I have to assume that at least 744 albums have sold worst than ours.
Critics said that our debut It is Good to be Without Vices was overly introspective. The lyrics seemed to be written by someone who thinks too much. One critic went as far as to say that our songs sounded more like the journal entries of an emo girl than anything you could really hum along to. Another said we lacked direction: “One song about God, the next about nail polish, and then one about some guy named Edward? What’s next with these people?”
I didn’t take their criticism seriously. I can’t help if people don’t get my lyrics. I mean, genius is often hard to recognize at first. But, the other band members couldn’t take the heat. They turned on me. Oh, they were so upset when I insisted on receiving credit for the music and lyrics I’d poured over that three day weekend they spent partying, but as soon as the critics started responding, they threw me under the bus and insisted I was “controlling.” Controlling? You think it was my idea to name the band after a character from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles? But, whatever, I’ll just turn these feelings into my next album–a solo album.
If you’re ever in an independent record store, look for this treasure. It is Good to Be Without Vices, the first and only album by Merdude. (I also have several copies at my apartment. Bring $20 and a Sharpie, and I’ll sign one for you.)
Okay, you got me. I’m not in a band. But, I am part of a super awesome writing blog that prompted me to write this post. Here are the directions, if you want to participate:
Congratulations! Your brand new album comes out today, and you get to share it with the Twenty Something Writers community!
How to find out your album details:
- en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Random – First random article is your band name.
- en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Special:Random- *Find a quote on the page to be your album title. You may have to refresh the page once if there are not quotes on your random page**
- flickr.com/explore/interesting/7days – Third picture is your album cover.
- Write your back story and inspiration.
Remember to leave the link to your response in the comments of this post on Twenty Something Writers.
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
You really had me going for a few minutes! I was beginning to think that you actually were in a band and was about to search for the album on amazon so I could listen to a clip!
That’s great Ashley! I knew this was a writing prompt but even I was fooled by the first paragraph. =)
Hahaha, I really need to do one of these. I’ll be heading to the record store sometime soon, I’ll try and see if I can procure a copy.
haha that was awesome. :)
I have to bring my own Sharpie?
Seriously, Ashley…..SERIOUSLY?
Awesome album. LOVE the back story!
dammit!! i totally knew about this prompt and you still had me going! i’m so gullible :(
Sounds like a sweet prompt. I might have to finally check this blog out.
i did love that song about some guy named edward. the line about his golden eyes really spoke to me. lol
i was THISCLOSE to google-ing your band before i realized what i was reading! this was great!
LOL! I love it!!! “Merdude” – that’s so great!!! I got “Toothbrush Tree” on mine …Just posted today. Fun prompt!!