Album Information:
Album ID: 10307
About The Tubes:
The Tubes are a rock band that was formed in San Francisco in 1972. The band's members include lead vocalist Fee Waybill, guitarist Roger Steen, drummer Prairie Prince, keyboardist Vince Welnick, bass guitarist Rick Anderson, and saxophonist Marty Cahn. The band's sound is a blend of rock, punk, and new wave, with theatrics and satire also being a prominent aspect of their performances.
The Tubes began their career performing in small clubs in San Francisco, but they quickly gained a following due to their wild and provocative stage shows. They were known for their elaborate costumes, risqué lyrics, and elaborate stage sets, which often included dancers, actors, and even live animals.
In 1975, The Tubes released their self-titled debut album, which was produced by Al Kooper. The album featured the hit single 'White Punks on Dope,' which became an underground sensation and helped to establish the band's reputation as one of the most innovative and provocative groups of the era.
Over the next few years, The Tubes released a string of successful albums, including 'Young and Rich,' 'Now,' and 'Remote Control.' These albums featured hits such as 'Don't Touch Me There,' 'Mondo Bondage,' and 'Prime Time,' and helped to cement the band's reputation as one of the most unique and adventurous groups of the era.
In the early 1980s, The Tubes began to shift their sound towards a more commercial sound, with hits such as 'She's a Beauty' and 'Talk to Ya Later.' Despite these successes, the band's popularity began to wane, and they eventually disbanded in 1986.
In the years since their breakup, The Tubes have occasionally reunited for performances and recordings. They continue to be regarded as one of the most influential and innovative rock bands of their era, and their unique blend of satire, theatrics, and music has influenced countless artists in the years since their heyday.
About the album The Completion Backwards Principle:
The Completion Backwards Principle is the seventh studio album by the American rock band The Tubes, released in 1981. The album was produced by David Foster, who brought his polished pop sensibilities to the band's already eclectic sound.
The album opens with 'Talk to Ya Later', a high-energy, guitar-driven track that sets the tone for the rest of the album. The song is a tongue-in-cheek ode to a failed relationship, with lead singer Fee Waybill delivering the lyrics with his signature wit and sarcasm.
The second track, 'Sushi Girl', is a funky, synth-heavy tune with a driving beat and catchy chorus. The song features a memorable guitar solo by Roger Steen and showcases the band's ability to fuse different genres and styles into their music.
Other standout tracks on the album include the New Wave-influenced 'Amnesia', the reggae-tinged 'Mr. Hate', and the epic ballad 'Power Tools'. Each song on The Completion Backwards Principle showcases the band's versatility and ability to seamlessly blend different musical styles into their own unique sound.
Lyrically, the album touches on themes of love, loss, and the complexities of human relationships. However, the group's irreverent sense of humor is never far from the surface, and even the most heartfelt songs feature clever wordplay and tongue-in-cheek humor.
Overall, The Completion Backwards Principle is a fun and eclectic album that showcases The Tubes at the peak of their creative powers. The album's diverse mix of musical styles and witty lyrics make it a standout release from the early '80s music scene.
Members:
The Tubes are an American rock band formed in San Francisco in 1972. The band's lineup has gone through several changes over the years, but the members listed below are considered key members of the band.
1. Fee Waybill (born September 17, 1949) - Lead Vocals
Waybill is the lead vocalist and occasional songwriter for The Tubes. He's known for his theatrical stage presence and has adopted various characters and costumes over the band's career. Prior to joining The Tubes, Waybill was briefly the lead singer of the band called 'The Beans,' and he also briefly played in the band 'Sid Rumpo' before joining The Tubes.
2. Bill 'Sputnik' Spooner (born October 16, 1949) - Guitar, Vocals
Spooner is a guitarist and vocalist for The Tubes. He's one of the band's founding members and co-wrote many of the band's early songs. Before forming The Tubes, Spooner was in a band called 'The Beans' with Waybill.
3. Roger Steen (born January 13, 1949) - Guitar, Vocals
Steen is a guitarist and vocalist for The Tubes. He's been a member of the band since its inception and has co-written many of their songs. Before The Tubes, Steen was in a band called 'The Red White & Blues Band.'
4. Prairie Prince (born May 7, 1950) - Drums
Prince is a drummer for The Tubes. He joined the band in 1976 and has been a constant member ever since. Prior to joining The Tubes, Prince was in a punk rock band called 'The Avengers.'
5. Michael Cotten (born December 19, 1950) - Synthesizer, Vocals
Cotten is a synthesizer player and vocalist for The Tubes. He's been a member of the band since 1975 and has contributed to the band's music with his unique use of synthesizers and sound effects. Before joining The Tubes, Cotten worked as a stage technician for The Who.
6. Rick Anderson (born May 3, 1947) - Bass
Anderson is a bassist for The Tubes. He joined the band in the late 1970s and has been a member ever since. Before joining The Tubes, Anderson played in several other bands, including 'Kingfish.'
This list includes the key members of The Tubes. While there have been other musicians who've played with the band over the years, these members are considered to be the core of the group.
Track List for The Completion Backwards Principle:
Sure, here are the tracks in order with their playtime and a brief description:
1. Talk to Ya Later - 4:32
This upbeat track features catchy guitar riffs and a distinctive vocal performance by lead singer Fee Waybill. The song tells the story of a man trying to end a relationship, but finding it difficult to communicate his feelings.
2. Sushi Girl - 4:43
A funky, bass-heavy track with electronic flourishes, 'Sushi Girl' is a fun, danceable tune that puts the focus on the party atmosphere. The lyrics describe a woman who loves to live it up in the club scene.
3. Amnesia - 3:43
With a driving beat and classic rock guitar riffs, 'Amnesia' is a darker track that explores themes of confusion and loss. The haunting chorus sticks in your head long after the song is over.
4. Mr. Hate - 3:58
'Mr. Hate' channels a punk rock energy with rollicking drumbeats and a snarling vocal performance from Waybill. The song is a biting criticism of television culture and consumerism.
5. Attack of the Fifty Foot Woman - 4:29
A playful track with sci-fi leanings, 'Attack of the Fifty Foot Woman' features quirky synth sounds and a catchy chorus. The song tells the story of a giant woman who wreaks havoc on the city.
6. Think About Me - 4:41
With its shimmering guitar tones and Waybill's plaintive vocals, 'Think About Me' is a moody ballad that explores the end of a relationship. The chorus is a soaring, heart-wrenching plea to be remembered.
7. A Matter of Pride - 3:56
'A Matter of Pride' picks up the tempo with driving rock drums, wailing guitar solos, and a rebellious message. The lyrics call for individuality and standing up for what you believe in.
8. Don't Want to Wait Anymore - 4:18
A standout track on the album, 'Don't Want to Wait Anymore' is a soaring anthem that showcases Waybill's vocal range. With its anthemic chorus and powerful guitar work, the song is a hopeful call to action.
9. Power Tools - 4:02
'Power Tools' takes on a more electronic feel with synth-heavy instrumentation and a driving dance beat. The lyrics describe the power and allure of technology and how it shapes our lives.
10. The Monkey Time - 4:29
Closing out the album, 'The Monkey Time' is a irreverent, humor-laden track that features funky horns and a grooving bassline. The song encourages listeners to let loose and have a good time.
Discography for The Tubes:
Here is the complete discography for The Tubes in chronological order, including all albums, all singles, and all other releases with their respective release dates:
Albums:
1. The Tubes (1975)
2. Young and Rich (1976)
3. Now (1977)
4. Remote Control (1979)
5. The Completion Backward Principle (1981)
6. Outside Inside (1983)
7. Love Bomb (1985)
8. The Best of The Tubes (1989)
9. T.R.A.S.H. (Tubes Rarities and Smash Hits) (1994)
10. Genius of America (1996)
11. White Punks on Dope Live (2003)
12. Wild in London (2005)
13. Mondo Birthmark (2009)
Singles:
1. 'What Do You Want from Life?' (1976)
2. 'White Punks on Dope' (1977)
3. 'Don't Touch Me There' (1977)
4. 'Prime Time' (1979)
5. 'Don't Want to Wait Anymore' (1981)
6. 'Talk to Ya Later' (1981)
7. 'Sushi Girl' (1983)
8. 'Tip of My Tongue' (1983)
9. 'She's a Beauty' (1983)
10. 'The Monkey Time' (1984)
11. 'Piece by Piece' (1985)
12. 'Love's a Mystery (I Don't Understand)' (1985)
13. 'Wild Women of Wongo' (1985)
Other Releases:
1. What Do You Want from Live (1978)
2. T.R.A.S.H. Tracks (1982)
3. Best of The Tubes (1987)
4. Remote Control Tour Live (1998)
5. Hoods from Outer Space (2001)