The first time I heard Abandoned Pools was in the summer of 2001. Born from the ashes of Tommy leaving his perviously well-known band, The Eels, due to creative differences, Tommy formed a few short-lived bands before focusing on his solo work, later named Abandoned Pools. Humanistic was released in 2001, with the song "The Remedy" being pushed heavily in rotation at rock radio stations around the US. While it was classified as a solo project, many friends of Tommy often helped in the recording and touring process, including Bryan Head (worked with Foreigner, Live, Eddie Vedder, Dave Navarro, and others).
After falling in love with the darkness of "The Remedy", fans were starved of new music for 4 years. Abandoned Pools eventually signed with Universal, released the progressive rock gem Armed to the Teeth. The album had little push from the label, so a few months after its release, Tommy walked away from the label, went on hiatus from Abandoned Pools, and worked on two side projects - alt-rock band Glacier Hiking with Ryan Teddar (of onerepublic fame) and electronic band oliver the penguin - all while working at an Apple Store in California to pass the time and pay the bills. In 2011, he picked Abandoned Pools back up, signed a record deal with Tooth & Nail Records, and is planning the release of a new CD, his first release in 7 years, entitled Sublime Currency. Below are a selection of songs from his two previous LPs, as well as one new song. While Tommy has yet to hit the success many thought Abandoned Pools were capable of, there is one last shot of hope on the horizon for Abandoned Pools, Tommy, and his career under the moniker.
Sorry for the late comment... The guy sure has potential, I love Marigold, will definitely check the album when it comes out.
ReplyDeleteI must say I like your posts very much. You don't post often, but when you do, it's worth the wait. :)