the riot before - i have my books

so, one of my good friends brett (who recently joined tumblr as thechildrenofactors) sings for an awesome band called the riot before.  i have been fortunate to watch this band grow from a solo project to a real band to a real band doing serious touring.  i have always believed in this band and i couldn’t be prouder of the dudes and the things they’re doing.  they just recently signed to a label called paper + plastick and are going to release a big awesome epic record in early 2010.  in the meantime though, the band released a free acoustic EP - recording acoustic adaptations of songs on their last album “fists buried in pockets”.  it’s available for download RIGHT HERE.

anyway, i just downloaded it today and gave it my first listen this morning and i felt like calling particular attention to this one song called “i have my books”.  brett first started playing this song in basement shows here in richmond and i’ve seen him play it probably 20 times.

without a doubt, it’s the black sheep of their last album.  the original version of the song is extremely raw and emotional and hits so close to home that it makes the listener feel a little uncomfortable.  the other songs on the album cover a variety of topics both political and personal, but this one is different.  it’s a picture perfect description of that drunken loneliness that only comes at 2:00am with your phone in your hand after the bars close.  i know i’ve been there and i’m sure i’m not alone.

anyway, i love watching brett play this song and to watch the crowd react because it was always this kind of weird moment where people didn’t quite know what to do.  brett’s on stage, spilling his guts with raw honesty about something everyone in their mid-20s has experienced more often than they’d care to admit.  there was a lot of people looking down at their feet during this one.

i was surprised to see that the band re-worked the song for the acoustic EP, not quite sure what to expect, and i was completely amazed.  it went from being this raw emotional “ripping off a band-aid” type song to this beautiful pop song that sounds like it’s something counting crows might have written back in their heyday.

brett, you’ve outdone yourself.  i love it.

everyone else, go listen to the riot before.