Todd (VO): Actually, alternative rock decided to take things in a bit of a different direction that year, as I'm sure you're aware.Īfter two flop major label albums, Trip Shakespeare called it quits, which is a shame because if they'd stuck it out, they could've been big deals in the 90s jam band scene. Video for Nirvana - "Smells Like Teen Spirit" Kurt Cobain: With the lights out, it's less dangerous Surely, their brand of jangly, upbeat, psychedelic college rock would become the. And from all accounts, the label had a lot of faith in Trip Shakespeare. Todd (VO): Eventually the major labels came calling, releasing two of their albums- Are You Shakespearienced and Lulu. Video for "Pearle" Matt: Pearle is coming down Todd (VO): This makes more sense if you come from Minnesota, I imagine. "Toolmaster of Brainerd" plays over Matt: Toolmaster of Brainerd Now, they were big deals in the area, and they wrote songs with names like "Toolmaster of Brainerd". And eventually Matt's older brother Dan Wilson joined, too. Todd (VO): Trip Shakespeare was started in the late 80s by lead singer Matt Wilson and bassist John Munson. Video for Trip Shakespeare - "Bachelorette" Trip Shakespeare: Hey! Hey-hey-hey Matt Wilson: Say it again! Trip Shakespeare: Hey! Not with them, but with another band, Trip Shakespeare. Todd: The story of Semisonic starts in Minneapolis. We're about to explore the career of Semisonic, the band that got semi-famous. Todd (VO): But "Closing Time" is such a good song, it goes to reason that they probably had more, right? Todd: But Semisonic's beginning was its end, as "Closing Time" was their one and only chart success, leaving them with a reputation as a relic from that glorious period in the late 90s where songs like "Closing Time" could get popular. And it dropped some timeless wisdom on all of us, like how every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end. Todd (VO): It was only a moderate hit in 1998, but its legacy only grows bigger as the years go by. Todd: And their legacy was one of the most enduring songs of the 90s. This band was called Semisonic-a fitting name for a band that was only ever partially heard. Todd (VO): But who are the men behind the hit? You can see them over there on the right side of your screen.
Todd: Seriously, a piano bar that doesn't end its set with "Closing Time" is like Thanksgiving without the cranberry sauce. Todd (VO): "Closing Time"-God's blessing to piano bars across the country. Video for "Closing Time" Dan Wilson: Closing time Open all the doors and. I swear, one day I'm gonna put up a Wayne's World-style sign that says "Absolutely No 'Piano Man'".Īnd, um.there's one more that comes to mind. So just for your own sanity, learn that one because you will hear a lot of requests for that one.
Todd (VO): "Don't Stop Believing" is one of them "Imagine", that's a good one the really obvious one is "Piano Man". And take it from a guy who knows, there are a few songs that every piano player just knows, just as sure as your average guitar player needs to learn "Smoke on the Water". Where we take a look at bands and artists who are known for only one song. Todd: Welcome back to One Hit Wonderland, where we.one screen, guys. On the right, Todd plays "Closing Time" on his piano Split screen: On the left side, a tour of the house.