DISQUS

mojo · 3 months ago

Hey Tom, I think your contributions to our site really class up the joint. I read your stuff and I don't want to go all Cheap Trick on you and "forget" to acknowledge your contributions.

(And for anyone who might interpret that as tongue in cheek, I am on the record as being dead serious here.)

tom werman · 3 months ago

Nice of you to say so -- I enjoy reliving the good old days. The next installment will probably bring me to the end of my career, but Jeff Giles and I will figure out something that may keep me around contributing to popdose for some time.

MichaelFortes · 3 months ago

Glad to hear that you might still be contributing after this series ends. I second Mojo's comments, and have really been enjoying your column.

jefito · 3 months ago

The original idea was to feature stories from multiple producers (hence the title of the series), so once Mr. Werman's career memoirs are complete, I want to try and find someone else to take over for the second run, and give Tom a more sensibly named section of the site.

Darren · 3 months ago

I say Tom and I should co-host Phags on 45 for awhile...I kid, I kid.

I just re-listened to Jason & The Scorchers' STILL STANDING (on $3 vinyl, no less),and, go figure, Werman's production STILL STANDS heads above anything else the band ever did.

There are tons of producers who SHOULD be run out of the business, left to run a bed and breakfast in sleepytown, but Wermie Baby ain't one of them.

DwDunphy · 3 months ago

Too bad you can't get Brenden O'Brien. He'll do ANYTHING.

(But really, what's Matt Wallace done lately?)

David_E · 3 months ago

Personally, I really want one of those sandwiches.

mojo · 3 months ago

He would have to post this right at lunch time.

jasonhare · 3 months ago

Tom, I like that you got specific enough to narrow it down to "mayonnaise-based treats."

DwDunphy · 3 months ago

"This macaroni salad kicks ASS!"

DwDunphy · 3 months ago

But how would I respond if the guy behind the counter exclaimed, "I produced Dream Police, and that sandwich!" I'm still trying to get my head around the juxtaposition.

jefito · 3 months ago

"I produced Dream Police, and that sandwich!" Bwahahahahahahahaha!

jamesballenger · 3 months ago

"figure out something to keep me around" - What? You could just wax dreamily about Whitesnake and Tawny Kitaen, IMO. Your article (no offense to everyone here at POPdose, because they all rock) is far and away why I check back on a near daily basis to this site.

Matt · 3 months ago

Jeff's a good man - he'll find a good place for you :-) Glad you enjoyed this!

DwDunphy · 3 months ago

I personally would like Tom to write a column about the biggest, worst-produced hits of all time. The rest of the staff handles musical opinion, why couldn't he handle the hottest hits with the lousiest prod. value? I think it would be fun and very informative for us home-gear cavemen.

DwDunphy · 3 months ago

I actually have that CD and wondered why you were in the "Thank You" portion, but not in the primary credits portion. I had thought the bad blood had been excised. Boy, howdy. I don't know if I'll ever listen to that CD the same way again (re: Will Harris and the entire XTC catalog)

SxPxDxCx · 3 months ago

The Supersuckers are still putting out music on their own label MidFi records and tour 200+ days a year.

DwDunphy · 3 months ago

No wonder the record industry is in the dumpster.

Eric S. · 3 months ago

Excellent article, but note to the editors: Please, no more hi-def pictures of Paul McCartney. I think I aged a year just looking at it.

Eric S. · 3 months ago

Wait, I just saw an image that frightens me even more:

http://www.bostonherald.com/track/inside_track/...

breadalbane · 3 months ago

Great read, as always.

Over in another Popdose thread, a band you produced called Off Broadway is getting a lot of love. You haven't mentioned them yet in your column -- any memories?

tom werman · 3 months ago

Ah yes, the Off Broadway boys from Chicago -- loved 'em. Managed by the great Ken Adamany of long-gone Cheap Trick fame , and fronted by Cliff Johnson, I think -- "Full Moon Turn My Head Around" was the prime track from that album, as far as I can recall, which frankly isn't too far. John Kalodner brought me that one, and for the rest of his and my careers pronounced "Werman, you're a genius" repeatedly, but never gave me any more records to produce. Anyone know where John David Kalodner is these days??

breadalbane · 3 months ago

According to those posting on the other thread, "Full Moon Turn My Head Around" was actually a B-side that wound up getting about as much play in the midwest as the A-side, "Stay In Line".

"Stay In Line" was the track that charted nationally, and later wound up on one of Rhino's 'DIY' Power Pop comps.

Darren · 3 months ago

Here's a direct link to my Off Broadway article:

http://popdose.com/great-unknowns-off-broadway/

I had no idea Kalodner had anything to do with them getting inked...and, yes what DID happen to John Kalodner: John Kalodner?

aplaceinfrance · 2 months ago

To Tom Werman

I'm a huge fan of Cheap Trick and particulary of Rick Nielsen who seemed, from my point of view, a great composer and honest. I had read one of your interviews in the past and some of theirs talking about you. I felt some regrets and despite from you to not work with them, and a lot of respect for the musicians. From Rick about you it was hate/love. I think he reproached you to add solos ( lukhater for Voices) and arrangements without their agree. I'm not involved in your business but you're right, it's not really cool about Say Goodbye. For me, except In Color, too soft, Heaven Tonight and Dream Police are masterpieces. Half for the fabulous tunes, half for the fabulous sound arrangements. Today, I listen these songs (and my children) with the same pleasure. Timeless.

jrakers · 3 months ago

Tom:

"Say Goodbye" (Cheap Trick) was in my opinion was a huge potential single. Few songs have a hook like this one. Sad that radio did not give it much play. Reminds me of the Producers, She Sheila as far as a song that you can't get out of your mind.

I ran into Peter Jacobsen on a flight about 10 years ago and asked him about the Jake Trout & the Flounders CD. This was about 10 months after Payne's tragic death. He more or less said the band was done after Payne's passing. I thought it was well produced, humorous, and a great party album.
Having Arnold Palmer's intro to "Love the one you Whiff" was classic.

Joe