The basement of the Brattle Book Shop may seem an odd place to conduct an interview but in this case it was entirely appropriate. Sitting on a small step ladder surrounded by a stacks of books, Justin Currie reflected on the character study captured on his debut solo album, “I wanted to explore love from the perspective of a bad guy.”
Though one wouldn’t necessarily consider the quiet but personable Currie to be a bad person, the songs on What Is Love For were guided by his own experiences. “I thought about those that I loved or thought that I had loved,†reflected/said Currie, “but I attempted to capture the inquiry in a way to which others could relate.†The result is a stunning journey through an array of emotions, from cynicism and animosity to resignation and guilt.
ON WRITING HIS FIRST SOLO ALBUM
In keeping with the literary theme, Currie opined that solo records should be more autobiography than novel. He held up John Lennon’s first solo outing as an example, describing it as “nakedly honest and an almost embarrassing exploration of self.” Curtis Mayfield’s solo debut was also an inspiration. “Everyone expected it to be more like the Impressions but it was very heartfelt and personal.”
And what did he learn from his exploration? “Absolutely nothing,” he replied with a chuckle.
ON RECORDING
In further discussion, however, it turned out that he did learn a lesson while preparing the album. “Making an album in your house is a bad idea,” Currie admitted. Like the rest of us, he often found himself distracted by “displacement activities.†Even the constant reminder of drums in the middle of the living room and the enticement of a newly bought piano (“I liked the more somber sounds and ‘bluesiness’â€) weren’t enough to keep him focused. Yet doing his initial recording at home let him develop the ideas before before renting time at a nearby studio.
THE MONDAY NIGHT MISERY CLUB
Part of his album development process was a weekly residency at a local pub. Dubbed the “Monday Night Misery Club,” Currie mixed his originals with some choice thematic covers, including Grant Lee Buffalo’s ironic “Happiness” and John Lennon’s “Isolation.” Remember Sheryl Crow’s debut Tuesday Night Social Club and the resulting break-out “All I Wanna Do (Is Have Some Fun)? Evidently a lot can happen between Monday and Tuesday nights.
THE VIRTUE OF RECORD STORES
Five years in the making, Currie is happy to see the record in the marketplace, particularly in local record shops. Despite the emergence of digital media, he still craves the sense of exploration wandering the aisles and wants his music to be part of that process. First your eye is caught by some appealing cover art work. Then you peruse the song titles which offer clues as to the music found within. In Currie’s experience, and perhaps yours, that is often enough to drive the purchase decision.
ANY RECORD STORE GUILTY PLEASURES?
Any discussion of music stores invariably leads to a discussion of music preferences. Having already covered the fertile ground of musical inspirations, the discussion turned to guilty pleasures. Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours was his first selection, although some might debate how guilty that selection might be. How about Britney? “I like the bits that I’ve heard and would like to hear more but probably couldn’t make it all the way through without reaching for Hendrix or Public Enemy.” I’m right there with you, Justin, right there with you…
About the author: Mild-mannered corporate executive by day, excitable Twangville denizen by night.