Unlike Walker's previous, critically acclaimed solo works, 'I Liked It Better' was recorded quickly and collaboratively, with his band The Black Widows. "We literally went into the studio the day after our tour ended," recalls Walker. "So the wheels were greased." The album was recorded mostly "live" over just five days, using first and second takes. Strings were subsequently added at Abbey Road Studios in the UK, providing some of the album's most interesting textures.
The songs on 'I Liked It Better' range from the anthemic first track "Trash Day," perhaps the catchiest-ever meditation on the absurdity of modern life, to the poignant closer "Be Good Til Then," a lullaby to his young son that imparts some advice "my dad would have given me if he could have put it in a song," says Walker.
Likewise, the album reflects a broad swath of Butch's favorite music including the country-tinged work of songwriters like Gram Parsons and Kris Kristofferson, and the gold-standard '70s pop of ELO and T. Rex. It's an improbable combination that sounds completely natural in Butch's hands.
Butch Walker recently completed sold-out, multi-evening runs at LA's Hotel Cafe, and Joe's Pub in NYC, performing a different album from his back catalog in its entirety each night. Upcoming residencies in Chicago (January 5-8 at Schuba's) and Atlanta (January 13-16 at 7 Stages Theater) all sold out in 15 minutes. He will tour extensively in support of 'I Liked It Better When You Had No Heart' in 2010.
Preview and Purchase Butch Walker CDs
Kandace Springs - Run Your Race
On the Blue: New Horizons Cruise Day 1: Marbin Gets the Fun Started
Hot In The City: Prog Band Tu-Ner Coming to Phoenix
Staind Get Animated For 'Better Days' Featuring Dorothy Video
Allman Brothers Band Pay Tribute To Dickey Betts
Kings of Leon Have 'Nothing To Do' With New Video
Pearl Jam Deliver New Album 'Dark Matter'
From Ashes To New Are 'One Foot In The Grave' With Aaron Pauley For Expanded 'Blackout'
My Dying Bride Mark 'A Mortal Binding' Release With 'Her Dominion' Lyric Video
Joe Bonamassa Shares 'Ball Peen Hammer' Video From Live at the Hollywood Bowl with Orchestra
The Funeral Portrait Recruit The Used's Bert McCracken For 'You're So Ugly When You Cry'