I Don't Mind - Sometimes They Come Back(orders) III



                                             I Could Have Offered To Drive


                                                                 Loused-up In Space                   


I wrote "I Don't Mind", words and music, in February of 1979 - around the same time as "Everything They Say" - as we were heading into the last few sessions for Won Out. I was trying to write a herky-jerky Talking Heads-type tune. The lyrics detail an outing with a beautiful young telephone operator I'd encountered. Back in the 70's adults were allowed into Oakland's Children's Fairyland (a quaint little nursery rhyme-based amusement  in Lakeside Park) with or without kids. That seems strange, creepy and dangerous now but that's the way it was in those trusting times. We would sometimes get stoned and enjoy the sights and sounds there like the big dragon that greets you at the entrance and speaks when you pull it's tongue, the Peter Pumpkin Eater-themed concession stands and the giant Willie the Whale structure that holds a small aquarium. An oversized plastic key turns on the storybooks placed around the park that explain the attractions.  I kept one on my keychain. "I Don't Mind" chronicles that adventure along with some observations about that burgeoning relationship (which ended as quickly as it began).

The song was meant for the album but I couldn't get a satisfactory recording. It remains a favorite of mine and I've performed it over the years - the present-day Backorders do a version that contains several Beatles quotes, part of Beethoven's Ode To Joy with mock German lyrics and even a little of Harry Nilsson's song "Coconut". I know there's a video somewhere. If I find it I'll post it here. I've recorded many versions through the years but haven't yet nailed it. Someday.

         The present-day Backorders do a nifty version of "I Don't Mind'. Here we are not playing it.


My first performances after The Event (details to follow) were in early 1992 - two sets for a local cable music program called Live At La Val's,which was taped rough-and-ready on a little stage set up in the basement of a popular pizza restaurant near the UC Berkeley campus. It was the first-ever performance by the first-ever version of The Backorders - just me and rhythm section consisting of two musician friends, Dave "The Smear" Smearman on bass and drummer Guy "Billy Goodhead" Messenger. "I Don't Mind" was the only Won Out-era song in the set. The video presented here is from the second taping. Check out my M.C. Hammer parachute pants, big white sneakers and Mr. Bubble t-shirt (and the little gold crucifix peeking out from under my collar - what's up with that?) I've still got my voice and most of my hair!


                                                       Like I said - "rough and ready"


I always knew I'd find you but then I'm no detective
When you feel like I do it's heard to be objective
Every time I see you I get a little sadder
But you can only know so much and then it doesn't matter
Was it something I said? Was it something I read?
I don't mind

We crossed a few short bridges but I don't know how many
We looked for advertisements but there weren't ant
I couldn't help repeating, I couldn't help reciting
Don't tell me what you're feeling just put it down in writing
The sun never arrived - I could have offered to drive
I don't mind

It's just the regular thing - not worth mentioning
If you don't feel like talking
It's just the regular thing - something is happening
But I'm already walking

I always knew I'd find you but then I'm not detective
When you feel like I do it's hard to be objective
Every time I touch you I get a little sadder
You've got me chasing rainbows up and down the ladder
There's something in this for you
So if you wanna stay tuned
I don't mind

It's just the regular thing - not worth mentioning
I don't think anyone's seen us
It's just the regular thing but I'm not worrying
And that's the difference between us

I always knew I'd find you but I'm in no condition
I'm out of empty windows, I'm out of ammunition
Every time I hold you it just gets more confusing
I think it's time to refine this approach I'm using
If you think it's okay
If you think you might stay
I don't mind


Nice, but does it sound like them? No, not much, really. They're a surly-lookin' bunch.



"I Don't Mind" was written when punk was fading a the new thing was new wave. Elvis Costello, the aforementioned Talking Heads, Television and Graham Parker were popular (I think they were all classified a new wave. I think). It was my first and only attempt to purposely write in that style. I was a big Elvis fan and saw him perform whenever he was in the Bay Area. I loved his band, The Attractions, an exciting group that provided fierce and energetic backing. When he later dropped the band and starting exploring other musical styles he became kinda hit-or-miss for me. Check out King Of America, though - a masterclass in songwriting and presentation. Elvis could be a bit too clever and sometimes overplay the angry knock-kneed Buddy Holly routine, but he always kept it interesting. Too bad about the Ray Charles thing (look it up).


Now, shoop shoop shoop shoop. Igloo.


More stuff: Haven't talked about The Beatles in a while - among musicians of my generation  a question that pops up now and then is " What's your favorite Beatles album?". My usual answers is it depends. They changed so much in the 7 years between the visceral and exciting Please Please Me to the pristine and polished Abbey Road, reinventing themselves every couple of albums that I can't say that one is my all-time fave. Rubber Soul or Revolver? With The Beatles or A Hard Day's Night? It really does depend on how I'm feeling that day. Solo Beatles are another thing. I have clear favorites - John: Walls and Bridges , Paul: Ram, George: George Harrison (well...maybe Dark Horse) and Ringo: Beaucoups of Blues. I found I could make pretty good Beatles albums by mixing the best solo numbers from each year.





                                                                   Someone said "Beatles'?








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