Recess: Your band's sound seems to be moving away from the old, raw jam-band feel to a more refined and polished rock-and-roll. What's the theory behind the change?
Pat McGee: Well it's been a natural transition for us and for me as a writer. I really do listen to all kinds of music; check out my powerbook, and you'll see everything from old metal and rock stuff, to the Beatles, Motown classics, jam bands, classical music and '80s stuff. But my favorites are Led Zeppelin, Van Halen, the Beatles and the Allman Brothers. It's so hard to pick. When I starting playing acoustic guitar and singing, I forced myself to learn all the classic rock classics. So it started me out on the path of the singer-songwriter, but I really just wanted to be in a rock band. It sort of took on a life of its own, and eight years later we are releasing our fifth CD on Warner Brothers. There is no real theory on a change in sound; To keep my interest in the music, I have to keep challenging myself to write in a different direction. I just had my head in a different place, and the band and myself were challenged by the producer to just play what's best for the song and not think about what the normal Pat McGee Band sound was or is.... I couldn't be happier with what went to tape.
More casual fans immediately recognize the song "Rebecca" and some of your covers, such as "Piano Man." Do you ever get tired of the demand for these songs?
"Piano Man"--definitely. That song was played by our former band member, and he played it by himself. So I'm sure on the internet it is labeled as "Pat McGee," but we don't play that song. "Rebecca" I love playing, even though we have most likely played it about 2,000 times. Still it's fun every night.
Do you still do covers? And better yet, what are some new originals for fans to listen out for?
Yeah, the covers we are doing these days are fun; We do Billy Idol, REM, Pink Floyd, U2 and many other classic rock favorites. And the new tunes we are really excited about--"Don't Give Up," "You and I," "Beautiful Ways," "Annabel"... It's hard to pick. We love playing all the new stuff.
PMB probably tours as much as any band around. What do you do to entertain yourselves on the road?
Well, we are never bored, that's for sure. Other than the late-night fun, the days are taken up by radio visits and promo stuff.... But usually we go to gyms, movies, malls--You name it...
I saw your old Grammy pictures on the website. Did you make it to the festivities this year? Any good after-party stories from this or last year?
No, three years in a row was enough; those parties are sick. It's like being in a wax museum, but everyone is alive, and you can do shots with them. Oh, and ask for photo ops....
Lightning round. Answer quickly: Speakerboxxx or The Love Below?
Sorry, not a big OutKast fan. But stank you anyway.
Clever, McGee... Ralph Nader: Legitimate independent option or Democratic spoiler?
No comment. I keep my politics to myself.
The new album's called Save Me. Who would you most like to save you: Captain Caveman, Lassie or "Baywatch" lifeguard C.J. Parker?
Captain Caveman, for sure, I'd like to party with that guy. Oh wait, I already do.... Chardy ( PMB's percussionist).
Last question: Would you ever consider wearing a man-thong? A formal endorsement from Pat McGee could really make man-thong sales take off.
No, not really into that. Just go commando if you don't want the boxers to show through those skin tight pants you might be wearing.... Yikes.
Yikes indeed.
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