They're back, but for me they never left. The indie-rock group Buffalo Tom released their first new collection of songs in almost a decade on July 10, 2007. "Three Easy Pieces" brings together three rock music survivors, guitarist Bill Janovitz, bassist Chris Colbourn, and drummer Tom Maginnis. These three guys first flirted with big time stardom in 1992 when the album "Let Me Come Over" poured the foundation of the Buffalo Tom sound. If you've heard the song "Taillights Fade" then your familiar with the essence of the band -- yearning guitar, thoughtful lyrics, heartfelt vocals. No artificial ingredients.I've been a fan since '92. (I did buy their self-titled debut CD which came out in '88, but wasn't overly impressed -- the follow up "Birdbrain" never made it into my collection). I can remember being stunned at how much they had grown by "Let Me Come Over." The songs "Mineral," "Darl," and "Larry" had a focus and quality missing from the growing years. The album "Big Red Letter Day" followed a year later with "Sodajerk," "Torch Singer," and "Late at Night" -- a bit more folk-inspired but rockin' in its own way. "Sleepy Eyed" was supposed to be the big "breakthrough" in '95, but post-Nirvana America had other ideas. The band's taillights really were fading to black.
"Smitten" in '98 felt a lot like a last gasp, Chris Colbourn's sweet but steely vocal on "Rachel" was the standout track. Janovitz summed up the frustration in "Postcard" -- a biting kiss-off, "yeah, send me a postcard/when you get there."
I went to the shows. I wore the t-shirt. If anyone asked, I'd always say that Buffalo Tom was one of my favorite bands. They were my rock base camp, and when they stopped putting out new music there was a sense of loss ... like that high school friend that meant so much to you back in the day, but now is only a ghost in a dusty yearbook.
A few months back I saw Buffalo Tom at the Paradise in Boston with some like minded friends. They played three of the new tracks from "Three Easy Pieces" and they were all keepers. Sadder but wiser, Buffalo Tom was kicking off the rust. They might not be out to conquer the rock world this time, but they're willing to make a very loud statement -- this band matters.
So, check out the title track of the new CD on the band's MySpace page. If you're a fan, let your peeps know. If you have a ticket to this Friday's sold out show at The Paradise, give the guys some love. Buffalo Tom is back -- and those taillights look pretty damn bright!
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