Description
Waxing Poetics – Bed Time Story – Vinyl Record
Waxing Poetics’ Bed Time Story, released in 1990, stands as a vivid encapsulation of the band’s distinctive blend of melodic rock, folk influences, and heartfelt lyricism. Emerging from Norfolk, Virginia, Waxing Poetics was a fixture in the mid-1980s regional music scene, earning a reputation for their passionate live performances and their ability to craft songs that resonated deeply with audiences. While the band never achieved widespread commercial success, their dedication to creating honest and authentic music shines through on this, their second studio album.
Recorded between March and June of 1990 at the Flood Zone Studio in Richmond, Virginia, Bed Time Story was produced by Bruce Olson in collaboration with the band. This partnership sought to capture the raw, unfiltered energy that had made their live shows so compelling. The album’s sound is a testament to the band’s ability to balance straightforward rock sensibilities with more introspective and textured elements. The instrumentation often pairs jangly guitars with a rhythmic drive, creating an inviting sonic landscape that complements the emotional depth of the lyrics.
The album opens with ‘Frankenstein’s Daughter,’ setting the tone with its vibrant energy and poetic storytelling. Tracks like ‘Shake!’ and ‘Sugardaddy’ showcase the band’s knack for crafting catchy, infectious melodies, while ‘Little Things in Little Boxes’ and ‘The Attic or the Underground’ reveal a subtler, more introspective side of their songwriting. A standout moment comes with ‘Semaphore Signals,’ a cover of a song by Wreckless Eric. Here, Waxing Poetics infuses the track with their unique identity while paying homage to the original, showcasing their ability to reinterpret material in a way that feels both fresh and respectful.
The album delves into themes of identity, resilience, and the search for meaning in an often-chaotic world. Songs like ‘East O’ Jesus’ and ‘Roll That Stone (Over Me)’ capture a sense of longing and perseverance, underscored by the band’s dynamic interplay. ‘Manakin Moon’ and ‘Under a Fake Blue Sky,’ which close the album, leave the listener with a lingering sense of introspection, blending melancholic undertones with a hint of optimism.
Bed Time Story did not break into the national consciousness, it received praise within regional circles and among devoted fans. Critics noted the band’s ability to meld folk-rock elements with an indie sensibility, creating a sound that was accessible yet rich with nuance. The album serves as both a time capsule of Waxing Poetics’ peak and a reflection of the vibrant regional music scenes that thrived in the pre-digital age.
Bed Time Story has maintained a cult following, with fans continuing to seek out physical copies, such as CDs and vinyl records, on marketplaces like Discogs and eBay. In recent years, the album has become more accessible through streaming platforms, allowing new listeners to discover and appreciate its understated charm.
Bed Time Story stands as a testament to Waxing Poetics’ talent and dedication to their craft. It is a record that captures the spirit of a band deeply connected to their roots and their audience, offering an enduring snapshot of an era when regional rock scenes were vital and thriving. For those looking to explore the intersection of folk, indie, and rock music in the late 20th century, Bed Time Story provides a compelling and rewarding listen.
Brand new, never played but not sealed in the factory plastic seal
Emergo Records
Track Listing
Frankstein Daughter
fear no evil
shake
little things in little boxes
semaphore signals
the attics or the underground
sugardaddy
jet black plastic pistol
eat o jesus
roll that stone
manakin moon
under a fake blue sky
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