The hope for a band trying to establish themselves is to get that elusive big record deal. The ability to get your music heard by a wide audience and the financial and artistic rewards that go with a signing. Back in 1996, John Paul Keith had been working as an accomplished musician and was part of the wonderful band The V-Roys – but he quit the band just as they were to hit some success. He moved to Nashville in that year and managed to assemble a band called The Nevers – and lo and behold Sire Records came knocking at the door and success beckoned. Sadly though, due to the label over-signing acts, their debut album was never released and the label waited three years before they released the band from their contract.
Not to be defeated and confident with the quality of the material he had written for the band – Keith managed to assemble some of the members of The Nevers and a few others – including Ryan Adams – to form the band Stateside. Their melodic rock-tinged Americana was really strong – and they managed to sign a deal with a small French label – Fargo – and two magnificent albums were released.
Their first album was the strongest – ‘Twice As Gone’ – and contained a multitude of great, memorable and stirring songs. One of the strongest was ‘Every Inch Of You’– a glorious guitar-driven lilting classic – it deserves your instant attention if you like the song featured here.
But the outstanding track was ‘You Were Made For Me’– which starts with a near perfectly catchy guitar lick before it builds to a singalong chorus and some further masterful guitar playing. It’s the sort of song that manages to lodge in your mind without realising it and after first playing – you know you just have to play it again to fully appreciate its glory.
Keith was supported by Nikolaus Mimikakis, Greg Slamen, Thomas Mimikakis, Philip Shouse, Jody Nelson, James Brangle, and Adams. This is about as hook-laden as it gets and it has a wonderfully singalong chorus and some lovely harmonies.
Keith has gone on to record more material – all of which is worth a listen. He formed a band – The One Four Fives – who released a few notable albums and he’s now released four solo releases, a recent release ‘Heart Shaped Shadow’ was produced by the legendary Will Sexton. He also performs with Amy LaVere as Motel Mirrors – who have a more retro feel.
Keith is a really talented musician – and this song is simply a classic.
