Friday, June 19, 2009
Hot Goss Kings of Leon: Not as Bad as Scott Stapp, According to The Ettes
Posted by Steve Haruch on Fri, Jun 19, 2009 at 9:00 AM
I think it's probably fair to say that over the past year or so we've given Kings of Leon more than their fair share of grief on this blog. That's not to say I have a bone to pick with the band--far from it. (I did run a preview of their last Nashville show in the music section of the paper, after all.) But we do poke fun at them, and that has not gone unnoticed!
In light of a recent stint opening for KoL in Europe, The Ettes' singer/guitarist Coco sent along a missive chiding us for our attitude (full text after the jump). "The fact is, they're really nice guys," she writes via email, "and on top of that, they're talented and work really hard." Furthermore, Coco adds, "maybe instead of attacking them all the time, you should have a bit of 'I'm OK, you're OK" with the Kings of Leon." After all, she writes, "I don't want to think that Caleb or any of the other King boys is the next Scott Stapp." Well, I can't speak for Gold, Rodgers et. al., but that makes at least two of us, Coco.
Dear Nashville Scene,It is complicated, to navigate one's feelings about the Kings of Leon. On the one hand, they take those offensive press shots in those confusing outfits, and create inexplicably massive hits out of lady holes and sexes on fire. But on the other hand, they're really charming; every article I've read finds them self-deprecating and bemused at their own image and success. The fact is, they're really nice guys, and on top of that, they're talented and work really hard. And I really like their first two albums.
Before you think I'm kissing ass, it is worth mentioning that while I would happily ride their coattails into the land of financial success, I don't think getting into a physical altercation with their manager and tour manager on the first night of tour does much to, you know, merit another invitation. So.
The point is, they are rock stars and they are easy targets, but I wonder if we're all pushing too hard on them. Not that they're not asking for it sometimes. But I don't want to think that Caleb or any of the other King boys is the next Scott Stapp. I mean, there still IS a Scott Stapp. My friend Walter was at a Denny's in Gainesville and Scott Stapp was totally there, like, hitting on the girls (this is Denny's, in Gainesville, at like 4 a.m., prime pickin's for sure) and asking for cocaine. And then he followed them home and that is another story for another time.
Like I said, I myself don't understand my own feelings, but maybe instead of attacking them all the time, you should have a bit of "I'm okay, you're okay" with the Kings of Leon. At least they're Southern and weird and not silver spoon trust fund kids, and the more successful bands I meet, the more that means to me. Otherwise, they'll get fed up with Nashville and run off to LA, where everyone will be nice to them all the time, and they will become at least a Maroon 5, if not a Creed. And that wouldn't help anybody, now would it?
- Coco/Ettes
Comments (56)
Showing 1-50 of 56
Eddie Vedder had some interesting words about them last night...he made a few cracks about their skinny jeans and pointy boots...it was pretty hilarious.
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and the cycle continues... most everyone around here has a raging e-boner for The Features. i heard they signed with KOL's new label and they are also doing a run this summer with AV. can't we just be happy that these bands are working together or at least reduce the amount of hatred? i know i'm eating dreamsicles here, but i like having talented bands in nashville that aren't ashamed to admit they live here.
I'll listen to just about anything Coco has to say about anything. That being said, her argument still seems a bit noncommittal. It's kind of, "Yeah, I don't really like their records, and their persona is pretty obnoxious. But as dudes they aren't so bad."
That's fine, and I kind of assumed as much. But it really just reaffirms my position on KoL, which is generally indifference. I personally don't like their latest records, so I don't spend much time thinking or talking about them. I don't want them to crash and burn or anything. But I'm not going to ignore it when one of them says something absurd and/or flippant about...oh, I dunno, eating disorders or something.
Dude Kings of Leon sounds like a diluted poppy copy of Collective Soul! Nothing wrong with keepin it real that's what these blogs are for. Of course she's not going to say anything bad about them because KOL hooked the ettes up with an opening slot.
Aren't they already running off to LA? I know at least one of them has just bought a place out there recently and whenever the band are in town they can always be found hanging out with the usual, generic, hipster crowd. I guess that means they are a quarter of the way to becoming the next Maroon 5/Creed. I don't hate them but they are a rock 'n roll cliche if ever I saw one so it's fair game as far as I'm concerned.
It's ok if KoL move to LA and or get mocked by Nashville's press. But what isn't ok is when Nashville press bitches and moans about press in other cities saying that nothing else comes out of Nashville besides Country. Take a hint and look at other cities. Most cities adopt their artists as family regardless of their flaws. They lie straight through their teeth in order to claim that artist as their own. We (you) abandon them. We're eating this band alive one day, and then holding things like Next Big Nashville hoping and praying that people will finally pay attention to our diverse music scene. Take a hint from Detroit, they talk about Kid Rock like he's SERIOUSLY Elvis ! They STILL say that Jack White is from there. Just take off your sunglasses and let your guard down already. Let's welcome these boys as our own, or move on as a Country city.
That dude mentioned kid rock and Elvis in the same sentence? That's like totally weird and stuff?ha ha ahh ha!!!!!!!
Dear ddt,
Ahmet Ertegun, a rock n roll legend (who signed Led Zeppelin etc) said that when he first saw Kid Rock it reminded him of a young Elvis. Detroit ran with that. Two things. Number one, maybe we should consider treating our artists the same. Number two, maybe you should read more press instead of Nashville's blog.
Sincerely,
It's Ok
I'm not really the type to drink the koolaid if you know what I mean. Who cares what he said if he signed Zepplin he has to be as old as Moses anyway. Name dropping doesn't really make something credible. And if you don't like the blog then why do you care anyway? Why read it? If a writer doesn't think there is anything to an artist then why can't he/she say that? You aren't going to start a book burning drive next are you? I hope not!
Dear ddt,
I'm pretty sure you completely missed the point.
That makes me feel kind of bad for you.
KOL is for tards. Tell us more about Scott Stapp trying to score blow at Denny's!
great band with ultra talent. who the hell cares what they wear. where their from, or how they strut their stuff. they've got major talent and are making a mark in the rock industry. stop being so judgemental, sit back and enjoy! you won't be disappointed.
Lisa
great band with ultra talent. who the hell cares what they wear. where their from, or how they strut their stuff. they've got major talent and are making a mark in the rock industry. stop being so judgemental, sit back and enjoy! you won't be disappointed.
I think Anonymous and Lisa are the same person. And if they're not, they sure do think similar thoughts.
And "wait a minute I'm ddt!!!", you are not.
oh, and
I think KoL is a great rock band that Nashville should be very proud of.
And I really would like to hear the Scott Stapp/Denny's story Coco, so come on.
Dear "it's Ok,your points are over everyone's head and everybody knows it. Since you're so intellectually weathered in music "press" shouldn't you be writing for Spin or Rolling Stone.
Also anyone who compares Kid Rock to Elvis is a fucking idiot, it doesn't matter what you've read or who you've signed.Kid Rock has made a career out of milking his campiness.You should give this blog kudos for standing up for their opinions.I dog it a lot but it's all in good fun.I think most of the writers are great because they admit what they're doing. So you should put what talent you have to more constructive issues. And yeah I am ddt and I can read html too, I learned back in 98'.
Dear ddt,
Congratulations my friend. Somewhere in some far off galaxy right now you're winning an award. An award for the biggest douche bag as far as any eye or star can see. You have successfully ignored any and all information and complete argument points by simply taking things completely out of context. You who police the Nashville blogs with a passion unlike any other shall reign over all of us with your spacebar and caps lock. Go ahead and arrest me for reading a blog that I never complained about, check again. I'm talking about this City. Unless this blog is Nashville. Which that would be kind of complicated. I'll tell everyone when I clock in for work today at Spin and R.Stone that the rumor is true. Nashville IS a Country city. And that the Kings are from LA. You win this time ddt ! You win this time.
Sincerely, It's Ok.
p.s. I admit what I'm doing. So I should get kudos as well.
Did you even have an argument?It's not like they were even a local band here that made it big,they were put together by a producer dude!HaHa! Well I could see your argument if Kings of Leon were even a cool band,but does nashville want to be known for that kind of bullshit music. Why don't you admit yous KOL's manager and yous tryin to earn them some street-cred then you'll get your kudos.I thought you were the blog police,aren't you telling people what their opinions should be? Oh and you really hurt my feelings,wah wah I never said I wasn't a douchebag,but ur a certainly a bigger one for even liking Kings of Leon!Do you have a poster of them hanging over your bed? I bet you rock out to em when your getting ready for work. Do you wear pointy shoes and a vest with no shirt under it when you go to the grocery store? Shouldn't you be spending your time figuring out how to further market KOL to 12 year old girls instead of posting on this blog?
I actually don't like the Kings. It was merely a screamingly obvious observation on Nashville as a whole. We have an opportunity to claim something and we're pissing on their pointy boots. I'd love to continue our conversation ddt, but since you only read half of what I write, and since I also have a KoL fan club to tend to, I'm gonna have to split. Until then I hope your dream comes true. Actually getting hired by the Scene.
You're like totally my new hero and shit!Wow how did you figure out that was my dream??!!It's not the pointy boots it's the music itself,though the boots and outfits add to the extreme shitiness.And I did read it but like I said it's not like this band claiming to be from Nashville would up the cred here it could only lower it!
any negative comments about KOL are only b/c dudes are jealous that every female in the world with an active libido wants their balls.
I seemed to remember a lot of female's wanting Mark McGrath's balls when Sugar Ray was big, does that nullify any negative criticism of "I Just Wanna Fly"? What about the Jonas Brothers or that chick in Hanson?
The only problem that Nashville has with Kings of Leon is that everyone around here who isn't a fan is eaten up with jealousy. I don't understand why people can't support a great band whose come out of this city like the hells angels. And they make great music! I don't care what anyone says, Only by The Night is a great album, nuff said! And their whole style aka.. the pointy boots and vest on top of t-shirt is currently being worn by almost every citizen in Nashville under the age of twenty-five! So get on with that little argument.
Why all the hating? for fucks sake! so what if you like KOL? So what if you don't? Just be happy that someone from our town has shed the stereotypes of Nashville and made a name for themselves. Personally, I don't like The Features very much at all but I still support them and would be thrilled to see them break out of this town. Does anyone here know how to be objective and remove personal biases sometime? Should we not just be happy for anyone who makes it? Nothing is every good enough for you cream-followers.
Oh yeah, and for the record, Scott Stapp is in the running for the Inter-Galactic Lifetime of Douch-Baggery award. He's competing with Kid Rock.
Looks like you called out the entire fan club for this one dude!HAHA!
rock over london,rock on nashville,pointy shoes and Collective Soul ripoff bands,the word is getting around!
Hahah. Fan club unite !
So ddt, what type of indie, poser, try-to-hard, stuff do you listen to ?
You obviously know Collective Soul enough to know that they've been ripped off. Good call man. If two guitarist can't get it done, QUICK, add a third ! I had no idea you loved that band. ?? ! That band was popular, according to wikipedia, in the 90's. Damn, that makes you like "as old as Moses then". You and Ahmet Ertegun probably hung out !
You are a critic among artists ddt. You are a legend.
hahaha!Yeah dude,I heard it on jackfm and thought it was the new Kings of Leon so I called in and the recording said Collective Soul.You are truly the legend It's Ok!Aren't you the one that claims the band isn't that good yet if they say they re from Nashville it will help the scene out?Thats a phuckn genius!!!!!And you know I like all the good poser shit like my chemical romance and the jonas brothers,shit like that.I rock out to it when i'm teasing my hair and putting on my pointy shoes and vest.TURN YO HEAD NOW BABY JUST SPIT ME OUT!
I think they suck (except, strangely Aha Shake Heartbreak, which was somehow pretty good), but since they're helping the Features out again...they've just put a hell of a lot of goodwill in the bank with me...again.
You put enough corpo-dollars behind ANYTHING and it'll sell. The fact that they sell records isn't demonstrative of shit. People will buy anything that's marketed correctly.
"I don't like The Features very much at all but I still support them and would be thrilled to see them break out of this town."
I agree, but KOL didnt break out of anything.
Why spend so much time reading and writing about the Kings if you're not a fan?? Seems like a waste of energy to me. And, some of you haters even know their lyrics?! Nuff said, wordisborn. I'll take Nathan's.
Zipit,
It really has nothing to do with Kings. They just happen to be a big band from Nashville right now. Just watch, in 1 more week the Scene either in print or on this blog will bitch about Nashville not getting any cred or being known as just a Country city. And yes before every awesome indie rocker starts typing about how the Kings have no cred I already know that. But they do fit the second half of the endless amounts of bitching. The "we have more here than just country- why does nobody notice us". It's because we eat our own. I wouldn't call this my home either. Thank God I'm not in a band. Because my hope is that my band would kick ass and get big. So basically we'd be completely ignored by the cream. I don't think it's a waste of energy. I think it's a strong true critique on this city and our press.
What's so wrong with country anyway.I'll bet most of the music you listen to is a product of country music.Don't you know that?And it's not like Kings of Leon are a product of the music scene in Nashville,or even served time on the local circuit anyway.They are a band put together by a producer.Doesn't he write most of their stuff with them?
I wont lie. I actually only posted that comment just to see if you would type something stupid again. That post was so worth it.
Yeah I'm the stupid one comparing Kid Rock to Elvis and whining about a band not getting recognition that I don't even like.Pffffffffft haha!
HEY DDT
CHECK IT
(THIS IS FROM THE SCENE THIS WEEK)
AND I QUOTE
"The Scorchers laid much of the ground for today's ever-growing rock scene—even if the "Nashville curse" began when they were asked to remove "Nashville" from their name. (Until last year, Nashville rock acts were doomed never to sell a million albums, if they could get a record deal at all.) And though the national press still likes to act surprised every time a "non-country" act comes straight outta Nashville, the very presence of Kings of Leon on the cover of Rolling Stone this year goes to show how much has really changed."
SORRY DUDE. YOU JUST GOT BURNT!
I hate to say it ddt, but when I read that I actually thought you got your ass kicked as well. Looks like you should find a new hobby besides posting things about bands you don't like as well. Go start a band or something. Geeeze.
Yeah you guys win,if you want KOL to represent Nashville to the world then keep blogging about how great they are.You could promote a mega-tour with KOL,Paramore,and Kid Rock.I'm talking hundred thousand capacity venues.So yeah I guess you kicked my ass if you believe KOL are the next Beatles.And I am in a band so why don't you get a hobby!Seems like defending KOL has become your full-time and doing that would wear on anybody.
YOU'RE A MEGA-DOUCHE.
YOU AND YOUR 35 YEAR OLD FRIENDS CAN KEEP GOING ON WITH YOUR COLLECTIVE SOUL COVER BAND. SADLY YOU HAVE NO TALENT AND TONS OF TIME. ACTUALLY, I TAKE THAT BACK, YOUR ONLY TALENT IS SARCASM.
GET A LIFE.
Your mom goes to college...
Dude that was actually really good!!!!So how about DDT and the It's-Ok-Mega-Douche band? That has a nice ring to it! We could be a lot like KOL but actually write our own shit and not dress like buttmonkey's and shit.
WE CAN BE JUST LIKE KOL. YOU'RE RIGHT ! WE'LL GET HAMMERED BY OUR OWN CITY'S PRESS. I CAN'T WAIT TO GET RIPPED ON BY PEOPLE WHO HAVE DAY JOBS SIPPING DIET COKE ALL DAY. DDT CAN WE BORROW YOUR MINI-VAN TO TOUR ? KIDS NEED IT ?
Are you actually shouting or is that just really loud in your head?If I had a mini-van I would let you borrow it dude!Just because I know who collective soul is doesn't mean I'm that old,they've been playing that shit on the radio for years after it was popular,they even played here at one of the last dancing in the district shows so what are you talking about?Are you nine years old or something?
And I thought you didn't like the Nashville stereotype of momma told me if I didn't have nothin nice to say than don't say anything.I think most Nashville press is a lot nicer to bands than other towns,but I guess you think they send homemade pie and sweet tea out to all the bands in NewYork and Chicago ect...Why do you even care so much?Getting upset over people dogging a band that you don't even like yourself is pretty strange,but I commend your one person assault on all the negative press that KOL gets.Perhaps you could start a petition which would call for not allowing people to express dislike for bands that you deem worthy of stardom!And not sure what kind of box you live in,seems like a very small one, but maybe with a lot of hard work you could bring people around to your way of thinking!
I kind of think It's Ok and this ALL CAPS DUDE are the same people but whatever. ddt, there's just no defending you. You contradict yourself every other post. Quit while you're ahead man. I'm pleading with you to stop posting things. It's over man. The very thing this entire post thread started on was sealed in a comment made by Nashville's own SCENE recently. Game over dude.
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