Simple Mind Condition
Encyclopedia
Simple Mind Condition is Trouble
's seventh studio album. It was the band's first full-length studio release in twelve years, the longest gap between Trouble's studio albums to date. The album is dedicated to former drummer Barry Stern
, who died in 2005.
Writing and recording sessions for the follow-up to Plastic Green Head
lasted from 2002 to 2006, making it the longest time Trouble have ever spent making a record. Its release had delayed several times before officially coming to fruition in 2007. It was released on May 12, 2007 in Europe
, but two years would pass before the album saw a North America
n release.
A tentative title for the album was Seven, but the title was eventually scrapped.
To date, this is Trouble's last release with vocalist Eric Wagner
and drummer Jeff Olson
, who both left in 2008.
in Chicago, Illinois on January 21, 2003, but was this concert was postponed because the band wanted to "concentrate on [writing material for] the new [studio] disc without interruption. [We] will rebook later in the new year," guitarist Rick Wartell explained.
After touring again randomly in 2003, Trouble entered the studio on August 9 to begin recording a seven-track acoustic compilation of their classic material, which would include a brand-new song written by Robinson and singer Eric Wagner, and would only be available on the band's web site. In July 2003, it was reported that Trouble would enter the studio in before the end of the year with producer Vincent Wojno to redo the follow-up to Plastic Green Head. According to Eric Wagner
, 15 songs were written so far for Seven, including "After The Rain", "Seven", "A Bad Situation", "Goin' Home", "Doombox" and "A New Generation". In regards to the album Wagner stated, "It's still heavy, it's still Trouble, maybe a little more modern. It's still us. It's our seventh album and it was going to be seven years since our last album, but now it's going to be a little more."
In January 2004, Wagner told Metal-Rules.com that Seven would not come out until late 2004. Asked in that interview if the album would continue in the same direction as Plastic Green Head, Wagner replied, "Hmm... it's kinda hard to say right now because things tend to change when you are recording the album. I go down to a rehearsal and record the new songs that could be one of these. I just sit there and try to write worst to it, y'know. So if they sound different on there, then they do when we go recording them. All our albums all the time, we never try to write a certain way. It's just how we felt at that particular square at a time. I thought Plastic Green Head was a little more depressing than Manic Frustration
. And after the Manic Frustration album we weren't getting along too well in Trouble at all, y'know, and a lot of like drug references were included into the lyrics of Plastic Green Head, 'coz everybody, well at least me, started to party more and get away like I had enough. I just tried to forget about shit. So this new album, Seven, is more like... getting away from that again, you know what I mean? I guess maybe it could be compared to our other albums, maybe the Trouble record could be the one more like that... something like that. The Skull
album was depressing, too because we were doing lots of drugs back then. So "End of My Days" was the beginning of that beginning again, so this new one is kind of the same thing again. So if I had to compare it to any of our stuff, I would say that one maybe. Uh... it's still really hard to say which of our earlier albums I should compare our new stuff to. It's damn difficult."
Also in early 2004, Trouble posted a statement on their website, saying that they were "working on a record deal" and was set to return to the studio in the spring to record the album. However, it was later reported that the band would start recording it in the fall of that year in time for an early 2005 release, as well as reissues of their first two classic albums Psalm 9
and The Skull
. In October 2004, Trouble were in negotiations with three different labels about the release of Seven, the band stated "That is playing a big role in why the CD is not available on the site. On the bright side, If they sell it to one of the labels, you may eventually hear Trouble on the radio. Plus, It will still be available in record stores. So let's wish them well and hope for the best."
In June 2005, Trouble announced on their official website that they were back in the studio to "continue the recording of the new CD. Vinny flew back in mid-June to continue production. Bruce and Rick are recording leads at this time. Eric
is singing a bit here and there getting melodies and harmonies together. Stage 2 should be finished in a couple of weeks, then they will go in to mix. Still possible to release in 2005. We will see." Around the middle July
of that year, the band announced that the album would no longer be called Seven and would be called Simple Mind Condition, which was a tentative title for an acoustic album. On August 23, 2005, it was announced that Trouble would enter the studio on September 1 to resume recording the album for a January 2006 release on their new label Escapi Music.
On November 12, 2005, Trouble posted a message on their official website stating that the music was "finished for the new CD, Simple Mind Condition. It's awesome. Eric will be finished by the end of November 2005 and the release date has been set for March 2006. Samples and promos will be shipped earlier." The band also announced they were "under contract with two labels, one for USA, and one for Europe. This is the date the labels finally can agree on." On March 10, 2006, the band announced on their official website that the band was putting the finishing touches on the album for a June
release.
On May 12, 2006, Escapi Music announced a tentative August 22, 2006 release date for Simple Mind Condition. However, the album still did not surface. Months later, it was announced that the album would finally be released on February 20, 2007, but its release date was pushed back one last time to April 3.
Simple Mind Condition was later released in the U.S. by Escapi Music on September 1, 2009.
Trouble (band)
Trouble is an American doom metal band noted as one of the pioneers of their genre, alongside bands such as Candlemass and Saint Vitus. The band created a distinct style taking influences of the British heavy metal bands Black Sabbath and Judas Priest, and psychedelic rock of the 1970s...
's seventh studio album. It was the band's first full-length studio release in twelve years, the longest gap between Trouble's studio albums to date. The album is dedicated to former drummer Barry Stern
Barry Stern
Barry Stern was a heavy metal drummer from Chicago, Illinois. From 1976 until 1988, Barry drummed for Zoetrope, for whom he also served as vocalist and songwriter. After recording two LPs with that band, Barry joined Trouble in 1989. He appeared on two LPs with the band, 1990's Trouble and 1992's...
, who died in 2005.
Writing and recording sessions for the follow-up to Plastic Green Head
Plastic Green Head
Plastic Green Head was the sixth album by the American doom metal band Trouble, released in 1995. First released on the Music for Nations label in Europe, it was distributed in the U.S. by Century Media Records. Soon after the release of this album, Trouble went on an extended hiatus after their...
lasted from 2002 to 2006, making it the longest time Trouble have ever spent making a record. Its release had delayed several times before officially coming to fruition in 2007. It was released on May 12, 2007 in Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
, but two years would pass before the album saw a North America
North America
North America is a continent wholly within the Northern Hemisphere and almost wholly within the Western Hemisphere. It is also considered a northern subcontinent of the Americas...
n release.
A tentative title for the album was Seven, but the title was eventually scrapped.
To date, this is Trouble's last release with vocalist Eric Wagner
Eric Wagner
Eric Wagner is an American heavy metal singer who is best known for his work with doom metal band Trouble. He briefly left Trouble in the mid-nineties and formed Lid with guitarist Danny Cavanagh, resulting in 1997's In The Mushroom. Wagner returned to Trouble in 2002...
and drummer Jeff Olson
Jeff Olson (Musician)
Jeff Olson is a composer, multi-instrumentalist, radio show host, and the original drummer for the legendary doom/rock band, Trouble...
, who both left in 2008.
Album information
After playing a number of reunion shows in early 2002, Trouble commenced work a new album, tentatively titled Seven, to be released later that year. In December 2002, the band halted work on the album when it was announced that bassist Ron Holzner had left Trouble for "personal reasons", and was replaced by former This Tortured Soul bassist Chuck Robinson. Trouble was supposed to perform at the House of BluesHouse of Blues
House of Blues is a chain of 13 live music concert halls and restaurants in major markets throughout the United States. House of Blues first location was in Cambridge's Harvard Square. It was opened in 1992 by Isaac Tigrett, co-founder of Hard Rock Cafe, and Dan Aykroyd, star of The Blues Brothers...
in Chicago, Illinois on January 21, 2003, but was this concert was postponed because the band wanted to "concentrate on [writing material for] the new [studio] disc without interruption. [We] will rebook later in the new year," guitarist Rick Wartell explained.
After touring again randomly in 2003, Trouble entered the studio on August 9 to begin recording a seven-track acoustic compilation of their classic material, which would include a brand-new song written by Robinson and singer Eric Wagner, and would only be available on the band's web site. In July 2003, it was reported that Trouble would enter the studio in before the end of the year with producer Vincent Wojno to redo the follow-up to Plastic Green Head. According to Eric Wagner
Eric Wagner
Eric Wagner is an American heavy metal singer who is best known for his work with doom metal band Trouble. He briefly left Trouble in the mid-nineties and formed Lid with guitarist Danny Cavanagh, resulting in 1997's In The Mushroom. Wagner returned to Trouble in 2002...
, 15 songs were written so far for Seven, including "After The Rain", "Seven", "A Bad Situation", "Goin' Home", "Doombox" and "A New Generation". In regards to the album Wagner stated, "It's still heavy, it's still Trouble, maybe a little more modern. It's still us. It's our seventh album and it was going to be seven years since our last album, but now it's going to be a little more."
In January 2004, Wagner told Metal-Rules.com that Seven would not come out until late 2004. Asked in that interview if the album would continue in the same direction as Plastic Green Head, Wagner replied, "Hmm... it's kinda hard to say right now because things tend to change when you are recording the album. I go down to a rehearsal and record the new songs that could be one of these. I just sit there and try to write worst to it, y'know. So if they sound different on there, then they do when we go recording them. All our albums all the time, we never try to write a certain way. It's just how we felt at that particular square at a time. I thought Plastic Green Head was a little more depressing than Manic Frustration
Manic Frustration
Manic Frustration is the fifth album by the American doom metal band Trouble, released in 1992. The album marked a change in style for Trouble, featuring a faster-paced, psychedelic sound...
. And after the Manic Frustration album we weren't getting along too well in Trouble at all, y'know, and a lot of like drug references were included into the lyrics of Plastic Green Head, 'coz everybody, well at least me, started to party more and get away like I had enough. I just tried to forget about shit. So this new album, Seven, is more like... getting away from that again, you know what I mean? I guess maybe it could be compared to our other albums, maybe the Trouble record could be the one more like that... something like that. The Skull
The Skull (album)
The Skull is the second album by the American doom metal band Trouble, released in 1985. It was the follow-up to their 1984 classic debut Psalm 9....
album was depressing, too because we were doing lots of drugs back then. So "End of My Days" was the beginning of that beginning again, so this new one is kind of the same thing again. So if I had to compare it to any of our stuff, I would say that one maybe. Uh... it's still really hard to say which of our earlier albums I should compare our new stuff to. It's damn difficult."
Also in early 2004, Trouble posted a statement on their website, saying that they were "working on a record deal" and was set to return to the studio in the spring to record the album. However, it was later reported that the band would start recording it in the fall of that year in time for an early 2005 release, as well as reissues of their first two classic albums Psalm 9
Psalm 9
Psalm 9 is the debut album by the American doom metal band Trouble, released in 1984. The album was originally released eponymously and was renamed to Psalm 9 after the release of their fourth album, which was their 1990 self-titled release...
and The Skull
The Skull (album)
The Skull is the second album by the American doom metal band Trouble, released in 1985. It was the follow-up to their 1984 classic debut Psalm 9....
. In October 2004, Trouble were in negotiations with three different labels about the release of Seven, the band stated "That is playing a big role in why the CD is not available on the site. On the bright side, If they sell it to one of the labels, you may eventually hear Trouble on the radio. Plus, It will still be available in record stores. So let's wish them well and hope for the best."
In June 2005, Trouble announced on their official website that they were back in the studio to "continue the recording of the new CD. Vinny flew back in mid-June to continue production. Bruce and Rick are recording leads at this time. Eric
Eric Wagner
Eric Wagner is an American heavy metal singer who is best known for his work with doom metal band Trouble. He briefly left Trouble in the mid-nineties and formed Lid with guitarist Danny Cavanagh, resulting in 1997's In The Mushroom. Wagner returned to Trouble in 2002...
is singing a bit here and there getting melodies and harmonies together. Stage 2 should be finished in a couple of weeks, then they will go in to mix. Still possible to release in 2005. We will see." Around the middle July
July 2005
2005: January – February – March – April – May – June – July – August – September – October – November – December – →-News collections and sources:* Wikipedia:News collections and sources....
of that year, the band announced that the album would no longer be called Seven and would be called Simple Mind Condition, which was a tentative title for an acoustic album. On August 23, 2005, it was announced that Trouble would enter the studio on September 1 to resume recording the album for a January 2006 release on their new label Escapi Music.
On November 12, 2005, Trouble posted a message on their official website stating that the music was "finished for the new CD, Simple Mind Condition. It's awesome. Eric will be finished by the end of November 2005 and the release date has been set for March 2006. Samples and promos will be shipped earlier." The band also announced they were "under contract with two labels, one for USA, and one for Europe. This is the date the labels finally can agree on." On March 10, 2006, the band announced on their official website that the band was putting the finishing touches on the album for a June
June 2006
June 2006 was the sixth month of that year. It began on a Thursday and ended after 30 days on a FridayThe following events also occurred during the month:...
release.
On May 12, 2006, Escapi Music announced a tentative August 22, 2006 release date for Simple Mind Condition. However, the album still did not surface. Months later, it was announced that the album would finally be released on February 20, 2007, but its release date was pushed back one last time to April 3.
Simple Mind Condition was later released in the U.S. by Escapi Music on September 1, 2009.
Track listing
- "Goin' Home" - 4:02
- "Mind Bender" - 3:49
- "Seven" - 4:57
- "Pictures of Life" - 3:53
- "After the Rain" - 5:30
- "Trouble Maker" - 4:07
- "Arthur Brown's Whiskey Bar" - 4:23
- "Simple Mind Condition" - 3:41
- "Ride the Sky" (Lucifer's FriendLucifer's FriendLucifer's Friend was a 1970s German Rock band. Allmusic author, Eduardo Rivadavia, noted the group as, "early practitioners of heavy metal and progressive rock." They also incorporated elements of jazz into their music. The band have also been cited as one of the pioneers of doom metal.-History:The...
cover) - 2:46 - "If I Only Had a Reason" - 4:18
- "Beginning of Sorrows" - 4:39
Credits
- Eric WagnerEric WagnerEric Wagner is an American heavy metal singer who is best known for his work with doom metal band Trouble. He briefly left Trouble in the mid-nineties and formed Lid with guitarist Danny Cavanagh, resulting in 1997's In The Mushroom. Wagner returned to Trouble in 2002...
- vocals - Bruce Franklin - guitars
- Rick Wartell - guitars
- Chuck Robinson - bass
- Jeff OlsonJeff Olson (Musician)Jeff Olson is a composer, multi-instrumentalist, radio show host, and the original drummer for the legendary doom/rock band, Trouble...
- drums - Vinny Wojno - producer