News

In fact, lyrics that he wrote during an unhappy time evolved into the title track of the band’s new release, "Fast Moving Cars," in stores Tuesday.

The song, which vocalist and guitarist Blasey says is his favorite on the album, is about "middle-aged boredom" and contemplating one’s place and purpose in life – a state he thinks many listeners can relate to.

"I like the vibe of it. I love the lyrics that I wrote," he said. "It's just a killer groove. The melody kills me."

Another song with automobile references, "Hell on Wheels," is the album's first single.

The Clarks -- Blasey, Robert James, Greg Joseph and David Minarik, Jr. -- got their start in Pittsburgh in the late 1980s. They have previously released six studio albums and began working on "Fast Moving Cars" in August 2003.

"Our goals were just to write really good songs and let other things take care of themselves," Blasey said.

The Clarks' musical road to this new album has included some directional changes. After releasing the well-received "Let It Go" in 2000, Blasey said he felt people expected the band to put out something similar as a follow-up. Instead, what came next was "Another Happy Ending," which has a different sound -- "less 'Better Off Without You' and more 'Doo-doo-doo-doo-doo.'"

The Clarks took the best elements of both ventures for the new album, which has a strong rock sound, he said.

While The Clarks were putting the record together, Blasey said he learned that being happy during the process is not always necessary to make it worthwhile. He had some "personal crises" unfolding in his life at the time -- something he thinks will come across in his lyrics.

"I was totally reflecting on my own experiences...there's a lot of songs that deal with losing your way, maybe depression," he said.

Although these musings are documented on the album, the difficulties Blasey was facing have since been resolved, he said.

"You don't exactly feel the same way every day of the week," he said. "It's kind of like therapy. I'm fine...I think it's the best record we've made. Even amongst the sad lyrics, it's a great record, at least in my opinion.

"When people hear these lyrics, they're going to think that this is the end. Fans may read into that, but we're not going anywhere," he said.

However, Blasey said that the band has reached a transitional point where it is likely that members will pursue projects and collaborations outside the group. Though the band’s future plans are uncertain, he says one thing is clear:

"As long as we're still alive and breathing, there will still be The Clarks."

Kelly Bradish can be reached at kbradish@tribweb.com.

• Most Read
• Most E-mailed
• Latest News