In this Side Tracks episode of Backwards Beats, Dan and Carl tear into Too Much Stereo (2000) by The Urge—a band they both respect but feel never got the recognition their musicianship deserved. They explore the group’s blend of ska, rock, punk, reggae, and 80s–90s alt flavors, and break down why this record is so energetic, so well-played, and unfairly overlooked. Between deep dives into bass lines, vocal technique, and production choices, they also wander into some unhinged tangents (including what you can hide inside a turkey), plus plenty of 311 references and genre-nerd enthusiasm.
Key Points
- Album Background – Too Much Stereo dropped in 2000 on Immortal Records; polished, high-energy, genre-blending, and arguably one album too late for the scene shift.
- The Urge’s Sound – A fusion of ska horns, rock aggression, punk energy, reggae undercurrents, and 80s-tinged melodic instincts.
- Musicianship Spotlight –
- Bass: Carl Grable’s playing is the standout of the entire album as fluid, melodic, precise, loaded with tension notes, but always tasteful.
- Drums: Creative fills, tight pocket, and fearless choices that somehow work.
- Vocals: Steve Ewing’s delivery is distinct, articulate, bold, and genre-fluid.
- Arrangement: Strong dynamic layering, bright verse/chorus contrast, and thoughtful instrumentation throughout.
- Themes –
- Why this band didn’t blow up despite having the chops.
- The late-90s/early-2000s shift that buried bands like this.
- The tension between brilliant musicianship and commercial timing.
- Verdict – Dan and Carl both agree: the album absolutely holds up, deserves more attention, and delivers banger after banger with zero filler.
Music Referenced
