Pop Standards
In an age where modern radio is dominated by angst-ridden rappers and barely legal navel-barers, one listen to the whimsically titled band POP STANDARDS might evoke memories of the golden days of AM radio; a time when the sugary harmonies of each new song seemed at once revolutionary in its simpleness, and irresistibly insatiable as it left you wanting more. This is not to say that POP STANDARDS are a complete throwback to slightly less bleak days, though... Even the most hardened cynic will find delight in the songs, which are often as humorously introspective as they are insidiously morbid.
Tell me about your history? How did you get where you are now?
Pop Standards, or at least an idea of it, was formed in 1997 when darwin decided he hated hearing people on the radio who didn't write songs as good as his. He was briefly joined by Aaron H. on bass, and the two enjoyed a long stint of live gigs using only a crunchy sounding bass, an accordion and an eccentrically programmed drum-machine named Jimmy. After Aaron's departure, darwin regrouped with a massive army comprised only of himself and his other less menacing personalities, and began pre-production on the debut Pop Standards record entitled, "Hands And Hearts".
Have you performed live in front of an audience? Any special memories?
"Aside from dabbling a bit in television, I spent 10 years gigging around the U.S. as a drummer, but now I'm just shopping my songs around to whoever will listen to them and playing live whenever I can. I'm really focused on finishing up writing duties for "Hands & Hearts". Hopefully I'll include 15 songs on it."
Your musical influences
Elvis Costello, They Might Be Giants, The Zombies, Elliott Smith, The Gourds, Isao Tomita, Ben Folds, XTC, Queen, Tom Waits, E.L.O., Raymond Scott, Simon And Garfunkel, Neil Diamond, Mark McNeil, Nick Drake, The Beatles, early R.E.M., Oingo Boingo, Sam Cooke
What equipment do you use?
"I created all of these demos with whatever was lying around... Usually a drum kit, an acoustic guitar, a piano, an accordion and a bass if it was handy. Most songs were recorded on a Yamaha 8-track partially in Alan B's house or in my bathroom."
Anything else?
Oh yeah! You can check out the website at: www.geocities.com/darwinfarkus/popstandards.html
