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        Goo Goo Dolls >> Goo Goo Dolls >> LET CALM IN --- Robby Interview
        
(Message started by: TruexBlue on Aug 25^th, 2006, 10:07am)

Title: LET CALM IN --- Robby Interview
Post by TruexBlue on Aug 25^th, 2006, 10:07am

http://www.app.com/graphics/appv4.0/logo.gif
LET CALM INProducer has big influence on Goo Goo Dolls

BY ED CONDRAN--CORRESPONDENT

08/25/06-Bassist/singer Robby Takac admits that he and singer/guitarist Johnny Rzeznik, his Goo Goo Dolls co-conspirator, have had their share of arguments throughout the band's 20-year existence.

"Sometimes I didn't think we would make it one year together," Takac said. "Johnny and I can get pretty intense."

That's part of the reason the group, which also includes drummer Mike Malinin, asked producer Glen Ballard to work on the Goo Goo Dolls' latest album, "Let Love In."

"Glen is like a hippie dude," Takac explained while calling from his Los Angeles home. "Whenever anything would get too tense, he would calm everybody down and help us focus."

Ballard's relaxation methods extend to music, having taken the edge off the music of the Dave Matthews Band, Live and Alanis Morissette. Ballard has done the same with the Goo Goo Dolls. During the '80s, the group was a hungry, inspired punk band trying to scrape its way out of perpetually wintry Buffalo, N.Y. In 1995, the group released its breakthrough release, the alt-rock classic, "A Boy Named Goo."

Most of the tracks on "Let Love In," such as the hit "Better Days," are anthemic ballads primarily written by Rzeznik. The rockers penned by Takac are well-mannered rave-ups that lack urgency.

"Glen helped get the best out of us," Takac said. "He played such a vital role. He co-wrote songs and he has so much to say. No wonder he's such an in-demand producer. We were fortunate to have him."

Part of the reason the Goo Goo Dolls continue to exist is that Takac doesn't mind that the Goos fail to rock as much as they once did or that Rzeznik commands most of the attention.

"Maybe I was bothered by that a long time ago, but it never built a wedge between me and John," Takac said. "To me, you do whatever you have to do for the band. That's how we have lasted for 20 years. We do what's best for the band. This is not my freak show. It's our freak show. We grow and learn with it. This band has afforded us a great lifestyle and opportunities."

Both Takac and Rzeznik have outside projects. Takac started a record label that features Juliet Dagger and Andy Stochansky.

"I love working with other musicians," Takac said. "What I've learned from the Goo Goo Dolls gives me the chance to pay out of pocket for what I think is important."

The Goo Goo Dolls are fleshing out their sounds on tour. An extra guitarist and a keyboardist/saxophonist will share the stage with the trio.

"We just want to bring the best possible show to our fans," Takac said. "They've supported us for 20 years and we appreciate that."

http://www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060825/ENT/608250442/1031

Stay True & Rock On!
Triest

:jammin:

Title: Re: LET CALM IN --- Robby Interview
Post by Shannon on Aug 25^th, 2006, 10:25am

Cool article. I love Robby interviews.

Title: Re: LET CALM IN --- Robby Interview
Post by collegegoofan on Aug 25^th, 2006, 10:17pm

that was a great interview.....I love reading Robby interviews, thanks for posting that.

Shannon