Adam Franklin (Swervedriver) live in Dallas TX - March 17, 2003 - CPR-33

This weeks live recording is one of my favorites. Adam Franklin is from the incredible rock band Swervedriver. I thought it would be a good time to post this as Swervedriver are doing a reunion tour.

I decided it would be a good idea to get to the show early because I wanted to make sure I got a good place to stand. I just knew the show was going to be packed. However, I don't think that the rest of Dallas was as excited as I was. I think by the time Adam came on there were maybe 50 people in the room. However, this show was during the week of SWSW and there were tons of bands coming through Dallas. I think I saw a small fraction of them even with going to a show, sometimes 2, every night of the week.

He played songs from his entire career, including songs that would eventually end up on last years release Bolts Of Melody. I don't remember if the show was sold as being Adam Franklin and Lift To Experience but after Adam played almost the entire show solo he brought out Josh and Bear from Lift To Experience to rock out some Swervedriver songs. I never had the opportunity to see Swervedriver play but this was about as close as I could get at the time and they did not disappoint.

Before and during the show I kept on seeing a guy walking around that looked really familiar. I kept on asking my friend if he knew who he was but we couldn't figure it out. It wasn't until right before Adam brought out the guys from Lift To Experience that I looked over and it hit me. Mark Gardener from Ride was standing right fucking next to me. I almost shit myself. I hadn't seen a picture of the guy in years and now he's much older and had lost quite a bit of hair. Being a huge Ride fan, I couldn't believe it.

At the time I remembered that I had just read that Mark was going to play his first solo show at SXSW in Austin the night before. Of course it made sense that he was at this show. It was because of Mark that Swervedriver got a record deal with Creation. It was Mark that gave their demo tape to McGee.

After the show I went up and said hi to Mark, shook his hand, introduced myself and had a nice conversation with him. It was mostly about what a huge fan I was and I couldn't believe he was here. Also, we talked about his plans of putting out a solo album and that he was going to be back through Dallas in a couple of weeks to play a show. Look ahead in the list I went and have a great recording of the night. I also have a recording of our conversation, which will never be shared. I sounded like the biggest dork freaking out over this guy.

Enjoy The Show.

Adam Franklin (Swervedriver)
Gypsy Tea Room
Dallas, TX
03.17.03

1. 99th Dream
2. The Devil May Care
3. Song Of Solomon
4. The Hitcher
5. The Castle (Arthur Lee)
6. The Birds
7. 2541 (Grant Hart)
8. Parasite (Nick Drake)
9. Flaming Heart
10. Unknown -> The Sounds & The Times
11. The Streets That Spin Off
12. Everyday Rock N Roll Is Saving My Life
13. Juggernaut Rides
14. Lead Me Where You Dare*
15. Son Of A Mustang Ford*
16. Deep Seat*
17. Rave Down*
18. Last Train To Satansville*
*with Josh and Bear from Lift To Experience

Link: Mediafire

Here's something else that I found on my computer.

Adam Franklin
KEXP
09.12.05

1. Interview
2. 99th Dream
3. The Streets That Spin Off
4. Interview
5. Sundown
6. Song Of Solomon
7. Interview

Link: Mediafire