About Flagpole. (Athens, Ga.) 1987-current | View Entire Issue (June 14, 2000)
G uitarists Timothy Bracy and Peter Hoffman formed The Mendoza Line—one of the current scene's most comfortably unpredictable pop-rock bands—in 1995 in Athens, The two were mainly writing songs together and collaborating with various local musicians in the studio. The first full-length album, Poems To A Pawnshop (Kindercore), came out in late 1997, followed by the 1998 EP, Like Someone In Love. By this time, the band's line-up included Paul Deppler, Margaret Maurice, Andres Galdames and Lori Carrier-all of whom performed various instrumental and vocal tasks. Shannon McArdle joined on prior to 1999's / Like You When You're Hot Around. The band recently celebrated the release of its latest full-length. We're All In This Alone (Sar/None), Currently residing in New York City, the band is about to embark on a national tour behind the new album. Shannon McArdle, who is currently concentrating on keyboard and vocal duties (and the occasional tambourine) spoke with Flagpole via telephone from her apartment (also known as "The Office") in New York: Flagpole: Yankees or Mets? Shannon McArdle: I polled the "men" in the band, and they are indifferent toward both teams. I think that the Mets' uniforms are prettier. FP: Are you becoming a country band? SM: Now, don't be that way. Are you refer ring to the touch of “twang" that appears on the new record? Yes, we are a country band in the sense that Peter wears a bob tie to every recording session that was given him by [bassist] John McMahon at the last Star Room Soys show. I find it impossible to get anything done at these "sessions" because I become distracted by the badger emblem that hangs from that fine leather rope. We've also "gone country" in that Paul wears what he calls "studded loafers ” FP: Ah, but there is no taunting intended. Is that your influ ence? / noticed more of a country feel on the songs you wrote, espe cially the harmonies on *A Bigger City," Did you hove anyone partic ular in mind or give the band a specific direction? SM: Yes. There are two "queem" of harmony that have influ enced me greatly over the years. One is Cmmylou Harris and the other is a little man by the name of Elvis Costello. I always haw them in mind when I come up with my harmonies. You are not the first person to accuse me of turning the band country, I take it as a compliment, ft causes Pete to dress up as a woman and scream, "Down with Hanky Took, Up with Masterful Pop." I have no idea what he means. FP: Co Paul McCartney rock? SM: fW McCartney h to finking what Paul Oeppler is to drinking. He does it, buthe really FP: WhaPs the state of "Little Athens?" SM: I wasn't aware that you knew [former Athenian] Phil Waldorfs nickname. "Little Athens" is fine. I talked with him yes terday. He sends his icve. FP: Do you actually like New York in June? SM: It's quite hot here. They say that all of the concrete and buildings absorb much heat, and since it is difficult for the heat to "escape" at night, it really doesn't cod off much. I think there is something to that, FP: Does Tim stilt have my Best of Elvis Costello & The Attractions tape I gave him to leom "Almost Blue" with? IPs been four and a half years, the dirty filcher! SM: Tim claims that it was in fact Imperial Bedroom that you lent him and that he has returned it. Our next record is going to be our version of A/most Blue [Costello's 1981 album of country covers]. It's in the works now. I am quite sure that your account of history is much more accurate. FP: Who's the best and worst driver on the road? Who has the most annoying habits? Do you all eat properly? SM: I am Hie best driver in my opinion, Pete is the best driver in Paul's opinion. Paulis the worst driver in Paul's opinion. Tim has no driver's license. I do not eat. The rest of the group does not eat prop erly, although Paul has taken up drinking juice tately. FP: Who are you going to be playing with on this tour? Is there anyone you're particularly excited about? SM: In Athens we wiU be playing with the Masters Of The Hemisphere. We are excited about that in our way. In Chicago we will be with The Buddy Revelles with whom we played at the Pop Rodeo last year in Austin. In Columbus, Ohio, Tiara wiU be joining u$. We met them in Austin also. 8ack in NY we will be playing with our friends Saturnine. The whole time we will be with Scott Garrett of the famed Super XX Man. FP: Has the Battle of the Mendoza Sexes resolved itself yet? SM: I resolved it for everyone. My sex won. FT: Are you planning any dates outside of the country? SM: Well, we are talking with the beloved Rob Duckworth, who is living in Tokyo presently. We would like to arrange a trip over there. Mr, Duckworth will be in the states for our show in Athens. He is of course the man behind the intro and outro of our record. I have known him since high school. What a special-man, FP: Who's the best cook? SM: Apparently Paul makes an omelet that is "to die for." FP: Do you play with any other NYC bands regularly? SM: No. FP: How does such a targe group agree on o setUst? SM: We do not agree. We all want to play more of our own songs, and then Paul breaks up the fight by threatening to write some of his own songs, and we agree to let him pick the set list. FP: Are you alt calling your mothers who are worried sick about you? SM: Thankfully, Tim's brother is coming with us on the tour. He will he acting as "mother" to us all. It's quite creepy. Jay Nagy The night before the 40 Watt show. The Mendoza line appears at the Ultramed Compound, call 623-2331 for more info. WHO- InCftddm Un?> (Aaitefi Of SufWXXMSft • wwssi-#w«ita»ij HSWMICM: MB5IC rflernTjry^ WW.VV.ATHENSMUSICFACTORY.COM 420 l. CLAYTON ST. * DOWRTtfW ISfflVHS OiHOiiliiaO&fANDiDMaft K10iD**W lEVERYiWEONESDAYl 10 PM D. J. B-NAUT SPINS OLD SCHOOL A & BREAK BEATS W fEVERYilHURSBAYi Quarter I Night i ^ with DJ Quasar smEtflaa' LOWBROW ENTERTAINMENT PRESENTS iTUESIMY£JUNEf20THH Singer Songwriter Showcase JONATHANVANCE ADAM PAYNE M JEFF ANDREWS Ml JUNE 14, 2000
