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
