Steve Wynn/ The Dream Syndicate

brianlux

In a parallel universe that edges very close to our own in which there are millions upon millions of fans of singer-songwriter-guitarist Steve Wynn, as well as his first recorded band, The Dream Syndicate.  I have slipped into that universe and it is a marvelous place.

Steve recently released a documentary about the Dream Syndicate, a two record set that accompanies the documentary (comes with DVD disc), his memoir, I Wouldn't Say it if it Wasn't True, and a book with the lyrics to all his songs- almost 400 that he has penned!- from all of his various band releases (he's been in several) as well as his solo output.

The man has written nearly copious number of great songs, has made 14 LPs with The Dream Syndicate, 15 solo albums, and something like 22 other albums with various configurations including The Baseball Project, a band that comprises half the original members of R.E.M.  

It's a beautiful and diverse world.  Dip into it sometime and see what you think.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dC07DTeUf0

mookeywrench

https://community.pearljam.com/discussion/281741/the-dream-syndicate

brianlux

Well, you can't blame a guy for trying.  Or you could.  Whatever.

This is about more than just the one band.  This is about Steve Wynn solo, The Dream Syndicate, The Baseball Project, Steve Wynn and The Miracle 3, Danny and Dusty, Gutterball, Smack Dab, Australian Blonde, and more interplay with an array of musicians than I likely know about, even being the big fan I am.  Oh but, hey, Led Zeppelin?  Oh yeah, John Paul Jones playing lap steel on "How Did I Find Myself Here", live in Vadso, Norway.  Awesome!  Etc. and more etc.

So this is about Steve, Dennis, Karl, Kendra, Mark, Chris, Paul B., David, Jason, Linda, Mike, Peter, Vicki, John Paul, and on and on.  These are highly accomplished musicians who have done excellent work going back to 1981. 

Anyone who has stepped into this Universe Inside knows what I mean.  It's an amazing world.  And look, my saying any of this is not about my ego and it does not make me "cool", or "hip", or "special".  No, it just means I have been lucky.  Damn lucky.  All I'm doing is saying my little part to maybe open this world up to someone else out there who might love it, and to spread the joy.  I have nothing to lose, and nothing to gain.  I'm already there.  Maybe its not for you, and that's OK.  But if it is, dig in and dig deep.   The rewards are many.

brianlux

I know I tend to go on about how great I think Steve Wynn and The Dream Syndicate are to the point of being a fanboy.  And maybe to the point of driving some people away, and to my regret if that's so.  But here are some words of praise from people far more respected than me, some undoubtedly heavy hitters in the know about Wynn.  And these kudos are well deserved.