The New Jersey-born jam band Blues Traveler took the world by storm in the 1980s and 1990s thanks to its frontman John Popper. For the songwriter and performer, a musical life began in the hallways of Princeton High School, where he was discovered by famed music teacher Dr. Anthony Biancosino (who was later portrayed and exaggerated in the film Whiplash).
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Popper, of course, is a harmonica player. And a world-class one at that. Nimble and ferocious, he can play to any song. He even wore a vest with a pocket for a harmonica in every musical key. But because he was so singular and his band so unique, there are of course those out there who do not like his style or Blue Traveler’s output.
Here below, though, we wanted to dive into a trio of songs from the East Coast jam band that continue to stand the test of time. Three songs that display skillful artistry and catchy melodies. Indeed, these are three songs for people who say they don’t like Blues Traveler.
[RELATED: 3 Blues Traveler Live Concerts Fans Should See]
“Run-Around” from Four (1994)
Prior to this single release, Blues Traveler had some popular songs, but this was the track that made them pop stars and the frequent choice of alternative rock DJs in the mid-1990s. The Wizard of Oz-themed music video even got tons of airplay on MTV upon its release. The track, which hit No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100, came out at the perfect time as other groups like Spin Doctors, Dave Matthews Band and Counting Crows were peaking. The song also earned the band a Grammy for Best Rock Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group. As for the lyrics, the song is largely about someone not being honest with the singer. They are giving him the run-around, not the straight scoop. On the tack Popper sings, between harmonica solos,
Oh, once upon a midnight dreary
I woke with something in my head
I couldn’t escape the memory
Of a phone call and of what you said
Like a game show contestant with a parting gift
I could not believe my eyes
When I saw through the thoughts of a trusted friend
Who needs to humor me and tell me lies, yeah humor me and tell me lies
“But Anyway” from Blues Traveler (1990)
This was the band’s first single release and the first track that earned them spots on Billboard charts. It’s got verve and energy to spare. On it, Popper displays his humor, his harmonica and his halcyon songwriting days. The track includes many repetitions of the phrase “but anyway,” as the song title foreshadows, and the rest of the group demonstrate a rocking vibe that has since carried them on through decades. “But Anyway” even made it into the movies as it was used in the 1996 comedy Kingpin. On the song, Popper sings,
I lied and told her I loved her
She didn’t care but anyway
I told her we’d still be friends
And she didn’t care but anyway
I tried last week for to call her
She wasn’t home but anyway I think I’ll spend my life alone
I really don’t care right now, but anyway
It’s a state of affairs and a state of emotions
The kind of thing that you must understand
I tell you one thing, you’ll tell me another
We walk away, maybe even then shake hands
“Sweet Talking Hippie” from Blues Traveler (1990)
We go from the opening song on Blues Traveler to the concluding song. This track follows the melancholy “Alone” on the album, which is another excellent track, and turns what is a sad moment into an uplifting one—sonically, anyway. As for the song itself, this track is about a person who is part-poet, part-smooth talker and part-bohemian. That person is alluring, interesting and can even sell a few tickets if need be. You get the sense this is a song written from the perspective of a businessman trying to court said hippie. On it, Popper sings,
Sweet talking hippie
Cross your killing floor
Gonna come a little closer
Cause you know I want more
Don’t run off
Don’t you be afraid of me
You know you are what you made you baby
I am what I try to be
You know I need your love
And I could use your money
And if you ain’t got a dime
We’ll sell tickets, honey
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Photo by Graham Fielder
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