The Special Goodness
| The Special Goodness | |||
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| Background information | |||
| Origin | United States | ||
| Years active | 1996–present | ||
| Genre(s) | Alternative Rock | ||
| Label(s) | N.O.S./Epitaph/Surf Green Records | ||
| Website | thespecialgoodness.com | ||
| Current Members | |||
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| Former Members | |||
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The Special Goodness is Patrick Wilson's side project. Wilson is the singer, guitarist, and primary songwriter for the band.
Overview
As other members of Weezer became restless due to periods of inactivity, or frustrated with Rivers Cuomo's dominance over the band's creative influx, they began to seek outside avenues to pursue their muse. Following Brian Bell's The Space Twins and Matt Sharp's The Rentals, Wilson decided to get into the act.
The Special Goodness can trace its roots back to 1994, when Wilson made a seven-track demo tape under the name Suburban Advantage. Featuring a drum machine, it was his first concerted attempt at a quality demo of his own material.
In late 1995, amidst various Pinkerton sessions, Wilson found the time to record no less than three different demos as Huge Guy. These recordings evolved directly into the early 1996 sessions for his debut, The Special Goodness. Although credited as Patrick Wilson, the album's title belies the fact that it is the true first Special Goodness release. Unfortunately, it was released only in Japan, and a full two years later at that.
During Weezer's hiatus after the Pinkerton tour, Wilson revived the project, and began making new demos. He intended on launching The Special Goodness as a full-fledged band, and employed various musicians, both in the studio and on tours, such as bassists Murphy Karges (of Sugar Ray), Mikey Welsh (formerly of Weezer), Scott Shriner (currently of Weezer), Pat Finn, Jeb Lewis and drummer Lee Loretta.
After recording the 2001 self-released disc At Some Point, Birds And Flowers Became Interesting, the drum kit was filled permanently by Atom Willard (Rocket from the Crypt, Angels & Airwaves, The Offspring). While the bass duties remain in flux, Wilson considers himself and Willard to be the official lineup.
Wilson took the duo into the studio to record Land Air Sea, which was initially released in 2003 on N.O.S. Recordings, then reissued in 2004 with Epitaph, in a remixed/reordered edition. The band toured extensively behind this release, including an opening slot for the Foo Fighters. Coincidentally, both bands were fronted by the drummer from another influential band.
The Special Goodness booked studio time and apparently recorded a full album's worth of material in 2006, but the material was scrapped. Word has it Wilson quelled its release due to concerns over commercial viability.
After several reports by Wilson in late 2011 that a new Special Goodness album was supposedly recorded, the fourth full length studio album Natural was eventually released digitally on May 22, 2012. However, Willard was not involved in the making of the album.
The band's name comes from Wilson's description of how he feels when making music, and was an early vote of his for Weezer's name.
Discography
Albums
- The Special Goodness (aka The Bunny Record) Japan-only release (1998)
- At Some Point, Birds And Flowers Became Interesting (aka The Pinecone Record) Self-released (2001)
- Land Air Sea (2003 original release by N.O.S. Recordings, 2004 reissue by Epitaph
- Natural (2012)
Other releases
- I'm With You Sister single, (1999)
- Life Goes By single (2003)
- Epitaph Summer Sampler (compilation featuring previously unreleased song "Not The Way") (2005)
For a complete listing of demo sessions, please see List of Special Goodness demos.
See also
- List of Special Goodness songs
- List of The Special Goodness shows
- The Special Goodness tour diary - Fall 1999
- The Special Goodness tour diary - Spring 2000
- Patrick Wilson
- Atom Willard
- Suburban Advantage
- Huge Guy
- Franklin Mint
- Shows: The Special Goodness - 1999/07/06
