BoDeans’ Good Things: Body Art

While the BoDeans have built a loyal fan base over the course of the 24 years since the release of their T Bone Burnett-produced debut, Love & Hope & Sex & Dreams, the duo—Kurt Neumann and Sam Llanas—is best known as the band whose “Closer To Free” became the theme song to ’90s TV show Party Of Five. But the BoDeans are fine with that and instead focus on making the kind of music they want to, then bringing it to their devoted followers. New album Mr. Sad Clown (429) features more of the duo’s trademark roots-based rock and intricate vocal harmonies. Neumann will be guest editing magnetmagazine.com all week. Read our new Q&A with him.

Neumann: I know they’ve really become fashionable. Everybody has one now. Even people who didn’t even know what to get so they just got “something” inked on their body cuz they didn’t want to be left behind. “Look, it’s Tweety Bird on my shoulder.” Or the famous “tramp stamp.” I’ll let you know how naughty I am. Don’t get me wrong here, I like tattoos. I always have. But body art should be just that: artistic. I got my body art back in 1987. In Waukesha, Wisc. Tiny little shop run by an ex-con named Frank, I think. That day, I learned where the best prisons in the country were. And that you don’t wanna get busted in Texas. And to check your pistol before cleaning it. Apparently, Frank shot a hole in the floor the day before and it freaked him out. Anyway, my point here is that tattoos are awesome. But take some time to make your decision about it. Think about the philosophies to which you subscribe and make it meaningful. And for God’s sake, find a true artist. Like an ex-con named Frank in a tiny little shop downtown.

Video after the jump.