Ranking the Albums: The Tea Party (and a Tribute to Taylor Hawkins)

[@SteveAuger2021]

Well I just ordered nine items of the tea party from Amazon. This band is awesome and it just to hear ricks enthusiasm is enough motivation for me to order everything in their catalog

[@themusicden4696]

It was a fun show. NOTE : I did not realize that my audio level was turned down until the show aired. Please forgive me. Enjoy the show

[@genxtremist3602]

All good! I just had to adjust my sound a few times...did any of you talk about Alhambra EP or was it ineligible?

[@themusicden4696]

@@genxtremist3602 We just talked about the studio albums.

[@garyh.238]

Armando, my favourite is Transmission too!

[@genxtremist3602]

@@themusicden4696 And I'm grateful for it. Thanks!

[@themusicden4696]

@@genxtremist3602 You're welcome.

[@dtltmtgt]

I am in shock about Taylor Hawkins. Always liked his playing and his bright spirit. RIP.

[@ZornJedi]

Spent many nights watching bands downstairs at the Coach & Horse and upstairs at the Loop, including the Tea Party. Was a great Windsor venue.

[@marclesperance4116]

I saw The Tea Party live back in ‘95 when they opened for Page/Plant at the Montreal Forum. One of the very few times when I was as eager to see the opener as the main band. Both didn’t disappoint. Great memories!

[@samd1569]

The Tea Party are huge in Australia. Much love for this band. Once again, great show guys. Cheers

[@jasonnitert6184]

Thanks Pete…a true gem of a band and a favourite for over 30 years. Nice to see you enjoying them and giving them some props!

[@ykmgeedee]

Not a Foo Fighters expert but Taylor Hawkins seemed to always have an exuberant smile and seemed to genuinely be grateful for his opportunity. Nice mentions by the cast here.

[@jeffreyheise3377]

Have not listen to a lot of The Tea Party, but will have to give them another listen. I was shocked, and saddened by the news of Taylor. RIP.

[@dtltmtgt]

Saw Tea Party in a small club in the late '90s. One of the GREATEST live shows I ever saw. Without a doubt!

[@Danimal77]

No one on here really mentioned the deep and introspective lyrics. Wow, if you pay attention to them it adds an entirely new layer of depth and feel to the alright amazing songs.

[@Bucketbothead007]

Been a fan of the band since 1995 & seen them around that time on the East Bank of The Flats in Cleveland. They had a really BIG live sound for 3 guys. They were seriously thumping through the PA the night I seen them, great show that night! Never thought about ranking their albums.

[@battleshipnewhook]

RIP Taylor. Gone way too early. My condolences to your family.

[@Danimal77]

As a fellow Canadian, I have had the privilege of not only knowing about The Tea Party since 1991, but I have been a die-hard fan of theirs ever since I first heard them that same year. They are one of the most criminally underrated rock bands (trio) of all time in my humble opinion. They never broke big in the United States due to not wanting to compromise their sound for the big music labels and so, they stayed true to their musical integrity and released masterpiece after masterpiece between 1991 and 2004. Their 2014 reunion album was more akin to Jeff Martin's 3 solo albums. To me, it was lacking something they used to have in abundance, but still, it was stellar, along with their two recent EP's. I have seen them live countless times. The amount of talent in the three members of the band is off the charts. They should have been up their with Tool and Radiohead in terms of making it HUGE, but sadly, outside of Australia, Ireland and Canada, almost no one has ever heard of them and their insanely amazing discography. I implore all of you to start from the beginning and work your way through their albums chronologically. You WILL be blown away!

[@domielakrabi3276]

I just wanna say a big "thank you" to Martin for introducing me to Tea Party!

[@garyh.238]

My top 3 Tea Party albums: 1) Transmission, 2) Edge of Twilight, 3) Splendor Solis.....after those, every one is really good and change in my rankings after each listen. Great show tonight!

[@colico14]

Taylor was a fantastic musician and a damn fine human being, family man, and friend. He will be dearly missed. Dearly missed. Lovely tribute to him. As for the Tea Party, I first discovered them while I was in high school, with Seattle's KISW playing the "Transmission" record, namely "Release." I think I was driving around at my pizza delivery job and first heard that and it really hit me. I said: "who is this band??" Great record. Went back and discovered "Splendor Solis" afterwards. I still like to play "Winter Solstice" on guitar a lot.

[@erikberg5363]

It might actually be a blessing in disguise that this show came so late, since the SoT channel has gained so many viewers over the last couple years. Hopefully quite a few new people will check out the band. I became a pretty big fan a few years ago when I started watching some of their music videos here on KZbin, and each successive song I heard was just as good as the last! They definitely cover a large spectrum in terms of styles but execute each one with finesse, all while keeping their identity intact. There are a lot of elements in their sound that can be traced back to certain genres or influences but overall I think they’re pretty unique and they strike me as the type of band who writes what they want to, without trying to sound like something in particular. That’s the best way to write music, in my opinion anyway. That said, I actually haven’t checked out the last few albums so I’m thankful to have this video. It’s reignited my interest in The Tea Party and I’m going to be giving those a listen in the very near future! Big thanks to Armando, Martin, Rick and of course Pete for yet again another great instalment on the channel! Take care and Rock On!! 🤘🤘

[@gwts1171]

RIP, Taylor. I got to meet him once and he was as cool of a guy as I had hoped he would be. I've been wanting to get into The Tea Party with all of the shout-out they get in SoT videos. The only one I've heard is Splendor Solis and can't even really say I "know it". This video will be a big help as to where to start.

[@thedarkwizardroom]

I like what I have heard of the Tea Party and of all the albums will have to start in locating some if mot all to pick up and have. Thanks guys for the fun episodes as always. And RIP Taylor Hawkins a great drummer to the Foo Fighters and all what he did to be a wonderful guy to match.

[@kamranmalik8546]

Even though I’m not really big fan of Foo Fighters, I am both shocked and saddened to hear that Taylor Hawkins passed away 💔😔😢

[@camwatters8803]

Surprised foo fighters aren’t more popular here. I’m glad to see tea party get the respect they deserve

[@mobilepsycho]

The Tea Party = What Led Zeppelin would sound like if Jim Morrison was their front-man. Love those first couple of albums.

[@damiankarras]

1. Edges of Twilight 2. Interzone Mantras 3. Splendor Solis 4. The Ocean At The End 5. Transmission 6. Seven Circles 7. Triptych 8. Blood Moon Rising All fantastic, just some more fantastic than others. New one may move up, still just too recent. Need more time with it. My top 3 will always be my top 3. Second best Canadian band ever.

[@WalterSobchak1000]

Taylor was a great, positive person as well as a very good musician. He'll be impossible to replace

[@colico14]

Besides Dave, he was the other real star of FF. An outsized presence and personality. Moving on without him will be much like Zep with Bonham.

[@markrushton1516]

No he won't. Queen, ACDC, Metallica all lost a key member and went on to maintain or even increase their success. In recent times ZZ Top, The Eagles and The Rolling Stones continue their tours. It's a business and a lucrative one

[@AgentCooper1982]

One of my favorite episodes of Sea of Tranquility. Great insight into an amazing band and great seeing such a diverse list from each person. Hope to see a top ten song video soon for this band! 🙂

[@sspbrazil]

Hawkins was a fireball, I admired his energy and passion for music.

[@sspbrazil]

Love this band, I grew up in the Detroit area, just on the other side of the water from Canada, I never understood why they never caught on in the US either, I think it was timing, but who knows? Great episode

[@hexus9198]

LOVE The Tea Party! Really says something when the #1's and rankings are all over the place

[@battleshipnewhook]

1. The edges of twilight 2. Transmission 3. The ocean at the end 4. Triptych 5. Interzone mantras 6. Seven circles 7. Blood moon rising 8. Splendor solace

[@davidroberge2314]

Sad news about Taylor Hawkins. As to The Tea Party, I’ve been a fan for years and never quite understood how they weren’t huge. Jeff Martin is brilliant. The Doors meet Zeppelin, and enjoy each other’s company. Well done, guys.

[@Triton63]

I couldn't agree more with everything you said. I've seen and met the Tea Party multiple times incredible musicians and great guys too.

[@AMCmachine]

Yes!!! Been waiting a long time for this ranking. One of my favorite bands, fan since 1994. Have yet to see them live--hopefully someday. \m/ \m/

[@damiankarras]

Roy Harper also opened for The Tea Party across Canada, and each of them came out and played together on each other’s sets.

[@minsterhill]

Good show guys! RIP Taylor!

[@DamnableReverend]

Really glad this finally happened. I honestly have no idea what people think of their albums, but I've been into the Tea party since my teen years around 1995. I boughta lot of contemporary mainstream rock CDs around then, and ended up selling or trading loads of them when I got into metal and progressive rock and other such stuff. But I never got rid of my tea party albums. It's amusing because I just sort of imagined that *everybody's* number 1 would be Edges of Twilight, but I'm kind of glad that wasn't the case also. I called it though and I knew Triptych would be Pete's last p pick somehow. A good album now, in retrospect, but my interest when it came out was pretty low. It doesn't rock enough in my view. Really need to check out these later albums though.

[@aussie_philosopher8079]

Hey Pete, good to be back enjoying your videos. I had been listening to the tea party in the last few weeks, I like transmission and triptych.

[@michaelgkrantz]

So glad to see this ranking show. I’ve been into the Tea Party since 1993 when I picked up Splendor Solis on a whim at my local CD store. Jeff Martin’s non-Tea Party albums are also worth checking out. They are “Exile In The Kingdom”, Jeff Martin 777 “The Ground Cries Out”, Jeff Martin & Wayne Sheehy “Live In Dublin”, and The Armada “The Armada”.

[@wolf1977]

What about Live At The Corner Hotel?

[@michaelgkrantz]

@@wolf1977 I was not aware of this! Time to hunt it down.

[@wolf1977]

@@michaelgkrantz I actually just sampled it myself. Liked "The Messenger" & "The Bazaar"

[@ChrisDicksonOhio]

Damn this is the first time I’ve ever heard of this band!! It’s criminal that they aren’t huge!! If the Doors and Led Zeppelin had a baby you get The Tea Party!! Thanks for introducing me this is wonderful music. It’s a shame I’m so late to the party! And God Speed to Taylor Hawkins ❤️🙏🏻

[@georgemathie8123]

The tea party and edge of twilight was such a huge part of my teenage years they were huge in my native Canada in the 90s and so sad to hear about Taylor Hawkins as well

[@BlackMoore82]

One of my all-time favorite bands, I know that I mentioned it on the channel before, The Tea Party are the band I have seen perform more then any other. Ten times so far. Splendor Solis (1993). The Interzone Mantras (2001). The Edges of Twilight (1995). Transmission (1997). The Ocean at the End (2014). The Tea Party (1991). Triptych (1999). Seven Circles (2004). Ranking the eps too... Black River (2019). Alhambra (1996). Sunshower (2021).

[@AMCmachine]

Got my CD copy of Blood Moon Rising via a store on Amazon. New Tea Party just in time for spring/summer. Man, I needed that. Wasn't a Smiths fan myself really, but love the "Every Day Is Like Sunday" cover. They just Tea party-ize it to the extent it sounds/feels like an original TP tune.

[@MartyMurray]

I don't know if you guys know, but Jeff Martin had some custom Les Pauls made, where he could tap on the pick guard, and the guitar would change tunings, mid-song. He always used unusual tunings, but this allowed him to do them live onstage with little trouble. He's also one of the first players I've seen with a 12-string Telecaster. God, I would love to have one of those!

[@wolf1977]

There's a 12 string tele on eBay for $160 right now (actually they call it a "Tele style" by a brand called Cozart). There's a guy who posted a video of how to assemble a 12 string Tele "kit guitar"...Nash makes one (they call it an "Offset" Tele)...Reverb's got a "converted" Fender 12 string Tele for sale & not that expensive ($650) - a real Fender body married with other parts...There's a site out there that lists all Fender-made 12's (Coronados & even 12-string Strats like the Electric XII) - the (Fender) Tele 12's seem to be pretty rare. Wonder if Martin's was a real Fender or made by someone else to look like a Fender/Fender-style?

[@MartyMurray]

@@wolf1977 He had two onstage, that looked identical, and they looked custom made to me, since they didn't have the typical Fender "hockey stick" headstock. A friend of mine has a real 12-string Strat that he inherited from his dad. I've seen that guitar and he let me try it. I currently play two 12-string Fender Villagers, a 90's vintage one and a newer one. I'm not really in the market to buy another guitar right now, but it would be interesting to look around. Thanks for your suggestions! :-)

[@wolf1977]

@@MartyMurray No problem...I've only played acoustic 12's & it always seemed like a giant pain to tune them, and keep them in tune due to the extra tension on the neck. Also I finger-pick (bare fingers) on acoustic & those extra strings just get in the way. I do like that full sound though, if I need it I use an effects pedal that gets me close enough...I think a tried a used double-neck Carvin once at Guitar Center & a vintage Rick 12 but they didn't do it for me (the Rick was too "jangly" sounding)

[@MartyMurray]

@@wolf1977 When I played in bands, I had a tele and a Marshall amp, and I only used the acoustic guitars for a few tunes. Now that I'm back to doing my solo thing, I just play acoustic, and the 90's era Villager, "Blondie," is my main guitar, and "Blackie," the newer one, is my backup. I don't really do fingerpicking. I use it on certain songs, but not often. I figured out a way to imitate it using a pick, so that's what I do. Too hard to keep the fingernails in shape! My style is a combination of strumming and picked out notes. There are some electrics I would love to own, but I would never use them, so what's the point? I'm not a guitar collector. To me they are tools that need to be out there working and being played. Oh, and I do use a set of pedals. My rig is a TC Helicon Harmony G for my vocals, an old 80's Yamaha Digital Delay, a Marshall Stereo Chorus pedal, a Boss '62 Fender Reverb, and then a Boss tuner pedal.

[@wolf1977]

@@MartyMurray I don't play out, guitar (and a little bass) for me is just a hobby. I also don't sing but have messed around with vocal synth pedals that emulate talk boxes, like the EH Talking Machine & I used to have a Digitech Talker - more of a vocoder that required a mic (no tube in my mouth). I've had A LOT of effects boxes & rack gear over the years, right now I'm "down to" about 15 that I actively use, a mix of rack mount & floor pedals. Always been fascinated with guitar synths too but nothing that requires separate hex pickups & guitar mods, currently I've got the EH line of "9" pedals (Key 9/Synth 9) plus the BOSS SY-200/SY-1 & Source Audio C4... Same with guitars, at times I've had major GAS & at one time had like 30 guitars & basses, now down to 12. I love the late 70's/early 80's Japanese stuff (the Gibson/Fender "copies") but unfortunately people have caught on & prices have gone through the roof lately. I do have a couple of instruments that I almost never touch but just can't sell like my '97 Yamaha SG700S & my 80's Agile Les Paul, also a Mexico-made Fender Tele. I've lost count how many guitars I've sold or traded over the years...

[@stephanerichard6267]

I saw the Tea Party 4 times and Jeff Martin solo show, great band :)

[@thomaswery3087]

because of the SOT I found out about The Tea Party.I've picked up nine releases and not a bad one in the bunch,I don't even remember listening to a bad song.So a big thank you to SOT and Pete

[@AMCmachine]

The name Tea Party derives from the band's literary affinities; it was inspired by the intellectual "bull sessions" conducted by the Beat Poets if I recall correctly.

[@AMCmachine]

I'm not big on industrial either, but I agree, the Tea Party made it work with their other trademark elements on Transmission. Although I don't listen to it all the time, I do spin it now and then.

[@AMCmachine]

I blame radio here in the US to some extent as well.....they deserved airplay on rock radio here but never seemed to get it. I discovered them myself via a couple of magazine articles and bought Edges Of Twilight (new album at that time) without having even heard them! The gamble paid off; I was blown away by what I heard.

[@Chaz4543]

You can blame radio but if you were a new band who werent on alterative rock radio in the 90s you were on mainstream rock radio and that format wasnt as big at the time. A new band doing a Led Zeppelin meets Doors style was a tough sell for the 90s. Radio wouldnt be interested in a band like that. A new band that wasnt categorized under alternative rock like Brother Cane did ok in the 90s but they werent huge or anything plus their biggest hit was more alt rock sounding.

[@jonathanjordan5234]

Great show, great band

[@mintyfresh4987]

Wow, as a Canadian I forgot how big "Heaven Coming Down" was. Just rewatched the video and knew all the lyrics. Also funny was the fact that it is the same key and chord progression as U2's "With or Without You," and still manages to be far more melodic and interesting.

[@konstantinoscapordelis9338]

Great show on a great band, favorite album is the edges of twilight, Seems to me we need to make Pete an honorary Canadian citizen, Canadian friends, showcases Canadian bands (Rush, Triumph, Moxy, BTO, Tea Party, Saga, April Wine, Max Webster etc) very impressive. RIP Taylor Hawkins

[@AMCmachine]

Can we hope for an in-depth Tea Party book from Mr. Martin Popoff someday?

[@MartinPopoff]

I half considered it a few years ago. I'd need them to cooperate on it. I dunno. Complicated. Find a publisher. Hope they'd even want me as opposed to someone else etc.

[@AMCmachine]

@@MartinPopoff Hi Martin, thanks for replying. It would be nice if it happened someday. I own some of your books and I would surely buy that one. : D \m/ \m/

[@jaykent4981]

Great ranking show! Thanks Martin for mentioning The Church, been a fan of that band since Heyday.

[@danielwolski873]

Finally The Tea Party ranking show. Thanks Pete and my fellow Canadians, this was great. Martin, maybe you can convince Pete to give The Tragically Hip a listen. Canada's all time biggest rock band and he's never heard of them.

[@MartinPopoff]

Not convinced he needs to like them. Tea Party seemed like it would be a given. I'm conflicted myself on the Hip - love the front man, singer and lyricist... not sold all the way on the rest of them.

[@danielwolski873]

@@MartinPopoff I think he would like the first three albums for sure.

[@ryantinker8598]

My band opened for the tea party in a small club in Portland,Maine back in the mid ninety’s. They really liked themselves.

[@jeffburrows222]

Sure thing pal… 🙄

[@hipmetalworx]

We Canuckians are privileged to have some awesome talent....Ian Thornley is another example, no other countries know about him or Big Wreck.....Cheers from Sidney BC

[@wolf1977]

Another very good band, I've got 6 of theirs & all of them are at least very good

[@garyh.238]

@@wolf1977 Ghosts is a fantastic album - my favourite of their catalogue.

[@wolf1977]

@@garyh.238 I really couldn't pick a favorite album (unlike with Tea Party), they're all pretty much equal to me. I like just about every track on each of those 6 albums...

[@garyh.238]

@@wolf1977 Yes they are all quite good. I like Ghosts best as it just seems to be the most cohesive, and some very fine guitar playing. That title track's solos are wonderful.

[@AMCmachine]

Some fans seem not to care as much for Seven Circles, but I positively love that album. I've always found it to be phenomenal road tripping music well-suited for a nice long drive. Also have some significant personal memories around it, so that always factors in I suppose.

[@truckerkevthepaidtourist]

I came late to the Foo fighters party about 5 years ago. They were just up there with a lot of the pop rock when they first started out but kind of like the way Pete started to like the cars I started to like them too So I guess you could say I've kind of become a casual fan through the years.

[@brandonleblanc955]

I came on board with Splendor Solis back in '93, but I never came back to them when they reformed for The Ocean at the End. Really need to sit down with the recent two! But for now, I'll rank the first seven (I count the self-titled, even if they re-recorded a few of the tracks later!) 1. The Edges of Twilight - some called it pretentious upon release, but this album is so nuanced, so richly textured. Correspondences is the deep cut worth seeking out here. 2. Transmission - Like you guys, I was skeptical, but no album in their discography stayed in rotation as frequently. Release was 'released' as a single to raise money for abused women (the charity name escapes me right now). 3. Splendor Solis - Nothing sounded like it upon release, and despite the influences being so obvious, I found this one enthralling front to back. In This Time is stunning. 4. The Interzone Mantras - This one took me the longest to really get into but it is worth the patience. Lullaby was the lead single and it's by far my favourite on the album. 5. The Tea Party (s/t) - Maybe a demo, but still considered by many the proper debut. It's rough around the edges, but the vibes are there. Let Me Show You the Door had a video. 6. Triptych - I played the hell out of this upon release but I shied away from it quickest. Heaven Coming Down was the big hit but it's too 'safe' sounding for the band. Chimera is my favourite here. 7. Seven Circles - The only album I can honestly say I dislike. Beyond The Writing's on the Wall and Stargazer, none of the tracks stand out for me at all. I felt like Interzone Mantras but diluted. I'll try to remember to listen to the recent two and insert them!

[@davidroberge2314]

Big Wreck should be your next review. Definitely a Chris Cornell sound to Ian Thornley’s vocals. Thanks for the Tea Party review.

[@colico14]

Didn't they have a track called "The Oaf"?

[@davidroberge2314]

Yes, they did!

[@matthewkieswetter4376]

Nice reference to The Church from Martin. I get the sense that they are in a similar boat to bands like The Tea Party, The Tragically Hip, Blue Rodeo, etc., who are huge in their homeland, but not so much in most other countries. And The Church is one of those bands that has consistently released quality albums throughout their long careers. (Saw them at The Horseshoe in Toronto a few years ago; it was excellent.)

[@Danimal77]

Pete, if you love the Tea Party's catalogue, I HIGHLY recommend you check out Jeff Martin's (the lead singer/guitar player) three solo studio albums, all released during the years The Tea Party was on hiatus. The three albums, Exile and The Kingdom (2006), The Armada (2008), and The Ground Cries Out (2011) all have a Tea Party feel to them, especially the last two and they also have some of Jeff Martin's best riffs from his entire career.

[@wolf1977]

I tried The Fool but didn't like that one much. Exile And The Kingdom sounds more promising...

[@Danimal77]

@@wolf1977 Exile and The Kingdom (2006) was his first album. The Armada (2008) his second and probably his best and The Ground Cries Out (2011) his third, also great.

[@wolf1977]

@@Danimal77 Oops, that album The Fool is by another Jeff Martin (former singer for Racer X)...I have the Canadian Martin with other solo albums though: Live in Brisbane 2006, Live In Dublin, Live at the Corner Hotel, Jeff Martin: Live & Acoustic & The Palace Volume 1: Sub Rosa (some of these I think are Independent releases)...I was considering Armada (they also have Live at Womadelaide 2010) & Jeff Martin 777 as separate bands from his strictly solo records...I also have another one called Soulbreaking (after the Tea Party song) which is a CDS (two tracks only, that tune & "Leaning On Love"). I believe it came out in 2001

[@davej.meister5421]

Pete is in NO way, shape or form a Foo Fighters fan, but I give him mad props for paying tribute to Taylor Hawkins, regardless. That is a genuine rock fan right there, folks. Now if only other certain rock or metal channels at YT (whose name I will NOT mention) did likewise with Neil Peart's passing (in 2020) instead of berating their channel's Rush fans because they dislike the band so much. It is so classless, childish and unprofessional to attack fans (of a band the channel host doesn't like) who subbed to that very channel. You don't have to be a fan of the band just to acknowledge the talent or instrumental ability one or ALL of its members had, especially if that band influenced several of your favorite bands that followed them. Instead of saying "I am NOT going to pretend of a fan of them, because I am NOT" or "I don't like your band, so go elsewhere and cry more," wouldn't it be much easier for the channel host to say "I am NOT really into that band, but I DO realize I have a lot of subs that love them" or "Well, they are quite talented, and the members are tight with their musicianship, but still, they're NOT really my cup of tea"? Pete shows that he respects the tastes of his subs although he himself does NOT really like that certain band, in this case that being FF. Brendon Snyder is another good YT channel who is very respectful toward the tastes of his subs, even though he himself might not like that particular artist. John from Lair of the Alchemist is another good YT channel. These are the channels I frequent here at YT. The others who feel it is cool to bash subs who are fans of bands the host dislikes are the ones I avoid like the plague. It is just easier to attract flies more with honey than with vinegar, especially if that sub is being respectful towards the channel's host. And I consider myself to be a respectful person.

[@cleftturnip7774]

Someone hasn't taken their meds

[@davej.meister5421]

@@cleftturnip7774 WTH are you talking about, man? Are you one of those Rush hating hair metal freaks?

[@davej.meister5421]

@@cleftturnip7774 WTH does me not taking my meds have to do with the price of tea in China?

[@cleftturnip7774]

@@davej.meister5421 i just thought the essay you wrote in a KZbin comment section seemed manic to me. But it was an attempt at humour.

[@davej.meister5421]

@@cleftturnip7774 Essay? Are you kidding me? Ever hear of the word disability? Some people have them, and they can't help it when they post long comments. Every hear of the word detail-oriented? That's what I consider myself to be. Why rag on someone who has a disability?

[@lening9]

1) The Edges of Twilight 2) The Interzone Mantras 3) Splendor Solis 4) Transmission 5) The Ocean at the End 6) Blood Moon Rising 7) Triptych 8) Seven Circles

[@Greelee38]

I discovered the Tea Party back in 97 or 98 from Napster. I love them. My wife who is a huge led Zeppelin / Jim Morrison fan can't stand them. Lol

[@FugaziPark]

I only have heard the albums up through “The Interzone Mantras,” but this episode has encouraged me to explore (at some point) the rest of their catalog. As for my current rankings: 1. The Edges of Twilight (9/10) 2. Transmission (8/10) 3. Triptych (7/10) 4. The Interzone Mantras (6/10) 5. Splendor Solis (5/10)

[@WineSippingCowboy]

Tea Party should have made it 🍵 in The USA 🇺🇸. I heard them when I was in Vancouver 🇨🇦 I liked them👍 I remember when Taylor Hawkins played with Canadian singers Alanis Morissette and Sass Jordan. 🇨🇦 RIP 🥁

[@gipsyavenger9829]

Sad news about Hawkins. Dude had demons but never seemed like he was out of control. To the TEA PARTY's BEST - there is no question that the greatest album these blokes ever put out was The Edges of Twilight. . Transmission and Interzone are def close on its tail. Saying Tea Party is Underrated is an understatement. Rock on guys !!

[@jamesthousandkings5406]

Seen them twice, been on board since the beginning (the 1993 album). Hoping to see them in Ottawa in July. 1. Splendor Solis (sentimental attachment to this, bought it when it came out, on cassette!) 2. The Edges of Twilight (saw them open for Plant/Page on this tour) 3. Triptych 4. Transmission 5. Seven Circles 6. Blood Moon Rising 7.The Interzone Mantras 8. The Ocean at the End

[@david.leikam]

A true example of the stresses of popularity and stardom in pop culture. I hope the band, Foo Fighters is given and takes a break to grieve properly.

[@dtltmtgt]

"Interzone Mantras" is my favorite, ranks very high on my all time favorites.

[@stephanea5364]

Spot on. IM is their best.

[@cletusbeauregard1972]

It's not my fave, but I'd say it's their 2nd best, just behind Edges Of Twilight.

[@balthazarspencer704]

1. Transmission 2. The Interzone Mantras 3. The Edges of Twilight 4. The Ocean at the End 5. Splendor Solis 6. Seven Circles 7. Triptych 8. Blood Moon Rising

[@MartyMurray]

One of Pete's favourite instruments, Rick, the harmonica! You are a really good harp player. I play it a little. I'm not great at it, but I place myself somewhere between Bob Dylan and Neil Young in terms of how well I can play it, but there are true masters out there. Carlos Del Junco is the king! I can't really do the blues thing at all, but I'm too busy playing guitar and singing!

[@ledzep9501]

Pete and rest of the guys, get Jeff Martin's solo albums, 777, The Armada etc... You be will feel a bliss.

[@carlwarmington5325]

Great show, shame that Armando's audio was so quiet.

[@geraldhugley3618]

The most impressive thing is Martin read “Magic and Margarita”. I listened to the 20 hour audiobook and still don’t understand it. Also, Jeff Martin has some Burton Cummings in his voice.

[@PhilippeDumont73]

The acoustic album Alhambra is also very interesting, you need to check that one out!!!

[@ledzep9501]

I would like to inform you that the very first Tea Party s/t album finally has been reissued recently on a 2cd deluxe edition and i think you forgot to rank this up as well...

[@ricklabonte4144]

we included it at the very end

[@bluejayfan5584]

If Jeff Martin noticed the LCBO shorted him one bottle out of a case of Bollingers 20 years ago .... it wasn't me.

[@Bradford659]

Are you guys aware of a Scottish alternative rock band called Biffy Clyro? You guys should check out their discography & rank those. They’re not well known outside the UK but they should be. They screw around with different time signatures, are unpredictable at times & have reinvented themselves a few times while still retaining their essence as a rock band.

[@wolf1977]

Good episode Canadian style (BTW Armando's volume was really low)...All sympathies to Hawkins' family & friends. I like a bunch of Foo Fighters albums & tunes too...Also featuring a very good band here, The Tea Party. I have 13 of their records (including collections & a CDS). I'll rank all of those using my usual bracket/grouping approach: 1. The Edges Of Twilight - 8 really good tracks, this is my top pick. Everything's thrown into the mix here (in a good way), I believe this was their Canadian breakout album. They said they were trying to expand on Splendor Solis by incorporating some different styles of world music. It worked! Their 3rd album, Roy Harper guests. some strong Led Zep vibes including the acoustic numbers. I don't have the Deluxe Anniversary Edition with the Bonus cd 2. The Ocean At The End / Interzone Mantras / Splendor Solis / Triptych - consistent with Pete's comment about the band's consistent level of quality across their albums, I'm calling a 4-way tie near the top. I really like all 4 of these records a lot... 3. Self-Titled - just a hair behind those above 4, also a very good record... 4. Blood Moon Rising / Transmission - two good tracks each, the standouts for me are "Emerald", "Summertime", "Temptation" & "Our Love" 5. The rest = Alhambra / Seven Circles / Angels (CDS). Basically only a single track per album for me in this bunch ("Time", "Watching You Would Stay" & "Requiem"/unplugged)...I'll stick in the best of Tangents: The Tea Party Collection here, also Icon. Some good stuff on both... I think they have a couple of other EP's & a few live albums too, I don't have any of their live records...

[@garyh.238]

I have several but not all of the Tea Party albums. A quick look at my collection reveals that I don't yet have The Ocean At The End, nor Blood Moon Rising. I will definitely be picking those ones up too. All their albums are strong. Like you, I really like the Edges of Twilight, it's my second favourite. Splendor Solis also holds a special place for me from 1993.....ie: " the Nostalgia Factor" at work. And for my absolute favourite, I must go with Transmission - front to back, every single track works exceedingly well for me.....it's exactly what I look for in music....middle-eastern / harmonic minor scale work; heavy bass and drums; strong raw vocals; intense beat and drive, transitions into different phases, and drama. As such my favourite songs from the Transmission album are: Temptation, Psychopomp, the title track Transmission, Babylon, Pulse, and Emerald. I can listen to this particular album on repeat and find something new and intriguing in it each time. For me, Transmission was The Tea Party at their absolute peak.

[@wolf1977]

@@garyh.238 Also just picked up a few solo Jeff Martin releases. I like Live In Dublin & Exile And The Kingdom, The Ground Cries Out is also pretty good. Soulbreaking & Live At The Corner Hotel are just OK. Doesn't appeal to me nearly as much as Tea Party's albums but based on others' comments here I wanted to check out his material

[@garyh.238]

@@wolf1977 I have not heard his solo releases. Will check them out. Like you, I am sure the actual Tea Party releases are probably more my cup of tea! 😉

[@cleftturnip7774]

Edges of Twilight is my favourite

[@RockCityRecords]

Obviously subjective but I'm shocked no one had Edges Of Twilight as #1. For me Edges is their best, Transmission 2 and Seven Circles 3. Seen them several times in Oz. Jeff Burrows quickly became my fave drummer! Hits those skins do hard! Hugely underrated band 🤘

[@Michael_Birk]

I'm surprised Pete never has any props for STP; The Tea Party seems to have the same essential musical template as STP. Some differences, for sure, but not many.

[@danielsultimaterockmetal9363]

With all the Canadian love why no Jimmy K from the Metal Voice as a guest on any of the shows?

[@navbuoy]

The Tea Party is Canada's version of King's X. Power Trio that should have been bigger than they were. KX might have a bit more prestige by their peers (taking nothing away from TP's phenomenal musicianship) as opposed to TP's being more popular in their own country and bordering U.S. cities thanks to OTA TV and radio.

[@AMCmachine]

From what I have been reading for many years, Jeff Martin actually really dislikes any Jim Morrison comparisons.

[@mobilepsycho]

I tried to get into the Foo Fighters...I like a few good songs. They don't resonate with me at all. One thing though, they seem to be very passionate about their work and committed to keep rock alive and well. Taylor Hawkins seems to have had the respect of many industry pundits.....may he rest in peace.

[@sadekx5251]

I am one of those "had to be there when this happened" case. I loved "The Edges of Twilight" when it came out then equally enjoyed "Transmission", I kinda lost interest after "Triptych".

[@stephanea5364]

You're missing out if you don't listen to Interzone Mantra.

[@blairosh_]

The guy that ranked Interzone Mantras last….are you serious?! It’s clearly their best album.

[@t702942]

Cool show, and I’ve never heard a note by The Tea Party. Gotta go out and buy some albums now. Armando, your sound is really weak, and that’s why you can’t be heard when you’re trying to fill in while the others are talking. You should look into that, maybe amplify your mic in some way. I have to turn the volume up really high when you’re talking 🙂

[@themusicden4696]

I did not realize that the volume on my mic was tuned down until after the aired. I fixed the problem.

[@t702942]

@@themusicden4696 I see! It’s never been a problem before, so I figured it was something that could be fixed ☺️ Looking forward to next show - keep up the good work!👌🏻

[@themusicden4696]

@@t702942 Thank you very much.

[@cmiller6501]

Sad news,..Not the biggest Foo Fighters fan but no denying his talent/impact In music. Check out his blistering drums on 2007's Coheed & Cambria's ''Good Apollo, I'm Burning Star IV, Volume Two''. Plus let's not forget he & Grohl inducted Rush into Rock n Roll hall of fame!

[@tylerpatterson4787]

Also Grohl and Hawkins induct queen into the hall of fame

[@opaque4742]

Armando is so low I blasted my volume and could still hardly hear his voice.

[@themusicden4696]

I did not realize my audio was ow until the show aired. i'm sorry.

[@opaque4742]

@@themusicden4696 No problem...good rankings.

[@cleftturnip7774]

I hear Pink Floyd in the Ocean at the end song

[@purpletemple1]

The Tea Party are a really good band, but I easily get tired of them, as I think they're a bit of a one-trick pony. Taylor Hawkins was without a doubt a talented musician, and a music fan. So sad...RIP. Cheers.

[@christianhaynes1954]

Foo fighters ( way overrated !) Not very good .however very sad to hear of a fellow drummer passing way too young .

[@ryantinker8598]

Overrated? Hit after hit. They rock.

[@christianhaynes1954]

@@ryantinker8598 have you heard what's popular now ? Also if the foo fighters were around when rock was relevant , I don't think they would be that popular . Just my opinion . Taylor was a really good drummer though .....

[@tylerpatterson4787]

Taylor hawkins was in alanis morrisette before he joined foo fighters. Really good

[@martymartin2894]

Ive said the same before he died i never got into them. Yet i too was shocked and saddened by the news of his passing he was too young.

[@christianhaynes1954]

@@tylerpatterson4787 yup I agree , good music for sure 👍

[@blairosh_]

Also it’s interesting that Bob Rock destroyed the band’s unique sound on Seven Circles, much like he did with Our Lady Peace’s Gravity album. Awful producer.

[@tomsuzyinfluencerinfj2712]

so it was drugs, no big loss after all...self-inflicted

[@reptiled7761]

What a thoughtless thing to say. When you pass, I hope people talk kindly of you.

[@billnole2188]

Asked Rick about doing this last year. Agreed that it's a crying shame that the US hasn't embraced this amazing band. Love these guys for many years from way down in Florida. Looking forward to receiving the newest album but can't download it and don't have a cd player anymore.

[@cleftturnip7774]

Maybe it was the bands name that put people off in America. The Tea Party is a terrible band name. Great band though