The Pozers’ award-winning 4th CD 'You Just Don't Get It Do You’ was 7 years in the making, and offers lyrical topics ranging from love, sex, friendship, & Superman..., to death, regret, addiction, & bandwagons.

The Pozers: 'You Just Don’t Get It Do You'

In many ways, The Pozers’ award-winning 4th CD 'You Just Don't Get It Do You’ was the beginning of a NEW chapter in the musical lives of The Pozers. The first few years (1993-1997) of The Pozers were similar to most bands’ rise to fame: They form; they play gigs; they build an expanding local following; they get discovered; they get a record deal; they record and release an album; they tour to support the album. If it does well, they record another album; they tour to support the album (continue vicious cycle...). This is exactly what happened to The Pozers. After two albums, two tours, numerous member changes, The Pozers were burned out both mentally and physically, which is one reason why 'You Just Don’t Get It Do You' took 7 years to make. One might ask, “Why does it take so long for certain bands to make an album?” Every situation was different, but for The Pozers, here’s what happened.

The Pozers toured the nation nonstop all of 1996 and most of 1997 promoting their CD, 'We're the Pozers and so Are You.' When that tour finally ended in Longview, TX in April, 1997, The Pozers were completely burned out and wanted to take some time off. Guitarist Kenny Swann actually disappeared for a few months with no contact with anyone, which sparked some rumors about Kenny: Is he dead? Did he quit The Pozers? etc. Ironically these rumors were the inception for The Pozers' next project, which would be a long form music video/movie. The Pozers began writing and filming in September, 1997 and finished in January 1998. This 120-minute “mockumentary”/music video entitled The Pozers--In Search of Kenny Swann, was a humorous look at the various rumors surrounding the band and more specifically, Kenny Swann. The video is more of a satirical movie (similar to 'Spinal Tap') than a typical music video. 'The Pozers--In Search of Kenny Swann' was released on March 15, 1998.

In May 1998, 6th Floor Records released The Pozers' next album, 'Cover This,' which is a collection of 17 songs written by other artists and recorded by The Pozers. Seven of the 17 songs were live tracks, which were recorded at random concerts from 1996-97. The other 10 songs were demos recorded from 1994-1997. It was released to mixed reviews. Many fans were disappointed that there were no original Pozers' songs on 'Cover This.' 6th Floor Records owner, Mark Lee's, response was, "I think most people were expecting Cover This to be the follow-up to 'We're The Pozers and So are You,' and it wasn't designed to be like that. It is just a collection of rare unreleased live tracks and demos similar to 'The Spaghetti Incident' by Guns and Roses or 'Incesticide' by Nirvana."

The Pozers spent most of 1999 apart doing various projects. Jim Richey (along with engineer/producer Eric Moreno) built and opened a recording studio, "The Music Room," and worked with various artists on projects. Kenny Swann was writing songs for what would become a concept album. In January, 2000 the Pozers began writing and demoing songs for their next studio album. In July, Kenny Swann and Jim Richey decided to test out Richey’s new studio the "The Music Room" studio and began recording a concept album called 'Kaleidoscope.' It is considered, by many, to be the Pozers’ lost record, similar to The Beach Boys Smile album. Richey and Swann recorded the album together. Richey helped arrange co-produced the album and co-wrote a few of the tunes. Jeff Hamm sang back-up vocals and played keyboards on some songs and Eric Moreno helped engineer and mix the album. It was decided that this would not be released as a Pozers’ CD at that point in time. After releasing 'Cover This,' and 'The Pozers--In Search of Kenny Swann,' The Pozers wanted to release a straightforward power pop CD.

In February 2001, The Pozers finally entered "The Music Room" recording studio to start work on their new CD already named, 'You Just Don't Get It Do You.' The CD would feature all new songs from The Pozers. Many of the songs were played live on the previous tour. It would be the first all original Pozers CD since 'We're The Pozers and so Are You' and the album the fans had been waiting for. The Pozers have become almost as well-known for their creative conceptually-based CD covers and titles as their music. The 'You Just Don't Get it Do You CD' is no exception. The photo session for the new CD cover was set in November, 2001. An all-star cast of people (close to The Pozers) were invited to the session: family members, close friends, road crew members etc. The Pozers spent the day in Cartwright, TX (the same location for the cover of their CD, 'We’re The Pozers and so Are You,' at an old country auditorium (the same auditorium where the inside CD picture of the archway, from 'We're The Pozers And So Are You' was taken) shooting pictures for the CD cover with photographer and friend, Jennifer Wommack. Since it was to be a "conceptual" photograph, it took several hours to get the right one.

On February 2, 2002, 'You Just Don't Get It Do You' was officially released to glowing reviews and first put The Pozers on the radar of David Bash (who has written for several pop music fanzines including Amplifier, Bucketfull of Brains, Goldmine, Shindig, and Ugly Things and is also the organizer of the International Pop Overthrow festival, which is held all over the world at various times of the year). Bash said this about the CD: “I've heard 5 songs so far, and like all of them!”

Much like The Beatles when Sgt. Pepper was released, The Pozers decided they would not extensively tour to promote the album. The internet was in full swing and it was much easier to get the music and message out to those who were interested through internet promotion rather than the tradition “hit and miss” approach in the clubs. So in April, The Pozers opened their official "Pozers MP3 site" at MP3.com. This was a great opportunity for the group as well as the fans. Now fans could access songs from the latest CD any time they choose. They can stream them or download. The Pozers were more interested in getting the music out there to those who will appreciate and enjoy it, than making a little money. If enough people dig the music, then the money will come later. Since the creation of the site, The Pozers were number one (and in and out of the top ten) on the various MP3 charts (rock/power pop etc.) with several songs from the CD at different times.

The Pozers spent the summer and fall of 2002 promoting their new CD: doing interviews (with radio stations, magazines, fanzines, internet e-zines etc.) and getting exposure with CD reviews from various media, and MP3 exchanges. The MP3 opportunity has opened the doors to various internet radio stations. By the end of 2002 The Pozers' music was being played (and put in rotation) on over 50 internet and regular radio stations. In November, Rockzine picked them as “band of the year” in the review category with an impressive 85% of the total votes. In December Kenny Swann returned from two-month promotional hiatus in Philadelphia where he spread the news of Pozers to various onlookers. Richey and Hamm did a similar promotion in Nashville.

On January 17 2003, The Pozers made the front page of the "Power Pop" radio station, "Popbang Radio." The station picked up The Pozers' song, "Superficial Superman," and featured it as a pick of the week. Jay from Popbang Radio said, "‘Superficial Superman' is in rotation on Popbang Radio, along with a mention on the front page of popbang.com. Great track, and keep up the solid work!"

In February 2003, Bruce Brodeen contacted The Pozers about distribution with his company “Not Lame Recordings” (the premier power pop record label) for distribution. Bruce said this about the CD: “This is a cool CD (with full color art) that has a mix of styles and sounds that do not sit comfortably still in one place for too long. Start the venture with the lead off track ‘Feel’ and it will evoke comparisons to Jeremy and Orgone Box. From there ‘Superficial Superman’ sounds like a classic outtake from Weezer`s "Green" album. Then the dance takes you to Jellyfish, They Might Be Giants, and early McCartney solo material: all the material on the CD contains their special flavors of intelligent and sarcastic wit. This trio pulls out all the stops with cool chord progressions, unusual but catchy melodies, and inventive song writing. The Pozers weave heavy guitars with piano, old-school synth sounds, and orchestral backup vocals to create a lush, textural wall of melody. If you like your music with more hooks than a room full of pirates, and more infectious than a pond full of cholera, then run, don`t walk to this release. Their next one is going to be killer, too—you can just hear that. A very cool CD, no doubts here.”

As You Just Don’t Get It Do You got more attention The Pozers were approached by a variety of sources to submit songs for other projects. In March, 2003 The Pozers returned to the studio to record 2 new songs: “Tonight it’s You” for a “Cheap Trick” Tribute hosted by “Popbang Radio.” The other song “Machete” (for a “Brother Cane” Tribute CD) released by Rocktrax Records.

In April, The Pozers were contacted by Jaimie Vernon from the Canada based label “Bullseye Records” about recording a version of The Beatles’ song, “She Said She Said” for The Beatles’ Tribute CD, IT WAS 40 YEARS AGO TODAY...A TRIBUTE TO THE BEATLES. The CD featured many other noteworthy artists including Al Kooper (Blood, Sweat & Tears), Andrew Gold ("Thank You For Being A Friend"), Bill Lloyd (Foster & Lloyd), The Kings ("Switchin’ To Glide"), Jeff Jones (Red Rider), Tom Hooper (Grapes Of Wrath), Dee Long (Klaatu), Paul Myers (author of "Public Stunts, Private Stories") and many more. Liner notes for the project were written by Craig Cross, author of Beatles-discography.com: Day-by-Day, Song-by-Song, Record-by-Record.

In May, (Pozers’ singer/songwriter) Jim Richey completed his Masters Degree in English Literature. Richey, who already has a Bachelor of Arts degree in English, has been working--in spare time--on his Masters for a couple of years. In coordination with the completion of his degree, Richey wrote a book based on English Poet William Wordsworth’s “Lucy Poems.” The book is entitled IDENTIFYING LUCY (An Allegorical Interpretation of William Wordsworth’s "Lucy Poems") Richey explains, "It is an allegorical interpretation of the poems but also includes a bit of the history and critical theory on the poems."

In June, 'You Just Don’t Get it Do You' was picked up for distribution by “Kool Kat Musik” out of New Jersey. “Kool Kat” had this to say about the CD: “Absolutely ace garage pop (and psych at times) rock that’s brimming with layered, jangly, crunchy guitars. They are a group of three solo artists–all being strong, equal contributors to the music! There’s a definite Brit influence (Kinks/T. Rex), terrific songs (lots of hooks!), and a tight, spirited delivery to make this one a killer Summer CD!”

In July, songs from The Pozers were put into heavy rotation at “Snap Crackle Pop” Radio 88.1 KWVA in Oregon.

More Reviews/Quotes
Here is what some entertainment industry people said about You Just Don't Get It Do You:

"I sincerely love the CD. I wish I got to listen to it sooner. After one listen, consider me a Pozers fan. Great audio clips, excellent production, mixes are great, vocal arrangements great. Congratulations on a great sound.” --Gordon "G.G". Gebert (Author/ musician)

“The songs on 'You Just Don't Get It Do You' are so versatile, definitely a touch of Beatles influence. Each song was totally different from the other, but yet they all flowed together real well. It wasn’t like you had a certain amount of tracks of filler material or one track sounded like another. Everybody in the band writes, each person has different ideas and different influences, and they bring something different to the table. Each one plays numerous instruments. I noticed a variety of different drum sounds. I was impressed with that. I liked all of songs but for different reasons. “Corporeal Cell” really stood out to me. I also liked “Superficial Superman,” and “Little Mary Sunshine.” The hidden track, Track 31 caught me by surprise because I didn’t pull it out of the CD player after “The Secret Life Of Tiffany Gramillian.” The CD holds the listener’s interest because you don’t know what the next track will be like. --Angela Monger (Rocknetwebzine)

“The Pozers are one of the few bands that ‘shoulda’ ‘coulda’ ‘woulda’ been the next big thing if…(fill in the blank). Not that the group hasn’t had their share of success, but in all honesty this group should have been a Nirvana, Guns and Roses, or Greenday in terms of impact and popularity. These guys practically invented the phrase “power pop” and still have an underground fan base all over the world. Let me just say that I LOVE THIS NEW CD [You Just Don’t Get It Do You]…the lyrics, the music, the whole package! And no Pozers CD would be complete without the sense of humor--The cover is great.”
--Chelsy Borge from Power Pop X-Press

"Hailing from Dallas, Texas, The Pozers new album, You Just Don't Get It Do You, is a melody junky's dream. The Pozers weave heavy guitars with piano, old-school synth sounds, and orchestral back-up vocals to create a lush, textural wall of melody. If you like your music with more hooks than a room full of pirates, and more infectious than a pond full of cholera...then run (don’t walk) to buy You Just Don't Get It Do You. Let's hope you DO get it, because it's well worth your attention."—Mp3.com

"Fresh stuff from yet another Dallas band. Their latest CD is drenched in Jellyfish-like influences, but this track shows off a more upbeat side, complete with groovy key change. Worth checking out, indeed!" --Jay from Popbang Radio

This a CD review 'You Just Don’t Get It Do You' from the late Rick McBrien (from Paranoid Lovesick) who passed away shortly after posting this on this AOL message board:
“I received a great Ass-Whipping CD from The Pozers. I really was listening to the disc all day, driving around, and not just giving it the ‘courtesy listen.’ Their CD, You Just Don’t Get It Do You," is truly cool. They work a whole truckload of influences into their music. These guys manage to combine something truly melodic and something heavy, in some songs, while other tunes show shades of Elvis Costello (and that, to me, is a very good thing). Despite that, all the tunes fit together, instead of sounding like five different bands (something our last CD, the unreleased one, sometimes manages to do). Damn, those are great tunes... really cool progressions, and I like the McCartney-like bass runs. Really great lyrics... some lines stick out especially on "So-called Friend." Great songs, I very much enjoy it, and I have no reason for not saying otherwise."

The following is a review from Ralph Leuenberger of Medazzarock, a German publication (this is the English translation):
"What kind of music do you think of when you read or hear about a band called "THE POZERS?" "Glam Rock?" Okay...why not...that was my first thought too. But after you see a picture of this band, you would probably think that these guys play alternative or possibly metal music. And then you'd be wrong again! The fact of the matter is, 6th Floor Recording Artists, THE POZERS (from Dallas Texas), play melodic rock music: influenced by The Beatles. Their style is similar to Oasis or Chicago's finest, Enuff Z'Nuff. Their new CD- YOU JUST DON'T GET IT DO YOU- is filled great melodies and catchy refrains and THE POZERS know very well how to create great memorable songs. THE POZERS play rock music with a pop appeal ("power pop" for those of you looking to label the band's genre) so a brilliant production is very important. And the production of YOU JUST DON'T GET IT DO YOU meets the challenge. The band has created an album filled with nice tunes that you can sing along with after only a few minutes. And these songs will remain with you for years to come. Anyway, THE POZERS CD - YOU JUST DON'T GET IT DO YOU- is worth at least 9 out of 10 points. Some of my favorite songs from the CD are, SUPERFICIAL SUPERMAN (which is burning up the charts on "Popbang radio" - 360 Live), LITTLE MARY SUNSHINE, PEACE IS..., and POSSIBLE ZONE.”

Here are the quotes/ideas behind the songs that you don't get:

1. “The Secret Life of Tiffany Gremillion”: This is a narrative about a guy who is infatuated with a girl (Tiffany) and accidentally overhears a disturbing conversation between Tiffany and one of her friends. “Velma” has found a clue inside a riddle rapped around an allusion or 10.
“The rum was red and it went to his head; but the overhang would never come.”

2. “Little Mary Sunshine”: This is a song about a strung-out girl, Mary. She does just about anything and anybody.
“Lost in her habitual dream as painful as a ritual seems.”

3. “Superficial Superman”: The new (more depressing) adventures of an old hero. This song takes a humorous look at the down side to being the man of steel, or a man in general.
“Sometimes it gets so depressing that I think I’d rather die; I’d throw myself out of a window- but I’d probably fly.”

4. “Peace is…”: The only ballad on the CD and is sung by Kenny Swann. This is a melancholy song with subtle lyrical dichotomy. There is definitely more here than meets the ear.
“Peace is left in you, left on me.”

5. “I Missed It”: A Jim Richey autobiography (about the road not taken), though most can relate to the lyrical content. The song is filled with an insight into regret.
“All the years of madness fade in visions of what never came.”

6. “Faze”: The song deals with a person metaphysically looking back on someone from his past and wondering what might have been, then realizing there is still a part of you that will always belong to her.
“I’m just an afterthought, a past decade; a past decaying, a mind that’s changed.”

7. “Possible Zone”: An ambiguous lyrical account about really knowing the other person you’re with or contemplating being with. Mind manipulation.
“If I can change your mind, why can’t you?”

8. “Feel”: Physical and mental unravelling in into several blatant, yet subtle, sexual innuendos and double entendre.
“The morning after never comes, nor do I with you.”

9. “I’m OK”: Sarcasm and satire from the get go. See if you can trace all of the allusions. Is he really ok? I don’t think so.
“I’m 5 steps up on suicide, and 7 more from peace of mind.”

10. “So called friend”: What happens after the confrontation--whether it is a girl or a friend, it is never the same. Can’t we all just get along…?
“She says we can still be friends, but conveniently forgets my name.”

11. “Lush”: A one-on-one encounter or revelation with the substance or vice of your choice.
“In my mind I’m doing fine, but I can’t find the time to be somebody else.”

12. “Corporeal cell”: The realization that you will never truly know what your significant other is thinking. No matter how well you think you know someone, we know very little. We only know what they want us to know.
“Behind that milky colored shell is you locked in your corporeal cell.”

13. “Flannel and make up”: (The unlisted hidden track 31) Yet another song about bandwagons and poseurs with a humorous twist. A historic look at the fall of the 1980’s music scene.
“Cobain killed the singers and shredders.”

14. “Lucky Face” (acoustic version): An internal debate whether a person should proceed forward into an ill-advised relationship.
“We can’t sustain, all of the normalcy that’s thrust upon our age.”