Something I've always admired about concept albums of the past is how ideas can be reworked on different songs. Whether that be a motif, lyrical theme, melody, or chord progression. "Team Of People" uses the same instrumental chord progression during the slide guitar solo as "Make Them Understand" does during it's intro and guitar solo sections. Both tunes are spread out on the Primitive Normative concept album. But the two songs are quite different from each other stylistically. "Team Of People" is also at a faster tempo than "Make Them Understand".
I wrote the music for "Team Of People" on June 18, 2013. The writing of this song coincided with the writing of "Rule Of Thumb", which was also eventually featured on the Primitive Normative album. I knew "Team Of People" would be a cheerful jangle pop folk rock tune when I wrote the music for it. It was inspired by Tom Petty, Creedence Clearwater Revival and The Byrds. In fact, the intro guitar for "Team Of People" sounds similar to the 12-string electric guitar intro from Tom Petty's "Listen To Her Heart". Which was done in the style of Roger McGuinn from The Byrds anyways. I was under the influence of R.E.M. when I was writing the song too. But oddly enough, my initial inspiration for the chord progressions of "Team Of People" was "Rock 'n' Rock Star" by Oasis. As I'm a big fan of Noel Gallagher as a songwriter.
The lyrics for "Team Of People" were written on July 8, 2013. Considering the tune was put together at a certain crossroads in my life, the lyrics reflect a desire to meet new people while exploring what the world has to offer. "Team Of People" is written in the 2nd person, and narrates a story of someone needing to be around the right people. Having the right inner circle. People often say that any given person is the average of the 5 people they spend most of their time around. This lyrical theme is also explored in "Make Them Understand" from the Primitive Normative album. Except it's words are a little more cynical to go with with the darker nature of that song's style.
After I moved to Toronto from Peterborough in September of 2013, the Plaid On Flannel band started as a 3-piece on February 15, 2014. I had a bunch of new material written since I finished the Mission Of Mercy album the previous year. So I began recording the Primitive Normative album on August 31, 2014, and "Team Of People" was the first tune I started producing. With it's clean, jangly and chimey guitars, "Team Of People" also has an electric piano starting in the 1st pre-chorus, and it remains for the rest of the song. Adding a bright colour to the tune. I finished recording "Team Of People" on October 8, 2014, and the entire Primitive Normative album was released the next year on December 31, 2015. Although I've played "Team Of People" as a solo acoustic act, I've never played it with a band. And like a few others from Primitive Normative, I want to keep the song strictly for the album.
lyrics
Words and music by Nolan Randall
Needing certain people in your life
Without knowing where to go
Beyond your control, where could they be?
Carving what you want without a knife
Don't wanna be an average Joe
You've got too much soul, holding the key
All you need is a vision and you'll somehow find a way
Making your own decisions
And there's no chance you will stay
Oh-oh, you need a team of people you can trust
Oh-oh, you need a team of people, it's a must
You have got your list all written down
Every person has a role
They will make you whole, and give you hope
Some of them might live in another town
There's only one way you can go
In an even flow, you have to scope
Focus on your precision no matter what price you pay
Get away from collisions
And keep dreaming of the day
Oh-oh, you need a team of people you can trust
Oh-oh, you need a team of people, it's a must
Oh-oh, you need a team of people you can trust
Oh-oh, you need a team of people, it's a must
You're not doing this for your own self
The team's gonna need you too
It's your point of view, to make believe
In a second you will ask for help
Anything to make it through
To have your own crew, help you relieve
All you need is a vision and you'll somehow find a way
Get away from collisions
And keep dreaming of the day
Oh-oh, you need a team of people you can trust
Oh-oh, you need a team of people, it's a must
Oh-oh, you need a team of people you can trust
Oh-oh, you need a team of people, it's a must
Plaid On Flannel is an alternative indie blues rock act from Toronto, Canada. With 80+ original songs recorded since 2011,
singer-songwriter Nolan Randall has remained the sole constant member of the band. POF's music is known for guitar riffs/solos, memorable hooks, catchy melodies/harmonies, evocative lyrics, & superb musicianship. While keeping a focus on originality and songwriting quality....more
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