Molly Yes

MOLLYS YES
Ed Goggin – Vocals
Brad Mitcho – Bass/Vocals/Programming
Mac Ross – Guitar/Vocals
Scott Taylor – Drums

Among cities known to breed great rock bands, add Tulsa, Oklahoma to the list. The Wonderworld of Mollys Yes is spreading across heartland borders to the hearts of music fans everywhere.

Wonderworld, the Republic/Universal debut CD from Mollys Yes, maps the human psyche in songs as thoughtful as pages from a diary. From love gone bad, new romance, and caring about a self-destructive friend, to the solace sought when you’re down and out; these themes are immersed in funky beats, layered grooves, soaring riffs, and hooks that linger like rings of smoke in a crowded club. When you put all that on stage, what you get is athletic, edgy, cathartic, visceral, and all the blood-thirsty words you can come up with.

Based on a character in James Joyce’s Ulysses, Mollys Yes is named after the book’s Molly Bloom, who delivers a life-affirming monologue relating to love, sex, family and beauty. “It’s all the things about people that make them what they are,” explains Ed. Cautious not to imply an intellectual pretense, he adds, “We’re smart guys but we’re not that smart.” But they are “romantic tech-heads,” coalescing an old-school 80’s rock sensibility with modern studio technology. Mollys Yes are also intimately involved with their interactive website (www.mollysyes.com) and the fans who visit it.

Before Mollys Yes, each member was a local music scene mainstay. Frontman/songwriter Ed Goggin and guitarist Mac Ross were in a band together. Then Mac formed his own group and Ed went solo (recording an acoustic record called Plunge). Bass player Brad Mitcho and drummer Scott Taylor were regional legends in the band Glass House. On off days Brad ran sound for other bands, including Mac’s new outfit. The karmic crossings of musical paths finally led to Mollys Yes. “We talked for months before we made a noise.” says Ed. “We’re not a jam band, so there was no sitting around with guitars. It was primarily a mental exercise before we made note one.” After that, the chemistry was indisputable.

Taking advice from Steve Ripley of The Tractors (a Tulsa icon), instead of making a demo, Mollys Yes made its own record, taking a year to complete. Brad produced their own independent CD. Dedicated every step of the way, he brought out the best possible mixes and sound quality beyond the do-it-yourself norm. According to Ed, “He would not settle for anything less than the best to the point where he almost needed psychiatric help.” The result was Paper Judas, an interactive (enhanced) CD. The track “Sugar” became an instant success on Tulsa’s Z104.5 The Edge (KMYZ), becoming most requested by its listeners. After other stations added “Sugar” to rotation, Mollys Yes blipped on Republic’s radar. The label and the band found a perfect fit, leading to the creation of Wonderworld, the band’s major label debut.

Ed, a “third generation Paddy,” had been fascinated with anything Irish, listening to acts ranging from megastars U2 to more obscure niche acts like The Chieftians and Cactus World News. But the common denominator of band taste is a broad stroke of 80s rock, a big sound by artists whose music
built a generation. Now the timeless sound and stories of Mollys Yes are ready to rock this generation. “There’s something that sounds nostalgic about our sound, but we’ve got loops and all kinds of technology thrown in,” describes Ed.

“Sugar,” the first single, is also the first co-writing effort by Mac and Ed. Mac came up with the song based a girl he knew who was addicted to cocaine.

“Who will catch you as your sanity slips Blowing kisses from you honey lips If you are lost can you be found When all your dreams come crashing down”

Among the album’s 12 original songs, two more are collaborations and one Mac’s contribution. “Scars,” penned by Mac and Ed, is about two people, bringing to mind what lovers do when they get together; they show each other their weaknesses. “33 White Roses,” inked by Ed and German friend Jrg Tacke is a poetic view of how Tacke was moved by a gift of 33 white roses from his girlfriend on his 33rd birthday. “Promises” Mac wrote before joining the band, which is now revamped Mollys Yes style with loops thrown in.

When the going gets tough, write a song. “Fall Down” revisits Ed’s dismal days. “It’s what I was looking for someone to say to me,” explains Ed. “That song still means a lot to me.” “Frida Kahlo” is also from a dark place. “I was living in a basement apartment, reading the biography of Frida Kahlo. She is the perfect person to identify with when you’re heartbroken.” In true rock tradition, the title track, “Wonderworld,” is the heartache aftermath ” ‘hate you, hope you die song’.” Never giving up on love, “Girlfriend” was Ed’s attempt to win the heart of a local bar manager. “I thought I could win her over with a song. She never heard it and I think she moved away the next week.” Then, during what seemed like an epidemic of relationship breakups, Ed started thinking about his current relationship and wrote “Tell Me The Truth.”

“And She” finally proved that Ed could write a happy love song while in the glow of a new romance. “Hypnotic” is a highway daydream, inspired by a picturesque drive to Arkansas, and as for “Blind,” “I have no idea what the song is about. The words just came phonetically – but they started to take the song in an interesting direction.”

“We’re hoping people respond to the music the way we do,” says Ed. “What energizes me is when people talk about our songs or they pick out different lines that they think are great.” With the energy of “Sugar” sending off Wonderworld, music fans will be talking about Mollys Yes, and coming back
for more.