Self-described as “an inconsequential member” of Squid Nebula, The Vacant Smiles and Millar Jukes, Francis Tait has spent the better part of the past decade as a regular face on the Melbourne live circuit, his different projects finding him striking up any combination of soul, jazz, blues, disco, psychedelia and surf rock over the years.
However, on his debut solo album Good Days/Bad Days, under his newly minted project Quality Used Cars, Francis dodges every aspect of his music history, to instead encapsulate the songwriting prowess he’d been shaping in the background for so long.
Characterised by an idiosyncratic, warbling vocal and a penchant for sticky hooks that refuse to overextend themselves, Good Days/Bad Days puts full focus on Francis’ charismatic storytelling, over a backdrop that blends sunny Australiana with alt-country tenderness and scrappy garage-pop smarts. It’s imaginative and incisive, yet completely modest - a collection of songs that feel as unassuming as they are instantly and joyously loveable.
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Quote from Spoilsport.
"Francis has the incredible ability to suck me into a story, fully immerse me in it, and leave me teary eyed with one final line that encompasses the whole message of the song. He knows how to build you up and tug at the heart strings exactly when he wants you to feel it. I asked Francis if I could put this one out during a down night last year while I was listening to his Live @ Old Bar tape. Messaged him on the spot, good thing you can't see the tears through the phone. I genuinely think he is one of the best story driven songwriters floating around Melbourne right now."
credits
released February 19, 2021
Francis Tait - Songs, Vocals, Guitars, Harmonicas, Piano, Bass.
Hannah McKittrick - Vocals, Keys.
Ben Leahy - Vocals, Guitars.
Ryan Leahy - Vocals, Drum Kit, Tambourine.
Isobel Caldwell - Vocals.
Blake Lica - Bass.
Tracks 1-9 recorded at Irene Studios by Sam Harding and Francis Tait, at The Car Yard by Francis, and in the homes of Hannah McKittrick, Ben Leahy, Ryan Leahy and Isobel Caldwell throughout 2020.
‘It’s Just Trouble Out There’ recorded by Fran, Han, Ben, Ryan and Issy from the safety of their own homes.
Mixing by Calum Newton.
Mastered by Erik Scerba.
Illustrations by Caleb Azeez.
Cover Design by James Devlin.
This album was created on the stolen land of the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation and we would like to pay our respects to elders past, present and emerging. Always was, always will be, Aboriginal land.
supported by 16 fans who also own “Good Days/Bad Days”
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