Song 15: Latest heartbreak - 22-20's

Released June 22, 2010 in the US (May 2010 in UK)

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18O9SWCiyrA

Lyrics: http://www.elyrics.net/read/0-9/22,,20s-lyrics/latest-heartbreak-lyrics.html







Talk about comebacks: the 22-20's were done as a group in 2005. Done, with a capital "D". Finished. Stick a fork in them type of done. They broke up in the midst of producing their second album with the group essentially saying that they just couldn't go forward together anymore. It was over, and the 22-20's were history.





It was sort of sad that they broke up. Founding members Martin Trimble and Glen Bartup were boyhood friends who grew up in northern England. They bought their first guitars together when they were 14 years old (Trimble's uncle owned a music store) and got into blues music. Not too long after that, they "discovered" the likes of Bob Dylan and the Rolling Stones. When they got a little older, they began playing together as a duo in clubs and bars. In time, they took in some other performers, dropped others and were a part of various groups, mostly concentrating on blues performances. In 2002, at age 19, they became part of the 22-20's, which was named after the song 22-20 Blues by Skip James (listen to the song on YouTube).





Up to this point, the various incarnations of blues groups had primarily performed covers, but as the 22-20's, more original material became a part of their performances. This apparently did not go over well with bar owners and some patrons who felt that some of these new songs were not blues songs - even though Trimble and the other 22-20 bandmates believed otherwise. This disagreement resulted in the band feeling that the blues circuit was becoming too limiting. Ultimately, the group released their critically acclained self-titled debut album in September 2004, and they began touring in support of bands like Oasis and Kings of Leon.





Then came the breakup, which cancelled tour dates and put a halt to that second studio effort.





Fast forward to late 2008 when Trimble had reunited with Bartup. Shortly afterward, just like a Blues Brothers movie scene, one thing led to another and the band was back together! Though, at first, it was a big secret for some reason! The group actually toured - "secretly"! - going by the name "Bitter Pills" (which became the name of a song on their new album) before they finally let everyone in on the situation, and 22-20 (missing only former member Charly Coombes) was back.





The album Shake/Rattle/Moan came out in May of 2010 and immediately gained international success. The band released a live show EP in October and embarked on their first tour in five years. Just recently, the band announced that they will be moving their home base to Minneapolis. I expect them to make an appearance at the Artist's Quarter in St. Paul sometime soon!