Charleston’s native band Stop Light Observations is trying to break a world record. Lead singer Will Blackburn’s breathy lyrics sung over what can best be described as “middle-class blues” by lead guitarist and principal songwriter John-Keith Culbreth, combine to create SLO’s second album, “TOOGOODOO.” The track's encompassing sounds feature rock, hip-hop and folk influences. Sounds like the embodiment Chuck Town, right? Sold out shows hosted at Charleston’s very own Music Farm attribute to the success of their most recent musical release.
Not daring to forget where they came from, Stop Light Observations released one additional song after their record “TOOGOODOO” on November 10th. “Thank You” is a two minute thirty-one second memorandum in attempt to break the Guinness World Record for longest consecutive list. Beginning with Charleston, and ending with, “love, light, family, friends, and most importantly God,” “Thank You” ensures that all who contributed to making the band who they are today are included. Thongs, bongs, vapes, capes, the Wright brothers, the wrong brothers, Socrates, socks, Steve Jobs, Steve’s jobs, blow jobs, jobs that blow, Def Leppard, leopards that are deaf, the "white truck we passed while doing this" are only some (my personal favorites) of the myriad of subjects "thanked" by the band. Especially for those native to Charleston: College of Charleston, Carolina Ice Palace, I-26, Highway 17, Wando High School, Francis Marion and the Cooper River Bridge Run have their own designated spots in the video. Fans who are especially devoted (and even those who aren't) can log onto the band’s website and send in their mailing address to receive a free personalized thank you.
The fondly reminiscent album title “TOOGOODOO” was named after the nearly 200-year-old family campground that resides along the TooGooDoo river that runs between Edisto Island and Charleston, South Carolina. Birthplace to the conception and construction of the album, Stop Light Observations incorporated every aspect of their “vacation” and used it as inspiration. If you listen closely, the first few chords of the opening song “Dinosaur Bones” feature the all too familiar sound of the South Eastern battle cry of crickets. After the album release in August of 2016, the band gave fans the gift of “Thank You” to enjoy before they went on break to write another album.
So, thank you SLO for remembering to thank us.
