Toadies
“Since U Been Gone” (Kelly Clarkson cover)
(Texas Wildlife and Parks Foundation)
Release Date: October 27, 2023
Texas Wild
by Scott Deckman
The beginning strums on the cover of Kelly Clarkson hit “Since U Been Gone,” aka, maybe the only song of hers you know, gives flashbacks to The Cars’ “Just What I Needed,” Local H’s “Hands on the Bible,” and Fountains of Wayne’s “Stacey’s Mom” all, but as soon as Vaden Lewis’ distinct vox appears, you know it’s the Toadies (okay, it could be the Burden Brothers, shut up). Part of Texas Wild, a compilation “celebrating 100 years of state parks” featuring lone star state artists covering each other, in the Toadies’ hands, “Since U Been Gone” sounds comfortably ’90s with a newer sheen: muscular alt-rock, big chorus, radio-friendly. Like sometimes-tourmates Local H, the Toadies were a quality alt-rock band known broadly for one hit (“Possum Kingdom”), and more or less forgotten by the public at large (both bands are still working it). Now’s the time to rectify that.
