Wood Ain’t in the Mood

Remember that local band The Sound and the Fury? If not, then you’ve forgotten one of the best hard rock bands to come out of the area in recent years. Although a bit mel-emo-dramatic, the music was hard, melodic and accessible, with a frontman named Jeff Wood who could wail in a way that would make the dudes pump their fists and the ladies swoon. They officially broke up earlier this year, leaving fans practically weeping. Check the band’s MySpace for regular cries for a reunion show. (Just don’t check it for samples of the old hard-ass sludge — only one of the posted songs seems to work, and it’s acoustic.)

I was driving home from work through the Crossroads a couple of First Fridays ago, and as I passed a copy shop on 18th and Main, I saw that out in the parking lot they had set up tables for refreshment partakage, complete with a two-speaker PA system, through which a guy with an acoustic guitar was singing. I recognized him pretty quickly as none other than Jeff freakin’ Wood. I didn’t hear what sweet aural nectars he was spilling over the mic, but I figured it wasn’t “The Rape,” the brutal leading run on TSATF’s last and greatest, Another Stage.

And I doubt he played that ditty when he auditioned for the reality TV talent show Nashville Star at the Beaumont back in October.

Whatever he did, he made an impression, because the show’s producer (or someone) called and offered him a spot among the 20 entering contestants. Jeff had already made up his mind, however, to turn them down because his wife was “with child” and had been told by an angel that it would be the new Messiah. Well, not really, but he did decide not to appear on the show, which is definitely, absolutely un-American.

I mean, come on, sacrificing your family life to be on reality TV and possibly go on to become a ridiculed celebrity — not to mention a shot at having sex with Cowboy Troy and beating up Jewel — wait, the other way around, I think — … what could be more patriotic!?