"The 'F' Word" by Bad Astronaut

I can't listen to Bad Astronaut without thinking about the tragedy of former Bad Astronaut and Lagwagon drummer Derrick Plourde committing suicide in 2005 prior to the completion of their third album, Twelve Small Steps, One Giant Disappointment. Joey Cape, the singer and songwriter for Bad Astronaut (and Lagwagon) eventually picked up the pieces and was able to finish the album. Admittedly, he considers it an album with a split personality: those tracks recorded before the loss of Derrick and those recorded after his loss. Bad Astronaut was the indie rock side project that Joey and Derrick formed with some of their friends and fellow musicians. In Bad Astronaut, the power pop and punk of Lagwagon is exchanged for heartfelt lyrics and a considerably more patient indie vibe. Derrick's suicide and Joey's attempt to cope with his friend's death, dominate "The 'F' Word." It would be a powerful, slow, sad song without the surrounding circumstances. Now, add in that loss, helplessness, and despair, and this one hit's your heart so f'n hard. Man, this a a great track, and a fitting farewell for a friend. Bad Astronaut - The 'F' Word.mp3 Twelve Small Steps and One Giant Disappointment is out now on Fat Wreck Chords. Bad Astronaut Bad Astronaut on Fat Wreck Chords