Lost Gems: "Plenty is Never Enough" by Tenement Halls

                                     
Released: 2005

Genre: Indie Pop/Rock 

Tenement Halls slipped by me and that makes me want to send the car stereo bouncing across the highway. Let me explain.

I like to think I'm always hip to the latest and greatest when it comes to music. The fact that I just used the word "hip" should clue you in to the reality of the situation. But I do try. Because I get bored. So I need new music constantly. And I hate it when I miss something good. 

These days if you want to hear something other than Rihanna, you best be Sherlock "Effing" Holmes on the internet or you're screwed.

Tenement Halls is actually Chris Lopez, the former lead singer of the acclaimed or slandered - depending on who you talk to - 1990's Atlanta Indie band, Rock*A*Teens. 

I only had a brief encounter with the Rock*A*Teens in the 90s because a) I didn't live in Atlanta, and b) I was on dial up. I thought they were okay, but they never became an obsession. 

Then in 2009, I heard The Shins' cover of "Plenty is Never Enough," and I really liked it. So I went looking for the original and found the Tenement Halls' version, which was recorded in 2005. It's much more in your face than The Shins' version - kind of a "noisy" record - and I haven't stopped listening to the thing. 

No one is really sure if Chris Lopez is going to record again, or if he even wants to. But the word is the guy has a day job, wife and kid. And those are the three main ingredients of "you ain't making it stew." And this brilliant single was recorded seven years ago! 

So if you see a stereo skipping by, you'll understand.

If it is the end of Tenement Halls, at least in my book, he actually did leave while on top of the world.         

        

(Jim Pace can usually be found directing music videos in and around NYC. He will begin production on his first feature film in 2013. He spends his spare time writing songs, screenplays and getting involved in anything that will give him an excuse to listen to more music.)

Comments

[Leggy]

As the expert at car stereo tossing let me clarify. It does not skip, it actually bounds. Thank You for the reference.

[Jim]

Thanks, Leggy. It's always nice to hear from an expert.
After tossing it, do you prefer to hum or whistle?

[richie]

Why did you toss the car stereo out the window?

[Leggy]

I don't like static. And apparently I had some anger management issues to address. To answer your question Jim I prefer to croon.

[web filtering]

I love to hear the hip hop songs, The video of the Tenement Halls is really awesome, I really liked it...

[Audrey Evans]

Sherlock Holmes has never surpassed the greatness of Detective Conan when it comes to detecting. Conan has been my crush since I learned the Conan show. He is the most genius detective I've ever heard of.