Ric Seaberg
Portland, Oregon, United States
Music
Press
Volvos in a rock song? For those who think safe, Swedish cars are only for when one's rock and roll days are over, pay attention, for you have succumbed to one of the many stereotypes cultivated in rock music about the cool of driving fast and reckless.
Singer Ric Seaberg shatters such foolish notions in his 2003 song, "Little Volvo." Musically, the song is built on a reggae-influenced, upbeat groove, while carried by the 4/4 rhythm of a standard rock song. The beat is infused with a guitar riff that is both mellow and energetic like a 35 mph drive down a winding, backcountry road (braking appropriately for turns and paying attention to all traffic signals, of course) Thus, Ric creates a sound that has hints of both Tom Petty and Paul Simon, yet is thoroughly unique.
Lyrically, Seaberg is as solid as a sonnet. The first two verses provide an encyclopedic survey of cliches from rock songs that praise life in the fast lane, from the Beach Boys "Little Deuce Coupe" to Commander Cody's "Hot Rod Lincoln," simultaneously deconstructing such myths about the fun of fast driving by pairing them with their deadly consequences. The chorus and the finishing bridge then provide a resolution, praising the safety features of a Volvo, from air bags, (front and side), to traction control, to its resistance to rolling in a crash.
"Little Volvo," which has received air-play on NPR's hallowed institution Car Talk with Click and Clack, creates a new cool for car owners that places brain above brawn, and safety over speed. But, as a loyal Volvo owner and Rolling reader, you already had that mindset.
"Little Volvo" appears on Ric's CD "Santa Monica" available from www.cdbaby.com and www.amazon.com.
Johan Nystrom - Rolling Magazine-The Magazine of the Volvo Club of America (Jan 28, 2005) - Johan Nystrom - Rolling Magazine-The Magazine of the Volvo Club of America (Jan 28, 2005)
Discography
"Useful Information" 2002
"Regards From The Roombar" 2003
"Santa Monica" 2004
"Who Come Down 2005
"Dubs On Trial" 2005
"A Thousand Songs" 2009
Photos
Bio
A well known Portland daily newspaper columnist once described Ric Seaberg this way: "In a kinder and gentler world, he would have been a rock star."
Ric was front man and lead vocalist for a band that was part of the unique Northwest Rock scene in late 60s & early 70s (that laid the foundation for what became grunge). The Morning Reign played in most large cities and small towns across the Northwest and opened for acts ranging from The Doors to The Guess Who, Buddy Miles to Peter and Gordon, Box Tops to Cream, the Animals to Spencer Davis Group. Morning
Reign recorded at Capitol Records in Los Angeles.
Ric's music is versatile ranging from blues to country ballads, biting humor to love songs, reggae to flat out rock 'n roll. There are few who can match his wordsmithing talents (for example, he once rhymed maharaj with garage in a song), his lyrics are distinctive and memorable.
Ric's songs "Didn't Say I Love You Right" and "We Talk About Cars" both appear on NPR's "Car Talk" compilation cds, available at www.cartalk.com.
"The Noise Pollution's Gone", from Ric's CD "Santa Monica", is the official song of Noise Free America. Learn more at www.noisefree.org
Ric lives in Portland with his wife and step-son. All his recordings feature the guitar genius of Portland axe-god Tim Ellis.
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