NFR 004      The Brands      Ballads For Stairs And Transparencies      MP3s: Mr. Pony Man, Sheri's Song Mark Mandeville had a band before he was in The Accident That Led Me To The World. It was called The Brands. Of course, he's been in other bands besides The Brands and The Accident That Led Me To The World, but those are the only ones that have released albums under the Nobody's Favorite Records black+white banner and so those are the only ones that count. Only The Brands wasn't a band, but instead it was just him, with a little (OK more than a little; in fact maybe a lot, or a least a considerable amount of) help from Jerry Fels. Also, for some unknown reason, Michael Thibodeau and Kayla Daly make brief appearances on backing vocals. Maybe it's a Worcester thing, and if you donmt know what we mean when we say a "Worcester thing" then maybe this will help you (as we quote directly from Worcester Magazine): "A long time coming from this coffeehouse darling, Ballads features 13 acoustic tunes full of angst and anguish...Great stuff, but be careful not to listen too long if you're pining for someone, recovering from lost love, or upset about the news. Then again, it might be good therapy." Sniff, sniff. We're pining for a loved one right now just thinking about this album. And we still can't believe that Mark was once referred to as a "coffeehouse darling" - we have to remember to pick on him for that one at the next NFR post-show get-together. Anyway, if you have a hole deep inside you too (and we know you do), fill it with Ballads for Stairs and Transparencies. Track Listing: Ballad For Stairs And Transparencies / Mr. Pony Man / The Sun Left A Black Spot On My Eye / Emo's Kitten / Rusty Head / Monster / Tonight I Sing / Dear Confident / Masquerade / Sheri's Song / The Impossible / In Stereo / Alone Boy