O’Toole says the disc serves as a microcosm of the musical community in Texas. “It does. That’s what is really cool about the scene down here is you get that mix. There are some really enriching songs on this record, as well as one called ‘Marijuana And Jalapenos.’ So it goes both ways. There’s something for everyone on this record, and that’s what I wanted to do with it.”
Wait a minute. “Marijuana and Jalapenos?” Surely, Texas stations won’t go for that, would they? “Actually, it’s crazy, but that’s our new single,” he says, “A lot of stations are playing it. It’s not illegal to say the word ‘Marijuana,’ and it’s such a fun and happy tune.”
He says he was a little surprised with the success the song has received, but “We just kind of rolled the dice. It’s 2011, people are ok with it."
O’Toole flips to the other end of the musical and emotional spectrum with the title cut, of which he said that “There’s someone who you love so much, but they have lied to you. That was a rough song to write.”
Another song on the album that is gaining some attention is “The Cricket Song,” which he says was inspired by a classic from a few years back.That was a song that I fell in love with. It’;s such a beautiful and awesome tune. It reminds me of ‘Fishin’ In The Dark’ by the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band – just a song that you can listen to when you’re out with your lady.”
Critics are also buzzing about the wistful “Banks Of The Mississippi.” It’s a song he’s very proud of. “I wrote that with Jimbeau Hinson. He pictured a song that Mark Twain would write , kind of like you’re sitting on a raft, but in the modern days, it’s about a kid trying to get out of a town in Mississippi, and go chase his dream. It made a lot of tears come to people’s eyes.”
Not only does O’Toole surround himself with great songs, but also great pickers on the album. “I was a little nervous with it because the guitars got a little loud, but it really represents what we’re doing. I thought it’s more like what we do – very much in your face.”
Release day for the album was just a few weeks ago, and you might have spotted O’Toole at Walmart in Weatherford, TX. “Yeah, we went to a Wal-Mart, and I was right around Brad Paisley and Tim McGraw,” he said with a smile.
How did that feel? “It felt awesome, because I remember at open mic nights, giving away my CD’s for free. It’s a true honor.”
After all the work O’Toole did on Kiss Of A Liar, he shared that it felt really good to get it out. “It does. It’s like raising a kid for a year and a half. It feels really comforting when they want your record, they want to pay for it.”
O’Toole has plenty of dates on the calendar, especially in his home state. What’s the difference between a Texas crowd, as opposed to somewhere else? “There’s a 100% different feel to what’s going on down here. It definitely is a frontier state. Everyone pretty much has a chip on their shoulder. Texas definitely has that Wild West mentality.”
For more on Rich, check out His Website!
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