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Evan Olson — So Much Better
Album: One Room
Avg rating:
6

Your rating:
Total ratings: 513









Released: 1999
Length: 3:39
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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Long before I had you in my dreams
You came and captured my imagination
Though some things are never what they seem
I never had to worry 'cause I know you are

Better than the Venus De Milo in a g-string
Better than the promise of a good one night fling
Better than a big book of Bettie Page pictures
Even if it came with a year subscription
Better than a ticket to a Holyfield ringside
Better than the daughter of a sultan for a bride
Better than the cherry on a whipped cream sundae
Better than a week that'll never have a Monday

Share your love with me tonight (yeah)
I wanna feel that love

Long before I looked into your eyes
I saw a million stars start flashin'
Even though sometimes I wondered why
I never have to worry what you are, ooh

You're better than a bag full of Benjamin Franklins
Better than the keys to a brand new Lincoln
Better than the winnings of a New York Lotto
Even if it came with a new house and an auto
And you're better than a year on a paid vacation
Better than a brand new year celebration
Better than a day full of Seinfeld humor
And you're better than hearing a celebrity rumor

Share your love with me tonight (oh)
I wanna feel that love

Share your love with me tonight
I wanna feel that love

Share your love with me tonight
Comments (105)add comment
This song was a story on Reply All podcast. it was an earworm in this guy's head and they were helping him try to figure out what it was. they even called Steven Page from Barrnaked Ladies to try to figure out what the song was. They got a band to recreate it and finally tracked down Olson
Posted 9 months ago by nohaybanda    [ Reply ]
 evano wrote:

I don't know the key to happiness but the key to misery is trying to please everybody. So Much Better was meant to be a fun song. If you don't like it I apologize.




Why apologize?  I like it.  Great workout, dance, sex, weed smoking, bike riding, car driving, house cleaning, party, bar beering, enjoy life tune.  Have at it.  
Posted 1 year ago by kingart    [ Reply ]
 phpwebber wrote:

Little info about Evan. I believe he went to University of North Carolina Greensboro. First time I saw him was when he was fronting a band called Majosha in 1989. I think the former leader of the band (Ben Folds) left to form his band (Ben Folds Five obviously). Evan then fronted a band called The Straight Ahead. Great band. The would frequently fill local clubs. Evan was a great front man and often danced the whole night while singing (you'd have to see it). The band was on a Star Search-type television program where they had to change their name to 'Bus Stop'. I believe there already was a band named The Straight Ahead. Unfortunately, they slowed down the tempo and the energy just wasn't in the performance. They didn't win. They still performed as Bus Stop for quite a while before breaking up. I booked his band a few times in the nineties. He's a great guy. Always would hang out afterwards to talk to people. Anyway, I hope for all the best for him. He works very hard when he performs and deserves attention.



Loved Evan with Majosha & Bus Stop! He has so much energy on stage! Talked with him several times at different venues in Greensboro & Winston-Salem when he performed solo. Such a nice guy 
Posted 1 year ago by Babette55    [ Reply ]
ANOTHER first time for me here on RP.  I hear an entire GALAXY of music I would never get in my ears and brain if not for RP.  Great, good and not so, I always learn and appreciate. I owe you some money.  Stand by.  I'm unemployed but I'm enriched by RP music. 
Posted 1 year ago by kingart    [ Reply ]
OMG!  I worked with his sister in law in the 90's - and they (straight ahead/bus stop) were SO much fun to see live! What a blast from the past and the podcast is fabulous fun!   And it's definitely an earworm of a ditty...
Posted 2 years ago by tamelask    [ Reply ]
 mrfohr wrote:

I think song was featured in the Reply-All podcast. Great episode.




https://gimletmedia.com/shows/...
Posted 2 years ago by mrfohr    [ Reply ]
So good to hear this smokin little number again. That is some rockin guitar and there are just some really interesting things going on in it. As Bill said, a silly little song, but I really like it.
Posted 2 years ago by bluematrix    [ Reply ]
I think song was featured in the Reply-All podcast. Great episode.
Posted 2 years ago by mrfohr    [ Reply ]
 stuartgurden wrote:

I heard a terrific podcast a few weeks ago from reply-all: 

https://gimletmedia.com/shows/reply-all/o2h8bx/158-the-case-of-the-missing-hit

I had never heard this song until I listened to the podcast.  It's a great journey of discovery and recommended for a listen even if you know the answer...



Exactly what i was jumping on to say. This is one of the funnest podcasts I've ever listened to. 
I do not remember this song from the 80s but, according to the podcast, it was very popular in some regions of the US and not so much in others. 
Also
Barenaked Ladies + U2 = Evan Olson
Posted 2 years ago by scrubbrush    [ Reply ]
I heard a terrific podcast a few weeks ago from reply-all: 

https://gimletmedia.com/shows/reply-all/o2h8bx/158-the-case-of-the-missing-hit

I had never heard this song until I listened to the podcast.  It's a great journey of discovery and recommended for a listen even if you know the answer...
Posted 4 years ago by stuartgurden    [ Reply ]
 RPR5110 wrote:
I like this song. Disappointing that I can't find it on YouTube.
 
Aaaand 9 years later you get your answer (Beat that, Google!) :

Posted 5 years ago by Psychoscorpic    [ Reply ]
Just PSD'd to this and it really is So Much Better
Posted 7 years ago by Emwolb    [ Reply ]
I like this song. Disappointing that I can't find it on YouTube.
Posted 14 years ago by RPR5110    [ Reply ]
I don't know the key to happiness but the key to misery is trying to please everybody. So Much Better was meant to be a fun song. If you don't like it I apologize.
Posted 16 years ago by evano    [ Reply ]
One of the best live artists to see..PS. he was with Ben Folds in 3 bands.
Posted 17 years ago by slowhand    [ Reply ]
he sounds like Bono. The riff sounds like a u2 thing.
Posted 18 years ago by superfido    [ Reply ]
Soul Coughing + Sublime? The ranting verses sound just like M. Doughty.
Posted 18 years ago by fjordless    [ Reply ]
A fun little number, but where did he lift that organ riff from? It's driving me nuts.
Posted 18 years ago by Lazy8    [ Reply ]
chrisinwilson wrote:
Didn't we do all this back in the '80's?
Haha! I was thinking the same, but for whatever reason I can't help but like this just a little...
Posted 18 years ago by raven121x    [ Reply ]
Hey Macarena!! Decent guitar, though.
Posted 18 years ago by passsion8    [ Reply ]
So much worse!
Posted 18 years ago by meloman    [ Reply ]
Good noise, captured my attention straight away. Is there a better test?
Posted 18 years ago by g1lgam3sh    [ Reply ]
actually.... I don't like the chorus. Nevermind.
Posted 18 years ago by glassjawgrlxxx    [ Reply ]
Kinda has that "I know what boys like" sound to it. Actually has a lot of many bands sound in it that it really has no individual presence. Oh well, not a bad song really. My wife was listening and said "Hey, is this U2?"
Posted 18 years ago by horstman    [ Reply ]
I gotta a fever and the only prescription is ... more Jew's harp. Gotta have more Jew's harp , baby!
Posted 18 years ago by wade44    [ Reply ]
God help me, but I really like song. But be warned--the rest of the CD sucks. It's all the cheesiness of this song thrown into an already full fondue pot.
Posted 18 years ago by handyrae    [ Reply ]
Sick of this song!!
Posted 18 years ago by hippiechick    [ Reply ]
Did he say better than a model in a g-string? He's really pushing it.
Posted 18 years ago by wade44    [ Reply ]
Johnny_Vector wrote:
Isn't that the Macarena I hear in the chorus?
yes...aaaaggggggghhhhhhhhhh.....bleck
Posted 18 years ago by jdpinball    [ Reply ]
crockydile wrote:
This is just sooo cute...I must hunt it down, kill it and roast it.
Just talked to Ted Nugent...he says evan olsons aren't in season until the fall...sorry dude.
Posted 18 years ago by rluking    [ Reply ]
Didn't we do all this back in the '80's?
Posted 18 years ago by chrisinwilson    [ Reply ]
Killer lead guitar tone. Don't know how I feel about the silly juice harp.
Posted 18 years ago by rluking    [ Reply ]
Isn't that the Macarena I hear in the chorus?
Posted 18 years ago by Johnny_Vector    [ Reply ]
No, No and No!
Posted 18 years ago by El_Penguino    [ Reply ]
crockydile wrote:
This is just sooo cute...I must hunt it down, kill it and roast it.
Posted 18 years ago by AliGator    [ Reply ]
I liked this song better when it was called "I Want You" by Savage Garden.
Posted 18 years ago by jgeyer    [ Reply ]
The flute bits remind me a great deal of the music from the Sims!
Posted 18 years ago by zair99    [ Reply ]
better than Bettie Page?? No Way!
Posted 18 years ago by KateD    [ Reply ]
somuchbetterwithalittlemorecowbell
Posted 18 years ago by LPCity    [ Reply ]
Barenaked Ladies meets Soundgarden...bleech.
Posted 18 years ago by punkbot    [ Reply ]
This is just sooo cute...I must hunt it down, kill it and roast it.
Posted 18 years ago by crockydile    [ Reply ]
I liked this song so much I purchased a used copy of the CD. Big Mistake! The rest of the album was so bad I couldn't even finish listening to it.
Posted 18 years ago by handyrae    [ Reply ]
AphidA wrote:
Jeeeeeezus no! If I sensed that, I would have given this a 1.
Absolutely spot on - similarity to Savage Garden earns instant flushing down the toilet bowl of shame. This track's not bad though. A bit bonkers, but okay, and the lyrics are pretty funny.
Posted 18 years ago by tiddalick    [ Reply ]
Cookie wrote:
This reminds me of... geez, was it a Savagegarden song? The one that goes "(mumble mumble mumble) chick-a cherry cola... OOhh, I want you, I don't know if I need you, but ooooh, I've died and found heaven"? Anyway, it reminds me of that song. But it's a lot better.
Jeeeeeezus no! If I sensed that, I would have given this a 1.
Posted 18 years ago by AphidA    [ Reply ]
radiozep wrote:
Bare Naked Bonos...
Too funny. I was thinking the same thing!
Posted 18 years ago by Darlington    [ Reply ]
Baby_M wrote:
A strange brew of rap, pop, and a hint of reggae. Infectiously fun.
With some U2 thrown in on the chorus. I like it.
Posted 18 years ago by kazuma    [ Reply ]
love it! so pissed i can't purchase it at the iTunes store!
Posted 18 years ago by nohopenofearnoname    [ Reply ]
A strange brew of rap, pop, and a hint of reggae. Infectiously fun.
Posted 18 years ago by Baby_M    [ Reply ]
Its a little bit of fun music... And im bouncing in my chair :p
Posted 18 years ago by NutsyUK    [ Reply ]
Batta Batta Swing batta batta than a weeks vacation.
Posted 18 years ago by Bizzarefall    [ Reply ]
Leslie wrote:
This is horrid.
I utterly agree with your statement. This is seriously horrid.
Posted 19 years ago by C-Dawg    [ Reply ]
radiozep wrote:
Bare Naked Bonos...
Posted 19 years ago by tammaye    [ Reply ]
At the end, it sounded just like Eno/Cale...
Posted 19 years ago by Pyro    [ Reply ]
I despise my self for liking this sooo much ... damn, just caught my self dancing in my seat!
Posted 19 years ago by IslandMax    [ Reply ]
This reminds me of... geez, was it a Savagegarden song? The one that goes "(mumble mumble mumble) chick-a cherry cola... OOhh, I want you, I don't know if I need you, but ooooh, I've died and found heaven"? Anyway, it reminds me of that song. But it's a lot better.
Posted 19 years ago by Cookie    [ Reply ]
radiozep wrote:
Bare Naked Bonos...
That's funny - thanks
Posted 19 years ago by skooney    [ Reply ]
This is horrid.
Posted 19 years ago by Leslie    [ Reply ]
effba wrote:
You really CAN just enjoy something without over-analyzing. Really you can! Just so you know...it's allowed.
I just tried. You're right! Feels pretty good too!
Posted 19 years ago by whitenoyse    [ Reply ]
You really CAN just enjoy something without over-analyzing. Really you can! Just so you know...it's allowed.
Posted 19 years ago by effba    [ Reply ]
Bare Naked Bonos...
Posted 19 years ago by radiozep    [ Reply ]
sounds like someones playing U2 in the next room.
Posted 19 years ago by apd    [ Reply ]
Bodhisattva wrote:
Yeah, check into the William Shatner "Common People" clinic... (if there's room)
:D
Posted 19 years ago by emzed    [ Reply ]
not deep or anything, but fun.
Posted 19 years ago by keemun    [ Reply ]
Cake meets the Blue Man Group.
Posted 19 years ago by Zep    [ Reply ]
GROOOOOOVYYYY!
Posted 19 years ago by YecatsRoo    [ Reply ]
I cannot help but like a song that gives me new compliments for my lady (who really is so much better than the cherry from an ice cream sundae). -Daiv
Posted 19 years ago by daiv    [ Reply ]
flandersdog wrote:
I don't want to like it...but I do...are there support groups for this sort of thing?
Yeah, check into the William Shatner "Common People" clinic... (if there's room)
Posted 19 years ago by Bodhisattva    [ Reply ]
Quirky but catchy...toe-tappity!
Posted 19 years ago by ploafmaster    [ Reply ]
This is, for the most part, the Techno-Macarena!
Posted 19 years ago by ndanger666    [ Reply ]
Mikey Likey!
Posted 19 years ago by t0dd    [ Reply ]
flandersdog wrote:
I don't want to like it...but I do...are there support groups for this sort of thing?
Yes -- but they're not So Much Better than what you're going through now.
Posted 19 years ago by radiojunkie    [ Reply ]
Very catchy peppy tune! This song is giving me needed energy!
Posted 19 years ago by artmarcia    [ Reply ]
Don't know why, but I'm liking this. Just enough poppy goodness. Not everything has be groundbreaking...
Posted 19 years ago by zaknafein    [ Reply ]
damien wrote:
chicken from china the chinese chicken have a drumstick and your brain stops ticking
Barenaked Ladies?
Posted 19 years ago by Sobient    [ Reply ]
damien wrote:
chicken from china the chinese chicken have a drumstick and your brain stops ticking
exactly what it reminded me of ... and I don't like that song.
Posted 19 years ago by Monoman    [ Reply ]
I thought my filter fluked on Remy Zero. Muted.
Posted 19 years ago by Tux    [ Reply ]
Didn't know Bono did side-projects..
Posted 19 years ago by Sobient    [ Reply ]
I don't want to like it...but I do...are there support groups for this sort of thing?
Posted 19 years ago by flandersdog    [ Reply ]
radiojunkie wrote:
It's not just the Bono-isms...I feel like EVERY element of this song is lifted from some other song. It's catchy and grows on you, but it makes me feel dirty when it does.
I hear a little Everclear in the chorus.
Posted 19 years ago by NiceGuy2005    [ Reply ]
It's not just the Bono-isms...I feel like EVERY element of this song is lifted from some other song. It's catchy and grows on you, but it makes me feel dirty when it does.
Posted 19 years ago by radiojunkie    [ Reply ]
hmm...this is one I hear and like and then I'm hearing a little too much.But today I will still like it.
Posted 19 years ago by katzendogs    [ Reply ]
Makes me smile.... every damn time! :-)
Posted 19 years ago by Freespirit    [ Reply ]
...
Posted 19 years ago by trekhead    [ Reply ]
o.k., i'm finally with this tune.
Posted 19 years ago by lotus_65    [ Reply ]
right on damien
Posted 19 years ago by Cambot    [ Reply ]
Schmackdown wrote:
Last name: Olson, not Olsen. Many thanks to the lazy fsck that mis-tagged this on a CDDB upload and messed up anyone else with the CD trying to import it into their MP3 collection.
DEAR GOD! A mistagged CDDB entry! It's, like, Tsumani the Sequel. How will we ever repair the damage?
Posted 19 years ago by Trustocity    [ Reply ]
"Better than the keys to a brand new Lincoln??" Strange lyric. Especially when sung in that Barenaked Ladies quasi-rapping style.
Posted 19 years ago by Cambot    [ Reply ]
chicken from china the chinese chicken have a drumstick and your brain stops ticking
Posted 19 years ago by damien    [ Reply ]
Most of the song sounds like a car commercial background, but the chorus soars. More chorus, please.
Posted 19 years ago by Trustocity    [ Reply ]
Cool song, but I now have the urge to do the Macerena.
Posted 19 years ago by drew    [ Reply ]
RichardPrins wrote:
another U2?
Reminds me more of Howard Jones, but with excellent guitar work thrown into the mix...
Posted 19 years ago by Gregorama    [ Reply ]
Nice little ditty. I like it.
Posted 19 years ago by zaknafein    [ Reply ]
Little info about Evan. I believe he went to University of North Carolina Greensboro. First time I saw him was when he was fronting a band called Majosha in 1989. I think the former leader of the band (Ben Folds) left to form his band (Ben Folds Five obviously). Evan then fronted a band called The Straight Ahead. Great band. The would frequently fill local clubs. Evan was a great front man and often danced the whole night while singing (you'd have to see it). The band was on a Star Search-type television program where they had to change their name to 'Bus Stop'. I believe there already was a band named The Straight Ahead. Unfortunately, they slowed down the tempo and the energy just wasn't in the performance. They didn't win. They still performed as Bus Stop for quite a while before breaking up. I booked his band a few times in the nineties. He's a great guy. Always would hang out afterwards to talk to people. Anyway, I hope for all the best for him. He works very hard when he performs and deserves attention.
Posted 19 years ago by phpwebber    [ Reply ]
I can't help but do a little desk-drumming to this one. I also like the pluckety-pluckety guitar riff throughout most of the tune.
Posted 19 years ago by tg3k    [ Reply ]
RichardPrins wrote:
another U2?
My thoughts exactly.
Posted 19 years ago by ArbiterOfGoodTaste    [ Reply ]
Schmackdown wrote:
Last name: Olson, not Olsen. Many thanks to the lazy fsck that mis-tagged this on a CDDB upload and messed up anyone else with the CD trying to import it into their MP3 collection.
Thanks! Fixed here on RP at least.
Posted 19 years ago by William    [ Reply ]
Last name: Olson, not Olsen. Many thanks to the lazy fsck that mis-tagged this on a CDDB upload and messed up anyone else with the CD trying to import it into their MP3 collection.
Posted 19 years ago by Schmackdown    [ Reply ]
JohnErle wrote:
that rapid-fire, ironic, white-boy rapping style reminded of Barenaked Ladies' "One Week".
well to me it reminded me of Jazzberry Ram from Vancouver (now disbanded), who had this style perfected. Quite likeable.
Posted 19 years ago by midtoad    [ Reply ]
i'm slowly getting to like this. raised from a 5 to a 7 today...
Posted 19 years ago by joempie    [ Reply ]
Yay, woo hoo! Go Evan!
Posted 20 years ago by susafina    [ Reply ]
RichardPrins wrote:
another U2?
I was thinking another Cake.... but I think I might like better than either. Hmmmmm....
Posted 20 years ago by ChardRemains    [ Reply ]
Criminally overlooked is right. Anybody knows how many records there are of him?
Posted 20 years ago by Beastie    [ Reply ]
Most excellent funkadelic groove...
Posted 20 years ago by Norge1    [ Reply ]
Definitely don't write this guy off for the slight Bono-isms of the chorus on this song. He's an amazingly talented, criminally overlooked, North Carolina powerpop singer/songwriter/guitar player. He's played for years in the same Greensboro, NC scene that sent Ben Folds on his way (he's played in numerous combo's with Ben). Definitely worth checking out.
Posted 20 years ago by kingfly    [ Reply ]
another U2?
Posted 20 years ago by R_P    [ Reply ]