Ep. 256: Stacy Jones discusses American Hi-Fi’s “Flavor of the Weak”

Chris DeMakes A Podcast

Chris DeMakes

Music History, Music Commentary, Music, Music Interviews

4.9 • 923 Ratings

🗓️ 5 May 2025

⏱️ 79 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

This week, Stacy Jones sits in to share the story behind American Hi-Fi’s 2001 breakout hit, “Flavor of the Weak.” From his early days as Veruca Salt’s touring drummer to stepping into the spotlight as a frontman, Stacy discusses the evolution of his career, the challenges of reinvention, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. He reflects on the spontaneous songwriting process that led to the band’s signature track, the impact of working with producer Bob Rock, and the raw energy captured in the song’s live-off-the-floor recording. Stacy and Chris also dive into the song’s lasting legacy, the importance of authenticity in music, and what’s next for American Hi-Fi. Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes For bonus episode of The After Party podcast, an extensive back catalog of past After Party episodes, early ad-free releases of new episodes of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, full video versions of episodes, and MUCH more, head to the Patreon at http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com Follow Chris DeMakes A Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisdemakesapodcast/ Join the Chris DeMakes A Podcast community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2643961642526928/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	This episode is brought to you by DistroKid.
0:03.0	Last year, Amazon was the world's largest corporate fire of renewable energy.
0:10.0	Seeing all and more of our energy come from wind farms like this one.
0:17.0	Guys, what happened to recording Apasola Farm? To learn more, visit about amazon.com.
0:26.6	Forward slash Sustainability. Hey gang, today's guest is Stacy Jones, lead vocalist and guitarists for the Boston, Massachusetts rock band, American High-Fi.
0:49.7	Together we break down the writing, recording, and inspiration behind the smash hit single,
0:55.3	Flavor of the Week, taken from their 2001 self-titled debut album.
0:59.9	I told Stacey that I had producer envy, as Bob Rock is one of my all-time favorite producers.
1:06.3	And the feeling was mutual and absolutely surreal for Stacey.
1:10.2	For starters, St Stacy is first and foremost
1:12.8	the drummer, having cut his teeth with letters to Cleo and then Varug Assault. He met Bob Rock
1:18.4	through Varug Assault, and as one of their sessions was wrapping up, Bob casually asked
1:23.3	when he could produce Stacy's then brand new project, American Hi-Fi.
1:30.4	Well, let's just say he jumped at the chance.
1:33.1	I feel like a broken record saying this,
1:36.3	because we've heard it a ton here on Krista Makes a podcast.
1:39.0	But Flavor of the Week was written in five minutes,
1:40.6	with very little thought,
1:43.4	and it wasn't even written for American Hi-Fi.
1:44.8	The track had been written for another of Stacey's projects. By chance, Bob heard it in the 11th hour and insisted
1:50.4	on cutting the song, which ended up being the first single and the band's biggest hit. Oh,
1:55.9	and one of the guitars in this tune is actually James Hetfield's Explorer. How cool is that? So for all this and more,
	...

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