Back home when I was in California, Sinister Sam would support some pretty big Bay Area bands. One band in particular would stand out for me. The band in question were older, more successful, and there was a hint of jealousy about them. Most likely because as a support act, we'd blow fuckers off the stage. They probably weren't used to that.

Now I will admit, I can be a horrible first impression, especially if I'm sober and nervous. The first few times I met this particular band, it was awkward. And they didn't help the situation either. The guitarist and singer were actually quite cunty to me. I felt horrible about it, but it takes two to tango.

By the time I got out to Australia, I did lots of reflecting on my American life. What I regret, what I wished I could've done differently, etc. And from afar I noticed that this band was jealous. I didn't know at the time. I thought they just thought I was an asshole, and I couldn't figure out why. Years later it dawned on me and I was very angry. There's lots of jealousy in music. This was my "I'm free of your bullshit" empowerment song. I will give you a reason to be jealous of me.

I think the speech in that song was supposed to be all new age-y and sarcastic, but I think it's all true. There is enough room for everyone to succeed. Everyone. Just be positive and your time will come. And never give up.

Totally aware of the Patton-esque vocals, and the Layne Staley style stacked vocals kinda chorus. I was not comfortable doing lead vocals and at the same time didn't trust someone else to come in and do them.

The hardest part of the recording for me were the three clean chick-like vocals done by me in the very beginning of the song . The highest harmony was very tough for me. I almost didn't get it. I think there may have been lots of cutting and pasting those three voices in throughout the song. I don't remember. Vocal days are drunk days.

I think all the acoustic shit was recorded in the one night. We mic'd up an acoustic in Gary's bedroom and I went for it. Not overly happy with my acoustic solo, but it is what it is. I didn't want to do take after take.I had a rule: solo done in less than a half hour. Not too many solos on this album were planned out.

The only thing that I don't really like about this song is the kick drum sound is the wrong patch, didn't have that metal style click. I played bass on this song as well. The chorus was taken from a Sinister Sam song called Eyeroller that was probably played no more than three times live, so I thought I'd give it a home.

John / Doug teaches you to play J.E.L.L.U.S.: www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSRmEqKCJDs