The year is 2002. Talks begin to circle around the duo of Jim Fusco and Chris Moore. They want to record an album of collaborations that will be entitled “Meaningless” (because each song’s lyrics will have a double-meaning). Mike Fusco, Jim’s younger (but only by age) brother, then comes into the mix, and the trio begin writing songs.
It’s now 2006 and “Meaningless” has never seen the light of day. Many factors were against Jim, Chris, and Mike. Jim was really sick during the week they were supposed to record (one song is completely finished, but Jim’s voice is pretty shot), and arguments within the group about production put the project on permanent hold. Jim won’t even consider playing some of the songs now–too many arguments and too many bad memories.
So why, after four years and vowing to never work together again (many times, in fact), did these three get back together and form a BAND?? Well, because the talent that these three bring to the table, both on record and live, is undeniable. When Chris, Jim, and Mike get together to play a show, people take notice. Their love of a music style long-passed is intriguing to audiences of all ages, and their ability to play guitar, drums, and piano (minus Chris on the drums) makes them a very versatile band.
The next question is, “So, how did they manage to stay together to record and release an entire album?” No one can really answer that, except to say that they all realized this NEEDED to be done. They know how good they are as a band, and they know that they can actually make it somewhere. In short, many arguments were avoided (not to say there weren’t any) because they all WANT to make it work. It’s as simple as that.
Another factor in this now working equation was the addition of Becky Daly and Cliff Huizenga. Becky has been playing shows with Jim and Chris for years now, and her addition to the band gives the other members a different point of view, as well as a great singing voice.
Cliff makes this group a band. His bass playing abilities and the fact that he’s such a quick learner have made his integration into the band seamless. And, he can sing!!
Maybe Cliff and Becky are buffers, like when Billy Preston or Eric Clapton recorded with the Beatles. But, since Cliff and Becky are permanent members of the band, MoU actually has a chance.
As for the name of the band, this wasn’t an instant choice. The band struggled for weeks to come up with a name that actually meant something to them, rather than just throwing out some random title. One night, Mike and Jim were home eating dinner with the family, and Mike came up with the idea. Jim instantly said, “That’s it!” and the band had their name. “Master of the Universe” is a title given (originally by longtime friend Kyle Marano) to a person when they win a tournament between all parties present. Then, the Master is crowned and cannot lose unless they lose to one person twice in a row. The Master must accept anyone’s challenge to remain Master, but doesn’t have to accept two challenges from the same person in the same day.
So, Mike and Jim have been using the term for years, and it has many meanings (one they didn’t expect being a reference to a popular 1980’s television show).
The songs on this album create more of a collection of singles rather than a full album. Chris, Jim, and Mike compiled their best concert songs into this album. The band recorded the instruments live and overdubbed vocals (and instrument mistakes) later. The album has a very fresh feel to it, despite the fact that many of these songs have been recorded and released two or three times. But, the MoU versions are still different and updated.
There are three new songs on the album, however. Jim’s “In It For Love” is the first track on the album, and stands out as one of his best to date. Mike’s “Ghost Town” is a great trip through a metaphoric land that enters your mind and stays there! Chris’ “Marissa” is one of his most poignant songs, with lyrics that are biting and powerful.
Jim also has four more of his songs on the CD (mostly because he, Chris, Becky, and Mike all knew how to play them already). Chris and Jim co-wrote the classic “Where Are We Now?” Chris and Mike have two more each, giving a solid 12 songs. This is the perfect collection of songs for this group to come out with because they can put out their “radio-worthy” songs as an introduction to the world.
This band is a “Supergroup of unknowns.” Jim, Mike, and Chris have had extensive independent solo careers, and are bringing their talents and enthusiasm to a larger stage. Again, this band works because every member knows that MoU has something special and unique. As long as everyone remembers this, we’ll be seeing a lot more from MoU for a long time to come.