photo courtesy of Columbia Records
	Dog’s Eye View frontman Peter Stuart says the band’s new album, “Daisy,” is more rock-focused than “Happy Nowhere,” the band’s 1995 debut release. Dog’s Eye View is made up of, from left, guitarist Tim Bradshaw, bassist Dermot Lynch, frontman and guitarist Peter Stuart and drummer Alan Bezozi.

By MACKENZIE A. WILSON
State News MS&U Writer

In the spring of 1996, Dog’s Eye View made itself known. The band had a Buzz Clip on MTV, a Billboard Top Ten single and its music was blaring from every radio station across the nation.

Dog’s Eye View became a musical mainstay until the end of the summer. Do you remember that popular jig “Everything Falls Apart”?

Well, it was a long, but enjoyable, road for Dog’s Eye View frontman Peter Stuart. And you could say everything just fell into place for him and the band. Dog’s Eye View was alive.

Many bands tend to rush into things too quickly with sudden fame. Not the case with Stuart.

“It was really, really fun,” he explained in a phone interview from DeKalb, Ill. “With the success of ‘Everything Falls Apart,’ it ensured me to continue on making music. It didn’t change us. It just made us focus.”

Now Dog’s Eye View is picking up where the first album, “Happy Nowhere,” left off. The group’s second effort, “Daisy,” allows them to continue down the road of rock ’n’ roll.

“‘Daisy’ is much more focused and mature,” Stuart said. “It is a little older, having more life experience. I like the songs a lot better. It is more of a rock record.”

“Daisy” is noticeably mature. It is about life. “Homecoming Parade” reflects going back to your hometown, reminding yourself how to be a kid. “Last Letter Home” captures the trials of going from childhood to adulthood.

“I really like the slow songs,” Stuart said. “‘Let It Live’ and ‘Umbrella’ are great.”

Dog’s Eye View has joined forces with Counting Crows on the national “Recovering the Satellites” tour. Crows’ frontman Adam Duritz also sings on the album.

“Working with Duritz is great. I met Counting Crows in 1994 at St. Andrew’s Hall in Detroit,” Stuart said. “I spent a number of years on the road with them. They asked us to do it, and they are great friends of ours. They are very down-to-earth.”

Touring can become a stressful, neverending process, but not for Stuart.

“I like being on the road a lot. I feel more in place,” he said.

With half of the group hailing from New York and half from London, the four-piece calls on Cat Stevens and Del Amitri as a couple of its standout musical influences.

“I have been listening to a lot of jazz, Chet Baker, as well as the new Dylan album,” Stuart said.

Stuart said he’s happy to actually get the chance here and there to check out some of the bands currently on the road — especially since there’s so many well-known names on tour this year.

“I saw Brad last night,” he said. “Stone (Gossard, of Pearl Jam) is such a good singer. I would like to see our friends Matchbox 20. U2 would be great, too.”

Dog’s Eye View will be supporting Counting Crows until mid-November, and then continue touring until Christmas. As for the new year, Stuart said he has no immediate plans.

“It depends on where I’ll go skiing. I would also like to travel the country. Then I’ll get back on the road.”

Catch Dog’s Eye View opening for Counting Crows at Breslin Student Events Center on Tuesday. Tickets are still available at all Ticketmaster outlets. Call 484-5656 for details.