In March 1998, Grinspoon moved to Los Angeles[2] and spent much of the year touring the US and Canada, including opening for Creed, Lit, Godsmack and Anthrax.[3] While in the US, Grinspoon recorded two songs, "Black Friday" and "More Than You Are" with Ulrich Wild (White Zombie, Pantera, Strung Out), which formed the basis of Pushing Buttons.[4] The band returned to Australia in September to release Pushing Buttons,[5] which peaked at No. 13 on the ARIA Singles Chart.[6] It also reached No. 80 on the ARIA End of Year Charts for 1998 and was certified gold.[7][8]
Pushing Buttons was not released in the United States, but "Black Friday" and "More Than You Are" were included on the US version of Guide to Better Living and "Snap Your Fingers, Snap Your Neck" is on an ECW compilation released by Earache Records. "More Than You Are" was serviced to US mainstream and active rock radio on 29 June 1999.[9]
Content
Pushing Buttons features a heavier sound than their earlier work,[citation needed] with a metal-inspired re-recording of "More Than You Are" (previously recorded for the Green Album), and the songs "Black Friday" and "Snap Your Fingers, Snap Your Neck". "Snap Your Fingers, Break Your Neck" is a cover of a song by American heavy metal band Prong (which was included on that band's 1994 album, Cleansing). The other songs are a lot lighter. "Black Friday" received significant airplay and was voted in at No. 22 on the Triple J's Hottest 100 for 1998.[10]
