Shadows (and Light)

 I wrote a bunch of original songs over the past 10 years, as part of home studio projects. But then home ended up moving, and I ended up having to start over at a great deal of things. But I managed to write several new originals (in varying styles) which I am now recording in a basement with a drum kit, some cool guitars and small amps.

The demos I had put together were under the title "Shadows". I was suggesting that this was only a vague glimpse at what the songs could later become.

 A clearer picture has emerged, now that the songs are being filled out with bass, drums and electric guitars. A glimpse into the subject matter of the songs reveals a little more about how the last few years have gone, and what was on my mind.

"12 Miles" is a love song about how I would drive from my house to my girlfriend's house. "12 Miles, 3 Exits and 17 minute drive". 

Smithereens covering "Need You Now".

"A Good Life" is a tribute to my Dad and my Grandfather. "He was listening to Jazz until the midnight Hour. Grandma had some smokes and a whiskey sour". 

Ryan Adams (back when people still liked him) or The Eagles (before Hotel California).

"Purple Heart Town" is a fictional song I made up after seeing a sign in Greenfield that said "Purple Heart Town" - It made me think about how many towns probably have a veteran who was bestowed such a medal. My guess is a lot. It became a very deep subject for me to delve into. 

Steve Earle meets John Doe at a truck stop diner in Roswell, New Mexico.

"Complicated Love" was a song I made up on the fly, and is about how things can be... complicated" The term is thrown about as a relationship status. But what does it mean? It means different things to different people. To me, it's about something that takes time, thought and consideration. 

John Hiatt in the "Drivers Seat". 

"Mean Old World" was going to be called "Gas Station Girl" but I completely changed the subject matter, and with good reason. I didn't want it to be about a person. Originally a Tom Petty tribute - It ended up being an homage to... 

Led Zeppelin... with a Bo Diddley beat.

On the other hand, "Unfriended" is definitely about a person. Although it could be about any person with social issues. Rockabilly Boogie. Snotty vocals and heavy guitars. 

Bobby Bare JR with The Beat Farmers.

"Bottle Redemption Song" (a dobro-laced acoustic number) and "Unfriended" are both the most Blues-inspired songs I came up with. "The jig is up, my ass is out, just like empty bottles of porter and stout" sounds like the stale smell of sadness.

(Tom Waits and the ghost of Jerry Jeff helped me out with that one)