Song Comments

Resolutions

Written and recorded for the 20 song game, 1/10. After writing a few sincere New Year's resolutions, I brainstormed a bunch of resolutions I could have made, and wrote them in my journal. When the day came for the 20 song game, I turned the writing exercise into an experiment in prose-like lyrics.

Hang Dog Cat

Initial sketch for the 20 song game, 11/09. Filled out and re-recorded, a few days later. I live with two cats, and ever since I wrote a song about Samsara, I've wanted to write one about Brahma. This song emphasizes Brahma's nefarious qualities.

Warm Air Rising

Initial sketch for the 20 song game, 5/08. Filled out and re-recorded, 10/2009. Trying to satisfy my sweet tooth.

I Wonder Where Samsara Goes

Initial sketch for the 20 song game, 11/07. First full version (in Ditties and Oddities) written and recorded, 4/08. Lyrics tweaked and song re-reccorded from scratch, 8/09.

True song about a cat.

Beast to Bed

Initial sketch for the 20 song game, 12/07.
Written in full and recorded, 3/09.
Dark reflections riding light, formulaic music:
I kept the lyrics vague, but I'm not sure whether that choice was artistic or psychological.

Alaina's Fabric

The music came from another song kernel from the first 20 song game I played -- November, 2007.
The original ditty with its placeholder lyrics is the in the "Ditties and Oddities" section.
Actually, I like some of the original lyrics that I spun off to clothe the musical ideas.
I've long wanted to expand the ideas into a proper song, and here's my March, 2009 attempt.

The Man with the Untied Shoe

A kernel of the song was written and recorded for the 20 song game, 9/08.
Lyrics tweaked and the music fleshed out, 2/09.
Just good fun.

The Poppy Fields of Oz

Written and recorded for the 20 song game, 8/08.
Tweaked slightly (new vocal tracks) a couple of days after the game.
An attempt to provide an anthem for everyone who has sloughed off the hero's journey,
from the Poppy fields of Oz to the Island of the Lotus Eaters (and back).

Get It Again

Written and recorded for the 20 song game, 5/08.
This first song of the May game is about getting in the groove to write songs.
It took form as a silly conversation between the drill sergeant in my head and my
lazy, nonsensical, occasionally creative self.
Homage to John Lennon I suppose...or the Rutles.

Kali

Written in fits and starts from 2001 through 2007. Recorded 1/08.
A California love triangle featuring a man, a woman, a guru, and the fierce and terrible Goddess of destruction.

My Genes

Written and recorded for the 20 song game, 3/08.
The upshot of a conversation about donating to a sperm bank.

Sleeping Beauty

Written somewhere around 1984. Recorded 2007 - 2008. Mixed and mastered, 3/08.
A take on my favorite fairytale.

All the Blue

Written around 1991. Recorded 2007 - 2008. Mixed and mastered, 3/08.
An old song about a fallen star still dear to me.

Green Wand

Recorded with new lyrics, 4/08. Recorded as "Pretty Blue" by David Ricardo, 12/07.
David and I agreed to write alterative lyrics for each other's songs.
I stayed with the theme of the lyrics David wrote for the 20 song game last year.
Check out David's original version -- written and recorded in just a few hours! -- at his web site.

Goodbye Joe

Written and recorded, 4/08. First song of the Cafe Europa trilogy written for the 20 song game
I added drums for this version.
In April, we set ourselves the goal of writing songs that were related somehow, so I wrote
three short ones, all set at the same moment in a cafe.
"Goodbye Joe" is from the point of view of regular patron, grieving for his lost friend.

Stirring

Written and recorded, 4/08. Second song of the Cafe Europa trilogy written for the 20 song game
I added guitar and drums for this version.
In April, we set ourselves the goal of writing songs that were related somehow, so I wrote
three short ones, all set at the same moment in a cafe.
"Stirring" is from the point of view of the female barista.

Showing

Written and recorded, 4/08. Third song of the Cafe Europa trilogy written for the 20 song game
I re-recorded this version later in the month (the original sketch was just piano and vocal).
In April, we set ourselves the goal of writing songs that were related somehow, so I wrote
three short ones, all set at the same moment in a cafe.
"Showing" is from the point of view of the artist whose work is showing for a month at the cafe.

Her Window (First Sketch for what became "Alaina's Fabric")

Written and recorded, 11/07 for the 20 song game.
There's something innocent and expansive in the original ditty that I might have lost in the full song.

Twopenny Shoes

Written and recorded, 5/08 for the 20 song game.
An example of what happens when you have to write and record one more song and you've only
got an hour or so left.

In the Time It Took

Written and recorded, 8/08 for the 20 song game.
Tweaked a little a couple of days after the game.
Another example of what happens when you have to write and record one more song and you've only
got an hour or so left.

I Wonder Where Samsara Goes (First Full Version)

Initial sketch for the 20 song game, 11/07. Written in full and recorded, 4/08. Faster version recorded 8/09, listed under "Songs."

True song about a cat.

I Wonder Where Samsara Goes (First Sketch)

Written and recorded, 11/07 for the 20 song game.
I added and changed a lot for the full version in 4/08, but I still kind of like the original sappy ditty.

Perception Management

Concocted in 2002 with "Acid" software. I tried my hand at sampling. Naming 'em was half the fun!

Innovative Leadership Strategies

Concocted in 2002 with "Acid" software. I tried my hand at sampling. Naming 'em was half the fun!

All the Worlds

Concocted in 2002 with "Acid" software. I tried my hand at sampling. In this one, I tried to create a nice eerie mood. Never got past a rough mix, but I like it. No sarcasm.