GOMESONGS SIDE B
This is the second of two compilations of old songs of mine that I was submitting to publishers. I chose what I believed was the best of them and created albums out of that material. This is why the musical genres are all over the map and you hear male and female singers. They were mostly home-produced with a little bit of touch up in the studio. In retrospect, I wish that I had worked with other musicians and recorded each in a studio with a good engineer and producer. But at the time, I was driven to work alone and save costs. It shows in the production. However, I do think some of the songs, if taken on their own, have merit. Here is the trivia rundown for this rather disjointed compilation.
1.) It's A Dirty Job (But Someone's Gotta Do It)
About a husband who sincerely believes he is being altruistic when he "helps" a neighbour's lonely wife. As one reviewer put it, “What a guy!”
2.) Fish Tracks
A phrase I heard and used during my childhood. People would say it as a joke to divert some kid's attention, to make them look at something that wasn't there: "Look! Fish tracks!" Of course, the unsuspecting kid would look, realize they were being conned, and feel like a fool. I used the phrase in this context to describe someone realizing how important it is to make your own decisions.
3.) Socantina
An instrumental guitar piece derived in part from previous music I had written. I expanded it to evoke my impression of a Mexican cantina. Unsatisfied with it, this piece was completely reworked and appears on the EP, Blue.Green.Aquamarine. as, Then She Danced.
4.) I've Got Your Name On Me
Written in response to those who identify themselves with labels and who cling to brand names as though their lives depended on it. Unfortunately, they never got the joke.
5.) If I Could Tell You
Sometimes you don't quite know whether someone is trying to say "I love you" or "Goodbye."
6.) Lonely Together
A relationship that is not quite what it appears to be. This was one of my many songs at the time with a twist ending. The punchline is not revealed until the very last line. Because of its subtlety, most missed it.
7.) I Dream of Boats
I love fishing, lakes and the outdoors, and that love inspired the imagery of this ballad. As to the context, I don’t know where that came from.
8.) Something Changed That Night
A person’s feelings for someone have changed, but it is not clear to whom these feelings are now directed. Well, it is clear if you listen closely.
9.) Tell it to Me Straight
My first published song. Looking back at it, what I like the most is the main guitar riff and guitar solo.
10.) Say It Again
In short, my response to September 11, 2001 and to the fallout of insecurity and uncertainty that came with it. I do like the melancholy guitar parts throughout.
11.) Hey Sweet Shirley
This song has been with me a long time. Based loosely on the wild antics of a friendly Jamaican fellow I used to work with at a hotel many summers ago. Despite being married, he joyously took off each weekend for “celebrations” in Toronto. He was quite a character! This photo reminds me of him and makes me smile. I also recorded an instrumental version of it on, The Sand in My Shoes.