Musical Output

The gestation period for me to produce a song is not far off from that of producing a human being.

Out of Warranty

September 2023

About “Out of Warranty.” I had the thought that our bodies are similar to cars in that an out-of-warranty vehicle will begin to have systemic problems; everything starts to break down, repairs are expensive, parts are harder to get, etc. You get the idea. Production notes: Guitars and vocals are analog. Drums and percussion were programmed by me. Bass was played on an M-Audio Axiom keyboard input device. Guitar: Peavey Wolfgang Special; Microphone: Audio-Technica; DAW: Garage Band.

Hug the Cactus

Aug. 2022

About “Hug the Cactus.” I heard the phrase “hug the cactus” from Robert Downey Jr. and it has something to do with acknowledging and accepting one’s dark side; instead of trying to run from it or escape it, to embrace it. This is version 2. The rhythm guitar and solo have been changed, and an outro solo added. Click here to hear it.

Production notes: Guitars, bass, and vocals are analog. Drums are played by Garage Band drummer Kyle. Guitar: Peavey Wolfgang Special; Bass: Fender Squire Precision Bass; Microphone: Samson G-Track USB.

Ode to the Gunslinger

Dec. 2021

One of my favorite (series of) books is the Dark Tower series by Stephen King. The main character is a gunslinger who lived by a code that he taught to his young protégé. This song is about that code. He also smoked like a fiend, so the cough effect pays homage to that aspect of the character as well. Click here to hear it.

Production notes: Guitars and vocals are analog. Drums are played by Garage Band drummer Kyle. Bass was played on an M-Audio Axiom keyboard input device. Guitar: Peavey Wolfgang Special; Microphone: Samson G-Track USB

Angry Rockstar

2006

About “Angry Rockstar.” Back in 2006, I had heard on the radio that the band, Tool, was releasing their next record soon. It was being hyped as the “angriest recording in music history.” Of course, the target of their anger was the President George W. Bush. Not to be outdone, I thought I would beat them to it. So below is an audio file that is the result of that effort, followed by the lyrics. It’s a sort of satire, so please forgive the ‘80s hair-band cheese factor.

To listen to "Angry Rockstar," click the play button in the bar below.