Recording update

On Thursday, we began recording the Chris Skel and the OS record. Frank, Jess and I recorded the basic tracks for four songs, “Find You in My Dreams,” “I Believe,” Love to Til the End” and “With You Tonight.” I think we played really well on all the songs so from here we can go back in and add vocals, various instrumentation and soundscapes to them very shortly. The version of “Find You in My Dreams” came out really good and as it stands now, it sounds like it is already mixed. It’s not, of course, and it will be mixed with all the other tracks, but it was encouraging to hear it come out so nicely right from the start.

“With You Tonight” was actually written as a Skels song about four years ago, but the rest of the guys in The Skels weren’t too keen on it. Since I have been playing it live, however, I figued it would make for a nice addition to this project. Other than two songs, these new originals represent a departure for me and my songwriting style. Whereas for the past twelve years I have been writing songs about whiskey, beer, girls and all the things that flow from the aforementioned, lately, I have been writing more ballads and softer-sounding material. I hope I can pull it off because actually trying to write and actually trying to sing are completely foreign concepts for me.

On Saturday, my good friends, The Turnpike Wrecks, joined me in the studio and we we recorded “Once Upon a Time.” In addition, we did three TW songs, including “Raise a Glass,” which I wrote for the TWs about 2 years ago, “Die” and “Yuppie Death Threat.” The TWs finished “Die” with vocals and mix-down because they are under the gun to get it in on a compilation that will be coming out in November.

Frank, Jess and I still have to learn three more originals which will form the basis for the next go around in the studio. Next Saturday, I’m heading north where I will be recording two songs with Darkbuster at Fallen Angel Recording in Quincy, MA.

Springsteen review, etc.

I was fortunate enough to get a ticket for the Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band rehearsal show at Convention Hall in Asbury Park Tuesday night.  Although I had purchased a general admission ticket, there was a snafu at Ticketmaster and my seat was actually located in the bleachers, but believe me, for once Ticketmaster did me a favor.

 Since Bruce used his own stage, which covered aboout 2/3 of the floor area, the bleacher seats nearest the stage turned into the best seats in the house. I had second row, which was, at its closest point, about thirty feet from the corner of the stage.

Bruce’s song selection was pretty good, opening with “Radio Nowhere” for the new record followed by “Prove It All Night” and ”Lonesome Day.” I might have altered the sequence here, puting “Lonesome Day” before “Prove It…,” but I understand that “Prove It…” regularly occupies the second song slot.

Next up, however was a song called “Gypsy Biker” also from the new record which although probably sounds pretty good recorded did not translate well into a good live song.  I think Bruce sensed this because toward the end of a song and after a short harmonica part, Bruce angrily threw the harmonica behind him. At least that was how I perceived it.  Other highlights of the night included “Night,” “She’s the One,” “Darlington County” and “Thundercrack” which was one of the encores.  Still, you had to remember that this was a rehearsal show and it was clear the band was tight and still working out parts, etc.  they did not have that loose, having fun vibe that will probably not be evident until they get a few full-blown shows under their belts.

The lack of air conditioning and musty smell of the hall gave the night a nostalgic feel, but it was the overall size of the place that made the night truly special. I mean, the only way to describe it was that it was like seeing Bruce in your high school gym. You could see every smile, every grimace and every drop of sweat that, starting next Tuesday in Hartford, will only be apparent on the diamond visions.

Regarding the “etc.” mentioned above, we start recording the solo record tonight!

Tuesday morning lyrics

Since I’m getting ready for the Springsteen rehearsal show tonight in Asbury and in response to Mr. Deely’s comments, here is a snippet of a new original which will be on the CSOS solo record. The song is entitled “Time To Meet the Lord.”

The saints are lining up to greet
Shake their hands as I pass through the gates
Saint Patrick’s there getting drunk in his chair drinking whiskey with a snake
Saint Joseph’s there with his hammer and nails
Saint Michael with his sword
Saint Christopher’s got the world on his back
And it’s time to meet the Lord