Amos Carter - Would A Should A Boogie - with Mama Carter

After finding out about Amos Carter's Mother, it's no wonder he's got a Boogie Woogie band! She plays piano and adds vocals to this latest song of her sons. Amos told us she used to be a substitute piano player at the small church they went to when they were kids. He said she could be serious for an hour or so once in a while, but she would break out into Boogie Woogie piano on occasion, sometimes in church as well! Parishioners liked it, but the old conservative preacher didn't! She still plays the piano, an old upright they've had at the family house as long as Amos can remember. She plays all kinds of music, but loves to improvise all kinds as well. 

The lyrics of the song ring true enough; Mama Carter used to sit down and play the piano as she lectured the kids (all 9 of them!), and if there was too much griping, she would  play hymns they knew that they could sing along with, or 'old people' music as the kids used to call big band music. Since Amos started his band, he's been trying to get his Mama to come up on stage and play a song or two with them, but she always refused. Then Amos wrote this one, and she thought it was so good that she finally agreed, after they rehearsed it a lot. She plays very well, and her voice isn't bad either!

They recorded the song at Delmar Gentry's studio in Flagstaff, and Delmar was taken aback by Mama Carter! He had no idea she was such a fine piano player and singer, and is trying to  talk her into doing some solo recordings.

 Mama and Dad had a slug of kids
Dad worked the oil fields, gone a lot
Up to Mama to civilize
Her own style she always brought

Each of us had our chores to do
But kids are known to forget
So she would handle it her way
She never gave an idle threat

She'd sit at the old piano
Limber up her fingers to swing
And twiddle the keys,
easy as ya please
And this is what she would sing:

Would a Should a but you ain't!
Didn't do what yer supposed to!
Ya know what's comin'
Don't tell me dumbin'
Punish you when I'm all through

The Would a should a boogie
(The Would a should a boogie)
Is gonna surround and get you!
You cain't escape it,
Don't lie and fake it
Or you'll get what's comin' to you!

Now you'd know you was in the soup
She seldom got very cross
While she never raised her hand
Had ways to get her point across

Have to listen to her lecture
Not say wait 'til your Dad gets home
She'd nag 'til your ears would turn red
She had ways that were all her own

When she sat at the piano
A smile crossed Mama's face
Pound the ivories,
She'd make up stories
And try to put us in our place:

Would A Should a, you didn't!
Excuses I've heard before
So don't be dissin'
Hush up and listen
While I tell ya what's in store

The Would a should a boogie
Won't treat you like yer vermin
But first it's my whim
To sing some church hymns
Before I go on with my sermon!

AN HOUR OR TWO OF CHURCH HYMS! A
TORTURE! PLEASE, MAMA! BEAT MY ASS INSTEAD!

[Male and female duet]
The Would a should a boogie
(The Would a should a boogie)
Is gonna surround and get you!
You cain't run and escape it,
Don't try and lie to fake it
Or you'll get what's comin' to you

Un Grupo de Mexicali - Sabores de Mi Tierra (Flavors Of My Land)

As can probably be thought, Un Grupo de Mexicali is a Mariachi group that is in high demand in Mexico as well as having a solid following in the U.S. They have suspended any travel to the U.S. due to the immigrant situation, but they continue to supply us with recordings here at Big And Tall Records. As we've learned, Mariachi music is a passionate genre that reflects the Latino temperament in the different moods of the music. This song is an example of a fast-paced, happy fiesta celebration the group played on the anniversary of  the traditional starting date of The Mexican War Of Independence From Spain 'Cry Of Dolores' of September 16th, 1810. The group was very involved with the anniversary and wrote a song about it as well. The present song celebrates Mexican cuisine, a very popular type of food around the world, especially in the U.S. 

The joy in this song carries over to our taste buds, as we here enjoy Mexican food very much! Mexican cuisine has many influences that blend together to make it unique. It's based on native ingredients of indigenous peoples of Mexico such as the Aztecs and consists of beans, corn, chili peppers, avocados, and many different vegetables. Hot chili peppers especially have become parts of many cuisines around the world, and were originally only found in Mexico. Another much prized food that originated in Mexico is chocolate! When Spaniards conquered Mexico, they introduced other foods such as other meat products, sugar, rice, onions, garlic, dairy products, etc. There is an African influence as well, as Spaniards brought slaves from Africa to New Spain, as they called Mexico. 

Mexican cuisine is much more than just tacos! There are different regional dishes across the country, far too many to mention. The cuisine is ancient in origin and cooking techniques, so explore Mexican food! More and more Mexican themes restaurants are offering different dishes, and learn to cook Mexican food yourself! From blazing heat to calmly mild,  from exotic to basic, it's one of the most delicious and varied foods of the world!

Ay qué rico el mole que sabe a hogar
Con un toque de amor y su chile al azar
La enchilada me llama con su rojo brillar
Y el pozole en la mesa listo pa' celebrar

Oh, how delicious the mole that tastes oh so good
With a touch of tradition so well understood
The enchilada calls me, I do not hesitate
And the pozole on the table we’re ready to celebrate

¡Ay ay ay What a flavor!
Tacos al pastor
¡Ay ay ay Please!
Give me more
Give me love
Salsa, Lemon and warmth

Las quesadillas me abrazan suaves al morder
El guacamole verde como el amanecer
Tamales envueltos secretos por saber
Y la cochinita pibil un sueño al comer

Con cada mordida
El alma se llena
¡Ay viva mi México y su sazón que truena!

¡Ay ay ay, Qué sabor!
Tacos al pastor
¡Ay ay aye Por favor!
Dame más, dame amor
Salsa, Limón y calor

Chiles rellenos cantan en su capa dorada
El arroz y los frijoles nunca faltan en la jornada
Un tequila pa' brindar con la banda emocionada
¡Y el flan de postre dulce qué cosa tan encantada!

The quesadillas embrace me, soft to the bite
The green guacamole, tasty and light
Wrapped tamales, secrets to know
And the cochinita pibil filling the bowl!

With each bite the soul is filled
Oh, long live my Mexico and its
Seasonings fulfilled

¡Ay ay ay, Qué sabor!
Tacos al pastor
¡Ay ay aye Por favor!
Dame más, dame amor
Salsa, Limón y calor

Stuffed chiles sing in their gold and green cape
Rice and beans there is no escape
A tequila to toast with the excited band
And flan for sweet dessert in an enchanted land!

Brisa Caribeña - Music Take Me Away

 Brisa Caribeña's latest is a song sung by their lead female vocalist Sophia Johnson about trying to mend a broken heart. She is backed up by the addition of strings to the usual band with the virtuoso guitar of Sanchez Vajerro, a visiting soloist from Spain where he's known as a flamenco artist. Ms. Johnson is in her usual excellent vocal form which impressed the guest soloist so much he increased his visit so he could record more with the band and her. We look forward to more songs from them all!

The night is mixed with passion
That could be felt in the air
It started to heal my mood
As I breathed in the air
Waves assaulted my senses
As I slowly became aware
The music was the culprit
Played by the band sitting there

Music, please take me far away
From where my mind is today
Forgetting a love that is lost
That makes my happiness stray

I order another drink
But it's a waste of money
I'm in such a sorrowful mood
Doesn't help to make me sunny
My friends tell me all kinds of jokes
But I find none of them funny
With so many people around
I still feel so damn lonely

Music, please take me far away
From where my mind is today
Forgetting a love that is lost
That makes my happiness stray

Nothing but music has power
To help mend my broken heart
It will take a long long time
But at least it is a start!

Music, please take me far away
From where my mind is today
Forgetting a love that is lost
That makes my happiness stray
 

Melvin Peckerwood And The Mama's Boys - I Hate Liver!

Some of us here at Big And Tall Records are old enough to have come from larger families.This latest by Melvin and The Boys rings pretty true. Mama would tell us if we complained about the food, "This isn't a restaurant," and Dad would sure back her up. We took an informal poll of people in the office, and the vast majority of them agreed with the title of the song. The problem is, that even in  the best of economic times, it takes lots of money and work to feed a large family. Back in the time we are assuming Melvin is singing about (late 1950's, 1960's, early 1970's) liver was a fairly cheap source of protein. Problem is, for many of us it has a chalky texture, and a really off-putting, minerally taste. When you stop and think about what the liver's function in the body is, mainly one of the largest filters of toxins and other harmful substances from the body, it doesn't sound like something that would be good to eat!

That's not to say it isn't good for you, at least in moderation (like many organ meats it is high in cholesterol). It is rich in B vitamins, copper, iron, all kinds of stuff  the body needs and can use. And we did check out the lyric that talked about eating raw liver as a treatment for anemia years ago. It certainly was! Uncooked, raw liver! How nasty!

Back when I was a kid
Came from a big family
Sit ‘round the dinner table
Brothers, sister and me

My Dad didn’t abide being fussy
Always had to eat what Mom cooked
She’d say, “This isn’t a restaurant!”
If you gave the food a dirty look

Liver! (Nasty liver!)
Like eating a greasy piece of chalk
Liver! (Nasty liver!)
Like a piece of over cooked tree bark!

Dad liked it browned in a skillet
Then put it in a baking pan
In the oven with onions and bacon
To smell it I could hardly stand!

Dad was always ready with a lecture
How it was good for blood systemic
How his Mother so many years ago
Had to eat it raw because she was anemic

Liver! (Nasty liver!)
Cover the crap up with ketchup
Liver! (Nasty liver!)
It still made me want to throw up!

I covered it up with ketchup
On my fork some cooked onions I’d stick
Cut me off a piece of the crap
Stick it in my mouth really quick!

Wasn’t too bad ‘til the onions and ketchup
Dissolved into the taste of the liver
The more I tried to chew it up
It kept getting bigger and bigger!

Every time we had the stuff
It was the same thing for me
But I vowed right there and then
When I grew up, then I’d be free

From eating liver! (Nasty liver!)
Never, never gonna eat it again
Makes my taste buds choke and quiver
Never, never gonna eat it again

If the only thing to eat
On earth was that crap
I’d gladly starve to death
It’ll be no mishap!

Dry as chalk, smells like death
Never abide it on my plate
Only thing I’d use it for
Would be catfish bait!

Liver! (Nasty liver!)
Like eating a greasy piece of chalk
Liver! (Nasty liver!)
Like a piece of over cooked tree bark!

 

 

 

Hambone Riley - Get Yer Finger Out My Butt!

 At Big And Tall Records, we have what can be termed an eclectic taste in music. That word sounds so pretentious, and can be mistaken to mean no taste at all! Perhaps a better way to describe it is that we appreciate many different genres of music. We have associates that prefer blues, some country, others classical, actually practically all genres are represented by someone or other liking it. We take their recommendations seriously, and along with the recordings they send we use them to determine who might make a good fit for the company.

Looking at our catalog, the main criterion may be said to be artistry. Yeah, a pretty fuzzy and personal idea, so that's why whenever we get a recommendation and a recording of a potential artist for our label, we gather at our great round table, usually at least a dozen associates and executives to determine if we should take the artist on. Sometimes the discussions can get rather loud, as pros and cons make their opinions known. Such was the case for Leroy 'Hambone' Riley.  But the pros won out, despite the argument that we've got enough artists that aren't in the mainstream, which Hambone surely isn't in the mainstream!

The associate that heard him perform live said that he came out on stage kind of timidly, but as soon as the music started he became transformed.  His eyes bugged out as his mouth let out a coarse voice that sung off the wall lyrics about God knows what. That seems to be right up our alley! 

Hambone isn't well known outside of the cheap dive bars he plays in, but others in the music community know of him. In fact, Forgotten Bob knows him quite well, and wrote this song for him, 'Get Yer Finger Out My Butt!' We talked to Forgotten Bob over the phone when we heard Hambone to see what he thought of him. Gotta be different for Forgotten Bob to like you, let alone write a song for you! He did tell us how he got the name 'Hambone'. Seems he used to be a cook in the Army a long time ago, and he was assigned to the ham hocks and beans detail, as everyone raved about how he made it. He liked to put a raw ham bone in the pot to add flavor, so he started trimming off most of the meat left on a ham bone in the cooler. His NCO came in, chastised him for wasting food as there was already ham hocks in the pot. Hambone tried to explain to him that all he wanted was the bone, but the Sergent insisted he put it back in the cooler. Leroy was known to have a temper, and in a fit of pique he hit the Sergent over the head with it from behind! Now this was a raw ham bone, and a raw ham bone is really strong, almost impossible to break, and the Sergent went down in a heap in the cooler. There was an investigation and when the Sergent testified, he said he didn't know what happened. His memory was blank. Hambone got off easy, and the Sergent later told him that he lied to the investigators. He knew he got hit with a raw ham bone, but Hambone was his best cook and he didn't want to lose him. Hambone and the Sarge came to be friends, and that's why they call him Hambone!  So remember, if you want to smack somebody with a ham bone, make sure it's a raw one...

Me and my ol' lady been together many years
Our love for each other has continued to grow
We get along well, never squabble or fight
But part of our relationship isn't good though...

Our sex life sure is a big bore
We decided to try some things
That could give our sex some wings
But I didn't know what was in store...

Woman, get yer finger out my butt!
What in hell is wrong with you
You're into it, ain't a good fit
What in hell am I gonna do?

Woman, get yer finger out my butt!
When I did the same to you
You had a fit, told me to quit
You keep it up with me, it's true!

We tried all kinds of different stuff, toys and such
Fancy frilly underwear, dildos Viagra too
Role playing, slippery stuff, books and videos as well
We found some techniques we both like, but all you wanna do...

Jab yer finger in my ass
What in hell's it do for you?
You've got a hidden kink
Who knew what you'd get into?

Woman, get yer finger out my butt!
I don't think you're very well!
Finger's in it, covered with shit
My bung hole is starting to swell!

Woman, get yer finger out my butt!
What is your obsession?
You take delight, don't treat me right
Every single sexual session!

Forgotten Bob - What In The Hell, Kash Patel!

Forgotten Bob continues his onslaught of the Trump Administration and the department leaders he appointed. Kash Patel ,the director of the F.B.I. is the current subject. The song is a classic rocker with a sax player that wails some solos. We called Bob's manager, a guy that goes by the name of Bodacious Marlin that everybody calls BM for short, to see if he could find out the name of the sax player to give him credit on the record. He got in contact with Bob and Bob told him that the guy goes by the name of Slobberin' Blowhard, and that he would rather not be named on the recording, as Slobber doesn't want any publicity because of his past... The more we get involved with Forgotten Bob, the more we think we're getting our collective leg pulled! But what the hell, the music is interesting.  Once again, the picture he sent along with the music is a different one, still an artwork by somebody. He always looks different, must be part of his mystique...

What in the hell, Kash Patel
Ever thought much about it?
Only reason you got the job
Put yer lips on his ass and kissed it!

A pledge of total loyalty
Of that you all are behooved
Even tried to start some shit
Even before you were approved

Vowed to bring to justice all
The enemies of Dear Donald
Man, that's a hell of a list,
It include Ronald McDonald?

What in the hell, Kash Patel
Ever thought much about it?
Only reason you got the job
Used yer hand to try and stroke it!

Teamed up with Stephen Miller
Over immigration
Be careful who ya hitch up with
You'll be in a situation

This bunch in charge of the place
Are prone to ICE aggression
Any shade darker than whitey
May be subject to deportation

What in the hell, Kash Patel
You say yer a citizen?
Better blow Trump's bugle harder
Arrest has happened to dozens of 'em!

Yer the head of the FBI
Workin' with the Blondie lady
Need to change the name to FBC
To FEDERAL BATSHIT CRAZY!

You better pray Trump don't drop dead
You'll be fucked for a change yerself
Won't nobody trust your ass now
When the next asshole comes off the shelf

Gummer Beaudine - Ain't A Gonna Let It Pass!

 Gummer Beaudine's latest is a fooler. She starts out singing a heartfelt ballad in a voice that is surprisingly sweet. Just as we were getting into a style of singing we didn't know she had, she hollers out some word accompanied by the drums, and launches into the actual song in her recognizable style. But there seems to be a difference in style. She's still raucous, but even that's tempered somewhat and doesn't go on for an entire song. Part of it is she's accustomed herself better to recording in a studio instead of being recorded in a bar performing live. And there's a distinct variety in hr delivery from when we first heard her. We're not complaining either way! Her artistry is evolving, and she's now got more of an incentive to tone down and shape her songs more than she used to. People that still go to bars and here her assure us she's still the same ol' Gummer, so she has learned to turn the bar style on and off, which is a good thing. Nobody can evolve their talent by sticking to a very narrow lane of creativity! When we talk to her now she appears to be a little more poised, a little more confident. It's nice to know that the diamond in the rough is getting some polish, but only one side of it! The other side remains loud and rough, just like her bar fans like it! 

When ya lived as long as I have
Lots a water over the dam
Took me many a long year
To figger out who I am

But in these later years
See others just be themself
I try to give them respect
And want the same for myself

Been abused ever which way
Never did complain or say
Always took it, no ifs ands or buts
Always took it, no ifs ands or buts

BUT NO MORE! MAN'LL GIT A KICK IN THE NUTS!
WOMAN’LL GIT A SLAP ‘CROSS THE FACE!

Ain't gonna be a chump no more
Ain't gonna take it on the chin
If you cain't treat me with respect
Then we ain't even gonna begin

Wasted enough of my life
Kissin' somebody's ass
They say to forgive and forget
But I ain't a gonna let it pass!

Go head call me a mean ass bitch
I no longer give a shit!
Done with all this passive stuff
Ain't got nothin' left of it.

Wasted enough of my life
Kissin' somebody's ass
They say to forgive and forget
But I ain't a gonna let it pass!

Say that revenge is mighty sweet
But I ain't lookin' for that
Wanna be respected is all
If ya cain't, I'll leave ya flat!

Wasted enough of my life
Kissin' somebody's ass
They say to forgive and forget
But I ain't a gonna let it pass!

Say that revenge is oh so sweet
Ain't lookin' for none of that
Wanna be respected is all
If ya cain't, I'll shore leave ya flat!

Wasted enough of my life
Kissin' somebody's ass
They say to forgive and forget
But I ain't a gonna let it pass!

The Nude Polka Kings - Don Your Duds Polka

 With the ending of summer getting close, the weather is beginning to get a little cooler. Time to get out the fall jackets and flannel shirts - especially if you're a member of the Nude Polka Club! We remember the first time our associate here at Big And Tall Records told us of The Nude Polka Kings, we thought we were getting our collective leg pulled. But after he sent some pictures and a video, it was obvious it's true. Since their first recording last year, we've had many polka songs sent by the group, all of the songs written and performed by the members.  They're a mixed bag of musicians, majority of them middle to older aged, but there's a few younger ones supplementing their size when needed. As can be imagined, not just any musician will perform in the nude, and they're serious about the quality of music they make. The group's been a  lot of fun, they even had an old Polish polka master in the group for a while, Zbig Szafranski, who was in his 80's (at least). He has since left the group (much to their relief, as he was quite the character) and went back to Poland, and they've heard nothing from him since. 

So if you're a nude polka lover, time to get those clothes back on (unless you dance in a well-heated polka hall) and keep on dancing! Yo-dee-o-la-dee-hoo!

 We like to take off all our clothes
In the summertime
When weather's warm and pleasant
And the sun will shine
But it's starting to turn chilly
As it always does
Getting close to having to
Put on all our clothes!

Don your duds you lovely folks
Hide those bodies as you might
As long as you remain outside
Goose pimples not a good sight!

As much as we like to see
Bods in nudity
We aren't that fond of seeing blue skin
It's a crudity
If you want to remain nude
Then please go indoors
Make sure there's plenty of warmth
So joy's not hindered!

Don your duds you lovely folks
Hide those bodies as you might
As long as you remain outside
Goose pimples not a good sight!

We like to take off all our clothes
In the summertime
When weathers warm and pleasant
And the sun will shine
But it's starting to turn chilly
As it always does
Getting close to having to
Put on all our clothes!

Don your duds you lovely folks
Hide those bodies as you might
As long as you remain outside
Goose pimples not a good sight!

Percy McCoy - My Lady So Fine

 

 Percy McCoy is one of our artists we are especially proud of here at Big And Tall Records. He has shown steady growth as a musician and songwriter from his first profane songs to the love ballads he's recorded lately. He's even recorded a political song, which was a real shock to us all. He gave us no indication he followed politics at all up until then. The woman in his life has had a positive influence on him for sure. There is a calmness to his lyrics and music now that wasn't there before. Percy is in his forties, already been married 4 times, all of them ending in bitter divorce. Just what has changed with this woman we're not sure, but it's there. He's said that she's a paralegal, and started working for a law firm near him. He's also said she's well read, and turned him towards some better reads than he used to do. At the same time, he's introduced her into the world of country music, something she knew nothing about before. Part of their lives together includes going out to dance, sometimes to country music, sometimes to rock and roll! We're glad his life has settled down from before, and look forward to his next recordings!

 Singin' 'bout my lady so fine
We're a match made in heaven
So glad she says that she's mine
Dice come up seven eleven

Small and petite, she's really sweet
How did I get so dang blessed?
We're really tight, feels just so right
I think we really passed the test

We like to go out dancin'
We get a lot of wide eyed stares
But it's part of our romancin'
Let 'em gawk, we sure don't care!

The one for me, don't you all see
The one who knows me inside out
I give her guff, she says enough!
Without as much as a loud shout!

I love her there is no doubt
I pick her up in my arms
She puts her arms 'round my neck
And wiles me with her charms!

Things that we do, love through and through
She's opened my eyes to the world
Movies and books, both give them looks
On the couch around me she curls

The love I feel from this little one
I cherish in my heart every day
When I kiss her lips, my heart does the flips
And puts all of my worries away

Amos Carter - The Good Old Days?

Amos Carter's latest is actually a reworking of a Tugboat Jackson song Good Ol' Days. Carter talked to Tugboat, told him the changes he wanted to make, and Tugboat  told him that he had changed so much of the song that it was okay to take credit for it himself. Amos opted to change the title to help differentiate between the two songs, added the question mark to convey the theme of the song. Amos puts a whole different spin on the music as well, as he adds a boogie woogie beat to it, speeds it up considerably as well. The song also uses a larger ensemble than his usual small combo. Some good solo work, and of course Amos lays down a solid bass with his slap bass playing of the bass fiddle.

 I hear a lot of people my age
People in their senior years
Talk about The Good Ol' Days
They wish to turn back the years

The Good Ol' days are now
No matter how bad it seems
To want to go back many years
Is just a convoluted dream

One thing I know for sure
Memory can be a fickle thing
What I thought was so good
Was really not a good thing

It's hard to 'member all of that
Back to when you wasn't so fat
When food and beer tasted better
Before your taste buds gone flat!

The Good Ol' days are now
No matter how bad it seems
To want to go back many years
Is just a convoluted dream

Humans are a sentimental lot
There's bound to be talk of the past
It can be fun to reminisce 'bout years ago
Before so many you know had past

The Good Ol' days are now
No matter how bad it seems
To want to go back many years
Is just a convoluted dream

Forgotten Bob - Blondie Bondi

Forgotten Bob is quite the political animal, as his 2nd song for Big And Tall Records is a song critical of Pam Bondi, Attorney General. We just learned that when he was in retirement he went back to school and got a Bachelor's degree in political science! Now just where on the political map he is we're not sure, but it's obvious he's sure not a Trump administration fan.  

He shows a little of his past punk rocker days in this song as he does some howling and moaning. The song's got the hard driving rhythm that is getting to be a trademark, at least in the 2 songs he's recorded. We've heard he's got an entire catalog of songs about this administration and he's eager to record them. We'll take a look at anything he has, that's for sure! We keep bugging him for a picture of himself, but all he sends us is drawings, more like cartoon caricatures of his appearance. He looks different in each one that he's sent! So we remain uncertain how he really looks, but the associate who's seen him says the caricatures do him justice. He never looks the same twice in person either!

 Blondie Bondie is her name
Donald's ego is her game
All he has to say is what to do
She'll make it right afore she's through

She was picked for loyalty
Don't nothin' else matter
To Donny gotta bend the knee
Stroke him, praise him, always flatter

It's retribution time says Trump
So Blondie Bondie takes the stump
Takes directions from the master
Starts the ball rolling faster and faster

She was picked for fealty
Don't nothin' else matter
Drum up cases you'll see
Even if it's fecal matter

Clinton, Bill and Hillary
Are headed for the pillory
Biden and Obama too
On bogus charges she'll construe

And what 'bout them Epstein files?
Gotta hide 'em, use her wiles
So she redacts the files with a pass
And parks them under her ass!

She treats Trump like royalty
Don't nothin' else matter
Gonna hide all his cruelty
And the truth will scatter

I wonder if she goes on the make
As a 13 year old for Donald's sake
And tweaks his dead male libido
As he drifts off into limbo

What will it be next, you all ask
How will Trump take her ass to task
Long list of people was nasty
Shooting for number one patsy

Treats Trump with unreality
Don't nothin' else matter
And keeps up her mentality
While Trump's lies keep growin' fatter!

Boxcar Bertha - Spent Most My Life On The Rails

 Boxcar Bertha's latest is an easy listening ballad, and while she usually records just herself and her guitar, this recording has a gentle accompaniment as well as another voice joining her in the chorus sections. This other voice is an old acquaintance of Bertha's that is visiting her, a fellow rail traveler that's still on the rails. Here's some comments from Bertha herself:

Got an old friend visiting, and she volunteered to join me in the recording of my new song. We used to sing a lot when we'd meet up on the road once in a while, and we always blended together well. She's a natural musician, got a sweet voice, doesn't play any instruments besides her voice. She's getting long in the tooth herself and I'm trying to convince her to hang up the bindle and retire before she gets hurt or worse. Rail riding isn't for old timers, way too dangerous. Gotta still be agile enough to do some jumpin' and movin'. Be good if she retired to this apartment complex I'm in. Be good to have one of the old crowd around. But she's really dyed in the wool about it. Don't think she'll do it. 

Now as for sitting on top of a covered gondola, that's a risky behavior. Gotta do it right. I only rode the freights going through mountains and such, anywhere the train doesn't go like crazy, like the mountains and any sections of track that have speed limits because the tracks are crummy.  You don't want to plop your ass down on top of a car that's gonna get up to 60 mph or faster. Way too dangerous. And it's best to do it on a cooler day, can get plenty hot on top of metal cars. And I always found a piece of wood like an old board to put between my ass and the car. But I'm telling you, get on top of a long string of cars on a nice day with the wind in your face, nothing like it! 

Bertha's singing partner preferred if her name wasn't mentioned, and we have honored that request. Rail riders are notorious about maintaining their anonymity. What they do is illegal, and they can get hit with some heavy penalties and jail time if caught.

My younger days I used to like
Get on top a covered gondola
Hitch my leg through a ladder step
Wasn't much that I were fonder

On a beautiful day with sun
The train always made a breeze
My mind would drift and play its games
I could ride as much as I pleased

Spent most my time on the rails
All by myself and alone
But it was good, was free and all
All my anxieties had flown

It's funny, being a rail rider
Made me feel secure, no worry
Knew what I needed to get by
Never to be in a hurry

I've talked to people that have said
Why in the world do you do it?
Tried to explain, seldom got through
Just said not all made to do it

Spent most my time on the rails
All by myself and alone
But it was good, was free and all
All my anxieties had flown

Few times I'd get me a job
To build up my funds when near broke
But after a while, my skin would crawl
Felt like I was going to choke

So I'd get my gear all ready
Tell my boss I'm on my way
Always left on the best of terms
Never know, might be back someday

Spent most my time on the rails
All by myself and alone
But it was good, was free and all
All my anxieties had flown

Never thought I'd see the day
I'd end up livin' this way
In a small place in a small town
But it's here I'm gonna stay

Too old to ride the rails no more
One of the few that lived this long
Many got sick, or otherwise died
I'm lucky, I was healthy and strong

I've got enough to get by
All I ever really wanted
Freedom's not what it used to be
That doesn't make me feel daunted

Spent most my life on the rails
All by myself and got along
But I'm here now, still by myself
My mem'ries help sing my last song...
 

Un Grupo de Mexicali - El Grito de Dolores (The Cry Of Dolores)

Father Miguel Hidalgo

 On September 16th, the priest at the church in the town of Dolores, New Spain, Father Miguel Hidalgo rang the church bell and called the townspeople together. He gave a speech the denounced the Spanish regime that had control of the country and urged his parishioners to revolt. This is considered the historical beginning of the Mexican War of Independence. Father Hidalgo himself walked through the country gathering people to join his revolutionary army, and there was 90,000 people who followed him. Despite little training and poorly armed, initially they had some success, but when they met  professional soldiers on their way to Mexico City, they were defeated. Father Hidalgo himself was betrayed, captured by government soldiers and executed by firing squad.  All of these events and many more atrocities committed by the Spanish army only bolstered the Mexicans tenacity, and after 10 years of bitter fighting, intrigue, and executions,  the colonial government was overthrown.

September 16th is the equivalent of the U.S. July 4th, and is celebrated by the President of Mexico leading off the festivities by ringing the same bell that Father Hidalgo did in 1810, followed by El Grito de Dolores speeches. As there is no evidence of what Father Hidalgo actually said, there are many variations of it. The day is spotlighted with parades, fiestas, all kinds of food and mariachi music. No doubt Un Grupo de Mexicali is in for a busy day, and they sing this song in advance to alert people and get them ready for the celebrations!

 El Grito de Dolores
La campana rompió el silencio gris
Dolores gritó
Un fuego sin fin
Con espadas al sol
Sueños en la raíz

¡Viva México
Tierra y corazón!
De la sangre nació revolución
Un grito
Un pueblo
Una canción

Caballos corren
Polvo en el aire
La lucha arde
No hay quien se calle
Por justicia y fe
Nadie se aparte

¡Viva México
Tierra y corazón!
De la sangre nació revolución
Un grito
Un pueblo
Una canción

¡El 16 de septiembre todos los mexicanos deberían tener una gran fiesta para celebrar! ¡Viva México

The Cry of Dolores
The bell broke the gray night
So cried Dolores
For an endless fight
With swords in the sun
Dreams of everyone

Long live México
Land and heart!
From blood the revolution start
A cry
A people
A song
Horses run
Dust in the air
Struggle has begun
All people are there
For justice and belief
All will fight for relief!

Long live México
Land and heart!
From blood the revolution start
A cry
A people
A song

On September 16, all Mexicanos should have a big fiesta to celebrate! ¡Viva México
¡Viva
 

The Widow Makers - The Storm

 The Widow Makers with their latest song The Storm shows a folksong-like quality. There is a prominent part for the violin, something not usually associated with rock bands, but we know some of the members have a history of playing together in a classical string quartet.  They've used the violin before, as well as the cello in their songs. Another group of our artists that shows their versatility, and perhaps maybe sometime they could include a string quartet in a rock song.

 When the storm clouds start to gather
What you do is totally naught
You'll find it don't really matter

With terror you will be fraught

The wind, the rain, the lightning
Are completely disconcerting
And the people that choose to stay
The wind will take and blow away

Lay on your back in the meadow
The rain fills your mouth and your eyes
The river rises and starts to flow
Despite your gurgling cries!

The wind, the rain, the lightning
Are completely disconcerting
But the people that choose to stay
The wind will take and blow away

True to form, the powerful say
The dead they deserved to die
It's merely the price that they pay
For not being special like I

The storm does not affect the worthy
It ends for us like a bad movie
No matter what the worthies say
They're still gonna die anyway!

The wind, the rain, the lightning
Are completely disconcerting
But the people that choose to stay
The wind will take and blow away

The storm does not affect the worthy
It ends for us like a bad movie
No matter what the worthies say
They're still gonna die anyway!

The wind, the rain, the lightning
Are completely disconcerting
But the people that choose to stay
The wind will take and blow away

Travis V. McGonigle - The Barber Of Paducah - Act I, Scene 2

After a lot of hemming, hawing, wrangling, and coaxing, Act I Scene 2 of McGonigle's opera The Barber Of Paducah has been recorded! The composer's health has become more  robust, and he's determined to see the project to it's conclusion. What has been recorded are the composer's wishes, as it should be. he's been adamant about what he wants. He does listen to the new conductor that has come onto the project, especially about advice towards orchestration. He's one of the few who are involved with the project to have the composer's ear and it has been to the betterment of the progress so far. They've begun work on Scene 3, which will complete the 1st act, a real milestone! The libretto for Scene 2 is available here.

Scene 2 is set in Louisa's flower shop on the other side of town. As she starts her workday on a bright spring morning, she sings to help pass the time. We hear the first of another barber across town, Vic,  that has feelings for her, but her interest is beginning to be taken up with Luigi, whose shop is just a ways up the street from her shop.

Louisa's aria

She hears a commotion outside of the shop and notices a group of older ladies having a heated discussion. 

Gossiping women outside the shop- Interlude

  Among them is her Aunt Cora, who enters the shop and tells Louisa about the scuttlebutt concerning Luigi's barbershop. Aunt Cora has noticed Louisa and Luigi getting close, and wants to warn her of him.

Aunt Cora's aria 

Louisa's aunt tells Louisa what she's heard about Luigi, and she expresses her distrust of the Italian barber, and tells her she ought to give Vic a try, as he's a nice guy and not a 'foreigner'. Finally, Aunt Cora asks her if she has to be hit with a brick in the head to get the message!  An example of McGonigle's plain language use, along with ethnic slur of 'dago', that portrays the common language of the time

Louisa's answer to Aunt Cora - 

Louisa shows patience and understanding towards her aunt, whose husband has left her. The aria shows the affection Louisa has for her aunt, who has been like a mother to her.