Playlist: Politricks

Just tuned into the DNC, and I'm waiting for Obama's speech.  The guy can give a good one...we'll see how he does tonight.  This whole dog and pony show got me thinking about some of my favorite politically charged  songs. Here are a few of them...chime in if you have a good one...

1. Political Science:  Randy Newman has always been a smartass. 2. Your Flag Decal Won't get you into Heaven Anymore:  John Prine nails it with this one.  So many people hide their fear behind what they call 'patriotism' 3. The Fightin' Side of Me:  Don't talk shit on America around Merle 4. This Land is Your Land:  This song is not as pedestrian as you may think, when you consider the context in which it was written.  Woody was the original Rage Against the Machine. 5. Fortunate Son:  John Fogerty highlights the inequities of our country's social classes.  So pertinent still today. 6. I can't write left-handed:  This is such a poignant song, written from the unique perspective of a wounded soldier. 7. Them Belly Full:  Bob Marley is one of my favorite songwriters for a reason.  Here's one for us 99 percenters.

'Cardboard Baby:' Alone & Acoustic

Here's a live recording of my song 'Cardboard Baby,' from last Sunday, 8/26.

Cardboard Baby is a song I wrote about how our dreams are only real if we believe in and nurture them...and how they disappear the moment we lose faith.  This song takes on such a big sound with band, I thought it might be cool to get it completely stripped down like this.  Look for a massive studio version on my upcoming record.

 

Thanks to John Vanover for his great work directing and shooting this video.

Under the Covers: 'Going up the Country'

Not only was 'Under the Covers' the puntastic name of a horrible cover band I played trombone in when I was 16, it's also the name I've given these posts where I'll share some cover songs that I record!  Please leave suggestions if you think there are any tunes that I should take a stab at... Let's kick it off with a summertime classic, shall we?  (download it for free!) Canned Heat's 'Goin' up the country' brings back great memories for me...mainly because it was featured in one of the Eastern Exposure skate videos my  friends and I watched religously as teenagers.  Something about Fred Gall ripping up the streets of Philly to this song just made sense... that's matty apples on there playing some drums.   So let your freak flag fly, leave this big ol' city behind and head up to the country!  check out this footage of those goofballs playing it on a 60's tv show.  I find the hairy/stoned flute section hilarious.

Dog Days

It is hot as hell outside...fortunately it stays pretty cool down here in my cave, even with no a.c. It usually gets hot in here by the end of the day, at which point I need to get outta here anyway....I'm happy to be in it today thinkin about new music and projects before I head to rehearse with the band. The great Brian Weaver will be joining us on bass this week.. Suddenly my August got very busy, as among other things, I'm finishing my Witzend residency, and playin in Ojai with Lissie next week, recording and writing for my new record, helping Foster Timms put a band together for his long-awaited CD release show opening for T&S co. at the Troubador on the 24th, playing some horn sessions, and trying to find time to spend with koley and go surfing once in a while. I hope everyone is having a great summer. It's going to be gone in the blink of an eye so enjoy the end of it! I always get a little sad this time of year...I can't wait to share the new recording of my tune 'permanent summertime' that's all about that feeling...here's a version from an acoustic rehearsal a few weeks back. great things are on the horizon -g

Videos from 'Las Palmas' release party

A few videos from the crowd have surfaced from the Las Palmas ep Release party at Hotel Cafe on 7/21/12... Here's the closer, 'Boom Boom' and a sing along version of 'Meet me in LA.'  There was a rowdy crowd in attendance and a great band...I was thrilled to have old friends Nate skiles and Mark Smidt join the band, my brother Isaac on his crazy 12-string lap steel, Rosa and Maesa Pullman and Laura Holloway singing and James Salter on the tenor sax.   It was a real family affair, just the way I like it!  Definitely an incredible time and now a joyous memory for me!  Thanks to all of you who came out and made it such a fun night. and thanks to the awesome Geoff Moore for shooting and sending me 'meet me in la!'

'Things I don't Need' Video Premiere

Very excited to share this new video for 'Things I don't need' from the Las Palmas EP!  Get your CD today or, get it on Directed by John Vanover.  Edited by Jessica Chandler, color corrected by Brian Chandler.  Thanks to George Whitman for the Winnie!  

'Las Palmas' EP Out Now!!!

Sometimes where you live is so more than just four walls and a roof...my old place on Las Palmas ave. in Hollywood crept into the soul of the music I wrote and recorded there. It was a social and creative meeting ground where so much good music and company was shared! Check out this video about the making of 'Las Palmas' and Get your copy today! also available on