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The New Era - Fleeting Now (A Fantasy Suite) 

A reflective, dream‑like journey through memory, connection, and the moments that slip away before we can hold onto them. This second movement of the Fleeting Now Fantasy Suite blends atmospheric production with intimate storytelling, expressed with an alternating (call and response) dialog of raw male and female vocals singing a duet of ephemeral connection…

This Music Video is based on the second movement of the Post Title here, which in total, consists of several tracks. The whole musical project is strongly influenced by a movie, a close high school friend of mine, Steve (who was an original group member of The New Era band) and myself, had seen many years ago at the local Lindy Movie Theatre (back in Lindenhurst, Long Island) when we were kids called: ‘All That Jazz’. Both of us (basically being rock musicians as our initial foundation of influence, mind you) were totally caught by surprise and blown away by the brilliantly created Choreography, as incorporated into the music, and all. I can still remember b

oth of us (also being way ahead of our time) discussing how great it would be to create something like that ourselves someday. However, actually pulling off something like that with the typical, proverbial rock band lineup would be pretty difficult of course, but it became something of a dream musical idea. (And when I went to Music School at Five Towns College, which was basically a school of the performing arts to begin with, I had gotten something of a glimpse of that, which sort of ran the gamut of theatrical-like courses and activities, with allot of talented people and all taking advantage of that opportunity, which also became like a preview of what actually, and potentially could be possible, with the right things eventually coming together in some way). And I had always sort of like kept that idea in the back of my mind, hence the creation of this musical project here…

You can listen to the complete Musical Project Suite here…

Spotify - Fleeting Now (A Fantasy Suite)

Amazon Music - Fleeting Now (A Fantasy Suite)

Apple Music - Fleeting Now (A Fantasy Suite)

Wikipedia - All That Jazz (film)

Inside the Lindy Theatre (a picture most likely taken many years ago) where there would also occasionally be performances by people attending Lindenhurst High School, like Pat Benatar (if I remember correctly) and some of my High School friends, including my friend Dave R. and me…

Lindenhurst, Long Island was such a happening place (and a really quaint and beautiful village) when we were kids. (And in our early and mid-twenty's for that matter). There is a part in this video where these guys actually take a stroll down Shore Road. What a mind blower of a flashback, wow! (For me, anyway). I used to often walk down that exact road by the canal there to my friend Steve's house. (The musician friend that I mentioned above). I use to take many walks down that street to his house, where his mother would often drive us (and sometimes, with some other members of his family) to watch the latest John Wayne movie, for instance, to the movie theatre in Babylon, and at the Lindy Movie Theatre I mentioned. The Shore Road docks these guys visit here was also a huge memory. I can still remember my friend Larry G. (who lived right down the block from my house) and me sometimes fishing at the docks there when we were kids.

The New Era - Yesterday In My Kitchen 

 

This song grew from the kind of memory that stays with you - the quiet moments after loss, the empty chair at the kitchen table, and the way families carry those echoes forward. It leans into a warm, nostalgic musical style inspired by the sounds that shaped those early memories, blending soft, expressive balladry with a timeless emotional tone. At its heart, it’s story‑telling music - a reflection on love, grief, and the small spaces where we still feel the people we’ve lost. If you’ve ever held onto a moment like that, I hope this song finds you... Amazon Music

This song has many different influences and emotional feelings that I tried to incorporate into the creation of it, starting with a time in my own life, although somewhat concerned about coming across as morbid, or like, being construed as living in the past, or something like that. (But hey, that's part of what happens when you get older, for most people anyway. You start reminiscing allot more in relation to certain things). But I think its worth noting in some way never-the-less, as it is a big part of the inspiration to the feeling of the track to some extent, lyrically and musically. So, much of it is really like a collage, pasting pieces together to form a mosaic, if you will; starting with a much younger time in my life, back in New Jersey, when my father had passed, and my Mother, sister, and me, sitting at the kitchen table, with the chair by the window, where my father had sat, no longer there. It was a very difficult time, of course, as it would be for any family, and had always wanted to capture those deep emotions and feelings, like an artist painting on a canvas. Fast forward to a person and his family I had to come to be very close friends with when we had moved to Long Island, who had a similar and unusual loss in his own family many years later. In fact, in addition to his own father's rather unusual passing, his father's brother, who lived next door, all of a sudden also passed away only about several weeks later! Needless to say, it was a VERY sad time for all involved. And I'm sure, even somewhat traumatic for both families, as I myself could relate. (And therefore, could feel that much more deep empathy for their loss). This is my way of documenting those events through music and the color of sound and lyric, extending it even beyond our own personal loss, in story form. As far as the mosaic thing, yea, it is a mosaic in more ways then one, as I was experimenting with so many different things during the recording, like cutting, copying, and pasting the sh*t out of the files and putting them back together again to match the BPM of the track and the like, and then using so many plugins (it wasn't funny) to attempt to keep the fidelity of the recording from suffering too much in the process…

But anyway, getting back to the influence and inspiration for the song itself, there were some unusual synchronicities? (for lack of a better word) such as the pretty popular TV show that all of sudden appeared back then called: “The Ghost and Mrs. Muir." Also, the movie “Carousel”, that my mother was very fond of. Of all names for a movie, wow! As that was really not the influence to create the idea for Carousel Records. Total coincidence. Or is it? I don't know man, but it is kind of extraordinary(?) now that I think about it. But anyway, these were all some of the influences and inspirations I tried to incorporate into the song in some way, as well as attempting to incorporate some of the Pop music that was happening around that time, especially in relation to the songs we would hear, when my mother ( a music lover herself, as my father) would turn on the radio, while my sister and me got ready for school in the morning. So many classic songs were released around that time, one pop hit in particular (among many) that had a profound influence on this song was a beautiful recording by The Stylistics that I thought was a really emotionally charged and subtly powerful tune called: (Last Night) I Didn't Get To Sleep At All. Well anyway, the song ‘Yesterday In My Kitchen’ is like a snap shot in time, or a snapshot of more then just several periods in my life that I will never forget, and almost pure nostalgia put to music. And it was another song, that sorta like wrote itself, and something of a gift from the Universe, when you consider its potential, at least…

I wanted to pull on the heart strings of God himself, to have mercy on this poor and dying planet, and to grant justice to the righteous, the broken hearted, and the oppressed. Such was part of the goal of this song. I acknowledge, it was a lofty goal for sure…

 

I can still remember singing this song to myself, while revisiting our old home town of Fairlawn, New Jersey, while walking down the same block me and my sister used to walk to catch the Bus that would drive us to school. Another great song, released during that period in American music history that became like a Pop Ballad Standard, and also an inspiration for the song…  

The New Era - Main Character In Their Head 

“Main Character In Their Head” dives into the strange, electric world of being seen online - a world where connection, creativity, and chaos all coexist. On the surface, it’s a playful, internet‑inspired pop track built on memes, scrolling, simping, and the way social media turns everyday moments into tiny spotlights. It celebrates the bright side of digital life: the humor, the discovery, the unexpected ways people learn, grow, and connect through a screen. But the song also acknowledges the other side of that experience - the part that reflects a darker shift in today’s American culture, where online attention can twist into something unsettling. The track touches on the idea of “simping,” where someone pours energy into a person who may not even know they exist. Sometimes it’s harmless… and sometimes it reveals how easily people can project their own internal narratives onto someone they’ve decided to focus on. The song hints at that moment when admiration crosses a line - when someone turns you into the “main character” of a dark narrative in their own head, a story you never agreed to be part of. It reflects how digital spaces, for all their benefits, can also magnify the stranger, more unpredictable sides of human behavior... 
The same platforms that help people learn, create, and connect can also become places where boundaries blur and intentions become distorted. At its core, this track is about navigating both sides of the digital wave - the excitement and the unease, the opportunity and the risk - and recognizing how modern online culture can shape the way people see each other, for better or for worse.  Amazon Music

The New Era - A Family Christmas 

This song is my reflection on what the holidays have always meant to me — family gathered across two floors, the smell of cinnamon and pine, laughter spilling from the kitchen, and the quiet magic of snow outside the window. A Family Christmas is about those moments that stitch us together year after year, even as time moves on.
I wanted the verses to capture the little details — grandma stirring gravy, cousins trading stories, mittens and scarves tied tight for a midnight walk. The bridge slows down to honor the memories of loved ones who are no longer with us, while the final chorus builds into a triumphant celebration of everyone who makes the season whole. I hope this song brings you back to your own holiday traditions, the warmth of home, and the joy of being together…

This song is sorta' like an extension of the previous Christmas/Holiday song I just recently released: I Think To Christmas. (See previous blog post). They were somewhat written and recorded side by side. Being that I had always wanted to pay tribute particularly to certain members of my family who have passed away over the years, is to whom I had intended to dedicate this song. People who I will never forget and who were also such a huge influence on my life, including my Grandmother Josephine. (Whom I mentioned in the last post in this blog). I get so emotional when I listen back to this song. Brings back a ton of memories, especially from that time in my life, on which the song is fundamentally based…  Amazon Music

This tune did turn out to be something of a Country-Pop Crossover type song. Ever since I lived in Western Maryland (Which was like a glorified Appalachia, and where there were a few seemingly very popular Country radio stations) I had developed a love for allot of the more Contemporary type Country music, much of it being like Country Crossover itself, such in the case of artists like Carrie Underwood for example. It became something of the template I used (if you will) with this track, as was the case with the ‘It Is You’ track. Some song structures just seem to lend themselves well to a particular kind of genre, it seems. And this seemed to be one of them. It was just the way it seemed to come together with the plugins and musical tools I was using. It just fit the vibe, I thought…

I developed the lyrics, particularly towards the end of the song as something that sorta reminded me of one of the final scenes in the Titanic movie: “One small world - upstairs, downstairs, and there, everyone.” You know (and not to get morbid AT ALL here) where the lead character passes away, and is like re-united on the other side with some of the people she knew on the ship greeting her there. As this particular part was somewhat influenced by a very surreal dream (ironically) of my Grandmother Josephine (that I had mentioned) when I had first moved to Maryland, through the company I was employed with at the time, who had closed their operations on Long Island. In the dream, I was back in that two family house in Lindenhurst (that is like the background of the song) walking down the stairs (as I mentioned in the previous post, my mother, sister, and me used to live upstairs, and my grandparents on my mother's side lived downstairs) and there was my grandmother, greeting me at the bottom of the stairs! (As if we had never left!) And (in the dream) she proceeded to speak with me in a seemingly encouraging manner, as she seemed to sense that I was very worried about the move to a completely different state (and area) that I was totally unfamiliar with in the first place. I will never forget this dream, because, like my grandmother herself, it had left such a deep impression on me to this day, and gave me like goosebumps when I had waken up, almost immediately from the dream. It was so real, that I was totally blown away by it, to say the least. And which became one of the main reasons why I wanted to finish this song, especially now during the holidays. It's like a keepsake, and like a memorial in a way. (For lack of a better word right now). Like leaving a legacy, if you will, as is the case with most of the other songs I have written and published. (But this one is like, really special to me). Like a footprint ("I was here") I guess. Like leaving your mark in this world, in some way. Something to remember you by, if you will. My contribution, for whatever talent God had given me. I assume it was to share that talent to begin with (carefully) for whatever its worth…

Our family had so much potential. My Uncle Nicky for example (whose name I use in the song) was a man who had worked his way up from something of a stock boy, to the manager of a pretty big retail clothing chain back then called: Ripley's. (Which in turn, provided him with the resources to eventually have this awesome house built, with this awesome built-in swimming pool, back on Long Island). My Uncle Pat was discovered by some kind of Talent Scout from Grumman Aerospace, who wanted him to play for their baseball team, because he was such a great ball player who had won so many awards, from what I understand. Thus started his career there. (God rest his soul). My grandmother Josephine had given up her very own business in Harlem, that she had for many years, to help out my mother after my father had passed, as just a few examples. So many awesome people, and so many memories, with many of those memories somewhat around that Mother/Daughter house back on Long Island, that I will also never forget. I dedicate this song to all of them, and especially my awesome grandmother Josephine. She was a living saint. Miss them all very much. Especially around this time of year. They made me so proud to be related to them, and that we were all part of the same family. (On both sides). And of course, that is not to say, that we didn't have our share of problems, and challenges. As there were those periods that were particularly difficult. (Like the family had some kind of a secret, invisible enemy or something). So, this song has that much more of a special meaning to me, for all these reasons, and more…

The New Era - I Think To Christmas 

Heartfelt mid‑tempo Christmas ballad, blending male and female vocals in a cinematic arrangement of strings, bells, and timeless festive textures. The track captures the nostalgia of family traditions, the sparkle of winter nights, and the joy of togetherness.

🎶 Stream & Download:
Available now on all major platforms (Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, etc.)
If this song brings you holiday cheer, don’t forget to like, comment, and share the video with friends and family. 

🎁 Story Behind the Song
The inspiration for “I Think to Christmas” came from reflecting on the traditions and memories that define the holiday season. It was written to capture the feeling of looking back on cherished family moments while embracing the joy of the present. The duet format symbolizes connection - two voices weaving together like loved ones gathering around the tree. Every element, from the bells and flutes to the timpani roll, was chosen to evoke both nostalgia and cinematic grandeur. At its core, the song is about honoring the past, celebrating togetherness, and carrying the spirit of Christmas forward into new memories.

As far as the part in the description of ‘The Story Behind the Song’ of “looking back on cherished family moments”, I tried to capture that part in the Music Video of that time so long ago (when we were kids) back in Lindenhurst, Long Island, when my mother, sister, and me, lived in what was then, from what I understand, specifically built in the style of a ‘Mother/Daughter House’, with the three of us living upstairs, and my grandparents (on my mother's side) living downstairs. Around the holiday season, my grandmother would work so hard and long to cook an elaborate Christmas dinner with all the trimmings, and invite allot of people in our family to come over, usually around Christmas Eve, and/or Christmas day. My grandparents were such awesome, fantastic, warm people, and were the reason for the house in Lindenhurst being specifically built for us to begin with, when my mother was having a somewhat difficult time around 4 years after the passing of my father back when we living in New Jersey. God bless their memory forever. I will always miss them, especially around this time of year. The memories run so deep, and of course, I will never forget them…

The New Era - Someday (Reprise) 

This is basically a remix of the Someday track, primarily intended to clean up the vocals a bit. (It has been something of an experimental track to begin with). Also added a somewhat ethereal sounding Outro towards the end of the track to further lend some interest, and to provide some ear candy...
Originally written some time ago when performing with The New Era band back in Long Island, N.Y. It personally, brings back allot of memories...
An emotional Pop/Rock ballad with a cinematic lift, Someday blends ambient, dream pop textures and introspective storytelling to explore themes of hope, transformation, and longing. 
It was created to be something of an anthem, that is a reflection on the quiet resilience we carry through uncertain times - and the dream of a better tomorrow...  Amazon Music

The New Era - Benevolent Light 

A cinematic electro-pop upbeat song with driving EDM energy and a haunting, ethereal vibe. It contains soft female and male vocals floating over pulsing bass, orchestral synths, and reverb-soaked melodies. The lyrics explore destiny, longing, and the mystery of  life and the guidance of a benevolent light...

Created as another type of fantasy-like song, along the lines of something you would hear in a Disney movie, or in a children's related Anime flick for instance…  Amazon Music

The New Era - Pumpkin Glow & Autumn Snow 

 

This is a folky, spooky pop, Celtic-like Seasonal Ballad, for the Autumn and Halloween season…

This track was originally inspired by a beautifully enchanting song from the soundtrack of a somewhat cute Halloween holiday family flick called: Hocus Pocus. From what I understand, the name of the song is ‘Come Little Children." I can still remember thinking to myself when I first heard it, “wow, that is like the perfect kind of song for Halloween. What a great melody, and such awesome chord changes.” In fact, it is like in the perfect key for that type of vibe and mood. A minor. Which in music, is also known as the Aeolian or ’Old English' mode. Ya know, it has that distinct sound and tendency to lend itself to moonlit nights, renaissance fairs, the crisp chill in the air, and the color of the autumn leaves, etc. What I also really dug about the chord changes of this song, was that before it would go to the next verse, it would temporarily go outside the key for a moment and end on an E major instead of an E minor, the V chord of the key of A major (not A minor). The V chord is the chord that usually resolves to the I chord in the major key. I thought this was such a brilliant chord change. So, such is the case with this song. It is in the key of A minor, with very similar chord changes. Its just revamped somewhat differently. But I think it lends itself to pretty much the exact same mood and feeling. 

I have always loved the Autumn season from when I was a kid. In fact, one of my earliest childhood memories was when I went to Catholic school and all, around this time of year, when the class was given a project by our teacher to draw pictures of Halloween, and I remember just loving it, because I just loved the feel of the Autumn season and all to begin with. (In fact, the drawing I made for the cover art for the song is reminiscent and actually quite similar to one of those drawings when I was a kid back in Catholic school, and brings back a whole lot of memories in itself from that time in my life). And of course, Halloween sort of (unofficially?) kicks off the entire Holiday season alone, that eventually ends with Christmas and New Years. The music project itself, is actually in two movements. The 2nd movement (The Autumn Snow) is an instrumental, and actually in the key of D minor. I had written and recorded a rather short and simple instrumental track from when I lived in Maryland (that I believe is still on YouTube) called ‘The Autumn Snow.' And had always wanted to revisit that, and to rewrite and complete it. That was kind of the inspiration for this part of the track here. I called it ‘The Autumn Snow’ because at the time (although not being terribly religious and all) I had inadvertently discovered a rather peaceful (and beautiful) place not too far from where I lived known as ‘The Seton Shrine’. It not only sorta' took me back to my Catholic school days, but around the time of my first visit there in the fall season, we had a rare Autumn snowfall in the early morning on that day, and you could still see the rather lite (leftover) dusting that remained on the grounds there, and I particularly noticed it when walking through the Cemetery, by the Basilica itself, where several of the children of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton seemed to be buried. (St. Elizabeth is considered to be the first canonized American saint). She had a pretty hard life from what I understand. I was so moved (and saddened) when I actually saw the last names of the girl's that were buried there, and when I had like, immediately realized (from the stories I heard about her) that they were actually her very own daughters! But never-the-less, I have to say, you could actually feel something of a peace that pervaded the place, including the Cemetery area itself. So, the 2nd part of the track was somewhat inspired by that scene, standing among the lite snow covered Autumn leaves on the grounds there. This part of Maryland (the West Central part) had allot of very old cemetery's to begin with. You could see some of the dates on the tombstones actually going back to the 1800's, if I remember correctly. (Ironically, the location of The Blair Witch Movie was only about a 20 minute drive in the other direction from my house). But anyway, yea, the Autumn season has always had some significant memories for me. In fact, I just remembered, O.M.G. (and not get too morbid here) that today is actually the day of my father Richard's passing! (The date of this blog post here). Wow, it was like something just reminded me of that. Well anyway, this track is sort of a tribute to the Fall season, and many of the memories that go with it. And once again, Rest in peace Dad. I will, of course, absolutely never forget you as well. There will never be anyone like you, to say the least. (He was a REALLY good man). And, along with his mother (my grandmother) they were most probably (and in that other world as well, I would think) saints themselves, in their own way. Most definitely. Here's to genuinely good people, and to a time of season when the veil between our worlds supposedly becomes somewhat more transparent, as told (and recollected) in (Gaelic/Celtic) folklore tradition…   Amazon Music

Oh, by the way, there are several awesome renditions of the song I referenced above (one I include below) initially along with the song that I mentioned that had musically inspired the first part of my own track here, which has since been taken down by YouTube because of a seeming restriction by Disney, but which you could sorta' hear that Celtic-like (Old English) Renaissance feel (that I love so much, especially around this time of year) and in the following music video rendition as well…

 

The New Era - Autumn Roadways (Wanderers Road) 

This is an atmospheric Celtic-like Dream/Pop ballad, evoking misty mountain roads in Autumn. Lyrics are introspective, with a quiet pull of destiny...
The Autumn season (like the Spring season) has always tended to bring to mind (and lend itself to) Celtic influenced music and folk songs. (As there are many Celtic related festivities and events that traditionally also happen around this time of year as well). "In ancient times, the Irish harvest was celebrated through festivals that combined Celtic fall traditions with later Christian observances like Michaelmas. These gatherings were filled with feasts, storytelling, rituals, and symbolic practices that blended the mystical with the practical." 
There are many musical influences that come through in this track, from Loreena McKennitt, Clannad, Enya, and Celtic Woman, to the group Renaissance and King Crimson...  Amazon Music

The New Era - Someday 

Here is still yet another song that I had originally written (and performed) back on Long Island for The New Era band, all those years ago...
I was inspired to rework some of the lyrics (and music) somewhat based on a performance of a song from the seemingly recent re-release on Amazon Prime of one of my favorite flicks of all time called: The Idolmaker. The song in question, is a surprisingly brilliant (and powerful) piece of music towards the end of the movie. (i.e. "However Dark The Night"). I was also somewhat influenced by the fantasy movie I had just recently and inadvertently seen on Netflix called: The School for Good and Evil. (As it is a kinda' fantasy type song to begin with). In retrospect, I also redeveloped the track with some Gospel like undertones as well, from that rather brief period in my life, when a few of us were doing our own observation and analysis of what seemed to be the beginning of the Pentecostal Mega Church thing that was also taking place on Long Island in certain circles. 
(And I have to say, some of the music performed at some of these places was pretty good, and somewhat emotional, powerful, and uplifting in its own way).
The final result is like, an emotional anthem/ballad with a cinematic lift. Someday blends soft pop textures and introspective storytelling to explore themes of hope, transformation, and longing. With gentle piano, ambient pads, warm strings, and expressive vocal harmonies, the track builds toward a dynamic chorus that has a feel that is both intimate and expansive. Someday is a reflection on the quiet resilience we carry through uncertain times - and the dream of a better tomorrow...  

                                               Amazon Music

By the way, you can check-out The New Era band playing this song live, around the time that it was first written. The video was posted in the Blog section of this website on April 21st, 2018 entitled: The New Era - Live at February's. We didn't have much time to practice the song when the video was recorded, so it was still VERY raw and quite undeveloped, compared to this recording, for instance…

The New Era - Question In My Mind 

And yet, one more song that I had initially written all those years ago for The New Era band back in Long Island, NY. Here, I took the original demo of the track and reworked it and edited and developed further some of the lyrics into something that I had originally envisioned when I first wrote it...
“Question In My Mind” is a driving soul-searching pop/rock anthem that traces the emotional contours of doubt, longing, and quiet resilience. With introspective verses and a chorus that lifts into cinematic tension, the song explores what it means to search for truth in a world clouded by silence and uncertainty. Anchored by expressive vocals, ambient guitar textures, and a subtle R&B undercurrent, the track moves through lyrical landscapes of haze, war, and light - each stanza revealing a deeper layer of emotional vulnerability. The final chorus modulates upward, signaling a shift in emotional gravity, followed by a dual guitar harmony solo that brings resolution without closure - a sonic embodiment of the question that remains. “Question In My Mind” is both personal and universal, a reflection on the quiet battles we fight to find meaning, connection, and clarity in the noise. In fact, it was re-designed through a pretty dark period, so that definitely comes through in the remix, I would rather reluctantly have to say, because of the somewhat personal nature of it and all. (Including the betrayal I am aware of by someone who considered himself a friend, that I always suspected had a deeply malevolent side to him, and some kind of delusional unfounded resentment towards me. From Long Island. There was allot going on there when I had left. Including what I later found out was the story of the bizarre Gilgo Beach serial murders, so it seems. Made ME wonder. I mention this because, if he saw the "dark period" comment in the notes here, yea). But anyway, by using the potential of the song (that I always felt it had) to express oneself in different and creative ways, which a track like this seems to particularly lend itself to, I finally went back and reworked it. (Its like therapy, in a way).
The recording, channels emotional tension through kinetic rhythm and soaring melodic hooks. With pulsing guitars, layered synths, and a vocal performance that balances vulnerability with urgency, the track captures the restless search for clarity in a world clouded by doubt.
The lyrics unfold like a journey — from existential questioning to flashes of hope and emotional reckoning. Each chorus hits with cathartic force, while the verses simmer with introspective grit.
A dual guitar harmony solo near the end adds a cinematic lift, echoing the song’s central theme: the struggle to break through silence and find meaning in the noise.
Ultimately (and to sum it all up) what mainly inspired me to go back and look at the song (besides the potential I always felt it had, if I can be frank) was a recent (and surprisingly unexpected but welcomed) dream of my father Richard (may God rest his soul). He seemed to be dressed in white and had a glow about him like an alabaster jar. (He was a REALLY good man). Hence, the part in the lyrics: “There's a light when you appear.”          Amazon Music

I know the thing in the parenthesis here seems kind of out of place, but the person I mentioned was someone who like deliberately held these unfounded delusional grudges and all. (I could like feel his malice. It's just the way I am, I can't help it). But I remember, it would like fester inside of him and eat at him. He was a pretty sick boy that I am somewhat concerned about, because he was always strange a/f to begin with, and seems to have gotten worse over the years. And I strongly believe it also means something deeper is going on. Yet, I had always wanted to be wrong about him, because that is how I am by nature (I am not like him, but communicating with certain people on a personal level can be a huge downer when you start to realize, yea, not a good idea). And ya know, you turn your right cheek, you turn your left cheek, you turn your ass cheeks, and then there is just no more cheeks left to turn. And as crazy as he was, I never really considered him like, dangerous, but I think I do now. (It's like a negative obsession type thing, but I know it goes even deeper then that). Just needed to get this off my chest I guess. (But also don't want to give him the satisfaction of absorbing my attention to even strike a response).Unfortunately, Long Island had taken a deep turn for the worst over the years, and I guess became like an example of do not do this, if you do not want to become like this, in more ways then one. (In fact, it is the place where everything had begun, really. I know what I mean). I have a friend there who pays over $15,000 a year just in property taxes! Their out of their freakin' minds, and definitely corrupt. (I mean, come on?) And you had a strong organized crime presence there to begin with, and that crosses state lines (and that seemed to also get worse over time) to the best of my knowledge. Deeply psychotic individuals, who like to influence (as well as intimidate) others (like themselves) in very negative ways. The Gilgo Beach serial murders was like a reflection (and result) of all these things, and some pretty sick minds. (In fact, I strongly believe till this day that it is some kind of dark human trafficking ring that also crosses state lines). Everything is relative. But still deeply fond memories there that I will never forget as well. (It became a trade-off, when I felt it was definitely time to look elsewhere. Although, I also knew what I would be facing with some things still unresolved). As far as the gentleman I mentioned (and keep in mind I haven't mentioned any names here, but the subject matter still all remains in line with the Question In My Mind theme) I will never forget when we were kids and in High School, he pointed to some anti-abortion signs posted on some of the utility polls in town, and said it was his father that posted them, and that he was crazy. (And was the reason why his mother divorced him). Might have even been in a mental institution, if I'm not mistaken. I see the same thing in this guy now. (Its funny how you remember these things when you have to, and make a valid assessment of things). Imagine that? Like he doesn't even realize it? That he is exactly like his father now? (Incredible). In fact, he's a Trumper now. Hmm? You see, these type of people WANT chaos. Its a way to cover up things. And Trump is as mentally disturbed (and evil) as they come. And definitely in some kind of obvious mental decline himself. (I mean, from what I understand, there was dementia in his family on both sides!) And he also has become worse over time. In fact, I'm sure they know how a fascist Frankenstein monster like him actually got elected in the first place. (If you know what I mean?) I mean, he's like a (Jim Jones) cult to begin with. Our country was going in this negative direction for quite some time now. At least since the Bush administration, when our leaders did not hold those guys accountable and all (although much of the world did, and considers Bush and Cheney for instance, to be war criminals, who if they were to step anywhere on their soil they would actually be arrested!) But I'm not even gonna go there. Really feel bad that I have to mention that at all, but for the sincerely good people of the younger generation who may be wondering, “what the hell is going on?” And who are smart enough to at least know not to attack the messenger, well, I guess there it is. (And lets face it, our leaders set the tone). All, way too negative. Just had to get this off my chest here. But I also realize there are some VERY bad individuals in relation to these things. Just something that hit me all of a sudden, like having that Allison DuBois moment, if you will. And I guess it made me kind of angry inside. (It was that bad). I know what I mean. And I really didn't want to go there. I really want to leave it all behind me, because they're just not worth it. And definitely do not want to sink to someone like that's level…              

Oh yea, by the way (for documentation sake, if nothing else) I still cannot get over the fact of how much this guy (I mentioned) reminds me of George Santos, who is also from Long Island. As they look almost EXACTLY like each other! Hmm? (I just had to mention that, because it just blew my mind when I would watch this guy on TV and all, and when all this bizarre sh*t started to come out about him; and as I noticed and picked up on his own really strange behavior. Just couldn't get over it). That a politician like him can even make it to Congress, is really disturbing in itself. In fact, it kinda' reminded me of that flick: Boiler Room, which from what I understand, was not only based on a true story, but also allegedly took place on Long Island as well. Yea, they had allot of that there from what I remember, especially later on, after most of the manufacturing (and Defense Contractors) started to leave the place. (President of Grumman was arrested, etc.) I don't know, just couldn't resist mentioning that, man. “Hey, sell this!” Wow. That's it, I'm done…

Well, maybe one last thing…

Okay, on a much lighter note, and keeping with the theme of the ‘Question In My Mind’ blog post here, this is a picture taken back in the house I rented in Maryland some time ago already. (This was a somewhat random picture, testing out the camera, that I was initially just going to delete but decided to save for a reason). See the pinkish like thing that looks something like a towel seemingly hanging from the door there? Well, the thing is, there was no such thing hanging from the door there. It would be impossible. There was nothing for it to hang on! Could it have been just been some kind of glitch with the camera? Maybe. But it always did fascinate me for more reasons then one. I mean, the first thing that came to my mind, was that it kinda' looks like an angel's wing or somethin'. The second thing that came to my mind was Falkor, the flying Luck Dragon from the brilliant kids flick ‘The Never Ending Story’. Or a cross between the two. I don't know. I have read things that were somewhat similar to this, when someone took a picture and something showed up in the photo that wasn't there before, that they felt was like a sign of protection or hope, or some kind of sign of encouragement that was needed at the time, or something like that. I don't know, really. But just couldn't resist including this here. For me, if nothing else. (If it speaks to someone else in a positive way, even better). Made ME think, anyway. And I tell ya, it did (in its own way) give me some sense of peace and reassurance. (And I'm a sensible person by nature). But, take it for what it is worth. Because, either way, I just did not want to leave on such a negative note; but something deeper…

And it definitely left a ‘question in my mind’…

The New Era - It Is You 

Here is another song that I had originally written some time ago, also back on Long Island, New York. The recording turned into something of a genre crossover between Pop/Dream Pop and Progressive Country/Country Pop, and even somewhat in line between the music of Ed Sheeran, Kacey Musgraves, and Sturgill Simpson, for example. Should also, now be available on all the major music streaming platforms as well... Here it is on: Amazon Music

Also, I have to say, interestingly coincidentally (but really not intended) everything seems to have been finished for release (and with the Music Video and all) around the time of my birthday, when the expectation of new life is brought into the world. (And which is also somewhat symbolic of a parent's hope and dreams for that child). So, in that regard (especially when I really took a good look at the song art and video thumbnail and all) the whole project became somewhat emotional for me as well. Just sayin'…

The New Era - Nothing Lasts Forever 

 

Originally written some time ago back in Long Island, New York. I always thought the song had allot of potential, and finally decided to rework and record it, which resulted in this new release here, and which is now available on most of the online music streaming services and platforms, such as Amazon Music, Spotify, and Apple Music…

For whatever its worth, as I mentioned before, I am not a professional music producer to begin with (at least not right now anyway) so as I was recording the song, I initially had something in mind like a cross between Mike And The Mechanics (i.e. “All I Need Is a Miracle”) and The Electric Light Orchestra (Jeff Lynne) type track. (As it did seem to lend itself to that kind of sound and influence). But as I developed it from there, with the intention of it being a bright, Indie-Pop type song, I added some jingly guitars, upbeat drums, a driving bassline, and then a female vocalist section, and some ear candy, if you will (which I believe added a whole ‘nother dimension to the track) to more bring the original composition up to date, so that it became more like something of a Pop/EDM crossover, somewhere between the music of Ed Sheeran, Madeon, and Dua Lipa (or Ariana Grande) if I could be so bold. And so, here is the result. I do have to say myself, that I kinda’ like the way it came out. And when that happens, it becomes really fun just listening back to the track, after putting in so much work (and time) to develop and record it, and all. It brings you that sense of self-satisfaction and enjoyment, if nothing else. I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed creating it…

Also, and not to get too deep here, but somewhat in line with the theme of the title of the song, another reason why ‘nothing lasts forever’ may very well be in relation to the following: Imagine a friggin' monster like Vladimir Putin living forever, for example? It would DEFINITELY be a problem, no? I mean, I think it would be. (Sad, that I would even have to mention that ‘I myself would think that would be', if you know what I mean?) Because, in fact, I'm ABSOLUTELY SURE it would be. Call me funny that way. (Unless you're really cut from that same kind of cloth and all, which would probably end in mutual destruction anyway, by the very nature of a relationship like that to begin with. Because you most likely couldn't trust either party to begin with. i.e. Donald Trump vs Elon Musk for example. Two deep grifters trying to out grift each other. Its always the way). So, even though God, or The Universe (or whatever you want to call the ultimate intelligent source of all life on this planet) may very well understand that even though death is grievous to man, man is still (generally speaking) a seriously flawed and seemingly fallen (and dangerous) creature, in at least one sense; that leaders such as a reptilian like, slimy lizard looking freak such as a Vladimir Putin is so often given such authority over so many people is EXTREMELY concerning in itself, and a huge problem in this world (where such leaders, who, because of their extreme selfishness, destructive nature, and deep mental illness) and who are against humanity's (and its citizens) own best interests to begin with, are so often given and allowed to have such authority over so many people, is so extremely disturbing in itself. (Like this is some kind of prison planet or somethin'). So my point being, could this very well be why death has entered into this world? (Could it be like a curse?) I don't know. But, I have to say, it kinda' makes sense when you really think about it. To me, anyway. (In fact, according to some ancient sources, including the Bible itself, people at one time use to live to an average lifespan of around 700 to 800 years old! Believe it or not. So, what happened? If true?)

And that's why the wise Eastern sage once said: “You have to be the change you want to see in the world.” Just my two cents here, but it is really the only thing (in my opinion) that makes any sense. (Notwithstanding, the Extraterrestrial thing. In fact, the Prison Planet thing could all be related). Because, there should be no reason whatsoever, as to why this planet cannot be a paradise, for every decent human being who lives here. Because, the reason that it exists to begin with, is like a miracle in itself. So, in that sense, because it is not a paradise, could death be like a punishment for mankind's deep stupidity? (Generally speaking). Something to think about, I guess. In fact, DEFINITELY something to think about, if you ask me. Because the miracle of life has to be related to something that is good, just, and wise, to begin with, by the very nature of life being the opposite of death in the first place. i.e. Life is good. Death is bad. So, in the same sense, anything that promotes life is good, and anything or anyone who promotes, and furthers death (and subsequentially suffering) is bad. And evil. And evil spelled backward is ‘live’. And live spelled backwards is ‘evil’! Hmm? Coincidence? Wow, I don't know. (But maybe not). Another thing. Remove one letter from good, and you got the word God! (Hmm, again). “God of all life, please remember the just, and the innocent therefore, and help those in need, and who are crying out to you in sincerity. For our world is presently in trouble. Look down on us, with mercy and compassion, and deliver (and empower) us from (and against) the wicked. (In this life, and in the next). For it is said, that because you last forever, our spirits last forever. In your karmic justice, that comes from compassion, ultimately (at least) separate us from them"…

And in trying to figure this whole friggin' thing out, is it possible, that souls came from either one place or another to begin with, and hence ultimately go back to whence they came? (Although, that doesn't necessarily leave much room for transformation, and this world as possibly being a place where we are given a choice). The Gnostics, who originated in early Christianity, and the pre-mainstream, institutional Church, and widely accepted by the early Christians, before Christianity was established as a state religion by the Roman Emperor Constantine back in the 4th Century, seem to believe that there is a ‘god of this world’, who is not really the true God, but is a deceiver of humanity, and wants to keep people in darkness, confusion, and suffering; and that this world is really like an illusion, or like a hologram, in modern terms, if you will (although, it is obviously, also really like a giant biosphere) and that the real, true God of light is a being that is above him. They believe the god of this world is like a counterfeit, an imposter, if you will. Which would sorta' also lend itself to the Prison Planet theory thing, but interestingly, also lines up with something in the New Testament, which WAS also written pre-mainstream institutional/denominational Church, about a ‘god of this world’, who is considered to be Satan, or Lucifer. The Gnostics give him a different name, but it all sorta basically comes down to the same thing, or basic premise. And in the spirit of what they believe, that also kinda' lends itself to why there may be so many contradictions in the Bible itself, and why there are so many different religions to begin with. Once again, just my two cents, and some food for thought. Because, when you often take mainstream Christianity literally, like in the book of Revelation for example, it becomes a problem. (Ya know, Evangelical Christianity and the end of the world thing, so that Jesus can come back and all thing?) The Gnostics don't have any of that in their writings, to the best of my knowledge anyway. In other words, any kind of ‘extremism’ is always bad, and turns Christianity for example, from a supporter of life, goodness, and social justice, to a cult of death, and a means of control in the wrong hands. And has always had the tendency to attract crazy (and even criminally insane) grifters, by its very nature…

 

 

The New Era - Open the Door (Part 2) 

This track is basically in 3 movements. Originally written and performed by The New Era as a high energy rock n' roll song some years ago already, back on Long Island, much like the 2nd movement in the track...
This version however, turned out to be somewhat reminiscent of a cross between the bands Kansas, Whitesnake, and Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow… Some of the lyrics here were also modified from the original version, to become something of a somewhat gnostic related enlightenment thing. For instance, the part in the lyrics that says: “Open the door and you will find me there" basically just means, if you are into opening your mind and your heart to the truth (versus deliberate ignorance) and thus attempting to make the world (and particularly our country) a better place to live, I am basically in agreement with you. It's basically a play on words…

Okay, I have to say here, that I am not (currently at least) a professional recording engineer (or professional Producer) and am still learning things as I go along, and often encounter various challenges when mixing and mastering, especially working with a DAW and all (within the last year or so) as previously I was primarily using a Digital Porta Studio Workstation (or Workstations)  for quite some time.
So, as with this particular track, I noticed some high end transients and some slight harshness within that range on some playback devices, that I thought I had nipped in the butt before exporting the project from my DAW. I am still learning, and that often takes trial and error, and experimenting with different things as you learn. Although being a perfectionist and all, it can also be somewhat disappointing, when you feel you have a good song happening, and then cringe at certain points when you listen back to it. So I am trying different things to attempt to make the recordings better, but of course, once you release the track, it is basically too late, for that particular recording at least, at that time. (Although you can always do a remix later, which can be a pain in the ass in itself). But of course, I would much rather get it absolutely perfect the first time around. One of the main challenges with this track is that I was using allot of somewhat sample type sounds from a new plugin that was made available to me that I was experimenting with. And I had something like 20 tracks with like one sample effect on each track, while attempting to glue them all together cohesively. This in itself became very challenging in relation to this project particularly, as I was learning the different type of audio effects (such as different types of EQ's and Compressors and the like) that would work best in attempting to blend this all together seamlessly, if possible. This was very rarely an issue when working with a Porta Studio. However, there are allot of things you can do with a good DAW that you just cannot do with a Porta Studio, for sure. But with it, also comes allot of challenges, while learning a new and somewhat different way of doing things. Just sayin…  Amazon Music

By the way, in testing out the Amazon Music link, I noticed that sometimes you will get an error message when you click on it for the first time. If this happens to you, just click on it again, and wallah, there it is! It's always somethin'…

But anyway, this track is Part 2 because there is also another song with that same title that I recorded first, which is a track on The Walkersville Sessions album, that I recorded back in Maryland around 2009, on my Boss BR-864 Digital Porta Studio…

The New Era - Julie (A Spring Madrigal) 

Initially written and recorded as a Demo in May 2004, back in Maryland. Part of that demo, which I recorded on my Boss BR-864 Porta Studio, is contained in the 2nd part of the track, most of which I also recreated here, this time in my DAW. The church bell sound I used as a transition to the 2nd section of the track, would be like a memorable element for me, because the house that I rented in Maryland (for something like 11 years) was on a street that had a church (I believe it was some kind of Lutheran Church) that used to ring its church bell like just about every morning. In fact, the house itself, from what I understand, was a 100 year old renovated Episcopal Church that still had several stained glass windows, which looked really cool when the light would shine through, especially during the morning sunrise. I have to be honest though, I did think it was a little odd, that there were so many churches in such a relatively small area in and around the town where I lived, with some even being kind of unique and somewhat different then your usual traditional Christian Church. It was a pretty conservative area of Maryland in that kind of way to begin with, so it seemed. For instance, they had just one awesome large Night Club in the area (that reminded me of Hammerheads back on Long Island, in its day) that lasted only about a few years after I moved down there, where some of the girls would dance like, half naked on the tables and all. It was great! Before some of the locals (who had some kind of stick up their ass) started complaining about some of the commotion it would cause, and seemed to force it to close down. Bummer… 

As far as the girl (the young woman) in the song, that is something that is totally personal…    Amazon Music

This started out as a somewhat experimental track, and still remains that way. (Particularly in relation to the recording itself). As I do think there are so many things that you can do with this song though, if I must say so myself... Interestingly, I think the style (and the type of ballad format) is kinda' reminiscent of a somewhat more innocent time in this country. (You know, like when there were drive-In movie theatres, car hops, bell bottoms, pony tails, and the like). Although, this area of Maryland (I have to say) was far from innocent. (Generally speaking). Although at one time, it may have been. And there did seem to still be, some remnants of that. Just sayin'…

The musical influence and recording of the song Julie was also strongly inspired by the Yes track from some time ago called: ‘Clear Days’, which I think is an absolutely beautiful piece of enchanting music, and had always wanted to write something like it…

The New Era - Emerald Dreams (A Celtic Spring) 

Another in the Emerald Dream series. This track is basically inspired by the early spring season, which kicks off with St. Patrick's Day, and continues through the Easter holiday. 
It is in 3 Movements, and is strongly influenced by Celtic/Impressionistic Orchestral harmony in the Cinematic style of The Lord of The Rings musical soundtracks, with the 2nd Movement being inspired by Celtic Folksongs. The 3rd Movement, in a similar fashion as the first movement, is also sorta like high energy rock n' roll transformed into a driving, lively symphonic concerto... 
In addition to most of the other online streaming services, you can also stream and/or purchase the track on Amazon

Note: I obviously just barely missed St. Patrick's Day while still working on the track. Although not perfect, I did put ALLOT of work into it (as one can hear, it is very involved and intricate) and at the same time, I had to kinda' rush it towards the end, to at least be able to initially release it during the early spring season. (Being that is much of the influence and inspiration behind the track to begin with). As It did eventually evolve to be something of a partly lo-fi (Bedroom Pop) Celtic Orchestral soundscape in the end…

Much of the Orchestral movements were also heavily influenced by such brilliant Impressionistic English composers such as Ralph Vaughn Williams, Edward Elgar, and Delius, who were also famous for some of their compositions that were inspired by the Spring season…

The New Era - Or So It Seems (Emerald Shadows) 

Somewhat of an experimental track, inspired by St Patrick's Day, Celtic Music, and Country/Pop, in my attempt to write a crossover Power Pop song with Celtic and Modern Country influences, along the lines of Blackmore's Night, Celtic Woman, and Carrie Underwood. You can also check it out on Amazon Music, Spotify, and Apple Music…

The New Era - Those Old Days (End Of The Season) 

Basically, a track to commemorate the end of the holiday season (and the beginning of winter and the New Year) and all the memories that go with it. I had wanted for some time, to write something that captured the spirit, and incorporated the feeling, style, and artistic elements of some of my most favorite musical influences, and some of my favorite artists and songs, particularly in the vein of the dreaminess, emotion, and retrospective journey type of mood in The Long and Winding Road, by The Beatles, and some musical (and artistic) elements of Genesis, The Moody Blues, and Coldplay. I think, I may have at least come close to conveying something of that effect (and crossover fusing) with this track. If I must say so myself, I particularly like the line: “Miles to go, but my mind stays. Lost in the warmth of those old days.” As with most of the other tracks, you can now stream and download the song on Amazon Music. It is, of course, also available on most of the other streaming services, like Spotify and Apple Music…

The New Era - Never Knew Before 

This track, is another musical work that was also inspired in part, by a Gothic, Supernatural, Thriller called: 'The Crow' - featuring Brandon Lee. (And an absolutely AWESOME freakin' flick!) 
Strangely (and ironically) Lee (son of Bruce Lee) actually lost his life while filming this movie. What a loss. R.I.P. Brandon. I dedicate this in your memory...

The chord changes in the chorus (and the verse for that matter) were actually written many years ago, when I was around 18 years old, for some kind of modal interchange project (from what I remember) while I was attending music school. (Basically, like an exercise, using chordal jazz voicings). I had always liked the chord structure, and for quite some time, wanted to do something with it, but also knowing that It would be something of a challenge to write a song around it, and it was. So, now all these years later, after taking it off the back burner and all, I feel I can now finally put the whole idea to rest, I guess…

Stream or purchase at: Amazon Music

Interestingly, I recently noticed there is sorta' like a remake of The Crow movie on Amazon. And just watched it for the first time. Its really good. Although, allot more graphic then the original…

Whoa, just discovered that there are actually a few versions of this flick, all worth checking-out from what I can see so far…

The New Era - You Were Wrong 

Buy or stream on: Amazon Music

This release is built on the foundation of a live recording from some time ago, back on Long Island, New York. (During a time that was known as the Artie Recording Studio Sessions). I had been wanting to work on it and finish it, for quite some time now. (The drummer alone, is amazing). It was a challenge for sure. In fact, I am still not sure how I managed to transform the recording to a workable downloadable .wav file! But anyway, the foundation track mentioned, is just the three of us. (After some kind of rift with some of the performing members of The New Era band at the time, that I am going to just touch upon here, as part of the influence to the lyrics). Steve M. on bass. Joe O. on drums, and me on guitar and vocals. The lyrics are basically based on several things that had occurred, or were occurring around this time. One, was regarding a girl I was dating while working at a very large company as a contract employee, right before the drastic downturn and shakeup in the Defense manufacturing Industry on Long Island, which was like the mainstay of the local economy for something like 40 years! Also, the other part of the influence to the lyrics was a strange rift and argument that had taken place, as if someone was deliberately (and in a strange manner) trying to break up the band, for some reason. The issue with the girl I mentioned (and I kinda' hate to say this) was like my first somewhat naive encounter with, what I became aware later, was known as: ‘White Trash’! If I can be frank. (I mean, I have to be honest when I say, that she herself was someone who was like, REALLY strange). You see, I wasn't aware at first, that she also had this like, psychopath (in part) boyfriend! So, allot of weird things started happening, mostly after I had left the company. i.e. Things like, all of a sudden, these strange, suspicious, creepy, criminal looking bikers starting to stalk me, and the like! It was a mind blower in itself. (But that's basically all I am going to say about it). You see, I also sort of reluctantly took the advice of a close friend at the time, to not just ditch her altogether. (When I really wanted to tell her to go f**k herself and kick her out of my car, after she had informed me in a rather disturbing way, that she had decided that she was going back with this old boyfriend, which was really her prerogative of course, but it was the way she did it that got me more then a little concerned about her, herself as a person). And she was a pretty attractive girl, in different ways. (And thought maybe, just maybe, there was something more to her). So, once again, rather reluctantly, I chose to test out my friend's advice. (And not totally kick her out of my car). Sorta, like a learning experience, I guess. But she was like, WAY too fu**ed up in the head, and crazy. And too far gone. (As much as I hate to say it, as there is really no other way to say it, I guess, and there are no names being mentioned here). You see, she told me that she was the way she was, because she was hurt by someone in some kind of previous relationship. I mean, I get it. But that's really no excuse for hating (and wanting to deliberately hurt) ALL men, and having such a low self-esteem, that you would want to settle for a big fat, ugly psychopath! I mean, we've ALL been hurt before. That's freakin' selfish (and self-centered) as f**k! A little cautious maybe, I could understand, but being totally wacked out in the head is another matter. As I said, this was like a new experience for me, at the time. I had never met a girl as crazy, messed up in the head (and deliberately stupid and complicated) as she was, before. But anyway, that was like, the beginning of some seriously strange sh*t, I have to say. Especially, when I started to put two and two together. (And I made sure to stay away from her, from that point on). But that is beyond the scope of this post. And never-the-less, as I said, this was like, just part of the influence to the lyrics. The other influence, was the strange confrontation that happened around the same time, with the band (that really didn't seem to make much sense, and was like, also pretty bizarre) as I mentioned. But I had to sorta like, let it go as well, and move on. So, the track is basically about letting go (when you absolutely have to) is my point. And learning about people, especially when you are cut from a different cloth and all. (As I believe, there was also more to the story, that I am not going to get into here). But, I think, some may still actually be able to relate. One way, or the other. For me, re-doing this song, has become something of a reminder, and sorta' reliving that experience. (While documenting with this track, and post, that time in my life). As well as, the beginning of a time, when the area where I was living, was really, never to be the same again. (And also, during a period, when Bob Matherson himself, who was the owner of the infamous Oak Beach Inn nightclub for example, had written his very revealing book).  Although, there WERE also many good times (and memories I will just never forget) as well, over the years. I mean, I did grow up there to begin with. But thought these points were kinda' worth mentioning and documenting (as personal as they are) for myself at least, more then anyone, as the lyrics to the song do seem to sound a little angry. But, there are also many songs out there (and over the years) like that as well. That's just what artists do. But would now like to put these type of somewhat angry songs (especially from my younger days) behind me, if nothing else…

Disclaimer: I thought it was important to note, that when I use the word “ugly” here, I of course mean it in context. And don't intend to mean it in an offensive way, or in a malicious manner. (I am a compassionate person by nature, and would never mean it in a derogatory or insulting manner regarding someone who has some kind of infirmity for example). “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder”, as the saying goes. (Some people may consider me ugly, for example). It is purely hyperbole. Ugly on the inside (that is reflected on the outside) and creepy, is really mostly what I was attempting to convey here. (But I would think that most sensible people would understand this). Sometimes words just fall short. And as far as the girl I mentioned, I wish her the best…

But while I'm on this (and to finally put all this sh*t to rest) this is something that I recently noticed on my Spotify profile, that has really bothered me (which is obviously the motive behind it) and that I have wanted to get off my chest as well, and ironically, may even be sorta like in relation to the basic premise of the track itself, and what I mentioned above, and some of the seriously sick minds and diseased souls who unfortunately share this planet. I mean, just look at the image in this screen shot here: “The World Made Me Do It”!!! W.T.F.? Yea, you see, uhm, wow. I think its pretty obvious what this is saying, and another reason why I want to put this all to rest. I mean, it says, that I am featured on “The World Made Me Do It”!!! And the title of the album(?) is: “Oh No, IT's YO”!!! Damn. Whew. (I mean, imagine what a sick mind you would have to have, just to go to the lengths of creating something like this, so you could just put it on my profile?! Beyond me, man. You have to be seriously chompin' at the bit to begin with). I checked it out, and I don't even appear ANYWHERE on this playlist(?) to begin with. So, may have to contact Spotify about this, and see what's going on, and have it removed. But the implications are obvious. (To me, anyway). And how did it even get there in the first place? Strange. And, of course (among other things) it shows the prevalence behind the insanity and the comradery among most of the really serious Career Criminals, that they have with each other. (Particularly, the ones with the REALLY dark minds). But never-the-less, this is some of the sh*t that I've had to put up with. I'm not even going to go into the whole spiel again, of the area I lived in, etc. etc. I mean, that's kinda what they want. They want to get under your skin. It's obvious. (Some of them even LIVE FOR IT!!! It's incredible). But it says allot, man. No doubt about it. (I learned ALLOT over the years, oh yea). If nothing else, I've become incredibly wiser for sure. (And stronger, I guess). Enough said… 

RadioAirplay.com: Artist Spotlight Billie B 

I dig this track, and absolutely love this chick's voice. Also, in relation to this song, there is an interview with this very interesting Indie artist, who goes by the name of: BILLIE B at the Radio Airplay blog. In fact, I find that her voice and sound, seems to me to be surprisingly and quite strikingly similar to: The Green Children. At least, the sound on this particular track, anyway…