tag:scottgarred.com,2005:/blogs/recording-in-austin-is-wrapped?p=2
Current music project
2024-03-25T06:36:03-07:00
Scott Garred
false
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/7371983
2024-03-25T06:36:03-07:00
2024-03-25T06:36:04-07:00
Time Capsule Post #6
<p>Yesterday, I opened the closet door in my music studio. Holy crap! More memorabilia; and the worst kind of memorabilia - physical copies of just about every record I've ever made, including original cassette tapes of Super XX Man <i>Vol. I</i> and <i>Vol. II</i>. I'm torn about this stuff. Do I keep it or throw it away? Who needs 20 CDs of Silver Scooter's second album, <i>Orleans Parish</i>? Okay, I agree that “Tribute to the Phone Calls” is a great song, but come on, it's out there streaming if you want it, right?</p><p>This all leads to the question for me: Will CDs be like LPs are now? Does anyone say, “I love opening the jewel case, reading the liner notes, and setting the disc in the tray?” I mean, they sound great for sure!</p><p>I guess I'll just ask you. Does anyone need a physical copy of <i>Vol. V</i>? <i>Vol. IV</i>? <i>Blue Law</i>? Let me know. And, please shoot me an email and tell me what you are doing with all your old CDs.</p><p>Just for fun, here's an early demo of “Tribute to the Phone Calls” for you.</p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/169948/91712694e6e3402b2edf7383c5e87da015de3c69/original/img-0543.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" height="5712" width="4284" />
2:45
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/7364698
2024-03-18T13:00:00-07:00
2024-03-18T13:00:02-07:00
Time Capsule Post #5
<p>I've always loved opening the daily or weekly newspaper and finding a review of one of my albums. LOL, I believe these are the only two ever written for Super XX Man Vol. XIII White Bed. I loved this version of the band, and I love this album. Have a <a class="no-pjax" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/6l6SOv2qQB2Gsoq7pPK596?si=SrLYQL-7Sn6K934tN1Z0yQ" data-link-type="url">listen</a>. It features Adam Mack on drums, Daren Claymon on bass, and eventually Tony Moreno on guitar - although he was not in the band for this album.</p><p>The songs comprised everything we had written and arranged together in Adam's basement rehearsal space. The songs were mostly about my dad's passing in 2008. It must have been 2009 when we got around to recording. We recorded it in Adam's kitchen and dining room when he and his wife, Shelly, were living in S.E. Portland. I did overdubs at my house. The very talented Bryan Daste played saxophone and pedal steel on a few songs. It was mixed by my friend and former bandmate, Tyler Mallory, and mastered by Dave McNair, Silver Scooter engineer, and co-producer. Thomas Metcalf did the artwork.</p><p>Probably the best-known song of the album is “Box Store” (Mitchell calls it “Big Box” in her review). This song would get a lot of stage time over the years, including a beautiful rendition by my friends Courtney Barnett and Jen Cloher - both <a class="no-pjax" href="https://youtu.be/nrTj_Guy-dc?si=9RKdd2LUdtrcG4Ul" data-link-type="url">live</a> and <a class="no-pjax" href="https://open.spotify.com/track/2JtkIEEMGuOCniN0VWxhI7?si=8c7a2e9de37e4d65" data-link-type="url">in-studio</a>.</p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/169948/1827c532c319b3369d9ec4e804a815c1ae2c0095/original/img-0469.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" height="4003" width="3804" /><p><span style="color:rgb(13,13,13);">I remember feeling a bit upset when I noticed the one review stating that this was a Tender Loving Empire release. However, it was not. They had actually passed on releasing the album, so I self-released it on my own dime.</span></p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/169948/ea08a8ef03aab00f404f7583a6165d782690d7cb/original/img-0470.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" height="5146" width="3316" /><p>P.S. ChatGPT made me a grammar sandwich.</p>
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/7357107
2024-03-11T13:00:00-07:00
2024-03-12T07:42:38-07:00
Anatomy of a Song Post #2
<p>As mentioned earlier, I've been working on new songs. A few weeks ago, I shared a snippet titled “Journey Begins.” One of the toughest parts of songwriting often revolves around committing to a structure and finalizing the lyrics. Typically, once the lyrics are completed, the structure falls into place naturally. If the lyrics still need refinement but are close, I can usually determine the final structure. If not, I start over!</p><p>For this particular song, I knew what I wanted to express and fortunately found the words without much difficulty. It was time to record. I should also mention that I prefer to record my songs as soon as they're finished. This approach keeps them feeling fresh and spontaneous.</p><p>I begin by setting a tempo and recording a basic acoustic guitar track. Guitar has always been my primary instrument, and I'm fortunate to have several acoustic guitars that record beautifully. I typically add a 'scratch' or 'guide' vocal to hear the melody and gauge the mood I'm creating, which helps me decide on additional overdubbed parts.</p><p>My go-to instruments include bass, guitar, keyboard, piano, and percussion. Here's what I have so far, excluding the 'scratch' vocal. By the way, I've temporarily named it “Projector.”</p><p>I'd appreciate any feedback you have regarding these Anatomy of a Song posts. Are they interesting to you? Let me know.</p><p>All song snippets for <i><strong>Anatomy of a Song Posts </strong></i>can be found <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.scottgarred.com/song-snippets-from-blog" data-link-type="url">here</a>.</p><p><i>Thanks ChatGPT. You really nailed the grammar on this one! You and I are becoming buddies. Are you free tomorrow night?</i></p>
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/7353143
2024-03-04T13:00:00-08:00
2024-03-04T13:00:01-08:00
Time Capsule Post #4
<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/169948/64b1f9d10da688bb2d0d418a7ffe4cbde86fe978/original/ca8d15ef-9b21-412a-b99b-a74fc8061552.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><p style="text-align:center;"><span class="text-small">Jeff and I at the skatepark in Seattle, March 2022</span></p><p><br><span style="color:rgb(13,13,13);">I found something in the digital laundry bin the other day. It's a song called “Stove” by Eric's Trip, as covered by Jeff Albertson and me. I seem to recall being hard at work making my 50 Cover Songs project happen when I got a call from Jeff for a quick catch-up. We were talking about music, influences (maybe? I can't remember very well, but it seems reasonable), and, anyway, we got to talking about working something up together. It wasn't long after that conversation that I received the bass line, doubled vocal track, and guitar for “Stove." I thought, “Sweet! I can use this in my cover songs project." I got right to work on it. I tracked drums, vocals, ukulele, and piano. I mixed it and sent it back to Jeff. He loved it, and I quickly put it in the simmer pot. When it came time to review it for possible inclusion in my project, I couldn't find it anywhere! I asked Jeff, and he said, “No, haven't seen it.”</span></p><p>Years later, I found something called STOVE in my Google Drive. To be honest, I was too scared to open it, thinking it was just Jeff's original parts with no overdubs. I was pleasantly surprised to hear the full production open up in GarageBand when I downloaded it. I mixed it in GarageBand with the goal of making it really messed up. I sent it to Jeff again, and he said, “Sounds great, thanks for this. I love this version. I'm pumped!”</p><p>I've added it to the 50 Cover Songs album, which you can download over <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.scottgarred.com/scott-garred" data-link-type="url">here</a>.</p><p><i>I almost failed to mention that I used ChatGPT to help with grammar and cohesiveness.</i></p>
2:12
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/7351310
2024-02-26T13:00:00-08:00
2024-02-26T13:00:04-08:00
Time Capsule Post #3
<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/169948/2563173106f776e9462aa3a3473da2e1014e14f1/original/img-0331.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><p>As part of my “Time Capsule” series, I've been dumpster diving in my own garage again, looking for clues to what my past music self once was up to. Today, I found an old poster advertising a show in Austin, TX, at the beloved Hole in the Wall venue—a place that was undoubtedly one of my favorite spots to play and see bands. I'm really glad I have this poster because it documents the one and only show Unabomber ever played. Unabomber, you ask? Why would anyone name a band after this? Simply put, I was obsessed with three to four things in the news cycle of the day: The Unabomber, Ruby Ridge, OJ Simpson, and the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah building in Oklahoma City. I guess it made sense at the time. Please note that naming a music project is a really difficult thing to do. By calling our band Unabomber, we in no way intended to praise or pay tribute to the life of Ted Kaczynski, a murderer.</p><p>Unabomber was a trio made up of myself, Tom Hudson, and a bass player I just can't remember. He was a bit older than Tom and me, from Seattle, and quite a great bassist if I recall. We kicked him out promptly after this show. I'll tell you the story…</p><p>This gig was in October of 1995. Considering Tom and I moved to Austin in July 1995, we obviously wasted no time posting an ad for a bassist and getting our first gig. We played a few originals left over from Crogan, the band Tom and I were in with Jeff Albertson back in Moscow, ID. We played a Built to Spill cover called “Joyride" and maybe a Versus cover called “Frog.” I don't remember it being too bad for a first gig. Perhaps Tom and I knew before we even played that we were going to move on from this bassist?</p><p>I say this because in attendance at the show would have been John Hunt and the entire Boston crew that followed him down to Austin a few years prior. It was John who offered to play bass for us that very night. I think his exact words were, “Fill in until you find someone.” Well, we would soon find out that playing with John was absolutely perfect. And thus, Silver Scooter was born. We toured the country many times, played in Japan, and released three albums, and numerous singles and compilation tracks. Thanks for filling in John!</p><p>Also on the bill were two bands that we would get to know fairly well. One, of course, was Spoon, and the other was Audrey, a totally awesome band from, I believe, Denton, TX. They would soon be one of the first artists to release a 7" record on Travis Higdon's soon-to-be-formed Peek-a-Boo Records. We played several shows with both bands, at least until Audrey broke up and Spoon went on to playing larger venues.</p><p>Maybe one of these days I'll find evidence of the Air Supply cover band I started with Jim Eno, the drummer from Spoon.</p><p><i>Also, I'm continuing to use ChatGPT to edit my grammar! </i><a class="no-pjax" href="https://scottgarred.com/album/1659240/scott-songs-vol-ii" data-link-type="url"><i>AIOU</i></a><i> anybody?</i></p>
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/7345492
2024-02-19T13:00:00-08:00
2024-02-19T13:00:01-08:00
Anatomy of a Song Post #1
<p>I finished recording over 50 cover songs last December 2022. I then took a year or so off from making any music, as I often do. What I really love about songwriting is the waiting. It's like sitting in a doctor's office, waiting to be called in… Wait, let me try that again. It's maybe more like fishing. You cast a line and wait for something to bite. If you're lucky, that line is a chord progression with a hook. You hope the hook can pull in a listener. Does that make you the fish? Never mind. It's leisure, pure leisure. No, not that either. It's more like working 40 hours a week, being a husband, a dad, dealing with emergencies, and living life. There's not much leisure in it at all.</p><p>Truthfully, I had my fair share of emergencies in 2023, and they were no fun at all. As I worked through each one, I sat in that waiting room just bracing for the next one until the emergencies subsided, and my family got control of it all. Thank you, loved ones! You know what I'm talking about. Processing emergencies and life events always seem to come with music attached. And working on music is my best method for coping.</p><p>This little work in progress is tentatively called “Journey Begins.” Something jumped out of my guitar one day, and the next thing I knew, I was singing along as I always do. Here's the beginning of this little number. We'll have to see where it goes from here. To hear this song snippet click <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.scottgarred.com/song-snippets-from-blog" data-link-type="url">here</a>.</p><p><i>Once again, Chat GPT helped me edit this for grammar and clarity. For your enjoyment, here is what Chat GPT gave me when I asked it to “Make this more personal and storytelling.” (Note: It's really nice to read in the voice of your favorite private investigator)</i></p><p><br><i>In the waning days of December 2022, I found myself amidst a symphony of melodies, having just wrapped up recording over 50 cover songs. It was a creative outburst that left my soul fulfilled, but as the calendar flipped its pages, I decided to grant myself a hiatus from the musical realm – a customary pause I often take to let inspiration simmer.</i></p><p><i>There's something enchanting about the waiting game in songwriting, akin to the anticipation in a quiet doctor's office or the patient hope of a fisherman casting a line into the unknown. You send out a chord progression, baited with a hook, and then, you wait. The hope is that your musical hook will reel in a captive audience. Are they the fish? The analogy gets murky, much like the unpredictable waters of creativity. It's a leisurely pursuit, or at least, that's what I thought.</i></p><p><i>In reality, songwriting mirrors the relentless rhythm of life - a symphony of roles as a husband, a dad, a working professional clocking in 40 hours weekly, all while navigating unexpected emergencies. It's not a leisurely stroll; it's a chaotic dance with responsibilities and the unpredictable twists life throws your way.</i></p><p><i>The year 2023 was no exception. Emergencies took center stage, demanding my attention and resilience. Each crisis felt like a relentless wave crashing against the shore, and as I weathered one storm after another, I found solace in the waiting room of life, strumming my guitar and wrestling with chords.</i></p><p><i>Yet, amidst the chaos, a creative spark emerged. One day, as if by magic, a melody jumped out of my guitar, and before I knew it, I was singing along, pouring my emotions into a song I tentatively titled "Journey Begins." The chords resonated with the ebb and flow of life, each note echoing the highs and lows of my personal journey.</i></p><p><i>As I embark on this musical expedition, I find refuge in the cathartic process of crafting a song. It becomes my sanctuary, a place where I can make sense of the world around me. The song is a work in progress, a testament to resilience, and a reminder that even in the midst of life's emergencies, music has the power to heal and transform. Here's to the journey ahead, uncertain yet brimming with the promise of discovery.</i></p>
0:41
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/7345743
2024-02-12T13:00:00-08:00
2024-02-16T12:43:47-08:00
Time Capsule Post #2
<p><span style="color:rgb(55,65,81);">This year marks the 30th anniversary of recording music at home. Here's a picture I discovered of myself recording in my apartment on Main St. in Pullman, WA, probably around January or February of 1994. I recall having access to a fisheye lens from The Daily Evergreen at W.S.U., where I served as the photo editor. Somehow, I captured this early selfie.</span></p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/169948/15d66f398f4da2b68297f1800888a8107dbb91e9/original/img-0291.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p>Around the same time, I initiated recording my own songs using a 4-track recorder I received for Christmas. I owe a lot to my buddy Jeff Albertson; he demonstrated that it was possible to conceive ideas and transform them into completed songs, making my living space a recording studio. I still possess his first cassette tape, which I believe was titled “Live From the Launch Pad.”</p><p>I recently revisited the apartment, and remarkably, the exterior hasn't changed at all. Of course, my belongings are no longer inside. As I look around, I spot my guitar wall art pieces that I used to cherish, my old G.T. mountain bike, one of Shawn Camp's early works hanging from floor to ceiling, and a small hanging plant. I love thinking about the many musical moments spent there. It wasn't until I relocated to Austin, TX, that I founded Super XX Man, but many of the songs from that first cassette were recorded in this space.</p><p><i>Please note: I'm using Chat GPT for editing my grammar.</i></p>
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/7345363
2024-02-05T13:00:00-08:00
2024-02-05T13:00:02-08:00
Time Capsule Post #1
<p>Returning to music after a good chunk of time away, both from writing songs and the obligatory social media game, the past year – maybe a tad more – has been a reflective one. Now, gearing up to dive back into my musical journey, there are a few things on my plate.</p><p>First up, I plan to sort through and digitize over three decades' worth of memorabilia. You know, all those bits and pieces from releasing albums, hitting the road, spreading flyers, and endless hours spent recording – it's a trip down memory lane for sure. I will share what I feel is fun and informative.</p><p>At the same time, I'm itching to reconnect with all of you. There's this old Super XX Man album (Vol. XVIII: Carnation) from back in 2015 that's been gathering dust on the shelf. I plan to share a few songs from it, and who knows, there might be a few other surprises hiding in the recording bin that I've yet to discover.</p><p>But what's got me really excited is a new idea – let's call it "Anatomy of a Song" for now. I'm planning to take you behind the scenes of how I create music. Week 1 might be a raw iPhone recording, week 2 a rough draft, and if all goes well, week 3 could be a rough mix. It's for anyone who enjoys my music, makes music themselves, or just finds the creative process fascinating. Look out for posts named "Time Capsule," "Super XX Man Carnation," or "Anatomy of a Song." You'll catch on, I'm sure.</p><p>This week, I'm cracking open the "Time Capsule."</p><p>Here's what I found today: The original artwork (made by me - not a person who normally draws) of Super XX Man Vol. VIII It's a Super Double X Man Pizza. You can have a listen <a class="no-pjax" href="https://scottgarred.com/super-xx-man" data-link-type="url">here</a>. Just scroll down until you find it. Don't burn the roof of your mouth; it's a hot one, featuring an epic story about my grandpa.</p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/169948/42119b486be8bb3b08d31c04682233ff2aed14f5/original/img-0289.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/169948/9f986fe0d959e6222d6ab4bf7829bd6edb42d746/original/img-0290.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p>By the way, I'm also experimenting with using Chat GPT to help me streamline the writing process and fix my grammar. I need an editor folks!</p>
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/7082988
2022-12-09T07:00:00-08:00
2024-02-04T14:27:08-08:00
50 Songs! 50 Years!
<p>"I know it's over - still I cling <br>I don't know where else I can go <br>Oh..."</p>
<p>I can't believe this is over. Maybe I'll start my 100 songs for when I turn 100. Wait, how will that even work? Will I still have an email list? I guess we shall have to wait and see... Actually, forget it. This was challenging enough for one lifetime.</p>
<p>For now, let's just focus on wrapping this up by thanking two people that have really helped me make this happen. Christina Wenger, my love, thank you for editing every single blog post. She will tell you that I don't lack courage, just the comma. Hey, I should have recorded "Comma comma comma comma comma chameleon." Seriously, thank you Christina,, you bad ass editor.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/dc2ee744527b43cc6b7b27c13efc4af3950c6ef0/original/img-2649.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Hey, how 'bout some bad ass mastering... Let me allow you to put a face to a few faders. Warren Gardiner is a great mate of mine from Melbourne, AUS. He recorded <a contents="a song" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/track/1jn8vrIMEmPA4mxmR7cWcC?si=ae7b7b570e5f4132" target="_blank">a song</a> for Super XX Man ages ago and was just a joy to work with. When I started blog-posting my songs a few years ago, he offered to master everything for me. He is incredibly generous and good at what he does. I'm proud of all this work we have done together. He also mastered <a contents=" this album" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/2fAFuyjp1qb8R1omYtaXbO?si=4hmVHnggQVmZbjGtgrOZ7g" target="_blank">this album</a>, which I'm very proud of too. If you or anyone you know is in need of mixing and mastering services, you can email him at gardineraudio@gmail.com.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/7e2a28dd64aa62dd2a51782fa97715272211a9de/original/image2.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />If you have been following along from the beginning, then you know these songs are not available anywhere else. In case you missed one, you can get them all <a contents="here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://scottgarred.com/scott-garred" target="_blank">here</a>. I ended up with a few extras and they are included in this compilation as bonus material. They are, "Ring of Fire," "The River," "Bad Moon Rising," and "Nowhere Man." </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/df31c844cfec8276e7b1ece233a69c5b216e9cd1/original/50songsimage.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />I made a Spotify playlist called <a contents='"At 50."' data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/45rxOpQbDOWv0CJa2kiAdw?si=4f96a654ba77422f" target="_blank"><em><strong>"At 50</strong></em></a><b><i><a contents='"At 50."' data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/45rxOpQbDOWv0CJa2kiAdw?si=4f96a654ba77422f" target="_blank">."</a> </i></b> It was useful for me and helped me make many tough decisions. It's a fun listen for sure. There are many, many, many more songs that I would have loved to attempt. The playlist grew to be 214 songs in total.</p>
<p>By the way, this post has not been edited or mastered or very well thought out so if it sounds funny or reads all wrong, please forgive me. My experts have been dismissed. You my friends have not. You deserve my heartfelt thanks as well so here it is: BIG HEARTFELT THANKS!!! I love you all and appreciate you.</p>
<p>So, is it over?</p>
<p>"...I don't know where else I can go <br>Over and over and over and over <br>Over and over..."</p>
<p>Yes, it is over indeed, but I would love it if you shared this collection with your friends and family. I would also love to hear from you. What did you think of this project? Any favorite songs? Any artists you've never heard of before? Let me know...</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><span class="font_small">Lyrics at the start and end of this post are from the Smith's classic, "I Know It's Over" </span></p>
<p> </p>
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/7082591
2022-12-02T07:00:00-08:00
2022-12-03T08:33:24-08:00
Song 50: "A Million Years Or So"
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/f1143fa582bc83f30eaeb8a5f8e1a655bd2c3bc3/original/img-3587.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />I give you cover song number fifty. It's been a journey, everybody. Thanks for being with me. My birthday is next week and I'm hoping to look as happy as my dad does in this polaroid from 1986.</p>
<p>My dad and Roger Miller were both born on January 2, 1936. My dad passed away in 2008. Before he left this earth, he introduced me to a lot of great music, including Roger Miller. The first Roger Miller record I ever heard was Walking In the Sunshine, which featured "A Million Years Or So." I believe it was a pre-loved copy from my parents' collection. This last one's for you dad! I will miss you in a million years or so...</p>
3:03
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/7082587
2022-11-18T07:00:00-08:00
2022-11-21T14:15:28-08:00
Song 49: "Powerful Man"
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/f04dc2fdbc227bc3c406f1eb0666664f368e9190/original/img-3570.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_small">At family week with my mom at WSU (photo: Wendy Trigsted)</span></p>
<p>During my last semester at WSU, the station manager at <a contents="KZUU " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://kzuu.org/" target="_blank">KZUU </a>was going through CDs to be added to rotation and cataloged. I asked, "What about this one?" She said, "Oh not that one." It was <a contents="East River Pipe" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.mergerecords.com/artist/east_river_pipe" target="_blank">East River Pipe</a>'s 1995 release, <em>Poor Fricky</em>. I took it home and immediately embraced the drum machine, synths, and guitar work of F.M. Cornog, the mastermind behind East River Pipe. I was intrigued for sure. The lyrics, melodies, complete album quality of tracks -- done by one person on a Tascam 388 Portastudio.</p>
<p>When I was living in Austin, I sent Mr. Cornog my first two Super XX Man cassettes, one of which had a cover of an E.R.P song. He wrote back, clear that he had listened. I was thrilled. I no longer have the letter, but I do remember his last line before signing off: "Keep on walking and I will too."</p>
<p> </p>
3:21
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/7082585
2022-11-11T07:00:00-08:00
2022-11-16T12:48:44-08:00
Song 48: "Stockholm Syndrome"
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/725231a19afd0f0198a4fd5b032cdae4a638c99f/original/img-3487.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Here in my house there's a saying, "You can listen to anything you want as long as it's Yo La Tengo." Just kidding it's actually, "If there can be only one band in this world, please let it be Yo La Tengo." At least get them to play at my 50th!</p>
<p>I learned about them while DJing at WSU's KZUU in the spring of 1992. At the time, their latest album was <em>Painful</em>, but the station only had <em>New Wave Hotdogs</em> and <em>Ride the Tiger, </em>both which were wildly different than<em> Painful</em>. I was thinking, <em>What? Who is this band? It can't be the same band!</em> But of course it was Yo La Tengo, a band that can be any damn thing it wants to be.</p>
<p>"Stockholm Syndrome" is from their brilliant 1997 album, <em>I Can Hear the Heart Beating As One</em>.</p>
3:28
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/7082584
2022-11-04T07:00:00-07:00
2022-11-04T07:00:01-07:00
Song 47: "Wonder of You"
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/856285893aed68ef65ebc7ab18f4c942ce3c28ad/original/img-3482.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />"Wonder of You" is a beautiful song by Baker Knight. Elvis Presley made it popular when he recorded it live in Las Vegas around 1970 while wearing that crazy jumpsuit with rhinestones. I made my version very quickly on my iPhone - no glitz and no glamour - likely wearing sweatpants.</p>
1:16
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/7063433
2022-10-28T07:00:00-07:00
2022-10-28T07:00:03-07:00
Song 46: "Mother of God"
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/47b664b6dc13295924a3d68a4eac9133175e4b5e/original/img-5087.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><span class="font_small">Hendy Woods (Oct. 2022) - photo by Christina Wenger</span></em></p>
<p>Patty Griffin is a Texas-based songwriter whose music brought me much comfort while learning to be a music therapist between 2002 - 2004. It was an uncertain time for me, and listening to her beautiful voice was a huge hug. I had a little Nissan pickup truck with a cassette deck. I rattled down the road, unsure of the destination and eventually found my way to a beautiful place. I wouldn't trade a single bump.</p>
3:40
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/7063439
2022-10-21T07:00:00-07:00
2022-10-24T20:46:02-07:00
Song 45: "Here"
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/eb898e5272b06eb13c998ab7e9b955808f950c4d/original/img-3273.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><span class="font_small">"Here" is where the magic happens</span></em></p>
<p>Pavement's album, <em>Slanted and Enchanted</em>, defined the summer of 1993 for me. I was living in my first apartment, attending classes at Washington State University, playing hacky sack (don't ask), and moving away from skateboarding in favor of music as a full-time obsession. A cassette tape of this album lived in my Walkman full time. The melodies, the abrasive sounds, and those classic Stephen Malkmus lyrics entertained my brain as I walked to and from my photography classes. My professor asked me what I was listening to one day. He put my headphones on and said to me, "Oh this reminds me of the Velvet Underground." </p>
2:32
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/7078704
2022-10-14T07:00:00-07:00
2022-10-14T07:00:02-07:00
Song 44: "Two Hands"
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/bdb709b50c325006729e8731638518119eaedff9/original/img-3270.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />I fell in love with the band Big Thief. They snuck up on me and it took a while, but I eventually got there. They create textures with their music and I can almost reach out and feel how rough it is at the edges. They don't labor over the productions. What they do labor over is camaraderie, because I can feel it as it works its way into every song. I especially like this song, "Two Hands." I hear a great vocal delivering an interesting lyric with pulsing rhythm, clicking sticks, random snare shots, and fuzzy guitars. The bass knows exactly when to ask for a group hug. They are friends who trust each other. This I can hear. </p>
2:58
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/7072991
2022-10-07T07:00:00-07:00
2022-10-12T07:10:52-07:00
Song 43: "Wichita Lineman"
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/8194d6563e426ca4ac93fcdd8716fd7176af569a/original/img-3217.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Jimmy Webb wrote "Wichita Lineman" in 1968. <a contents="Glen Campbell" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-HFCuBLAjXo" target="_blank">Glen Campbell</a> recorded it in the same year, and released it on his album of the same name (pictured above). </p>
<p>I can't help but think about the brilliant film, released in 2014, <em><a contents="I'll Be Me" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-6Vjzq8dAk" target="_blank">I'll Be Me</a>, </em>which documented Glen Campbell's 2011 "Goodbye Tour." The tour was meant to be brief. Instead, it lasted a year and a half. This is remarkable because he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease just prior to beginning the tour. The film documents it all. It's amazing, courageous, and very entertaining. </p>
3:05
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/7063432
2022-09-30T07:00:00-07:00
2022-10-05T17:46:23-07:00
Song 42: "Prove My Love"
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/a97319ffe4442a0180135adbc48c87e2e3039dfc/original/img-4946-2.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />"Prove My Love" is just one classic song from an entire album of classic songs - the debut self-titled album by Violent Femmes, released in 1982. I was in Lewiston, ID the first time I heard it, sitting on the flat bottom of Chris Gage's unfinished halfpipe. I had no idea a commercial album could say the things this one did. This small-town kid was a little shocked, but also smiling.</p>
<p>My original plan was to record "Good Feeling" as a piano ballad. Then one day, while strumming the ukulele, I stumbled upon "Prove My Love." I set up a few microphones in the stairwell and tried to get a quick recording of it. I was nearing the end when I heard the garage door open and knew it would be a race to finish it before my wife walked into the stairwell with groceries from the farmer's market. As you can hear in this take, I didn't make it. Christina walked in and waited for me to finish. We improvised and decided upon playback that it was too silly and precious not to use as is.</p>
3:28
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/7063153
2022-09-18T17:35:52-07:00
2022-09-28T06:50:35-07:00
Song 41: "René and Georgette Magritte With Their Dog After the War"
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/9a9e54e30a31c87159b41198622b8b71e0223485/original/img-3181.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><a contents='"Rene and Georgette Magritte With Their Dog After the War"' data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-lj5RgpgfPE" target="_blank">"René and Georgette Magritte With Their Dog After the War"</a> was originally released in 1983 on Paul Simon's <em>Hearts and Bones</em> album. I first heard the song in 1988, when the compilation <em>Negotiations and Love Songs</em> was released. It was one of my first CDs and one I couldn't stop listening to. My conscience must have been telling me, "You may think you love new wave and punk rock but this is what you <em>really love </em>so embrace the facts Jack, get off the bus Gus, and make a new plan Stan."</p>
<p>I love Simon and Garfunkel. I like his solo albums too. But for me, it's <em>Negotiations and Love Songs</em> that make him one of the greatest songwriters of our time. This collection of songs brings me a lot of comfort. </p>
<p>My recording features <a contents="Mike Johnson" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.reclinerlandhq.com/" target="_blank">Mike Johnson</a> on piano. </p>
3:25
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/7019395
2022-09-16T07:00:00-07:00
2022-09-18T17:28:13-07:00
Song 40: "From St. Kilda to Kings Cross"
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/6f16b61bc0b2ff2c16b41036af3360201efa074d/original/82e536c5-7419-4dfd-8af7-eed59f4aa804-10206-000005bea7dc5d48.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />I lived in Australia from 2011 - 2015. One day, my neighbor brought me a couple CDs to listen to. One was by The Go-Betweens and the other was by Paul Kelly, a much celebrated songwriter in the country. I devoured his third album, <em>Post, </em>released in 1985. It is stellar. "From St. Kilda to Kings Cross" is the opening track, and what I love most about it is the sparse arrangement of guitars and vocal. This simple structure allows Kelly's voice to tell a story. I went the simple route as well, recording it using just my iPhone. </p>
2:07
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/7048736
2022-09-09T07:00:00-07:00
2022-09-12T07:15:28-07:00
Song 39: "Mind Contorted"
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/ae75d6c2e4378fa1f3059ef1a7cce54e285027e1/original/img-2963.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_small">Me pictured outside the business formerly known as Sound Exchange. Photo by Tyler Mallory (2016)</span></p>
<p>I learned about Daniel's music like a lot of people did -- through his cassette tapes that he self-released with the help of <a contents="Stress Records" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.discogs.com/label/48159-Stress-Records-3#:~:text=Profile%3A,fi%20homemade%20cassettes%20in%201986." target="_blank">Stress Records</a>. One could buy them all from Sound Exchange (long-gone oasis of new and used records on Guadalupe Blvd. in Austin, TX). The cassettes were in a make-shift display box sitting on the front counter. In fact, I still have a few of these tapes. The record store may no longer exist, but the mural has thankfully been preserved.</p>
<p>RIP Daniel Johnston (Jan. 22, 1961 - Sept. 11, 2019). Thanks for all the beautiful noise. </p>
<p>My original post of this song can be found <a contents="here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://scottgarred.com/blog?p=6" target="_blank">here</a> (scroll to the bottom of the page).</p>
1:44
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/7047557
2022-09-02T07:00:00-07:00
2022-09-05T13:15:06-07:00
Song 38: "Drunken Angel"
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/c96f2021ef15a9ccb8931dcca0818f3ce06fd128/original/img-3107.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_small">Photo by Kelly West (taken while on tour in early 2000)</span></p>
<p>"Drunken Angel" is one of my favorite songs by Lucinda Williams. One reason why I like it is because it is about another one of my favorite songwriters -- Blaze Foley. He and Lucinda supposedly palled around Austin, TX together back in the day. </p>
<p>Silver Scooter had a rule while on tour, and that was driver's choice when it came to the stereo, and we all took turns being driver and choosing the music. Consequently, the play list was pretty eclectic. The only album I remember every driver having in common was Lucinda Williams' 1998 masterpiece, <em>Car Wheels On a Gravel Road</em>. “Drunken Angel” is on this album, so that is another reason why I like it. It reminds me of that specific period of my life. </p>
<p>My friend Jerry Kee played drums and organ on this track. All the music you are listening to on this blog has been mastered by Warren at Gardiner Audio. Thank you for your attention to detail Warren!</p>
2:54
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/7038550
2022-08-26T07:00:00-07:00
2022-08-31T06:45:22-07:00
Song 37: "Cause Cheap Is How I Feel"
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/83007594ce039cd69a6d15b9ad3bed50ef2ca61e/original/img-4568.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_small">Photo by Christina Wenger</span></p>
<p>Cowboy Junkies released <em>The Caution Horses</em> in 1988. "Cause Cheap Is How I Feel" perfectly describes loneliness and despair. It opens with, "It's the kind of night that's so cold your spit freezes before it hits the ground." I've only experienced this kind of cold once or twice in my life, but I've felt the kind of loneliness described in the song many times. Thank God for music, as it is my lifeline. </p>
3:30
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/7038301
2022-08-19T07:00:00-07:00
2022-08-24T07:13:36-07:00
Song 36: "King of Carrot Flowers, Pt. 1"
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/c986742c1d6e154f2ec692e1cd60a0c293116dbc/original/img-2683.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />The Neutral Milk Hotel took a strong hold of my senses when they released their second album, <em>In the Aeroplane Over the Sea</em>. It was early winter in 1998 that I saw them perform at the Electric Lounge in Austin, TX. I caught them again in Melbourne, AUS around 2012. Has anyone else seen them live? If so, what did you take away?</p>
3:14
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/7032278
2022-08-12T07:00:00-07:00
2022-08-17T16:47:39-07:00
Song 35: "Bizarre Love Triangle"
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/05a1c1c9f8162d20e1b370d4a3828b2db6a05554/original/img-2628.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />My cover of New Order's classic song, "Bizarre Love Triangle," is dedicated to John Hunt. Thank you for listening to so much New Order when it was your turn to drive the Silver Scooter tour van. </p>
3:29
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/6988562
2022-08-05T07:00:00-07:00
2022-08-05T07:00:01-07:00
Song 34: "If I Could Only Fly"
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/5a765274c283b273124a1f809f55b4c6163a44dc/original/jerry-steels-2.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Super XX Man toured with the Mendoza Line, from NYC, back in 1998 or 1999. I will not go into details about this experience. I might just save that for the tell-all memoir I'll likely not write one day. The famed recording engineer from Mebane, N.C., Jerry Kee, played in the band for this tour. We all had a day or two off in Atlanta and he offered to play some lap steel guitar with me. We hit it off and sounded really good together. I unfortunately didn't keep in touch.</p>
<p>Fast forward to the present day, and I was pleased to read about Jerry in <a contents="Tape Op Magazine" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://tapeop.com/interviews/145/jerry-kee/">Tape Op Magazine</a>, which prompted me to reach out to him. He wrote back and was receptive to my invitation to play on a couple of songs for this 50 songs project. This first collaboration features drums and lap steel. Thank you Jerry! You are a legend.</p>
<p>This song, "If I Could Only Fly" was written by the late, amazing songwriter, Blaze Foley (1949-1989).</p>
3:35
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/7023619
2022-07-29T07:00:00-07:00
2022-08-02T20:48:23-07:00
Song 33: "Detroit Has a Skyline"
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/a2bd4f573fe3bc976b07deb2fb53796931e2e303/original/img-2620.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>I became a big fan of the band Superchunk through the fabulous 1995 album, Here's Where the Stings Come In. I really love the lyric, "Played track six, track seven again and again" because, in college, I had a CD I put on when I got home and tracks six and seven were my favorites. I recorded this one on my iPhone using the Shure MV88 microphone. I then transferred it to the computer and did a few overdubs using my Universal Audio Apollo Twin interface and Luna. I think it turned out really nice. I love the emotion that the original Superchunk lyric has, and I think I captured some of that in this recording. </p>
<p> </p>
3:07
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/7015744
2022-07-22T07:00:00-07:00
2022-07-25T19:43:40-07:00
Song 32: "Wave of Mutilation"
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/1e7035211b5a8bf2a106f634c9a888116a9df7a4/original/img-4004.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_small">Photo by Christina Wenger</span></p>
<p>Discovering the Pixies took no time at all. Discovering a song by them that I felt comfortable covering took ages. I got to it eventually, and I like the results. Heck, my kids even like the results, so I'll take that any day!</p>
<p>I was skateboarding at the "A Street House" in Moscow, ID one day with Jim Kelso, Alex Troncoso, and a few others when I first heard the Pixies. Jim used to set up a boom box in the open window of the bathroom that sat right above the mid-point of the ramp. I feel like once the Pixies arrived to Jim's boom box, Bad Brains took a break and my musical tastes began to shift. <em> </em></p>
2:27
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/7014852
2022-07-15T07:00:00-07:00
2022-07-15T13:54:35-07:00
Song 31: "San Francisco Patrol"
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/db584740d65177ff65c02cd6ac26ffa652716f78/original/img-2583.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />I have lived in San Francisco for about seven years, so I figured it was time I shared a song that describes a bit of the city. Not much to say about this little gem by Robyn Hitchcock. "San Francisco Patrol" was released on <em>The Man Upstairs </em>(2014). </p>
4:02
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/7007800
2022-07-08T07:00:00-07:00
2022-07-08T07:00:02-07:00
Song 30: "Rabbit Box"
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/059987128f52166007057ad556e0fad0c44e937b/original/sg003albumcoverlp-cd.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>I will be performing "Rabbit Box" by the late great Vic Chesnutt this Saturday (tomorrow) during Summer House Concert #2. I will stream it on FB <a contents="here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/ScottGarredMusic" target="_blank">here</a>. Show is 4pm PST. I will be playing a couple Silver Scooter classics too.</p>
1:53
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/6994399
2022-07-01T07:00:00-07:00
2022-07-01T07:00:01-07:00
Song 29: "In Memory of Elizabeth Cotton"
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/c1a1d10d9572abb76fcba8490c944cca3f93096a/original/img-5271.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />When I was 16, I traveled with my friend Dan to see Firehose at Crazy Horse in Boise, ID. Imagine our disappointment when we showed up and we were told, "Sorry guys. Show's sold out." I explained that we bought tickets months before and were told they would be waiting for us at the door. Again, "Sorry guys. Show's sold out." I walked away feeling miserable. I sat down on the sidewalk and sulked.</p>
<p>In my peripheral vision, somebody resembling Fidel Castro sat down next to me. He said, "I just got done playing Fidel in a movie." Who else could play this part but Mike Watt, the already legendary bassist from iconic punk band, Minutemen. Did he recognize me as a bummed out kid? Who knows. I think it's just what he did before shows. He is a man of the people after all. We talked and he listened as I shared my story and feelings of disappointment. He made sure Dan and I got in to the show and asked us for requests.</p>
<p>The show was amazing and everything I hoped it would be. The guitarist, Ed Crawford, reminded me of Marty McFly playing guitar in <em>Back to the Future</em>. He was full of energy and moving all over the stage, strutting and screaming with a gold top Les Paul. The drummer, George Hurley, was a blur of arms and hair behind his drum kit. And, I've never seen someone pulverize a bass guitar like Watt did, literally slamming his fist on the strings while still balancing the beautiful melodies of the music.</p>
<p>I hung around after the show just to soak in the total atmosphere of the night. Mike Watt made a beeline for me and gave me the sweatiest bear hug I have ever received. Maybe he wanted closure from the moment we shared before the show? Either way, my love of this band was complete.</p>
<p>I did not set out to record "In Memory of Elizabeth Cotton," a song from their third LP called <em>If'n</em>. It just sort of happened and I'm sure glad it did because I really like this arrangement. </p>
3:17
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/6997824
2022-06-24T07:00:00-07:00
2022-06-24T07:00:02-07:00
Song 28: "Green Mind"
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/0c1301103a0af7d19ffc18cebacd83734223964e/original/img-2531.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>I remember sitting in my beige 1985 Subaru GL Wagon when I popped this CD in the player for the first time. I was sitting outside my high school. I had already heard the fabulous track one, "The Wagon," in a skateboard video and was immediately reminded of its awesomeness. I found the rest of the album puzzled me. Did I like it? Not right away. <em>Green Mind </em>is just so different from any Dinosaur Jr. release. I can assure you today, however, that it is my favorite Dinosaur Jr. album. </p>
<p>Unlike all other songs in this series, this recording is available <a contents="here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/7u5mhGddXjO5jOajWNtt0c?si=2L-jIkKZS1Org3JKphAuMA" target="_blank">here</a> as part of another collection.</p>
4:10
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/6994369
2022-06-17T07:00:00-07:00
2022-06-17T07:00:01-07:00
Song 27: "Paparrazi"
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/1e69959e870264a617e372cd0c38e958ac82addc/original/your-friendly-local-musician-3.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Still a few chairs left at this first house show. </p>
<p>Ask me about the time Lady Gaga showed up to perform at a Super XX Man fundraiser at the Alberta Street Pub, Portland, OR around 2009. </p>
4:18
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/6984603
2022-06-10T07:00:00-07:00
2022-06-10T07:00:01-07:00
Song 26: "Story of Isaac"
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/c3c3faad4911520efe9a26c52b4e62aecb8b4d21/original/img-2504.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>The late and remarkable Leonard Cohen wrote "Story of Isaac," originally released on <em>Songs From a Room</em> (1969). According to the Bible, God asked Abraham to take his son, Isaac, to the top of a mountain and sacrifice him. This song is from Isaac's perspective. It's chilling from the opening lines, "The door it opened slowly. My father he came in. I was nine years old."</p>
<p>My deep admiration for Cohen's music can be found in his storytelling. He is not known for his angelic voice after all. But he sure can tell a tale, and this one is a great example.</p>
<p>I struggled with this one for several reasons. I liked my vocal but didn't like the original accompaniment I created. I also felt like this song was too long even for Cohen's standards. It all left me struggling to make it work.</p>
<p>I thought I would have to abandon my desire for a Leonard Cohen cover at all, until I found the keyboard and synth pads running through the entire song. I loved the mood I found when I turned up the vocal reverb. </p>
4:36
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/6984641
2022-06-03T07:00:00-07:00
2022-06-03T07:00:01-07:00
Song 25: "Streets of Baltimore"
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/6ac35123c1423d7bb1d7a7d9597e8139397f178e/original/img-0714.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_small">Me outside the Joshua Tree Inn where Gram Parsons died in room #8 (photo: Russ Wightman)</span></p>
<p>"Streets of Baltimore" is a song written by Tompall Glaser and Harlan Howard in 1966. My favorite version is by the late Gram Parsons from his album, <em>GP</em><strong> </strong>(1973). </p>
<p>As with a lot of my favorite songs, I fell in love with the lyrics, my favorite being, "I got myself a factory job. I ran an old machine." The singer describes his growing "sacrifice" -- moving away from home, and changing his life so that his "baby" could walk the streets of Baltimore. He sings, "I did my best to bring her back to what she used to be and I soon learned she loved those bright lights more than she loved me." It's another love gone wrong song, and I'm sure you know how this one ends. </p>
<p>I had fun doing this one with a palm-muted electric guitar, rim shot on the snare, shimmering 12-string Danelectro, and buttery organ melody at the end.</p>
2:44
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/6978156
2022-05-27T07:00:00-07:00
2022-05-27T07:00:01-07:00
Song 24: "How To Rent a Room"
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/5f14e110c23f47ca1d9dea59d3fa95ab5885a052/original/img-2399.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />"How To Rent a Room," was written by the late David Berman of the band, <a contents="Silver Jews" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.dragcity.com/artists/silver-jews" target="_blank">Silver Jews</a>. My recording is a tribute to a brilliant songwriter who left the world too soon. I believe I have a lyric or two incorrect. I mean no disrespect.</p>
3:11
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/6974426
2022-05-20T07:00:00-07:00
2022-05-20T07:00:01-07:00
Song 23: "You Must Ask the Heart"
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/1e69959e870264a617e372cd0c38e958ac82addc/original/your-friendly-local-musician-3.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Not much bandwidth for a full post this week. Enjoy one by the great <a contents="Jonathan Richman" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://jonathanrichman.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Jonathan Richman</a>. If you would like to discuss this week's choice, by all means, comment away! See you next week. If you want to come to this show please email: houseshows@scottgarred.com</p>
3:19
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/6946244
2022-05-13T07:00:00-07:00
2022-05-13T07:00:01-07:00
Song 22: "You Shook Me"
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/8a5c4fc66ff0d1868065034cf9e863025d1f44e3/original/img-2314.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_small">Pictured left to right: Nolan, me, and Liam - photo by Kelly</span></p>
<p>This week's song is "You Shook Me," by AC/DC, featuring my nephews, Nolan and Liam, playing drums, bass, and guitar. My sister Kelly has dubbed them the Linoleum Brothers. I think it's fair to say this one has been run through the <em>let's change it up alternative machine</em>. </p>
<p>I first heard this one while roller skating in Lewiston, ID around 1982-1985. This was a classic choice for "men's speed skating." While my version won't get you pumped up, it will rock you or maybe just make you laugh. "Back and Black" and "Dirty Deeds" were on regular rotation in my Walkman for many years.</p>
3:48
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/6962521
2022-05-06T07:00:00-07:00
2022-05-06T07:00:01-07:00
Song 21: "I Will"
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/f934b7986fd1b6d5c0289709f5faf1874b17911b/original/img-2298.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />When I was a boy, living in Clarkston, WA. we had a neighbor kid that, looking back, was very creative. He was older and influenced me and my siblings in various ways. We played a lot of "army" in the yard and "Star Trek" too. I even recall starting to organize costumes for a very homemade production of <em>Treasure Island. </em>I remember making gold buckles for my shoes using yellow construction paper. Such distant memories...</p>
<p>He was also a Beatles freak. And, because of this, my mom drove me and my brother to Kmart to purchase our first LP -- <em>Meet the Beatles! </em> I must have listened to it over and over again. We had a gigantic stereo console that looked like a huge piece of furniture. It featured an 8-Track player, turntable, and receiver for switching between the components. It also had microphones, which I later tried to use with my first 4-Track system. "I Want to Hold Your Hand" and "All My Loving" were early favorites. But, to be honest, what I really loved about this record was the B&W photo of the band's faces. I was mesmerized by the shadows, how they brought out individual features of each face. </p>
<p>Am I a Beatles fan today? Yes, albeit, very casually. They have a catalog of amazing music for sure, an output of songs that will likely never be matched by any other group. One of my favorites is "I Will." It features a beautiful melody and chord structure. I recorded my version very quickly on my 4-Track cassette. </p>
1:33
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/6959541
2022-04-29T07:00:00-07:00
2022-04-29T07:00:01-07:00
Song 20: "All Smiles and Mariachi"
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/fdf72b645da99520adeda6d311d1680f22b07d3b/original/img-2294.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Of course, all the songs I'm sharing are by some of my all-time favorite artists. Close to the top of this list, however, is the Nashville band, <a contents="Lambchop" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.mergerecords.com/artist/lambchop" target="_blank">Lambchop</a>, who was once dubbed "new Nashville." Lambchop's 1996 Merge Records release <em>How I Quit Smoking</em> turned me on to them. It was definitely one of those albums that pushed me towards a quieter direction with my own song-writing and self-producing.</p>
<p>Also, important to know... I'm launching a series of house shows this summer here in the Bay Area. Here are the dates: </p>
<p>June 18 - San Francisco</p>
<p>July 9 - San Francisco</p>
<p>August 27 - Oakland</p>
<p>September 24 - San Francisco</p>
<p>If you or anyone you know would like to attend, please write to <em>houseshows@scottgarred.com</em> for more information. The shows will "sell out" as space is limited. If you would like to host me in your home some time, I'm down! Let me know what you have in mind. Use the same email address please.</p>
2:23
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/6949986
2022-04-22T07:00:00-07:00
2022-04-22T07:00:01-07:00
Song 19: "Little Miss S."
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/1b20333a5cf92d8a2c1c1a4dfbdc188b2e3abf87/original/img-0035.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Making this project happen has been really challenging. To remind you, my goal has been to cover a song a week for 50 weeks, culminating in an entire year's worth of tributes to artists and songs I have truly loved my entire life (subtract a couple weeks for holidays) on my 50th birthday. Now, I wasn't born yesterday, so I figured I better get a head start, which I did a long time ago -- back when I was still 48. In other words, I had a few in the can already. </p>
<p>I started by making a list of potential songs and a growing Spotify playlist, which I will share when this is all over. Loosely, the criteria is as such: it has to be a song that's made an impact on me at some point in my life. Easy right? Wrong! OK, finding the songs were pretty easy and there's plenty of inspiration. My challenge has been finding the voice in each song and singing it as if it were my own. </p>
<p>Sometimes this has meant turning a song upside down, changing keys, tempos, lyric edits, etc. Sometimes it's meant searching an artist's catalog for days on end only to say, "Nope. Too damn hard." Alas, there may be a few that get away. But, enough about this. Let's get to the good stuff. This week's song... </p>
<p>"Little Miss S." is one of my favorite tacks from the the debut album by Edie Brickell & New Bohemians called <em>Shooting Rubberbands at the Stars. </em>I listen to this album at least ten times every year. It's comforting like a favorite hoodie.</p>
3:16
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/6943488
2022-04-15T07:00:00-07:00
2022-04-15T07:00:02-07:00
Song 18: "You Are the Everything"
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/f759176aea6519921a3572e62e20ec042a79600f/original/img-2274.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />"You Are the Everything" is one of my favorite songs from R.E.M.'s <em>G</em><em>reen </em>album with the orange cover and a song called "Orange Crush." Wow, that just occurred to me.</p>
<p>Have I ever mentioned how much I love R.E.M.? Well, it's true. I got to see the <em>Green </em>tour - bought the T-shirt and everything.</p>
<p>This band has definitely bridged the gap from punk to mainstream for me. I do have to admit, however, that I sort of lost interest after <em>Out of Time</em>, although I do think that album is a masterpiece as long as you skip track one. </p>
<p>Fun fact: before I could drive, my mom used to take me to the mountain for snowboarding sessions. She tolerated my music quite well and has written some lovely harmonies to the entire R.E.M. album <em>Document. </em>It's one of my fondness memories of spending time with her.</p>
<p>I have been covering "You Are the Everything" for at least 26 years. My first attempt was for inclusion on a compilation that never came to fruition. I likely have that version on 4-Track in the garage. Super XX Man (power trio version in Portland circa 2009) covered it frequently. We absolutely rocked it out. Adam or Daren, do you have a copy by chance?</p>
<p>For this version, I set my microphone up in the stairs and sang it live with finger-picked guitar. I was happy enough with it that I could have let it be, but decided to overdub a few sparse parts and a bass/djembe groove that push it along. </p>
<p>I'm especially proud of this one. R.E.M. is by far one of my favorite bands and this is a gem.</p>
2:52
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/6927344
2022-04-08T07:00:00-07:00
2022-04-08T07:00:01-07:00
Song 17: "Born on a Train"
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/f05e22e6989e2da30a1ea4d78f6c20a598352f57/original/img-6bb03f094a0f-1.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>"Born on a Train" was written by Stephin Merritt of <a contents="The Magnetic Fields" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.houseoftomorrow.com/" target="_blank">The Magnetic Fields</a>. His music has expanded my boundaries for sure--from songwriting to production, he does it all. He's funny and talented and it comes through in this song. I don't think this is my favorite song by The Magnetic Fields, but it is one I knew I could believe in while singing it. What I do love about it is the melody and the idea of being born on a train. Simple music for serious people.</p>
<p>My recording features the suitcase drum kit. I outlined the song using my 12-string Danelectro guitar, and recorded the drums twice--partly to hide my mistakes and partly for effect. Then I added bass guitar, my Casio chord organ, and some counter melody parts, also played on a Casio. I found myself phrasing the vocal performance much like Stephin Merritt would sing it. I tried to get at something different, but his distinct vocal style was stuck in my head. </p>
<p> </p>
3:41
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/6933382
2022-04-01T07:00:00-07:00
2022-04-01T07:00:01-07:00
Song 16: "Pictures of You"
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/72ebe43d4e2701d1042b68485eb2f848b5d1a28a/original/img-2234.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>No foolin'. I have loved The Cure for forty years.</p>
3:50
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/6927343
2022-03-25T07:00:00-07:00
2022-03-25T08:41:56-07:00
Song 15: "Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground"
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/99bc8f503baeaa5d107c593a895aeb2cfdb9d180/original/willie-nelson-930-club-2012-6.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_small">Photograph by <a contents="Kevin Hill" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/75861480@N04/" target="_blank">Kevin Hill</a> on <a contents="CC by 2.0" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/deed.en" target="_blank">CC 2.0</a></span></p>
<p>I have had the pleasure of seeing Willie Nelson in concert many times. The mix of fun, artistry, and musicianship is always top notch. I had tickets to see him around September, 2000, at a large outdoor venue in Austin, TX. In the early part of the same day, he was also playing an in-store performance at Waterloo Records. I remember standing in the crowded record store and smelling the unmistakable stench of marijuana. I turned one way, and then back, only to realize I just missed Willie walking right by me.</p>
<p>After the brief in-store performance, it began raining with lightning. Someone announced that the evening concert would be cancelled, but that Willie would stick around to sign autographs until nobody wanted one anymore. I grabbed a copy of <em>Red Headed Stranger,</em> and stood in line. As my place in line inched towards Willie, I realized how nervous I was becoming. When it was finally my turn, he leaned on his elbows. He said, "Hi there. Who can I make it out to?" I couldn't form a thought at all. When I finally did get a word out, I just said, "Jim," which is my dad's name. He said, "Well Jim, it's nice to meet you." I did not bother to correct him.</p>
<p>My personal favorite Wiliie record remains <em>Red Headed Stranger. </em>It's a great example of how good of a writer he is. However, the song by him that I just might love the most is "Angel Flying Too Close To The Ground," from the 1980 movie <em>Honeysuckle Rose. </em>It's a perfect song, one that can describe a scene vividly in just a few minutes. </p>
<p>I decided to share this one now because I just learned that his sister Bobbie passed away last week. I can't imagine losing a sibling, especially one you played music with professionally for nearly fifty years. I wonder how Willie feels to have had to say goodbye to his sister. Unimaginable really.</p>
<p>Rest in peace Bobbie Nelson (Jan. 1 1931 - March 10 2022).</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p> </p>
1:51
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/6915430
2022-03-18T07:00:00-07:00
2022-03-18T07:00:02-07:00
Song 14: "Cast a shadow"
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/3278968b885aeece906c8aa462344d98bd5d2cba/original/img-2216.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>I count myself lucky to have seen Beat Happening, an arty trio of raw self-expression, in concert. I was still in high school making frequent trips to Pullman, WA and Moscow, ID to skateboard and experience my first live music. When I wasn't skateboarding, I was very likely watching a band practice in a basement. I was hooked, admiring real humans interacting amidst noise, sweat, and melody. At the time, lyrics weren't as important to me as they are now. I really just loved the sounds.</p>
<p>Butch's Den was a small little multi-purpose area in the basement of the Compton Union Building at Washington State University. I got to see likely a dozen bands play there before I was even out of high school. One exceptional bill featured <a contents="Fastbacks" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.subpop.com/artists/fastbacks" target="_blank">Fastbacks</a> with <a contents="Beat Happening" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.subpop.com/artists/beat_happening" target="_blank">Beat Happening</a>, supported locally by one of the best bands I may have ever seen, Ignatius. </p>
<p>Even Calvin Johnson, the lead singer of Beat Happening, was impressed. He stepped on stage and uttered, "Ignatius." His deep booming voice stretched this one word into at least five syllables. Then, he stared at the crowd, contorted his body, and let it rip. The band was simple: guitarist, drummer, and singer--all three of them changing up instruments. My take away from this performance was that you don't have to master anything to make art happen. Just be expressive.</p>
<p>I don't know that I've seen a better show.</p>
2:05
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/6909004
2022-03-11T07:00:00-08:00
2022-03-11T07:00:01-08:00
Song 13: "One of us"
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/dd3783d13752fc452bad22ab44b1dff8f7be7096/original/62945cf5-63db-4dbc-957e-cae23d8c0b56-10206-000005bf1a9fd610.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>"One of Us" was written by Eric Bazillian and performed by Joan Osborn for her 1995 debut album called <em>Relish. </em>It gives us the idea that God is just a "stranger on the bus trying to make His way home." While I'm not a huge fan of her music, I'm a big fan of God and this song resonates with me. I will admit that working on this one was challenging. I was so in love with Joan's version that I had trouble getting away from that feeling she created. I was almost ready to move away from it but...</p>
<p>It's the Lenten season and I like the idea of sharing this one now. </p>
4:35
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/6908985
2022-03-04T07:00:00-08:00
2022-03-04T07:00:01-08:00
Song 12: "Anyone that you love"
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/6bc902ab23a616526d312c7bfc9c7671f743836c/original/img-2068.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>While I'm usually one to research an artist I admire, I must admit that I know very little about <a contents="Bill Fox" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://realscatrecords.com/shop/p/bill-fox-transit-byzantium" target="_blank">Bill Fox</a>. He is a songwriter from Ohio and I think of him as Cleveland's Bruce Springsteen, if all Springsteen ever made was <em>Nebraska<strong>. </strong></em>He sings about real people and real stuff. His recordings share the same quality of 4-Track home recordings, although considerably more lo-fi than even <em>Nebraska </em>is. </p>
<p>I learned about Bill Fox from my friend, Eric, who also lives in Ohio. For years, Eric and I made tapes for each other. We were constantly introducing each other to great music and still are. I distinctly remember a stand-out track from Bill Fox on a mix tape from Eric that I listened to while walking all over Austin, TX.</p>
<p>One day, I went to my favorite record store at the time and ordered everything I could find. A week later, I went back home with two CDs: <em>Transit Byzantium</em> and <em>Shelter From the Smoke</em><strong><em>. </em></strong>In researching Bill Fox just now, I learned that <em>Transit Byzantium </em>has just been released on vinyl for the first time by <a contents="Scat Records" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://realscatrecords.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Scat Records</strong></a>. It's on this album you will find the song "For anyone that you love." </p>
<p>It took me ages to decide on a Bill Fox song to cover. I really love his music - the melodies and lyrics resonate deeply. I learned "For anyone that you love" the old fashioned way - just listening and writing down the words I could recognize. There's a section that changes and I don't think I have the lyrics close at all. I hope Bill Fox doesn't mind. My aim is to pay tribute. </p>
<p>This is a beautiful song.</p>
3:00
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/6903184
2022-02-25T07:00:00-08:00
2022-02-25T07:00:02-08:00
Song 11: "Rhymes and Reasons"
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/ddba79fbfda7a1f4874ccf4d3d815c10aaaf3581/original/img-4567.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_small">My most John Denver pose, photo by Christina</span></p>
<p>Me: (Listening to John Denver) "That John Denver's no joke."</p>
<p>Wife: (Trying not to listen to John Denver) "You do love yourself some John Denver."</p>
<p>Do you love John Denver's music or do you hate it? I find his music to be simple and straightforward. His poetry about the natural beauty of the world is very moving to me, and this is one of his best examples. When he sings "This is a prayer for nonbelievers," I just have to smile. So John Denver right?</p>
<p>I dedicate this post to my friend, Tom Hudson, because everyone needs a friend who loves John Denver. You are my guy, Tom! When he told me over 30 years ago that he loved John Denver's music, I just knew we would have a lasting friendship. I remember the day well. We were at an outdoor concert at the University of Idaho, maybe '91 or '92. Tom and I had just started playing music together. We watched the band, Engine Kid, performing their version of "Rocky Mountain High," which they call "Mountain High." I think Tom said something like, "Fuck, I love John Denver."</p>
<p>I recorded this one on my phone just sitting on the couch. Keeping it simple I guess.</p>
<p> </p>
2:15
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/6897345
2022-02-18T07:00:00-08:00
2022-02-18T07:00:07-08:00
Song 10 "Skull"
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/968f827b56bc440ff47d8ce35c567768873ba1e0/original/img-1944.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>There used to be such thing as a "Fall" album. My friends and I believed in this. We would be walking around campus, new autumn leaves on the ground, with a chill in the air, and a new album by a favorite band would make the perfect soundtrack for the season. <strong>Sebadoh's <em>Bakesale</em></strong> was one such album for me. <strong><a contents="Sub Pop" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.subpop.com/artists/sebadoh" target="_blank">Sub Pop</a></strong> released it on August 23, 1994, just in time for my senior year of college. </p>
<p>I was in Pullman, WA living alone on Main Street, attending Washington State University. I had my Thursday 1 P.M. radio show on <strong><a contents="KZUU " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://kzuu.org" target="_blank">KZUU </a></strong>"Pullman's only alternative." This album would have been in heavy rotation at the time. The promo copy we had at the station featured a black and white photo of <strong><a contents="Sebadoh" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://eil.com/shop/moreinfo.asp?catalogid=478134" target="_blank">Sebadoh</a></strong> sitting on desks in a classroom or library. I loved the lyrics of this song, "Skull": "There is history in this place. There are dragons to be chased." My own career in music was just starting, for it was at this time I bought my first 4-Track cassette recorder and began what would eventually be called <strong><a contents="Super XX Man" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/098MmcJPhW0jE4i3l4DFhD?si=lI7hUwpET42gQdYNQrZpkg" target="_blank">Super XX Man</a></strong>.</p>
<p>When I started this <em><strong>50 Songs Project</strong></em>, I knew I would include a song from <strong><em>Bakesale</em></strong>. I recorded my version of "Skull" using only a Casio CT-X700 keyboard. The only exception is the vocal, recorded with a microphone. I imposed these limitations on myself because I felt like using a guitar would have sounded too much like the original. </p>
3:01
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/6865028
2022-02-11T07:00:00-08:00
2022-02-11T07:00:04-08:00
Song 9: "Vincent (Starry Starry Night)" by Don McLean
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/eeff67c4f8d05619ec20ff3431f4f27b21b90a6b/original/img-5524.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />I just hit delete on everything I thought I wanted to say about this song. I'm just going to let it be what it is. It's called "Vincent (Starry Starry Night)" and written by <a contents="Don McLean" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eiewT_dO9KM" target="_blank">Don McLean</a>. Recorded with the usual tools and mastered in Australia by Warren Gardiner. Thanks for listening!</p>
<p>Cooking up a summer concert series. If you or anyone you know would like to get involved please don't hesitate to reach out to me. For now, I'm just planning Bay Area shows but open to venturing out if it it makes sense to do so.</p>
2:52
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/6878509
2022-02-04T07:00:00-08:00
2022-04-14T20:28:08-07:00
Song 8: "I wanna be sedated"
<p>I had the best time last weekend on my winter vacation. I met up with my childhood friend, Chris Gage. He and I met when I was still in junior high. I've looked up to Chris pretty much from the moment we met. I learned to skateboard and snowboard with him.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/e5fca1b68ed8f4b3cb471db514c19108b52114d7/original/img-1818.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>We went snowboarding at Schweitzer Mountain. I hit the beginner park and felt like a champ.</p>
<p>Then we met up with the rest of Chris’ family in Coeur d’ Alene, ID. We read old Thrasher Magazines from 1987 - 1990. We skated the family mini ramp after chipping away the ice and heating the wet spots with this weird heat gun. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/806c94c625725c7c7f0a0f240d1cb8b7ee3ea231/original/img-1862.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/2fbab5a637c7cd972cf342f6ceea44366179527d/original/img-1856.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />We decided to hit the local park and I got this gnarly ollie tail revert. Chris got this cool rock-n-roll. And carving this corner was kind of like being on the mountain again.</p>
<p><a contents="You can check my Instagram feed for all of this footage." data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/scottgarredmusic/?hl=en" target="_blank"><em>You can check my Instagram feed for all of this footage.</em></a></p>
<p>That’s what I did on my weekend winter vacation with my childhood friend of nearly 35 darn years. </p>
<p>Oh and on the way to the airport Chris handed me a stack of photos from the late 1980s. That's a long time ago. We talked about the early days snowboarding at Moscow Mountain. This is legendary area pro, Keith Wallace, blasting out of the half pipe around 1987.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/299fbc495cdcdf51d5ba0ae27f75574c264acd32/original/img-7788.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />And this is Steve Matthews with three of us looking on.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/9281431b684cb6c0a28d894579737f96ba00578d/original/img-1866.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>We both had half pipes. Mine was in my backyard. His was down by his dad’s shop. This is my ramp on 'opening day' with fresh masonite.</p>
<p><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/c245e30f130c05c1fac3b032e6893b8ead801b8b/original/img-1868.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Here I am on my Blockhead skateboard in the middle of a big grind.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/a81ea09f8252d4ae54868772cfaf528b29d8946d/original/img-1865.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Here's a picture so you can see how a ramp is put together. This would become Chris' ramp.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/646978dc8945f97f12058d47e4ea77fe3ae3e956/original/img-1872.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Chris did not land this one.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/e59bdb3832b59834561c687f9dc2c7893a39e91b/original/img-1871.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />I learned to skateboard in the old Lewiston Country Club pool. We used to hop the fence, use buckets to bail the water out, and skate. Please don't tell anyone. Chris said that he and his friend Jim Cole discovered the pool. Once word got out people showed up from all over. I don’t know this guy’s name but he was the real deal. If memory serves, it could be he was visiting from a nearby college. I think it had 2-3 feet of vert so to see this guy up on top like this scares the crap out of me. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/e90d903cf38d9ef9527be11c6aded11a3b54d7aa/original/img-1867.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Anyway, now I’m finished sharing my weekend winter vacation. Oh, almost forgot to ask. What did you do?</p>
<p>Oh crap, one more thing and then I promise I'm done. This is my recording of "I wanna be sedated" by <a contents="Ramones" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bm51ihfi1p4" target="_blank">Ramones</a>. It was one of the first CDs I ever bought around 1987.</p>
2:21
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/6857542
2022-01-28T07:00:00-08:00
2022-01-28T08:35:14-08:00
Song 7: "To Beat the Devil" by Kris Kristofferson
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/0206474169d51ef8906512cced68431f8e47a61b/original/img-1886.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Featured on Johnny Cash's LP <em>Hello, I'm Johnny Cash</em>, this song has been part of my life ever since I raided my parents' record collection. They always had a great stash of honky tonk records from the 1960s and this is one of my all-time faves. From start to finish, it's filled with rich stories of "love and charity."</p>
<p>Written by one of the greatest songwriters of all time (IMHO), Kris Kristofferson, "To Beat the Devil" tells the story of a down and out songwriter struggling to make ends meet (been. there. for. sure.) The singer enters a tavern, only to see that there was "just one old man sitting at the bar and in the mirror I could see him checking me and my guitar." He listens to the "old man" who seems to know him intimately.</p>
<p>Give it a full listen to hear how it all ends. Start with mine and then go listen to the master himself, <a contents="Johnny Cash" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/track/0zQbhhDTJ9DCA5MkXvsXmg?si=7505b97a2cf04ccc" target="_blank">Johnny Cash</a>. I recommend the entire album from start to finish. Don't do anything else. Just sit and listen. </p>
<p>Production note: Live vocal and guitar, recorded with UA Apollo LUNA, mixed to 4-Track cassette, back to LUNA, mastered in Australia by my mate Warren Gardiner at Gardiner Audio.</p>
4:27
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/6835878
2022-01-21T07:00:00-08:00
2022-01-24T08:52:01-08:00
Song 6: "Rolling in the deep" by Adele
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/1dd7534157555bdb66d5d2f99432173dcb528832/original/img-1793.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Over the years I have developed a way to play my Gibson Les Paul Standard with just one hand. I turn the amp up, add a little bit of a CompTORTION pedal, and I simply find the melody and enjoy the overtones provided by the harmonics that develop once it all starts feeding back on itself. The sound starts slowly and builds to maximum volume (we're talking shake the windows loud), at which point I can start painting the sound I'm after. </p>
<p>While this song by Adele falls a little outside of my criteria of being a song I've loved for the last 50 years, it really lent itself to this crazy guitar technique.</p>
<p>At the core of being a music therapist is utilizing music preferred by my clients. During one session, a client was playing a pitched percussion instrument I keep in my therapy bag. Since they identified Adele as an artist they liked, I used "Rolling In the Deep" as a backdrop for their exploration of this instrument. I was moved by the session and inspired to try singing the song for my own enjoyment.</p>
<p>I started playing it at home with the same slow, gentle picking pattern you hear in this version. I added many layers and a haunting lead vocal, and it didn't take long for me to realize what it was that was missing: several noisy guitars.</p>
4:51
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/6835876
2022-01-14T07:00:00-08:00
2022-01-14T07:00:02-08:00
Song 5: "Twin Falls" by Built to Spill
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/d3550e3630c26ebe38d606830f505dbb45d2c0bc/original/51775641-597711403975501-4734959860519534592-n.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>When I was in the band Raspberry (1992-1994) with Tom and Shawn (pictured above), we traveled often to Boise, ID. It didn't seem to matter if we played at a bar or all ages venue; we always had a chance to catch a Built to Spill show same day or next day next day next day next day (see what I did there?). I'm almost certain we never played on the same bill. However, Doug seemed to always be bartending when we played the Neurolux. I think it's safe to say he was a fan of ours. We chatted often and one night he encouraged us to make a professional recording with <a contents="Phil Ek" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.philek.com" target="_blank">Phil Ek</a>, producer of a few <a contents="Built to Spill" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.builttospill.com/home" target="_blank">Built to Spill</a> albums including <em>There's Nothing Wrong With Love</em>. Recording with Phil in Seattle at the legendary John and Stu's (formerly known as <a contents="Reciprocal Recording" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.revolutioncomeandgone.com/articles/9/the-story-of-reciprocal-recording.php" target="_blank">Reciprocal Recording</a>) was a wonderful experience for us. Sadly, the material was never released.</p>
<p>One day, we played an early show at the all ages club and went to the bar later in the evening to see Built to Spill perform. This was right after <em>Ultimate Alternative Wavers </em>and before <em>There's Nothing Wrong With Love. </em>If memory serves right, we heard many songs from the aforementioned album. I remember a RAT pedal, a second distortion pedal, and a few other pedals, all linked together, surrounding the base of the microphone stand. He seemed to dance on them while holding that red Strat with the <a contents="Dirt Fishermen" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://dirtfishermen.bandcamp.com" target="_blank">Dirt Fishermen</a> sticker. Mouth to the microphone. Hand on the wammy bar. Two feet on the pedals while singing on tip toes, "Christmas, Twin Falls, ID is her oldest memory. She was only two. It's the first time she felt blue." I was floored at how lovely this song was - the minimalist performance of it.</p>
<p>My version is not meant to be perfect by any means. It's a perfect memory, and I get to share it with you now. Enjoy!</p>
2:11
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/6860557
2022-01-07T07:00:00-08:00
2022-01-10T07:46:36-08:00
Song 4: "Ballad of 40 Dollars" by Tom T. Hall
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/5653dd00c4e18121b966b563e9ca9430c785d518/original/img-1774.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>I believe I know a thing or two about country music because my dad taught me. He used to say, "Scotty! Come here and listen to this song." He would laugh out loud when it was funny and just be quiet when it wasn't. But then again, I don't remember a single Tom T. Hall record in his collection so I guess he didn't know everything. He was more your average George Jones fan. If he were alive today, I would call him and ask him why he didn't have any Tom T. Hall records. I would say, "Dad! Come here and listen to this. He's got to be the greatest storyteller of them all." </p>
<p>Tom T. Hall and my father were the same age. I was sad to learn that Hall apparently took his own life when he passed away on Aug. 20, 2021. Cancer took my dad in 2008. My dad was funny and I think they had that in common.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The man who preached the funeral <br>Said it really was a simple way to die <br>He laid down to rest one afternoon <br>And never opened up his eyes <br>They hired me and Fred and Joe <br>To dig the grave and carry up some chairs <br>It took us seven hours <br>And I guess we must have drunk a case of beer. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I guess I ought to go and watch them put him down <br>But I don't own a suit <br>And anyway when they start talkin' about <br>The fire in Hell, well, I get spooked <br>So, I'll just sit here in my truck <br>And act like I don't know 'I'm when they pass <br>Anyway, when they're all through <br>I've got to go to work and mow the grass. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Well, here they come and who's that <br>Ridin' in that big ol' shiny limousine <br>Mmh! look at all that chrome, I do believe <br>That's the sharpest thing I've seen <br>That must belong to his great uncle <br>Someone said he owned a big ol' farm <br>When they get parked I'll mosey down <br>and look it over, that won't do no harm. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Well, that must be the widow in the car <br>And would you take a look at that <br>That sure is a pretty dress <br>You know some women do look good in black <br>Well, he's not even in the ground <br>And they say that his truck is up for sale <br>They say she took it pretty hard <br>But you can't tell too much behind the veil. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Well, listen ain't that pretty <br>When the bugler plays the Military "Taps" <br>I think that when you's in the war <br>They always had to play a song like that <br>Well, here I am and there they go <br>And I guess you'd call it my bad luck <br>I hope he rests in peace, the trouble is <br>The fellow owes me forty bucks.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Tom T. Hall </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Ballad of Forty Dollars lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc</p>
3:21
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/6831084
2021-12-24T07:00:00-08:00
2022-01-07T06:23:32-08:00
Song 3: "Ex Con" by Smog
<p><strong>Song:</strong> "Ex Con" (<em>Red Apple Falls </em>LP, 1997, Drag City Records)</p>
<p><strong>Artist:</strong> <a contents="Smog" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/2ajVJyxI4sHmTMtTA3ENko" target="_blank">Smog</a></p>
<p>I recorded this one simply because it's an awesome song. It's funny and dark at the same time. One thing I always loved about Smog was the growth in recordings. The sound quality always improved, hitting its peak for me with this album, which was definitely on heavy rotation while living in Austin. I would be lying if I said I never drew inspiration from one of Smog's albums. They are all so good to me. </p>
<p>I tried to keep this one really loose.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/9e3e6ea7f46728d6ed4002d0ebb1a478f13d1938/original/img-1113.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/1686e92b1df233023039fe2a3a5b33eb754f30e5/original/img-1111.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>(This white one is the same exact model and color I bought new in Lewiston, ID when I was 11 back in 1983. If only I had the sense to keep it.) </p>
<p><strong>In case you are curious, here's a list of my go to recording tools: </strong></p>
<p>27" Imac </p>
<p>Universal Audio Apollo Twin </p>
<p>Luna recording software </p>
<p>1980s Ibanez Roadstar II series guitar and bass (as shown) </p>
<p>Audio Technica 4033 microphones </p>
<p>Casio MT-68 Casiotone </p>
<p>I'm also really digging my homemade suitcase drum kit too. If you are curious about this please leave a comment below. I can share with you how I made it.</p>
3:08
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/6830451
2021-12-17T05:49:07-08:00
2021-12-23T06:17:56-08:00
Song 2: "Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want" by The Smiths
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/6aa11be204312a04249becd9f57f6fa5d6d4401a/original/img-1066.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><strong>Song:</strong> "Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want" (Louder Than Bombs LP, 1987, Sire Records)</p>
<p><strong>Artist:</strong> <a contents="The Smiths" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/3yY2gUcIsjMr8hjo51PoJ8" target="_blank">The Smiths</a></p>
<p>If you know me at all, then you know I have had a life long obsession with this band. It started at a dance club in Lewiston, ID. It was the summer of 1989, and I was 16. I started dancing with a girl. At some point we took a break and got some fresh air. We were making out and talking about plans that young people make. I told her I was really obsessed with skateboarding. She said, "I'm joining the Marines tomorrow." Just my luck, I thought. Well, actually, yes, just my luck. She wrote me letters that summer and in each letter she told me the name of a Smiths CD to go and get. I loved every one of them and still do. I found one of her old letters in a Vans box stored in my garage.</p>
1:53
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/6751193
2021-12-09T20:02:39-08:00
2021-12-13T17:01:49-08:00
Song 1: Alien Girl by The Crabs
<p>So, I'm turning 50 next year. I'm actually thrilled about it and am excited to announce, with this first post, that I'll be releasing one cover song per week leading up to my 50th birthday a year from today. I know what you're thinking! There are 52 weeks in the year. I plan on skipping a week here or there. Haven't thought that far yet though.</p>
<p>The point is I will have shared with you, my loyal listeners and fans, 50 songs by artists I've loved my entire life. These are songs I never seem to get sick of. Some are massively popular and others you might not know at all. These songs will only be on my website and I hope and pray nobody makes me take them down. I will not ask for money and they will not be on any official release or streaming platform. Here's cover number one for you:</p>
<p><strong>Song:</strong> "Alien Girl" (Soda Girl Records SG-01 7") </p>
<p><strong>Artist:</strong> <a contents="The Crabs" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/2QK9qrlyuXz75a2w4xLTB2" target="_blank">The Crabs</a></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/137db27f1354729fad307e0ad6f020aee304c489/original/img-0327-3.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/fcf5cbc636997a8144e072f209e2a2a97e85c8a7/original/img-0329-2.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>I decided to do this song because it was the first cover song Super XX Man ever performed live. The show was in fall of 1995 at the Blue Flamingo in Austin, TX.</p>
<p>Growing up in Eastern Washington State I was exposed to a lot of great music being made both locally and across the Cascade Mountain range. For me, the two most prominent music scenes were in Seattle and Olympia. We all know what happened in 1991 with the release of <em>that album</em> by Nirvana. The music made a large splash and sent ripples out far and wide. It was in the smallest of ripples that I discovered music by The Crabs. They hailed from Anacortes, located on the edge of Washington State just north of Seattle. They will always be one of my favorite bands. Simple songs. Beautiful melodies. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/d8734135e0d62806cadcf1fb199488193a7af44b/original/img-1062.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>This is me living the dream playing tambourine with The Crabs in Portland, OR, while on tour with Silver Scooter in 1997. That's Sarah Dougher on the Farfisa organ. She sang on Silver Scooter's debut album <em>The Other Palm Springs.</em></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
2:07
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/6603787
2021-05-01T11:03:27-07:00
2021-05-01T11:03:27-07:00
"Mayday Mayday I'm late with my April Post"
<p>Before COVID hit all of my music therapy works was, of course, done in person. It was intimate and special. I sat closely with the people I served and helped them play instruments by holding their hands so they could have success in making music, develop some motor coordination, experience being self-expressive, and feel something in their hand. Lots of reasons really. I've always been looking for ways to clone myself so that the music I wanted to use in a session could continue while I helped a person play an instrument. A few years ago I started composing my own music to accompany this type of "hand over hand" work.</p>
<p>Here's one called "Bass Groove (Cmaj.) 98BPM." </p>
<p><strong>In other news...</strong></p>
<p>I was lucky a few months back and got to participate in a really fun live streaming concert hosted by <a contents="High Plateau Productions" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.highplateauproductions.com/" target="_blank">High Plateau Productions</a>. Perhaps you watched? During the concert I drew a name (actually a simple web app scrambled all the email addresses I received and did this for me) and that person received a physical CD, 7" record, LP of anything I still had copies of. So, congratulations Joel, you lucky new fan.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/0b17ab65352a4595b520a972d3fdf33654ba6bac/original/img-4563.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
2:49
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/6570819
2021-03-29T08:45:12-07:00
2021-03-29T08:45:12-07:00
March Song: "Just get clean" (Remix by Remo)
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/240ef5c72894e4b9801c5e28f3e53f700e1c8939/original/sb-pic-profile-1.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>It's always wonderful to hear from someone wanting to collaborate on a project. <a contents="Remo Zanin" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.remomixingmastering.com/" target="_blank">Remo Zanin</a>, a fan in Italy, first wrote to me in January:</p>
<p><strong>"<em>Hi Scott I really love your album Scott Volume 2! I like your "home recording approach" for me so similar to Sufjan Stevens. You got many beautiful songs. If in the future you want to collaborate with me I will be so happy. My name is Remo I am a freelancer sound engineer and musician. I would like to mix for free one of your song as a free sample if you want :)"</em></strong></p>
<p>After some messaging back and forth, we agreed that my song <strong><em>Just get clean </em></strong>might make for a good remix. I sent him all of the tracks and he got to work. </p>
<p>Remo has created a much darker track than I ever imagined. He stripped away the Casio drum beat and created a reverb-soaked electronic track that functions more like a dark reflection pool, occasionally breaking down in to sound collage and space sounds.</p>
<p>Did you know opioid overdoses continue to be a leading cause of death in the U.S. today? According to the<a contents=" National Institute on Drug Abuse" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.drugabuse.gov/drug-topics/trends-statistics/overdose-death-rates" target="_blank"> National Institute on Drug Abuse</a> there were over 70,000 drug-related deaths in 2019 alone. <a contents="SAMHSA" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/recovery" target="_blank">SAMHSA</a> is a great resource for getting help with mental health and addiction issues. </p>
<p>Happy to share this tune with you today in advance of its worldwide digital release on March 31st. Thanks for signing up on my mailing list and helping to spread the word through your social media channels. Much appreciated!</p>
<p><a contents="Pre-save the release" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/scottgarred/just-get-clean-remix-by-remo-zanin" target="_blank">Pre-save the release</a> today. </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/6547173
2021-02-11T00:00:00-08:00
2021-02-12T16:53:00-08:00
February song: "I hope that I don't fall in love with you"
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/92c0a0146fe4d564f073d0db596d031e84f704fe/original/img-9459.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>While my available physical catalog of music is dwindling, my feelings about what I've produced are swelling. I feel blessed that I have made so much music and been fortunate enough to release LPs, CDs, cassettes (although none pictured here) and 7" records. And, while it may not be everything I've made it's what I have left without giving away my last copies. </p>
<p>Grab a ticket for the upcoming Sunday, Feb. 28th <span class="font_large"><strong><a contents="High Plateu Productions Live Stream" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/scott-garred-livestream-live-from-california-tickets-136975039029" target="_blank">High Plateau Productions Livestream</a></strong></span> and you will be automatically entered in a chance to win this bundle of music. You are already entered if you have already secured a ticket. NOTE: if the winner is over seas I will need to negotiate a shipping fee with you!</p>
<p>Included:</p>
<p>Silver Scooter <em><strong>Blue Law</strong></em> LP</p>
<p>Silver Scooter <em><strong>Other Palm Springs</strong></em> and <em><strong>Orleans Parish</strong></em> CDs</p>
<p>Scott Garred <em><strong>Little Tiny Things</strong></em> and <em><strong>Scott Songs Vol. II</strong></em> LPs</p>
<p>Scott Garred <em><strong>Scott Songs Vol. II</strong></em> CD</p>
<p>Scott Garred <em><strong>Silver Scooter 4-Track Demos</strong></em> double handmade 7"</p>
<p>Super XX Man Volumes IV, VI, VII, X, XIII, XIV CDs</p>
<p>Super XX Man Vol. III 7"</p>
<p>Regardless, this month's free song is a B side from the <em><strong>Little Tiny Things</strong></em> sessions. It's my take on Tom Wait's classic "I hope that I don't fall in love with you."</p>
3:04
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/6523625
2021-01-17T17:55:26-08:00
2021-01-17T17:58:20-08:00
January Song: Live Stream Concert Announced
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/dd3783d13752fc452bad22ab44b1dff8f7be7096/original/62945cf5-63db-4dbc-957e-cae23d8c0b56-10206-000005bf1a9fd610.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Hi everyone! I'm partnering with <strong><a contents="High Plateau Productions" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.highplateauproductions.com/#about-section" target="_blank">High Plateau Productions</a></strong> for a special live stream concert on Sunday, Feb. 28 at 5pm PST. I'll be performing new songs from my latest release <em><strong>Scott Songs Vol. II</strong></em> and some oldies but goodies too. I've made a playlist on <a contents="Spotify" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/711UWWKgEm8axQeMRDT3eQ?si=xl-2e4boRreK2M-i9cXTkw" target="_blank"><strong>Spotify</strong></a> of all the possible songs I could be performing. You can help me choose songs to perform by emailing me here or commenting on social media. Please have a listen!</p>
<p>High Plateau Productions makes it possible for me to keep 100% of the ticket sales. This is a very generous model and they do a great job delivering a high quality live stream. Buy a ticket today and help make this a success. Tickets are $5. If you would like to also pick up an LP then consider paying $17 and I'll mail the LP to your door, postage paid. Purchase tickets<strong> <a contents="here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/scott-garred-livestream-live-from-california-tickets-136975039029" target="_blank">here</a>.</strong></p>
<p>Finally, this month's free track is "<strong>He was gone</strong>." I'm sharing this one because my buddy <a contents="Joe Salinas" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.joesalinasfilms.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Joe Salinas</strong></a> has directed a new video for it and it is lightening hot. It will be premiered later this month, along with an interview, by one of my favorite magazines, <a contents="American Songwriter" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://americansongwriter.com/" target="_blank"><strong>American Songwriter</strong></a>. Check their website on Jan. 27.</p>
1:33
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/6471540
2020-11-06T09:44:22-08:00
2020-11-06T09:53:24-08:00
November song: "Make room for me" + Hangover session this weekend!
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/746bdfccd310edc1af12b64bb9e17cbd9f9f7cdc/original/hos-flyer-scottgarred-228.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Please make note of this upcoming live interview on this wonderful little radio station. My friend Alex Webber is having me on his program for a chat about all things music related. I'll be performing a couple songs and presenting a short playlist of songs that are helping me get through these shelter-in-place times.</p>
<p><a contents="KXSF.FM" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://kxsf.fm/listen/" target="_blank">KXSF.FM</a></p>
<p>Also, please check out this unreleased song originally intended to be on my new album <strong><em>Scott Songs Vol. II</em></strong>. When I first started making it I really loved the sounds and the idea. It just didn't make the cut. What's it about? I'll let you decide. Please discuss!</p>
4:20
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/6450880
2020-10-13T07:40:23-07:00
2020-10-13T07:40:23-07:00
Rocktober song: Jump (Van Halen cover)
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/0a13fb5e96838bcdba215e20122d7eb485f17bad/original/img-8832-2.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>I realize I already shared this song back in 2018 when I made it, but we just lost one of the great innovators of the guitar. Rest in peace, Eddie Van Halen. You will be missed.</p>
<p>Admittedly, I never learned a single Van Halen guitar riff until I was well into my 30s. And no it wasn't "Eruption." I was sitting with a resident of the Oregon State Hospital outside of what we called the Treatment Mall--an area of the hospital with various group therapies happening everywhere. This person didn't like groups, had an extreme social phobia. I think he joined our Working Together Band for maybe a full session once. He taught me the intro to "Hot for Teacher" as well as many other classics. I have him to thank for my current set of rock riffs. It was good solid therapeutic engagement for him and a huge thrill for me.</p>
<p>When I was a kid and Van Halen was HUGE, I would scour the heavy metal magazines in my dad's grocery store to look at pictures and read articles about my guitar hero. I wondered how it was possible that he married someone from a sit-com. When my space legos were done working hard all day in space, they blew off steam on my homemade concert stage. I made guitars and cymbal stands out of toothpicks and cut up paper plates. My space lego version of Van Halen's drums had a double kick, a thousand cymbals of various sizes and, of course, the guitars all had the stripes. They all plugged into a Panasonic RQ 2104. You can 'buy it now' on <a contents="Ebay" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.ebay.com/i/224174774288?chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-117182-37290-0&mkcid=2&itemid=224174774288&targetid=935083617347&device=c&mktype=pla&googleloc=9061266&poi=&campaignid=10897989831&mkgroupid=108153387980&rlsatarget=aud-622524042958:pla-935083617347&abcId=9300403&merchantid=112081799&gclid=CjwKCAjwzvX7BRAeEiwAsXExo5hEdvf8-qoNm693rqeMLpIR76fqBbxSylky_IVIzpR_xPxjybEfwBoCjakQAvD_BwE" target="_blank">Ebay</a>.</p>
<p>I had posters of Van Halen on my wall. I practiced drawing the cover of VH II all the time. Everybody could draw it better than me, I swear. Every once in a while I listened to AC/DCs <em>Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap</em> tape or Men at Work's <em>Business as Usual</em>. But I always went back to <strong><em>Van Halen</em></strong> and <strong><em>VH II</em>.</strong> <a contents='"Dance the Night Away"' data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/track/4RS9PmtHQe7I0o5fEeweOY?si=UdOC7MCwQKqJwLXGQgIl9g" target="_blank">"Dance the Night Away"</a> and <a contents=""Jamie's Cryin"" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/track/6MumccCPd4N6qBVdl0gSeM?si=8wN_OUztTbK1ns5GyCB4NQ" target="_blank">"Jamie's Cryin"</a> are two of my favorites. And the baby smoking a cigarette on the cover of <em><strong>1984</strong></em>? </p>
<p>So I wasn't surprised when one day at work I just started singing "Jump" to a simple I, IV, V chord progression not too unlike "La Bamba." It needed a little tweaking, so I worked on it later at home. Check it out. It kinda works I think, and while many might think this is tongue in cheek, it's a genuine tribute. It's a perfect pop song in Van Halen's hands anyway. </p>
<p>My wife is in education. I think I'll cue up "Hot for Teacher" on my way to work.</p>
3:03
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/6426939
2020-09-07T11:43:01-07:00
2020-09-07T11:43:01-07:00
September song: "Just get clean"
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/9dc691325b530b91fefdd654b1849e3ba17bdfac/original/img-7700.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Artwork by Nadine Garred</p>
<p>Here is the final album mix of "Just get clean." It's also the most recent single from the forthcoming album <em>Scott Songs Vol. II, </em>which is due out Nov. 21. I was originally inspired to write this song while listening to what seemed like endless stories about the opioid crisis, which is still a crisis, however overshadowed by other current events. There's a repetitive nature to the track, a driving artificial drum beat and chord progression. The narrator gets completely swallowed by a chorus consisting of Kelly Atkins and myself. A piano riff pulls everything back together and the guy decides he's ready to get clean.</p>
<p>I've always believed drugs love everybody. They do not discriminate. In fact a lot of times they just dominate.</p>
<p>In other news, I'll start doing limited #7songssundayat7 again via <a contents="Facebook" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/ScottGarredMusic" target="_blank">Facebook</a> Live and <a contents="Instagram" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/scott_songs/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> Live. If you are not already following me, please do so now. That way you will never miss out on these fun little performances. These should start up again in October.</p>
<p>Please find me and follow me on your preferred streaming platform. This will be a huge help.</p>
<p>Click <a contents="here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://linktr.ee/scottgarred" target="_blank">here</a> for more links.</p>
3:25
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/6414485
2020-08-21T12:34:00-07:00
2020-08-21T12:34:00-07:00
August song: "He was gone"
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/63f833402be82e1f135c8212b7a7016f698067d5/original/img-6733-3.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Here's a new song for you. I'm not sure how to describe it. Find out for yourself.</p>
1:33
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/6384522
2020-07-18T12:27:13-07:00
2020-07-18T12:32:31-07:00
July Song: "Cast a Spell" cover by some friends
<p><strong>New music for you! Kind of...</strong></p>
<p>I received the following email from a fan:</p>
<p>"<em>Hopefully this is still your correct email and you receive this. My friend Cordon and I have been using this quarantine time to try out the collaboration feature in Garageband and work on some music together across the country. We started off by doing a few covers of your songs off of Volume 4 and think they turned out pretty decent for something recorded quickly on our iphones. We hope you enjoy them! </em></p>
<p><em>Also just want to say that my wife and I are really enjoying your Sunday night shows. One of my favorite concert memories was your Vol. 5 release show where you set up the stage at the Hyde Park Theater to look like everyone was in your bedroom, and now you're able to do basically do that same type of show straight from your house. It's really amazing and is a refreshing way to finish off each week during these crazy times. Thank you!</em>"</p>
<p>- Jason Brint</p>
<p>I'm pleased to announce that he's given me permission to share them with you. Download "Cast a Spell" now and head over to my <a contents="Soundcloud" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://soundcloud.com/scottgarred" target="_blank">Soundcloud</a> page for the rest. Enjoy!</p>
3:26
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/6360560
2020-06-21T18:23:29-07:00
2020-10-04T17:36:34-07:00
World Premier Video: "Dementia/Blue"
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="vsOynmL3pN8" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/vsOynmL3pN8/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vsOynmL3pN8?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>I'm very pleased to share this brand new video created by my friend and collaborator, <a contents="Kelly Atkins" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.corpsofthelilymusic.com" target="_blank">Kelly Atkins</a>. The video features some archival public domain footage along with me providing music therapy services with Ann, a person who was living with dementia. It is the first of hopefully more videos from my brand new self-titled album, which will be released later this year. The album also features Kelly singing utterly beautiful and strange vocal harmonies. This album marks our debut collaboration.</p>
<p>The song is titled "Dementia/Blue" because it relates living with dementia to climate change. I picture our planet losing its memory just as a person with dementia does. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/6cb19ab0e154197830cf0b1e5c9d2018fa222f74/original/img-0905.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 9.600000381469727px;">Artwork by Nadine Garred</span></strong></p>
<p>Please consider supporting me by pre-ordering an LP, CD, or digital download today.<a contents=" Learn more." data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/scott-garred-album/x/14249619#/" target="_blank"><em><strong> Learn more.</strong></em></a></p>
<p>$25 dollars will get you a beautiful full color LP on splatter-colored vinyl, limited to 250. Postage is paid if you live in the U.S. The LP will come with a digital download as well as up to 5 extra songs not included on the album. In addition to this, you will receive a rare 5-song collection of largely unreleased material by my old band, Silver Scooter, including a cover of R.E.M.'s classic song, "World Leader Pretend," mixed and mastered from analog 8-Track by my friend<a contents=" Dave McNair." data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.davemcnairmastering.com" target="_blank"> Dave McNair.</a> </p>
<p><strong>"Dementia/Blue Sky"</strong> <strong>Lyrics:</strong></p>
<p>Close your eyes and laugh </p>
<p>Close your eyes and smile a little longer </p>
<p>Close your mouth and shout </p>
<p>Close your mouth and sing a little longer </p>
<p>Think of the blue sky and dream </p>
<p>Be the world </p>
<p>Pretender </p>
<p>Be the world in ways you can remember </p>
<p>Lose yourself </p>
<p>Today </p>
<p>Lose yourself </p>
<p>Surrender anyway </p>
<p>Think of the blue sky </p>
<p>And dream</p>
<p>I was Ann's music therapist for a little over a year. She and I worked together until she passed away in 2018. She was a beautiful and amazing woman and her enthusiasm for life never left her. I want to thank her family for allowing me to use this footage. </p>
<p>If you ever have questions about music therapy please don't hesitate to ask. You can also learn more by visiting <a contents="The American Music Therapy Association" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.musictherapy.org" target="_blank">The American Music Therapy Association</a> website.</p>
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/6346376
2020-06-14T21:14:31-07:00
2020-06-14T21:14:31-07:00
June Song: World Leader Pretend (R.E.M.)
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/227e99774ca493cc0c7b844195bea788352681f2/original/img-7961.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>I was recently going through boxes of shit in the garage. You know the drill. "Hmm, I wonder what's in this one labeled 'office drawer?'" Well I found something pretty exciting and that is a CD labeled "Silver Scooter Master CD May 1998 8-Track recorded at Tom's with Dave."</p>
<p>Tom could only mean Tom Hudson, drummer. And Dave could only mean <a contents="Dave McNair" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.davemcnairmastering.com" target="_blank">Dave McNair</a>, longtime Silver Scooter collaborator, producer, engineer, and dear friend. One song jumped out at me immediately--"World Leader Pretend." It was at that moment I realized what I was holding. </p>
<p>When we got together to record in Tom's home it was to try out my newly purchased Tascam 388 recorder, capture some new songs, and record R.E.M.'s beautiful song from their 1989 album <em><strong>Green</strong></em>. I had become obsessed with the song when it was released during my sophomore year of high school. I remember we were studying world history, specifically WWI. I honestly thought the lyrics could have been about WWI. Hearing Stipe sing, "I decree a stalemate, I recognize the weapons..." made me think this.</p>
<p>"World Leader Pretend" was recorded by Silver Scooter for a compilation that never came to be. Bummer too, because being on an R.E.M. tribute album would have been amazing. This track also features Dave on slide guitar and kalimba. John Hunt on bass. Tom Hudson on drums. And yours truly singing and playing guitar.</p>
<p>Here are the songs on this CD I discovered. </p>
<p>1. If Nonsense Only Knew (originally released on a 4-song 7" compilation "Self-Portrait" on Permafrost Records)</p>
<p>2. Morning View (originally released on a split 7" with Tiara on Voice of the Sky Records)</p>
<p>3. So Long (unreleased)</p>
<p>4. Tribute To The Phone Calls (unreleased)</p>
<p>5. World Leader Pretend (unreleased)</p>
<p>I'm always excited to discover unreleased material by Silver Scooter. Perhaps there's more to find?</p>
<p>I will eventually get this little collection on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, etc. For now, I'm only offering it through my campaign to release my latest solo album, <em><strong>Scott Garred</strong></em>. When I reach my goal of $2500, all contributors to the campaign will receive these songs free. </p>
<p><a contents="Click the link to learn more." data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/scott-garred-album/x/14249619#/" target="_blank">Click the link to learn more.</a> LPs are $25 postage paid in the United States making this essentially a pre-sale. Also included are outtakes from the recording sessions.</p>
<p><strong>Here's what you are getting for $25 </strong></p>
<p>1. LP (postage paid, overseas add $20),</p>
<p>2. 5 outtakes not on the LP,</p>
<p>3. 5 Silver Scooter tracks mentioned above</p>
<p>One last thing. If we do make it to $2500 I will be personally kicking in extra dollars for custom splatter-colored vinyl. My treat! </p>
4:07
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/6327577
2020-05-23T07:50:52-07:00
2020-06-01T08:16:13-07:00
May Song: Day Without Contact
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="vimeo" data-video-id="420073150" data-video-thumb-url="https://i.vimeocdn.com/video/895183927_295x166.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/420073150" frameborder="0" height="360" width="640"></iframe></p>
<p>I'm skipping my usual "New Songs" format to bring you this announcement.</p>
<p>I've just finished a new album and it's time to get it in your hands and on to your turn tables. Please help me send it off to the record pressing plant. Consider this a pre-sale. </p>
<p><strong>Why </strong></p>
<p>While I do feel that every album I make is worth sharing, I don't necessarily feel that every album I make is worthy of the best possible format, which in my opinion is the LP. This one is worthy for many reasons. </p>
<p>This album features sounds I've used before but never quite like this. Every sound has a purpose. A guitar or ukulele may provide the basic structure but what makes each song come to life is left to the piano, drums, bass, distorted bass, melodica, vintage Casio keyboards, and vocal harmonies. </p>
<p>Collaborating with me on this album is Kelly Atkins. She's quite a fixture in the Bay Area music scene (perhaps you know Kitka or 20 Minute Loop?) She can make her voice sound like buzzing insects swarming around your head. Perhaps you like the theremin or the singing saw? She does it all folks. </p>
<p>My hope is that these songs will inspire you to think deeply about some of the world's issues. Walk in the shoes of a mass shooter. Shake hands with artificial intelligence. Think about climate change the same way you think about your own mother with dementia. </p>
<p><strong>What's needed </strong></p>
<p>Through this campaign I'm hoping to raise money to manufacture the LPs and mail them to supporters. I am not asking for any financial assistance in producing the music. That part is done. </p>
<p>The reality is this album will never be in a local store. This is our shot people. Let's do it. </p>
<p>Click <a contents="here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/scott-garred-album/x/14249619?create_edit=true#/" target="_blank">here</a> to view the campaign.</p>
<p>Anyone curious what will become of this song, "Day Without Contact?" Help me make sure it gets on the record.</p>
<p> </p>
2:43
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/6290424
2020-04-24T11:21:28-07:00
2020-04-24T11:23:53-07:00
April song: High and Lonesome
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/0764ca3f27d4c66439b7df5a0b9438cf647751e1/original/img-7800.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_small">Shot on iPhone 7</span></p>
<p>"These are my thoughts as I climb to the top. With a sack full of bullets and a head that won't stop." </p>
<p>It was difficult to write these words. It was even more difficult to sing them without sounding or feeling like a mass shooter. It's hard to write the words <em>mass shooter. </em>In 1966 an ex-Marine named Charles Whitman climbed to the top of the tower on the University of Texas campus in Austin, TX. According to <a contents="Wikipedia," data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Texas_tower_shooting" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a>, he killed 13 people and injured 31. The eventual total dead would be 17.</p>
<p>Since this massacre, according to the <a contents="Washington Post" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2018/national/mass-shootings-in-america/" target="_blank">Washington Post</a>, there have been 175 mass shootings in which at least 4 people were killed. </p>
<p>I wanted to write this song simply to offer another perspective on the subject. We have already heard a lot from politicians and those who oppose and support the second amendment and so, I think it's time to get to know the shooters. How do we do this? They are our children and siblings, people who are in our lives yet they become killers. Some are older and some are younger. They are more often than not male. What makes a human do such an inhumane thing? This song is nothing more than an attempt to wonder about this.</p>
<p><strong>Lyrics:</strong></p>
<p>High and lonesome </p>
<p>High and lonesome </p>
<p>High and lonesome </p>
<p>I’ll be </p>
<p>High and lonesome </p>
<p>High and lonesome </p>
<p>High and lonesome </p>
<p>You’ll see </p>
<p>I climbed high on the mountain </p>
<p>I got lost on the sea </p>
<p>I climbed high on the mountain </p>
<p>You’d be better with me </p>
<p>High and lonesome </p>
<p>High and lonesome </p>
<p>High and lonesome </p>
<p>I’ll be </p>
<p>High and lonesome </p>
<p>High and lonesome </p>
<p>High and lonesome </p>
<p>You’ll see </p>
<p>These are my thoughts as I climb to the top </p>
<p>With a sack full of bullets and a head that won’t stop </p>
<p>These are my thoughts as I climb to the top </p>
<p>Oh you better come see </p>
<p>Just don’t get too close to me </p>
<p>High and lonesome </p>
<p>High and lonesome </p>
<p>High and lonesome</p>
<p><strong>Technical Specs: </strong> </p>
<p>UA Apollo Twin </p>
<p>iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2017) 3.4 GHz Intel Core i5 </p>
<p>AT 4033 Microphone </p>
<p>AT 4021 Microphone </p>
<p>Background vocals by <a contents="Kelly Atkins" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.corpsofthelilymusic.com" target="_blank">Kelly Atkins</a> </p>
<p>She recorded them at home using a Rode mic and Pro Tools. </p>
<p>Cascade M39 Stereo Pair Microphones </p>
<p>1970s Univox “Beatle” Bass </p>
<p>1963 Gibson B-25 </p>
<p>1991 Gibson Les Paul Standard </p>
<p>Generic cocktail kit </p>
<p>Honer melodica </p>
<p>1970s Yamaha Console Piano </p>
<p>Written, recorded, and mixed at home. 2019 (BMI) Warship Songs. </p>
<p>Mastered by Warren Gardiner at Gardiner Audio in Melbourne, AUS </p>
<p> </p>
2:41
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/6257373
2020-03-22T14:51:59-07:00
2020-03-22T14:51:59-07:00
March song: Just get clean
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/9dc691325b530b91fefdd654b1849e3ba17bdfac/original/img-7700.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Shot on iPhone X by Nadine Garred</strong></p>
<p><strong>Song: </strong>Just get clean</p>
<p>I imagine addiction is a thing ticking away, relentless in the way it runs through your day. It’s like a Casiotone beat that wakes you up and begs you to deal with it. You might work hard to cover it up but what you are left with is a throbbing feeling in your bones; a pulsing bass line that pushes you forward. You scratch and claw at your body like a 12-string electric guitar. You stumble and startle with every drum fill. You know you can do it. You know you can get over the hump; maybe even cut it down to two pills. “I will” you say, “I will.” Until “I will” swallows you and you can’t hear your own voice. </p>
<p>This song is about opioid addiction. These are the pills sent home with you after surgery. They are the ones you find below the sink. They are the pills you get from your friend who doesn’t need them. In 2018, according to the <a contents="CDC" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/opioids/index.html" target="_blank">CDC</a>, 70% of the 67,000 drug-related deaths in America were caused by opioids prescribed by a doctor.</p>
<p><strong>Technical Specs: </strong></p>
<p>UA Apollo Twin </p>
<p>iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2017) 3.4 GHz Intel Core i5 </p>
<p>AT 4033 Microphone </p>
<p>Background vocals by <a contents="Kelly Atkins&nbsp;" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.corpsofthelilymusic.com" target="_blank">Kelly Atkins </a></p>
<p>She recorded them at home using a Rode mic and Pro Tools. </p>
<p>Cascade M39 Stereo Pair Microphones </p>
<p>Pano M8 baritone ukulele </p>
<p>1970s Univox “Beatle” Bass </p>
<p>1963 Gibson B-25 </p>
<p>Generic cocktail kit </p>
<p>Casio Casiotone MT-68 </p>
<p>1970s Yamaha Console Piano </p>
<p>Danelectro 12-string electric</p>
<p>Korg SV-1 keyboard</p>
<p>Written, recorded, and mixed at home. 2019 (BMI) Warship Songs. </p>
<p>Mastered by Warren Gardiner at Gardiner Audio in Melbourne, AUS</p>
<p><b>Lyrics:</b></p>
<p>If I could just get clean </p>
<p>If I could just stay sober </p>
<p>If I could just fly away on some machine </p>
<p>I would I would </p>
<p>If I could make my bed </p>
<p>If I could rest my head </p>
<p>Towards an impossible dream </p>
<p>I would I would </p>
<p>If I could whisper in the night </p>
<p>Body aches I make my own two feet collide </p>
<p>Stung by the cold daylight </p>
<p>Figure hates </p>
<p>Figure waits </p>
<p>Go figure me for who you used to know X3 </p>
<p>I would I would </p>
<p>I would I would </p>
<p>If I could just get clean </p>
<p>(I got so hooked on these)</p>
3:24
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/6226939
2020-02-27T06:50:00-08:00
2020-02-27T07:06:24-08:00
February song: AIOU
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/059af4e725cab276351f5439caab780ecc441d49/original/img-7605.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Shot on iPhone XIII by Nadine Garred</p>
<p><strong>Song: AIOU</strong></p>
<p>"Robot, I'd like you to meet Tree." </p>
<p>"Tree, this is Robot. He's gonna be in charge from now on."</p>
<p><strong>Lyrics:</strong></p>
<p>I look at you and I see </p>
<p>That you are real </p>
<p>I look at you and I know </p>
<p>That you can feel </p>
<p>That you can feel </p>
<p>That you can feel </p>
<p>That you can </p>
<p>That you can feel, feel, feel </p>
<p><em>Can you solve global warming, forest fires around this great nation? Can you bring me my car when I park it so far?</em></p>
<p>I look to you and I hope </p>
<p>That you can cope </p>
<p>I look to you and I see </p>
<p>That you can fly </p>
<p>I look to you and I know </p>
<p>That you can cry </p>
<p>That you can cry </p>
<p>That you can fly </p>
<p>AIAIOU </p>
<p>AIAIOU</p>
<p><strong>Technical Specs: </strong></p>
<p>Tascam 388</p>
<p>UA Apollo Twin </p>
<p>iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2017) 3.4 GHz Intel Core i5 </p>
<p>AT 4033 Microphone </p>
<p>Background vocals by <a contents="Kelly Atkins" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.corpsofthelilymusic.com" target="_blank">Kelly Atkins</a></p>
<p>She recorded them at home using a Rode mic and Pro Tools.</p>
<p>Cascade M39 Stereo Pair Microphones </p>
<p>Pano M8 baritone ukulele</p>
<p>1970s Univox “Beatle” Bass </p>
<p>1963 Gibson B-25 </p>
<p>Generic cocktail kit </p>
<p>Casio Casiotone MT-68 </p>
<p>1970s Yamaha Console Piano </p>
<p>Written, recorded, and mixed at home. 2019 (BMI) Warship Songs. </p>
<p>Mastered by Warren Gardiner at Gardiner Audio in Melbourne, AUS</p>
5:00
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/6057010
2020-01-20T09:51:46-08:00
2020-09-07T08:29:13-07:00
January Song: Pick-up truck
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/b5686a95bde2eadc8e0fb54fe59f16eaf9112835/original/img-7424.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Shot on iPhone 8</p>
<p><strong>Song:</strong> <strong><em>Pickup Truck </em></strong></p>
<p>Hello and welcome back to my regular song blog. 2020 will be a year dedicated to sharing new music, culminating in a brand new album. Ideas for my new songs came from an interview I heard. The man being interviewed said, ”Now I don't want to sound like the county moralist, but..." Of course he went on to sound like the county moralist, whatever that is. </p>
<p>Anyway, this got me thinking about writing some new theme-based songs, which is not how I usually do it. I normally sit and wait for words and melodies to enter my brain and say, “Hey, why don’t you make me into a song?” Recently, I made an agreement with myself to turn this wait-and-see approach upside down. I’m now putting the idea first and crafting the melody, harmony, and production second. So far the results have been varied and I’ve abandoned a lot. It’s part of the new process. </p>
<p>Writing this way is helping me stay engaged in the world more and walk in some shoes I’ve never tried on before. I’m also falling in love with a few vintage Casio keyboards, learning to play a cocktail drum kit, and discovering a lot more about harmony on the piano. I’m embracing the old 4-Track cassette recorder and I know in my heart that all this is making me a better songwriter. </p>
<p>I’ve also been in touch with some old and new friends about collaborating. So far, these partnerships have been fun and I will be sharing a few alternate versions as a result. Stay tuned… </p>
<p>"Now, I don't want to sound like the county moralist or anything" But I will sing in first-person as a Priest. I will sing in first-person as a mass shooter. And I will sing in first-person as a woman with dementia or the warming world. You can decide which. </p>
<p>My first song for you is narrated by a man impacted by natural disaster. He sees “a pick-up truck, a barbecue, and a little girl's shoe” floating down a flood plain. And, as he watches, he wonders about faith.</p>
<p><strong>Lyrics: </strong></p>
<p>Oh I walked </p>
<p>Oh I sat </p>
<p>Down on the riverbank and I watched it all float by </p>
<p>I saw a pickup truck </p>
<p>A BBQ </p>
<p>A little girls’ shoe </p>
<p>And a whole lot of luck </p>
<p>And all this time I’ve been walking around through the wind and the rain X2 </p>
<p>If you believe me I will make you whole </p>
<p>I will make you whole again </p>
<p>So I stood </p>
<p>Where I stand </p>
<p>Grabbed a rock </p>
<p>And by the time it left my hand </p>
<p>I joined right in </p>
<p>I sang real loud </p>
<p>I sank real low </p>
<p>And floated down again </p>
<p>And all this time I’ve been walking around through the wind and the rain X2 </p>
<p>I will make you whole again </p>
<p>(God’s not about what happens when you die </p>
<p>God's not about what happens when it all turns black) </p>
<p>And I walked through the fire </p>
<p>And I walked through the flood </p>
<p>And I walked through the wind and the rain </p>
<p>And the tears and the blood</p>
<p><strong>Technical Specs: </strong></p>
<p>UA Apollo Twin </p>
<p>iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2017) 3.4 GHz Intel Core i5 </p>
<p>AT 4033 Microphone </p>
<p>Cascade M39 Stereo Pair Microphones </p>
<p>1970s Univox “Beatle” Bass </p>
<p>La Patrie Collection classical guitar</p>
<p>Generic cocktail kit </p>
<p>1991 Gibson Les Paul Standard w/ Ebow </p>
<p>Casio Casiotone MT-68 </p>
<p>1970s Yamaha Console Piano </p>
<p>Written, recorded, and mixed at home. 2019 (BMI) Warship Songs. </p>
<p>Mastered by Warren Gardiner at Gardiner Audio in Melbourne, AUS</p>
3:36
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/5909539
2019-11-29T11:00:33-08:00
2019-11-29T11:00:33-08:00
Australia: Super XX Man Talk About
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/b206cbc7a404db9903580b3a9e35d73404f9e27c/original/cover.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><strong>Super XX Man</strong><em><strong> Vol. XVI Talk About</strong></em></p>
<p>Overall, my time spent making music in Australia was amazing. I received a lot of support in Melbourne, for which I'm very thankful. <em>Sorta Heavy Metal </em>(see previous post) was featured many times on local radio shows and even topped one DJ's best of list for the entire year. I was thrilled<em>. </em>It was during a live on air performance one morning that Alisdair Henry heard Peter and me performing. He wrote me an email saying he was available if we ever wanted a second cello. Yes, we did! Around the same time my very good friend Antony McMullen decided he was ready to dust off his guitar and begin contributing to our growing sound. I think by this time, Hannah was living overseas somewhere with her family and therefore unavailable for the time being. We lost our angelic voice but gained more strings, guitar, and friendship.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/c76b0bf63be3f9a7d27a45985ef887c535b6e1a7/original/544588-10151474646831499-894424430-n.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>One evening, at Ali's house, Peter grabbed the glockenspiel and started jamming along to a song I had written called "Talk About."</p>
<p>Peter said, "Scott I reckon this sounds a bit like Bruce Springsteen."</p>
<p>This sparked the writing process for the rest of the album. Songs came as they always seem to and that is by life experience. And times were tough. I received a lot of songs from the ether just so I could cope I guess. Towards the end of the writing process I still had one song that eluded me. Honestly, I was ready write it off.</p>
<p>Along came <a contents="Devon Sproule" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://devonsproule.com/home/" target="_blank">Devon Sproule</a> (stop reading, look her up, she's amazing). She was in the country for a series of solo shows and Super XX Man was lucky enough to open for her in Melbourne. I just had to take a chance and ask her if she would like to collaborate on a song I was struggling with. Lucky for me and the band, she had some time and agreed to do some recording over at Peter's. She and I arranged and sang the song "Sparrow" together. I think it's one of the best songs on the album and I'm so happy it was saved from the rubbish bin.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/3b88e6e9fc30e320950d9df365ff35a9c9d7fa79/original/10371925-10152740815796499-6975848458505051529-n.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Originally released through Bandcamp on a limited run of handmade 7" picture disks, this album would mark the end of my Australian stay. In fact, it was released after I moved back to America. I'm so happy to report that this Australian produced album is finally available on all your favorite streaming platforms. </p>
<p>It was mastered by <a contents="Warren Gardiner" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://gardineraudio.com" target="_blank">Warren Gardiner</a>, who works on everything I do now. He is a great listener!</p>
<p>The artwork for this album was made by my cousin, Denise Elder.</p>
3:36
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/5907777
2019-10-16T07:49:00-07:00
2019-11-22T10:08:55-08:00
Australia: Super XX Man Sorta Heavy Metal
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/1a627d186c1ffaad970141abc4183c37abab3f16/original/heavymetal-cover.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><strong><em>Sorta Heavy Metal, </em>Milk! Records, released 2012</strong></p>
<p>In 2011 I moved with my family to Melbourne, Australia. It was there I met <a contents="Peter Joseph Head" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.peterjosephhead.com" target="_blank">Peter Joseph Head</a> and Hannah O'Keefe. Peter, a gifted multi-instrumentalist, and Hannah, voice of an angel, both helped me create and craft songs for what would be Super XX Man's debut album in Australia called <em>Sorta Heavy Metal. </em>With the help of a successful crowd-funding campaign (huge thanks to many of you reading this now), a special launch show curated by my friend Courtney Barnett, and a crack art direction team in <a contents="Shawn Camp" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.shawncamp.net" target="_blank">Shawn Camp</a> and Kendall Anderson Camp, this beautiful limited blue vinyl release was made available through Courtney's <a contents="Milk Records" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://milk.milkrecords.com.au" target="_blank">Milk Records</a>. </p>
<p>Here's how I met Peter: A friend of a friend introduced us at the Tote in Fitzroy, a trendy neighborhood in Melbourne. Austin friends might think Hole in the Wall or Liberty Lunch.</p>
<p>I asked Peter, "So, I hear you play cello?"</p>
<p>Peter said, "It's not my main instrument."</p>
<p>OK. Man of few words maybe? </p>
<p>When he took his cello out of the case for our first ever practice, he played one of Bach's cello suites to warm up. I was impressed. Then he picked up the guitar and I was even more impressed. This marked the beginning of a lasting friendship.</p>
<p>Peter introduced me to Hannah O'Keefe. He and Hannah had played together in other bands. She is a sweet human being and was able to blend right in.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/754f6ae836be9b271052ac2f4469694e78c9059a/original/471132-421723084532639-1185379186-o.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>For the song "Down To The Water," I wanted some energized drumming. Again, Peter to the rescue. He introduced me to <a contents="Pascal Babare" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.pascalbabare.com" target="_blank">Pascal Babare</a>, a drummer and music producer in Melbourne. I brought my computer and all my stuff over to his bedroom. He had his drums already set up. He banged out some crazy loud parts to bring life to this song about a community dedicated to their water source. </p>
<p>What really finishes this album for me is coincidentally the last song called "Best Friends." It features a nice lyric about a piece of thread and a needle, and some nice accordion by Michelle Garred. It's a song about my children and describes the deep bond they still share today. As the song moves along, you can hear Peter play the Koto and another bowed instrument. For me, it finishes like a lullaby.</p>
<p>The record was mastered by my dear friend, <a contents="Dave McNair" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.davemcnairmastering.com" target="_blank">Dave McNair</a>. He's taught me much of what I know about recording and he has helped me out many times. When I got the LPs in my hands and readied the albums to be mailed out I had to borrow a turntable from my neighbor, John Gorman, just to listen to it.</p>
<p>Seven years on and I'm listening to the vinyl right now. It still sounds great and I think it might be one of the best albums I've ever made. It has stories and imagery, depth, it's moody, not too polished, and varied just enough. It features cello, guitars, drums, percussion, keyboards, bass, Japanese traditional instruments, and likely much more I can't remember.</p>
<p>I'm pleased to announce that it is finally receiving a wide release. As of right now, you can stream it on all your favorite platforms. Here are a few links:</p>
<p><a contents="Spotify" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/57fEC8mcxYMH2WI3ra9SPl" target="_blank">Spotify</a></p>
<p><a contents="Amazon" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/Sorta-Heavy-Metal-Super-Man/dp/B07YWFYV1W/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=sorta+heavy+metal&qid=1571237304&s=dmusic&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Amazon</a></p>
<p>Take care,</p>
<p>Scott</p>
<p> </p>
2:54
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/5890739
2019-09-15T16:06:57-07:00
2019-09-15T16:33:57-07:00
True Love Has Found You Daniel Johnston
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/43190fe8dbd75737d4c996408d77fbc8b62c546a/original/img-2964.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 0.8em;">Photo by Tyler Mallory, 2016</span></p>
<p>I received a phone call one night when I lived in Austin, TX. It must have been around 1997 or 1999 even. Honestly, I can't really remember. I do know I was planning a little Super XX Man tour that would take me to Toronto for a music festival called NXNE. The caller identified himself as Daniel Johnston's father. </p>
<p>I think the call went something like this: </p>
<p>"Is this Scott? Hi, my name is Bill. I'm Daniel Johnston's dad. He's been invited to attend a music concert in Toronto and I understand you are going there. Do you think there's a possibility that he could ride with you?" </p>
<p>As he was explaining just how delicate a situation this would be, I distinctly remember hearing another phone line pick up and Daniel's unmistakable voice coming on the line saying, "Dad, am I going? I really want to do this. He seems cool Dad. Can I? Come on dad! Dad, come on!" Daniel did this several times throughout the conversation.</p>
<p>Each time, I remember his dad very gently asking, "Daniel, put down the phone and let me work this out." </p>
<p>Now, my memory of this is very fuzzy. I remember being very excited by the possibility of touring up to Toronto with Daniel Johnston. But, and I'm sure his dad knew this all along, it was likely not a good idea. Daniel was well known for very unpredictable behavior and required much support. I think his dad was simply crossing me off his list so that he could let Daniel know that he had now officially explored all options. Honestly, I was relieved. My biggest fear was Daniel getting lost or running out of his necessary and seemingly endless supply of soda. </p>
<p>I really love Daniel's music. His songwriting is so honest and real -- his authenticity is remarkable to say the least. Through listening to his songs and admiring his approach to songwriting, I learned a lot from him. What I learned most is to always be courageous in the process of making art. Just turn on the faucet and let the water flow. Below is a list of my favorite songs by DJ, which you will find on my Spotify playlist called <a contents="my favorite DJ songs" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/14KnZGyZTCTaRjEGrjOBkp?si=qf-RU_DhRWyOGAcJ-Dwi4A">my favorite DJ songs</a>. </p>
<p>1. Walking the cow</p>
<p>2. Running water</p>
<p>3. Lousy weekend</p>
<p>4. True love will find you in the end</p>
<p>5. I had lost my mind</p>
<p>6. Don't let the sun go down on your grievances</p>
<p>7. Speeding motorcycle</p>
<p>8. Chord organ blues</p>
<p>9. Mind contorted</p>
<p>10. Never relaxed</p>
<p>11. A little story</p>
<p>12. Story of an artist</p>
<p>13. Honey I sure miss you</p>
<p>14. Crazy love</p>
<p>15. Devil town</p>
<p>Daniel Johnston was a true original. Visit <a contents="his website" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.hihowareyou.com" target="_blank">his website</a> to learn more about his music and visual art. In my opinion it is a must that you see the movie, "<a contents="The Devil and Daniel Johnston" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0436231/?ref_=nv_sr_2?ref_=nv_sr_2" target="_blank">The Devil and Daniel Johnston</a>." It is an amazing film! Finally, please download and enjoy my cover of the brilliant "Mind Contorted" song.</p>
<p>Take good care,</p>
<p>Scott</p>
<p> </p>
1:44
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/5839747
2019-08-01T17:11:14-07:00
2019-08-01T17:11:14-07:00
I'm so glad I'm here
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="nrTj_Guy-dc" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/nrTj_Guy-dc/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nrTj_Guy-dc?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="360" width="640" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>I have been fortunate to land where I am today; as a person, a man, a father, a husband, a songwriter, and music therapist, I am right here. As far as music goes, now and then I like to look back to see and appreciate the progression to my present. I have crossed paths with many people along the way. I often sit and think, "What if that continued?" or "What if that actually happened? Where then would I be?" Here are a few highlights for me:</p>
<p>In 1996, I had the pleasure of meeting <a contents="Bob Mould" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.bobmould.com" target="_blank">Bob Mould</a> -- someone I already greatly admired. Tom Hudson, my roommate and bandmate at the time, called me at work and said, "Scott, call home and check the messages." I did and discovered Bob's deep voice inviting Tom and me out for coffee. He wanted to talk about the music I was making at the time (early days for both Super XX Man and <a contents="Silver Scooter)" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://peekaboorecords.com/artist.aspx?id=4">Silver Scooter)</a>. We had the opportunity to spend time with him and meet other musicians in his home. He mixed a few of our early 4-Track recordings as Silver Scooter, which became our first Crank! Records 7". We played mini golf and went out for shakes at Sonic. Our collective goal at the time was to make a Silver Scooter record. Though making a record with Bob never happened, it was an amazing experience.</p>
<p>Later in the 90s, Tom and I were hired to pick up <a contents="Emmylou Harris" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.emmylouharris.com" target="_blank">Emmylou Harris</a> and her band at the airport and take them to Luckenbach, TX for a concert with "Waylon and Willie, and the boys." She sat in the back of our 15-passenger tour van with dark sunglasses on and didn't say a word. Her crew chatted with us though, and that was fun. It was also great to have a free bbq meal back stage and catch some quality music.</p>
<p>When Super XX Man was on <a contents="Hush Records" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.hushrecords.com" target="_blank">Hush Records</a> and later, <a contents="Tender Loving Empire" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.tenderlovingempire.com" target="_blank">Tender Loving Empire</a>, both small labels in Portland, OR, I got to go to NPR studios in Washington D.C. I met Bob Boilen and played one of his <a contents="Tiny Desk" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRE_qJfFMxA" target="_blank">Tiny Desk</a> concerts. It was super rad. I was a nervous wreck. I will always remember my take-away highlight was the building tour Bob took me on and seeing a locker with duct tape on it that simply said, "Carl Kassel."</p>
<p>In 2011, my family moved to Melbourne, AUS. Once we got our feet on the ground, I started exploring where I might want to book a gig. The Old Bar was highly recommended to me, so I listened to all the artists on the calendar until I fell in love with <a contents="Courtney Barnett's" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://courtneybarnett.com.au" target="_blank">Courtney Barnett's</a> voice. I contacted her through her Myspace page. She wrote me back and invited me to the gig. I met her friends and we quickly booked some shows together. When Peter Joseph Head, Hannah O'Keefe, and I finished our <em>Sorta Heavy Metal </em>album as Super XX Man, Courtney and I discussed co-releasing it on her brand new label, <a contents="Milk Records" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://milk.milkrecords.com.au">Milk Records</a>. I did my first ever crowd funding project in order to raise funds and she helped me kick it off by organizing a gig with me. She suggested other artists cover one of my songs as part of their sets. She and her partner, <a contents="Jen Cloher" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.jencloher.com" target="_blank">Jen Cloher</a>, covered "Box Store." I believe Rob from a band called <a contents="Immigrant Union" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.immigrantunion.com" target="_blank">Immigrant Union</a> played harmonica (refer to video above). Courtney and Jen later recorded it at my home in Melbourne -- that recording is beautiful and I am happy to pass it along with this post.</p>
<p>So, as I sit here in my pretty little studio (thank you Christina) and think back on my musical journey, I can't help but rejoice at how fortunate I've been. The point of all this reminiscing is that there's not a single other place I would like to be more than right here and now. Every step I took brought me right here. I say that as a person, a man, a father, a husband, a songwriter, and a music therapist.</p>
3:16
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/5824636
2019-07-14T19:44:19-07:00
2019-07-14T19:44:19-07:00
newness and collaboration
<p><span class="font_small"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/09f849f89a287816bb8d9b93de051ca1ae37eac2/original/img-5540-2.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></span></p>
<p>While I definitely have enough old punk material to close out 2019, I just don't feel like sharing it anymore. So, thanks for listening and downloading the Raspberry stuff. Other old bands I was in will have to stay in the box. Besides, I was starting to feel like that guy at the party who shares too much and who makes you think, "Gosh when is he going to shut up?" And truthfully, I just don't think I stand by some of my old work any longer. So, here's to newness . . . and collaboration if you feel so inclined. </p>
<p>I'll be working on new songs for the remainder of the year, and I am hoping you will share in the creative process. I'll be posting snippets of ideas and inviting you to contact me to say, "I'd like to help with that one." It's true I could just simply do this alone, but I think it might be more fun and help build community if you come along with me. </p>
<p>I have never felt more creative. Perhaps it's just because I'm more grounded than ever and I have this studio space to create in, thanks to my beautiful and generous wife, Christina (she took the photos on my site too). Perhaps it's just my way of making sense of this world we all share today.</p>
<p>This first song is one of many I plan on writing about serious issues popping up in the current world landscape. It's about artificial intelligence (AI) and all that it promises and all that we hope it brings to the table. Will AI make our lives better? I'm not sure, but I do think the right collaborator could help me make the song better. So, step up to the plate, reach out to me, and let's make a song!</p>
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/5788816
2019-06-15T11:18:09-07:00
2019-06-15T19:21:37-07:00
Raspberry with Phil Ek Part III
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/c647b50d3ca80721288805c42596159529dc115e/original/raspberry-banner.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_small"> Photos by Tom's brother, Steve Hudson, taken at Crazy Horse, all ages club, in Boise, ID likely around 1993 </span></p>
<p>From the click of the drummer's sticks to the last fade out, music is about discovery, joy, energy, and commitment. This period of making music as Raspberry taught me this. It was in the practice space that I spent so many hours with Tom and Shawn, crafting songs and learning how to let the music take us someplace. The chords and melodies taught us how to bring our individual ideas together. We learned to communicate and compromise. Shawn and I had to share the mic. We both had to trust Tom to drum us to the end. We had to tell each other why we thought something worked or didn't. </p>
<p>This song, <em>Gallery,</em> embodies all these things. I remember when Shawn presented this to us. I had thought at the time that it needed a fourth chord during the verses -- that the three chords alone sounded too ambiguous or unresolved. But through patience and commitment, and when presented with the crack of Tom's snare and the clean strum of the guitar, it began to breathe. It started to swallow itself just before starting over and that is a lovely thing with music. I also love Shawn's melody and I admire his ability to capture the mood with his lyrics. (I think this is also one of the things I love about his paintings). </p>
<p>Do me a favor: put some nice headphones on, hit play, and just listen to this song. Hear the tone of the guitar, the crack of that snare drum, and listen to Shawn paint you a picture as he strains and reaches for those beautiful high notes. This was Raspberry at its finest. We sweated it out in a hot practice space, learned to communicate and rock with emotion. </p>
<p>Thanks again to Warren Gardiner for mastering this track. Please seek him out at www.gardineraudio.com for all your mixing and mastering needs. And thanks to Sean Lennon for the DAT transfer.</p>
3:28
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/5755665
2019-05-21T21:16:42-07:00
2019-05-21T21:18:34-07:00
Raspberry with Phil Ek Part II
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/1b4c3464bf270adb86f29d4855cfe60f4a271541/original/a2511c73-ef0d-4191-bf5b-7836ddb6dab4.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />While I have no memory of the setlist played by Raspberry, I'm quite sure we would have played this rocker called<em><strong> William T. Ryker</strong></em> (yes, I know that's the wrong spelling). We played a lot of house shows back in the day--they were the best too. Every once in a while, however, we just had to go big. It wasn't often we got to host bands like Bikini Kill and Fitz of Depression. Someone in our community called up a member of Bikini Kill and invited them to play in Pullman, WA because that's the way shows happened pre-internet.</p>
<p>I remember it was difficult to load gear into the upstairs of the old Combine place. We had to climb some rickety stairs in the back. If you've never lifted a Fender Twin amplifier, I'm here to tell you they are back-breaking things. And putting on a show at the Combine meant renting the space, borrowing a P.A., and praying that kids would come out. On weekends, the Combine felt like a ballroom. It was our Filmore except with a small stage, which made us feel like we could all reach out and play each other's instruments. On weekdays, I also used to do my homework there as it was just a few blocks from my last apartment in Pullman. </p>
<p>Oh yeah! The song... This is just another unreleased song from the Phil Ek recordings made in December of 1994 at John and Stu's in Seattle. Pay close attention to the guitar tone. We plugged my Les Paul Standard straight into some massive stainless steel pre-amp to get the kazoo-like fuzz. Phil didn't have to convince me it would be great. All he had to do was remind me that he did the same trick with Doug Martsch's guitar.</p>
<p>It's too bad Raspberry isn't out opening for Bikini Kill now. </p>
<p>Thanks again to Warren Gardiner for mastering this track. Please seek him out at www.gardineraudio.com for all your mixing and mastering needs. Also, please excuse the horrible digital noise at the end of this track. Warren tried really hard to clean this up but unfortunately, due to the nature of how long this was stored on Digital Audio Tape (DAT), there was nothing to be done. Think of it as a little extra feedback! Many thanks to Sean Lennon for transferring the DAT to computer. Much appreciated, amigo!</p>
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/5596639
2019-04-19T09:30:43-07:00
2019-05-15T09:00:10-07:00
Raspberry with Phil Ek Part I
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/2783b5c1cf23a4964b35e13444eeb24e11bdad41/original/img-5068.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Maybe we were in pursuit of our version of anthemic punk, emotional discord, or simply the right party to play at. I don't know what we were searching for, but I do know we loved the music we made twenty five years ago, and now, I am so excited to share some of this unreleased Raspberry music with you. In December of 1994, at the urging of Doug Martsch (Treepeople, Built to Spill), this little punk band trekked to Seattle so we could record with Phil Ek at John and Stu's. </p>
<p>Once we released our 7" record and at least one full-length cassette, we began touring the region. Boise was always a favorite spot. Performing was exhilerating, but so was catching an early Built to Spill show at the local Neurolux bar after we played an early all ages show one night. To see and hear Doug Martsch sing those early songs and step on several distortion pedals at once was amazing. He was right there in front of my face singing "Christmas Twin Falls Idaho..." And he was nice! He just might be the nicest guy in rock. When he was not performing, he was tending bar. One night we were chatting and he said, "I like your band and I think you should record with Phil Ek." He put us in touch and the rest is history. </p>
<p>We prepared studiously for the recordings. Not only did we practice a lot (often without singing so as to focus on the instrumentation) but we also strategized with Phil on the phone. I remember Tom asking him about drum heads, when to put new ones on, and best heads for the snare. We crashed at Thomas Metcalf's house in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Seattle. This was still very much the era of the Seattle Sound, so we were in it as far as we were concerned. It was an exciting time. We had high expectations for releasing this music. Until we didn't! Soon afterwards, Shawn left for graduate school in Virginia, and Tom and I joined up with Jeff Albertson to form a new band. So, the recordings just sat gathering digital dust. </p>
<p>This first song is called "Stuck to the floor." Like previously shared Raspberry music on this blog, it features lyrics both Shawn and I wrote. The professionalism heard in this recording, I think, is obvious. I can still see Phil Ek, flashlight in hand, adjusting the microphone in front of my amp by inches to get the sound he wanted. We spent one full day just getting drum sounds. </p>
<p>Thanks again to Warren Gardiner for mastering this track. Please seek him out at <a contents="www.gardineraudio.com" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.gardineraudio.com" target="_blank">www.gardineraudio.com</a> for all your mixing and mastering needs. Also, please excuse the horrible digital noise at the end of this track. Warren tried really hard to clean this up but unfortunately, due to the nature of how long this was stored on Digital Audio Tape (DAT), there was nothing to be done. Think of it as a little extra feedback! Many thanks to Sean Lennon for transferring the DAT to computer. Much appreciated, amigo!</p>
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/5670914
2019-03-10T09:57:22-07:00
2019-03-10T09:57:22-07:00
A punk band: Raspberry Part III
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/876580d97ea17bb6057554e3d814465c2357a8f9/original/img-4692.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><strong>Song: </strong><em>Girl</em></p>
<p><strong>Details: </strong></p>
<p>Recorded early 1994 in Spokane, WA at Jello Tree Studio by John Salvo. Co-released on Nervous Wreckords late 1994 as one of two songs from Side B of 7" record. </p>
<p>I'll just let you ponder these lyrics for a bit:</p>
<p><em>Come around 'cause you know I'll be waiting, sitting on the toilet I'm singing about my town, just dying to impress you </em>- mumble mumble mumble - <em>you're taking this too hard... whoa whoa whoa whoa whoa whoa girl that I can't have... even though the cousins of my elephants, sitting in the backyard singing about my town, starting to impress you - </em>mumble mumble mumble (come on Shawn, learn to articulate!) - <em>you're taking this too hard... whoa whoa whoa whoa whoa whoa girl that I can't have... </em></p>
<p>And with that, we close the one official vinyl release Raspberry ever had! There were three songs in total with cover art by Shawn Camp. We skipped Kinko's in favor of having the covers printed in Lewiston, ID by a pro. We lucked out because, although we budgeted for a lesser quality printing, the print-shop owner said "In the end I went with he higher quality because I thought it would look nicer - no extra charge!"</p>
<p>"Distributed by K" stickers were coveted; they meant the records were approved by the arbiters of taste at K. We wanted one. We stuffed the records in covers and plastic sleeves one summer day at my old upstairs unit in Pullman, WA. I think we wrote, in crayon, a letter to Calvin Johnson at K Records asking him to consider distribution. We received a letter back (maybe from Calvin) saying they would take so many copies. We got our sticker!</p>
<p><strong>Technical Specs: </strong></p>
<p><strong>Machine:</strong> Tascam MSR 16 1/2” with Soundtracs MRX 24x8x16 console; mixed to Tascam 32 two-track machine; backed up on DAT </p>
<p><strong>Microphones: </strong>AKG 414, EV RE-20, Sure SM57, Groove Tube MD 1a, various Audio Technica </p>
<p>The room was a large spacious warehouse up a few floors from the street in downtown Spokane, WA. </p>
<p>Special thanks to Warren Gardiner for mastering this track. You can find him at www.gardineraudio.com</p>
1:59
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/5626680
2019-02-13T18:40:50-08:00
2019-02-13T18:45:12-08:00
A punk band: Raspberry Part II
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/d3550e3630c26ebe38d606830f505dbb45d2c0bc/original/51775641-597711403975501-4734959860519534592-n.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: 0.8em;">Tom on drums, Shawn on bass - photo by Chris Lundeen </span></p>
<p><strong>Song: <em>Empty Beer Can</em></strong></p>
<p><strong>Details: </strong></p>
<p>Recorded early 1994 in Spokane, WA at Jello Tree Studio by John Salvo. Co-released on Nervous Wreckords late 1994 as one of two songs from Side B of 7" record. </p>
<p>Here is another example of our lovely little sound. <strong><em>Empty Beer Can</em></strong> features my immature lyrics about a girl, coupled with the proverbial "la la la" vocals on the chorus. I owned a really special Telecaster-style guitar at the time and this is definitely it. And I must say, that listening back to these recordings brings me right into the physical space in which they were recorded. I was positioned to the right of Tom while Shawn was to the the left. I used to prop my amplifier up on my old red, white, and blue roller-skate case. Because of the volume we created as a power trio, it must have been difficult for the engineer, John Salvo, to manage all the guitar and bass bleeding into the drums. I must admit, however, that I prefer recording this way to this day.</p>
<p>And this was also the beginning of my interest in recording. The vocals and a few additional guitars were overdubbed and I specifically remember John placing the AKG 414 microphone at or around the 12th fret of my acoustic guitar. He asked me, "Do you mostly want to hear the strings?" I guess my answer was "Yes!"</p>
<p><strong>Technical Specs: </strong></p>
<p><strong>Machine: </strong>Tascam MSR 16 1/2” with Soundtracs MRX 24x8x16 console; mixed to Tascam 32 two-track machine; backed up on DAT </p>
<p><strong>Microphones: </strong>AKG 414, EV RE-20, Sure SM57, Groove Tube MD 1a, various Audio Technica </p>
<p>The room was a large spacious warehouse up a few floors from the street in downtown Spokane, WA. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Special thanks to Warren Gardiner for mastering this track. You can find him at <a contents="www.gardineraudio.com" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.gardineraudio.com">www.gardineraudio.com</a></p>
1:27
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/5581324
2019-01-17T21:24:33-08:00
2019-02-16T15:14:01-08:00
A punk band: Raspberry Part I
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/4012ed29fa451c11c2f2c5f154cd91753062ff4d/original/img-4478.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><strong>Song: <em>My Brother Pat</em></strong></p>
<p><b>Details:</b></p>
<p>Recorded early 1994 in Spokane, WA at Jello Tree Studio by John Salvo. Co-released on Nervous Wreckords late 1994 as Side A to 7" record.</p>
<p><strong>Technical Specs:</strong></p>
<p>Machine: Tascam MSR 16 1/2” with Soundtracs MRX 24x8x16 console; mixed to Tascam 32 two-track machine; backed up on DAT</p>
<p>Microphones: AKG 414, EV RE-20, Sure SM57, Groove Tube MD 1a, various Audio Technica</p>
<p>The room was a large spacious warehouse up a few floors from the street in downtown Spokane, WA. </p>
<p>I was in a real punk band, complete with nonsensical and heavily repeated lyrics, a beat often over 100 BPM, and a few guitar solos! One of these bands was called Raspberry. We were a good band. We played all over Moscow, ID and Pullman, WA from late 1992 to early 1994. We ventured on tour over to Seattle, WA and down to Boise, ID as well. We had a blast! Shawn Camp sang and played a bass that was a precursor to his career as a painter. Tom Hudson played an old Pearl President drum kit. I sang and played a Les Paul through a half-stack. The three of us had many adventures together and I love these guys dearly.</p>
<p>I remember it felt really good to play this music. It was loud and generated real energy. Shawn and I could never hear each other sing (which might explain why our lyrics are so different and our songs don't make any sense). Tom was and still is a badass drummer. We called him Tommy "Ricky Hurricane" Hudson. Maybe he just called himself that. We were a power trio influenced by some of our collective favorite trios at the time: Firehose, The Meices, Sebadoh, Dinosaur Jr. and a local band - Sugar Daddies. </p>
<p>Special thanks to Warren Gardiner for mastering this track. You can find him at <a contents="www.gardineraudio.com" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.gardineraudio.com" target="_blank">www.gardineraudio.com</a></p>
3:17
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/5583782
2019-01-06T18:31:57-08:00
2019-01-07T17:54:21-08:00
January 6, 2019: new song on rainy evening in SF
<p>Here is a new song I worked up over the holidays. While it's true that it has many elements of other songs I have written, there seems to be something worth chasing in this particular untitled tune. What shall I do with it?</p>
<p><strong>Technical Specs: </strong></p>
<p>Camera: iPhone XR</p>
<p>Microphone: Shure MV88</p>
<p>Application: MOTIV</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="vimeo" data-video-id="309797524" data-video-thumb-url="https://i.vimeocdn.com/video/750256691_295x166.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/309797524" frameborder="0" height="360" width="640"></iframe></p>
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/5518235
2018-12-02T14:40:50-08:00
2019-01-03T06:16:30-08:00
Scott Songs: December 2018
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/57b6f6b0693372de49d22232abeeab6de04a9c3b/original/chris-sowder-53992-unsplash.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><strong>Song: </strong><em>Golden Boy, Glenda, and Shamoo</em></p>
<p>I wanted to tell a Christmas story in the story-telling style of Tom T. Hall and Johnny Cash. Here's what I came up with. It's the story of three misfit barflies accused of stealing the local Methodist’s baby Jesus. Set in a small town we may as well call Clarkston, the three barflies search their souls, download an app, and save Christmas - likely all by their third beer.</p>
<p>Merry Christmas!</p>
<p><strong>Technical Specs </strong> </p>
<p>Machine: Reaper DAW</p>
<p>Pre-amp: Art Tube Pre (the one with presets for about $75) chained with an RNC compressor </p>
<p>Microphone: Audio Technica 4033, Sure SM57, Cascade M39 stereo pair </p>
<p>Rhythm Guitar: 1963 Gibson B-25, 1991 Les Paul Standard through Fender Blues amp</p>
<p>Lead Guitar: 1991 Les Paul Standard </p>
<p>Bass: 1970s Univox Beatle copy </p>
<p>Drums: free drum app, sleigh bells from my dad's old farmhouse, rim shot and brushes on 60s Ludwig snare, old wooden tambourine</p>
<p>Misc: harmonica</p>
<p>Special thanks to my kids, Cy, and Nadine, as well as my wife Christina for singing background vocals.</p>
<p>Recorded and produced at home by myself. Mixed and mastered by Warren Gardiner at Gardiner Audio in Melbourne, AUS. I want to thank Warren for his incredible dedication to a year's worth of music production assistance. This song in particular was the result of many mixes just to get it right. You know what Warren said to me? He said, "Hey mate, no worries at all about being picky, the client has to be happy! Made the changes and proceeded straight to mastering, but can still make further changes if you need." Here is his website so you can seek him out and benefit from his experience and expertise: <a contents="www.gardineraudio.com" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.gardineraudio.com" target="_blank">www.gardineraudio.com</a></p>
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/5527377
2018-11-25T18:57:08-08:00
2019-05-22T09:28:43-07:00
Aloha and Merry Christmas
<p>I went to Hawaii in search of Magnum PI. May have stumbled into Elvis when I bought this shirt. Went to the beach with my smart phone in my pocket. Went swimming. Left the beach without my smart phone in my pocket. Not real smart after all. But, I did buy a new and special ukulele and I have this Christmas gift for you.</p>
<p>Mahalo,</p>
<p>Scott</p>
<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="vimeo" data-video-id="302750839" data-video-thumb-url="https://i.vimeocdn.com/video/741606225_640.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/302750839" frameborder="0" height="360" width="640"></iframe></p>
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/5509227
2018-11-12T10:39:50-08:00
2018-11-12T10:39:50-08:00
Scott Songs: November 2018
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/cdd7f60fa475a08a8842d6f01deaf8196e776c5e/original/img-3631.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><strong>Song:</strong> <em>Fixed</em></p>
<p>I took a collage approach to writing when I set the drums up in my studio for this song. I played along to a metronome set at four difference speeds to achieve four different potential frameworks to build upon. This, I believe, is the third performance. I smiled at their cardboard sound and nodded at the space I left for other potential cutouts. I then played bass. I chose notes that simply felt nice to me. These were the larger scraps of paper. I tried not to think too much about patterns. Instead I let the drums guide me and help me establish a mood with a nice balance of tension (the low end on the Tascam 388 coupled with the flabby drums helped too). Once the framework was set, I asked, <em>Where does space remain in this piece and where should it be sacred? </em>I worked out a simple ascending piano line to further capture the mood and tone set by the rhythm tracks. This felt like a long jagged tear right through the middle. My 12-string electric added shimmer like scissors threatening subtle manipulation. I let the glue dry for a few weeks before returning to the piece. </p>
<p>I have had an old accordion 10-inch record set that I have never bothered to listen to. I placed it on my old school-house record player which was mic'ed up and ready to go. Now I love serendipities as much as the next guy, so please imagine my smiling face as the first track of the first record just happened to tonally wash over the entire piece. I lifted the tone arm up and down in rhythm and felt where it needed to be. Then I was finished. </p>
<p><strong>Technical Specs</strong> </p>
<p>Machine: Tascam 388 finished on Pro Tools First</p>
<p>Pre-amp: Art Tube Pre (the one with presets for about $75) </p>
<p>Microphone: Audio Technica 4033, Sure SM 57, Cascade M39 stereo pair</p>
<p>Lead Guitar: 12-string Danelectro </p>
<p>Bass: 1970s Univox Beatle copy </p>
<p>Drums: Rewrapped sparkle kit made from junk shells</p>
<p>Keys: Yamaha console piano</p>
<p>Recorded and produced at home by myself. Mixed and mastered by Warren Gardiner at Gardiner Audio in Melbourne, AUS. Warren is a great engineer. He will do a great job on any audio project you bring to him - highly recommended! Please contact me for more information.</p>
3:03
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/5459058
2018-10-12T08:45:00-07:00
2018-10-12T09:23:59-07:00
Scott Songs: October 2018
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/ea8ce9241926d85c753c8d30ae7845e0305a491f/original/img-3382.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><strong>Song: </strong><em>Packing up (Atari of my dreams)</em></p>
<p>I remember being a DJ at KZUU in Pullman, WA. The new music every fall was the best. Maybe that's why this particular season has always been a sentimental time for making music. This new song embodies what I love about fall in many ways. It acknowledges change in my life - where I've been and where I am and that <em>I have enough</em>. Here's how it happened...</p>
<p>I recently retrieved the last of my belongings from a basement in Portland, OR. As I packed up these things I experienced utter filth, sweat, and rat shit. Lots of rat shit. I also experienced joy, sorrow, and happiness. Lots of it. I went through old letters, and memorabilia from old concerts I played. I packed up an extensive collection of Oregon license plates spanning over 100 years. I even salvaged the Atari 2600 from my youth (it still works FYI). I went through photos and I packed up cameras that took the photos. I gathered up my very first guitar as well as a trumpet case. When I opened up the case I thought <em>now </em><em>where in the hell is the trumpet? </em>Things change... Things disappear... Things remain... </p>
<p><strong>Technical Specs </strong> </p>
<p>Machine: Tascam 388 </p>
<p>Pre-amp: Art Tube Pre (the one with presets for about $75) </p>
<p>Effects: Roland RE-20 Space Echo Reissue </p>
<p>Microphone: Audio Technica 4033, Sure SM 57 </p>
<p>Rhythm: 1963 Gibson B 25 </p>
<p>Lead Guitar: 1991 Gibson Les Paul Standard </p>
<p>Bass: 1970s Univox Beatle copy </p>
<p>Drums: 1960s Ludwig Snare, off brand medium crash cymbal</p>
<p>Keys: Korg SV-1</p>
<p>Recorded and produced at home by myself. Mastered by Warren Gardiner at Gardiner Audio in Melbourne, AUS. Warren is a great engineer. He will do a great job on any audio project you bring to him - highly recommended!</p>
2:49
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/5421847
2018-09-09T18:54:33-07:00
2019-04-05T07:50:15-07:00
Scott Songs: September 2018
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/7bfe4dfadc4862dc741a4553e56931eecfc57436/original/img-3329.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><strong>Song:</strong> <em>The Ballad of Indy, Reggie, and the ancient cowbell</em></p>
<p>And then Lou Reed said, "Don't worry about the tempo. Just play." The cowbell held a sporadic groove and the lyrics were odd. I felt as if I was doing too much with too little. The band was drifting in and out. Everything was fuzzy. I said, "So Lou you want us to play along to this iPhone recording even though the tempo is floating between two floors of this warehouse?" That was the basic idea, although he didn't say it with words but with that deadpan stare. In the end I decided to go with it. I mean, how often has Lou Reed sucked so bad it was unlistenable? Well, OK, that's not a fair question. It was a standard length jam and it was all there on the voice recording. All the band had to do was play along and try to keep time. Lou plays a steady cowbell. I'll say that much. </p>
<p><strong>Technical Specs </strong> </p>
<p>Machine: iPhone Voice Notes, Tascam 388, finished on Pro Tools First</p>
<p>Pre-amp: Art Tube Pre (the one with presets for about $75) </p>
<p>Effects: Roland RE-20 Space Echo Reissue</p>
<p>Microphone: Audio Technica 4033, Cascade M 39 pair, SM 57 </p>
<p>Rhythm: 1963 Gibson B 25 </p>
<p>Lead Guitar: 1991 Gibson Les Paul Standard </p>
<p>Bass: 1970s Univox Beatle copy </p>
<p>Piano: Yamaha console piano</p>
<p>Drums: 18" Buffalo Frame Drum, 1960s Ludwig Snare, off brand Hi-Hats, ancient cowbell (possibly from my dad's childhood farm), egg shaker</p>
<p>Recorded and produced at home by myself. Mixed and mastered by Warren Gardiner at Gardiner Audio in Melbourne, AUS. Warren is a great engineer. He will do a great job on any audio project you bring to him - highly recommended!</p>
4:22
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/5373423
2018-08-03T11:51:16-07:00
2021-09-13T05:50:12-07:00
Scott Songs: August 2018
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/39dcbb4041e18bb369f9c12ffdccbae5c7f87105/original/img-2945.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><strong><em>Song:</em> </strong>Green Mind</p>
<p>This month marks 8 months and 8 free songs I have shared. I have almost finished a whole reel of tape. Here's the story behind this month's cover song...</p>
<p>I was in bed, sick, a few weeks ago when I received a message from my friend <a contents="Joe Salinas" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.joesalinasfilms.com/" target="_blank">Joe Salinas</a> about contributing a song for a film project. He specifically asked for something 80s - a cover song. My ukulele was nearby so I grabbed it and went through some possibilities, sharing them via the voice recorder on my iPhone with Joe. I recorded clips from The Smiths, Go-Betweens, David Byrne, Echo and the Bunnymen, and Dinosaur Jr. Here's what Joe wrote when he heard a snippet of Dinosaur Jr's "Green Mind": "Holy shit. This is the one. Yes Yes Yes." So I set out to make a ukulele version of a totally rocking song with trademark J. Mascis mumbly lyrics and huge guitar solo. At the tempo that felt right to me, the song became over 5 minutes long. Too long! Way too long. So, I edited the lyrics (gulp... sorry J). Here's what I have to share with you.</p>
<p><strong>Technical Specs </strong> </p>
<p>Machine: Tascam 388</p>
<p>Pre-amp: Art Tube Pre (the one with presets for about $75) </p>
<p>Effects: Alesis micro verb (the small one, rescued from my rat poop infested basement in Portland, OR)</p>
<p>Microphone: Audio Technica 4033, SM 57 </p>
<p>Rhythm: 1980s baritone ukulele that my mom gave me ages ago - still the best sounding uke I have ever played </p>
<p>Lead Guitar: 1991 Gibson Les Paul Standard </p>
<p>Bass: 1970s Univox Beatle copy</p>
<p>Misc: glockenspiel, old Ludwig tambourine with skin</p>
<p>Recorded, mixed, and produced at home by myself. Mastered by Warren Gardiner at Gardiner Audio in Melbourne, AUS. Please reach out to him if you are in need of mixing and mastering services. His rates are reasonable and he does excellent listening! </p>
4:10
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/5336214
2018-07-11T10:02:21-07:00
2018-12-07T18:29:59-08:00
Scott Songs: July 2018
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/0c7cedf1424d4e2300600af306aaccd07f4cc27c/original/img-2698.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><strong><em>Song: </em></strong>Worth a thousand words</p>
<p>One thing this monthly blog has taught me is I can't be afraid to try things in a new way. I really let this song develop and I think it shows. Early in the writing process I listened through my iPhone voice notes for song ideas and came across the chord progression with some mumbling lyric idea... "you don't know and you won't..." I then sat at the piano and expanded the melodies I was hearing. I recorded what seemed to work well on the 388 and was about to sing it and said, "This really sucks." I forced myself to give it a month-long break but returned to it thinking, "It still sort of sucks but maybe it's just the way I am approaching it." I sent it off to my former collaborator, Peter Joseph Head, in Melbourne, AUS thinking he could do something magical with it. As it turned out, he didn't have time. So, I tried it again. Many key changes and lyrical edits brought me to something I thought was workable. It still needed perspective though, and I knew just the guy.</p>
<p>This recording marks the first collaboration with my friend Sean Lennon, who stopped by to play bass. I have watched and listened to Sean rock out in punk bands since my college days back in the early 90s. Sean was always in the best bands. I can picture him bobbing his head while working the neck of his bass as 50 or so college kids nod in approval. His bass line here provides the much needed foundation for this track. Keyboard lines and synth drums spring from his loping lyrical lines reminiscent of Disintegration-era Cure. </p>
<p><strong>Technical Specs </strong> </p>
<p>Machine: Tascam 388, bounced to Pro Tools First and finished</p>
<p>Pre-amp: Art Tube Pre (the one with presets for about $75) - I am using 2 of these now as they work great for this application</p>
<p>Effects: Roland RE-20 (space echo reissue) - patched in as an effects send</p>
<p>Microphone: Cascade V57 </p>
<p>Rhythm Guitar: 1963 Gibson B-25 </p>
<p>Lead Guitar: 1991 Gibson Les Paul Standard </p>
<p>Bass: 1992 Fender American Jazz bass, Tech 21 Sansamp Bass Driver Delux</p>
<p>Keys: Korg SV-1, Korg Nano Key synth and drum pads</p>
<p>Misc: egg shakers, old wooden tambourine, off-brand medium crash and hi-hats, off-brand floor tom with mallets</p>
<p>Recorded at home by myself and Sean. Mixed and mastered by Warren Gardiner at Gardiner Audio in Melbourne, AUS. Please reach out to him if you are in need of mixing and mastering services. His rates are reasonable and he does excellent listening! </p>
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/5291022
2018-06-17T11:09:00-07:00
2019-01-03T08:39:21-08:00
Scott Songs: June 2018
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/1e7ba429958ecf26c3e77bbf2440eea7e4c25db2/original/scottjumpingstudio.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_small">Photo by Christina Wenger</span></p>
<p><em><strong>Song: </strong></em>Wendell Gee (R.E.M. cover) </p>
<p>If you know my music then you can no doubt hear the influence of early R.E.M. in my melodies, chord structure, rhythms, etc. The band still brings me so much joy. I saw them on the Green tour in Pullman, WA. It was the first concert I ever drove myself to and I may have even gone all alone. I bought a shirt so ridiculously large that it went to my knees. I'm sure I wore it the next day.</p>
<p>This is such an obscure R.E.M. song that it took hearing a friend cover it for me to really <em>listen</em> to it. But, once I did listen to it, I felt like it was a song that I could have written had R.E.M. not discovered it first. The only problem is that I don't know who Wendell Gee is. Do you?</p>
<p><strong>Technical Specs </strong> </p>
<p>Machine: Tascam 388 </p>
<p>Pre-amp: Art Tube Pre (the one with presets for about $75) </p>
<p>Effects: Roland RE-20 (space echo reissue)</p>
<p>Microphone: Cascade V57 </p>
<p>Rhythm Guitar: 1963 Gibson B-25 </p>
<p>Lead Guitar: 1991 Gibson Les Paul Standard </p>
<p>Bass: 1970s Univox (Beatle copy) </p>
<p>Keys: Korg SV-1 </p>
<p>Mixed at home by myself and mastered by Warren Gardiner at Gardiner Audio in Melbourne, AUS. Please reach out to him if you are in need of mixing and mastering services. His rates are reasonable and he does excellent listening! </p>
2:12
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/5234296
2018-05-14T20:26:43-07:00
2018-05-14T20:34:10-07:00
Scott Songs: May 2018
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/4c0077bfaae5f83be3621d4800b96c228b0728d4/original/img-2433.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><strong>Song:</strong> <strong><em>Buying up the greens</em></strong></p>
<p>Last year at this time, I released my debut solo album called <em>Little Tiny Things. </em>It was recorded with some of my best friends down in Austin, TX. I know some of you have it and I know some of you helped me raise money to release it. Thank you! One such person was Benjamin Peddle. In fact, he helped at such a seriously high level that I owed him an original song. Well, one year later, here it is. I've finally delivered! Thanks Benjamin for allowing me to share it this way.</p>
<p>I referenced Alameny Farmer's Market, which is California's oldest market. It's a beautiful little spot close to my neighborhood here in San Francisco. The song features a reoccurring theme for me and that is the idea of <em>getting lost</em>. I think what <em>getting lost</em> means to me is simply having alone time completely free of outside distractions. It shows up frequently in my songs because when I write and record a song I am completely free and lost.</p>
<p><strong>Technical Specs</strong> </p>
<p>Machine: Pro Tools First </p>
<p>Pre-amp: Art Tube Pre (the one with presets for about $75) and Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 </p>
<p>Microphone: Audio Technica 4033 </p>
<p>Rhythm Guitar: Danalectro 12 String, 1963 Gibson B-25</p>
<p>Lead Guitar: Danelectro 12 String </p>
<p>Bass: 1970s Univox (Beatle copy) </p>
<p>Drums: 1960s Ludwig snare and off brand floor tom with a mallet, medium dark crash cymbal </p>
<p>Keys: Korg SV-1 (organ setting)</p>
<p>Misc: recorder</p>
<p>Percussion: Ludwig tambourine with skin </p>
<p>Mixed at home by myself and mastered by Warren Gardiner at Gardiner Audio in Melbourne, AUS. Please reach out to him if you are in need of mixing and mastering services. His rates are reasonable and he does excellent listening!</p>
<p>If you would like to purchase the <em>Little Tiny Things </em>album digitally or on LP please visit my <a contents="bandcamp" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.scottgarred.bandcamp.com" target="_blank">bandcamp</a> page.</p>
<p><strong>Lastly</strong></p>
<p>I make these songs downloadable at no cost to you and I am proud of being a truly independent music artist. To keep this going, all I ask is that you share my music with someone you think will enjoy it. Please create a social media post and direct your friends to my website. Much appreciated, everybody.</p>
3:02
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/5182348
2018-04-22T08:33:40-07:00
2019-11-01T13:30:21-07:00
Scott Songs: April 2018
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/8571acd2e9460b551146d771449d442f325ff9f7/original/img-2560.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><em><strong>Song:</strong></em> A reflection</p>
<p>I chased a lead on the internet the other day to look at a guitar. It sure looked great and I was hopeful it would be a new addition to my sound. While it failed to make an impression on me, the owner did not. He had tape decks, 4-tracks, speakers, turntables - crazy stuff he said he found at flea markets. In fact, while I was testing the guitar, he was busy with a screw driver ripping into some sort of amplifier. While we were chatting I spotted some TDK cassettes still in the wrapper. I asked about them and he said, "They are my private stash and not for sale." I could understand this as cassettes are a bit difficult to find and expensive these days. He did say he had some he could give me though. He had about 60 cassettes that he picked up from a school for the blind. He said, "They seem brand new but on close inspection they all appear to have stories narrated on them, but I think just one pass so they should still sound OK." Well, long story short, I'm glad he gave them to me as I was in the mood to break out the Yamaha MT4X cassette 4-Track machine. </p>
<p>Technical Specs </p>
<p>Machine: Yamaha MT4X, bounced to Pro Tools First and finished </p>
<p>Pre-amp: Art Tube Pre (the one with presets for about $75) </p>
<p>Microphone: Audio Technica 4033 </p>
<p>Lead Guitar: 1991 Gibson Les Paul Standard through Fender Blues and Roland RE-20 echo </p>
<p>Rhythm Guitar: 1963 Gibson B-25</p>
<p>Bass: 1970s Univox (Beatle copy) </p>
<p>Drums: brushes on 1960s Ludwig snare and off brand German hi-hats, 18" Buffalo frame drum</p>
<p>Keys: Yamaha console piano </p>
<p>Percussion: claves, Ludwig tambourine with skin</p>
<p>Mixed and mastered by Warren Gardiner at Gardiner Audio in Melbourne, AUS. Please reach out to him if you are in need of mixing and mastering services. His rates are reasonable and he does excellent listening!</p>
<p> </p>
3:39
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/5135059
2018-03-18T18:21:35-07:00
2022-01-02T11:28:00-08:00
Scott Songs: March 2018
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/134d690126e76cb2233abfc5538059e54c45fd2f/original/img-2145.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><strong>Song</strong>: <em>Jump </em>(Van Halen)</p>
<p>I don't do a lot of covers. When I do I make every effort to have fun with them and make them my own. I will be honest with you and say flat out that I loved Van Halen back in the day - at least any album with David Lee Roth - and like many, I felt betrayed when Van Hagar became a thing. So why this song? Well, I was just surprised by it one day.</p>
<p>I often play this simple chord progression in C major so that clients I work with can experience successful music making using pitched instruments - xylophone, pentatonic marimba, Hapi Drum (sort of a steel drum), etc... To add some interest I might switch briefly to A minor with a descending bass line that eventually goes back to C major. There are hundreds of songs in the clinical repertoire of a music therapist using this chord progression. At some point this morphed from Harry Belafonte's version of "Jamaica Farewell" into a cover of "Jump." I knew all the words from my childhood and was pretty solid with the melody. I found that it worked well with this basic chord progression. And it was fun.</p>
<p><strong>Technical Specs </strong></p>
<p>Machine: Tascam 388, bounced to Pro Tools First and back to the 388 for more tracking </p>
<p>Pre-amp: Art Tube Pre (the one with presets for about $75) </p>
<p>Microphone: Audio Technica 4033</p>
<p>Lead Guitar: 1991 Gibson Les Paul Standard through Fender Blues with a Comptortion pedal for overdrive </p>
<p>Rhythm Guitar: La Patrie Concert (nylon)</p>
<p>Bass: 1970s Univox (Beatle copy) </p>
<p>Drums: brushes on 1960s Ludwig snare and hi-hats</p>
<p>Keys: Korg SV-1 (organ setting w/ rotary speaker), Yamaha console piano </p>
<p>Percussion: old wooden tambourine with drum stick</p>
<p>Mixed at home and mastered by Warren Gardiner at <a contents="Gardiner Audio" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.gardineraudio.com" target="_blank">Gardiner Audio</a> in Melbourne, AUS. Please reach out to him if you are in need of mixing and mastering services. His rates are reasonable and he does excellent listening!</p>
3:03
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/5086021
2018-02-18T08:59:28-08:00
2021-09-17T12:04:53-07:00
Scott Songs: February 2018
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/1595722f780223a33781a131f0d781a2fed35c99/original/img-2066.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><strong>Song: <em>Love Creepin'</em></strong></p>
<p>As a music therapist I get the pleasure of working with many different populations. One such group lives in residential care and they have various forms of dementia. I discovered I could hold their attention and spark creativity in their lives by making up stories (very tall tales) usually centered around themes of family, fun, and love. These are not songs per say but rather... <em>and then what happened? </em>improvisations. I usually support their ideas with familiar songs and facilitate live music making with various percussion instruments such as tambourines, drums, and xylophones. After one of these days, I left work with this nugget of an idea. </p>
<p><strong>Technical Specs </strong></p>
<p>Machine: Tascam 388, bounced to Pro Tools First and back to the 388 for more tracking</p>
<p>Pre-amp: Art Tube Pre (the one with presets for about $75) </p>
<p>Microphone: Cascade V57, Sure SM 58 </p>
<p>Ukulele: much beloved hand-me-down baritone from my mother back in the 1980s - no brand but a gem </p>
<p>Lead Guitar: 1991 Gibson Les Paul standard through Fender Blues with a Comptortion pedal for overdrive</p>
<p>Rhythm Guitar: same Les Paul, same amp, Rocker Box vibrato pedal</p>
<p>Bass: 1970s Univox (Beatle copy) </p>
<p>Drums: Buffalo frame drum, 1960s Ludwig snare and hi-hat with, brushes on hi-hats and sticks on snare w/ wallet for dampening</p>
<p>Keys: Korg Nano Key2, Yamaha console piano</p>
<p>Percussion: old wooden tambourine, wind chimes</p>
<p>Mixed at home and mastered by Warren Gardiner at <a contents="Gardiner Audio" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.gardineraudio.com" target="_blank">Gardiner Audio</a> in Melbourne, AUS. Please reach out to him if you are in need of mixing and mastering services. His rates are reasonable and he does excellent listening!</p>
4:28
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/5061534
2018-02-04T20:35:24-08:00
2018-02-05T18:30:07-08:00
Scott Songs: January 2018 Oz addition
<p>My good friend Warren Gardiner mastered "Everybody Knows This Year." Warren is a terrific engineer down in Melbourne, Australia. He and I worked on several projects over the years and I am happy to be working with him again to bring more quality to this Scott Songs Blog project. Please feel free to download and enjoy this improved version of "Everybody Knows This Year."</p>
<p>If anyone is in need of great engineering work (mixing and mastering) please reach out to Warren <a contents="here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://gardineraudio.com" target="_blank">here</a>! </p>
3:01
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/5046982
2018-01-26T21:59:25-08:00
2018-06-01T13:24:36-07:00
Scott Songs: January 2018
<p><span class="font_regular"><strong>Song:<em> Everybody Knows This Year</em></strong></span></p>
<p>This song was written on New Year's Eve 2017, for many a 'crummy old year.' For me it was one filled with love and joy and everything good. Enjoy!</p>
<p><strong>Technical Specs</strong></p>
<p>Machine: Tascam 388, finished with Pro Tools First</p>
<p>Pre-amp: Art Tube Pre (the one with presets for about $75)</p>
<p>Microphone: AT 4033</p>
<p>Rhythm Guitar: 1963 Gibson B-25</p>
<p>Lead Guitar: same guitar mic'd across the bottom of a snare drum so as to add 'distortion' created by rattling snares</p>
<p>Bass: 1970s Univox (Beatle copy)</p>
<p>Drums: Buffalo frame drum, rim shot on 1960s Ludwig snare, brushes on hi-hats</p>
<p>Keys: Hohner melodica</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/4846323
2017-09-11T19:25:53-07:00
2017-09-11T19:25:53-07:00
San Francisco Community Radio
<p>I just have to say I really appreciate community radio. I have had the pleasure of being on the radio many times in my life and I'll just say that my first visit to San Francisco Community Radio was my best experience. I played 5 - 6 live songs from Little Tiny Things. I selected some of the playlist and I got to talk music therapy. I was harassed by a strange strange dude outside the station (very unnerving). Lastly, I met a great couple of people including host of the Hangover Sessions, Alex Webber. If you missed it, here's your second chance!</p>
<p>Click on the photo to go direct to the podcast:</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.mixcloud.com/dj-webbles/hangover-sessions-125-remembering-stacy-ft-scott-garred-september-10th-2017/" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/4a8357d09202008f5ece6b0d3692bd2efb6b9d07/original/hos-flyer-2017-scottgarred-125.jpg?1505009886" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p>Also, if you would like to contribute to this vibrant community radio station you may figure that out by visiting <a contents="San Francisco Community Radio" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://savekusf.org" target="_blank">San Francisco Community Radio</a>. They have been approved for the FM dial as of January 2018. </p>
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/4746951
2017-06-16T13:30:39-07:00
2017-06-16T13:30:40-07:00
Neil Young Book Review: Special Deluxe
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/26fddc8eee16bfc8bd6d743580fcccfa2ca740cc/medium/fullsizerender.jpg?1497644747" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /></p>
<p>Reading this book was like taking a road trip in a shitty car down a shitty highway with the most eccentric and creative person living today. Expect car trouble. Just don't expect this drive to alter your life. </p>
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/4725689
2017-05-28T18:48:24-07:00
2017-05-28T18:48:24-07:00
Special Shipping Deal for International Fans
<p>Dear overseas fans,</p>
<p>As a token of my affection for your ears and because outrageous postal rates should not get in the way of my love for you, I have a special shipping offer. You can receive my new record, <em>Little Tiny Things, </em>for a flat rate of $25. At checkout, you will see the price of the LP is $18 and notice the shipping price is $7. This is a steal because it actually costs me $24 to send the record to you, so you are getting the record for only $1 plus postage. In other words, I'm eating the cost of the record because I love you that much. You may place your orders today through my Bandcamp site by clicking <a contents="here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.scottgarred.bandcamp.com" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Sincerely,</p>
<p>Scott Garred</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/e7a8d817e5dcdd6a9b3d4bafef284699d911b060/original/album-cover-new-title.jpg?1489159187" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p> </p>
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/4668033
2017-04-12T07:42:37-07:00
2017-04-12T07:42:37-07:00
Brand new double 7" out now!
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/e88dba85bc23ac07fd04226f17529fac0b1c2dc4/original/7-forblogdisplay.jpg?1492008063" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br>I finally cracked open a large box of personal recordings that I had been carrying around. I discovered some cassettes marked Home Recordings Oct. and Dec. 1997. I selected a tape from the pile, put it in my Yamaha MT4X, and was immediately transported back in time to a version of myself 20 years younger. I don’t remember why I didn’t use these songs. I created them too late to be on Silver Scooter’s debut album and quite possibly too late for the Super XX Man Vol. III 7”. I do know this: The songs were re-recorded for the second Silver Scooter LP Orleans Parish and Super XX Man’s Vol. IV CD. </p>
<p>I am happy to make these rare gems available on this limited double 7” release. Also included in this package via digital download are four songs from a 1997 Silver Scooter concert at Liberty Lunch in Austin, TX. These bonus tracks are raw and good and true to what the band was… way way back.<br><br>Order your copy today from <a contents="PIAPTK.COM" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://piaptk.limitedrun.com/categories/7-records" target="_blank">PIAPTK.COM</a></p>
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/4576125
2017-02-03T21:53:29-08:00
2017-02-04T09:40:57-08:00
Live at Liberty Lunch
<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/bd9bbd18b8405901c8c0c4d562c628e06a66ebc5/original/img-3273.jpg?1486187090" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><p><strong><span class="font_large">Silver Scooter Live at Liberty Lunch March 1997 </span></strong></p>
<p>I click the play button on my old 4-Track and hear the crowd. I hear John’s voice and Tom’s sticks. I hear my old guitar being tuned by my 24-year old hands. I hear quiet stage banter between the three of us. We agree to start. The sticks click and bam we’re on playing “Biting my nails.” </p>
<p>If I could feel the power harnessed by my old band Silver Scooter once again as it was when it was in the beginning, I would rejoice. I would actually kill to experience that 1967 Guild guitar tone vibrating my entire body, which was simultaneously being pulsed forward by Tom’s tom tom fills and John’s bass like a buzz saw. To taste a cold Lonestar from one of those bottles before it went crash in the barrel behind the bar - you know the guy behind the bar tossing bottles doesn’t give a shit about anything. He just wants his shift to end so he can have sex with his girlfriend who’s working over at the Electric Lounge. He would have texted her. Those weren’t the days. </p>
<p>I remember setting up my 4-Track cassette deck at center stage with my two SM-58s x/y’d above the monitors. I remember Dave McNair saying “yeah that’ll be great.” Liberty Lunch was a big venue especially for our little band back then. To hear me say at the end of the set, “We have singles for sale in the back” makes me smile. I remember stuffing those singles over at Travis’ apartment just off UT’s main drag Guadalupe. Folded xeroxed cover around 7” record, stuff in plastic. Next one. OK. Five hundred of those babies finished. </p>
<p>Back to Liberty Lunch. I just heard my old self say, “This is a new song called Tractor Pull.” It was sounding great until the tape ran out and the second half of the song was gone just like that. No ‘shit-eating grins’ I guess. </p>
<p>I have always written about the brain and the heart. I had a theory that the heart was actually in control, totally in control. The song ‘Brain and Heart’ live had power I didn’t give credit. It’s a fast song and has plenty of attitude. Tom rips off this snare roll for what seems like four measures while John and I are going absolutely Congress Ave. Bridge bat shit crazy. </p>
<p>My favorite cut of the night is Longfence. It bounces and bobs through subtle tempo changes and volume. Tom starts it with his classic snare, tom, snare, tom every other beat hi-hat thingy he does so well. I can see his concentration in my mind’s eye right now. I’ve known this concentration for over 25 years. </p>
<p>The songs I will be selecting to share sound as fresh today as they did in 1997. I’m more than positive a Lonestar still tastes as good as any beer on the planet. <br><br>Please check out the <a contents="Indiegogo" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/little-tiny-things/x/14249619#/" target="_blank">Indiegogo</a> campaign and consider making a pledge. When the campaign is at 60% I will be sharing what I've been listening to along with some other rare unreleased demos. <br><br>Take care,<br><br>Scott</p><br>
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/4533442
2017-01-02T08:44:51-08:00
2017-01-02T08:44:51-08:00
Personal Theme Song
I have begun recording sessions in my 1991 VW Westfalia camper I call Ocean View Shangri-la. She's a good machine. I spent New Year's Eve under a canopy of clear constellations on the edge of the continent somewhere around Bolinas, CA. I made a cup of tea and set up my computer, interface, and microphone. I shot this video to prove it all happened. It was cold.<br><br> <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/197730545" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe>
<p><a href="https://vimeo.com/197730545">Personal Theme Song</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user12086229">Scott Garred</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/4524468
2016-12-24T10:39:03-08:00
2016-12-24T10:39:03-08:00
Happy Christmas and Merry New Year and Lighted Blessed Year
Hi all,<br><br>Please enjoy yourselves as this crazy year wraps up. So many legendary and ordinary people have passed away. So much has happened in our political landscape. So much is happening now as I type this. I hope sincerely that you and your families and friends have a great holiday. Be safe. Watch a few movies. Watch this one!<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/196917257" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe></p>
<p><a href="https://vimeo.com/196917257">All I want for Christmas</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user12086229">Scott Garred</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>
<p> </p><br>Peace,<br><br>Scott Garred
Scott Garred
tag:scottgarred.com,2005:Post/4434307
2016-10-27T14:29:09-07:00
2017-02-07T10:08:34-08:00
Georgia, by the sea... here's to you
<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/2ab7c2728837751cbd2bfc50555f53891bcebee2/medium/file-oct-24-11-48-49-am.jpeg?1477337677" class="size_m justify_center border_" /><br>I journeyed to Austin, TX on 10/15 with about 30 songs. It was a rough go at first. My flight leaving San Francisco was scheduled to leave at 6:15pm and supposed to be arriving by midnight. In reality I left SF at 10:40pm and arrived by taxi at Tom's house at 5am. I was feeling miserable. It was supposed to be our biggest day of recording and I had no idea where the energy was going to come from.<br> <div style="text-align: center;">This is my "Emotional Self" singing</div><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/bae03fc51ea7b76cff73671b0742dabd17dd25e8/medium/img-2914.jpg?1477361981" class="size_m justify_center border_" /><br>The tracking went very smoothly because Tom is a true champion of the drum kit and arrangements were completed for many songs quickly. It helped immensely that Tyler already had amazing drum sounds. He's a great engineer (pay attention Austin bands). Half the songs seemed destined to be fairly upbeat - rockers really. We were done with about 8 by the end of the day. Was it GBV that had an album called "Do the collapse?" That's what I did next.<br> <div style="text-align: center;">Tom is one of the best (the one on the right)</div><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/2c69447c23d26679970ce5dd792358fc24602e7f/medium/img-2916.jpg?1477362006" class="size_m justify_center border_" /><br>Tyler and I spent all of Monday morning singing lead vocals and redoing some bass, adding acoustic guitars, etc... I think this was a 16 hour day and incredibly productive. Solo guitar and keyboard songs were recorded during this day as well. I think our track count was climbing towards 15 and I knew there were more songs to be chased. Not bad for day two.<br> <div style="text-align: center;">Video - keyboard overdub on "Big Things"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/188758579" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe>
<p><a href="https://vimeo.com/188758579">IMG_2947</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user12086229">Scott Garred</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>
</div><br>Most afternoons were spent with me working alone while Tyler picked his daughter up from school and prepared dinner for his family. It was during these times that I explored! I played one called "Tiny things" on an old church organ with whatever drum sounds it provided. Everyone liked this approach so I kept at it with a Tom Waits cover done in the same fashion. I also used these afternoons to track the songs I knew needed a quiet approach with just the right feeling behind it. Most evenings would see Tyler and I reconvening to continue overdubs and getting rather silly due to lack of airflow, and exhaustion. I often went into a voice which can only be described as "Nick Cave/Elvis standup comic thing" when takes started to break down - these takes are in the vault. <p>Shawn came by on Tuesday night to fix his guitar parts, add new ones, and let Tyler and I have our turns as well. With lead vocals, new bass, and some awesome guitar parts the songs were taking shape. </p>
<div style="text-align: center;">Shawn simply painting</div><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/0158d30de582f3467ce784e17f40d97f97a33414/medium/img-2918.jpg?1477362033" class="size_m justify_center border_" /><br><br>By Wednesday night we were done (nearly 20 songs) except for percussion, vocal harmonies, and extra bits not thought of yet. I still had one song left to track and it proved to be a rocker complete with a nasty sounding farfisa organ. Instant love of a whole new kind. It ended up on two songs and I tried to steal it but Tyler caught me trying to smuggle it out in an ice-cream cone.<br> <div style="text-align: center;">Tyler can I have this?</div><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/66228ad9c7f49dc75ea88f4e506d28ba35b99b25/medium/file-oct-24-10-07-15-am.jpeg?1477358772" class="size_m justify_center border_" /><br>By Thursday or Friday Shawn and I had some free time with no serious parts to chase down. Naturally, we decided to start another new song. I shared with him my iPhone recordings and he and I chose to work on one strangely called, "Georgia, by the sea." It was one that I had made several stream of consciousness lyrical takes of and I simply wrote out my favorite bits. Shawn and I arranged it and we worked on it all afternoon. It's one of my favorites.<br> <div style="text-align: center;">Tom: cymbal overdub by lamp light</div><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/4e2bc0a99f00e29b28d83f901fd5aeca7b2a99b0/medium/img-2929.jpg?1477362030" class="size_m justify_center border_" /><br><br>Everyday was productive and everyday was super fun. It far exceeded my expectations of coming to Austin to start an album. I had figured that, at best, I would have a lot of great progress towards a bunch of unfinished songs. By Saturday, our last day, we were finishing up rough mixes. Tyler called them that. There's nothing really rough about them actually. <br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/169948/ec5810b8f92c923839572f44949985e10a50dbac/medium/img-3015.jpg?1477362026" class="size_m justify_center border_" /><div style="text-align: center;">(L to R: Tyler, Shawn, Me, Tom)</div><br>My other goals regarding this trip were to eat as many tacos as possible. Tyler took me to a place called Tyson's before our last working day. The sign at Tyson's said "You get a free taco if you play a song on our ukulele." I thought, perfect! I can do that and it's a song we didn't get to track called "Personal theme song." <br> <div style="text-align: center;">Imagine a world where any song is worth a taco</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/188763136" width="640" height="1136" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe>
<p><a href="https://vimeo.com/188763136">IMG_2983</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user12086229">Scott Garred</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>
</div><br>To summarize this amazing week I would say that it was a personal journey with my best friends. We warped through time and space chasing down every melody possible. I can't believe it's over.<br> <div style="text-align: center;">Shawn and I had one final toast!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/188762155" width="640" height="1138" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe>
<p><a href="https://vimeo.com/188762155">IMG_2986</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user12086229">Scott Garred</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>
</div>
<div>Cheers to you all!<br><br>Scott</div>
Scott Garred