LOOSE ENDS
This is not a recording I listen to much at all. As a matter of fact, I had to go back to it to have something to write about. It’s the first recording where I did all the vocals. What I mostly remember about it is that my parents were in very poor health and my life was all about taking care of them and pondering mortality. It’s reflected in all of the tracks, even the upbeat ones. The overall idea is that each song delivers a loose end—something unresolved. This album has my least favourite cover art though it's not the fault of the photographer. I made the final decision. Several people have asked why it looks like I am lying nearing a pool of blood. Although it was done with good intent, some of the alternative cover ideas like this one, I like much better. This was my last vocal recording before switching to instrumental music.
1.) What You Don’t Say
A song about paranoia set to a surf rock groove. The idea was that silence speaks loudly and clearly. At least, the narrator thinks so.
2.) Go Away
I wouldn’t mind if this song went away. At the time I recall being very annoyed by the proliferation of mindless, commercial pop music. The truth is, it’s always been here.
3.) A Pile of Leaves
A somber song looking back at a fond childhood memory; raking leaves into large piles and from a summit, taking a leap of faith.
4.) Peter Pan Wakes
Here I used J.M. Barrie’s story of the immortally young Peter Pan and had him begin to age. Clearly, pondering my mortality here.
5.) Don’t Trouble Trouble
Exactly as described. A fortune cookie I ate had this phrase inside. It stuck with me and this song was the result. A pleasant pop song that I believed would have been more popular than it’s been.
6.) The Other Side
This song examines the desperate need to know what it’s like to die. Unfortunately, the truth is never discovered until it is too late.
7.) Who You Are Today
I’m not sure where this song came from but the harmonies are interesting. Probably too dissonant to engage most listeners though.
8.) Wrong Once Before
A punchline song that no one seemed to get. I stretched out the idea of someone who believes they are never wrong but begrudgingly acknowledges that it has happened “once before.”
9.) The Warm Room
A troubling song about adoptees who figuratively seek to return to the point of origin. I do like the xylophone in it which I received as a gift from my sister-in-law.
10.) Loose Ends
A confession, an acknowledgement, and a wish, neatly summed up in 1:26.