Chris Reed and the Anime Raiders
THE LONG GOODBYE
Chris Reed: Vocals, Keyboards, Guitars, bass, percussion, flute, saxophone, production, songwriting
Jim Christopher: Guitars, Vocals
Jason Edwards: Bass, Pedal Bass, Vocals
Lee Emanuel: Keyboards, Percussion, Vocals
Fujii Kyousuke: Drums, percussion, samples
Okay, this section is going to be longer. Here is a breakdown of each song, with notes about each from the members of the band, plus lyrics. If odd characters show up on a couple of the songs it is because your browser can't hack Japanese.
Orchestral Tune-up…All right everyone, places please!
The Antinomy Philharmonic Orchestra, Keyboards, waive the baton. Recorded December 30, 2000.
Technical comments – By Chris Reed, performed and arranged by Chris Reed (the rest of the band took a break) – Recorded at Crash Pad V
Quiet Please, let’s get ready to get to work
Story – Chris – I’ve always wanted to open an album this way.
Baby Goes Boom…Just your average pop tune about the big one and the little one. Special thanks to the novel Ridley Walker for inspiration, and to Stanley Kubrick.
Drums, bass, rhythm guitar, keys, distorted lead, chorused dry lead, lead vocal, doubled vocal on chorus, 4 part harmony for beach-boys section, rocker distorted rhythm guitar for chorus, heavy chorused guitar for bridge, sulfur, potassium……
Technical comments – By Chris Reed, Arrangement and sound by the Anime Raiders – Recorded at Crash Pad V
A song with 4 references to movies, two to other musicians, and one to a great novel I read years ago. Is violence hard-wired into the human psyche? The song sounds a bit rough intentionally.
Story – Chris – I wanted to write a multi-style song about violence and how we treat it these days. I had lots of visions about how it would sound and almost none of them come across here, which is probably just as well. I’m pleased with it. Jim – The guitar solo is about as weird as they come. Chris had the idea to do alternating styles (he plays the first, I play the second) and he wanted them to be as different as possible. Then he plays this staccato riff that sounded like banjo by George Clinton (Atomic Dog! – Don’t worry George, Chris knows he doesn’t got tha funk). Of course I had to counter with metal. Jason – when Chris brought this one in for rehearsal he was thinking Toto. He likes Toto and we’re all cool with that, but we’re NOT NOT NOT TOTO. We would joke that the break section before the chorus was ripped off from Michael Jackson’s Smooth Criminal but Chris changed it so it doesn’t anymore after hearing Alien Ant Farm’s remake. Lee – fun to do. A bit of Organ here, some piano there, some string over there – The “Elvis” narration in the third verse was my idea. Kyouske – recorded two separate drum parts, and then reversed one of them. It’s only really noticeable in one spot, but I love what it does to the sounds of the cymbals and the rotos.
Stand back the baby goes boom, as it walks across the room to get his favorite toy
It used to play with missiles – now it plays with guns, laughs at the damage it can do
And we encourage him to act the way he does – pat him on the back like G.I. Joe
There’s no rulebook, we make it up as we go – war is rated P.G. don’t you know
You can’t go back, even with what you know – the present is improvisation
You can’t go back, not now that you know – it’s a helix in a hurricane
Slim Pickens rides that pony straight into the ground – it’s his favorite joy
While Peter Sellers stands and salutes – looking just like G.I. Hitler
Fluoride’s in the water, Kaczynski bans the bomb – and Nietzsche writes a book on Gandhi
Big one little gotta get the other one even Ridley Walker’s got one – hey there brother, I have got one too
You can’t go back, even with what you know – the present is just masturbation
You can’t go back, not now that you know – like drinking vodka in a hurricane
“Make love not war” – you don’t hear that anymore
We love the past but we wouldn’t live there
Who’s keeping score – I don’t care anymore
I’m sick of hate – don’t let the baby go boom
Stand back, the baby goes boom as he reaches across the room and takes his neighbors with him
It’s a détente tantrum there’s no rationale – talk radio veers to the LEFT
Jimmy Stewart was an Air Force pilot, Elvis Aaron Presley was just a Private: “I’d rather see Harvey than Heartache Hotel”
Violence plays to a crowded room – I’d rather kids be having love that playing with a loaded gun
You can’t go back, even with what you know – the present is just desperation
Live in the moment, more now that you know – like having sex in a hurricane
“Make love not war” – you don’t hear that anymore
We love the past but we wouldn’t live there
Who’s keeping score – I don’t care anymore
I’m sick of hate – don’t let the baby go…
“Make love not war” – you don’t hear that anymore
We love the past but we wouldn’t live there
Who’s keeping score – I don’t care anymore
I’m sick of hate – don’t let the baby go…
Boom!
Little Black Book…Just a fun rocker with some silly lyrics, poking some fun at the lounge lizards. I have a video for this one in my head that would cost way the hell too much money to make. Somebody call George Lucas! Or better yet, Miyazawa Sensei!
Drums, bass, rhythm guitar, distorted rhythm guitar, lead guitar, vocal, gin and tonic
Technical comments – By Chris Reed, sounds by The Anime Raiders, engineered by Michael Reed and Chris Reed
One for the lounge lizards!
Story – Chris – Sometimes you just gotta do the rock tunes. I actually scripted a video for this one, took it to my cousin (who does that sort of thing) and was told it would cost about 3 million to make. Scratch the video. Shame; it was funny. Jim – More of a hassle to record than it sounds – the guitars never sounded quite right at first. Chris is into this open-string sound that doesn’t always work with distorted guitars. We got it though. Chris’ son has the engineering credit because he was the only person available to push the buttons on the recording console when we figured out the guitar sounds. Not bad for a kid who at the time was only 7 years old! Jason – This one might have been tough for Jim, but it was a breeze for me. One take, sit back and relax. Lee – Same here. Can you even tell what I played? Here’s a hint: Crimson and Clover. Kyouske – Pretty straightforward for me. When we mixed the song we decided to take the high-hat out of the drum mix, which is what gives the drums that sound. You can still hear it a bit because of microphone bleed (if your ears are that good) but taking it out gives the drums a strange sound that we liked.
After dinner drinks
We recline while we’re discussing politics and
I would like to take you home
Or someone else – either way I won’t be alone
And I like casual love
Yes it’s old-fashioned but I never left the revolution far behind
If I don’t go home tonight
I can spend some time with you if you think it’s all right
You’re my love – made you look – you’ve got two stars in my little black book
Right next to your name
You’re not a ten – but you’re close – you’re the one that I want most
At least for today
After dinner drinks
Sometimes it seems as if I spend my nights at the bottom of an empty glass
Or shot tumbler I don’t know
Have another – either way I don’t want to be alone
Am I trying to get you drunk?
Has it occurred to you the person here who needs numbing is me
It’s old-fashioned yes I know
There’s no back seat to my car otherwise I’d take you there
You’re my love – the joke made you look – you’ve got three stars in my little black book
Right next to your name
We’ll go home and go to bed – then I’m gone like a kick to the head
I am just that way
After dinner drinks
Were thrown up in my face while we were talking parlor tricks and
I would have liked to have taken you home
And now no one will share my bed except one of my own kind
You’re my love – now take a look – I’ve torn out a page in my little black book
The one that has your name
You’re not a ten – not even close – now go away like an old town ghost
I have exorcised away
Ha! You’re my love – made you look – you’ve got two stars in my little black book
Right next to your name
You’re not a ten – but you’re close – you’re the one that I want most
At least for today
Success Story…So much for being on Bill Gate’s good side. But then, I own a Macintosh. Besides, it’s the fault of his damned operating system that recording got delayed by nearly a month!
Drums, bass, acoustic guitar, slide guitar, electric rhythm guitar, organ, lead vocal, doubled vocal, geek box
Technical comments – By Chris Reed, sound by The Anime Raiders.
Can you imagine what it must be like to be one of the school bullies who had a scrawny geek named Bill Gates for a classmate? I tried to picture that and here is the result.
Story – Chris – I always put one song in an album using slide guitar without sounding country. Jim – Chris plays lead here and I play rhythm and acoustic. We went for an early Michael Penn kind of sound, although I used to sound like that too. Actually, he sounded like me but that’s a long story for a somewhat more bitter age. Jason – I’m playing guitar on this one, not bass. Lee – I played bass this time, although there are some keys on the break. You don’t think we could really get a snare drum to sound like that, do you? Kyouske – Not one of the easier songs to record for me. Chris and Jim wanted it to sound like a drum machine (which I don’t) so it took several takes to get it just right.
Well here’s a success story – about the kid we used to pick on
He got the last laugh – he’s a billionaire – remember greasy glasses and wiry hair
And you could say we shaped him – gave him a thicker outer skin
Now he eats our kind for breakfast – and all we do depends upon him
If you want me – come and get me – mind the bodies in the way
Give them a glance or two before you come much closer – all the ones who paved my way
Well here’s a success story about the bully we created
Don’t it make you proud to know how we shaped him – pummeled like the basest clay
But does he thank us? No cards at Christmas! No donation to the alma mater
Though we know it’s our fault he’s such a driven man – it’s as if we never mattered
If you want me – come and get me – mind the bodies in the way
Give them a glance or two before you come much closer – all the ones who paved my way
Let’s toast the success story – with the beer we can barely afford
You know he wouldn’t share that $1000 Cabernet – that’s okay although I sometimes wish he’d never been born
If you want me – come and get me – mind the bodies in the way
Give them a glance or two before you come much closer – all the ones who paved my way
If you want me – come and get me – mind the bodies in the way
Give them a glance or two before you come much closer – all the ones who paved my way
Kauro-chan…Blues meets 80’s pop. This one was a lot of fun to do. Kind of Eric Clapton meets Todd Rundgren, but with a sense of humor. Seriously.
Drums, bass, rhythm guitar, lead guitar, organ, harpsichord, string synth, lead vocal, 3 part harmony vocals, silence
Technical comments – By Chris Reed, sound by The Anime Raiders
Now THIS is a single – a good solid mix of pop and blues.
Story – Chris – up where we live there’s a great radio station called KFOG. A bit alternative (although you won’t hear some of the crap that passes for alternative on it), but also plays reggae and a heavy sampling of blues. To be honest with you, I like blues, but can only take so much of it at any one time. All this “my woman done left me” or “you treat me so bad” or “I lost all my money gambling” or (my favorite) “One Bourbon, One Shot, One Beer”. Most of the guys you hear doing blues on radio are richer than you and I and have long since stopped needing to struggle. I thought it could be fun to put together a song about a blues singer who doesn’t actually HAVE the blues. Jim – The one was FUN! And not just because it’s a showcase for me. It plays loose and has lots of style, and let me make fun of several bands that I stole licks from. Jason – usually when Chris brings in a song he knows exactly what he wants me to play. Not this time. He gave me some sheet music and the chords and said, “come up with something”. Of course he threw it all out the window, but when the band is named after you you get to do that sort of thing. We kept the stuff I did in the solo section and the final verse though. Lee – Organ, synthesizers, strings – I had four keyboards qued up to get this one down, as we recorded a lot of it live. Chris wanted the chorus to sound like something Todd Rundgren might do, which is a challenge in itself. Kyouske – Pretty straight ahead drums again. My big contribution to the song was changing the name of the girl. The song was originally called “Marianne” but that seemed so white bread that I insisted on something else. We compromised on this Japanese name.
There was a time when I’d use a riff like this to sing a sexy song
But I’m more amazed with my life right now
The fire that scorched my heart and my soul is burning me so strong
And I’m finding you in my life right now
A lot can happen to change a point of view
It seems so stupid to only sing the blues
Kauro-chan – how could you do this to me?
Kauro-chan – made a pop singer out of me
Kauro-chan – I’ve lost all credibility
Kauro-chan
It used to be that I could keep a riff like this up all night long
Oh yes, the innuendo is real
As I’m getting older I find the music colder and more organized
Is it your taste that’s causing how I feel
I used to club and rock and jam until three
Woman it’s you that’s doing this to me
Kauro-chan – how could you do this to me?
Kauro-chan – made a pop singer out of me
Kauro-chan – I’ve lost all credibility
Kauro-chan
It used to be that I could write a song that moistens up your eyes
But I’m happy in my life right now
I’m not the one for dredging up the past so ears can sympathize
No apologies for my life right now
I know the blues are what’s expected of me
But I’m in comfort with this can’t you see?
Kauro-chan – how could you do this to me?
Kauro-chan – made a pop singer out of me
Kauro-chan – I’ve lost all credibility
Kauro-chan
Kauro-chan – how could you do this to me?
Kauro-chan – made a pop singer out of me
Kauro-chan – I’ve lost all credibility
Kauro-chan
Kauro-chan Kauro-chan Kauro-chan Kauro-chan Kauro-chan
Ask…I used to play this little guitar tune at ASK shows, while our lead singer switched instruments before we would launch into our signature ballad (which isn’t on this album, sorry).
Electric guitar, spotlight
Reunion…Don’t read too much into this one. It’s just a story. Thanks to Harry for inspiration.
Acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bass, drums, vocal, 4 part harmony vocals, bittersweet chocolate
Technical comments – By Chris Reed, noises by Anime Raiders. Additional Guitar by A.J. Christopher
A nod to Harry Chapin and Dan Fogelburg for this one
Story – Chris – I wrote this one back in the 80’s after listening to a live recording of Harry Chapin. Yes, there’s a Jim Croce element to the song as well. Telling a complete and complex story in a song is something of a challenge, and I enjoy challenges. I changed a couple of words for this recording to make it more current, but otherwise it’s still in it’s original form. I also pulled out my alto sax for the first time since I lost that gig to Dave Koz back in 1985. Jim – Lots of nylon strings – in my opinion the guitars are kind of messy, but they come together before too long. Jason – sometimes you have to play simple to create a great song. It’s the lyrics that make this one for me. Lee – lots of work on this one, as my role is the orchestra we simply can’t afford on our recordings. Chris told me to listen to Dan Fogelburg, not Chapin to come up with the keys arrangement. On this recording my voice cracked after the first line of the bridge and I couldn't sing the harmonies for the rest of it. These guys actually liked it that way and we've played it that way ever since! Kyousuke – Got to echo Jason for this one. Not a difficult song but the trick here is to vary what you play to keep things interesting. I think we succeeded.
I got home from work to find my little mailbox full of bills
I sort them through while I watch the news when my eye settles down and catches your note
It has your name, is isn't signed, it says, "Welcome back the Class of '82"
Has it really been that long since I last saw you
I sent in my RSVP, god they didn't get it I know they didn't get it but I'm on my way
I get to the door there's a tag for me and that's good, for most people I wouldn't recognize anyway
There are a lot of people I never knew, they come up to me and ask me how I've been
The bane of being famous, I was musing to myself, that's when you walked in
Many things I wrote when I was younger were about you
I tried to comprehend all of my feelings about you
Was I in love, I don't think so but I don't know
You walk this way and I've got nowhere to go
We were not lovers, I cannot even say that we were friends
When I got out of town, I swore that I would never ever come back again
I'd finally almost forgotten you, you were only in one song on my last tour
I'd reached an understanding, something finally came between me and you
I was a little bit scared when you finally passed your current friends and got to me
I asked you for a dance, you thought it thoughtful, no one else had thought to ask
I said "twenty years have been good to you" and you thanked me and asked to talk for a while
About the marriage and the kid and the guilt of a love that's long long gone
Many songs I’m writing now I find are still about you
I have never changed any of my feelings about you
Am I in love, I don't think so but I don't know
You walk this way, nowhere else I want to go
We spent the night alone together you and I
There were things we laughed about and there were times we cried
I never felt as close to anyone as I was close to you
A single word can alter your point of view
Don't ask me what happens next, that's a moment for me and her alone and the moment's gone
She's still in that small town and as you see I'm on the road singing this here song
Keeping in touch is hard when you've not got a constant place to call your own
Should I call her to me, what do you think?
Many things I wrote when I was younger were about you
I tried to comprehend all of my feelings about you
Was I in love, I don't think so but I don't know
You walk this way and I've got nowhere to go
Many songs I writing now I find are still about you
I have never changed any of my feelings about you
Am I in love, I don't think so but I don't know
You walk this way, nowhere else I want to go
Marilyn Monroe and the April Fool…Ever challenge yourself to try to come up with something? I decided to mix heavy metal and be-bop. All of this group of songs (except for Before Tomorrow Comes) are from a 15-song musical I wrote called San Francisco by Night, covering almost every style you can hear here in Baghdad By The Bay. Would Metallica cover this?
Drums, bass, rhythm guitar, metal rhythm guitar, lead guitar, jazz guitar, lead vocal, distorted vocal for chorus, doubled vocal for chorus, flute, pin-up doll
Technical comments – by Chris Reed Noises by Anime Raiders
See above
Story – Chris - San Francisco by Night is a 15-song musical about a band that moves to San Francisco and then disintegrates over personal conflicts and so on. This song is from the point of view of the bass player of that fictional band, who is dying of AIDS (no, Jason is just fine, thank you). The Marilyn Monroe riff I took from a friend of mine from many years ago who wished he was her. Jim – When Chris first played the hook for the song I just sort of sat there stunned. B minor to F major and back? That’s just plain weird. Bebop and metal together? Weirder. The fact that it works? Weirdest. Jason – I’ll get Chris back for this one someday. It was quite a workout (although not as much as Dance of Death was). Lee – Don’t shoot me, I’m just the piano player. The middle section where we suddenly go into 5/8 time was fun – reminiscent of old Dave Brubeck, which is exactly what Chris was after. Although why he suddenly went into this Jethro Tull thing is beyond me. Kyousuke – whenever a song changes beat and time it’s a challenge to keep the song from falling apart; especially with a change as radical as this one. Difficult, but fun to do. Chris had me listen to 80s hair bands to get the sound of the rock sections.
There’s a picture of her behind the counter in the store behind the glass that’s down the street from where I live
Oh why couldn’t I have had a body like that?
Before I became the April fool I used to party every night just to prove that I’m alive
It’s the sex that made me what I am today
I’m sick of being sick
I’m tired of being tired
I’ve been bloodied by the blood
I’m fooling all the fools
But mostly myself when I say I’m going to live – I’ve no more surprises left to give
And I used to play bass behind a band that went nowhere and self-destructed not too far from where I live
Oh dear god I see Sid Vicious is me
It’s kind of comic, kind of magic, mostly tragic that I’ve fallen to the stereotype
Gallows humor makes me what I am today
I’m sick of being sick
I’m tired of being tired
I’ve been bloodied by the blood
I’m fooling all the fools
But mostly myself when I say I’m going to live – I’ve no more surprises left to give
It’s the price that you pay for being struck down in the way even in the city of no stereotypes
Dear god please don’t leave me in this way
Before I became the April fool I used to party every night just to prove that I’m alive
Now everybody watch me fade away
I’m sick of being sick
I’m tired of being tired
I’ve been bloodied by the blood
I’m fooling all the fools
But mostly myself when I say I’m going to live – I’ve no more surprises left to give
Sunset Beach…Owes a lot to Don Henley’s “Sunset Grill”, although it’s not really that similar.
Acoustic 12-string guitar, electric guitar, drums, bass, keys, vocal, wind chimes, storm samples
Technical Comments notes – by Chris Reed – noises by Anime Raiders except for the Storm Samples, which come from “Riders on the Storm” by The Doors and “Same Deep Water As You” by The Cure, mixed together. Thanks, guys.
Another song from SFBN, this is more a quick look at suburbia as it exists in San Francisco
Story – Chris – I’ve had this 12-string guitar riff in my head for ages now. Jim – which he brought to me asking if I could play it as he wanted to move to keys for this song. Jason – remember I’ve said that Chris tends to write the parts out – he did here and it was a bitch! All these octaves and such. Not that it was hard to play, but it was hard to READ. Lee – Me and Chris both on Keys. Chris wanted a lush kind of sound, and I got to channel Keith Emerson. Kyousuke – it’s a drum machine this time, but I programmed it.
This is not a beach lover’s town – but it is a surfer’s town
The water’s icy and the sharks bite hard – as those in the ocean do
On some mornings I go out jogging – or is it running; I don’t know
It’s always foggy, and sometimes cloudy – and sometimes sunny too
You couldn’t pay me for Sunset beach
This is where I plan to stay
It’s very pretty without the Hollywood
Most beach towns are this way
There’s no bikinis (well, maybe a few) – not enough to clutter the avenue
Instead of “hey dude” or “pass the oil” you just might hear “KLAATU BORADU NIKTU”
No regrets and no mistakes – no more lies and no more hate
No more me and no more you – such a mistaken view
No more drive and no more time – no more truths left to define
No remorse that’s left to find – no one to leave behind
Sometimes it feels like it’s all a big joke – I’m the Jim to the Marlin
I try to be so un-derivative – don’t make it sound like it’s a sin
You couldn’t pay me for Sunset beach
This is where I plan to stay
It’s very pretty without the Hollywood
Most beach towns are this way
You couldn’t pay me for Sunset beach
This is where I plan to stay
It’s very pretty without the Hollywood
Most beach towns are this way
Discount Ties…I was listening to Dishwalla one day and this sort of poured out. Call me the anti-Kenny G.
Drums, bass, electric guitar, fender rhodes, sax, vocal, cable car bell
Technical Comments notes – by Chris Reed – noises by Anime Raiders
Yet another from SFBN, about the rhythm guitarist and how he sold his soul to the business world, and his regrets
Story – Chris - I have been playing saxophone for nearly 30 years and everyone who knows me has always asked why I’ve never put it on a recording. That story is for another time, but this should get them to stop asking (I hope). Jim – Chris claims he was inspired by a Dishwalla song but to me it was more Lenny Kravitz. Jason – you get to that pounding section towards the end and suddenly I felt like I was Michael Anthony of Van Halen. Lee – Fender Rhodes! Fender Rhodes! Fender Rhodes! Render Foes! Kyousuke – Hard to avoid the “booma shaka shaka” stereotype on this one. Still, a good tune.
She says she never was a rodeo queen – that’s a lie from all the pictures I have seen
We’ve all done things we’ve lived to regret – should you say different a bigger liar I have never met
People can be such amazing contradictions – smarter than we think they are and dumber than a box of nails
We are all the same, every last one of us – are you such a gift? Or did you miss the obvious?
There goes another one, there goes another one, there goes another one
Just like me just like you
There goes another one, there goes another one, there goes another one
The same as me, the same as you
I go to Chinatown to buy myself some new ties – I wonder how my life became so dull before my eyes
The waves are so much stronger beneath the surface – I’d return to starvation but there things that I might miss
There goes another one, there goes another one, there goes another one
Just like me just like you
There goes another one, there goes another one, there goes another one
The same as me, the same as you
There goes another one, there goes another one, there goes another one
Just like me just like you
There goes another one, there goes another one, there goes another one
The same as me, the same as you
The same as me, the same as you
Before Tomorrow Comes…This one I wrote a long long time ago, when I still considered myself more of a keyboard player more than anything else. Every album needs a song in 12.
Piano, Keys, Synths, drums, bass, rhythm guitar, lead guitar, the office worker nursing her drink at the back of the bar
Technical Comments notes – by Chris Reed – noises by Anime Raiders
Actually, not from SFBN, but I song I wrote in the early 80’s
Story – Chris – at the time I wrote this song the pop charts were full of songs about lonely men looking for the right lady. I decided on an opposing approach. What if the guy had found the right girl, but she’s just as lonely? People like this almost never get together so I thought I’d try to interpret the thought processes. Besides, I had this piano riff I wanted to use. Jim – Ye gods! We’re a pop band! The middle section sounds like it comes out of a Chicago song from the 80s, without the horns. The piano riff is excellent, though. Jason – We’d joke with Chris that the break comes out of a high-school dance, while the rest is a bit melancholy. Lee – The great riff is played by CHRIS, not me. I’m supporting cast on this one, plus the harmony vocals on the second verse. Kyousuke – I get to play a shuffle here, which is fun.
You live alone, no one calls so don't answer the telephone
You go to work at five 'till nine, you use your break just to simply bide your time
You work so hard, no one cares it never gets you very far
And now you see it's nine 'till five, seems so hard just to stay alive
And so the day is over, the night has just begun
I'd like to see you very soon, too many songs remain unsung
Have I told you how I feel, or have we come undone
You've got a lot to think about before tomorrow comes
Are you all right, do you like your life or would you like company tonight
I need companionship tonight, I hear your name and think that everything will be all right
I think of you, I get confused I wonder what I'm supposed to do
Can you come and see me tonight, there's a chance that I may get to do it right
And so the day is over, the night has just begun
I'd like to see you very soon, too many songs remain unsung
Have I told you how I feel, or have we come undone
You've got a lot to think about before tomorrow comes
And so the day is over, the night has just begun
I'd like to see you very soon, too many songs remain unsung
Have I told you how I feel, or have we come undone
You've got a lot to think about before tomorrow comes
You've got a lot to think about before tomorrow comes
Finger Play…Think about this one next time you’re visiting a massage parlor
Left and Right Keyboards, unexpected pleasures
Technical notes – By and performed by Chris Reed
Story – I started work on a new project where I would record little demos for a year and then try and flush out some of these demos into full songs. Unfortunately, I got sidetracked by this project and decided to shelve it after I had recorded 20 demos. But this one kept coming back to me, so I decided to try it for real. What you hear was performed live in the spare bedroom of my flat on April 6, 2002, then mixed at Crash Pad V. No dubs, no second takes, 100% improvised. I had an outline of it in my head when I started, but then just let the ideas run. I love doing that. Some of the best stuff on this record was written that way. I’ll probably resurrect a couple of the other demos I put together for later projects.
Dance of Death/SOMA…Inspired by a true encounter with a homeless man at the intersection of Sixth and Mission in the trendy SOMA district of San Francisco. In memory of Steve, who lead the chant when we were younger. I simply couldn’t resist the coincidence in this Brave New World.
Drums, bass, electric guitar, lead guitar, keys, vocals, crowd chants, street sheet
Technical Comments notes – by Chris Reed – noises by Anime Raiders
Again, from SFBN. From the point of view of an angry homeless man living outside the newspaper building downtown.
Story – Chris - The phrase “Dance of Death” actually comes from a local comic strip called Farley, which has a homeless character in it called Beppo. “Dance of Death” literally means to entertain the crowds by walking against the traffic signals in downtown San Francisco – a very dangerous thing to do. I took the joke and made it angry based upon a conversation with a real homeless person. Part 2 of the song is a tribute to a friend of mine from high school, who upon reading the book Brave New World organized events where people would yell “Soma! Soma! Soma!”. If you don't get the joke you need to read more. Jim – And let’s not forget that the trendy district of San Francisco is also called SOMA. That second part comes across like Def Leppard before they became famous and cursed. Jason – Hardest song on the album for me. It’s that damned riff in the break. Lee – Least gratuitous use of a swear word in a song on the album. Kyousuke – I broke two drum heads playing this sucker. Almost 30 takes to get it right.
I’ve slept in doorways, I’ve slept in alleyways, I’ve slept at Transbay, I’ve slept on Bart
One mayor says, “just to push me around”, another mayor says, “just sleep on the ground”
All this attention, man my life’s a mess – what are they thinking of? It’s anybody’s guess
Street Sheet here, get your Street Sheet here, enter my world and get your Street Sheet here
To understand my mind you’ve got to read about my world, Street Sheet here, get your Street Sheet here
I’ll eat at churches though I have to be subdued – I’ve carried signs that say that I will work for food
There are task forces to try and figure me out – I have an education but no job, no clout
All this attention but no individuality – someone tries to help me without a grasp on reality
Street Sheet here, get your Street Sheet here, enter my world and get your Street Sheet here
To understand my mind you’ve got to read about my world, Street Sheet here, get your Street Sheet here
Oh yes I’m filthy and I have done some crime, I’d sink to heroin but I ain’t got the time
It takes all my efforts just to stay alive - It feels like hell to me if judgment day’s arrived
All this attention it’s a fucking disgrace – you want to help me get that camera out of my face!
Street Sheet here, get your Street Sheet here, enter my world and get your Street Sheet here
To understand this hell you’ve got to do the dance of death, Street Sheet here, get your Street Sheet here
Haunted…Okay, I admit it. I like old Dan Fogelburg songs.
Piano, bass, drums, guitar, orchestral keys, creaking windows
Technical Comments notes – by Chris Reed – noises by Anime Raiders
Meant to be the haunting ballad from SFBN, it evolved into something more
Story – Chris – The piano part I’ve had bouncing around for a while now. Something out of Dan Fogelburg or the Eagles Precious time. I wanted the middle section to be a full-blown orchestral interlude and given the resources at Crash Pad V I think it came out pretty well, as opposed to those idiotic orchestral swells you get in ballads by Metal bands. Jim – Pretty simple one for me this time. No solos or anything like that. Jason – Getting the bass and the lower orchestral parts to work out was a real challenge. Lee – Yes, I’m the piano player this time. Chris spent most of his time working on that middle section. Kyousuke – I got to play Tympani!
He’s a shell of a man, seen my Marley’s ghost – but the rest is left well enough alone
His age approaches winter, friends he knew are gone – and soon he’ll be
Wherever people get their answers to the final query – that invades the soul
Opportunities lost or stolen, slave to his own greed and never free
Like the girl from long ago that he waved away
He lives alone in an old grey mansion – only echoes greet the day
Earned his fortune long ago at a price he now knows well
Sad to see him in his haunted mansion all alone
She’s a content woman, she has few regrets of indiscretions of her youth
But every so often she thinks about the man who cared for money more than she
He once made her happy but she grew tired of waiting to see some of his soul
Opportunities gone and given, slave to his own greed and never free
Like the man from long ago that she waved away
She lives alone in an old grey mansion – echoing laughter greets the day
Earned her freedom long ago at a price she that she could pay
Glad to see her in her haunted mansion never alone
Whimsical Triangles…A piano sonata I wrote based on a series of Japanese comic books. Funny, touching and occasionally strange story about a teenage love triangle.
まどか - Madoka…My favorite Kimagure Girl
恭介 - Kyosuke…The boy in the middle, with some unusual talents of his own
ひかる - Hikaru…the sweet girl who eventually loses
Piano dake, manga
Predator…Okay, Jim wrote this one – it just fits thematically, as I seem to be playing a lot of piano in this section.
Pianooohs, bass, drums, large shark
Technical Comments notes – by Chris Reed – noises by Chris Reed
Story – I released an EP in the 80’s called “Hand Feeding the Hungry Shark” that nearly got me sued by Bob Dylan of all people. I had to edit out 12 bars of a song at the request of his attorneys – although Guns and Roses didn’t for doing the same thing – a real lesson about different types of sharks. But the title comes from the photographer for the session trying to get me to loosen up (difficult, at best) by putting a rubber shark on my shoulder. I liked the photo so much that I used it for the cover of the EP. I’m into sharks, so Jim came up with this one while watching a Discovery Channel special on sharks with the sound off….
Lonely Boy…This one was damned hard to do, because the song gives me a lump in my throat. I changed three words and one chord to make it more current, and added 8 bars in the solo section. The original was by Andrew Gold.
Pianoohs, bass, drums, lead guitar, vocal, screams of rage
Technical Comments notes – by Andrew Gold – noises by Anime Raiders
Story – Chris – I’ve always loved this song. It pulls and pushes at the same time. I came up with a variation on the piano part of the original that I liked and we just went with it. Jim – A great choice for the re-makes section. We made it rock. Jason – agreed. Lee – Chris can be so selfish about those piano parts sometimes. Kyousuke – I had never heard this song before Chris brought it in, so it was very fresh for me.
I cannot put lyrics here, as I do not have permission to reprint them. Deal with it.
Any Other Way… I saw the Posies in concert and while this song was kind of mellow on their Dear 23 album it ROCKED live.
Guitar, Bass, Drums, 2 Vocals, Kurt Rambis Fan Club
Technical Comments notes – by Ken Stringfellow and John Auer – Noises by The Anime Raiders
Story – Chris – This is perhaps the most raw song on the album. It was recorded live and all of the instruments were left un-retouched. This is what it would really sound like in a garage. Jim – This song has a great guitar part; simple and yet inspiring. Jason – I was with Chris at that Posies concert where they rocked out on this song. The bass player went freakin’ NUTS, and I decided to pay homage to that. Lee – I’m just singing on this one (the counter melody in the second verse and the doubling). Kyousuke – Chris had me listen to the original recording. He then said, “like that, only more so.”
I cannot put lyrics here, as I do not have permission to reprint them. Deal with it.
Alone Again (Naturally)…It would take me days to explain why I like this song. Not a single lyric in this song fits my life, and yet… The original was done by Gilbert O’Sullivan
Piano, acoustic guitar, plucked acoustic guitar, lead acoustic guitar, bass, drums, string keys, horn keys, flute, vocal, doubled vocal, videotape
Technical Comments notes – by Gilbert O’Sullivan – noises by Anime Raiders
Story – Chris - I had completely forgotten about how big a role this song played in my childhood until I heard it unexpectedly it the great anime Maison Ikkoku. I was so stunned and found myself nearly in tears that I decided almost instantly that I would re-do it one day. That day is now. Jim – I’m so glad we didn’t do this one syrupy, like the original. Jason – I’m singing lead with Chris to create that doubling effect. Lee – Back to piano. Kyousuke – sometimes you’re just the metronone for the sake of the song.
I cannot put lyrics here, as I do not have permission to reprint them. Deal with it.
好きさ…Yes, that’s Japanese I’m singing. It’s also from the old television show called Maison Ikkoku. Go see it, it’s available at better video stores. The original was done by 安全地帯
Bass, drums, keys, electric guitar, lead guitar, lead vocal, 3 part harmony vocal, piyo piyo
Story – Chris – one of two songs featuring Japanese (a language 4 of us speak – including me). Jim – listened to a lot of Anime soundtracks before going into the studio for this one. Jason – doing this one was my idea, although Chris loves the song. It makes his wife swoon (something to do with balding cherubic singers from England, none of which applies to Chris) and it’s short and simple. Lee – Oooohh! 80s production! Kyousuke – Natsukashii! We actually went out and hunted down one of those electric drum sets. It was like playing a table.
I cannot put lyrics here, as I do not have permission to reprint them. Deal with it.
Tea For One…This song can haunt you in your sleep. The original was done by Kevin Gilbert, who along with David Baerwald was a good chunk of the talent behind the Tuesday Music Club (Not Sheryl Crow – her later work so obviously pales in comparison to that first album). Mr. Gilbert was a man whose skill I’m envious of. So often remakes are done by people of lesser talent (Sheryl included) who try to copy artists they admire (or perhaps their manager admires) and almost always fail – one reason I tended to stay away from doing them. I myself always fear doing work of someone I admire for fear of being exposed as lesser than the original (says the guy who put 6 remakes on his album). And even though one must face one’s fears I still had no intention of even attempting this one until two things happened within days of each other; 1) the idea for the guitar riff towards the end came to me, and 2) I discovered that I had known him in college. I could never remember his damned last name until I ran across the web site of the Drummer for Giraffe (his first band) and it mentioned an incident I was part of that almost no one knows about. We corresponded and were able to confirm that I was also in a band (very briefly, in college) with Mr. Gilbert. Freaky.
Bass, drums, acoustic guitar, electric rhythm guitar, lead guitar, pattern electric guitar, keys, vocals, thud and shaming of the true. The arrangement is mine, and I probably got a chord or ten wrong. I think he’d approve.
Technical Comments notes – by Kevin Gilbert – noises by Anime Raiders
Story – Chris – my chance to step out and just be a vocalist. Jim – yeah, but I had to actually PLAY that idea. Jason – Words are what usually drives me when it comes to other people’s songs – and here the words are top-notch. You can actually picture that poor schlob standing in the rain with the flowers about to drop out of his hand. Lee – I got to see Mr. Gilbert perform shortly before his death. He was great. Doing this makes me glad to have signed on to the project. Kyousuke – When we came up with the idea to have a “remakes” section of the album, I thought it would be fun to do an old Giraffe song, the band Kevin Gilbert was in back in the 80s. They had a song called “The World Gets Smaller” that I’ve always liked, but this one is awfully good.
I cannot put lyrics here, as I do not have permission to reprint them. Deal with it.
Night Escape…Written by my good friend Ed Lee and originally performed by my old band ASK. The only time I was ever envious of his skill as a writer was this song. The arrangement is mine.
Drums, bass, cure-guitar, rhythm guitar, lead guitar, 2 different organs and some interesting keys, lead vocal, harmony vocal, harmony vocal, Ask
Technical Comments notes – by Edward Lee – noises by Anime Raiders
Story – Chris – this song was always a fave when my first big band, ASK, played in Los Angeles. Ed would play this opening organ riff (which was different that the one I play here) and we’d get people up on their feet when the other instruments came in. Jim – We played with a bunch of different arrangement ideas on this song before settling on the one we finally took. Jason – Originally ASK performed this song with Chris only singing the break sections. Lee – This one was FUN! Kyousuke – 俺もそ思うぜ!
Fall – For the times that you’ve been led and for the tears you shouldn’t have shed
You didn’t know what living meant
The child in you repressed all the time – you make it seem like it’s a crime
Insanity will cross your mind
Once in a while the circus ends, but you can’t think before you start again
Leaning by the edge of the wall – you’re just waiting for the call
But you don’t have to answer at all
Sneak around the doors when it’s dark – be careful when the dogs start to bark
Don’t stop now you’ve come this far
Once in a while your mind takes flight – don’t take a seat be something else
Tonight, you won’t know what freedom’s like tomorrow
Tonight, once before the painful edge of sorrow
Once in a while the circus ends, but you can’t think before you start again
Daylight wakes you up the next day – afraid to know of what was displayed
Go off to work with nothing to say
Gaze into the cloudless sky – regret this life and ask yourself why
You don’t know the answer so you cry
Once in a while your mind takes flight – don’t take a seat be something else
Tonight, you won’t know what freedom’s like tomorrow
Tonight, once before the painful edge of sorrow
Once in a while your mind takes flight – don’t take a seat be something else
Tonight
Tonight tonight tonight tonight tonight tonight
Tonight tonight tonight tonight tonight tonight
Tonight tonight tonight tonight tonight tonight
Tonight tonight tonight tonight tonight tonight
Tonight tonight tonight tonight tonight tonight
Tonight tonight tonight tonight tonight tonight
Fly…Good basic pop tune. Maybe the single for the album, although I'm partial to Terror of Love.
Drums, bass, lead guitar, jazz guitar, rhythm guitar, vocal, 2 part chorus backing vocal, a deflated balloon found at the corner of California and Battery.
Technical Comments notes – By Chris Reed – noises by Anime Raiders
Story – Chris – Had this great pop riff in my head and guitar for a while now and had been looking for something to do with it when I ran across this deflated mylar balloon in the middle of a busy intersection in San Francisco. I started to wonder about the story of that balloon. The rest kind of flowed from that. – Jim – I wish I owned a Rickenbacker for this one. It screams for Jangling guitars. One of those rare songs where Chris actually wrote out the guitar solo. Jason – Sounds kind of Posies-ish to me, but that’s cool. Lee – Here’s another where I’m on guitar. Kyousuke – I got to pretend I was in R.E.M. for a few minutes, which I’ve always wanted to do.
A little girl’s balloon flies away – she had let it go
It carried her hopes and dreams to the sky – that’s why she let it go
But someday balloons fall to the ground or the burst in midair
I wish I could fly
She deserves to have more than just to fall to the ground
Fly
She deserves a shot at a better life
Before reality grabs hold of me there’s something I want to see
A little boy makes dreams out of sand the ocean takes them away
I fly kites until the sun sets – I get inspiration that way
But waves will wash away the sand and the wind will take dreams away
Balloons will someday cascade to the ground or they snap in midair
I wish I could fly
He deserves to have more than have his dreams washed to sea
Fly
He deserves to have more than just fantasy
Before reality grabs onto me there’s something I want to see
I wish I could fly
She deserves to have more than just to fall to the ground
I wish I could fly
She deserves a shot at a better life
Before reality grabs hold of me there’s something I want to see
I wish I could fly
She deserves to have more than just to fall to the ground
I wish I could fly
She deserves a shot at a better life
Before reality grabs hold of me there’s something I want to see
I wish I could fly
He deserves to have more than have his dreams washed to sea
I wish I could fly
He deserves to have more than just fantasy
Before reality grabs onto me there’s something I want to see
I wish I could fly…etc…
Fly in Amber…believe it or not, this one is inspired by an old Journey song, back when Greg Rollie was on keyboards and harmonica, with a conceptual idea lifted from Simon and Garfunkel. I promise to not use the word “fly” again in the rest of the album…
Rhythm guitar, bass, drums, distorted guitar, tape effects, vocal, percussive junk
Technical Comments notes – By Chris Reed – noises by Anime Raiders, except for some of the news samples, featuring the voices of the following newscasters:
Story – Chris – I was fooling around on my guitar with a playing trick where you pick the strings high up on the fret-board to get a tinnier sound when the idea for this came to me. Jim – I mentioned to Chris that it sounded a lot like on old Journey song called Precious Time and after reviewing it we decided to take it in that direction. Jason – The original Journey song features some way the hell up there bass work. I haven’t done that sort of thing before so it was a new experience for me. Lee – I don’t play harmonica so we came up with the keyboard thing instead. Kyousuke – Busy!
There’s a sound coming across the airwaves– something like static
Is that your voice that I think I’m hearing or are you on automatic?
Like a fly in amber you feel you are trapped and subject to manipulation
Like a fly in amber you feel you are trapped and subject to our adulation
Under the microscope – you feel you’ve been dissected and so you have
But I ask you did you bring it on yourself or want it so bad
Like a fly in amber you feel you are trapped and subject to manipulation
Like a fly in amber you feel you are trapped and subject to our adulation
And so I ask you can you leave it all behind and rest on your achievements
Or do you find that your stardom is more like a drug than a convenience
Like a fly in amber you feel you are trapped and subject to manipulation
Like a fly in amber you feel you are trapped and subject to our adulation
Like a fly in amber you feel you are trapped and subject to manipulation
Like a fly in amber you feel you are trapped and subject to our adulation
下級生…an instrumental I wrote after watching an Anime of the same name. Grab inspiration from any place you can!
Pianoohs, pedals, keys, percussion, more videotape
Technical Comments notes – By Chris Reed – noises by Anime Raiders
Story – Chris – I am so into anime that it’s disgusting. I saw this one called Kakyuusei (underclassmen) and had this whole idea in my head in minutes. Yes, that’s me on the Piano. Jim – and I’m doing something I never thought I would do; I’m on percussion with Kyousuke. Jason – one of those rare times that I play pedals. Lee – And I’m doing all the other keyboards. To me this one sings out “Chariots of Fire”. Kyousuke – All I did was smack random stuff in the studio and let Chris make it sound like thunder.
That Man…Remember when Genesis started evolving into a pop band? I wanted that kind of sound. The middle section was a lot of fun to do and gave Lee a chance to stretch on the piano.
Pianoohs, bass, drums, lead piano, keys, guitar, lead vocal, whispered vocal, fourth side dead
Technical Comments notes – By Chris Reed – noises by Anime Raiders
Story – Chris – I wrote this song for a woman I knew who was dating a jerk. Jim – Not much for me here, but that happens sometimes when you’re in a band. Jason – I’m on keyboard bass this time, doubles with a piano being played by Chris. Chris suggested we all listed to ABACAB to get the feel. Lee – Star time! A real chance to get messy with a solo! This one was FUN! Kyousuke – Try reverting your drum style to stuff you listened to when you were a kid sometime. It ain’t as easy as you think. There are two versions of this song: one on the web version, one on the official release.
When I first met him I knew he was wrong for you
But you were smitten what could I do?
The more I see of the two of you together
The more I’m sure that he’s wrong for you
I don’t understand why you’re with that man
I don’t understand why you’re with that man
I can’t stand that you’re with that man
I don’t understand
Oh yes he’s charming when he’s not flirting with some other girl in our company
Oh yes he’s driven – more like pushy – does anything to get his way
Like the time that I told you that I love you
And he said that it was a joke
You’re not with me but if you’re happy then so am I
I want you to have the best in life
I don’t understand why you’re with that man
I don’t understand why you’re with that man
I can’t stand that you’re with that man
I don’t understand
You may think I’m mistaken but deep down you know I’m right
He’s a jerk and you’d be better of without him but I don’t want to fight
Think about your future – would he be a good father for your kids
He would leave you al alone no matter what you did
Now I see I can’t convince you
You’re still smitten what can I do?
The more I see of the two of you together
The more I’m sure I’m the one for you
Why does this scare you – are we still friends?
Why are you looking at me that way?
Are you suffering? Are the ropes too tight?
Don’t worry dear this will end today
I don’t understand why you’re with that man
I don’t understand why you’re with that man
I can’t stand that you’re with that man
I don’t understand… I don’t… I don’t!
I don’t understand why you’re with that man
I don’t understand why you’re with that man
I can’t stand that you’re with that man
I don’t understand… I don’t… I don’t!
The War Suite…I wrote this thing as a three-part mini-rock opera in 1982 (and it shows – hey, I was 17 at the time), after seeing a couple of news stories about the stability of our world. Part one was about Lebanon, but hey, take your pick. The middle section was inspired by the whole spate of Vietnam songs that came out in the early 80’s. The last part will never be answered. Not one goddamned thing has changed since 1982, so I’ve included this piece despite it’s sound.
Piano, bass, drums, strings keys, lead guitar, dark keys (for middle instrumental section), vocal, choral vocal effect, fender rhodes, flute (for middle section), recorder (ditto), soapbox
Technical Comments notes – By Chris Reed – noises by Anime Raiders
Story – Chris – I’m on piano for all three sections, plus the woodwinds in the middle section. Good art transcends the bounds of time, and my song here works in any war milleau. Unfortunately that doesn’t mean my song is art, but it does mean that war transcends time too. Frankly, I’m sick of it. Jim – Now I know what it must feel like to be David Gilmour. That section at the end of part two where I wail on forever we recorded over and over again, me with my eyes closed and playing anything that came into my skull. We’ve kept the best parts. Jason – both bass and pedals here. As I pointed out to Jim, in certain places this song needs to shake the floorboards. Lee – Lots of layers for the keys, I doubt we’ll ever pull this one off live without help. The solo section in part two could go on forever, but Chris left it to me to decide when to start the white noise that leads into part 3. Kyousuke – This one’s a daze for me. Pound the skins so hard that your fingers bleed and yet you know you may just need a bit more to keep up with Jim.
(Mama Sing Me A Prayer)
There's an absence of light falling now
And as darkness reaches the edge of town, little children run around for shelter
Artillery sounds out now, while shells they strike the ground
Mama sing me a prayer, love will get you there
Mama sing me a prayer, it's not the clothes it's what you wear
When the morning comes you will find the children gone
Nothing but smoke will fill the air, love will get you there
But it might help to sing me a prayer
The night patrol is riding now
And as the stars fade from our view, little children wonder what they'll do
The cameras take their time, have all the children stand in line
Mama sing me a prayer, love will get you there
Mama sing me a prayer, it's not the clothes it's what you wear
When the morning comes you will find the children gone
Nothing but smoke will fill the air, love will get you there
But it might help to sing me a prayer
And the dawn is rising now
A ray of light peeks through the mist, children wonder is this all that life is
Running away from sound, loved ones fall to the ground
Mama sing me a prayer, love will get you there
Mama sing me a prayer, it's not the clothes it's what you wear
Mama sing me a prayer
(Requiem)
Everyone writes a song about Vietnam
I guess it's now my turn, to pass history along
But I wasn't there
Can't even imagine what it was like
I can't sing a requiem for a pain I simply cannot feel
Why do others try?
Does everyone remember Vietnam?
I'm so glad you do, but I was far too young
To understand
Don't know what it's like to be a hero
Some will criticize and say I'm unfeeling and don't comprehend
I know they're right
Can anyone explain Vietnam?
I'm so glad you can, or have you got it wrong
And were you there
How dare you sing a requiem for a pain that you've never felt
Why do you try?
(Tomorrow)
I think about yesterday, not so long ago but it seems so far away
I think about here and now, things are so much faster and some things scare me anyhow
I think about tomorrow and how the children live
Will they ask what it was about
Will they forgive
Terror of Love…A fun little love song, very pop, inspired by a woman from a green, cold island.
Left rhythm guitar, right rhythm guitar, lead guitar, bass, drums, vocal, doubled vocal, 3 part harmony vocal for the chorus, dolls
Technical Comments notes – By Chris Reed – noises by Anime Raiders
Story – Chris – this was meant to be an ASK song. We considered a reunion and even held a few rehearsals, and I brought this song in to be our next big hit. It’s kind of a rip-off of the Posies Golden Slumbers, but the lyrics and music are different enough to work on it’s own. Jim – again with the jangling guitars. I feel like I’m in The Byrds. Jason – this one was fun. Chris wrote this walking bass riff for the choruses and I ran with it. Lee – It’s not The Byrds or The Posies. It’s Bare Naked Ladies with Peter Buck. Kyousuke – No, it’s THE ANIME RAIDERS!
She said, “You have the eyes of a vampire”
“Thank you”, I said, “although most people call them bloodshot”
She laughed and said, “You know what I mean
“It’s something sensual and experienced”
The terror of love has got you in its grasp
You want it to go and yet you want it to last
The terror of love has got its eye on you
It’s wonderful and it’s scary and true
She thought that I had sought her for forever
And I thought she was beautiful but her name was unpronounceable
She said, “are Americans so ignorant?”
And I said, “I don’t know – am I supposed to be?”
The terror of love has got you in its grasp
You want it to go and yet you want it to last
The terror of love has got its eye on you
It’s wonderful and it’s scary and true
You’re playing with children’s dolls – how long does that last?
You’re an adult with child’s emotions and it’s going fast
She said, “You have put a seed inside of me.”
I said, “You don’t know how much I wish that could be true”
She laughed and said, “That’s not what I mean
“Something sensual to be experienced.”
The terror of love has got you in its grasp
You want it to go and yet you want it to last
The terror of love has got its eye on you
It’s wonderful and it’s scary and true
The terror of love has got you in its grasp
You want it to go and yet you want it to last
The terror of love has got its eye on you
It’s wonderful and it’s scary and true
The terror of love…
Merchant Song…Kind of an ode/wet dream for a well-known female singer.
Guitar, bass, drums, keys, vocal, Marvin Gaye poster
Technical Comments notes – By Chris Reed – noises by Anime Raiders
Story – Chris – Oh, I’m going to get hung for this one! Jim – we almost rejected it due to the lyrics. It sort of comes across as a wet dream in my opinion. But rock and roll is about sex to some degree so let’s run with it! Jason – Chris had me listen to Marvin Gaye’s Sexual Healing for the bass line. And there are people out there saying “no shit!” Lee – Oh, I hope the woman in the song never figures out it’s about her. But she will (it’s pretty obvious) and then Chris will be wearing a hand imprint on his cheek for weeks after she slaps him. Kyousuke – So let’s tell her!
Well I first saw her before the record deal
Twirling on the stage like a beautiful horizontal Ferris wheel
A rave review from the L.A. Times
Never thought I’d see her again
I next saw her on the T.V. Screen
Singing about the weather yet something deep
It had been a couple of years and to hear them made me smile
I was glad to see her again
Sitting on the couch me at one end you at the other
Telling friends that I don’t know that you love me – that you love me
Put your hand upon my chest and then you lean under my arm
I feel warm and surprised just the same
Next time I saw her it was L.A. again
Went to her concert with one of my closest friends
Got to admire her from 150 feet away
Made a lasting impression on me
Sitting on the couch me at one end you at the other
Telling friends that I don’t know that you love me – that you love me
Put your hand upon my chest and then you lean under my arm
I feel warm and surprised just the same
I next saw her in a dream last night (like the chorus)
The band is gone and she’s on her own
A psychologist could make a fortune studying my fantasies
But it’s just a dream
Sitting on the couch me at one end you at the other
Telling friends that I don’t know that you love me – that you love me
Put your hand upon my chest and then you lean under my arm
I feel warm and surprised just the same
Waltz (ワルツ)…Aishiteru (愛してる), the Japanese word I use in the chorus, means “I’m in love with you”. I’m really proud of this one, one of my better ballads. I would love to play this song in Japan someday.
Acoustic guitar, electric guitar, keys, bass, drums, vocal, harmonies, effects, wind chimes (to start the song), sailboat
Technical Comments notes – By Chris Reed – noises by Anime Raiders
Story – Chris – This may be the prettiest thing I’ve ever written. It’s inspired by the music of Kanno Yoko, who composes symphonic and jazz and pop music for Anime in Japan (a job I’d love to have – please make an offer! Onegaishimasu! Yoroshiku ne!). But even more specifically it’s inspired by “Tenkou no Escaflowne”, one of my favorite Anime titles of all time. If we ever tour, THIS is the song that will define the show, especially if we perform in Japan. Jim – We get to the arrangements at the end and suddenly this song gets real difficult to play. The chords fly by faster than you will probably hear them and there’s a mix of open versus closed chords. Probably the hardest I work on the album without a real solo. Jason – I recorded the bass twice, once on a fretless and once on a standard bass. There’s also some keyboard work I did. Lee – Once again I get to be the orchestra. It’s fun. Kyousuke – I’m playing very hard on this song. Chris told me to think like Liberty Devitto, the drummer for Billy Joel. The man plays harder than he sounds.
Sail away towards the setting sun to pick up a new life
船で – towards the Rising Sun to pick up a new dance
Funny how we romanticize the good parts away from the bad
Do we start over or do we realize what we had was part of the dream
If I were a better man you might hear the word “愛してる”
But I’ve denied myself for so long
Somewhere in my mind I’m afraid you might find the words to make you stay with me
アニメの瞳 brings a tear to my eyes
Why can’t I be like the man who fought for your love and won it anyway?
If I were a better man you might hear “君を愛してる”
But I’ve denied myself for so long
Somewhere in my mind I’m afraid you might find the words to make you stay with me
心を決める君と一緒に
踊りの師匠の気持ちが欲しいお願い
良い男になれば君と言うのわ愛してる
But I’ve denied myself for so long
Dare I even say…
愛してる
愛してる 愛してる 愛してる 愛してる
Runaway/Thought/えひめ丸の考え…Runaway is the oldest song on the album that I wrote (1980). Based on a true incident. I was 15 at the time.
Piano, bass, drums, acoustic guitar (lead), electric guitar (lead), shelter
Technical Comments notes – By Chris Reed – noises by Anime Raiders
Story – Chris – I’ve brought this song out and put it back so many times that you can barely read the pencil marks on my original write-up. It’s not always easy digging into your past – especially if you’ve never come to terms with it. I had to close out on the Piano. Jim – the guitar part is actually inspired by a Toto song called “If It’s The Last Night”. Jason – fretless time. Lee – Chris and I fought over the piano and keyboard arrangement quite a bit. It took some doing to get it to sound as good as this. Kyousuke – my own tribute to Mr. Porcaro……… the song used to end with only Thought (which I wrote in 1985) and was shorter at first, but then I came up with a tribute to the Ehime Maru (えひめ丸). That’s how it all ends………
There's a girl who lives alone
Peeling shadows from her life
And all of those she left behind
She thinks of all who loved her
There were so many and so few
Hers is a story we all know
She's a runaway, she never meant to stay at home
She's a runaway, she just wants to be alone
She's a runaway, she never meant to hurt anyone
She's a runaway and she knows exactly what she has done
There's a girl who's found a home
For her friends she's found a new life
She's found love and people who care
She thinks of all who love her
A love she knows she can never return
Hers is a story we should know
She's a runaway, she never meant to stay at home
She's a runaway, she just wants to be alone
She's a runaway, she never meant to hurt anyone
She's a runaway and she knows exactly what she has done
She's a runaway, she never meant to stay at home
She's a runaway, she just wants to be alone
She's a runaway, she never meant to hurt anyone
She's a runaway and she knows exactly what she has done
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