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Mike Skliar: Music

Money Blues
This is the leadoff track to my album "Ship of State"- a fast bluesy arrow thrown at the big economic worry we all have these days. Lead guitar by the superb Tom Ricciuti. FROM THE ALBUM 'SHIP OF STATE'.
Ship of State
This is a sort of gospel-type call and response song, with an international cast. The "chorus" vocals on this song consist of musicians from all over the United States, Canada, and the U.K. - 8 of them, to be specific. FROM THE ALBUM "SHIP OF STATE".
Murder Ink
This minor-key film-noir-inflected jazzy song was written for a bookstore that specialized in mystery and crime literature. It really was called Murder Ink, and closed, no doubt due to the pressures from the big chains, online buying, etc. Drums and perc by Robert Weiss and lead guitar by Tom Ricciuti. FROM THE ALBUM "SHIP OF STATE".
The Mike Song
Here's a song about one of the most common names in the world, at least when I was growing up. Not a coincidence that it happens to be my first name as well. I'm dedicating this to all the other Mikes, Michaels, Mickeys, Michelles, Mikhails, and Mikeys out there, wherever you are... Another Mike Skliar production recorded at home, with assistance from Ken Ficara, who had to change his name to Mike to legally play on this recording. FROM THE ALBUM "MIKE SKLIAR"
Mother's Advice
Not everybody remembers what their mother was saying to them all those years, but I wrote down every word (some of the english (and yiddish!) has been changed to protect the innocent, or the innocent who feel guilty, or something... and my mom will deny it all under oath). This recording features my own slightly warped dobro playing as well. FROM THE ALBUM 'MIKE SKLIAR'
Frank (For Frank Sinatra)
My song for an American legend, written when he died and as I was discovering the great old records from the 50's and 60's. Features some soulful viola parts from Angelina Powers. FROM THE ALBUM "MIKE SKLIAR"
Charlie Brown's Nightmare
You know, the week Charles Schultz (the creator of the 'Peanuts' cartoon strip) died, I wondered "What happens now to Charlie, Lucy, Linus, Pigpen, and the rest?" .. Here's one way it might have gone down. Paul Brown, of the band Travellin Tom and Dr. Paul, later did a bit of a rewrite and cut a version with a happier ending, which is available on his excellent album 'Bridges and Backroads". FROM THE ALBUM "MIKE SKLIAR"