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.
This is as close as I've come, I
think, to writing a "Christmas/Holiday song".
Written and recorded a few years back, it's an open-
tuning plea for peace in a troubled land. "No matter
which way we turn the pages, let us all have peace."
Angelina Powers sings the ethereal and spiritual
harmony parts, which add so much to the recording.
Written shortly after
the 2004 US Presidential election. It's a satire
about the type of person who listens to and
believes the right wing talk radio shows that are so
prevalent here in the US, such as Rush Limbaugh,
etc. This track was recorded at home, and does not
have the studio polish of some of my other efforts on
the site, but i think the humour and message gets
through. All instruments and vocals are by me, but Ken Ficara added a harmonica part and some backing vocals.
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.
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.
An 'anti-valentine's day' song that answers the question of what happens
when love flies south. The recording has a great harmonica 'clarence
clemons' part by the wonderful Ken Ficara, and great harmony vocals by Kathy
Hart, ...thanks again! )
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".