This Lovin’ Cup- I was watching the idiot box and just holding my guitar when this little vamp on a B chord came out of nowhere. Using the same recorder, I recorded about 20 seconds of the riff. The lyrical idea came on the trip to Chicago, while…

This is a track of serendipity (is that how you spell that?) I was hours from deadline, lots of mixing left to do, and this track was FAR from done. I love the congas in this one. In general, this is a fun one for me. For once I actually don't…

Originally conceived as a mellow-ish, Stephen Stills sounding number (at least the verses), then the chorus came to me out of nowhere and turned the whole song on it's ear. I think that was for the better. I have to admit that I surprised myself…

Another of the three songfight inspired titles. Painted Tense (the title) actually came from a band name generator website. I thought it might make a good song title so I submitted it to the RPM HQ person doing the name-from-a-hat picking. I would…

Turn this one up REALLY FREAKING LOUD! Written, recorded and polished off in about 45 minutes or so. Clearly my British influence shines forth in this one, right down to the SG through a Vox amp tones and backward riffs here and there. (and…

Another "oldie but goodie" that had never really gotten the love it deserved... The original version came in at over six minutes (and even I recognize in looking back that it was WAY too long).

One of the first songs I ever wrote... When we bought our first house, we had a nice big back yard on a 1/3 acre lot... With the train tracks just on the other side of the back fence.

The title track for this year's RPM album. One mic. Live take. Please forgive the missed notes. LETTERS Writing while I drive with voices in my mind Passed along by friends I’ve never met Trying to stay alive in one place in time…

Well, I had to swear SOMEWHERE in the album. GIRLS LIKE YOU You’re young and pretty Shy and smart and witty With a face that could’ve Launched a thousand ships Tall, dark, and stupid He must’ve paid off cupid To get his ugly face…

Short stories from the weatherman