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Misadventures in Stereo

by Jim Boggia

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1.
They always gunned for Johnnie, but 'til now the shot was out-of-range. But nothing lasts forever and the weather is about to change. And if he'd seen his cornered soldier changing sides, that setting sun on the horizon wouldn't be surprising. Johnnie's going down. Word's been going 'round. Searching through this town, there's no friends to be found. A new king will be crowned. Yeah, Johnnie's going down. Pirelli had been waiting at the gate and finally saw his time. It wasn't very long before the songbird sang and dropped the dime. At that point, Johnnie's well of options came up dry. And as you're probably surmising without much analyzing. Johnnie's going down. Word's been going 'round. Searching through this town, there's no friends to be found. A new king will be crowned. Yeah, Johnnie's going down. Caught without an alibi (that kind of gave it all away). Johnnie's hanging out to dry. Johnnie's going down. Word's been going 'round. Searching through this town, there's no friends to be found. A new king will be crowned. The wheel of fortune keeps on spinning 'round and 'round and 'round and 'round. Yeah, Johnnie's going down.
2.
To and Fro 03:55
It's our final second. But now, wait a second. Isn't this the second time or the third that you've made that claim? Everything is still the same. Even though you've said it, we could still forget it. And you know I'd let it go and be happy to let it slide because I'm on your side. You say you're leaving but you'll never go. Why are you keeping up this to and fro? If it don't feel right, the door's open wide. But I know tonight you'll be by my side. Your non-action's speaking louder than the freaking words your mouth is leaking out. All about how you're up and gone. But you're still here to hear this song. You say you're leaving but you'll never go. Why are you keeping up this to and fro? If it don't feel right, the door's open wide. But you know tonight you'll be by my side. So, swallow your pride And be my bride. So, why would you put us both through the trials and tribulations of a trial separation when, in the final summation, you will see the situation like I do? You say you're leaving but you'll never go. why are you keeping up this to and fro? If it don't feel right the door's open wide. But we both know you'll wind up by my side.
3.
No Way Out 04:04
So, you throw your life away. Another glass of bourbon makes it sugar-coated and fine. Like the lines you're going to cross a half a million times half-loaded - makes it seem alright. One catastrophe away. Could happen any day. Unfolding right before your eyes that look into the mirror at objects that appear they're going to get cut down to size and get what they deserve. So, take it like a man and finally accept there's . . . No way out. Should we say your fate is sealed? Or, perhaps, destiny's unfolding right before your eyes that look into the mirror and see nothing but fear and loathing. Step up for your prize that you picked out yourself. You wanted it so bad. And now you see it's left you . . . No way out.
4.
So 03:39
So long, it's been great to know ya. So sad saying goodbye. So hard believing it's over. So much for making it fly. But you'll shine on. When all else is gone and forgotten, I'll still remember how even the light changed when it danced around you. So long since you've felt it working. You're so good at telling me so. I'm so tired of trying to convince you but so scared of letting you go. But you'll shine on. When all else is gone and forgotten, I'll still remember how even the light changed. And all of the good that I'll still see, no matter the distance You choose to put in between us. So long, it's been great to know ya.
5.
Every day I wake and nothing's changed. Feel the same dull pain through another day. Every day I wake and nothing's changed. All the thorns remain, they're just re-arranged. Right about now, I could use something to believe in, or at least something to deceive myself. Right about now, I need some differentiation, even a minor alteration would help. But every day I wake and nothing's changed. Feel the same dull pain through another day. Every day I wake and nothing's changed. All the thorns remain, they're just re-arranged. How can this be? Thought I'd escaped the desperation. I really thought that this foundation was sound. How can this be? That I thought that I was there when it's just another house I'm tearing down. Down. All roads leading down, down, down. Where is the life that I thought I would be leading before these endless years conceding? Every day I wake and nothing's changed. Feel the same dull pain through another day. Every day I wake and nothing's changed. All the thorns remain, they're just re-arranged. Nothing's changed.
6.
8Track 02:45
My older sister used to spend all of her time listening to 8Tracks. She had a plastic Panasonic that she carried in her backpack. 'Fresh as a Daisy' was her favorite song. She taught me the words and we'd sing along. We always had a lot of fun listening to records on the 8Track. Sometimes the way the music played it came out different on the 8Track. They did a lot of crazy things to make the record fit the format. They'd move songs around to do the math. Sometimes they'd even cut the songs in half. But even so, the way my sister always listened was on 8Track. And we'd sing: "Ooh la la la. Ooh la la la. Ooh la la la. Ooh la la la." We'd start it off on Program 1 then Program 2 then Program 3 then Program 4 and then it STOPPED! . . . . . . PRESS FAST FORWARD!!!! I made this whole thing up - I was too young. But still, it seems like it was lots of fun. I know I missed out on a lot because I never had an 8Track. (I don't even have a sister.)
7.
We started dating during Watergate. We would stay up late trashing Nixon. Showed you my collection of vinyl sides - LPs and 45s - my addiction. Even though we started out with some doubt things got much better when you took me back to your parent's in their basement den. And yours were stacked floor-to-ceiling covering every wall. (Then we made out a little.) Later that night I drove around with you. Listening to NRBQ. I had a Charger with a big V8. That mother started great. Yeah, it hauled ass. It had an after-market stereo with FM radio and an 8Track. And together we would ride, side-by-side, that year all summer long and we'd turn on each other to our favorite songs. And we'd sing out loud with the windows rolled down and your head on my shoulder. And every night I'd drive around with you. Listening to NRBQ. All summer long - driving around with you. Listening to NRBQ. I got us tickets on your birthday for a show in Detroit And we drove four hours, one-way. When we got there we sat down in front and started to kiss. And then Big Al took a solo and it went like this: (solo) And now I'm older with a wife and kid. Won't believe what I did with my vinyl. Put it on eBay and sold all of it. And though I regret it, "All Sales Final." But every now and then you pop in my head and it brings me a smile (and, yeah, I still miss that Charger every once in a while). Though I wouldn't change a thing about the life I have now, you know I still keep your picture. And I remember driving 'round with you. Listening to NRBQ. All summer long - driving around with you. Listening to NRBQ. I wonder know if you remember, too all the things we'd do. Listening to NRBQ.
8.
The bullies choose their morning fight to pick. Another bus stop ambush; Albert stands and waits to take his licks. They beat him up for kicks. But Albert's thinking of the task at hand. Turning tables on the bullies when he finally makes his stand. He's got the whole thing planned. Today could be the day. The day when everybody's in for a surprise. The day we chalk one up for Albert's side. In gym with Albert on the dodgeball court. We're being hunted by the popular, who pick us off for sport - the chubby and the short - but soon we'll have our day. And all those bully boys haven't yet realized that something strange has caused a change in Albert's eyes. There's a look that Albert really can't disguise. We might just chalk one up for Albert's side. Lunch comes 'round and balls and bats have hit the ground. The girls have thrown the jump-rope down. It seems like everybody's running to where Albert stands. And he's clearly in command. Now he has the upper hand. We watched the bullies as their world was shattered. The school bell rang and we all scattered. Came back in late from recess, greeting us was teacher's evil eye. Everyone survived, but nothing was the same. It turns out everyone was in for a surprise today when Albert cut the bullies down to size. We never thought the underdog could win first prize. He must have called up something lurking deep inside. And even though nobody can believe their eyes We have to chalk one up for Albert's side. Hip, hip, hooray! It's Albert's big day.
9.
I found a photograph. The only one I have. Can almost hear you laughing on your birthday. 'Cause that was you and me, back in '92 or 3. Underneath the Marquee on your birthday. Seems so long ago, but I still recall that show and how you sang loud as the band. Someone took our picture. We had one too many drinks. Then we were walking back to your house hand-in-hand. With flowers in your hair, I led you up the stairs. And all your friends were there on your birthday. Dandelion wine under incandescent light. And everyone's invited on your birthday. I waited for a year, and I wasted some tears, imagining you'd come back again. But one day you wake up and you're over the breakup. But I find myself remembering now and then. We had elaborate plans but short attention spans and too many Black and Tans back in those days. Our once and future past - it ended all too fast. And nothing seems to last except for birthdays. Are you going out on your birthday? Will you think about me on your birthday?
10.
Ma looked at her plate, then pushed it aside. Since that day, she'd say she don't have an appetite. The dishes in the sink are stacked four days high. That was when the men came up our drive. There was a blue sky. The sun was in my eyes. They said a few words but Mama's scream was all I heard. He was just three weeks shy. My brother signed up the day he turned eighteen. Said to me: "You see? I'm gonna be all that I can be." The day he told us really caused quite a scene. We didn't know he'd go so suddenly. There was a blue sky. Ma started to cry. She asked him what day he'd have to go away. He said he was three weeks shy. They shipped him off the first of July to Fallujah. That was when he lost a couple friends. His tour came to an end. They called him up again and sent him into Baghdad this time. Almost two years since he's gone, he calls us on the phone. Says he's coming home. He's finally coming home. Ma hung a calendar up on the wall. Every morning we'd pray and then an "X" she would draw. We were counting down to his "Homeward Bound," to his "Safe and Sound" but there was a blue sky. The sun got in his eyes. When that IED blew, there was nothing he could do. He was just three weeks shy. He's never coming home.

about

For those who like to sing along, jim.boggia.com has lyrics and so much more. For those who would like to make sense of the things mentioned in the credits that have left them baffled, may I suggest Google.

Questions asked during the making of this record:
Should we use a click? Is this tuning okay or should I plug in the tuner? What's that noise? Are you sure it's not too much hiss? Jim, do you want me to fix that punch? Does this smell funny to you? Who wants eggs?

Answers:
God no. The tuning is fine. That's tape hiss. Positive. Absolutely not. Ew, yes - get that away from me! I'll have some.

All songs written by Jim Boggia and published by scrApple Music Publishing/bluhammock Publishing LLC (ASCAP), except 'Chalk One Up for Albert's Side' written with Tony Asher (Soulhouse Music/BMI) and 'On Your Birthday' written with David Poe (Charming Martyr/BMI). 'I Love Her, She Loves Me' (excerpted in 'Listening to NRBQ') written by Joey Spampinato.

Recorded at Kawari Sound - Wyncote, PA; Miriam Audio - Philadelphia, PA; Philadelphonic Studios - Philadelphia, PA; MAJA Audio - Philadelphia, PA; Electric Sandbox - Nashville, TN and Jim's house - Philadelphia, PA (that's West Philly - "University City" is a marketing concept).

Engineered by Adam Winokur, Pete Donnelly, Matty Muir, John Anthony, Jesse Honig, Josh Werblun (a proud voting member of the academy), Scott Baggett and Jim Boggia.

Mixed by Adam Winokur (who'd prefer the term "balance engineer") and Jim Boggia (with assistance from Matty Muir) at Kawari Sound - Wyncote, PA.

Mastered by Steve Rooke at Abbey Road Studios - London, England on my birthday. Special thanks to Scott Bricklin for his impeccable assistance during mastering.

Cover photo by Thomas Allen. Inside jacket and back cover photos by Laura Crosta (who, I was delighted to find out, has a brand new pair of roller skates). I "designed" (and I use that term loosely, even AFTER adding the quotes) the collage of pictorial misadventure with able assistance from Josh Werblun. Photos in the collage by me, Emily Chatton, Mary O'Neill, Lisa Schaffer, Tom North, I would think my mom, I'm guessing Emily's mom, I suspect Phil Sullivan (we all do really, but no one can ever prove anything) and possibly others. The collage within the collage and the painting of the monkey shown in the inside jacket and back cover photos by Emily Chatton. Layout by Evan Smith.

Representation: Jack Leitenberg

My thanks to:
My family, all the musicians and engineers involved in the making of this record, Jack Leitenberg, Nick Sciorra, Hadleigh Graves, The fine folks at bluhammock, Mary O'Neill, Sandi Solomon, Ari Huff, Ben Arnold, Denise Hand, Shane Smith, Jill DiPalo, Kyra Kennedy, Scott Lazar, Scott Silipigni, Tom North, Marcus Krohner, The Chatton Family, James Maddock, Mike Viola, Jason Karaban, Stephen Large, Juliana Roberts, Mandy Dollar, Helen Leicht, Bruce Nadell and Jim Andron.

Shine on, Emily Chatton.

And Paul would like to thank Linda
and Linda would love to thank Paul
and thanx Denny.

On to the next misadventure.
Jim Boggia, June 1, 2008



The original email sent out to promote the album:

'MISADVENTURES IN STEREO' - AVAILABLE ON AUGUST 5TH!:

What can I say? A week from today it's finally here - 'Misadventures in Stereo' hits shelves both virtual and real.

This record took a while (I will pause as you all make a snarky comment along the lines of "what else is new?" Is this really the time for that kind of attitude?). It wasn't so much a matter of a long time in the studio as it was a long time waiting to have the right songs, the right places to record, the right musicians and the right frame of mind to make something I would be excited about. I'm happy to say that, at the very least, I feel like the wait was worth it.

I'll be posting stuff about the songs, musicians and sessions (and mastering at Abbey Road!) on the blog in the days to come, but the main point is:

I'm really excited for you to hear it.

So, next Tuesday, you can fire up your computer and head on over to iTunes and get the sounds.

Or, for those of you who like to have a bit of a visual experience to go with your aural consumption, you may want to go to Amazon.com to purchase what could be the last CD you'll ever buy. I have to say I'm really pleased with the artwork this time around and the CD contains my usual unusual version of liner notes, a new literary form I'm now referring to as the "Liner Novella", so you really might want to own more than just "files".

And if you're feeling really 1990s, the CD will be in many of the few independent record stores we have left. I actually highly encourage you to seek it out in one of these places and help support people who are really getting squeezed and have absolutely no other reason to still be in the business other than their love of music.

This music is NOT available at Wal-Mart or any of the other big boxes that don't give a toss about music or music lovers - screw 'em.

I hope you all love the record as much as I do.

credits

released August 5, 2008

bluhammockmusic BLU80033-S

MISADVENTURES IN STEREO
Side One - My Misadventures:
Johnnie's Going Down
To and Fro
No Way Out
So Nothing's Changed

Side Two - Other People's Misadventures:
8Track
Listening to NRBQ
Chalk One Up for Albert's Side
On Your Birthday
Three Weeks Shy


Produced by Jim Boggia.


"WHEREVER YOU GO YOU ARE BURDENED WITH YOURSELF. WHEREVER YOU GO, THERE YOU ARE." —THOMAS A. KEMPIS, 1440

"NO MATTER WHERE YOU GO, THERE YOU ARE." —BUCKAROO BONZAI, 1984

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