Pentecostal shouts and Spanish baritones

As we head into another rainy/sticky Tokyo weekend, I’m looking to put the final touches on some songs from the forthcoming new album.

I want this album to capture the past three years since “Japanese Satellites” was released. And I’d therefore be remiss if I didn’t refer to last year’s West Coast tour which, at the risk of sounding trite, was f’n amazing. While I often cringe at how we portray ourselves to the rest of the world, America as a country has some of the most amazing people and BEAUTIFUL scenery. AND OMG, THE SKY AT NIGHT WHEN DRIVING THROUGH THE COUNTRY. (T_T)

In any event, the below lyric came from observations while on the road between Bakersfield, CA and Fresno, CA. If I recall correctly, the ONLY thing I could get on the car radio was evangelical sermons and Spanish-language commentary. And yes, Spanish-language sermons as well.

While in Bakersfield, I stayed with my good buddy Ed. Since he and I are a “perfect” astrological match (Aries and Sagittarius) yet in our own respective relationships, the trapper keeper in my mind was quickly filled with “omg, omg, what if…” stickers :P

Musically, I want to somehow combine Elvis Costello’s “A Good Year for the Roses” with Mariachi flavor as well as the Bakersfield sound. While recording in a basement in Brooklyn. Go figure…


“Constellations”

Here in the valley, you’re in my heart
Finally together, but just for a day
Want to stay in Bakersfield forever
Got to hit the road make it to LA

Chorus
Twisting the dials on your trans-am radio
Pentecostal shouts and Spanish baritones
Twisting the trials and your tribulations
Is this what it feels like among the constellations

It was a good year for toil, a great year for strip malls
Connecting ICQ, quoting Total Recall
Now I’m just a blip in your 18-wheeler memory
Finding myself on I-5
What it means to be alive

Chorus
Twisting the dials on your trans-am radio
Pentecostal shouts and Spanish baritones
Twisting the trials and your tribulations
Is this what it feels like among the constellations

Bridge
This 70s faux-wood kitchen
Laughin’ cuz we look like clones
Has got me dreamin and wishin’
That we were alone

Chorus
Twisting the dials on your trans-am radio
Pentecostal shouts and Spanish baritones
Twisting the trials and your tribulations
Is this what it feels like among the constellations
Is this what it feels like among the constellations
Is this what it feels like among the constellations

7 comments