Evan Goodrow - Modern Soul Music

Modern Soul

This is my favorite cut off of "Modern Soul Vol. 1." I dig the chorus, I dig the groove, and I especially enjoy the bridge. But enough about the music, let me talk about the lyrics. "Watcha gonna do" is about someone who has a regret. And, we all know about regrets, right? So, I think there's a remedy to regret, and that would be to amend to yourself not to repeat the "mistake," or "error." Sounds simple right? Of course, sometimes it's too late, and sometimes it's not. You just have to decide that one for yourself.

Lyrics

3. Love Doesn't Lie

4. I Don't Want To Know

5. Hard To Handle

Great songs really are timeless. As a teenager I first heard the Black Crowes do this on MTV (remember the lead singer Chris putting his face in the camera for the chorus?). Then I went back and discover the original Otis Redding version. That was the real thing. So, I wanted to put my own spin on this one. For those of you who might be new to my music, I would note, that I'm constantly fiddling with completely different arrangements for cover tunes. As a writer, I spent a lot of time learning others material (basically playing a lot of covers, and from a lot of different genres) in order to familiarize myself with what had and hadn't been done. And, in my opinion, I think it's a much greater thing to "cover" a song and put your own stamp on it, creatively speaking of course.

Seeing as this is a cover of an Otis Redding song, (yes, the black crowes used it as well to "break into" mainstream MTV), I would need permission from the author/authors to reprint lyrics here. So, if you need the lyrics, I would suggest just googling it.

A Night at the Bazbar

1. When I Come Back to You

2. Nothing I Can Do

3. I Can See

4. Whatever Gets You

Slow blues. I've always been in love with slow blues ballads, Ray Charles style. "Whatever gets you through the night" was written on the piano, and at 4 in the morning after a gig. I had come home, and was quite wired. I just couldn't sleep. I was both nostalgic and yearning for someone from my past, and simultaneously anxious about the future (not the best place to be in, especially when you really need to rest). I remember thinking about what we sometimes have to tell ourselves to "get though it" : a loss, a disappointment, or even a death. And so I hopped on the piano. I guess I could have titled it "waking the neighbors." No, I'm just kidding, I didn't wake anyone (or at least that I know about).

So there I am, at 4 in the morning, running the chord changes and sort of mumbling the melody over it, working it out in real time, and I remember thinking about all the titans of songwriting (the Duke Ellingtons, the Cole Porters, the Burt Bacharachs). I thought about how they all had sat at the piano working out music in their heads, finding words and chords to go together that made sense to human beings. And then I found myself staring at my reflection in the black finish of the piano, and listening to the birds outside. I hadn't played in half hour. I scribbled the lyrics down (lest I forget them, because it does happen) and raced off to my pillow.

Lyrics

5. Get Back

I think this is one of the most hopeful set of lyrics I've ever written. It's both nostalgic and a sort of call to action involving the future. The chorus is a kind of precautionary (standing in the track of a runaway train), while it leaves you with a message: pick your head up (be proud of all the good you've done). Maybe I should have just title it "Pro-active positivity 101." Check out my "Yeah baby" after the first few bars of the sax solo! (I didn't know the recording mics would pick THAT up!)

Lyrics

6. Let's Get It On

7. I Don't Want To Know

8. C Minor Groove

You all know that I screw around with my own tunes. The music behind the lyrics in this re-working version was actually from a new song I had been working, and I just couldn't get things to line up (on the work-in-progress). I had been in St. Barths for about a week and hadn't been in the least bit productive writing wise, and was feeling lethargic.

One night, right before the evening performance I showed the bass and drum figure to the guys, and later on that night when I went to sing the lyrics to the new song, I couldn't remember the first verse (this commonly happens when you're simultaneously writing and trying to memorize it at the same time). Stuck in the groove with a memory black out of the tune, I found myself singing the first verse of C minor groove. I improvised the verse breaks next time around and the chorus melodies on the spot, and behold, the band was slapping me on the back at the end of the night for it. So, I didn't tell them. Until now!

Lyrics

9. Drown In My Own Tears

10. Turn Your Lights Down Low

EGB Live (Opening for Peter Frampton)

1. Girls Dance With Girls

2. It's Probably Me

3. You You You

4. Find My Way Back Home

5. Sexy Lady

Songs That Will Never Make the Radio

1. Nothing I Can Do

2. My Life Is Mine

3. Hallelujah I Love Her So

4. When You're Gone

5. Middle Street

Middle st. was indeed written for a women who tore my heart out. She tore it from my chest and she walked all up and down middle st with it on her show. Ok. take a second. laugh. It's not her fault because I let her do it. I gave it all, and in some ways foolishly. It was very, very romantic.

Love at first sight really does happen. It's real. These lyrics explain the situation pretty straight. Most of you ask...where is this street? This "Middle St." is indeed in Lowell Massachusetts (those of you catching up on Evanlore may not know that I spent some formative college years in Lowell even though rumours of me being "born on the Merrimac" are entirely ficticious).

Back to the story. Our love was forbidden for many reasons which I won't go into here (it would take too long, and besides, I have to keep something for my upcoming 1298 page biography). And so, we had to hide it.

"It's 3 oclock in the morning and I'd do anything to take you home. But this street is where we meet, and it's where we're going to stay, because we can't tell the world what's going on." Car sex anyone?

Lyrics

6. Somebody New

7. Come A Little Bit Closer

8. It's My Own Fault

9. Stay Close To Me

10. I Can See

Evan Goodrow Band - One Band One Day One Album

Twenty Four

1. Girls Dance With Girls

2. Sexy Lady

3. Song About Love

4. When I Come Back to You

5. When I Touch You

Written in about 10 minutes, this one kind of sprang from my creativity, somewhat unexpected, and was only put together a few days before the "24" recording session.When I hear this song, I think of "Luckys Lounge" in Boston (Luckys is a late night hang in the South end of Boston) that features live bands. In short, there's a lot of bumping and grinding going on in there on any given night, and I wanted to write something that would "join in" with the general mayhem that was "on display."

Originally written as a simple repetitious funk groove, the song was nothing more than a bit of lyric rap over a pounding rhythm section. So, I would take it home and work on it over the span of a few months (and a few Luckys gigs) and eventually add the chorus, and saxophone solo section. So, this one is dedicated to all the dancing crazies who inspired it.

Lyrics

6. Get Back

7. Been So Long

8. A Lil' Bit of Soul

9. C Minor Groove

Fly

1. You You You

This song was written for someone I was close to but had no real future with. And there was a pain that we wouldn't be able to stay together because we had different dreams. Ahh, the pains of being young and in love. So, this is a serenade of sorts. And this song, is really about intimacy. "I thought I was someone else, until you turned around and showed me myself." To me, this is true intimacy: When another is able to show us something about ourselves that we didn't know or understand because it isn't necessarily obvious.

Lyrics

2. There's No Reason

People sing sad songs, not because it makes them feel sad, but because they know that they're not alone. "There's no reason" is a break up song, plain and simple. And it's one persons view. Still, there's a hopeful plea in there somewhere. Maybe things could have turned out different. "There's no reason that I couldn't be the man you wanted me to be." "Why do you come back baby when I sing this song? Don't you know that this song is not for you, it's for me."

Lyrics

3. Gettup

This is an anti-music industry song if I ever wrote one. "Who wants to spend their time standing in someone else's line?" Ticketmaster anyone? Don't confuse this as an "anti-rock n' roll song (I'm all for it, I just don't see it's spirit alive and well in 2008!) I could get into a whole corporate rock rant here, but I won't. There's enough criticism in the world already, and anyone who wants to know why the "industry" has unfolded the way it has over the past 10 years has more than likely already read up on the subject.

What's happened to rock and roll? Watch Cameron Crowes film "Almost famous" and listen to Lester Bangs character explain it's death to a young Cameron Crowe.

"I want a new music that says something"

"Cant you see the way I want to be I want to set the whole world free hope it that doesn't sound too lazy cause its alright i got the whole night just to do it right"

Maybe ask yourself: What is it about Rock N'Roll, that made it, (or makes it) what it is? Is it about trying to set people free? (I want to set the whole world free) Is it about escaping time? (It's alright I got the whole night, just to do it right)

"Long after I'm dead and gone the music just keeps playing on" I think Jim Morrison might agree with me, that this statement captures the true spirit of rock and roll.

Lyrics

4. Blues Blues Blues

Still the best blues tune that I've ever penned (I think so anyway). And, yes, it's a break-up song (Can't have enough of these in the modern age right?). This one shows the direct impact that New Orleans music had on me. And even though I had notions of getting away from blues music in general (that is, traditional blues), when the band started performing this one, people where instantly tapping their feet and singing along with it. And, I fell in love with it, again: This was written almost three years before I recorded it.

So, you could say I pulled it off the shelf, dusted it off, and tried to make the best of it. Blues Piano Extraordinaire Bob Malone happened to be in town while we were recording, heard some of the roughs (that's what they call unfinished songs in the studio), and asked to play on it. And, his N'arlins piano work here is fantastic. And of course, Mario Perrett played his butt off on the sax solo. (Listen for the "Pardon me senorita" in the background during the solo). A beautiful senorita is probably the only thing in the world that might interrupt Mario from a solo anyhow.

Lyrics

4. Blues Blues Blues

Hey Baby Don't Say A Word
There Aint Nothing You Can Say That Will Change My Mood
Ive Been Confused Slightly Amused
And I've Got The Blues Blues Blues Over You

Sometimes I Can't Keep From Crying
And Your Leaving Lord Makes Me Feel Like Dying Dying
Ive Been Confused Slightly Amused
And I've Got The Blues Blues Blues Over You

You Don't Want Me No More Take Your Things
Leave Through The Door
Ive Been Abused, Honey I'm Still So Confused
And I've Got The Blues Blues Blues Over You

Sometimes I Can't Keep From Crying
And Your Leaving Lord Makes Me Feel Like Dying Dying
Ive Been Confused Slightly Amused
And I've Got The Blues Blues Blues Over You

I Didn't Think It Would End This Way
I Would Trade All My Tomorrows Just For One Yesterday
Ive Been Abused, Honey I'm So Confused
And I've Got The Blues Blues Blues Over You

If You Want To Come Back To Me I Will Do My Best To Make You See
How Much I Love
Ive Been Confused Slightly Amused
And I've Got The Blues Blues Blues Over You

Musical Notes
Starting out in clubs (before the age of 20), I spent a lot of time playing in blues bands. And these bands had a similar repertoire of what could be reffered to as "the best, or most well known blues standards":The "Mustang Sallys," and the "Stormy Mondays," of the blues world. Now, as much as I identify with blues music, (people have argued that I've never "escaped it" soundwise -whatever that's supposed to mean right?), I have always endevoured to be more than cliche, and musically, that just boils down to trying to be different. "Blues, blues, blues" is different in the sense that it's not a traditional 12-bar blues at all, but a New Orleans influenced 16-bar blues form.

5. I Can See

"I can see" was written in a moment of clarity that was inspired by a love of mine (that will go unnamed here), sometime in February 2003. At the time I was wrestling with ideas about romantic love (or what some refer to as "true love") and trying to find an answer to what it consists of. And so, as I sat at a window watching an afternoon snowfall it occurred to me that there exists a deeper spirituality underneath romantic ventures, and that had more to do with vision and perception than anything else. We see ourselves through our lovers eyes. (Take a moment and think hard about this).

I really do believe that. There was a moment when I really felt (not thought) but actually felt that True Love was deeper that the ocean. And I believe it. No matter how deep you go, there is always more beyond your perception of things. And there's always a mystery.

She gave me this gift of insight (even though she was miles away at work on a Monday morning), simply because she was with me, and because there was a mystery in our feelings for each other (I hope you can relate). I would always get "lost in her mystery" *meaning that there would always be an unexplainable connection that I would have with her that I would never be able to fully comprehend. The song was the dawn of a new perception of "us" (at least for me). And so, the lyrics explain a newfound vision of our relationship.

"The dancefloor is still there for those who want more" The dancefloor mention is a metaphor for living life to it's full extent. Most people shrink from living their lives fully (they whisper dreams) while others live it differently (they say it loud). Dancing is a "metaphor" for "doing". And anyone can choose to dance at any time, right? (It should be noted that this is a notion both grand and broad and really has nothing to do with music but with any sort of discipline, devotion and reward that a person may choose to seek or hide from in their lives). The metaphor is important because it stresses that the "Dancefloor is still there," and the hinge point of the line is that you have to "want more."

Want more of what you might ask? For me? Wanting more is about wanting to live a better life, be a better person, and grow rich with experience. And in my personal case that happens to mean writing and performing music. What does it mean to you?Here's one of my favorite Joseph Campbell quotes:

The ultimate mystery of being is beyond all categories of thought. As Kant said, the thing in itself is no thing. It transcends thingness, it goes past anything that could be thought. The best things can't be told because they transcend thought. The second best are misunderstood, because those are the thoughts that are supposed to refer to that which can't be thought about. The third best are what we talk about. (Joseph Campbell, interview with Bill Moyers, transcribed in The Power of Myth, p. 49

Lyrics

5. I Can See

Your Loving Eyes They Hypnotize
Pick Me Up And I Forget About The Floor
Dont Whisper Dreams
But Say Them Loud
The Dancefloor Is Still There
For Those Who Want More

Hey Baby You're Looking So Good
Now Its Time For You And Me To Get Together

I Can See The Way Its Meant To Be You Call It Serendipity
But It's A Decision
Just Like A Lost Language No One Speaks
Something Inside Tells You That You Can Touch The Sky
Hey Baby You're Looking So Fine
Now Its Time To Put The Pieces Together

I Can See For Miles Around Me
I Can Know Just What You Feel In Your Heart

I Can See The Way It's Meant To Be
True Love Is Deep Deep Deep As The Ocean
I Can Look Into The Future Of The Future
And I Still Get Lost In Your Mystery
I Still Get Lost
I Still Get Lost
I Still Get Lost Inside Your Mystery

Light A Candle Show The Way
Look Around But Try Not To Look Down
You Tightrope Walk Your Way Through Something
It's Your Most Precious Moment And It Don't Mean Nothing
I Dont Know Why You Deny
The Dancefloor Of Your Life
When It Longs To Have You Back

I Can See For Miles Around Me
I Can Know Just What You Feel In Your Heart

I Can See The Way It's Meant To Be
True Love Is Deep Deep Deep As The Ocean
I Can Look Into The Future Of The Future
And I Still Get Lost In Your Mystery
I Still Get Lost I Still Get Lost
I Still Get Lost Inside Your Mystery
I Can See

Loving Eyes They Hypnotize Pick Me Up And I Forget About The Floor
Dont Wisper Dreams But Say Them Loud Dancefloor Is Still
There For Those Who Want More

Baby These Days Your Looking So Good
And Now Its Time For You And Me To Get Together

I Can See The Way Its Meant To Be You Call It Serendipity
But Its A Decision
A Lost Language No One Speaks
Something In You Knows You Can Touch The Sky
You Look Like Your Doing All Right
Now Its Time To Put The Pieces Together

I Can See For Miles Around Me
I Can Know What You Feel In Your Heart
I Can See What Its Meant To Be
True Love Is Deep Deep Deep As The Ocean
I Can Look Into The Future Of The Future
And Still Be Lost In The Mystery
Lost In The Mystery

Light A Candle Show The Way Look Around But Try Not To Look Down
You Tightrope Walk Your Way Through Something
The Most Precious Moment And At The Same Time It Dont Mean Nothing

I Dont Know Why You Deny
The Dancefloor Of Your Life
And It Longs To Have You Back

6. Out Of Control

7. Fly

8. It's Probably Me

I've always admired Sting. I think he's both a brilliant lyricist and a brilliant musician, and someone who has been able to bridge the gap between writing music that is both "pop" and "meaningful." In my opinion, this is a difficult thing, as "pop music" today seems to be such a disposable entertainment vehicle, that doesn't stand the test of time. Stings music just stands up to long-term listening. And in the end, I find it quite meaningful. This is a fabulous song about friendship, and I had been using it in the live show for about a year before we recorded it, and I had gone on a suggestion from a close friend to include it on a CD.

Due to legalities, I can't post the lyrics here, although I would suggest just googling them: (try the artist along with the title of the song).

Musical Notes
I tend to be very critical about my guitar playing. It's normal for me to...how do I say this?..."not be very excited?" about my own playing. I'm always thinking about how it could be better, and that's still the prime motivation behind constantly practicing and trying to "better it." That being said, I have to say, I still enjoy the guitar playing on this track. I changed some of the music. Stings original verse form is A-7 to D and then back to Em. I substituted a B-7 for the D in this progression, making it a bit more dark.

9. You Don't Know What Love Is

This song is a conversation that I was having with myself while on the road to NYC from Boston for a show. I was in the throes of a nasty separation at the time (with someone who will go anonymous for now), and more importantly there had been an explosive verbal battle earlier that very day. I found myself in the back of the band van, angry, a bit confused, and maybe just plain sad at the way things were unfolding in the relationship. And, on my way to a show. I started writing as I usually do, very random free association, abstract, blah blah.

I was disorientated at the divorce and in the course of the "back and forth" even felt attacked and accused at times "Evan you don't know what love is" (yes, surprisingly enough, I heard that one). Stormy stuff. And so, I started pondering what it meant to know what love is. How does one know right? And so, I started to write some dark shit. And It was too dark. So, I decided to try looking at myself from a third person perspective. Thus, I'm sort of singing to myself. The metaphor of the pouring rain is sort of the essence of the thing, "you don't know what love is, till you know what pain is." There's that yin/yang balance of the universe coming around.

The first verse is really about desperation. Living your life in a sort of unconscious hell. And trying to wake up from it. "Someone was looking for love today" is waking up.

"It's easier to look the other way." Looking the other way for me, would have been to just not write the song.

The second verse is a literal depiction of what happened between one of my crew and one night stand that VERY night in NY. Yes, it's a true story. Later when I was trying to fit the "story" together it just made so much sense.

The third verse. The dilemma. In the first verse, we have desired to break out of the "ordinary life." In the second verse we;ve done that by letting our hormones run loose in NYC. The third verse is about trying to "heal the ordeal." "I locked myself out, without a key, a man alone in a big big city."

Lyrics

10. Find My Way Back Home

Gettup

1. Brothers and Sisters

2. Coming Back Home

3. Last Time

4. Superstition (Stevie Wonder)

5. You and I

6. Making Love In the World

7. So Many People

8. No Cream In My Coffee

9. Black Bra

10. Sunrise

11. I Just Want To Make Love To You

Red

1. I Need Your Love

2. Meg

3. No Money

4. I Will Try

5. See in the Morning

6. Feel the Way I Do

7. Empty House Blues

8. Red