I’m pretty sure that some of dem “Hi!” Holidays is cummin’ up soon. This proves my inadequacy as a jew, and, perhaps as a musician.
Reaching Is Implied
This song was recorded maybe 2 months ago. So far, very mixed responses to the whole “acoustic solo” thing. Maybe it needs more EDGE!
Body Pollution Thang!
This was the first Sword Swallow song.
This song was recorded a couple of years ago at my parents house. The distinctly un-poppy structure and delivery came after I had broken up my band and thought I was done with pop music (little did I know, I would return to pop with even more vigor than before). My desire to do something new caused me to have a moment of unbridled inspiration. In the midst of recording the 4th section of the song, my Mom came down stairs on the phone with the cable company. I thought nothing of it, and continued to record the bassline. Suddenly, the recording stopped and my 6-track shut off. I looked over, and my Mom, under the instruction of the man on the other line, had turned off the surge protector that my recording machine was plugged into, therby erasing all of my progress up to that point. In that instant, I lost my composure and collapsed in a fit of frustrated convulsions and came close to tears. While writhing around in pain, my Mom realized what she had done, and felt horribly about destroying my song. Nevertheless, she remained on the phone with the cable company, but stunned by the results of her actions, all she could say was “Oh. Oh, no. Oh, no. Jon, I’m sorry. Oh no.” Of course, the man on the other line had no idea what had happend, and was confused by the stammerings that my mother couldn’t stop uttering. That was funny.
Afterward, I went back and re-recorded what I had done, and added several sections. The first version had a stronger beginning, but the last few portions turned out great. My Mom was depressed for the rest of the day, but I tried to console her by explaining that the newer version was better. She eventually got over it.
Oh, it’s also a 16 minute song.
Cynthia
This is a newer song. It’s about 25% comedy, especially the singing. The “band” that performs this song is called The Anywhere. It also features Meno on drums. Hope it fucks you up.
Insect Speak
This song was the first in my ill-fated attempt to record 10 songs a month. The project inevitably failed, as a self-imposed deadline is likely to fizzle out once the ispiration that sparked the idea faded away over the following 3 months. This is a bizzare song that was initially going to be its own band, but ended up just being this one song.
Introduction
Let me begin by saying, I love to listen to my own music. I know it’s not cool or even really modest to say such a thing, but it’s true. In the years since I begain recording music, I have realized that playing live is not fun for me. Promoting myself as a musician is equally unappealing. The enjoyment that I get from music is recording, and then repeatedly listening to my own material. The result of this situation is I have accumulated around 200 songs, and barely anyone has heard many of them. My circle of friends may be familiar with a number of them, but considering the scattershot method of writing and recording that I have employed, it’s very difficult to wade through a majority of my songs. The purpose of this blog is for me to post songs, old and new, for people to download and listen to. I will provide some context for each and perhaps provide anecdotes surrounding the recording. It’s a very personal method to distribute my songs, but as I said above, recording is a personal process for me.
Mostly, this site is here to kill time. I used to hate blogs, but I found a handful that I enjoy and are perfect for downtime at work. This is a site for those who have similar situations at thier job, or school. Thanks.
Jonathonian Music 