tag:www.richlayton.us,2005:/blogs/no-parole-from-rock-and-rollNo Parole from Rock and Roll2019-09-30T15:07:17-07:00Rich Layton & Tough Townfalsetag:www.richlayton.us,2005:Post/57892222019-09-30T15:07:17-07:002023-12-10T11:33:41-08:00Unpacking the Album – track 11: Take a Giant Step<p>Stop me if you've heard the story... By 8th grade, all I wanted was to be in a rock and roll band. Problem was, I was all thumbs on the guitar. But I had been singing for years, so after school every day, I'd close my bedroom door, put on a record and sing along at the top of my lungs with Eric Burdon (The Animals), , Mark Lindsay (Paul Revere and The Raiders), Micky Dolenz (The Monkees) and more of my vocal heroes. One afternoon, there was a knock at the door, and two guys from my homeroom were standing in the hallway. "We were walking by the house and heard you out front. We want you to be the singer in our band."</p>
<p>Time stopped. In that moment, I got a golden ticket into the wondrous world of music making, transcendent joy and girls. We rehearsed in our families' living rooms and garages, playing for the relatives and neighbors. We tackled everything we heard on Texas radio with the Big Beat, played a few dances and even competed in a battle of the bands judged by Billy Gibbons and The Moving Sidewalks (pre-ZZ Top). Looking back, I have come to the conclusion that rock and roll is wasted on the young. Those of us who stuck with the curse and the craft have an understanding that eclipses all of those dreams we had at age 15. At 25 or 30 years in, you're just starting to understand this stuff, right? </p>
<p>So this is me taking a trip back to the psychedelic ‘60s to rescue that skinny kid and the girl with kaleidoscope eyes. It's one last heartfelt attempt to reclaim the innocence and joy I felt playing in the garage with that junior high band for an audience of kids and neighbors gathered on the sidewalk. Props to The Monkees who made it a hit for Carole King and Gerry Goffin, but I'm really proud of how the band rocks the version that closes out the journey down Salvation Road.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><em>Won't you come with me, leave yesterday behind and take a giant step outside your mind...</em> | <strong><a contents="Watch the official video for Take A Giant Step!" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6BeTnjUqlo&feature=youtu.be" target="_blank">Watch the official video for Take A Giant Step!</a></strong></p>Rich Layton & Tough Towntag:www.richlayton.us,2005:Post/57892212019-06-25T10:24:23-07:002023-12-10T09:54:15-08:00Unpacking the Album – track 10: Soul Divided<p>I confess to envying those people I've encountered in life who have known from the start who they were and what they would grow up to become. I have witnessed a good number of those single-minded folks enjoy an unwavering path to success and live happily ever after. I also knew my share of tortured artists who pursued their dreams at all costs, leaving years of emotional wreckage in their wakes. </p>
<p>In stark contrast, my life has been a continual right brain / left brain battle; the bohemians versus the squares, the oddballs versus the jocks, the hippies versus the clock-punchers, the business guy versus the rock and roller.</p>
<p>I learned that I could adapt and do pretty well in either world, but every time I tried to pick one path over the other, I was miserable, especially when music appeared as a viable option early on. That's the essence of Soul Divided. It's about the trap of seeing our futures in black and white / all or nothing terms and thinking that every life choice must be mutually exclusive. What I came to understand is that conventional definitions of success can be toxic to people like me. Truth is, there are possibilities for happiness beyond our wildest dreams when we stop pitting them against each other. </p>
<p>This song has no small dose of autobiographical inspiration, but I reimagined it from the perspective of one of those unsung Texas singer songwriters who have to get on the bus and leave home to make a living. For anyone that feels trapped by their choices, don't buy it. With the right person in you life, you can have it all.</p>
<p><em>Lord have mercy please on a soul divided between the call of the road and a picket fence dream... | </em><a contents="Listen to Soul Divided" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://soundcloud.com/rich-layton/soul-divided/s-ET5Gw" target="_blank"><strong>Listen to Soul Divided</strong></a></p>Rich Layton & Tough Towntag:www.richlayton.us,2005:Post/57891522019-06-20T10:16:31-07:002023-12-10T09:09:04-08:00Unpacking the Album – track 9: The Dude Abides<p>For several years, the band had the pleasure of playing "Cinco de Lebowski," the annual parade / costume ball / midnight movie hosted by McMenamins at Portland's venerable Bagdad Theater. It was a wild scene and a crazy-ass party. In honor of the movie, we learned some cover tunes from the soundtrack, but over time, I felt obliged to come up with our own tribute. Former bandmate Reverend Mark Sexton had a cool riff floating around, and I took on the writing challenge. Although I'm nowhere close to being a rabid fan, it occurred to me there was a genuine "philosophy to live" by hidden inside the cult classic. The title may be cliche, but this ain't no novelty tune!</p>
<p><em>It ain't about the rug - it's the principle. You gotta stand up for what you believe..</em>. | <strong><a contents="Listen to The Dude Abides" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://soundcloud.com/rich-layton/the-dude-abides/s-F77xp" target="_blank">Listen to The Dude Abides</a> </strong><br> </p>Rich Layton & Tough Towntag:www.richlayton.us,2005:Post/57882672019-06-18T11:01:34-07:002023-12-10T08:48:12-08:00Unpacking the Album – track 8: Two Hearts<p>This song has been hanging around quite a long time, not quite revealing what it wanted to be – rock or country. There's an anthemic '80s version in the archives, and a twang and tremolo version that nearly made it onto the last album. The story, however, is timeless – exploring the predictable, messy aftermath when two people realize that they just might be right together – and it scares the hell out of them. (Full disclosure: I co-starred in this movie and a couple of sequels during my extended bachelorhood.)</p>
<p>Ultimately, the production was guided by the KISS Principle – Keep It Simple, Stupid. I think it sits somewhere northwest of Fort Worth on the Texas musical map. Throw a handful of sawdust out on the floor and take this one for a whirl. | <a contents="Listen to Two Hearts" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://soundcloud.com/rich-layton/two-hearts/s-3MKNO" target="_blank"><strong>Listen to Two Hearts</strong></a></p>Rich Layton & Tough Towntag:www.richlayton.us,2005:Post/57872232019-06-11T16:31:00-07:002022-04-26T15:06:55-07:00Unpacking the Album – track 7: Sorry Don't Cut It<p>Here was a phrase we've all heard and used for years that was just waiting to be the title of a song. The verses for this one were all “ripped from the headlines” for a song that seems to be in no danger of ever becoming dated. Nothing is more fun than telling the ranks of the Rich-and-Famous where they can stick their apologies. Of course, things have taken a darker turn since I wrote this one, and some high profile figures unburdened by conscience don't even grasp the concept.</p>
<p>The search for the right vibe and arrangement went on for several months until the night at rehearsal when I blurted out "Tom Waits falling off the back porch." Charles did his best imitation of an inebriated drummer just about to fall off his drum kit, a Larry pulled out the bottleneck slide. Later in LA, the fabulous Teresa James laid down a piano track just dripping with grease from a Friday night fish fry. Top it all off with Terry Wilson on the trash can lid, and </p>
<p>The photo for this post is one I took of a painting by my friend Mary Millar (opening night of gallery show at The Jupiter Hotel), begging the question. "What would 24-Hour Roadside Jesus do?"</p>
<p><i>Preacher caught cheatin' now he's cryin' too, beggin' we'll forgive what the devil made him do...</i> | <a contents="Listen to Sorry Don't Cut It" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://soundcloud.com/rich-layton/sorry-dont-cut-it/s-oPgm3" target="_blank"><strong>Listen to Sorry Don't Cut It</strong></a></p>
<p> </p>Rich Layton & Tough Towntag:www.richlayton.us,2005:Post/57863232019-06-10T12:55:48-07:002023-12-10T08:51:16-08:00Unpacking the Album – track 6: Dollars to Donuts<p>Sometimes, you write a song as an exercise in the craft instead of having your inspiration drop out of the sky. Truth be told, I sometimes find it a little easier to work within a set of creative constraints. I came up with <strong>Dollars to Donuts</strong> to meet the requirements of the VooDoo Doughnuts record label after the company accepted “The Dude Abides” for a 45-rpm single. At least one of the songs on the record had to make a reference to the namesake pastry, so I set out to put a clever “twist” on love gone wrong, sprinkled with high calorie metaphors. (See what I did there?)</p>
<p>By the time all the fine tuning was completed, the lyrics ended up with 17 donut references. Of course, right after we went into the studio (with a box of doughnuts for inspiration) and completed both songs, the label shut down. Fortunately, Terry dived into both and reimagined them for Salvation Road, so in the end, we got our just desserts.</p>
<p>Think we'll just call this one<strong> Delbert McClinton meets "Sticky Fingers" | <a contents="Listen to Dollars to Donuts" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://soundcloud.com/rich-layton/dollars-to-donuts/s-LuhgF" target="_blank">Listen to Dollars to Donuts</a></strong></p>Rich Layton & Tough Towntag:www.richlayton.us,2005:Post/57823492019-06-06T11:25:34-07:002022-06-01T18:36:23-07:00Unpacking the album – track 5: Show Me What You're Workin' With<p><strong>"Show Me What You Workin' With!"</strong> was the cool catch-phrase my late friend and musical mentor Stanley Dural, Jr. (aka Buckwheat Zydeco) was using onstage at what turned out to be the last time we would see each other and play together. For years, I had dreamed of coming up with the perfect song for him and the band to record. During a long drive from Portland to CA one summer, Buck's voice popped into my head saying that line, and I ran with it as a jumping off point for a healthy take on relationships. We had just survived building a house, so the metaphor was right in front of me, and the lyrics were finished by the time I hit SF.<br><br>The song was intended from the get-go as a full-on zydeco tune, so I assembled some friends hip to that sound and cut a passable accordion-driven demo. With the song right in Buck's wheelhouse and key, I sent a disc to him at home in Carencro, LA. Unfortunately, it was about the same time that his cancer came back, and I never got to find out if he got the disc or manage to listen to the song before he died. Always going to regret that one. Obviously, the zydeco version wasn't quite the right fit for our band, so guitar player Larry McCoy and I took it to the woodshed where he came up with a slinky, swampadelic groove that never fails to pack the dance floor.</p>
<p>While Terry Wilson and I were recording my vocals for the album at his studio in LA, I had an "aha moment" – what about trying this song as a male/female duet? It just so happened that an incredible Texas-born rocking blues female singer was "in the house" – literally 'cause she's married to Terry – <strong>Teresa James</strong>!. I was floored when she agreed, and we had an absolute ball singing this one as two wary lovers trading notes on what it takes to build a relationship that lasts. Teresa kicks my ass on this track, and I don't mind at all.</p>
<p><em>If you got the right tools, pretty baby, I'm here to work with you... show me what you're workin' with. </em> | <a contents="Listen to Show Me What You're Workin' With" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://soundcloud.com/rich-layton/show-me-what-youre-workin-with-feat-teresa-james/s-5WlRz" target="_blank"><strong>Listen to Show Me What You're Workin' With</strong></a></p>Rich Layton & Tough Towntag:www.richlayton.us,2005:Post/57808962019-06-05T09:55:12-07:002023-12-10T11:37:58-08:00Unpacking the Album – track 4: Wake-up Call<p>I can't begin to count the times in my life that I have stood by helplessly watching a friend’s downward spiral through alcohol, substance abuse and self-sabotage. Despite the many efforts I and others made to reach these people, it's an exercise in humility and powerlessness. We can only pray they figure it out before it’s too late, but that realization always has to come from inside. </p>
<p>Still, that didn't stop me from trying to write a song in hopes it would reach the heart of someone lost in a dark place. The character is on his way to hitting bottom, missing all the cues along the way. I imagined a life coming unraveled and fit the pieces of the story in place. Although it's not autobiographical, the song draws from my own experiences with "dark nights of the soul" and the grace that got me through them. </p>
<p>I recorded an acapella version and sent it to co-producer Terry Wilson. The next day, he sent back a full demo with a vibe like an old soul song. Eventually, this track got the most sophisticated arrangement on the album, including the horn section that I argued for and recorded here in Portland. Terry took this one to a whole other level, and it is an honor for me to share the writing credit with him.</p>
<p>"It's the sound of your phone not ringing - buddy, it's your wake-up call." | <a contents="Listen to Wake-up Call" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://soundcloud.com/rich-layton/wake-up-call/s-3jAvT" target="_blank"><strong>Listen to Wake-up Call</strong></a></p>Rich Layton & Tough Towntag:www.richlayton.us,2005:Post/57782652019-06-03T10:26:57-07:002024-01-15T23:15:36-08:00Unpacking the Album – track 3: Raise It Up <p><em><strong>Raise it up or burn it down </strong></em>– this is the choice each of us has to make In these polarized times. This song had its beginnings on August 12, 2017 when I walked into the living room and was gobsmacked by the sight of Americans going at each other and out for blood in the streets of Charlottesville, VA. I stood transfixed by the scenes on CNN that day, culminating in the fatal car attack on protesters. How could one group of people become so angry that they could rationalize taking the lives of fellow Americans because of idealogical differences? How could another group of people be willing to destroy the fabric of civil society for the same reason?</p>
<p>I don't excuse the dark moments of the American story, but I believe in the ideals on which this country was founded and in the sacrifices made over the course of its history to preserve those ideals. We walk on sacred ground every day. The song's chorus and a verse about the clashes in Charlottesville were all I had for several months. I realized I would have to work backwards from Charlottesville and find the characters whose stories would lead the song to that scene in the streets. The song demanded three narrators who I have to summon up each time I sing it.</p>
<p>From the outset, there was something threatening and apocalyptic about this song as the band chased down the brooding arrangement. For the album, I imagined the chorus sung by huge church choir. We got as close as the budget would allow, but I heard one more element in my head. We've had the privilege of having Portland rock legend Jon Koonce sit in with us many times and bring his lap steel guitar along. That was the sound to finish off the track, and Jon was very kind to accept my invitation to the studio. Foreboding and searing at the same time, his sonic contribution will raise the hair on the back of your arms.</p>
<p> "You can't live in between when flesh is measured by the pound and the blood, sweat and tears that have sanctified this ground..." <a contents="Listen to Raise It Up here&nbsp;" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://soundcloud.com/rich-layton/raise-it-up/s-LfVHR" target="_blank">Listen to Raise It Up here </a></p>Rich Layton & Tough Towntag:www.richlayton.us,2005:Post/57770862019-06-02T11:06:14-07:002023-12-10T11:14:35-08:00Unpacking the Album – track 2: Salvation Road<p>Throughout their careers, Elvis, Jerry Lee and Little Richard were torn between singing the devil’s music and the gospel songs they were raised on. Sixty years later, I wondered if I might resolve that conflict with a song that could get people on the dance floor Saturday night AND rocking in the aisles at church on Sunday morning. Happily, Salvation Road has succeeded in doing both. After playing it for bar crowds on Saturday night, I've performed it Sunday morning numerous times as the guest artist for local Unity church congregations, and the amazing Teresa James also does the song in the LA church where she's the music director.</p>
<p><strong>Inspiration.</strong> Perseverance has been the story of my life, especially where music is concerned. My intention with this song was offering a message of encouragement without being too obvious. It's kind of a stealth approach, writing about my spiritual beliefs in a way that will have people dancing their asses off, whether the message registers with them or not. </p>
<p>As recorded for the album, Salvation Road slips inside a storefront gospel mission to deliver a shot of rock and roll redemption, wrapped in a deep groove and sweet harmony by the sisters in the choir. Today’s lesson – everyone has something that guides them towards the right path. </p>
<p>When the time came to pick a title for the album, Salvation Road felt like the perfect umbrella under which all the songs could be taken as a thematic whole. We’re all pilgrims on this road, doing the best we can from one day to the next. We might stumble, get knocked down, knocked off or knocked out. What matters is getting back up and putting one foot in front of the other.</p>
<p>"I just open my eyes to the beauty and wonder out on Salvation Road..." | <strong><a contents="&nbsp;Listen to Salvation Road" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://soundcloud.com/rich-layton/salvation-road" target="_blank">Listen to track 2, Salvation Road</a></strong></p>Rich Layton & Tough Towntag:www.richlayton.us,2005:Post/57755342019-05-31T14:26:55-07:002023-12-10T11:18:05-08:00Unpacking the Album – track 1: Live to Rock (Another Day)<p>In a world of compromises, those who find True North and follow wherever it leads have a treasure beyond measure. But, what if that pursuit were suddenly taken away? Would you throw in the towel or a fight to get it back?</p>
<p>In 2012, my own musical future was in doubt because of a mysterious hearing issue that led to inner ear surgery and an 18-month recovery. When I finally came out the other side confident I would be back onstage, I wrote “Live to Rock.”</p>
<p>For me, it's a hard-driving personal anthem dedicated to all those who hold onto a dream – not because of fame and fortune, but because it’s the thing that gives us our deepest sense of self. We chose it for the album's lead track to inspire everyone facing doubt, roadblocks and brick walls to reclaim the one true thing at the core of who they are. </p>
<p>The track also features a noteworthy guest whose presence is especially heartfelt for me – legendary British saxophonist, Chris Mercer. He began his career with John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers in 1967 and has since played with a Who’s Who of British blues and rock royalty. Being in the studio while Chris played turned into a really emotional moment for me. I saw and felt this unbroken thread weaving all the way back to the records I was singing along with as a kid. It was a wave of pure gratitude for every experience in my own musical journey. Realizing that I grew up to become a small part of this amazing rock and roll tapestry just blew me away.</p>
<p>"Gonna follow that dream – no guts / no glory – I live to rock another day." | <a contents="Listen to Live To Rock" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://soundcloud.com/rich-layton/live-to-rock" target="_blank"><strong>Listen to Live To Rock</strong></a></p>Rich Layton & Tough Town