"It is not true that people stop pursuing dreams
because they grow old, they grow old because they stop pursuing dreams."
Gabriel Garcia Marquez
On October 3, 2012 I was tinkering around with one of my childhood anthems. I remember playing this song at age thirteen on my alto saxophone, hidden deep in the woods at a Bible camp that only condoned the use of Christian instruments. I guess they were afraid it might be mistaken for Gabriel's trumpet.
"The Cranberries" were my first real Irish-Indie-Rock infatuation. I knew every sound of their first two records. They were the first band I ever saw live, not including Toad the Wet Sprocket, who opened for them. "Zombie" was the very first song I learned when I started playing guitar at age 18, followed directly by "Dreaming My Dreams." The chords were easy and immediate gratification was the only way to assuage my tendency to avoid practicing entirely.
Then I discovered Ritalin, but that is another story. I guess reflecting on the many musicians that had come before me, it is really the same old story.
I am proud of this cover of "Dreams."
Note; The use of "B minor" in place of the
cheerful "D major" used in the original composition uniquely
darkened and intensified the delivery and tone. To me, it became a rendering of
how the song and I have weathered together over the years. At least in theory,
it also engendered several unique vocal harmonies that played well.
"Polly" was my next attempt. I feel that it was an inventive arrangement. I only wish I'd waited longer to release it. It's less realized than it could have been. It was better in theory than it materialized in reality. It should've been loved more. Still, I have a deadline. Contact me if you are interested in commissioning a more polished version. ;)
"Polly" was my next attempt. I feel that it was an inventive arrangement. I only wish I'd waited longer to release it. It's less realized than it could have been. It was better in theory than it materialized in reality. It should've been loved more. Still, I have a deadline. Contact me if you are interested in commissioning a more polished version. ;)
"Colorblind." The second best part of the film "Cruel
Intentions," surpassed only by the surprisingly affordable
concessions. The Counting Crows were also very influential in my formative
years as guitarist and songwriter. I feel that this one doesn't get
the counts it deserves, but the rush editing job and disjointed lighting can't
be helping.
"Flagg St Nursery Rhyme," an original song, was a rush
release to enter a songwriters contest. Listen extra! Please?
"Nobody's Home" Ugh, this one kicked my ass. Pink Floyd pbbbbt! Should've
just done what everyone else does and covered "Wish You Were Here"
Still, it came out passable. (To fans of Creed and Nickelback, anyway.)
"A Sorta Fairy Tale" Jumped the gun on this Tori selection.
I just wanted to sing it for my own pleasure and figured it would be good
filler. As the sense of an imminent deadline had now begun to unnerve me, I
went for what I felt would be an easy addition to my circle.
"Hey Jealousy" This one is a little flat but a lot of fun.
"Time after Time" I chose to play this with a broken
metronome. Silly rabbit, clicks are for kids.
"Romeo and Juliet" and "Angel.” Last two of the week. Both were heartfelt and played with love. I see that and leave them. No need to pick that apart. "Angel" still makes me cry as the finest angel I know would sing it to me tenderly when we first met and I would sleep restfully, loved and warm.
Drowsy and confused about how many days were in week one,
Ian Ste Croix
