Back in the good old days when bands released 45 RPM records, there was a thing known as the "double A side" single. This meant that the band thought each side of the record was worthy of airplay and might be a hit. The Beatles had great success with this approach: 14 double A's! Double A sides are rare in this day of digital downloads: Artists usually just throw everything out at once and see what sticks. I’m no different. But this time I’m making a concerted effort to pitch two tunes at the same time to indie radio.
Both tunes are on my latest CD, “It Was You,” and they’re already available as singles on Spotify and all major streaming platforms. Anyone who knows me knows I view Spotify as a necessary evil in today’s music market. I hope that if you like these songs, you’ll buy them.
"One Little Push" and "It Will Always Be True" couldn't be more different stylistically. “Push” is a stripped-down, funky thang with almost tribal drums from Joey Waslousky and synth goodness from Al Snyder, my producer. I’m playing bass and, admittedly, stealing a lick from the great Tony Levin.
“It Will Always Be True” is a more traditional song which at time reminds me of something that Paul McCartney and Wings might have released in the mid-Seventies. But it might easily be called country. Joey Waslousky again plays drums; Al Snyder adds keyboards and backing vocals (along with me); Danny Gochnour plays perfect guitar; and I channel McCartney on my Hofner Club Bass.
As is usual with most of my songs, the lyrics tell a story related about relationships.
In “Push,” our protagonist is a guy who feels he has been manipulated by a woman, but I think the sentiment would be equally valid from a female point of view. Sometimes you get into a situation where you know your lover is manipulating you into doing something you really don’t want to do. Maybe he or she uses sex, or shame to twist your arm. Whatever the case, most people eventually tire of the game and move on. So it is with this singer.
This tune began life as a Stevie Wonder-like funky rocker. Kudos to Al for helping to shape the lyrics to fit the stripped-down format he came up with.
“Each time I think I know her well
She turns around and acts surprisin’
There’s no way that I can tell
How many faces she’s disguisin’
A little push was all it took
A little push was all it took
It took just one little push
To kill the lovin’”
“True” is a love song of a different kind, one meant to assure the listeners that if they have doubts or feel that they are the only one who has problems, there is always someone to help them through rough times. When I sing about love in this context, it could be traditional romantic love or just the love between two friends. Although the word “darlin’” is here, the lyrics apply to any relationship. Basically, it’s the old saw: “You have to be happy with yourself before you can be happy with anyone else.” At my age, I know it to be true. The chorus says it all:
Sometimes the very thing you need is right before your eyes
But you can’t see the forest for the trees
I know it’s a hard but please believe me when I say to you
That you’re the only one you ever have to please”
Hope you like ‘em!
