SONG-A-WEEK: JOHNNY GUITAR ~ RICK BERLIN

Waaay back when Orchestra Luna II replaced the original band, Steven Paul Perry joined up. I wrote Johnny Guitar for him and began the song with a weirdo (pretentious?) monologue (Berlin as Patti Smith?) that kicked in the 'idea' of a boy who won the world. Even wrote a screenplay based on the idea. Although we never played the song after LUNA I stuck it in here with THE MOVIE as the best place to honor Steven who has only recently 'lifted off' from earth into the stars.

Band: Bobby Bandon (keys), Chet Cahill (bass, vocals), Steven Paul Perry (guitar, vocals), Joe Pet (kit), Berlin (vocals), Billie Best (mgr).

SONG-A-WEEK: DON'T SAY IT, JUST FEEL IT ~ RICK BERLIN

I ALWAYS say it, 'those three words' and usually way ahead of when I should, if ever. I rationalize that we don't hear this enough from each other, even when felt. Nevertheless, lately, I realize, all too often, that by NOT saying that '4 letter word'  has a larger life, more staying power, is spoken from the eyes and the heart. Who knows? Ever changing.

PS
I've ripped myself off on the bridge, stealing lines from the end of the Orchestra Luna song 'Doris Dreams'.

DON'T SAY IT, JUST FEEL IT

don't say it
just feel it
your heart sings
all the time
words won't do it
it's in yr eyes...

the river is beautiful
the wind in the trees
the sound of yr laughter
the tear on yr sleeve
that four letter word
ring hollow when say it
my arm round yr waist
is a better way t play it
ah, you know what I'm feeling
cuz you feel it too
but we just won't say a word
we just stay brand new

don't say it
just feel it
your heart sings
all the time
words won't do it
it's in yr eyes...
(so filled with feeling
can't be denied)

words can be weak
when the sparks really fly
a pounding in yr chest
a raging cry
my forehead on your shoulder
hi-5 in the air
a world in yr smile
my mouth wouldn't dare
ah, to tell you i love you
you know it already
woah hey kid we're lucky
go crazy, go steady

all the colors
have changed
(no they're still the same)

SONG-A-WEEK: JUST LIVIN' ~ RICK BERLIN

Heard from my friend Jimmy about how his life is in the toilet. Of course, especially here in Boston since Monday, it can sure look dark. Bleak. No sunrise in sight, and yet…we somehow, from the love of friends or something as small as a cat in your arms, life improves. Total gospel.

SONG-A-WEEK: HALF-WAY TO AWESOME ~ RICK BERLIN

  

Ok. I admit it. I'm a vampire. I suck lyrics out of the comments of friends. Prime example: MICHIKO. All those words from Keith Vanetti telling me the story at the Brendan Behan one night. HALF-WAY TO AWESOME is similar. I met this guy at
the end of the bar (as usual - the Behan). When I asked how he was doing he said:
'I'm half-way to awesome' which stuck in my head and a week later became this song. It's based on other things he mentioned about his life. Primarily the unrequited part. The longing for a waitress at The Haven. So yeah, I stole the phrase, and this is the result.

HALF-WAY TO AWESOME

if i can be hurt
if i can't be sorted out
if i can write a book
+ never lift a pen
like a tarot card fool
i'd stumble down the road
broken-hearted
and wandering…
half-way to awesome
+ half-way to Hell

take me back!

if i can't speak
if i talk too much
if i blow it again
just wanting you
like a tarot card fool
i'd stumble down the road
broken-hearted
and wandering…
half-way to awesome
+ half-way to Hell

take me back!

i ain't sad
and i ain't dumb
if i cover my heart
with one true hand
i'll wind up, again
at yr window

if i laugh too loud
if i look too long
if the beer makes me sound
like a liar
like a tarot card fool
i'd stumble down the road
broken-hearted
and wandering…
+ half-way to awesome
half-way to Hell

take me back!

SONG-A-WEEK: I'M JES' SAYIN' ~ RICK BERLIN

An ethereal love song from ALWAYS ON INSANE with a standout guitar solo by Rob Manochio.
CD Baby
http://nickelanddimeband.com/buy_a_record/

VIDEO: No video cam for this one. All stills. Painting of Rob as a teenager by Carol Manochio