And to All a Good Night...

(Can't see the player? Click here to watch)

Since this is a time of year steeped in tradition, I thought I'd start one of my own here on ye 'ol Blog. At first I thought of posting pictures of drunken, sidewalk Santas in various states of inebriation each year from here on out but after mulling it over I realized that didn't exactly fit the spirit of the season. Instead I thought I'd, once again as last year, post a video of my favorite, late night, Christmas Eve companion, The Yule Log. As I've mentioned in this space before, as an only-child and TV baby of the 70's, this kitschy, flickerin' friend kept me company on those long, night-before-Christmases when, too excited to sleep (visions of Stretch Armstrong dancing in my head), I would switch on the bedroom black & white, twist the dial to WPIX and let the motherf'er burn 'tll the morning light.

Happy Holidays!

All the Best,
-mb

www.markbacino.com
www.dreamcrushmusic.com

Oy Story

Ok, so my Mom gives my 5 year old son this unidentified (& strangely handless) action figure she claims was mine back when I was a kid his age. After racking my brain trying to place this random piece of my childhood (the groovy vest, that knowing smile, the great hair...), I finally gave up the ghost and turned to that modern day oracle known to us all as the interweb.

My search ultimately led me here, to the real life inspiration for this tot-time, turtlenecked defender of the good.

Not much more to say really, except... the 70's were truly out of hand, yo.

Sorry, I couldn't resist.

www.markbacino.com
www.dreamcrushmusic.com

Reelin' in the Years Pt. II

"How About Always" from an appearance on the television show Fearl*ss Music (circa '03? '04?).

Since folks seemed to enjoy the “All I Want” clip posted here a few weeks back, I thought I'd post another tune from the Fearl*ss Music sessions.

As before, same rules apply - the audio is unmixed/garage rock-esque, I look kind of out of it and the singer (aka yours truly) can hardly hear himself (not my personal best) over the din of the crazy rock combo but once again…

Ah, the sound of youthful, rock 'n roll exuberance...

The Band -

Cheri Leone: backing vox/percussion
Matty Karas: gtr/backing vox
Greg Beshers: lead gtr/backing vox
Tom Ward: bass
Ed Klinger: drums
MB: creative caterwaulin’

www.markbacino.com
www.dreamcrushmusic.com

Reelin' in the Years

Stumbled upon this live version of "All I Want" while poking around the vaults the other day. Thought I'd dust it off and post it here. The clip comes from an appearance I made on the television show Fearl*ss Music (circa '03? '04?).

The audio from this raw footage is unmixed and a little distorted sounding, giving the song a sort of garage rock quality which I kind of like for reasons unknown to me. I also look somewhat "elevated" in this clip for reasons unknown to me now as well. Free, on set tallboys, perhaps? Just say no to drugs, kids.

One of my few memories from this taping (aside from the free beer) was the troubling lack of adequate vocal monitors on set - hearing one's voice over the band was a bit of a, let's say, challenge? But hey, no excuses folks, I am, after all, a semi-professional.

Not my best performance but... Ah, the sound of youthful, rock 'n roll exuberance...

The Band -

Cheri Leone: backing vox/percussion
Matty Karas: gtr
Greg Beshers: lead gtr
Tom Ward: bass
Ed Klinger: drums
MB: glassy-eyed skifflin'

www.markbacino.com
www.dreamcrushmusic.com

Twisters, Textbooks and the Passage of Time

Not exactly sure which I'd label the more stressful event of the past month - a tornado unexpectedly ripping through my neighborhood late one afternoon or my five year old son starting Kindergarten. If I had to lay money down, I'd probably go with the latter.

Seems like only a moment ago my wife and I brought my son home from the hospital that sunny spring afternoon, quietly watching him sleep as we shared a bowl of cereal, both of us too exhausted and drained by the previous 48 hours to make a decent meal for ourselves. Now as my son ambles down the street each morning toting a "Transformers" backpack almost as big as him stuffed with mini-textbooks, lunch and a toy chicken (don't ask), I can't help but marvel at the passage of time.

After the morning schoolyard drop-off, the house strangely silent, my wife at work and my studio computers yet to rev up for the day, I sit with a wandering mind in front of yet another bowl of cereal. After splitting my time over the past five years between caring for my son and freelance music work, I'm suddenly feeling out of balance, off base, kind of like those poor trees on my block post-tornado. It's certainly been a whirlwind half decade and now with my new album out into the world (kind of like a second child) and my son taking his first steps from the fold, I suppose the nest is feeling a tad empty.

As I trip over a toy and make my way from a quiet Camp Elmo down to my studio space, I realize I'm holding an expression on my face not unlike that of my son's as he walks through those schoolhouse doors each morning, both of us facing the future with equal parts melancholy and excitement for the new twists and turns that lie ahead.

www.markbacino.com
www.dreamcrushmusic.com

Something So Strong

For those following me on Twitter or reading my Facebook posts of late, it will come as no surprise to learn I've been on a serious "Crowded House" listening jag these days. As a long-time fan of the band, I've been busy obsessing over their latest album, "Intriguer", as well as revisiting their incredible back catalog. Listening to that amazing body of work, particularly the albums that meant so much to me growing up, I couldn't help but reminisce about the very first time I saw my fave Kiwi trio perform live...

Circa '88 I'm a 19 year old college kid working with my best friend in the home recording studio we built in the basement of his parent's house (an anomaly for the time, btw, not like today wherein every musician has Pro Tools in their bedroom), when my friend's younger sister burst in informing us that CH was on WNEW announcing a "secret" show that evening at CBGB's. The band's second record had just come out and as my friend and I were enamored with both their albums, we immediately stopped what we were doing and made our trek from Queens down to the Bowery.

Long story longer, we got to the club early enough to sit first-table-center at the foot of the stage. Needless to say, that intimate night of music was incredible. CH was simply the tightest (yet agile) band I'd seen to date, playing the most beautifully melodic, Beatle-esque tunes just six inches in front of me replete with their own unique brand of style and humor. And the harmonies?! Man, could those three sing together (RIP Paul Hester). Too young to see the Fab Four live, I imagined this must have been what it was like.

After the band played an electric AND an acoustic busking set, my friend and I couldn't resist the opportunity to meet our heroes in the tiny dressing room behind stage. I remember being incredibly star struck. When the moment finally came, we first met an amazingly friendly Nick and then an equally genuine Neil. I offered Mr. Finn a sweaty, nervous handshake (which he graciously accepted - sorry Neil), made some small talk and a fantastic night of music came to a surreal conclusion. A pedestrian experience, maybe, for some but us true music fans know better; I could have died on the ride back to Queens that evening, I probably wouldn't have noticed.

I believe the very next day CH taped this Letterman appearance; check it to get an idea of the pure joy, subtle power and sound that floored this young musician that night at CBs.

Something so strong, indeed.



www.markbacino.com
www.dreamcrushmusic.com

Laugh Clown Laugh

(Mobile users click here to view video)

In keeping with a long-standing, self-deprecating (& honestly somewhat perplexing) tradition of making a fool of myself in the name of an album release (see here & here), I give you the video for "Happy", the single from my new album, "Queens English".

Obviously, it's one of those clips wherein you question whether this kind of behavior is beneficial to one's career... but since I'm never quite sure I actually have one, I figure I'm good to go; why not climb out on that shaky limb and have a little fun in the process?

Or who knows? Maybe I'm just one of those cryin' on the inside kind of clowns.

www.markbacino.com
www.dreamcrushmusic.com

The Gig

Ah, the gig... Simultaneously the thrill and bane of a performer's existence (or at least this performer's). A bubbling Diet Coke-meets-Mentos combination of nervousness and excitement - Will it suck? Will it be cool? Will five people come out or 150? Will the bartender cut off our free drinks?

In my case, all those questions are forgotten and invariably melt away as the first chord sounds and my attentions turn toward the simple joy of making music with friends and connecting with a live audience.

Such was, indeed, the case last week at our Pete's show in Brooklyn as a warm, summer Monday evening - not generally the recipe for record attendance - predictably yielded a small but loyal crowd while the band and I took to providing our take on the popular song format.

Later, during the after-set hang (sometimes just as much fun as the set itself), I found myself meeting, getting to know and having a blast with a very cool group of peeps who, flatteringly, care close to as much about my music as I do despite them being extremely intelligent and successful folks ;-) Always a humbling experience; one for which I'm eternally grateful and never take for granted.

Although the music business finds itself in a bad way these days, fraught with many pitfalls, I can think of very few "9 to 5's" (barring obvious philanthropic endeavors) that offer the kind of fulfillment and human connection described above.

Ah, the gig... Nice work if you can get it.

A low-res, iPhone vid from the show featuring yours truly and the band (from L to R): Matty Karas, Jay Sherman-Godfrey, John Lee, Cheri Leone and Bob Byrne



www.markbacino.com
www.dreamcrushmusic.com

The Kids Wanna Rock

"Turned on the radio
Sounded like a disco
Musta turned the dial for a couple of miles
But I couldn't find no rock n' roll

This computerized crap ain't gettin' me off
Everywhere I go - the kids wanna rock" - Bryan Adams

First off, just wanted to remind everyone that the band folk and I will be playing some new jams and some old faves at Pete's Candy Store in Brooklyn this coming Monday night (8/2, 8p) as we celebrate (somewhat belatedly) the release of my newest long player, "Queens English". If you're free, please join us as we make a racket in the back room then retire to Pete's awesome garden for a mid-summer night's libation under the stars. Details below -

Mark Bacino
Mon. August 2, 2010 - 8pm
Pete's Candy Store
709 Lorimer Street
Brooklyn, NY 11211
718.302.3770
www.petescandystore.com
*Free Admission*

Lastly, in quick literary transition from live to Memorex - It struck me this week, in a wave of randomness, just how much I rely upon YouTube vids these days while investigating new musical finds. After, say, reading about a new band or artist, I find myself, almost reflexively, hitting my YouTube browser tab long before heading to iTunes, MySpace, etc. Usually I find your standard issue, MTV-era, bells and whistles video or a DIY Flip Cam vid but sometimes I land on a fan made clip, as I'm sure you have, consisting of nothing more than a tune from the band in question along with a static picture lasting the entire duration of the song. You would think given the obvious nature of YouTube as a visual platform this would be a detriment to the video's popularity but often I find these "static" vids to have thousands of plays. Go figure - The fascinating nexus of YouTube as Web 2.0 jukebox and modern man's uncanny ability to bend technology toward never intended uses coupled with his timeless need to simply get his groove on.

It's with all these lofty concepts in mind that I thought it might be fun to post some music from my new album in simple, YouTube neo-jukebox form -

www.youtube.com/user/MBacino

I suppose no matter the medium, the kids still wanna rock.

A wise Canuck that Mr. Adams, no?

XO,
-mb

www.markbacino.com

Cobwebs...

One of my all time faves, Prince, recently declared that the "Internet's completely over" in a UK Daily Mirror piece. Of course he's totally wrong and of course the statement is probably just a way for the purple one to generate heat around his new album release (which The Daily Mirror just happens to be distributing free with it's paper) but I have to admit, all technological naivete/publicity stunts aside, in a roundabout way I kind of get what Prince might be saying.

Now don't get me wrong, I'm no luddite; having logged onto the interwebs myself for the first time back in '94 and surrounding myself daily with a bevy of computers, audio equipment and iPhones. Certainly the net is one of the greatest tools ever invented (thanks Al Gore) and we've yet to even scratch the surface, but like every piece of technology that has a profound affect on mankind, it, of course, has it's benefits and it's drawbacks. I guess what I'm trying to say is the web, at least for me, is sometimes like my Uncle Milt; love 'em, great fun, knows a heck of a lot about stuff but at times is just a tad removed from reality and, well, a bit much.

This weekend past, my wife and I accompanied my young son to one of his schoolmate's birthday parties. Although we knew the birthday boy's parents a bit, we were suddenly thrust into a totally foreign social-circle, spending the afternoon getting to know a bunch of flesh and blood strangers face to face. After the initial handshake awkwardness passed I found myself having the kind of fun Facebook could never hope to provide.

Maybe Prince is still a genius after all.

(For a laugh, click here to visit an archive of my first website created circa 1997 and inspired by the ridiculous promo picture of me above).

www.markbacino.com

On Your Radio

On your radio, On your radio, You're gonna hear me on your radio... - Joe Jackson

As some of you may know, I've been doing a lot of radio over the past month or so to help spread the word about my new album, "Queens English". In the process I've had a lot of fun, met a bunch of fine folks and learned a little along the way. Despite the sad state of corporate-run, commercial radio in this country, with it's generic playlists and endless commercial breaks, in my experience I'm happy to report that the medium of radio, along with it's true free-form spirit, is still alive and well; You might have to look a little harder for it but it's out there in the form of specialty shows, college stations, local broadcasting and the like.

And now thanks to the wonder of the interwebs, many of these aforementioned radio programs can finally enjoy a wider-then-ever-before reach via live internet streaming and podcasts, etc., no longer restricted by the limitations of signal strength or the lack of funds en route to finding a larger audience.

It's with all this in mind that I thought I'd share with you a podcast from one of my recent radio appearances. Back on June 5th I was lucky enough to be DJ Michael Shelley's guest on his always awesome, number-one-hits program which broadcasts via a stronghold of free-form radio, the mighty WFMU. If you haven't listened to Michael's show before you really should; with it's eclectic mix of pop, country, soul and a little dead-pan humor sprinkled throughout, it airs most Saturdays 11a -1p (EST) on 91.1 FM in NY/NJ and, of course, on the web streaming at WFMU.org. In addition to his DJ-ing expertise, Michael also happens to be one of my favorite singer/songwriters with numerous excellent albums to his credit. Please check out all things Mr. Shelley at his website when you get a moment.

So without further ado, here's my segment on The Michael Shelley Program, WFMU, NY 6/5/10 (thanks Michael for having me!) -



(Here's a link to the show for the Flash challenged among us)

www.markbacino.com

Speakin' The Queens - (Episode 5)

Check out Episode 5 of "Speakin' The Queens"; the video portion of my Blog and the world's only music Vlog to come to you direct from a Queens, NY living room.

This episode features music* from yours truly and special guests Cheri, Matty and Chris, collectively known as The Trouble Dolls; a great pop band based in NYC. The T Dolls are currently in the studio working on a new collection of songs while their 2003 album, “Sticky” (Half a Cow), is a must have for fans of all things melodic. Those with a keen eye might also recognize Cheri and Matty from their moonlighting gig as longtime members of my live band.

Many thanks to The Trouble Dolls for doing the show. Please visit them on the web at -

www.troubledolls.com


*All songs copyright 2010 by their respective artists.
www.markbacino.com

Rock Show

Just a quick, save the date, note this week to let you guys know that the band and I will be playing a gig at the world's famous Pete's Candy Store in Brooklyn, NY Monday August 2nd at 8pm.

Kickin' out jams old and new, please join us and celebrate the release of my album, "Queens English".

To get the band psyched for the gig, I've begun weekly pep talks post-rehearsal. Since you all are like family, I thought I'd record one and share it (listen here). Hopefully you too will find this little speech inspirational.

See you in August!

Show details...

Mark Bacino Live
Mon. August 2, 2010 - 8pm
Pete's Candy Store
709 Lorimer Street
Brooklyn, NY 11211
718.302.3770
www.petescandystore.com
*Free Admission*

The Band -

Matty Karas
Cheri Leone
John Lee
Bob Byrne
Jay Sherman-Godfrey

www.markbacino.com

Speakin' The Queens - (Episode 4)

Episode 4 of "Speakin' The Queens"; the video portion of my Blog and the world's only music Vlog to come to you direct from a Queens, NY living room.

This episode features music* from special guests Jay Sherman-Godfrey and Laura Cantrell as well as a tune from yours truly.

Jay is a singer/songwriter, producer and guitarist who has worked with Laura Cantrell, Amy Rigby, They Might Be Giants and Michael Shelley to name a few.

Laura is an acclaimed singer/songwriter with several albums to her credit and a fanbase that includes Elvis Costello (whom she's toured with) and Lucinda Williams.

Big thanks to Jay and Laura for doing the show. Visit them on the web at -

www.jayshermangodfrey.com
www.lauracantrell.com


*All songs copyrighted 2010 by their respective artists.
www.markbacino.com

Brooklynese

Thought I'd take up a little Blog space this week to talk about my new album's little, rough-around-the-edges cugino - the "Brooklynese" EP.

Conceived as a sort of completist's companion piece to the "Queens English" LP and included as part of the "QE" Deluxe Edition , "Brooklynese" contains some outtakes and demos culled from the "QE" studio sessions.

Since the "QE" LP received a track-by-track breakdown on this Blog in the weeks leading up to it's release, I figure it only fair to give it's King's county counterpart the same treatment in similar (albeit condensed) fashion so here goes...

"Brooklynese" EP -

Trk. 1: "Neighborhood Girl" - Discussed briefly in this space via an earlier post, this tune was actually the first song recorded for the "QE" album. Although lyrically in keeping with the theme of the record, as the recording of the album progressed, "Neighborhood Girl" unfortunately began to reveal itself as musically the odd-man-out amongst this collection of new songs. With it's modern pop production values stylistically more at home, say, on a Fountains of Wayne record than on one of my records, I ultimately made the tough call of excluding the song from the final "QE" running order. I think I made the right choice in terms of the overall sonic vibe of the album but that said, I was sad to see the song cast to the wilderness. Featuring long-time Rollins Band drummer, Sim Cain, I'm happy "Neighborhood Girl" can finally get her day in the sun via this EP.

Trk. 2: "Muffin in the Oven (demo)" - Recorded as a rough and tumble blueprint intended as a guide for the session players on the official album recording and featuring maybe the world's first heavy metal kazoo solo, this demo is not without it's homespun charm. Another highlight (or possible attempt to avoid further kazoo abuse) features a decision to flesh out what would eventually become the track's horn arrangements using the vocal prowess of 'The Markettes' (I know them pretty well and they work cheap).

Trk. 3: "Bridge & Tunnel (demo)" - Recorded as a sketch for what would eventually become a solely orchestral rendering on the album and featuring a more earthy, acoustic-driven, back-porch feel, this demo presents a totally different and (hopefully) interesting take on this "QE" cut.

Trk. 4: "Make Something Happen" - Loosely intended to be fashioned into a song for the "QE" album, this tune's basic chord changes and melody line ultimately became the basis of a pitch my 'shilling-for-the-man' alter-ego made for, of all things, an Amex commercial jingle. Sadly (or fortunately depending upon how you look at it), the track never made the cut. When listening try and picture Ellen DeGeneres dancing to this Wilson-esque little ditty. Sorry if that mental image is distressing.

For more info on the "Brooklynese" EP or the "Queens English" Deluxe Edition, visit DreamCrush Music.

www.markbacino.com

Speakin' The Queens - (Episode 3) Album Release Day!

Episode 3 of "Speakin' The Queens"; the video portion of my Blog and the world's only music Vlog to come to you direct from a Queens, NY living room.

So with album release day finally upon me, thought I'd do a quick video, raise a glass and toast all the fine folks who helped make "Queens English" a reality.

Many thanks to you all for your kind words of support during the making of this album. I truly hope you guys enjoy the record.

Cheers! Salute! Mazel tov!

...Man, I'm drunk.

XO,
-mb

"Queens English" song samples and purchase info can be found here -

www.dreamcrushmusic.com
www.markbacino.com

Speakin' The Queens... Pt. 11

As the release date for my new album, "Queens English", approaches (5/18), I thought it might be a fun idea (if only for me) to try and maybe dissect the record here at the old Blog space. A bit of a behind the scenes look under the hood so to speak. Since I've always dug reading about some of my favorite albums track-by-track, I thought that might be an interesting way to approach. Eleven tracks in eleven installments? Can I pull it off without boring even myself? I suppose the answer is 'yes' since this marks the final chapter but anyway, pull up a metal recliner and crack open a Piels, there's still one more question that needs to be addressed...

Track 11: "Who Are Yous?" -

As I focus on the last track of the record this week, I realize the song's title could also be used to sum up the musical journey of self-discovery traveled in the creation of this album. From the very DIY production methods I found I needed to employ in order to achieve my vision, to the (sometimes unknowingly) autobiographical nature of the songs, this project, ultimately, helped me come to terms with where I'm at and what I'm about these days.

Written from the hard-boiled perspective of a neighborhood old-timer and intended as a response to the gentrification celebration that is the album's title track, "Who Are Yous?" also, hopefully, serves as a minimalistic mini-metaphor, highlighting those occasions of flux in our lives when we're forced to look within, ask big questions and reconcile, for ourselves, who we are with who we were and who we thought we'd be.

Who Are Yous?

Who are yous?
Who are yous?
Speak when you’re spoken to
Who are yous?

Could always sit out here
My lawn chair and a beer
And listen to the game

But since you kids appeared
With your long hair and your beards
Nothing is the same…

Who are yous?
I said who are yous?
Speak when you’re spoken to
Who are yous?
What’s this world coming to?

Who are yous?

Much love to everyone who has read and listened over the course of these eleven weeks. I truly appreciate your interest and support. Thank yous!

www.markbacino.com

Speakin' The Queens - (Episode 2)

Episode 2 of "Speakin' The Queens"; the video portion of my Blog and the world's only music Vlog to come to you direct from a (tastefully furnished) Queens, NY living room.

This episode features some recently unearthed footage from a show the band and I did at The Living Room, NYC back in May of '09.

www.markbacino.com

Speakin' The Queens... Pt. 10

As the release date for my new album, "Queens English", approaches (5/18), I thought it might be a fun idea (if only for me) to try and maybe dissect the record here at the old Blog space. A bit of a behind the scenes look under the hood so to speak. Since I've always dug reading about some of my favorite albums track-by-track, I thought that might be an interesting way to approach. Eleven tracks in eleven installments? Can I pull it off without boring even myself? Stick around, find out and meet my one boy cuddly toy, my up, my down, my pride and joy.

Track 10: "Ballad of M & LJ" -

In an attempt to add a little balance to the album when it came to the subject of parenthood, I thought it would be cool to include a track that would vouch for the sheer awesome-ness of being someone's Dad. As such, "Ballad of M & LJ", written for my son, celebrates life with my boy and also serves as my self-response to the polar opposite sentiments on child rearing offered up earlier in the album with "Camp Elmo".

From an intellectual standpoint, the writing of a tune like this can be kind of tricky - too overly sentimental and some folks will inevitably tune out; Not sincere enough and it can all seem disingenuous. Thankfully I quickly came to my senses, kicked all those conscious thoughts to the curb and just wrote from the heart. Seemed like the better plan.

Ultimately, "Ballad..." presented itself as a very simple narrative chronicling a day in the life of Mama P's two boys busy doing nothin'; highlighting those everyday little minutes that don't seem to count for much but, in reality, add up to it all.

Musically speaking "Ballad of M & LJ" features the fine French horn work of Rob Jost, the pretty backing vocals of LJ's Mom herself, Mrs. Bacino and yours truly on all other sonic embellishments.

Hey LJ, this one's for you, big; it's your song. Think of your ol' mom and pop sometime when you hear it. Love u.

Ballad of M & LJ

Hangin’ with Lee Joseph
It’s the greatest thing I’ve ever known
Just kicking cans and skippin’ stones
With you…

Hangin’ with Lee Joseph
No two finer pals the world has seen
A one and one half wrecking team
Us two…

We might eat three ice cream cones
We might even listen to The Kinks
When your Mommy’s not home

Singin’ La, La, La, La…

And there will come a day
When you say, “Daddy, aw go away”
That’s okay…

We might finger-paint the cat
We might even do a little dance
On that bubble wrap

Hangin’ with Lee Joseph
It’s the greatest thing I’ve ever known…

Next time on "Speakin' The Queens...", we come to the end of our musical word parade with Track 11, "Who Are Yous?".

Speakin' The Queens... Pt. 9

As the release date for my new album, "Queens English", approaches (5/18), I thought it might be a fun idea (if only for me) to try and maybe dissect the record here at the old Blog space. A bit of a behind the scenes look under the hood so to speak. Since I've always dug reading about some of my favorite albums track-by-track, I thought that might be an interesting way to approach. Eleven tracks in eleven installments? Can I pull it off without boring even myself? This week visit Middle Town and find out...

Track 9: "Middle Town" -

Leaving Manhattan and moving back to Queens in the fall of 2001, I randomly Googled the name of my new hood one evening if for no apparent reason other than late-night boredom; Having grown up within fairly close proximity, I knew a decent amount about the neighborhood but in reading the town's history I came to discover a good deal more. It seems this working-class area situated in central Queens was once considered by it's early English settlers to be the mid-point between the towns of Williamsburg, Brooklyn and Jamaica, Queens on what was then known as the Williamsburg/Jamaica Turnpike (now Metropolitan Ave). Tired farmers often spending the night in this hood during their long, horse-drawn commutes to and from market in Brooklyn and Manhattan. Given the serious middle class makeup of my neighborhood in it's current incarnation, this apropos bit of logistical history kinda stuck with me, hitting home over time, as a pretty cool metaphor.

A few years down the line as the writing of this new album progressed and began revealing it's core theme to me as heavily influenced by my current life in the outer-boroughs, I thought it might be cool to work the idea of my aforementioned 'middle town' into the mix. Springboarding from there, I started to think about a lot of the peeps I grew up with and a lot of the folks I currently live alongside; most of them straight-shooting, hard-working, hard-core locals who have no need for or interest in (beyond maybe their work life) what's going on in "the city" (aka Manhattan) making for one seriously ironic, near-middle American, small-town credo tucked inside one of the largest, most progressive cities on the planet.

As a teen dreaming self-absorbed, bright lights/big city dreams of rock stardom in his Queens bedroom, I judgmentally found this "provincial" mindset to be kind of lame and uninspired - the brightest and most creative minds from all points are gathering 20 minutes across the river and you'd rather hang out on the stoop and listen to the ballgame?!

Life's funny, isn't it? As you make that personal commute, all the square, unimportant stuff your parents filled your head with (if you were lucky) - hard work, family, a sense of place and belonging - it all, somehow, seems a bit less square over time. The act of simply putting food on the table and a roof overhead becoming a more than noble struggle.

Maybe, like every know-it-all teen and twenty-something before me, I needed to teeter on mountain's edge before I could come to value and respect the stability of some solid middle ground.

Middle Town

Hear the bells, hear the sound
Noon is coming ‘round, in this middle town
Took a break from the pace,
Left the rats to race, in that city town

Took the kids to school, I’m still their Dad,
Say hello to Mrs. Leary,
“Sit on the stoop with me lad”

I was born, I was raised
Seven blocks away, in this middle town
I never bothered, never cared,
Never chased the fad, in that city town

Happy just to hang with my boys
Standing around down on the corner
Yeah, you know we made some noise

There’s no shiny towers here
We built them in the city town
Just some kids and they’re running ‘round
Chasing Softee down…

Hear the bells, hear the sound
Evening’s coming down, in this middle town
The working day’s had its say, make your getaway
From that city town

Tired subway rides, half alive
Trying hard just to remember
How noble it is to survive… and hold your ground
In your middle town

In your middle town
In your middle town

Next time on "Speakin' The Queens...", people let me tell ya 'bout my best friend with Track 10, "Ballad of M & LJ".

Speakin' The Queens... Pt. 8

As the release date for my new album, "Queens English", approaches (5/18), I thought it might be a fun idea (if only for me) to try and maybe dissect the record here at the old Blog space. A bit of a behind the scenes look under the hood so to speak. Since I've always dug reading about some of my favorite albums track-by-track, I thought that might be an interesting way to approach. Eleven tracks in eleven installments? Can I pull it off without boring even myself? Got me. Stay tuned and find out... Hey, does this jacket make me look fat?

Track 8: "Blue Suit" -

Not quite sure what provoked such a random thought, but it occurred to me one day, likely while staring blankly into my closet, that a lot of dudes probably own only one dress suit (don't say you weren't warned about the randomness). Maybe I'm generalizing but I'd venture to guess that most non-corporate-raiding types, such as myself, usually have that one, all-purpose Men's Wearhouse sitting under the dry cleaner's plastic patiently awaiting it's call to arms like some sort of sensible, low-thread-count sentry. Riffing on these thoughts like a mentally disturbed haberdasher, "Blue Suit" soon made it's way out of my head and onto the rack.

As I sketched out the bones of this melancholy lyric, I found my lonely, well-dressed comrade becoming more character than metaphor. A manic depressive figure that only seems to materialize 'round the highest of highs and lowest of lows. Kinda like that old, grade school friend you only see at weddings and funerals these days who still knows you better than most, having seen you through your best and your worst.

Blue Suit

Saw it hanging there today
Neatly pressed and tucked away
Oh, my blue suit, my blue suit

Stood above my father’s grave
The sadness like a tidal wave
In my blue suit, in my blue suit

It’s kinda worn and frayed
It’s seen my worst and better days

Humbled by her wedding gown
The clouds gave way, the sun shined down
On my blue suit, on my blue suit

It’s never worn the doldrums of an ordinary day
Its only world, black tie and pearls, sunshine and gray

It’s kinda worn and frayed
It’s seen my worst and better days

Probably wear it one last day
Say goodbye and go our way
Oh, my blue suit, my blue suit…

Next time on "Speakin' The Queens...", I try and hit one to center with Track 9, "Middle Town".

Speakin' The Queens... Pt. 7

As the release date for my new album, "Queens English", approaches (5/18), I thought it might be a fun idea (if only for me) to try and maybe dissect the record here at the old Blog space. A bit of a behind the scenes look under the hood so to speak. Since I've always dug reading about some of my favorite albums track-by-track, I thought that might be an interesting way to approach. Eleven tracks in eleven installments? Can I pull it off without boring even myself? Got me. Stay tuned, find out and meet me 'cross the river.

Track 7: "Bridge & Tunnel" -

In keeping with the New York-centric theme of the album, "Bridge & Tunnel" attempts to take a classic Manhattanite snobbery and turn it inside out. Generally a pejorative term aimed at the residents of the outer-boroughs, my "Bridge & Tunnel" quietly reverses the subject of disdain via a lush bed of strings and the proud internal dialog of one B & Ter's late-night drive back home across the river. A hard-core piece of townie retribution for sure and to be honest probably a long overdue one at that.

Now to be totally fair, myself having lived on both sides of the East River, I can honestly say the derogatory B & T moniker is not entirely unfounded on occasion. I can tell you first hand that one truly hasn't lived until three custom Jeeps laden with kids from the Bronx and satellite dish-sized woofers all decide to park under your apartment window at 3am, tune to the same radio station and proceed to have an impromptu rave on a Thursday night. I get it. It's a bit much.

That said, there's still that defiant, little working-class voice of a kid from Queens inside of me that wants to yell up to that three-thousand-dollar-a-month apartment window and join the boogie-down chorus.

On record, "Bridge & Tunnel" features the multi-layered string work of Jacob Lawson, the cello of Steven Stalker and the upright bass of Lee Alexander, Norah Jones' longtime producer and bassist, recorded at Norah's home studio, The Coop. Many thanks to Lee for graciously lending his talents and doing me a solid.

Bridge & Tunnel

Bridge and tunnel
Take me where I long to be
The real NYC
Oh, bridge and tunnel

Disco queens
Hopes and dreams
The living and the dying
The laughing and the crying
In-between

Traffic might be moving slow
On the other side of the road
But I’m rolling like the river below
‘Cause I’m going where nobody wants to go…

Brooklynese
“Beater” tees
Struggling, surviving
Resourceful, enterprising
If you please

Bridge and tunnel
Make Manhattan disappear
‘Cause no one’s really from here
So give ‘em all a Bronx cheer
Just for me…
‘Cause the butt of all their jokes
Are the wheels and the spokes…of the city.

Next time on "Speakin' The Queens...", I try Track 8 on for size, "Blue Suit".

Speakin' The Queens... Pt. 6

As the release date for my new album, "Queens English", approaches (5/18), I thought it might be a fun idea (if only for me) to try and maybe dissect the record here at the old Blog space. A bit of a behind the scenes look under the hood so to speak. Since I've always dug reading about some of my favorite albums track-by-track, I thought that might be an interesting way to approach. Eleven tracks in eleven installments? Can I pull it off without boring even myself? Got me. Stay tuned and find out. Tonight a Bleecker Street queen meets her Bensonhurst dream.

Track 6: "Angeline & the Bensonhurst Boy" -

As the album's moniker and a number of the song titles infer, this record turned out to be a pretty New York-centric affair. In writing about the city, I chose to shift the spotlight away from the sky-scraping, well-heeled of Manhattan isle toward the more earthly-based, hard working folks of the outer-boroughs. The people I grew up with, the people I live alongside today. Their stories maybe not as glamorous but certainly no less important and in many ways more genuine.

Faithfully based on the lives of my parents, "Angeline & the Bensonhurst Boy" weaves one such tale - My Dad, a street-wise kid from Brooklyn (see above). My Mom, a Kelly Girl from Ridgewood, Queens. Together they worked hard and made a life for themselves as they started a family, struggled for their little piece of the American pie and rode the wave of life's ups and downs - love, serving as anchor, holding all against the drift.

A simple story... But their story... And really everyone's, no?

Angeline & the Bensonhurst Boy

Angeline, Bleecker St. queen
Bensonhurst, every girl’s dream

Theirs is a simple story,
No tale of epic glory from above
Just of love…

Angeline played hard to get,
Bensonhurst never gave up yet

Love bloomed and soon they’d marry,
Danced to a big band as the rain it fell,
St. George Hotel…

Settled in a dreary basement scene
Saving for a home they’d call their own
Three long years, of counting all their dreams
They laid their money down and bought a
Tiny place in Queens…

Time passed with something missing ‘till
Summer of Love kissed everyone
Angeline had a son…

Years brought tears and joy into the home
They always seem to travel hand in hand
Marveled at how much their boy had grown
Hoping that he’d find a love, a love to call his own…

Bensonhurst, now he is gone
Angeline, tries to carry on…

Next time on "Speakin' The Queens...", we take a ride to the other side with Track 7, "Bridge & Tunnel".

Alex Chilton

One of my favorite Big Star tracks can be found here ...Moody yet ultra-melodic and somehow still strangely uplifting.


Not so sure Alex Chilton got what he deserved in this life (& certainly not in his untimely death). His talent far exceeding his commercial success.


I, for one, am grateful for the brilliant mix of musical joy and sorrow Alex left behind for us all.

Thank you, friend. We probably don't deserve it.

Speakin' The Queens... Pt. 5

As the release date for my new album, "Queens English", approaches, I thought it might be a fun idea (if only for me) to try and maybe dissect the record here at the old Blog space. A bit of a behind the scenes look under the hood so to speak. Since I've always dug reading about some of my favorite albums track-by-track, I thought that might be an interesting way to approach. Eleven tracks in eleven installments? Can I pull it off without boring even myself? Got me. Stay tuned, find out and get yer furry, red boots on...

Track 5: "Camp Elmo" -

Becoming a parent for the first time is a pretty awesome experience. That said, I'm not gonna lie, as some of you undoubtedly know it's also a pretty terrifying exercise and probably one of the hardest things to wrap your head around. I mean the enormity of the event is fairly staggering. At least it was/is for me. From the beautiful nothing comes a beautiful something, and suddenly you're someones Mom or Dad with all the accompanying joy, privilege and heartache those titles carry. Pretty heavy weather indeed, but in addition to the existential connotations, the gig also brings with it some of the most intensive physical and mental punishment you'll ever experience short of a stint on a chain gang. As you stagger those seemingly thousands of miles of late-night floorboard, babe in cramping arms, your sleep-deprived mind also inevitably finds itself with far too many sadistic opportunities of the self-interrogating variety - What happened to me? How did I get here? Why is there poop on my sock?..

Safe to say "Camp Elmo" was born from the monotony and exhaustion of many a pre-dawn, soul searching moment.

Camp Elmo

Living here in Camp Elmo
And how we got here I don’t know
We’re building jungle gyms
And cleaning diaper bins
Living here in Camp Elmo…

Living here in Camp Elmo
The melancholy red Day-Glo
We used to drink all night
Now we’re up at dawn’s first light
Living here in Camp Elmo…

Don’t get me wrong,
It’s not Guantanamo
No heavy metal, late night drills,
Just one song
That plays on and on
And breaks my will…

Living here in Camp Elmo
Where hanging on means letting go
So trade in all your dreams
And sign up for the team
It’s easier in Camp Elmo

Living here in Camp Elmo…

Next time on "Speakin' The Queens...", no sleep 'till Brooklyn, yo; Track 6, "Angeline & the Bensonhurst Boy".

Speakin' The Queens - (Episode 1)

Welcome to Episode 1 of "Speakin' The Queens"; the video portion of my Blog and the world's only music Vlog to come to you direct from a Queens, NY living room.

In addition to the written Blog I have cooking here in this space, I thought I'd try my hand at a video version as well complete with cheesy theme song (Hey, you try and rhyme Blog with something).


www.markbacino.com

Speakin' The Queens... Pt. 4

As the release date for my new album, "Queens English", approaches, I thought it might be a fun idea (if only for me) to try and maybe dissect the record here at the old Blog space. A bit of a behind the scenes look under the hood so to speak. Since I've always dug reading about some of my favorite albums track-by-track, I thought that might be an interesting way to approach. Eleven tracks in eleven installments? Can I pull it off without boring even myself? Got me. Stay tuned and find out. And by the way, has anyone seen my apron?..

Track 4: "Muffin in the Oven" -

When I first began working on this album, I kicked off the sessions by recording a track called "Neighborhood Girl". The lyrics of the song weave the tale of a young girl living in the outer-boroughs of NYC, dreaming big dreams, longing for the day when she can finally shake off her working-class reality and pursue her ambitions amongst the shining lights of that so-close-yet-so-far Manhattan skyline.

"Big pillow windowsill daydreaming
Subway car rattles her floor
Sounds of the city they set her scheming
One day she'll make for the door..."

Ultimately, as the song comes to a melancholy close, we learn my heroine never reaches those bright lights. She meets a boy, falls in love and as with this life, sometimes things just sorta happen...

"Rocking her baby
She sits daydreaming
Subway car rattles the floor..."

Unfortunately, as is also the life of many tunes recorded for an album project, "Neighborhood Girl" never reached the bright lights of the final running order. In the end I felt the song, although lyrically in keeping with the theme of the record, just didn't fit well musically from a stylistic standpoint and as such, a tough decision was made.

Today's focus track, "Muffin in the Oven", was written as sort of a lighter-hearted companion piece to "Neighborhood Girl". The other side of the same coin so to speak; the ill-fitting neighborhood boy, he too with big plans detoured by the sometimes harsh realities of life and responsibility.

Not surprisingly, at the time I began to write "Muffin" my wife and I indeed had a real life bun in the oven replete with all the sides of fear, doubt and what-will-become-of-me selfishness customarily served up with first-time parenthood. What started as a silly phrase I absentmindedly sang to myself while nervously strumming my guitar, "Muffin in the Oven" somehow morphed its way out of my jittery head-space and into a song.

I suppose, as with this life, sometimes things just sorta happen...

Muffin in the Oven

He’s buskin’ around,
Waitin’ downtown
This sunny day
Birds are singing…

Her train is late,
But make no mistake
She’s on her way

Biting her lip, she is thinking of ways to say…

She’s got a muffin in the oven
Wasn’t supposed to happen this way
She’s got a muffin in the oven, yeah
Only thing she managed to say

Their seventeen years,
Showed in their fears
She starts to cry

Knew he should stay but he wanted to run and hide…

She’s got a muffin in the oven
Wasn’t supposed to happen this way
She’s got a muffin in the oven, yeah
Only thing she managed to say

He’s a scared little man, yeah
With a cheap guitar
All his plans of eye-lined bands, yeah
They won’t get too far
She’s got a muffin…

Oh, now what will they do, yeah?
What will they say?
Think her father’s unglued, yeah
His mother thinks he’s gay

She’s got a muffin in the oven
Wasn’t supposed to happen this way
She’s got a muffin in the oven, yeah
Only thing she managed to say
She’s got a muffin…

Next time on "Speakin' The Queens...", we visit a place more frightening than Guantanamo.

PS - Looks as if my "Neighborhood Girl" will get to see those big city lights after all; The track will be included on the CD-EP "Brooklynese" slated for release 5/18 as part of the "Queens English" Deluxe Edition.

Speakin' The Queens... Pt. 3

As the release date for my new album, "Queens English", approaches, I thought it might be a fun idea (if only for me) to try and maybe dissect the record here at the old Blog space. A bit of a behind the scenes look under the hood so to speak. Since I've always dug reading about some of my favorite albums track-by-track, I thought that might be an interesting way to approach. Eleven tracks in eleven installments? Can I pull it off without boring even myself? Got me. Stay tuned and find out. Now let's flip that frown around, we're number three bound...

Track 3: "Happy" -

Late one morning some years ago while working a non-musical day job, I suddenly heard the disembodied voice of one of my fellow cube farmers as he yawned in an obnoxiously loud manner and excitedly proclaimed for all to hear the catch phrase that will forever be ingrained in my memory as the very summit of all that is mundane: "Tummy, says time for lunch!".

I remember going, "What?!" I don't even think I've ever heard a child utter such a thing, no less a grown man. And with such glee! Honestly, I didn't know whether to laugh or stab myself with a letter opener. Nevertheless from then on out I found myself morbidly fascinated with this uber-cheery, suburban dwelling, Docker-rocking co-worker. Who was he? What was he? What made him tick and what made him so... happy? In the end, I never came to find that out and I'm not so sure I really wanted to know. Truth be told, I was a little frightened. Sometimes you really shouldn't go swimming in the deep end of the pool... especially after such a heavy lunch.

To further compound my fears of drowning, around this time my wife and I had recently left Manhattan, bought a house out in Queens and were expecting our first child. Planting our stake firmly in the heart of the American dream, I started to feel a twinge of suburban dread. Would this new life truly make us happy? What if it didn't? What then? Grin and bear it? Or maybe more disturbingly, would I begin to coif my hair a la that, "business in front, party in back" style worn by my ecstatic (or denial ridden) co-worker? All valid questions and fears best exorcised by me, as always, in song.

Recorded, mixed and performed by yours truly, save for some track stealing, tuba-esque French horn work courtesy of the talented Mr. Rob Jost, this jam goes out to all you "cryin' on the inside" kind of clowns.

Happy

I’m so happy, everybody tells me so
Happy, luckier than average Joe
Got the house, the kid, the wife
Got a pretty darn beautiful life
I’m so, I’m so, happy…

Happy, see it written on my face
Happy, see it hangin’ ‘round my waist
Don’t need the drugs or a smokey bar
Got lots of cookies in my cookie jar
I’m so, I’m so, happy…

Sometimes I wake up crying, must be tears of joy I weep
‘Cause I sit right up and count my blessings like sheep
‘Cause I know, I know, I’m so happy…

I’m so happy, man you know it’s almost five
Happy, it’s crazy how the time just flies
Have the job, the shirt, the tie
Never ever bothered to wonderin’ why….
I’m so, I’m so, happy…

I’m so, I’m so, happy…

Next time on "Speakin' The Queens...", we get a little baking done with track 4, "Muffin in the Oven".