Porter Block - Gowanus Yacht Club
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The Gowanus Yacht Club
Lyrics
1. Youth's magic Horn
top↑ (Block/Basile)nothing like the sound
of youth's magic horn
shaking solid ground
bringing in the dawn
hear the young man shout
rattles aching bones
you can try to drown it out
with a bottle on your own (ahh ahh)
time slips
fingertips get cold
teardrops
dryin' skin gets old
haunts you in the night
youth's magic horn
you envy the shine
and the sweetness of its tone
time slips
fingertips get cold
teardrops
dryin' skin gets old
what it used to be
is just a distant memory (2x)
time slips
fingertips get cold
teardrops
dryin' skin gets old (Repeat) (ahh ahh)
2. Idlewild
top↑ (Block/Ervin)looking out a window pane
there's fear inside of me
of a place where I was born
and raised
not the same
caught a glimpse of city there
it was crumbling everywhere
in a place where I was born
and raised
Idlewide
makes you cry
so don't fly to Idlewide
picking up
where I began
lets say do what you can
in a place where I was born
and raised
Idlewide
makes you cry
so don't fly to Idlewide (3x)
makes me cry (this fear inside of me)
Idlewide
makes me cry
Idlewide
(it's the place where I was born and raised)
3. Got to Get Back
top↑ (Block/Shea)I got to get back
to halfway gone
miles to go
before I reach the sun
maybe the words they came out wrong
maybe
you could be the one
yeah, you could be the one
I got to get back
to halfway gone
miles to go
before I reach the sun
maybe the words they came out wrong
maybe
you could be the one
yeah, you could be the one
I got to get back
I got miles to go
miles to go yeah (2x)
maybe you could be the one (3x)
4. YOUR HEART is a Broken Thing
top↑ (Block/Janklow)now I've hurt you
best that I know how
there's no time
left for now
then you left a trail
I could barely see
jumping ropes through smoky rings
you need so much help
just not from me
you wasted yourself
so perfectly
your heart
is a broken
a broken thing (2x)
your heart
your heart
is a broken
a broken thing
what's got into you
little demon child
rotten cold and so spoiled
why can't you love yourself
like you used to do
an orchid feeds on worms and soil
your mirror reflects an opposite tune
not there for yourself
but I've been there for you
your heart
is a broken
a broken thing
your heart
your heart
is a broken
broken thing
this heart
your heart
is a broken
a broken thing
your heart
is a broken thing
there's no crying
your heart
is a broken thing
a beating ring
5. Morning Finds You
top↑ (Block/Wesley)battered smoking papers are
scattered around the table
a dozen fallen soldiers
half drunk remnant bottles
tipping over
getting older
feeling the cold of the morning after
hanging on
just barely hanging on
the morning comes
and finds you
piling up the garbage
hiding all the baggage
cleaned up the apartment
everything is sorted
into piles
all the while
stuck in a fight with your inner child
hanging on
just barely hanging on
the morning comes
and finds you
(na na na, na na na) finds you (4x)
hanging on
just barely hanging on
the morning comes
and finds you
6. Moving Around the Sun
top↑ Block/Rabinowitz)when the buzzer rings
time is up
you dribble in
to your morning cup
cast it off
cast it off
it's troubling
all I've lost
after all it seems
what it's cost
cast it off
cast it off
moving around the sun (3x)
well if it don't fit
then baby tear it off
don't let it tack you in
cause you can't have it all
cast it off
cast it off
moving around the sun (6x)
7. Daylight Dreaming
top↑ (Block/Hutchinson)one thing you know
sunlight
eastside
and you're stuck in the snow
it's so hard to lie
anymore
instead you're closing your eyes
and you try to listen
no dream coming by
tis' the season
daylight dreaming
drifting away
images streaming
a million miles away
the way I want to see it
in a world I can believe in
dreaming
and you want to go home
and you know what I said
don't say that you're old
that don't cut nowadays
daylight dreaming
drifting away
images streaming
a million miles away
the way I want to see it
in a world I can believe in
a setting sun
but the day's just begun
daylight dreaming always gets done
you gonna need to break through
daylight dreaming
drifting away
images streaming
a million miles away (2x)
dreaming (3x)
8. Everybody Knows
top↑ (Block/Campany)it's a pretty shade of red
but it doesn't hide the mess
you know you need to clean
your eyes they look real nice
twinkling shining bright
with everything they've seen
you're dealing with a serpent
tell me was it worth it
an apple for an eye
your touch it seems like gold
now you're growing old
I guess I'm wondering why
look at how it's got you
everything you wanted
wrapped up pretty
like a bow, bow, bow
it's a matter of time
till it all comes untied
and it shows
everybody knows
try and let it show
everybody knows
re-arranging plans
tying up loose ends
living on the run
everything you said
when you left me there for dead
when the day was done
putting the charade on
getting a parade on
act at any cost
man it's hard to face it
how you gonna make it
when you can't even walk
look at how it's got you
everything you wanted
wrapped up pretty
like a bow, bow, bow
it's a matter of time
till it all comes untied
and it shows
everybody knows
try and let it show
everybody knows (2x)
9. Pulling Teeth
top↑ (Block/Dunn)my medication
Novocain
your prescription in my veins
this might hurt you
open wide
don't try speaking
blink your eye
your name is still here
on my tongue
the taste is different
like coffee stains and bleeding gums
I need something sweet
to take the bitterness away
just like pulling teeth
it all came out today
how long was it
who was he
is there a number
he can be reached
somewhere in my throat
a choking sound
I had it coming
blow by blow and pound for pound
I need something sweet
to take the bitterness away
just like pulling teeth
it all came out today (3x)
out today (3x)
10. Down and Sinking
top↑ (Block/Jacobson)down and sinking
down and sinking
down and sinking down
it's unfolding now
heads keep rolling down
feeling like you're drowned
in a backyard pool
like a fool
feel exposed and raw
can't believe the thaw
I have to say
our lives are changing everyday
everybody's going down
and sinking
through chromatic fields
no ritual for meals
shoes worn down to the heal
on a gloomy day
I have to say
our lives are changing everyday
everybody's going down
it keeps sinking run aground
nothing left here to be found
but me crying
down and sinking (4x)
down
11. Walk Away
top↑ (Block/Radigan)I know
there's nothing for you now
I know
but still I don't know how
to let you walk away
let you fade away
let you drift away without a single trace
I know
and that's the hardest part
I know
I just don't have the heart
to let you walk away
let you fade away
let you drift away without a single trace
don't you know
you take me when you go
oh the best part of
my day
I don't
I don't ever change the reason why
that I up and let the best thing walk away
from me, away from me
away from me, away
don't you know
you take me when you go
oh the best part of
my day
I don't
I don't ever change the reason why
that I up and let the best thing walk away
oh but still I wonder
where the time has gone
why I'm left on my own
I know there's nothing for you now
I know
but still I don't know how
to let you walk away
let you fade away
let you drift away
let you walk away
from me, you walk (3x)
you walk away (3x)
Collaborators
top↑1. PAUL BASILE - Youth's Magic Horn
While on a two-month journey down the Yukon River in Alaska, New Yorker Paul Basile realized that music needed to be the focus of his life. He released his debut album, "Skeletons," in 2006, an intimate, acoustic affair recorded in his bedroom with a guitar and a microphone. In late 2006, he met guitarist Patrick Hay, and the two formed a band called Here Lies Pa. Despite the new band's critical success, they decided to form a new project with bassist James Preston and drummer Mike Cook, and they called it Great Elk. Great Elk are currently recording their debut EP. For more information visit www.myspace.com/greatelk
2. KYLE ERVIN - Idlewild
Kyle Ervin is a Brooklyn-based singer/songwriter, originally hailing from Kansas City. For more information visit www.myspace.com/kyleervinmusic.
3. CASEY SHEA - Got To Get Back
A gifted performer with undeniable charm, Casey Shea delivers his songs in a unique way that earns him an audience's devotion…think Bill Murray meets John Lennon. Melody drives diverse songwriting that is at once quirky and heart wrenching, and the result is a rare treat that is both musically gratifying and raucously entertaining. The charismatic front man for New York's Lower East Side sensation, The Undisputed Heavyweights, has built a new band around his solo material where influences such as The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Beck and Tom Petty shine through in an original sound with an uncommon familiarity right off the bat. Casey has recently returned to the studio for a full length, full band follow up to his self recorded solo debut, 'Take The Bite.' For more information visit www.caseysheamusic.com, and be sure to click on the cows.
4. LUKE JANKLOW - Your Heart Is A Broken Thing
5. LUKE WESLEY - Morning Finds You
Luke Wesley is a New York City based singer/songwriter by way of Ohio. His influences range from 50s doo-wop to 70s punk to 90s college radio, and mirror the eclectic tastes of his older siblings and his parents. He writes melodic Piano pop rock that melts faces while simultaneously giving entire third world countries hope.
myspace.com/lukewesley lukewesley.com
6. JASON RABINOWITZ - Moving Around The Sun
Jason Rabinowitz is the lead singer of Brooklyn-based indie rock band the Bloodsugars. Critically acclaimed and becoming well-known for their energetic live shows, the Bloodsugars are one of the most buzzed-about artists on Engine Room Recordings. Jason writes most of the Bloodsugars songs as well as playing guitar and singing. The Bloodsugars released their debut EP, BQEP, in 2008. Fore more information, visit the Bloodsugars at www.myspace.com/bloodsugars or on their official website, www.thebloodsugars.com
7. WES HUTCHINSON - Daylight Dreaming
Through passionate collaboration with a variety of great songwriters, artists, and producers, Wes Hutchinson has had original compositions placed in a number of quality television programs, such as MTV's The Real World: Brooklyn, CW's 'Gossip Girl', MTV's 'Laguna Beach', Animal Planet's 'Jockeys', CBS' 'The Young and The Restless' and 'Clubhouse', NBC's 'Windfall', and Fox's 'Roswell', 'Boston Public' and 'Party of Five' DVD Compilation. Besides being named the BMI® Songwriters Hall of Fame Abe Olman Scholarship recipient, Wes also had the honor of being one of the first artists to ever participate in Billboard's prestigious "Billboard Underground" program. In 2007 he released 'Down In Flames', his first full-length solo effort, produced by Sheldon Steiger and James Walsh at Major Who Media. Currently at work on a new record, Wes is actively writing with artists of diverse backgrounds and continues to be a sought-after collaborator. He is also a Gibson sponsored artist. www.myspace.com/weshutchinson
8. NATE CAMPANY - Everybody Knows
Nate Campany is a pop songwriter and indie musician who lives in Brooklyn, NY. Signed to Warner Chappell and Topline Music since 2006, Nate has written for top artists including Backstreet Boys, The Click Five, Teddy Geiger, Tyler Hilton, Morningwood, and The Afters. He has also written for Norwegian Idol winner Kjarten and Swedish Idol finalist Mans Zelmerlow, continuing a love affair with Scandinavian pop music. He expects to release an untitled full-length album in the coming months, followed by a double-length concept album titled Civil War. When he isn't writing pop songs, he's working on his solo records. www.myspace.com/natecampany
9. BRYAN DUNN - Pulling Teeth
Bryan Dunn has been performing both solo and in bands in Austin, TX and NYC since 1993. The projects have ranged from straightforward rock groups to Irish folk songs and ultimately to Bryan Dunn and the Convenients which combine all the myriad influences into one glorious rock and roll mess. He released his most recent solo CD, "Vicious Waltz", in March 2009 to a sellout crowd at the Mercury Lounge in New York, and has been touring the east coast in support of it. www.myspace.com/bryandunn
10. JEFF JACOBSON - Down and Sinking
Jeff Jacobson is a folk-pop singer/songwriter whose self-titled first album was released in May 2007. He was voted one of the '14 Best Singer/Songwriters of Greenwich Village' by Underground Music Online three years in a row and was asked to perform for the Songwriters Hall of Fame New Writers Showcase. He is also one of the co-founders of NYC indie favorites The Undisputed Heavyweights. AmieStreet.com calls Jeff 'one of the most accomplished musicians in New York." www.jeffjacobson.net www.myspace.com/jeffjacobson
11. TERRY RADIGAN - Walk Away
Terry Radigan is a singer, songwriter & producer. Her work as a performer can be heard on her Asylum & Vanguard releases. Artists who have recorded Radigan's songs include Trisha Yearwood, Patty Loveless, CityHigh, Cowboy Criush, Ashley MacIssacs, the international artists Anuna (featured in Riverdance), and many, many others. Her songs have been featured in films and television www.reverbnation.com/radigan
PERSONNEL:
Jamie Alegre (drums, percussion, bass on 5 & 10), Andy Baldwin (melotron), Peter Block (vocals, bass, acoustic guitar, keyboards, piano), Kyle Ervin (backing vocals on 6), Wes Hutchinson (backing vocals on 9), Jeff Jacobson (acoustic/electric guitar, backing vocals on 8), Luke Janklow (acoustic guitar on 11), Angela McClusky (vocal on 11), Chris Michael (drums and percussion on 4), Terry Radigan (vocal, acoustic & electric guitars on 4), Casey Shea (backing vocals on 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10).
THANK YOU(S):
I want to thank all the wonderful songwriters
who helped me create this recording. It was a
privilege writing with so many talented and
kind-hearted people and I'm proud of the results.
SPECIAL THANKS TO:
Wesley Verhoeve for making it all happen.
Lee Kalomiris, Mark Christensen and Chris Hacker
at Engine Room Recordings. My wife Emanuelle,
and children Vanessa and Jeremy. Mom and Dad.
Caleb Sherman, Garrett Alarcon, Luke Janklow,
Steve Smith, Andy Baldwin, Jamie Alegre, Casey Shea,
Jeff Jacobson, Nigel McGee, and all the musicians.
–Peter
PRODUCED BY Andy Baldwin, Peter Block & Casey Shea
ENGINEERED & MIXED BY Andy Baldwin
ASSISTED BY Tucker Page
RECORDED AT the Gowanus Carriage House (Brooklyn), MARCH 1–6, 2009
MASTERED BY Mark Biorn Christensen AT Engine Room Audio (NYC)
A&R BY Wesley Verhoeve
ART DIRECTION BY Wesley Verhoeve & Carolyn Wachnicki
DESIGN BY Redhead Canvas WITH Thomas Rennie
ALBUM COVER PHOTOGRAPH BY Carolyn Wachnicki
HAND-PAINTED SCRIPT AND DRAWINGS BY Chaz Gangster
The Story Of The Gowanus Yacht Club
top↑After writing, recording and releasing three albums, Peter Block wanted a new songwriting challenge.
He didn't need to go far to find inspiration for his new project, he just looked at all the creativity that was happening in the neighborhood his recording studio is in, Gowanus, Brooklyn. Peter wanted to make a collaborative album, one that was a musical dialogue with songwriters he admired. He contacted eleven New York songwriters, some he had never met, and asked them to co-write and record with him. The resulting album, Gowanus Yacht Club, is a snapshot of the New York City songwriter scene as well as a collection of summer ready pop songs.
The songwriters involved in Gowanus Yacht Club are an impressive lot with a good deal of licensing and publishing success. The one non-New Yorker in the group, Angela McCluskey, is a Grammy nominated artist with her band Telepopmusik for their hit "Breathe". Casey Shea, formerly of the infamous NYC band The Undisputed Heavyweights, will have one of his songs featured in the season finale of One Tree Hill. Terry Radigan has had her songs preformed by Trisha Yearwood, Patty Loveless and Anuna (featured in Riverdance) and Wes Hutchinson has had songs in several tv shows including CW's Gossip Girl, MTV's Laguna Beach and Fox's Roswell. Nate Campany, who signed to Warner Chappell and Topline Music in 2006, has written for top artists including Backstreet Boys, The Click Five, Teddy Geiger, Tyler Hilton, and Morningwood.
The songs on Gowanus Yacht Club were written without any imposed parameters or themes, but ultimately ended up, in the classic pop song tradition, being mostly love songs of some sort. All came about in different ways, but all came easily and somewhat quickly. "Daylight Dreaming" was co-written with Wes Hutchinson on a flaming red Baldwin Piano and a J200 jumbo acoustic at Gibson and was based on an idea of a walking daydreamer that had been in Peter's head for months that Wes helped flesh out into a power pop song. "Your Heart Is A Broken Thing" was a co-write with Luke Janklow written with Angela McCluskey's voice in mind. When she heard the song, she loved it and agreed to record it as a duet with Peter. The other duet, "Walk Away", co-written with Terry Radigan, is just as strong when sung as a solo, but was recorded as a duet to reflect the collaborative process. "Everybody Knows" was one of the last songs written. Nate Campany and Peter sat down and listened to all the other tracks to find what was missing from the album. The result is a bouncy song that deals with the issue of dependence and tells the story of the unwinding of a troubled soul.
Gowanus Yacht Club has a cohesive feel despite the many diverse songwriters who contributed to the album. Beyond the obvious common denominator of Peter, the other consistent piece of this project was the band. Jeff Jacobson and Casey Shea, both co-writers on the album, along with Peter and Jamie Alegre, became the band for the album. Their playing gave the songs a consistency that makes the Gowanus Yacht Club feel like an album rather than a compilation.