Under the Tree
2011
In the one of the final drafts of this album, I had something that was really dark by the end. I was really not feeling particularly morose or depressed at the time, so I went back in and lightened it up and I think it came out stronger as a result. Still, this year’s album seems to have a little bit harder edge to it than the pervious year. I’m not really sure why. Daryl thinks a few of the songs sound very 80‘s, particularly track 5, but not in a bad way. That’s fine by me. I came of age in the 80’s.
Normally I do not feel the need to explain the album’s titles I choose. For this album though I chose “Under The Tree” because of it’s possible dual meaning. Of course, there’s the more literal meaning. What do you find under the tree? Presents! These albums are my present to you. I also like the idea of “Under The Tree” meaning being overwhelmed by Christmas. We have so much going on during the holidays, that sometimes I feel “under the tree.” Track number 8 exemplifies this.
Lastly, I want to tell you about the mental movie I see in my mind when I listen to the closing track number 18. I imagine this song being from the perspective of a guy that has taken a lot of wrong turns in life. He’s angry at the world because of the bum rap he thinks life has given him. It’s Christmas Eve night, and he heads outside in frustration to smoke a cigarette. As he’s outside in the cold, he can see his family back inside. At he watches them, he realizes that he’s surrounded by love and he’s lucky for it. (The soundbite at the beginning of the track is from “It’s a Wonderful Life.”)
