also received some serious holiday cheer seeing my EP,
PETE, landing on some of the years TOP TEN EP lists:
Nice to be on any list, but to be on a list with
bands and artists of this caliber is a real honor.
Happy New Year music lovers!
Thursday, December 31, 2009
joys of christmas...
a few items from under the tree this year...
also received some serious holiday cheer seeing my EP,
PETE, landing on some of the years TOP TEN EP lists:
also received some serious holiday cheer seeing my EP,
PETE, landing on some of the years TOP TEN EP lists:
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Holiday Single Released: "Christmas Snow"
So I did this Christmas song and here's kind of the story behind it. Last year I wrote this poem called "Christmas Snow". Being from the South, snow on Christmas is something that I hope for but it very rarely occurs. Anyway, I would walk around the house reciting this "Christmas Snow" poem in a cockney accent much to the amusement of my four year old son (hey when Dad can get a laugh, he milks it).
I'd kind of always wanted to do a Christmas song so this Fall I started experimenting with putting the words to music. Things got really crazy busy and I almost didn't get it done, but last weekend I put in some hours on it, uploaded to Tunecore last Monday and by Wednesday it was up on Amazon...iTunes link should be up soon. No CD's on this one, digital only.
So there it is... guess you could say i'm dreaming of a white Christmas.
Christmas Snow
Christmas snow oh what a delight
It sparkles just like Christmas lights
You know I've only seen it twice
Since I was a boy
In Nome it's common as the air
But where I'm from it's very rare
And sometimes I don't think it's fair
On a balmy Christmas day
Christmas snow oh what a delight
It sparkles just like Christmas lights
You know I've only seen it twice
Since I was a boy
Now Christmas time is very near
And Christmas snow may come this year
I hope on Christmas morn I'll hear,
"Daddy, look! It's snowing!"
by Greg Pope ©2009
Friday, November 20, 2009
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Popmonster Merch
Popmonster wearables and gifts for the power pop lover in your life.
Just in time for the holidays... Check it out here.
All created through zazzle. Would love some feedback on the designs and hope you'll let me know if there's a design you'd like to see. I know I went kind of overboard w/ the skateboard but I couldn't resist...
Monday, September 28, 2009
POWERPOP STATION review of PETE
Reviews of PETE are still coming in, this one from Paolo Miléa, of the Brazilian site Power Pop Station. My portuguese is pretty rough, but from what I could ascertain from an internet translation, I think was favorable (thanks Paolo!). Entire review (and tons of other great powerpop recommendations) here.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
DAGGERzine review of PETE
".... if you dig juicy, hook-laden pop (akin ,a bit, to The Who and GBV) then this guys NEEDS to be on your radar...the song quality is right up there with POPMONSTER."
read the entire review.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Influences: Jeff Beck
Another great record from my all time favorite decade of music and film (and TV).
If the artwork isn't enough to make the hair on the back of any guitar player's neck stand on end, then the first 10 seconds of track one is sure to do the trick.
Not really pop–but it was produced by George Martin. Jeff Beck may be top of the list as far as players that inspire me to want to become a better musician, or just quit all together.
Fave Tracks:
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Influences: Yes
My aunt Ginger gave me her copy of Fragile (LP, not CD!) when I was five and my life was changed. I'd already been listening to it on visits to her house. I'd sit with my ear pressed to the speaker, eyes closed, soaking in the ominous thunder sounds at the beginning of "South Side of the Sky" and waiting for that amazing drum intro by Bill Bruford.
Later, when I finally scored some toy drums, I spent hours and hours playing along to that record, and staring at the amazing artwork. I still have that first copy and not one track is playable because it was so severely scratched (loved).
It would be hard to underestimate the influence Fragile on my musical cerebrum. As a teenage drummer geek I came to appreciate other albums from the same period like Close to the Edge and The Yes Album. The Alan White....Trevor Horn....Trevor Rabin periods didn't resonate as much for me, though I did get into Drama for a while (the album that is).
Haven't a clue what the lyrics mean, and like it that way. Still can't play that Bruford fill either...
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Influences: SUPERGRASS
The vid's not that recent but if you haven't seen it, it's worth a click (and a great intro to Supergrass if you're not familiar).
I first heard them when Edmund's Crown was on the way home from a gig in Memphis. David, our drummer, was like "you would really like these guys," and popped in the CD In It For the Money. I liked it from the first listen but it didn't sink in until a few days later when I had a song in my head that I couldn't place (and knew I hadn't written-it was way too good). The song was It's Not Me (there isn't a bad track on that record, which is their sophomore).
Anyway, I quickly acquired entire SG catalog and would soon be gleefully referring to myself as a fan and the band as an influence.
Here's a clip from last years Diamond Hoo Ha:
Also of note:
Supergrass has more than a few websites out there. One that's maintained by the band themselves includes a tour diary , featuring random pics of shows, dressing rooms, and what they ate at the airport.
They were mentioned in the Foofighter's artist rider as being one of the few bands they would share a dressing room with (the others being Oasis and Led Zeppelin).
I first heard them when Edmund's Crown was on the way home from a gig in Memphis. David, our drummer, was like "you would really like these guys," and popped in the CD In It For the Money. I liked it from the first listen but it didn't sink in until a few days later when I had a song in my head that I couldn't place (and knew I hadn't written-it was way too good). The song was It's Not Me (there isn't a bad track on that record, which is their sophomore).
Anyway, I quickly acquired entire SG catalog and would soon be gleefully referring to myself as a fan and the band as an influence.
Here's a clip from last years Diamond Hoo Ha:
Also of note:
Supergrass has more than a few websites out there. One that's maintained by the band themselves includes a tour diary , featuring random pics of shows, dressing rooms, and what they ate at the airport.
They were mentioned in the Foofighter's artist rider as being one of the few bands they would share a dressing room with (the others being Oasis and Led Zeppelin).
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
PETE-Lyrics: Fall Into Your Arms
Well I tried but I just can't go on
I've been counting the days you're gone
And I long for the night
When you come home and I
Fall into your arms
I fall into your arms
I've been trying to go it alone
But I'm sinking just like a stone
And I long for the night
When you come home and I
Fall into your arms
I fall into your arms
music & lyrics by Greg Pope ©2009
I've been counting the days you're gone
And I long for the night
When you come home and I
Fall into your arms
I fall into your arms
I've been trying to go it alone
But I'm sinking just like a stone
And I long for the night
When you come home and I
Fall into your arms
I fall into your arms
music & lyrics by Greg Pope ©2009
PETE-Lyrics: Help Yourself
I know you think without me you don't have a prayer
It's really not that I gave up on being there
I'll do anything you ask me to
But there are some things only you can do
Hear the bells?
(you're going to have to help yourself)
They're tolling for no one else
(you're going to have to help yourself)
The story that you're selling has another side
But no one ever could convince you otherwise
Tell it how it is and make it true
That's the one thing only you can do
Hear the bells?
(you're going to have to help yourself)
They're tolling for no one else
(you're going to have to help yourself)
music & lyrics by Greg Pope ©2009
It's really not that I gave up on being there
I'll do anything you ask me to
But there are some things only you can do
Hear the bells?
(you're going to have to help yourself)
They're tolling for no one else
(you're going to have to help yourself)
The story that you're selling has another side
But no one ever could convince you otherwise
Tell it how it is and make it true
That's the one thing only you can do
Hear the bells?
(you're going to have to help yourself)
They're tolling for no one else
(you're going to have to help yourself)
music & lyrics by Greg Pope ©2009
PETE-Lyrics: How Do You Do It
How Do You Do It?
Everybody wants to know
However you do it
It really makes them love you so much
Your smile is everywhere I look
Your life is just like a story book
I thought they'd be tired of you by now
But you keep it burning bright somehow
How Do You Do It?
Everybody wants to know
However you do it
It really makes them love you so much
You're sweet but you're not exactly nice
I guess that's why everyone looks twice
They'll never know what's behind those eyes
And wondering keeps them mesmerized
How Do You Do It?
Everybody wants to know
However you do it
It really makes them love you so much
music & lyrics by Greg Pope ©2009
Everybody wants to know
However you do it
It really makes them love you so much
Your smile is everywhere I look
Your life is just like a story book
I thought they'd be tired of you by now
But you keep it burning bright somehow
How Do You Do It?
Everybody wants to know
However you do it
It really makes them love you so much
You're sweet but you're not exactly nice
I guess that's why everyone looks twice
They'll never know what's behind those eyes
And wondering keeps them mesmerized
How Do You Do It?
Everybody wants to know
However you do it
It really makes them love you so much
music & lyrics by Greg Pope ©2009
PETE-Lyrics: Roll With It
You've got to roll with it
You've got to roll with it
You've got to fake a smile
and just get on with it
You've got to roll with it
You've got to roll with it
Sometimes you have to play
the game a little bit
Baby we both know it
Yesterday is gone
You've gotta face the music
If you wanna move on
Things that you can't change
Are better left alone
You've got to roll with it
You've got to roll with it
You've got to fake a smile
and just get on with it
You've got to roll with it
You've got to roll with it
Sometimes you have to play
the game a little bit
music & lyrics by Greg Pope ©2009
You've got to roll with it
You've got to fake a smile
and just get on with it
You've got to roll with it
You've got to roll with it
Sometimes you have to play
the game a little bit
Baby we both know it
Yesterday is gone
You've gotta face the music
If you wanna move on
Things that you can't change
Are better left alone
You've got to roll with it
You've got to roll with it
You've got to fake a smile
and just get on with it
You've got to roll with it
You've got to roll with it
Sometimes you have to play
the game a little bit
music & lyrics by Greg Pope ©2009
PETE-Lyrics: Let It Roll Off
Well you're talking like you know
But you don't know up from down
You want us all to think
That you're someone who's been around
And you're so eat up with guilt
You've got to put somebody down
And I can't let it roll off
I can't let it roll off
I can't let it roll off no more
Well you're trying to make me laugh
but I haven't smiled yet
and if I open up my mouth
I might say something I'll regret
Yeah I guess it's hard to know
When things are better left unsaid
But I can't let it roll off
I can't let it roll off
I can't let it roll off no more
music & lyrics by Greg Pope ©2009
But you don't know up from down
You want us all to think
That you're someone who's been around
And you're so eat up with guilt
You've got to put somebody down
And I can't let it roll off
I can't let it roll off
I can't let it roll off no more
Well you're trying to make me laugh
but I haven't smiled yet
and if I open up my mouth
I might say something I'll regret
Yeah I guess it's hard to know
When things are better left unsaid
But I can't let it roll off
I can't let it roll off
I can't let it roll off no more
music & lyrics by Greg Pope ©2009
PETE-lyrics: Sleeping Dogs
I don't want to think
about you all the time
I want nothing more than
to get on with my life
Sleeping dogs
I know I should
let sleeping dogs lie
Let sleeping dogs lie
I lie awake
deciphering the past
It all comes to nothing
I fall asleep at last
Sleeping dogs
I know I should
let sleeping dogs lie
Let sleeping dogs lie
music & lyrics by Greg Pope ©2009
about you all the time
I want nothing more than
to get on with my life
Sleeping dogs
I know I should
let sleeping dogs lie
Let sleeping dogs lie
I lie awake
deciphering the past
It all comes to nothing
I fall asleep at last
Sleeping dogs
I know I should
let sleeping dogs lie
Let sleeping dogs lie
music & lyrics by Greg Pope ©2009
PETE-lyrics: In My Head
I can't be true
I've tried but I can't fight
the world of black or white
I can't be true
to everything tonight
All along I trusted the things we said
and paid the price of
All this time believing them
in my head
I can't be true
I tried but I'm not able
to wear the kind of label
I can see through
the promises we made
All along I trusted the things we said
and paid the price of
All this time believing them
in my head
music & lyrics by Greg Pope ©2009
I've tried but I can't fight
the world of black or white
I can't be true
to everything tonight
All along I trusted the things we said
and paid the price of
All this time believing them
in my head
I can't be true
I tried but I'm not able
to wear the kind of label
I can see through
the promises we made
All along I trusted the things we said
and paid the price of
All this time believing them
in my head
music & lyrics by Greg Pope ©2009
Friday, June 5, 2009
Monday, June 1, 2009
"a most worthy follow up to Popmonster"
A very generous review of Pete (and an interview for inquiring minds like yours) from the Powerpopaholic.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Why the new record is called "Pete"
Last August a friend was treating me to lunch at Ichiban on 2nd Avenue, one of my favorite Nashville sushi venues. This was right around my birthday and I had just finished recording Popmonster which was one subject of conversation.
So the bill came, and it was pretty high... I mean this was lunch. So I said, "Let's split it." My friend said, "No way. It's your birthday." I was pretty insistent, and finally he said, "If you feel that bad about it why don't you just name a song after me on your next record." So I thought about that for a second and said, "Tell you what, I'm not going to name a song after you, I'm going to name my next record after you."
So it's been almost 10 months since that lunch and in about an hour, my friend Pete and I are meeting at Ichiban. He has no idea I'm about to release a new record, nor does he know I'm bringing him a copy to our lunch today...my treat of course.
So the bill came, and it was pretty high... I mean this was lunch. So I said, "Let's split it." My friend said, "No way. It's your birthday." I was pretty insistent, and finally he said, "If you feel that bad about it why don't you just name a song after me on your next record." So I thought about that for a second and said, "Tell you what, I'm not going to name a song after you, I'm going to name my next record after you."
So it's been almost 10 months since that lunch and in about an hour, my friend Pete and I are meeting at Ichiban. He has no idea I'm about to release a new record, nor does he know I'm bringing him a copy to our lunch today...my treat of course.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
PETE, fresh from the factory.
Look Mom, new CDs!
Should hit Not Lame and CDbaby this week.
I'll post again when it's up...
Monday, May 4, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
EP Mixes Locked...
The new tunes are finished and I've sent them off to be mastered. Excitement ahoy!
Shooting for a June 1st release date. We'll have to see how things go with the artwork this week...more soon!
Shooting for a June 1st release date. We'll have to see how things go with the artwork this week...more soon!
Saturday, April 11, 2009
New Project Update
I've just about finished with this upcoming project, which is an EP. I'm hesitant at this point to say the release date, because things always seem to take longer. Had to kind of kill the video docu...it was just too much to try and film everything...and it was boring! These pics are a few screen captures from the recording adventure.
Just putting the finishing touches on the tracks now, such as an extra harmony, or a shaker, or a bikelophone, or a bazantar.
The artwork hasn't been completed yet but I've got a concept going and a photographer pal who wants to shoot it so that'll happen in the coming weeks.
More news soon...
Thursday, March 26, 2009
sorry ma forgot to take out the faders...
Been so busy with distractions (like bread and butter) that I've kind of had to leave the mixing board for a while. Can't wait to get back to it.
Right now I've got six tunes halfway in the can and a few more to put down tracks on. A cinematographer pal of mine wanted to do a little docudrama on this project so he came over last week, set up lights and filmed a bunch of boring stuff of me talking, recording guitars, etc. I'm sure some iteration of that will be posted in the future...just wanted to warn you.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Greg Pope is Making Another Record: Episode II
I'm two days into this new project. I've tracked drums for 6 tunes, and added a few guitars here and there. Tonight: Vocals.
Here's a 40 sec vid of some of my progress...trying to record AND film myself has been a bit overwhelming so I had to kind of stop that for now. More episodes to come.
Here's a 40 sec vid of some of my progress...trying to record AND film myself has been a bit overwhelming so I had to kind of stop that for now. More episodes to come.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Greg Pope is Making Another Record: Episode 1
Pictured here is a photographic representation of an actual professional recording session. This graphic looks nothing like my home studio, and the gentlemen pictured here will unfortunately not be involved with my recordings in any way, but perhaps I'll post of photo of my "studio" in a later episode, after I pick up all my kids' toys.
Yes, barring flood, famine, or pestilence, the recording shall commence on Monday. For me it's an unpredictable and kind of all consuming task, but I hope to make a few interesting posts out of it. I'm not sure when or what I'll actually post. But dang it I'll post something.
As far as the songs go, I have a few things that keep returning to my mind, and that's usually when I start making plans to record something. There is always the possibility that I'll spend all this time getting my ideas down on tape only to later deem them "nothing" or "just a bunch of crap" but I really hope that doesn't happen, because like you, I don't have much time to waste these days.
As far as when it will be finished, or a release date, I just don't know right now. Hope I'll have a better idea about that after next week.
At this point I'm doing mundane things like going to the music store to buy a new snare head, or changing guitar strings, or reading about pre-amp settings. But in just a few days I hope to be doing something moderately interesting.
So hope you'll tune in to this blog over the next few weeks for more electrifying episodes of Greg Pope is Making Another Record.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Influences: "That Man is Not Very Well"
Keith Moon, pictured here behind his famous "Pictures of Lily" kit. Premier introduced a tribute "Spirit of Lily" kit in '06."The big 747 jetliner drifted smoothly through the night sky, seemingly at ease with the gentle breezes that separated Muritania from London. Suddenly the flight's peaceful atmosphere was shattered as the airliner's cockpit door flew open, and a deranged individual with malice etched in his eyes, burst into the crowded compartment. Thoughts of third world revolutionaries and skyjackings surely crossed Captain Barry Newman's mind, but the intruder, instead of pulling out a gun and demanding passage to Cuba, slowly withdrew a pair of drum sticks from his coat pocket and set deliberately about playing an impromptu "solo" on the flight engineer's calculation table. The surprised and somewhat alarmed crew quickly regained their composure and summoned airline security, and advised them to remove the mysterious "visitor" immediately upon landing. As the eventful flight finally touched down at London's Heathrow Airport, and the passenger was forcibly dragged to a waiting ambulance, Captain Newman was heard to mutter, "That man is not very well." Keith Moon had struck again."
from RAVING TALES OF KEITH MOON INSANITY
By Andy Secher
[Originally published in January of 1979 in "Hard Rock" magazine]
Read the entire article.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Popmonster: On Lightning 100FM
This week my song "Burden" will be spinning down at my favorite radio station!
Those in the Nashville area can tune to Lightning 100FM at 2:45 and 8:45 to for some popmonster action as well as the most excellent song "Thanks To You" from locals The Deep Vibration, also featured this week.
MONSTROUS THANKS to Lightning 100 for the support.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Angus
Saw him on the 31st...yeah I've been processing it for a week and half now. Quite possibly the greatest living rock guitarist. I mean who can you compare him to (other than the master I mean)?
"I'm sick to death of people saying we've made 11 albums that sound exactly the same. In fact, we've made 12 albums that sound exactly the same. "
-Angus Young
Friday, January 30, 2009
Bruce's Best of 08 Audio Show
Bruce Brodeen's Best of 2008 Audio Show. Lot's of great insights into music trends and a great overview of what happened in the melodic rock/powerpop world this past year from Not Lame's "Captain". Click the numbers at the bottom to hear tracks and reviews of each release.
Popmonster ranked #2 on the list, sandwiched by two AMAZING releases by Josh Fix and Bryan Scary. A great reservoir of powerpop releases for all to discover. Give it a listen here.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Popmonster: Best-Seller on CDBABY
Both Popmonster and Edmund's Crown: Collected have landed on Cd Baby's best-selling power pop releases.
Huge thanks to everyone for the support!
Huge thanks to everyone for the support!
Thursday, January 8, 2009
thank you, merci, ありがとう
Just wanted to say THANKS to everyone who purchased my album, and also express appreciation to the fine folks who reviewed it and thus helped to spread the word.
I've also been surprised and elated to see Popmonster on several Top 10 Releases of 2008 lists. Here's what I've seen so far:
#1 on the Absolute Powerpop Top 125 Releases of 2008 list
#2 on the Powerpop Station Top 100 Albums of 2008 list
#3 on the Power Pop Show's Top 100 Releases of 2008
#3 on the Not Lame Blog: Mike Baron's top 10 Releases of 2008 list
#9 on the Powerpopaholic top 10 Releases of 2008 list
#1 on the Banophernalia.com's top 10 Releases of 2008 list
MONSTROUS THANKS to everyone at these sites, radio stations, and record labels for your support! But I suppose (hope) the best thanks I can give is to make another record, which I hope to begin doing immediately.
Happy New year everybody!
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