96 Basin Street This song was written about someone lost in the world of crack addiction and speaks about the hopelessness and despair that one caught in this situation can feel. The singer warns listeners to "do as I say, not as I do" while the R&B/funk groove percolates and keeps everything in check. Carlos Santana would do a tremendous job on this song, but, until he does, this song is open to anyone's interpretation. Mongo Slade lives!
Anyone Who Has A Brain Here are John's thoughts about cults and organized religions and the character of people who use "the fear of God" to control and dominate other people. Some people who have heard this song think it's anti-religion, but if you read the lyrics carefully you will see that there is a spiritual component to the song. Check out the audio sample and you will hear a synthy, theatrical rock treatment. How else can you envision doing it? We're thinking Don Henley would do justice to this song, but we would be happy if you have someone in mind who can put the song across with the same kind of conviction (pun intended).
The Be-Sharp BluesIn this day and age, you've got to be sharp. If you are oblivious to what's going on around you you could get taken for a ride in more ways than one. This song paints a picture of a guy who let things get out of control right under his own nose. Fortunately for him, the song has a happy ending. Others are not as lucky, and wind up washed up and left by the side of the Road of Life with nothing but an empty suitcase and a wallet full of maxed-out credit cards...or worse. (To top of page)
Carnival Town This is a beautiful children's song that tries to evoke images of what parents see in their children when they take them to the carnival. If you're doing a children's album or planning a movie where a song like this can be used, please click on the licensing link and then to the form to contact us about your project.Check out the lyrics and short audio sample for abetter idea of what we mean.
Devoid L'Amour This song is about people who are more concerned with quantity than quality when it comes to relationships that involve sex. Love is not part of their thought pattern. Lust is the driving force. As sickening a lifestyle as this can be, it's equally sad. Do you know someone who is just like the people described in this song? Do you have an artist in mind who could do a great job with a song like this? If so, we'd love to hear from you.
Do What Your Heart Says Hanson! This song is right up your alley, so to speak. It has that Jackson 5, "Mmm Bop" feel to it that would fit perfectly with your style. And, of course, the visual possibilities are unlimited, particularly if you shoot your video on any street corner in midtown Manhattan at lunch hour on any business day. Whaddya say? Have your people contact our people and we'll do lunch, OK?. (To top of page)
The Final Act Joe and Phil really went off on this one. This song is written about a character who is a card-carrying member of OHG (the Over-the-Hill Gang), who laments the things he used to be famous for are now just torn and tattered remnants of a once-glorious past. The song has a pop feel to it, and a demented Tom Waits-on-steroids, circus-like undertone that keeps the whole thing together like grandma in her corset. Ya gotta love it! Ya gotta cover it!
Forever Guy A great country song just waiting to be covered. Check out the lyrics, listen to the audio sample and picture a Gold or Platinum record hanging on your wall. The world is waiting for your rendition of this soon-to-be classic. Break out the fiddles, the mouth organs and the pointy boots. On second thought, maybe we can skip the mouth organs!
Gross Encounters (Of the Worst Kind) What starts out as a nightmare can turn into a contorted fantasy, as this song illustrates. As "alien" as the concept of lovin' large may seem to some guys, it takes a "Whole Lotta Love" to keep some men satisfied. Weird Al Yankovic would feast on this tasty tune. Maybe he'll harpoon us into issuing him some licenses to record and release this larger-than-life classic. (To top of page)
I'll Be Here A classic R&B duet that would make a perfect wedding song, with a man and a woman each telling about the turmoil in their lives at the time they met and what meeting each other has meant and what other people could draw from their experience. Whew! Yes, it's heavy. But isn't loving someone heavy? Before I start throwing my weight around here, just check out the song and see if it has any meaning for you? Can you handle it? Can you cover it? Luther, baby, this one's for you! Call up Mariah and let's lay this track DOWN! I'll Be Here, waiting for your response.
Little Murders Not to be confused with the forthcoming "Big Murders," this tune chips away at the crumbling nature of some relationships and how a bad union can drain your spirit of all its energy. Many auras have been stripped away by a dose of bad medicine. Definitely folk with an R&B undercurrent and a hint of the Blues. Hide the razor blades!
My Heart's On Fire This is a song we could hear covered by Seal, Robert Palmer or Will Miller on the male side, or Basia (with a little gender bending of the lyrics) on the female side. It has some jazzy, Latin-sounding changes and the lyrics speak of the excitement of new love. The burning embers of lost love can be found elsewhere, most notably on a forthcoming rewrite of this song titled "My Life's In Ruins." (To top of page)
The NBA's On NBC This is/was a jingle campaign we put together for the NBC Sports, spotlighting their affiliation with the NBA and expanding on the theme to branch off and be useable for other sports and events they cover, such as the Olympic Games. We're still hoping to interest them in using it, and we hope to have some good news to report as soon as possible.
The NBA's On TNT A variation on the NBC campaign mentioned above, the lyrics take a twist and promote TNT's broadcasting of NBA games. We're also still trying to sell this concept. Can anyone help? As Monty Hall used to say, "let's make a deal!"
Prisoner Of Lust Some men are pigs. Some women are pigs. Gluttons for sexual gratification and exemplified in "Devoid L'Amour," these people are sadly guided by their "crotch compass," leaving misery and heartache in their wake. With a reggae feel, we would love to hear UB40 cover this mother! Somebody out there tell them to give us a call, OK?
Reflections Dave Malyszko created this masterpiece a few years ago, when he was in a band with Phil, Joe and Jorge called Blue Diamond Lightweights. Unfortunately, the band didn't survive, but this song is still a gem waiting to be discovered/recorded/released. We'd call it classic rock with alternative overtones, but you might just think of it as a great song. Listen to it and you can't help but like it. (To top of page)
Rituals A song with definite Top 40 potential, this sarcastic portrayal of life in the modern world will strike a responsive chord in anyone who has ever been caught in the robotic grind of sleep/work/eat/sleep/work/eat. We recommend taking a shower, because when you give yourself a sponge bath you could miss some key spots that could raise the attention level of those in your immediate proximity. And, don't forget, brush your teeth and comb your hair. Oh, and while you're at it, do something about that other problem.
Speak To Me Some of the greatest musical talents have never been heard by the general public. Throughout history, one has moved ahead while several hundred stayed behind. While that may be considered normal, to us, it's also a shame. Fortunately, in this Internet-enabled age, people with talent can express themselves and search for an audience without going through the traditional channels and barriers. Here it is, if you like it, record it and release it, make money and share it with us. We love that. When it works, it's a beautiful thing. A little too heavy for Top 40 perhaps, but a valid and meaningful song nonetheless.
Times Square The perfect song to describe what life is like in and around Times Square in Manhattan, and, to a larger extent, New York City life in general. You've heard about, read about it, now take this R&B/Funk tune and bring it to the next level. Only you can do it justice. Surprise us and add things to it. Sell three million copies, now THAT will surprise us! (Not really, we think it's a great song and deserves at least platinum status if not a Grammy). C'mon. Whaddya say? The video possibilities for this song are amazing. The potential tie-ins are astounding. The only thing missing from all this success is your participation. (To top of page)
Watch Out For the Vultures How many women have been knocked up too young in life by an a**hole with a good line of bull**** who pretty much leaves her to fend for herself and moves from "roost to roost" acting like the king of the henhouse? Millions? Let's flick the light on in the kitchen and expose Mr. Cockroach for the moron that he is. Sex isn't love. It's only sex. Women need to be careful in dealing with guys like these, and this song weaves the tale of one less fortunate who thinks she's been doin' the doin' only to find out in the end that she's been the one who's been done. Well done. By the Crispy Critter hisself. She played with fire and now she's in the burn unit...sssssssssssssssss. Ouch! And, don't forget the men who are victimized by the same type of women who are just as cunning and deceptive as their male counterparts! We know several of these sorry-a** creatures, and recommend that you stay far away from them.
Willing Fools There are people out there who treat other people like rungs on a ladder (they know who they are!). Some men are happy to be a rung on any woman's ladder, while others resent it and feel like they're the ones being "played." Well this protagonist just can't take it anymore, and is not afraid to hold up the mirror to someone's face and show them all the pimples and blackheads on their face, symbolic of the toxic and excessive treatment of this...this... Sensitive Person! Admit it, we all know someone like this and, for some, it may hit a little too close to home. Maybe this song can be replayed on their answering machine to serve as a wake-up call or an "up yours, baby" good-bye. Or even, "the Divorcee's Anthem." Let's discuss. Like some people, this song can go either way. We can envision it being performed by k.d. lang as easily as we can hear it crooned by Leon Redbone (imagine THAT duet). Well, scratch that. Maybe Madonna or Boz Scaggs. Hmmm. What about your artist or emerging recording act?
You Bring Out the Best In Me This is a love song in a jazzy, uptempo folk style that reminds us of Kenny Rankin or someone who plays and sounds just like him. It's amazing. Certain songs just remind you of certain artists, and this is perfect for Kenny Rankin or someone who wants to be the next Kenny Rankin (Not an imitation mind you but, rather, a tribute). OK, so maybe you're not Kenny Rankin. Neither are we, but it's still a good song. We know you could do a great job on it and make it a featured cut off your next CD.
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