TRACK LIST AND SONG INFO:
Click song titles to listen to or download mp3s (128kbps/44.1khz)
01. Dream Chaser - Opening Titles
02. The Tom and Sean Show - Episode 1 Theme
03. Fatty Dance
04. Acid Run
05. The Tom and Sean Show - Episode 3 Theme
06. Jason 18
07. Time Moves Slow
08. Apartment Tour
09. Funkman
10. Terror
11. The Tom and Sean Show - Episode 5 Theme
12. Steve 1 (Extended Version)
13. Broken Circle
14. Dream Chaser - Epilogue
15. Jason 19
1. Dream Chaser - Opening Titles
Description: Sombre strings and synthesized choir...
Song Story: This was originally going to be the opening theme music for a
video resume I was planning to put together for myself. The video was going
to run about 10 minutes and, I hoped, showcase as many of my talents as I
could cram into it. Alas, the video was never completed due to lack of time
and resources at the time. So, for the first time anywhere, it gives me great
pleasure to present two of the pieces of music I had composed for it. You
will also find the "Epilogue" theme a little later on the album.
Originally composed in 1996 as a 4-channel Protracker module using OctaMED on
an Amiga 2000, then remixed for the CD. I also added a bit of extra choir for
the remix version that I couldn't fit into the 4-channel version.
Previously unreleased.
2. The Tom and Sean Show - Episode 1 Theme
Description: Ultra-hard, ultra-fast theme song for a never-completed comedy
series.
Song Story: Opening theme tune to the premiere episode of "The Tom and Sean
Show," a comedy series my friend Tom and I were working on earlier this year
but never completed.
Each episode was going to have a different theme tune, and we had planned a
total of 6 episodes for the first series. We attempted to shoot all 6
episodes in a single overnighter, but failed miserably due to unbearable
exhaustion after doing a few rather complicated segments. We only got as far
as the opening titles, intros for each episode and a recurring concept segment
which appeared in each episode. Perhaps one day we'll take up the project
again...
We only composed theme songs for 4 of the six episodes. We were going to
alternate composing, with me doing the themes for episode 1, 3 and 5, and Tom
doing episodes 2, 4 and 6. Tom and I co-composed the episode 2 theme, but we
never got the chance to do the remaining two. For the CD, you can find the
three themes that I composed. These themes are by no means meant to be taken
seriously, and are deliberately over the top and "cheesy" in parts.
Originally composed in early 1999 as a 4-channel Protracker music module using
OctaMED on and Amiga 2000, then remixed later in 1999 for the CD. This was
the second of the three themes I composed.
Previously released as a 4-channel PT-MOD.
NOW AVAILABLE FOR THE FIRST TIME ANYWHERE: Download the original video series of The Tom and Sean Show
3. Fatty Dance
Description: Picture really, I mean REALLY obese people breakdancing...
Song Story: This is a goofy little dance tune, in which I picture a bunch of
really OBSCENELY obese people doing all kinds of awesome breakdancing. Don't
ask me why, that's just the image that pops into my head when I hear it...
Hence the title.
Oh, you may notice that the bassline is similar to that used in the Video
Letters to Jason 18 Opening Theme. That's because I based parts of that one
loosely on this one. Fatty Dance was originally incomplete and release "as is"
in module format. However, for this CD release, I decided to put some kind of
an ending on it in addition to remixing it from the original 4-channel format.
Originally composed in 1992 using Noisetracker on an Amiga 2000.
Previously released in unfinished form as a 4-channel PT-MOD.
4. Acid Run
Description: My first attempt at something "hardcore."
Song Story: My first attempt at a hardcore industrial techno tune. Not a bad
first effort, I suppose, but I'd like to think I've improved with age.
This tune stands out among the rest, as it is the only one that I didn't have
a copy of the original module for. The disk containing the original module
was stolen (amongst many other things) by a disgruntled ex-girlfriend. All
was not lost, however, as I had made an audio tape of the song shortly after
originally composing it. I managed to track down all of the original
instrument sounds as well, so using the audio tape as a guide I was able to
re-assemble the song from scratch. So, for the first time in 6 years, Acid
Run at long last exists in digital form once again. While not my best work to
be sure, I felt it was worthy of inclusion on the album simply for the
"gestational significance" factor of the song. Meaning, it is significant in
that it was my first effort at this type of music.
The original version was composed in 1993 using Noisetracker on an Amiga 2000,
the rebuilt version was composed in OctaMED on a different Amiga 2000, then
remixed for the CD.
Previously unreleased.
5. The Tom and Sean Show - Episode 3 Theme
Description: Fast-paced, energetic, dancey theme song.
Song Story: The theme song for episode 3 of The Tom and Sean Show. This was
the first theme song I composed for the series. For the full story behind the
show, see the Song Story section for the Episode 1 theme.
Previously released as a 4-channel PT-MOD.
NOW AVAILABLE FOR THE FIRST TIME ANYWHERE: Download the original video series of The Tom and Sean Show
6. Jason 18 - Opening Theme
Description: Action-packed theme song I composed for a video letter to a
distant friend.
Song Story: This is one of my all-time faves, as it's the first composition I
sat down and put SERIOUS effort into. Lots of stuff going on musically, I'm
sure you'll enjoy it.
This was the opening theme tune for a video letter I was putting together for
a distant friend. Specifically, the 18th such video letter I had made for
that friend.
I also put together several animation sequences to accompany it, using Deluxe
Paint IV and Videoscape 3D. Perhaps I'll upload a selection of those at some
point...
Originally composed in 1994 using Noisetracker on an Amiga 500, then remixed
in 1999 for CD release.
Previously released as a 4-channel PT-MOD.
7. Time Moves Slow
Description: An eerie, short tune from a Video Letter soundtrack I composed a
while back.
Song Story: I've been told this one sounds kinda creepy. Good. Because I
wanted it to sound kinda creepy. This is another mod from the music
soundtrack I made for Video Letters to Jason 18. This one accompanied a slow,
deliberate pan around my living room that immediately followed the opening
titles.
Originally composed in 1994 as a 4-channel Protracker module using
Noisetracker on an Amiga 500, then lightly remixed for the CD release. Most
of the ambience you hear was present in the original, so only minor remixing
was required.
Previously released as a 4-channel PT-MOD.
8. Apartment Tour
Description: Pounding rhythm and soothing tones...
Song Story: This was originally composed for Video Letters to Jason 18, a
video I made for a distant friend. This was supposed to be the background
music for a segment in which I presented a tour of my apartment, but the tune
kind of took on a life of its own as I was working on it. It was never used
in the video, as it was far too fast-paced and energetic for an otherwise
leisurely tour video. I can just picture myself racing around the apartment
like a madman with the camera, filming everything frantically with this tune
playing... On its own, it's kind of a fun little techno tune with some
unexpected twists and turns along the way.
The original version was a 4-channel Protracker format music module, composed
in 1994 on an Amiga 500 using Noisetracker. I then did some remixing in
Octamed, and did a final remix for the CD release in 1999. The remix is
significant in that it is the first time I was able to actually "finish" the
song. I had always wanted a simple melody to accompany the mellow section of
the song, but couldn't fit it in with only 4 channels. The remix allowed me
the opportunity to finally add that segment. So, even though the module has
been released previously, this is the first time the "complete" song has ever
been released.
Previously released as a MED-format module.
9. Funkman
Description: 80's style rock, with a hint of gloom and doom...
Song Story: Composed in 1992, immediately following Terror. You'll no doubt
notice I used almost the exact same instrument set. Only goes to show that it
isn't WHAT instruments you use, but HOW you use them that creates any
particular mood to a song. The original version of this song ran over 5
minutes, but I cut it down to a hair over 3 minutes for the CD release. The
original was just TOO long, repeating the same sections over and over and over
ad naseum. I think this shorter, more streamlined version works MUCH better
and actually improves the song considerably. All the original sections of the
song are still present, just not repeated quite as much. Definately a case of
"less is more."
This was originally composed in late 1992 using Noisetracker on an Amiga 2000,
then remixed in 1999 for the CD.
Previously unreleased.
10. Terror
Description: A creepy journey into fear...
Song Story: I was going for a "story told in music" kind of idea here. The
plot is pretty simple:
A guy is walking through a graveyard late at night. He hears all kinds of
strange sounds all around him. Suddenly, he senses something following him.
He begins to run. And whatever is following him also runs. The thing catches
up to him, kills him, and the graveyard falls silent once again.
There. You've got the plot, now apply that to the song and I think you'll
find it works. I thought I should explain that, as a lot of people don't seem
to "get" the idea behind this one for some reason. It's essentially my
earliest attempt at "telling a story with music," which is the central idea
behind most of my albums.
It's pretty simplistic by my current standards, but there are some elements I
like about this one. Such as the playing around with stereo effects. You'll
see...er...hear what I mean.
Turn the lights way down, turn the volume up and take a trip into....
TERROR!
Originally composed in 1992, this was actually my first music module (aside
from some crap experimentations that are probably best left buried). For the
CD release, I added a lot of extra ambience, plus fixed some of the stereo
effects that I was never 100% happy with in the original version. Originally
composed in Noisetracker on an Amiga 2000 in 1992, then remixed in 1999 for
the CD release.
Previously released as a 4-channel PT-MOD.
11. The Tom and Sean Show - Episode 5 Theme
Description: Piano and strings set to a mellow beat.
Song Story: The theme song for episode 5 of The Tom and Sean Show. This was
the last of the three themes I composed. It was actually incomplete until I
decided to put it on the CD. Prior to putting together the CD, I didn't see
much point in finishing it as the video project was more or less dead. The
ending is rather weak, in my opinion, but that's okay as the themes were meant
to be semi-warped anyway. For the full story behind the show, see the Song
Story section for the Episode 1 theme.
Previously unreleased.
NOW AVAILABLE FOR THE FIRST TIME ANYWHERE: Download the original video series of The Tom and Sean Show
12. Steve 1 - Opening Theme (Extended Version)
Description: Percussive, dramatic theme song...
Song Story: Another Video Letter theme, this time to my good friend Steve.
This extended version is actually an amalgamation of three separate modules.
I had just acquired OctaMED in 1995, and set about experimenting with some of
the possibilities its 8 channel capacity could provide. I did two short
experimental pieces, then set about to do the opening theme for my first Video
Letter to Steve. The two experiments were actually early, formative segments
that eventually BECAME the opening theme for the video, so since they were
already similar in sound, AND in the same key, I decided to merge all three
parts together into this special Extended Version of the theme. The end
result is quite nice, I think.
Originally composed in 8 channels using OctaMED, re-arranged and converted
down to 4 channels for transfer purposes, then bumped up to about 18 channels
for the final mix. I'm sure that makes no sense to anyone out there, but
trust me it was the only way...
Previously unreleased.
13. Broken Circle
Description: A song about breaking the cycle of abuse.
Song Story: This was composed for a relative as a Mother's Day present in
May, 1999. Between 1995 - 1999 I came to know several women who had survived
abusive relationships. As I spoke to them and did some personal research to
better understand the situations they had been in, I came to sympathize with
the plights of such survivors.
This piece is meant to express, in music, the plight of abuse victims who find
the strength to stand up to their oppressors and fight back. It is split into
four parts, which all merge together:
Part I - Oppression
In which the victim is being abused, controlled by another, unable to
live her life away from her tormentor.
Part II - Realization
In which she realizes that the situation is wrong, and that she doesn't
have to live that way if she chooses.
Part III - Retaliation (2 sections)
In which she finds the strength within herself to fight back, to confront
her tormentor and tear away from him.
Part IV - Freedom and Hope
In which she finally succeeds and is free to live her life free of
abuse.
The title, "Broken Circle," refers to the cycle of abuse. It is a circle that
goes around and around, a cycle that perpetuates itself. Once broken, she is
free.
This song is respectfully dedicated to abuse victims and survivors
everywhere.
Originally composed in May 1999 as a 4-channel Protracker module using OctaMED
on an Amiga 2000, then remixed later the same year for this CD release. The
remix adds a lot of ambience, plus some overall additional "oomph" that I
couldn't quite pull off in the original 4-channel format.
Previously released as a 4-channel PT-MOD.
14. Dream Chaser - Epilogue
Description: Creepy, mellow and triumphant. In that order.
Song Story: This was to accompany one of the final scenes in my video resume.
For the full story, see the Song Story section of the Opening Theme.
Previously unreleased.
15. Jason 19 - Opening Theme
Description: Slow, ethereal, entrancing sounds...
Song Story: Pretty simple stuff here, musically speaking. A semi-creative use
of some interesting sound samples I happened across a while back. HOWEVER -
I've found that, simple though it may be, this tune has a strange hypnotic
effect on the listener. If you close your eyes and just listen...letting it
loop a few times (it's pretty short), it really mellows you out! I've put
this on to help me sleep sometimes.
Try it and see for yourself!
Originally composed in 1994 using Noisetracker on an Amiga 500, then some
minor remixing was done in 1999 for the CD release. Most of the ambience you
hear was already present in the 4-channel version, so I didn't actually have
to do much in terms of remixing.
Previously released as a 4-channel PT-MOD.
