tag:universaldice.com,2005:/blogs/blog?p=2
Blog
2024-01-13T22:27:23-05:00
universaldice.com
false
tag:universaldice.com,2005:Post/5994127
2018-05-05T20:00:00-04:00
2024-01-13T22:15:38-05:00
Forever
<p>We'd like to present the last song on our latest album "birth, love, hate, death," a tune called "Forever." We had to end our rock opera in a meaningful manner and fittingly, it turned out to be the last song I wrote for the opera. I had to have written the songs before the finale before I could look back and see what was still necessary to say.</p>
<p>I wanted the character, Danielle, to sing about what she had learned living through the story in the opera and I believe that this goal was accomplished. At the same time I told Vin Crici, who handled the piano and orchestral parts on this song that we needed to invoke Beethoven and the 9th Symphony to make this a memorable finale. Well, it may not be the 9th Symphony, but Vinny - mission accomplished - thank you!</p>
<p>Here are the lyrics:</p>
<p>Forever: (Sung by Danielle)</p>
<p>I’ve lived so foolishly, I knew what I knew<br>Now truth is a mystery and love is the clue<br>Time is illusion, it’s here and it’s gone<br>You think there’s an answer, but life goes on<br>Forever and ever, I’ll love you, forever<br>The good days, the bad days<br>You’re in my heart for always<br>Love is the warm embrace, love is the saving grace<br>We need to show each other</p>
<p>Life is a veil of tears, we live ‘til we die<br>My dreams had disappeared until I opened my eyes<br>Forever and ever I’ll love you, forever<br>The good days, the bad days<br>You’re in my heart for always<br>Love is the warm embrace, love is the saving grace<br>We need to help each other<br>Forever and ever I’ll love you, forever<br>The good days, the bad days<br>You’re in my heart for always<br>Love is the warm embrace, love is the saving grace<br>We need to teach each other</p>
<p>Forever and ever I’ll love you, forever<br>The good days, The bad days<br>You’re in my heart for always<br>Love is the warm embrace, love is the saving grace<br>We need to love each other<br>Now truth is a mystery and love is the clue</p>
<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAPWhuJ-sMA">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAPWhuJ-sMA</a></p>
universaldice.com
tag:universaldice.com,2005:Post/5994126
2018-02-09T19:00:00-05:00
2023-12-10T11:55:58-05:00
One Day at a Time
<p>The 15th song on UniversalDice's new rock opera CD "birth, love, hate, death" is "One Day at a Time". This song exists for a number or reasons, and having a reason for writing a particular song is always important to me.<br><br>Youtube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5z8geF9T7xI%20" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5z8geF9T7xI </a><br>Spotify: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/track/0mtwBbveWw3eWsbOT3pfRk?si=gkphHHLwQtGY5gz2yFqqjQ" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/track/0mtwBbveWw3eWsbOT3pfRk?si=gkphHHLwQtGY5gz2yFqqjQ</a></p>
<p>This song was necessary to advance the story of the rock opera after the tragedy of the young man's death in "Sleeping Alone." It was meant to explain the aftermath of Danielle's life and her vow "to make him" proud. Having the story-line of these tragic lovers made it easier to come up with ideas for songs. This song was one of the easiest to write because it was obvious that she needed to honor him for saving her life by saving her own life on her own.</p>
<p>The line "One Day at a Time" is a saying that those with addictive personalities often use to get through another day. Contemplating that saying led me to hearing a melody within those words and lyrics and led to the writing of the music to the song. It's always best, for me, when words and music seem to come together simultaneously.</p>
<p>Just as "Sleeping Alone" was a homage to the Beatles second side of "Abbey Road," this song is a homage to the Beatles creative precision in songs like "Hey Prudence." Even though there is precision, their songs are never mechanical and their melodies soar. That's what I was shooting for. Please give "One Day at a Time" a listen.</p>
<p>(Sung by the character Danielle)</p>
<p>One Day at a Time (c) G. Dantone 2016</p>
<p>I don’t know if it makes any sense<br>All I know is I have this second chance<br>I can feel your hand in mine<br>I’ll make you proud<br>One day at a time<br>My hands are clean and my head is clear<br>This is for me and it’s for you dear<br>I see your face in the window of my mind<br>I’ll make you proud<br>One day at a …</p>
<p>Time, don’t make me forget about you<br>Time, I’ll never be alone with you or grow old with you<br><br>Years go by but it’s like yesterday<br>I may get lost but I’ll find some other way<br>I hear your voice in a breeze it sounds so fine<br>I’ll make you proud<br>One day at a …</p>
<p>Time, don’t make me forget about you<br>Time, I’ll never be alone with you or grow old with you<br><br>I don’t know if it makes any sense<br>All I know is I have this second chance<br>I can feel your hand in mine<br>I’ll make you proud<br>One day at a time</p>
universaldice.com
tag:universaldice.com,2005:Post/5994125
2017-12-16T19:00:00-05:00
2022-08-15T06:08:34-04:00
"Sleeping Alone"
<p>The 14th song on UniversalDice's new rock opera CD "birth, love, hate, death" is "Sleeping Alone". This song had a couple of purposes.</p>
<p>Most importantly to the concept of the rock opera, the song moves the plot along - in a tragic manner. The young man believes his relationship with Danielle is falling apart, and that her decision to return to her abusive relationship is a mistake. She was ending the relationship to spare him from what could happen. So he decides to confront her. He's right, and she agrees, but her abuser shows up - and shoots, killing the young man, just as she warned him. She was willing to give him up in order to save him. He was willing to die for her.</p>
<p>Not this may seem a bit melodramatic, but this kind of tragedy is not as far-fetched as it seems. For example (in real life) my wife and I were once confronted by a crazed gunman who indeed shot and killed our downstairs neighbor who was his ex-girlfriend This stuff happens. Without going into details, it was probably against the odds that we did not get killed ourselves for just being in the way. Our situation was not exactly the same situation as the song depicts, but I know that people get crazy when it comes to revenge.</p>
<p>There was another purpose to this song which was to give tribute to the Beatles "Abbey Road" medley. I did my best to create memorable melodies and piece them together using guitar solos, drums solos and an orchestra. I tried. Listen to the tune!</p>
<p>Here is a spotify link: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/track/1HQhMlSZ8WieNnjlXB1oVJ" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/track/1HQhMlSZ8WieNnjlXB1oVJ</a></p>
<p>Here is a YouTube link: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5kE0Kay6NY" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5kE0Kay6NY</a></p>
universaldice.com
tag:universaldice.com,2005:Post/5994124
2017-12-01T19:00:00-05:00
2022-08-15T08:46:50-04:00
I'm No Good for You
<p>The 12th song on UniversalDice's new rock opera CD "birth, love, hate, death" is "I'm No Good for You". This song is yet another attempt to understand the dynamics of love.</p>
<p>Why do we sometimes say the opposite of what we really mean to the person we love - or say something that we really should have said to someone else? Why do we sometimes find ourselves involved with the worst possible person? Why do we sometimes reject the best possible person? In my own personal experience, which is NOT all-encompassing, I believe we often do not believe in ourselves - we do not believe we deserve someone good, or that someone good would never love us. Here are the lyrics:</p>
<p>I’m No Good For You - copyright G. Dantone 2016</p>
<p>Fall baby, don’t fall for me<br>Call baby, don’t call on me<br>I told you once before<br>when I laid down the law,<br>this is not for me</p>
<p>Now Sugar Daddy’s back<br>and he’s going on attack<br>You’re not for me<br>Love baby<br>just don’t love me,<br>dream baby,<br>don’t dream of me<br>You don’t understand,<br>that you’ll never be the man to satisfy my needs<br>You struggle everyday<br>guys like you will never pay<br>your heart just bleeds</p>
<p>I’m no good for you<br>you’re too good for me<br>It’s everything to you,<br>it means nothing to me<br>I’m no good for you<br>you’re too good for me<br>It’s everything to you<br>it means nothing to me</p>
<p>Cry baby, don’t cry for me<br>Try baby, don’t try with me<br>I’m wasting all my time,<br>though I hate to be unkind,<br>you’ll never do<br>Your future is lame,<br>got no money to your name<br>I got a lot to lose</p>
<p>I’m no good for you,<br>you’re too good for me<br>It’s everything to you,<br>it means nothing to me/<br>I’m no good for you,<br>you’re too good for me<br>It’s everything to you,<br>it means nothing to me</p>
<p>What do you want from me?<br>What do you want?<br>Give this up for a life with you, with you</p>
<p>Live baby, don’t live for me<br>Give baby, don’t give to me<br>You did your good deed,<br>I got something to feed,<br>get off my back<br>My man’s no fun<br>but he’s got a big gun<br>You don’t want that</p>
<p>I’m no good for you,<br>you’re too good for me<br>It’s everything to you,<br>it means nothing to me<br>I’m no good for you,<br>you’re too good for me/<br>It’s everything to you,<br>it means nothing to me<br><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXfqBx7oToo" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXfqBx7oToo</a></p>
<p>Visit our web site: <a href="http://www.universaldice.com" target="_blank">http://www.universaldice.com</a></p>
<p>Visit us on Spotify: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/05QPPMIufSsPAbcMdTSO5F" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/05QPPMIufSsPAbcMdTSO5F</a></p>
<p>Here is a YouTube with the whole CD!: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k49d7lKiHXc&list=PLDzwgiI-BVobZER3kiWxPtZne0rne9Hoz" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k49d7lKiHXc&list=PLDzwgiI-BVobZER3kiWxPtZne0rne9Hoz</a></p>
universaldice.com
tag:universaldice.com,2005:Post/5994123
2017-11-17T19:00:00-05:00
2022-04-15T06:21:20-04:00
"Man Enough"
<p>Check out our current featured tune, "Man Enough." We would sure love it if you liked the band's page on Facebook (<a data-ft="{" href="https://www.facebook.com/UniversalDice/">https://www.facebook.com/UniversalDice/</a> ) and/or followed us on Spotify (<a data-ft="{" data-lynx-mode="async" data-lynx-uri="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fopen.spotify.com%2Fartist%2F5UqnHMQA5AgmLcD4W7BGLM&h=ATMDcZAMnNlf4dYjyvyLhVUOOP4qS4N9f03d0BNNnXP6ClDr2vCYi-EZUw2C_yF6Hm_tsU6vZeb44Iv8AtQ9Pst6dgZ4ASTKN_KEUkji6W7PyvrP_-bBEFfNvatlDgmezBkgVi98L1vYeD981fj7auqS7vsyFMluGAZhc82tnvpG7fAEmPuiFPd087RkoohnX_-fLPmyq25_oGa-4hzeguJVk02R4BfgE_3orTxEsCK9Ck4BxiMnl_o1bI57FgQs-TPc018v3SOiHYKYHsrMoRxOQ5W6UDcixFM7ke-K9g" href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/5UqnHMQA5AgmLcD4W7BGLM" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/artist/5UqnHMQA5AgmLcD4W7BGLM</a> ).</p>
<div class="text_exposed_show">
<p>The 12th song on UniversalDice's new rock opera CD "birth, love, hate, death" is "Man Enough".</p>
<p>No one is perfect. Can we love someone who is imperfect? In a sense, we have no choice. Can we not only love that person, but then not use their imperfections as a weapon against them or as an excuse to feel superior? I'm not offering answers but I am asking questions.</p>
<p>Here is a YouTube link: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdW2MTLAYLI%20" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdW2MTLAYLI </a> </p>
</div>
universaldice.com
tag:universaldice.com,2005:Post/5994122
2017-11-17T19:00:00-05:00
2024-01-13T22:26:22-05:00
BOBBY MESSANO BAND FEATURING ED CANOVA WINS HMMA AWARD!
<p>Congratulations to Ed Canova, (bassist on the UniversalDice CD "birth, love, hate, death") who, as studio and touring bassist of the Bobby Messano Band, won in the Blue Category of the Hollywood Music in Media Awards! The nominated and winning song, "Bad Movie" was featured in the movie of the same name. You can see the video of the song on YouTube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vF3F6IElRA" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vF3F6IElRA</a></p>
<p>Ed is playing bass and also plays the role of Frankenstein's monster in the video! Way to go Ed!!!</p>
<p>From the HMMA web site:</p>
<p>(Hollywood, CA) November 17, 2017 – Over two thousand attendees including leading songwriters, composers and recording artists attended Thursday’s Hollywood Music and Media Awards at the Avalon – Hollywood. The event, hosted by comedian Ron Pearson, brought together songwriting royalty, Academy Award winners, and the new voices in TV, film and videogame music. The night included the HMMA Career Achievement Award to Diane Warren."</p>
<p><a href="https://www.hmmawards.com/#" target="_blank">https://www.hmmawards.com/#</a></p>
universaldice.com
tag:universaldice.com,2005:Post/5994121
2017-10-30T20:00:00-04:00
2022-08-12T09:39:50-04:00
My current favorite - "Sunday Rain" by the Foo Fighters
<p>“<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0jX8y53ceY&feature=share" target="_blank">Sunday Rain</a>” by the Foo Fighter is #1 on my personal charts right now. It won't stay there forever but this song rocks and like most Foo Fighter tunes is fun, incredibly dynamic and well played and arranged.</p>
<p>The lead vocals are NOT Dave Grohl, but instead Taylor Hackford who is channeling his inner Robin Zander (of Cheap Trick) and on the drums is - PAUL McCARTNEY!!</p>
universaldice.com
tag:universaldice.com,2005:Post/5994120
2017-10-30T20:00:00-04:00
2022-06-01T05:10:19-04:00
"Honestly"
<p>Thanks for visiting and if you like our song, please like our page!</p>
<p>The 11th song on UniversalDice's new rock opera CD "birth, love, hate, death" is "Honestly". This song is yet another attempt to understand - love. It asks questions as simple as "do you really love me?" but tries to go deeper.</p>
<p>I hope I wrote an honest song with "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IsX9I2fO5l8" target="_blank">Honestly</a>."</p>
<p>Take a listen and also enjoy the wonderful piano solo by Vinny Crici.</p>
universaldice.com
tag:universaldice.com,2005:Post/5994118
2017-10-07T20:00:00-04:00
2021-12-16T06:22:20-05:00
DRAMA!
<p>What make a song great? What makes an album great? What makes an artist great?</p>
<p>There are many things, of course, that would do the trick but today the focus is on a relatively rare attribute that contributes to greatness - DRAMA!</p>
<p>A song that has no ups and downs, no dynamics, no surprises, no twists or turns - may result in a lack of drama and may have difficulty in holding your interest. Sure, some song may lack drama and seem to hold your interest for the 3 minutes it lasts, but will it do so 1 year later? 5 years later? 30 years later?</p>
<p>Drama keeps a song interesting, perhaps, forever. A song with drama continues to surprise, engage, bewilder, and stun a listener and forces us to pay attention. We might not ever get tired of it.</p>
<p>Think about some of the most iconic songs in rock or pop history such as the Beatles "A Day in the Life." The songs dreamy opening by Lennon is punctuated by the drums in an unexpected manner creating tremendous drama within the opening lyric; the first orchestral buildup is a stunning climax leading and leads to a middle verse from McCartney that is almost mechanical yet slightly off-kilter and odd. The middle eight explodes into an orchestral musical sequence that builds into a calming yet foreboding reprise of the original verse melody. Of course, the drama rebuilds when "I'd love to turn you on..." becomes the final orchestral flourish followed by the stunning last chord on 3 pianos. We never saw it coming. The effect is devastating.</p>
<p>Musically this is as dramatic as it gets. And this is why it is great. This is why it amazes after 50 years.</p>
<p>Drama - the secret sauce of the great ones.</p>
<p>The Beatles - "A Day in the Life"</p>
<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usNsCeOV4GM">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usNsCeOV4GM</a></p>
universaldice.com
tag:universaldice.com,2005:Post/5994119
2017-10-02T20:00:00-04:00
2021-12-16T07:30:56-05:00
Tom Petty
<p>The sad news does not seem to stop; the Las Vegas shootings, the hurricane devastation and now, the death of a great American songwriter and performer, Tom Petty. If you want to learn about songwriting, just listen to Tom Petty.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lWJXDG2i0A&feature=share" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lWJXDG2i0A&feature=share</a></p>
universaldice.com
tag:universaldice.com,2005:Post/5994117
2017-10-02T20:00:00-04:00
2022-05-23T05:43:18-04:00
"Better Man"
<p>The tenth song on our latest CD, the rock opera "birth, love, hate, death" is "Better Man." During the course of this love story, we can see that love is more than just a "feeling." It is about concern for each other and trying to support the one you love.</p>
<p>In "My Hands are Tied," rejection leads him to despair only to be saved by her compassion; in "Take Me Home" she seeks emotional asylum - which he provides; in "Danielle" he asks "I wonder what the hell it is you really need". Real love's path is obviously not guaranteed to be smooth - unless everyone is perfect. This does not happen often.</p>
<p>In this tune, "Better Man," he says he can "I can’t do nothin’, ‘cept what’s right by you". He'd even risk losing her in favor of doing right by her. That's love - in my humble opinion.</p>
<p>Visit YouTube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y52I6PgOuiQ" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y52I6PgOuiQ</a></p>
<p>You can also visit our website for more ways to stream our music:</p>
<p>Spotify: <a href="http://www.universaldice.com/spotify__youtube/" target="_blank">http://www.universaldice.com/spotify__youtube/</a></p>
<p>CDBaby: <a href="http://www.universaldice.com/the_music/" target="_blank">http://www.universaldice.com/the_music/</a></p>
universaldice.com
tag:universaldice.com,2005:Post/5994116
2017-09-08T20:00:00-04:00
2022-04-28T08:02:59-04:00
"I Know What I'm Doing"
<p>The 9th tune on the new CD from UniversalDice, "birth, love, hate, death" is "I Know What I'm Doing". Since this is a rock opera about love, from birth to death, it wouldn't be realistic or legitimate if it read like a happy fairy tale. At least that is what I think is typical even of true love, or perhaps especially for true love.</p>
<p>Being loved truly should mean being loved in spite of one's faults and loving another in spite of their faults or issues. It has to be this way - because we all have faults and issues. Many of us are self-destructive in some way, whether it's with drugs, alcohol, the friends we choose, the money and time we waste, dishonesty, being in a constant state of denial and so on. Some faults and issues are more forgivable than others. Some are not as forgivable, such as dishonesty and unkindness.</p>
<p>This song can be seen as one person in a relationship being in denial about their own substance abuse problem while, at the same time, not lying about it. The other person just wants to help. Will love find a way? There is no certain answer.</p>
<p>YouTube:</p>
<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ug7qc2MnppA&index=9&list=PLDzwgiI-BVobZER3kiWxPtZne0rne9Hoz">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ug7qc2MnppA&index=9&list=PLDzwgiI-BVobZER3kiWxPtZne0rne9Hoz</a></p>
<p>Spotify:</p>
<p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/embed/track/2GXbbQPNb9LkdldwgLlv7V">https://open.spotify.com/embed/track/2GXbbQPNb9LkdldwgLlv7V</a></p>
universaldice.com
tag:universaldice.com,2005:Post/5994115
2017-08-13T20:00:00-04:00
2022-08-17T08:36:50-04:00
Charlottesville: "Out of Many, One"
<p>With the awful events this weekend in Charlottesville, I wanted to share a song that we recorded a few years ago that unfortunately becomes very appropriate all too often: "Out of Many, One." This song is inspired by the first official motto of the United States and it's a motto that should never have been replaced.</p>
<p><strong>Out of Many, One © Gerald Dantone 2004</strong></p>
<p><em>If you feel the pain that hope is gone<br>And to make it right will take too long<br>Don’t be afraid to spend the time<br>‘Cause I got your back if you got mine</em></p>
<p><em>(Chorus)<br>Out of many, one<br>Out of many, one<br>No matter where you come from<br>Out of many, one</em></p>
<p><em>Yeah this world can be a lonely place<br>You might never find a familiar face<br>When you wonder far away from home<br>But if you need a hand, you’re not alone</em></p>
<p><em>(Chorus)<br>Out of many, one<br>Out of many, one<br>No matter where you come from<br>Out of many, one</em></p>
<p><em>The truth, they say, will set you free<br>But the truth is the first casualty<br>In war and peace and history<br>But the truth is this from you to me</em></p>
<p><em>(Chorus)<br>Out of many, one<br>Out of many, one<br>No matter where you come from<br>Out of many, one</em></p>
<p>YouTube</p>
<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGyHdDxi25M&index=2&list=PL7-2FnjsTc1SK-B2GADW7YCNfulb5iqKT" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGyHdDxi25M&index=2&list=PL7-2FnjsTc1SK-B2GADW7YCNfulb5iqKT</a></p>
<p>or visit our website:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.universaldice.com/the_music/a/out_of_manyone" target="_blank">http://www.universaldice.com/the_music/a/out_of_manyone</a></p>
<p>Spotify:</p>
<p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/embed/track/0dRqwUUwgQeCtPfgUTObAF" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/embed/track/0dRqwUUwgQeCtPfgUTObAF</a></p>
universaldice.com
tag:universaldice.com,2005:Post/5994114
2017-08-13T20:00:00-04:00
2024-01-13T22:27:23-05:00
Learning from the masters: "Desperado"
<p>Our latest CD is a departure for the band; it's all about "love." Previously in our CDs we explored faith, religion, politics, reason and social issues with a smattering of songs about relationships. This album is about love and nothing but!</p>
<p>One of the reasons I have avoided the topic of love, which, of course, is the most overwhelmingly common topic in popular music is because I have been intimidated in attempting to write something that has not been said a million times already or write something that can compete with tunes already written.</p>
<p>One of the things about "love" that I find most interesting is not the mere expression of love of one person for another. I find, instead, that what interests me more is the "philosophy" and "nature" of love. What is love? Why do we love? These are questions less explored in love songs, and as a philosopher without a degree, I am better equipped than most to tackle it. Hence, "birth, love, hate, death."</p>
<p>In the meantime, one of those love songs I find overwhelming and intimidating is presented here: "Desperado" by the Eagles. It is not a song expressing one's love to another but instead it is a song encouraging one person to consider love itself. It is simple to understand, but not simplistic. It is a beautiful melody and sung with an ache in the heart. Enjoy:</p>
<p>Live version:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2py56b">http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2py56b</a></p>
<p>Lyrics:</p>
<p><a href="https://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/eagles/desperado.html">https://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/eagles/desperado.html</a></p>
universaldice.com
tag:universaldice.com,2005:Post/5994113
2017-08-03T20:00:00-04:00
2019-12-21T16:27:44-05:00
"I Love it When They Hate It"
<p>So far we've introduced all the characters in the rock opera - except for one - the "Sugardaddy." One of the things I struggled with was what to call this character. I was not sure that "sugardaddy" was dated or not dated, but I did not have a better title for this character, so, at this point, this is the name of the character, for better or worse.</p>
<p>The song is sung by this fellow who is seemingly arrogant and totally insecure at the same time. He also seems to have little regard for women and abuses them to inflate his own self-esteem. Yet he is a human being and vulnerable.</p>
<p>One more thing about this tune in particular: the song is sung from the point of view of this character and since this person is not particularly admirable, the ideas expressed in the song could be considered reprehensible. I do not want anyone to think I endorse these views or that this guy is not a slime; I hope no one uses the song to promote abuse. This is a character saying stuff true to his character. Disclaimer: any resemblance of this character to persons living or dead is the product of the probabilistic nature of the universe.</p>
<p>YouTube:</p>
<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCdRQofJldk&list=PLDzwgiI-BVobZER3kiWxPtZne0rne9Hoz&index=8">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCdRQofJldk&list=PLDzwgiI-BVobZER3kiWxPtZne0rne9Hoz&index=8</a></p>
<p>Spotify:</p>
<p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/embed/track/2kmT8psImRKX0gAIWxtGna">https://open.spotify.com/embed/track/2kmT8psImRKX0gAIWxtGna</a></p>
<p>Our web site:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.universaldice.com/the_music/">http://www.universaldice.com/the_music/</a></p>
universaldice.com
tag:universaldice.com,2005:Post/5994112
2017-07-31T20:00:00-04:00
2017-09-09T08:54:28-04:00
Spinitron
<p>More progress on airplay for our latest CD, "birth, love, hate, death." Apparently the CD has been discovered by Spinitron.com where they are play out tune "I Know What I'm Doing". What is awesome is that they followed out tune with Eric Clapton! Great company we're keeping! Thanks to Spinitron.com: <a href="https://spinitron.com/radio/playlist.php?station=kafm&plid=30087">https://spinitron.com/radio/playlist.php?station=kafm&plid=30087</a></p>
<p>Visit us at: <a href="http://www.universaldice.com/">http://www.universaldice.com/</a></p>
universaldice.com
tag:universaldice.com,2005:Post/5994111
2017-07-29T20:00:00-04:00
2021-12-17T06:29:19-05:00
Our first recording!
<p>One of things we have to do to promote the band and the new CD is check the Internet for new mentions of us and<span class="text_exposed_show"> in doing so I found a unique item. The very first recording I ever made, along with Sam Cimino who appeared on the first 3 UniversalDice CDs and others is still available for sale! Why is this amazing? The reason is because this recording was made in 1981 on vinyl only! </span></p>
<p><span class="text_exposed_show">One other thing: the songs "I Wanna Be Normal" and "Someone Will Love Me Tonight" and "All American Girl" were really pretty good tunes. It is not beyond the realm of possibility that these songs just might get re-recorded by UniversalDice. Stay tuned!</span></p>
<p><span class="text_exposed_show">Yes you can see this item here when we called ourselves "The Zoots":</span></p>
<div class="text_exposed_show"><p><a href="https://www.discogs.com/Zoots-2-I-Wanna-Be-Normal/release/7244167" target="_blank">https://www.discogs.com/Zoots-2-I-Wanna-Be-Normal/release/7244167</a></p></div>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/398610/e00d48f15b74920114e0a0cb417514b3114ad120/original/i-wanna-be-normal.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MzAweDMwMCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="300" width="300" /></p>
<p><strong><a href="https://www.discogs.com/artist/4509128-The-Zoots-2" target="_blank">The Zoots (2) </a>– I Wanna Be Normal</strong><br>Label: <a href="https://www.discogs.com/label/871335-Electric-Moonrecords" target="_blank">Electric Moonrecords</a> – EMR-1<br>Format: Vinyl, 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, EP </p>
<p>Country: US</p>
<p>Released: 1982</p>
<p>Genre: Rock, Pop</p>
<p>Style:Power Pop</p>
<p><strong>Tracklist</strong></p>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody> <tr> <td nowrap valign="top"> <p>1</p> </td> <td valign="top"> <p>I Wanna Be Normal</p> </td> <td valign="top" width="0"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td nowrap valign="top"> <p>2</p> </td> <td valign="top"> <p>Can't Face Her</p> </td> <td valign="top" width="0"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td nowrap valign="top"> <p>3</p> </td> <td valign="top"> <p>All American Girl</p> </td> <td valign="top" width="0"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td nowrap valign="top"> <p>4</p> </td> <td valign="top"> <p>Someone Will Love Me Tonight</p> </td> <td valign="top" width="0"> </td> </tr>
</tbody></table>
<p><strong>Notes</strong></p>
<p>Sam Cimino - Bass <br>Gerry Dantone - Lead vocals & guitar <br>Gerry Gladston - Drums, vocals <br>Baker Lee - Lead guitar <br><br>Special guest: <br>Benjamin King - Keyboards <br><br>Special thanks to: <br>Mrs. Gladston, Karen Ozer <br><br>Recorded at: Mix-o-Lydian Studios <br><br>Photography: Michael Greencorn, Blair Burroughs <br><br>Album design: The Zoots, Dean Miller and EME, Inc. <br><br>Pressed by: Dynamic LP Stereo <br><br>Cover by: Progressive Label & Litho Co. <br><br>Produced by: The Zoots <br><br>All songs © 1981 Gerald Dantone <br>All lyrics used by permission <br>Manufactured by Electric Moonrecords, a division of Electric Moonenterprises, Inc. <br>© and ℗ 1982 Electric Moonenterprises, Inc. <br>212-19 Richland Ave., Hollis Hills, N.Y. 11364 <br>Unauthorized duplication is a violation of all applicable laws.</p>
<p> </p>
universaldice.com
tag:universaldice.com,2005:Post/5994110
2017-07-23T20:00:00-04:00
2019-12-21T16:28:58-05:00
Write what you care about & tell a story
<p>Just a quick thought on songwriting; After having written well over 100 songs (maybe 200) I often wonder to myself what is left to write about that is not a repetition of something I've written before? What is left for me to write about?</p>
<p>One answer for me is to write what I care about. If I care about something, I am easily motivated to work on a song expressing what I am thinking and feeling. It is fine if you are unsure how you feel; that can be what you say in the song! What you should not do is write something you know is untruthful of ridiculous just because others have written that or believe that. Do not go for the comfortable orthodoxy - unless you understand it, are informed and really mean it.</p>
<p>My second answer to the question of "what should I write about?" is also fairly simple; tell a story. For me the story should be true-to-life or be a story that contains real truths even if the events are fictitious or even fanciful/magical/science fiction. The story should have a point beyond random action.</p>
<p>My two rock operas have followed this path; the first rock opera by UniversalDice "My Name is Thomas..." told a story of faith and reason and life and death. It allowed me to express things that were on my mind at the time and the storyline made the subject matter easier to dig into.</p>
<p>Our current release, "birth, love, hate, death" is a love story and enabled me to write songs about romantic love, a topic that has always been difficult for me since I've always been intimidated by the fact that it felt like every possible love song had already been written. By incorporation love songs into a storyline, I was able to say some things that, hopefully, are new and enlightening to the listener.</p>
<p>It would be really good if you visited our Spotify page and follow us there; <a href="http://www.universaldice.com/spotify/" target="_blank">http://www.universaldice.com/spotify/</a></p>
<p>or our "birth, love, hate, death" page on YouTube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDzwgiI-BVobZER3kiWxPtZne0rne9Hoz" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDzwgiI-BVobZER3kiWxPtZne0rne9Hoz</a></p>
universaldice.com
tag:universaldice.com,2005:Post/5994109
2017-07-19T20:00:00-04:00
2021-12-17T06:30:48-05:00
"I Can See for Miles" by the Who
<p>Unbelievable performance of an unbelievable song. STILL the best live band I've ever seen and I've seen a few. We are not worthy.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/watch-the-who-perform-i-can-see-for-miles-on-fallon-w493276" target="_blank">Watch the Who Perform Thrilling 'I Can See For Miles' on 'Fallon'</a></p>
<p>The Who performed two bombastic classics, "I Can See for Miles" and "You Better You Bet," on 'The Tonight Show' Wednesday.</p>
<p>ROLLINGSTONE.COM</p>
universaldice.com
tag:universaldice.com,2005:Post/5994108
2017-07-17T20:00:00-04:00
2019-12-21T16:29:56-05:00
Danielle by UniversalDice from "birth, love, hate, death"
<p>So far I've written about the first 6 songs of the rock opera where the two main characters were introduced and their backgrounds explained. They meet in the 5th song "My Hands Are Tied," where, at first, the young woman, Danielle, rejects the young man and he takes it poorly. However, she feels badly about the encounter and follows him to the roof of a building where she literally takes him off the ledge of the building in the next song, "Take Me Home."</p>
<p>In this 7th song, "Danielle," the young man sings about her in what sounds like a critical way but he's really just trying to understand her. No cliches here.</p>
<p>With this song, I like to think we own "Danielle" the way the Beatles own "Michelle and Elvis Costello owns "Allison." What do you think?</p>
<p>To hear it on Spotfy: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/embed/track/4G8Uxzs4IitM8qxrEVtPDq" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/embed/track/4G8Uxzs4IitM8qxrEVtPDq</a></p>
<p>To hear it on YouTube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMkFpu4p4k0" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMkFpu4p4k0</a></p>
<p>To hear it on the UniversalDice webpage: <a href="http://www.universaldice.com/the_music/" target="_blank">http://www.universaldice.com/the_music/</a></p>
universaldice.com
tag:universaldice.com,2005:Post/5994106
2017-07-15T20:00:00-04:00
2019-12-21T16:30:27-05:00
Dear God by XTC
<p>Besides telling you about our just released CD, sometimes I just want to tell others who may have an interest in songwriting and music about the songs that not only inspired us but set the bar high and led the way.</p>
<p>A truly brilliant song that always moves me is "Dear God" by the band XTC. This song consists of a brilliant melody and incredibly intelligent, biting and emotional lyrics that deals with some ultimate topics; God, good, evil and life and death. This is really up our alley since I have prided myself in dealing with the ultimate questions of life on our 4 UniversalDice CDs. What should a writer be writing about if not life and death, meaning and purpose? Well, the truth is that most tunes and releases are probably about selling product and making money; for me and UniversalDice, selling product is only a hoped-for bonus at this point; I'm in it no matter what for the music, the art, to communicate.</p>
<p>"Dear God" communicates a great deal to me and raises the theological issue of "theodicy" quite effectively. If God is good, why does he allow such evil to befall the innocent? If God exists, why does he seem to ignore our prayers so often and randomly? Why do so many kill each other over differing versions of God? These questions are all here in this song and are answered rhetorically and directly? Have you asked yourself these questions recently? This song is a dramatic reminder - to think.</p>
<p>Here are two versions: one is the original music video by XTC and the second is a superior cover with music and lyrics by Sarah MacLaughlin.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHmTqoLjlXo" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHmTqoLjlXo</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FrueVp_kuZ8" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FrueVp_kuZ8</a></p>
<p>wikipedia entry: <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dear_God_(XTC_song)" target="_blank">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dear_God_(XTC_song)</a></p>
<p>Our website: <a href="http://www.universaldice.com/" target="_blank">http://www.universaldice.com/</a></p>
universaldice.com
tag:universaldice.com,2005:Post/5994107
2017-07-05T20:00:00-04:00
2021-12-16T04:33:56-05:00
A "Great" Music Video
<p>I wish I had a music video this good!</p>
<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0HfWDLR-hI&feature=share" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0HfWDLR-hI&feature=share</a></p>
universaldice.com
tag:universaldice.com,2005:Post/5994105
2017-06-28T20:00:00-04:00
2019-12-21T16:31:20-05:00
"Take Me Home" by UniversalDice, on "birth, love, hate, death"
<p>The sixth tune on the new CD from UniversalDice, "birth, love, hate, death" is "Take Me Home". I have to admit the following; this particular song was written a long time ago and was not written specifically for this rock opera. BUT, this tune, in a sense, was the core idea and the model for the two lead characters in the opera; the somewhat naive young man and the jaded young woman. Obviously the naive young man was easy for me to identify with those many years ago and that is why I was able to write songs using that character - I knew what is going on in that character's mind.</p>
<p>The jaded young woman character is obviously more difficult for me to figure out, but I have done my best. This character, to me, is more interesting, contradictory and complex. I hope she is realistic and compelling for the listener.</p>
<p>In this tune, the young man has left the club/party where he first meets the young woman and is at a low point because of his social ineptness and insecurity. The young woman at first snubbed him but sensed that he was hurting and decided to follow him, which, as the previous song indicated, "My Hands Are Tied," was to a rooftop. Here she she takes him off the ledge and tells him, "Take Me Home." Yes, this rock opera has an actual story.</p>
<p>Please, if you can, like our Facebook page and follow us on Spotify. We have over 60 songs so far in our catalog! We'd love to hear from you!</p>
<p>Spotify</p>
<p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/embed/track/0liXTZvkNxqbki3dOSqpXv" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/embed/track/0liXTZvkNxqbki3dOSqpXv</a></p>
<p>YouTube</p>
<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tdTPy46fES4" width="560"></iframe></p>
<p> </p>
universaldice.com
tag:universaldice.com,2005:Post/5994104
2017-06-27T20:00:00-04:00
2019-12-21T16:33:08-05:00
More inspiration: "A Salty Dog" by Procol Harum
<p>One of the great things about having this Facebook page is the opportunity to share with followers some thoughts, and in this case, some of the sources of inspiration that I have experienced as a songwriter. Often the inspiration comes from those that came before.</p>
<p>If you have never heard of the song "A Salty Dog" by Procol Harum, I urge you to give it a listen via the link below. Most rock aficionados are familiar with their song "A Whiter Shade of Pale," another masterpiece, but in my book " Salty Dog" is not only their greatest accomplishment, but one of the greatest performances of all times in rock. The orchestration is unbelievable, the vocal performance tortured and moving, the lyrics are poetry and the end result is so beautiful it nearly brings tears to my eyes even after 40 years.</p>
<p>And that is the thing about this song; it is just so beautiful. Every lyric, note and sound. If you do not know this tune, I am pleased to do this favor for you.</p>
<p>Here is a live performance featuring a choir and an orchestra and an audience that may have been sedated!</p>
<p> </p>
<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3Gi7Z3-T_qQ" width="560"></iframe></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Here is the studio version of the music with the lyrics:</p>
<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZoTFGgcIipc" width="560"></iframe></p>
<p> </p>
universaldice.com
tag:universaldice.com,2005:Post/5994103
2017-06-21T20:00:00-04:00
2021-12-17T06:31:49-05:00
An Impossible Bar to Clear: "Let Down" by Radiohead
<p>One of the more frustrating things about being a songwriter is loving a style of music and being utterly incapable of replicating that style in any artistically acceptable way. A song that I love is "Let Down" by Radiohead from their masterpiece "OK Computer." I have not been able to approach this album or tune in particular, but then again, no one else has either. Take a listen:</p>
<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jZzX9FQOUns?list=RDjZzX9FQOUns" width="560"></iframe></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
universaldice.com
tag:universaldice.com,2005:Post/5994102
2017-06-20T20:00:00-04:00
2021-11-28T23:26:52-05:00
A Great Cover of a Great Song
<p>This is a tremendous interpretation of the masterpiece "Eleanor Rigby." As a songwriter, this is one of those songs that you can learn from - it has everything, lyrics, music, melody and a perfect arrangement. How does this fellow do it justice on a single acoustic guitar? Please listen.</p>
<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eT98yd84iCE" width="560"></iframe></p>
<p><a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fsocietyofrock.com%2Fyoung-man-tackles-eleanor-rigby-all-by-himself-and-the-result-would-make-the-beatles-proud%2F&h=ATOvW047GH6flUAWsz-vZ-4ErXHK3h3fBcjuoD8VX1pieHCkdT2pk1UXmlJmgLKaNLhfIylI5tEkOcVcQMzggww1OkWTx6JD1WPcFEMz74mLudTQ40lHzqU4QvgUG3PQDL1XSXKyjg&enc=AZN4ndzjmYmUvdh3Qvxa_1A3ZB9mvC6yaNMZObf69LJ86-DMuNcG6P7pXq14FXC7kVgl5FwzcE0z1DkZEaD6kb1heiZWKr-trFXndT9ywswUD9GNsZy1ziyzgjiQA4_48i_Vw1FRWXOV84G5Gssea6nl2f7hZvzT0Ej7VJaaS80PgcGEqAeeB8WmnDYwAHUXfQlbdLkVIm2UpTtBx_bHrtpm&s=1" target="_blank">Musician Films Himself Playing "Eleanor Rigby", But Keep Your Eye On His Guitar Playing...</a></p>
<p>All Roads Lead To The Beatles! As if I really need to convince you of just how awesome The Beatles are. It goes without saying that they are one of the (if not…</p>
<p>SOCIETYOFROCK.COM</p>
universaldice.com
tag:universaldice.com,2005:Post/5994100
2017-06-15T20:00:00-04:00
2019-12-21T16:35:39-05:00
My Hands Are Tied
<p>The fifth song on our new rock opera CD "birth, love, hate, death" is "My Hands Are Tied." There is a simple premise underlying this song; the character, a young man, is intimidated by a girl he met (at a party or club) and has a difficult time dealing with her due to his inexperience and social awkwardness. I certainly identified with the immature character in this case.</p>
<p>As a young man I attended all-male or mostly all-male schools from the age of about 14 to the age of 21. There were zero females in my high school - they were not allowed in this PUBLIC SCHOOL at the time - and just a handful in the engineering university I attended afterward. I must admit, this was not a emotionally healthy arrangement for me. No wonder I wrote this song!</p>
<p>Anyway, in this song the singer, who was already enduring personal turmoil at the time, suffers a fairly common form of rejection by the girl who basically snubs him, but he takes it very hard. He is hitting a low point and leaves the party but fortunately the girl who treated him poorly sees his immediate reaction, and senses his pain. She is the girl from the previous song (The Prophet), a victim of abuse herself.</p>
<p>He heads to the roof of the building and gets to the ledge. Take a listen: </p>
<p>From our website:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.universaldice.com/music/s/my_hands_are_tied">http://www.universaldice.com/music/s/my_hands_are_tied</a></p>
<p>Youtube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-g2ly--QixE&index=5&list=PLDzwgiI-BVobZER3kiWxPtZne0rne9Hoz">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-g2ly--QixE&index=5&list=PLDzwgiI-BVobZER3kiWxPtZne0rne9Hoz</a></p>
<p>Spotify: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/embed/track/5Lorfeitq5lDay1IcrVFJ8">https://open.spotify.com/embed/track/5Lorfeitq5lDay1IcrVFJ8</a></p>
<p>Also you can play it on our Facebook page to the left where you see "Listen & purchase music." You can stream for free or purchase downloads on Facebook or on our website - <a href="http://www.universaldice.com">http://www.universaldice.com</a> </p>
<p>We'd love to know what you think! Like us and follow us on Facebook and you can follow us on Spotify also.</p>
universaldice.com
tag:universaldice.com,2005:Post/5994099
2017-06-14T20:00:00-04:00
2019-12-21T16:36:09-05:00
FGM (Take the Knife Away)
<p>Inspiration for songs can come from many places; it's nice when inspiration comes from a loving or some other uplifting source but often it comes from a place of sadness or outrage. A story in the news last week reminded me of a song I wrote a few years back that is as relevant as ever.</p>
<p>The song is FGM (Take the Knife Away) and was on our "Out of Many, One" CD. You can hear this song here streaming on YouTube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LU3popU1eqc&index=46&list=PL7-2FnjsTc1SK-B2GADW7YCNfulb5iqKT">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LU3popU1eqc&index=46&list=PL7-2FnjsTc1SK-B2GADW7YCNfulb5iqKT</a> . It is also on our web site and on Spotify and many other sites.</p>
<p>The story that arose last week was the first potential prosecution in the U.S. for the practice of Female Genital Mutilation. Rather than go into details, you can read the story at <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2017/06/14/us/female-genital-mutilation-case-detroit/index.html">http://www.cnn.com/2017/06/14/us/female-genital-mutilation-case-detroit/index.html</a> .</p>
<p>This case involves a Muslim community but this practice is far from universal among Muslims. In fact it is also prevalent in Ethiopia which has a large Christian population and even existed among Christians in pre-revolution America but the most common thread is religiously or ideologically inspired repression of women. Since the surgery is typically performed on minors unable to give informed consent, it is a form of abuse, indoctrination and assault. Instead of being a form of religious freedom, forcing this surgery on a minor is the opposite of freedom for that minor. I would argue that performing unnecessary surgery of any type, especially one where the intent is to limit or destroy the ability to enjoy sexual relations as an adult, is perverse and should be illegal around the world. Instead, in some communities, it is the expectation.</p>
<p>I would hope that most who read this would never condone such an act but I think there is an additional thing to consider; the idea that it is a form of religious freedom for adults, even parents, to force a religious practice on minors or to indoctrinate them into a religion. That is not religious freedom; instead, children should be exposed to the evidence and their ability to reason should be nurtured so that when they become adults, they can make good choices. That is the lesson we can all take from this.</p>
universaldice.com
tag:universaldice.com,2005:Post/5994101
2017-06-05T20:00:00-04:00
2022-05-11T12:01:12-04:00
A Libretto!
<p>I am putting together the libretto for our new CD "birth, love, hate, death," a rock opera, for the purpose of sending it out to a couple of producers/directors and playhouses. I will be concentrating on the local market since this is where, for reasons of practicality, that I can actually work on a live production of the opera with actors, sets, etc. Long Island is actually pretty active with live theater although NEW musical (or dramatic) productions are uncommon.</p>
<p>Jacqueline Jay, of A.V.A. Live Radio, who interviewed me last week on her podcast, suggested inquiring of local dance/drama schools to see if they might have an interest in staging this opera. Excellent idea! Another reason to finalize a libretto.</p>
<p>All ideas on staging an original rock opera are welcomed. To hear the music, see our "Listen & purchase music" button on the left or go to our website and see the Spotify music page (or our other music page) and the lyrics page as well! <a href="http://www.universaldice.com/spotify/">http://www.universaldice.com/spotify/</a> .</p>
universaldice.com
tag:universaldice.com,2005:Post/5994098
2017-05-28T20:00:00-04:00
2019-12-21T16:37:47-05:00
50th Anniversary of Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
<p>June 1, 2017 is the 50th anniversary of the release of Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band album by the Beatles. Considering the literally millions of albums released in the history of the universe, the very fact that this album always is in the running for the greatest of all time says plenty. I would like to point out that there are a number of things that make the case for "Sgt. Pepper' so compelling.</p>
<p>The first is the incredible production values. They are still overwhelming and intimidating.</p>
<p>Next are the vocals - the lead vocals and harmonies are not only perfect, they are inspired.</p>
<p>Then there are the arrangements; imaginative, never overdone but always enough that repeated listenings always reveal something new.</p>
<p>Finally, some of the songs have no counterparts, from that time until today. What compares to "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds," "Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite" or "A Day in the Life"? These are all one-of-a-kind songs.</p>
<p>As a performed, writer and producer, I must admit that I wonder to myself "why bother" after hearing this. Compared to this, most everything else is like screeching chalk on a chalkboard. You have to feel a bit like a failure.</p>
<p>So perhaps it is not the G.O.A.T,, but there is no obviously superior choice. If you are a bit young and have not carefully listened to this album, it is time to plunk down the money and purchase the best quality recording of this available and then think about the fact that it is 50 years old.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.thebeatles.com/news/bbc-celebrate-50th-anniversary-sgt-peppers-lonely-hearts-club-band" target="_blank">http://www.thebeatles.com/news/bbc-celebrate-50th-anniversary-sgt-peppers-lonely-hearts-club-band</a></p>
<p>Also a reminder: UniversalDice's Gerry Dantone will be interviewed on A.V.A. Live Radio Behind The Music with Jacqueline Jax on Wednesday, May 31, 2017, at 6:40PM. (This is episode #473.) The topic will be the tune "Honestly" from the band's latest CD "birth, love, hate,death." To hear the interview, go to <a href="http://www.universaldice.com/gig" target="_blank">http://www.universaldice.com/gig</a> at 6:40PM on Wednesday, May 31, 2017.</p>
<p>"Honestly" is a song where both of the primary characters are featured. This song is my idiosyncratic way of expressing doubt about our own motivations; do we really know what love is? Maybe...</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Once again, to hear the interview you can either go to the band website noted above or go directly to: <a href="http://tobtr.com/10012427" target="_blank">http://tobtr.com/10012427</a></p>
universaldice.com
tag:universaldice.com,2005:Post/5994097
2017-05-24T20:00:00-04:00
2019-12-21T16:38:30-05:00
The Prophet (from "birth, love, hate, death")
<p>So far I have written about the first three tunes of our new CD, "birth, love, hate, death" and they all have been intros to the story and characters. The 4th song, "The Prophet," introduces us to the character named "Danielle," a young woman who was born into a cult and was the victim of an arranged marriage.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.universaldice.com/music/s/the_prophet">http://www.universaldice.com/music/s/the_prophet</a> </p>
<p><a href="http://www.universaldice.com/the_music/">http://www.universaldice.com/the_music/</a></p>
<p>Arranged marriages of under-age girls is not as rare as many might think and the topic was featured in the news recently.</p>
<p>Reuters reported: <em>"The governor of New Jersey declined to sign a measure into law on Thursday that would have made the U.S. state the first to ban child marriage without exception. Republican Chris Christie, a supporter of President Donald Trump, said such a ban would conflict with religious customs. </em></p>
<p><em> Underage marriage is widespread in the United States, where about 170,000 children were wed between 2000 and 2010 in 38 of the 50 states where data was available, according to activists. Although age 18 is the minimum for marriage in most of the nation, every state has legal loopholes allowing children to wed... Opponents of the measure said exceptions should remain for marriages of young members of the military - 17-year-olds can enlist with parental consent - and pregnant teenagers. The bill as it was already approved by both houses of the legislature would have made New Jersey the first state to outlaw child marriage altogether, according to Unchained At Last, a group that opposes arranged and forced marriages... </em></p>
<p><em> Most such marriages are underage girls married to older men, it said.Studies have shown that child marriage is associated with mental health problems, poverty and increased high school drop-out rates."</em> <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trafficking-childmarriage-idUSKBN1872VB">http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trafficking-childmarriage-idUSKBN1872VB</a></p>
<p>In the song, the courageous Danielle plots and executes her escape from the cult, but unfortunately, not until after the arranged marriage takes place. Her escape and subsequent story are not without consequences from her experiences, as we will see as the story progresses. This song is "The Prophet."</p>
universaldice.com
tag:universaldice.com,2005:Post/5994096
2017-05-24T20:00:00-04:00
2020-10-24T03:01:58-04:00
Chris Cornell, part 2
<p>One of the bits of wisdom I pretend to have learned on this journey through life is how captive we are to our natures. Some people, maybe most people think that we are blank slates when we are born; our experiences create who we are. Many believe all of our attitudes and preferences are "social constructs." The truth is that there are no absolutes; we are a mixture of how we are born and what we experience. The attached article is so perfect to explain the situation that dear Chris Cornell most likely faced when he committed suicide. While many may feel that suicide is the ultimate selfish act, it may be more true that it is more like dying from pneumonia - there is not much choice other than to get the best care possible if you know that you have pneumonia and know what that best care may be. It is a shame he did not get the help he needed.</p>
<p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/chris-cornell-when-suicide-doesnt-make-sense_us_591e2496e4b07617ae4cbaac?ncid=engmodushpmg00000003" target="_blank">http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/chris-cornell-when-suicide-doesnt-make-sense_us_591e2496e4b07617ae4cbaac?ncid=engmodushpmg00000003</a> </span></p>
universaldice.com
tag:universaldice.com,2005:Post/5994095
2017-05-17T20:00:00-04:00
2021-12-17T06:28:46-05:00
Chris Cornell
<p>One of my favorite singers and a great songwriter, Chris Cornell has died. This is painful to write about, not only because he has died, but because it has been reported as an apparent suicide, meaning that he was most likely feeling deep pain and anguish in his final moments.</p>
<p>This is especially difficult for me to bear since I could always hear that pain and anguish in his singing, and relate to it, particularly in his Audioslave songs, some of which are incredibly under-rated. Seriously, how much better can a rock song be than “Like a Stone” or “Be Yourself”? I aspire to just get near that kind of true emotion, thoughtfulness and incredible vocal ability. In a sense, he was one of my teachers of how to do music, and an extremely unusual one in that he came along fairly late in the development of my musical sensibilities. I will not forget Chris Cornell.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WC5FdFlUcl0">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WC5FdFlUcl0</a></p>
<p>“Be Yourself”</p>
<p>Someone falls to pieces</p>
<p>Sleeping all alone</p>
<p>Someone kills the pain</p>
<p>Spinning in the silence</p>
<p>She finally drift away</p>
<p>Someone gets excited</p>
<p>In a chapel yard</p>
<p>Catches a bouquet</p>
<p>Another lays a dozen</p>
<p>White roses on a grave</p>
<p> </p>
<p>And be yourself is all that you can do</p>
<p>To be yourself is all that you can do</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Someone finds salvation in everyone</p>
<p>Another only pain</p>
<p>Someone tries to hide themself</p>
<p>Down inside himself he prays</p>
<p>Someone swears their true love</p>
<p>Until the end of time</p>
<p>Another runs away</p>
<p>separate or united?</p>
<p>Healthy or insane?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>And be yourself is all that you can do (all that you can do)</p>
<p>To be yourself is all that you can do (all that you can do)</p>
<p>To be yourself is all that you can do (all that you can do)</p>
<p>Be yourself is all that you can do</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Even when you've paid enough</p>
<p>Been pulled apart</p>
<p>Or been held up</p>
<p>Every single memory of</p>
<p>The good or bad, faces of love</p>
<p>Don't lose any sleep tonight</p>
<p>I'm sure everything will end up alright</p>
<p>You may win or lose</p>
<p> </p>
<p>But to be yourself is all that you can do</p>
<p>To be yourself is all that you can do</p>
<p>To be yourself is all that you can do (all that you can do)</p>
<p>To be yourself is all that you can do (all that you can do)</p>
<p>To be yourself is all that you can</p>
<p>Be yourself is all that you can</p>
<p>Be yourself is all that you can do</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Written by Timothy Commerford, Chris Cornell, Tom Morello, Brad Wilk</p>
<p> </p>
universaldice.com
tag:universaldice.com,2005:Post/5994094
2017-05-11T20:00:00-04:00
2021-12-17T06:28:22-05:00
"Your Son"
<p>In the last couple of weeks I've posted about the first two songs on the new UniversalDice CD "birth, love, hate, death". The first song basically was an introduction in the grandest sense: "Welcome to the World." Although the song sounded upbeat and rocked, there was a certain strain of realism within the lyrics.</p>
<p>The second tune took us down the road to reality even further as the mom sings to her sleeping child "I Wish I Could Tell You This," a reference to the circumstances of her child's birth. You can find these posts here on Facebook or also on our band's web site blog page.</p>
<p>The third song is "Your Son" sung by the child who has grown into a very young man still unaware of the truth and the pain his mother keeps inside. This tragic song begins the son's journey and I do not think you have heard a song like this before. One of the things I try to do is write songs that are original, even in the smallest way, and with this song I just have to believe we've succeeded. To listen to "Your Son" for free via streaming audio: <a href="http://www.universaldice.com/music/s/your_son">http://www.universaldice.com/music/s/your_son</a></p>
<p>For all our tunes, you can hear them or purchase them from our Facebook page:</p>
<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/UniversalDice/app/190322544333196/">https://www.facebook.com/UniversalDice/app/190322544333196/</a></p>
<p>Or visit our Spotify webpage: <a href="http://www.universaldice.com/spotify/">http://www.universaldice.com/spotify/</a></p>
<p>All the above have links to listen to "Your Son."</p>
universaldice.com
tag:universaldice.com,2005:Post/5994093
2017-05-10T20:00:00-04:00
2021-06-22T05:46:36-04:00
What is "Classic Rock"? Is UniversalDice a "Classic Rock" band?
<p>One of the things that I have learned about promoting music in the age of social media is that you must label yourself and your music. Digital music re-sellers demand that you tell them whether you are rap, metal or country or any one of dozens of other possible musical categories. Even if you do not want to label yourself, you better or they will not be able to market you in any intelligible manner. There is almost too much music out there and consumers and digital platforms have too much information to process. If you want someone to find you who is more likely to appreciate your style of music, you better give them a clue. So, the question is: what category of music is UniversalDice?</p>
<p>This is not an easy question for a band that likes to try different things at various times. But it’s a question that had to be answered and our answer is “Classic Rock.”</p>
<p>Why “Classic Rock”? The bands that UniversalDice seems most related are bands that have stood the test of time, such as the Beatles, the Who, the Killers, Green Day and bands that are individually unique and sound pretty good even years after the music was created.</p>
<p>That last aspect, to me, is the essence of “Classic Rock.” It’s not about an “era,” or a “sound,” or a point of “view” but instead about timelessness. “A Day in the Life” is timeless; “Eleanor Rigby” is timeless; “Baba O’Riley” is timeless; and so is “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” and so is “When You Were Young” and so is “Let Down” by Radiohead. These songs are wildly different from each other. I predict these songs will still sound undated and classic in another 20 years. This is Classic Rock and that is the standard I work for, although it will not be up to me to determine whether it has been achieved. It will be up to you. I hope I have not misled anyone in the meantime.</p>
universaldice.com
tag:universaldice.com,2005:Post/5994092
2017-05-05T20:00:00-04:00
2019-12-21T16:41:00-05:00
Spotify
<p>Releasing music these days is more than creating the music; I guess it has always been this way but now there are so many more details that did not exist just 10 or 15 years ago. Here is one of those details.</p>
<p>Today I am asking our friends to "follow" UniversalDice on Spotify. You can open an account at Spotify (for free using Facebook) and download their free Spotify app. The more that we are "followed," the more airplay we will receive on Spotify, and that would be a good thing for us! We might even receive a small check someday for our music - wouldn't that be a novelty! In any case, "follow" us by pressing the green "follow" button on Spotify - go to <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/5UqnHMQA5AgmLcD4W7BGLM?si=tNK3KJbCQL2Vozah6_G0MQ" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/artist/5UqnHMQA5AgmLcD4W7BGLM?si=tNK3KJbCQL2Vozah6_G0MQ</a> .</p>
<p>You could also visit our web site where we have a Spotify "follow" button as well: <a href="http://www.universaldice.com/spotify__youtube/" target="_blank">http://www.universaldice.com/spotify__youtube/</a> . Use the green Spotify button on the audio player at the top left.</p>
<p>There are 6 audio players on the page, 4 that are for the 4CDs we've released and one for us under the name "UniversalDice" another as "<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2FUniversalDice.com%2F&h=ATMBdnGeGKrJ2jEIOVOSbroeD9AKc7evOMASVl4BLRDZnsHPcc8x8e6UtKCnRQmgW94CUk9mdOyVhltU2I5Jp0x5Z_2bacT4kVGOsU5Iwcdq02s5avf8t-LzzyqJfawrisClZ_JNJ18Ybu2GPw&enc=AZPXy-97NSewGiTlI7NFILo9gEq1T_q1ARmNdzz2RURTWRI38u6E4843QyDOVXr_2hmfqXaUoUI4qaSeGLqIv1wqSnqiGluS_9l4truImi-V482BeLqWCRCtighPgWO2BcFX9Xh6D0emaNkoGvOiehI5u0qvfFkYYl0KYzqUz6PxFuyEDKEb4rdQW67CBfYqoQO2V_cq7VzfBXJxQGeXVSev&s=1" target="_blank">UniversalDice.com</a>" which is how what originally named the band when not many bands had web sites. We have those two names thanks to iTunes who no longer allow ".com" to be attached to our band name in their system because we did not put ".com" on the CD cover! Who knew? Just another detail!</p>
universaldice.com
tag:universaldice.com,2005:Post/5994091
2017-04-29T20:00:00-04:00
2021-08-30T03:58:21-04:00
What I was trying to accomplish with "birth, love, hate, death"
<p>One of the things I wanted to accomplish with the new CD, "birth, love, hate, death" was to have songs that were "true." I do not mean "true" in the sense in they are accurate historically or biographical, but instead, true to life. I also wanted them to be that rarity in music, and in all of art; works in which the characters (in the song in this case) poured their hearts out in truthful and articulate ways, in ways that would move the audience and be edifying at the same time. It did not have to be Shakespeare (and it isn't), but I wanted it to be understandable and honest. Romanticizing the subject matter was not on the agenda. Understanding and reaching deep down was. I hope I was able to at least approach these daunting goals.</p>
<p>To do so required considering not only things that have happened to me but also to others that have moved me. I took events that I know that have really occurred and modified them to fit the story. I must admit that contemplating events and memories that involved heartbreak and tragedy and then writing a story and the songs to move that story along took an emotional toll on the writer; you start to have concern for the characters you have created. You cannot help but identify with your creations.</p>
<p>The second song on the CD begins the story-line and is totally non-biographical but a young girl being the victim of incest leading to guilt and pregnancy is certainly a true to life situation. In this song the young victim sings about her feelings of pain and guilt her and why she will never tell the child the truth about the circumstances of his birth. She sings "it's better that you hate me than hate yourself" as the child sleeps. The tragedy becomes that the son grows up with resentment and his own self-doubt as he wonders who he really is. Sadly, this avoidance of the truth by the young mother intended to spare her child ends up helping no one. This song is called "I Wish I Could Tell You This"</p>
<p>Listen:</p>
<p>Spotify: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/track/1UukXz6ZJ4Ht6x0XAKkZ9d" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/track/1UukXz6ZJ4Ht6x0XAKkZ9d</a></p>
<p>YouTube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjKmtyQencI" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjKmtyQencI</a></p>
universaldice.com
tag:universaldice.com,2005:Post/5994090
2017-04-21T20:00:00-04:00
2022-05-30T05:11:12-04:00
Promotion in the era of social media
<p>Now that the "birth, love, hate, death" CD is out and available everywhere, there are new goals at hand; 1) promote the new music as much as possible 2) see if there is anyway to play live while doing the music justice 3) and start creating new music for the next (5th) CD.</p>
<p>Promoting the music amounts to getting the music into the hands of reviewers and internet and terrestrial radio, podcasts, etc. It's also spreading the word via Facebook and other social media. That is in process.</p>
<p>Playing live is trickier; being able to do that on any kind of regular and meaningful basis is difficult when people do not necessarily know your music in advance - why should they come to your show? Also having responsibilities in life is a huge handicap. For many, to truly meaningfully tour to support new music would mean quitting one's job - that is not always an option.</p>
<p>In the "old" days, the release and promotion of a good album of music was profitable enough to allow you to quit a job and THEN tour behind the music. You could make money on the album alone. This almost never happens nowadays. There is almost never any money in releasing music - the only way to make a living is playing live, and that means an all-in commitment to starting at the bottom and working your way up.</p>
<p>However, without some success receiving airplay and press notice, there is little chance that live shows would work in any case. So here is to hoping that airplay and great reviews are to follow. We'll see. It would nice to play the tunes to a large audience someday.</p>
universaldice.com
tag:universaldice.com,2005:Post/5994089
2017-04-19T20:00:00-04:00
2017-05-07T09:32:36-04:00
"birth, love, hate, death" available at your favorite digital outlet!
<p>Finally - the new UniversalDice CD, "birth, love, hate, death," a rock opera, is now available at most of your favorite digital outlets, including iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, Google Play and CDBaby. You can preview all UniversalDice tunes in their entirety (for now) at our web site for free and purchase/stream the songs at whatever web site you prefer!</p>
universaldice.com
tag:universaldice.com,2005:Post/5994088
2017-04-01T20:00:00-04:00
2017-05-07T09:30:13-04:00
New CD is available!
<p>The new CD release by UniversalDice, "birth, love, hate, death" is available for streaming or purchasing on the UniversalDice web site via CD Baby. This is half announcement/half test to see how the "sharing" feature on CD Baby works. This is intended to be a link to the first song, "Welcome to the World" which is an introduction with a dose of realism for a newborn into life itself. What could be a better tune to start a CD titled "birth, love, hate, death." Well, there could be NO better tune!</p>
<p>As I have discovered subsequently, the CD Baby audio player not only shares the single tune you are trying to share, it shares the WHOLE CD. I will be working on a fix.</p>
<p>Here is the fix:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.universaldice.com/music/s/welcome_to_the_world" target="_blank">http://www.universaldice.com/music/s/welcome_to_the_world</a></p>
universaldice.com
tag:universaldice.com,2005:Post/5994087
2017-03-26T20:00:00-04:00
2021-06-22T06:07:37-04:00
New CD about to be released by UniversalDice featuring Gerry Dantone!
<p><span>It has been about 12 years since I last released a CD with my band UniversalDice but a new CD is imminent. In fact, it actually physically exists as we speak but is still in the process of being distributed to the many digital outlets that would include iTunes, Amazon, Google Play, Spotify and so on. They should all have the CD and the individual tracks available for download in about a month which would mean by the end of April 2017.</span><br><br><span>For those who are unaware, I have been writing songs since the late 1970s, which makes me an old songwriter. Typically songwriters peak in their 20s and 30s but I like to think I'm as good as ever if not quite as prolific as in the past. I also know that objectivity and self-awareness is nearly impossible in this kind of thing so one just can't worry about such things. If I'm past my prime as a writer and musician, I'll probably be the last to know.</span><br><br><span>Since I have a month before I can promote and actually sell the new CDs on the various music websites, I'd like to reflect on my past CDs, songwriting efforts and thoughts about songwriting and music in general.</span><br><br><span>My first viable song came after writing about 30 or 40 truly non-viable songs! Those first 30 or 40 songs were chaotic, disorganized, poorly structured and the product of a immature mind, even though I was in my 20s at the time. I do not believe that this is an uncommon phenomenon among writers; who is mature at age 30? Or 40? Or even 70? </span><br><br><span>Many of us, or even most of us, never really obtain a real grasp on reality, life and that favorite topic of songwriters, love. These are incredibly deep philosophical areas, and most of us, including and maybe especially songwriters are typically operating in a fantasy world. We are typically clueless. But when we hear a love song that is authentic, it does catch our attention. When we hear a lyric that has a deeper meaning than we are used to hearing, it may actually make a difference to the listener. For well known examples, think of a great love song such as "Here, There and Everywhere." Or a song with rich philosophical overtones such as "Eleanor Rigby." This is genius. I'm sure you have your own ideas about what songs mean something special to you.</span><br><br><span>In any case what I'd like to do while waiting for the CD to get distributed and be made available is write about the previous CDs which are still available on line via download or physical CD. </span><br><br><span>The first CD was a rock opera that explored the loss of faith. The first tune which was the CD title song is "My Name is Thomas..." and is somewhat unique for its subject matter - a questioning of faith, "Religiously correct" it was not in 1998.</span></p>
<p><span>The confrontation with one's faith is not a universal confrontation; many never question their faith, they simply accept it without deep examination. Many never confront the actual plausibility of faith itself. Many simply accept faith as a virtue without considering that they consider the faith of many others to be wrong, demonic and evil. Yet faith itself somehow remains a virtue!</span><br><br><span>The character singing "My Name is Thomas..." is a priest - who has come to have doubts. This song is the beginning of his journey. I hope you have a chance to listen. </span><br><br><span>Thanks!</span></p>
universaldice.com
tag:universaldice.com,2005:Post/5994086
2017-03-25T20:00:00-04:00
2019-12-21T16:44:44-05:00
A New Music Manifesto: Humanist Music - A declaration of principles
<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-2001219059327130625">
<p>Although I have almost no ability to draw, paint or sculpt, I do appreciate art and often visit art museums with the family. One of things that I have noticed is that I appreciate a wide variety of art ranging from artistic styles as disparate as classical to the surreal and the many genres in-between. I am not a fan of the many specific genres of art; I like "good" art and don't appreciate "bad" art. The specific genre is not that important to me. (What is "good" art and what is "bad" art? We'll get to that later...)</p>
<p>No, I am an not a visual artist, but I am (or pretend to be) a musician, or at least I identify as a musician in part, having written two rock operas, and having performed on stage numerous times over the years. But one thing I have noticed is that while there are numerous art manifestos that attempt to define what art is "supposed" to be, in contrast there are few, if any, music manifestos that attempt to define musical art. I'm going to rectify that in my own small way.</p>
<div> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large"><em><strong>Humanist Music - A Declaration of Principles</strong></em></span></div>
<div><span class="font_large"><em> 1) Humanist music is music that is not bounded by any musical condition except for one; it sounds "good." If you want to make Humanist music, make it sound good. Music that sounds "bad" is not Humanist music although it may serve some other purpose.</em></span></div>
<div><span class="font_large"><em> <br>2) Additionally, Humanist music should not cause harm or lessen the well being of those who hear it or are affected by it. Optimally, it should increase well being. Music that serves as a call to an action that would lead to misery or promotes ideas that one could reasonably conclude would lead to misery is most certainly not Humanist music.</em></span></div>
<div>
<p>Defining what is good and bad in music may seem impossibly subjective. I certainly cannot offer the exact parameters that can be used to measure definitively whether a given piece of music is good or bad, but it is apparent that there is often wide consensus on what good music is and wide consensus on what is not. Do not underestimate the collective genius of humanity when it comes to coming to an objective value judgment based on consensus. I would venture the opinion that it is clear that Beethoven's Fifth Symphony is "good" and that "My Humps" by the Black Eyed Peas, is "not good". (To be sure, there are a number of quite good Black Eyed Peas tunes; "My Humps" was not one of them, and they stopped performing it in 2011 because of their own lack of belief in the song.)</p>
<p>Good music stands the test of time; it crosses cultural boundaries and age groups. It appeals even to those who may not be familiar with that style of music. The reach and expanse of what I am calling humanist music can be incredibly wide stylistically. Classical music, raga, reggae, blues, jazz, rap and rock are all eligible. Does a particular work sound good; does it harm well being or lift us up? That is all you need to ask.</p>
</div>
<div><p>That is why India's Ravi Shankar, America's Louis Armstrong, England's Beatles, Europe's Mozart, and Jamaica's Bob Marley, as a handful of examples, can be safely described as "good." Their appeal goes far beyond any culturalism or parochialism. Their "goodness" is not simply a "social construct." We have not simply been conditioned to consider their music as "good." Whether any particular piece of music by any of these artists is "humanist music" would depend on whether any message contained therein was "harmful" or not. I might add that there is great leeway for a tune that allows for a "questionable" message if the message was appropriate from the point of view of the "character" singing the lyric and that the intent by the artist was to illuminate the listener to a certain point of view. Sometimes it is good to know about something that is bad; expanding our knowledge of life through art is an important attribute of "'good" art.</p></div>
<p>It is clear that, by and large, humanity, generally, has an innate sense of what sounds good an what does not and it has decided that "Fur Elise" sounds good, and that fingernails scratching a blackboard sounds <em>not</em> good. Yes, the culture we live in will greatly affect our musical tastes, no doubt. That is how "My Humps" actually became popular - for a while. However,<em> in the long run</em> good music appeals to our innate sense of musical taste just as many foods appeal to us while dog manure generally does not. The odor of a skunk is not disgusting because of a social construction and the scent of a flower is not pleasant because of a social construction. To some large degree our tastes in food and odor are innate (even though there is great variation in innate individual tastes.) Why should our musical tastes be so different? Why shouldn't there be qualities in music that have wide appeal?</p>
<p>Once again, there is no denying we can be conditioned to some degree and that we are individuals as well; this defines the larger challenge; how do we escape our lifelong social conditioning to break through to a real appreciation of what is good in life and what is not for each of us individually? I do not offer an answer here, and in fact I acknowledge the difficulty. But I suspect that appreciating what is good and bad to each of us individually while being mindful of the conditioning we are all subject to would lead to a deeper appreciation of good music, good art and in fact, what is good in life itself and what in life is to be avoided.</p>
<p>Yes, it's hard to be free, and it's hard to truly know yourself - but it's probably worth the effort to be free; you may be happier and society may be healthier. Humanist Music is a piece of the puzzle of freedom and enjoying life.</p>
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universaldice.com
tag:universaldice.com,2005:Post/5994085
2017-02-17T19:00:00-05:00
2017-05-07T09:19:58-04:00
Writing new songs! (2/18/17)
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<p>As a songwriter, I am always working on something. After completing the songs for "birth, love, hate, death" I started considering what I should write about for the next CD. Typically I like to have a focus or theme for my collection of tunes. </p>
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<p>For example, our first CD, "My Name is Thomas..." was a rock opera totally about faith and reason, meaning and purpose. Our second CD, "mostly True Stories" was a collection of songs about dogma, religion and ideology. Our next CD, "Out of Many, One" was more political in nature. These were the things that were on my mind when I wrote those songs and albums.</p>
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<p>Our upcoming release, "birth, love, hate, death" is another rock opera and this time the focus is love. Yes, it took me 4 albums to get the subject most bands start with and never leave! One reason I waited that long was because, in many ways, love is a far more complex a subject than, faith, reason, politics, religion and ideology; I was not previously ready or qualified to write an album dedicated to love. </p>
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<p>I may still not be ready or qualified, but I could no longer put it off when I came to the key understanding that love is more than a feeling - it's a behavior. Anyone can claim to "feel" love for another and then behave miserably. This was a key understanding and led me to write a story where the characters clearly come to understand that if they love someone they must sacrifice if necessary for that someone; that is what they must do. It's what you do for love that matters, and what you do better be the right thing, not the selfish thing, not the controlling thing, not the jealous thing and not the vengeful thing. THE RIGHT THING, the thing that is good for the person you love even if it is not thing you want selfishly. No one owes you love after all.</p>
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<p>My favorite lyrics always express doubt or some tragic sentiment; in this album the lines that are central (to me) are "I love you so much, I'd risk losing you; I can't do nothing except what's right by you..." (From "Better Man")</p>
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<p>Also, in "Honestly," the character declares "I don't know what love is" and "I don't know what I'm doing." Exactly. This is my attempt at telling the truth, the best that I know it.</p>
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<p>I will be writing more about the songs I've written in the past but I did want to mention that the next CD will be different, though related; the focus will be family, as if I know anything useful on the subject.</p>
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