And All the Decorations, Too
There is no doubt in my mind that this is my favorite of all the projects I’ve done. It had been just under 3 years since I’d recorded a singer-songwriter project, and during that time I had finally gotten comfortable as a writer. It only took me a decade or so to get there. Lyrically, it’s my most succinct and lucid project. Musically, it’s my most fun and palatable. I am speaking sincerely when I tell you that I don’t listen to my own music much at all, if ever. But I actually listen to this one, from time to time. Standout songs are hard to pick, because I honestly like ‘em all. But the best and most responses come from “Clear the Stage,†“ Venice is Sinking,†and “Smaller Victories.†Kendall Combes on electric, Will Hunt on drums, Craig does the percussion (at that time, he had moved on to become the drummer for Shane and Shane), and my wife and I did most of the background vocals. Also, I co-produced the record with David Parker, John Sherrill, and the brilliant Steven Manuel. Some of this one was recorded at my home studio, and that was a first. To date, Decorations has sold about 5000 copies.
