BeagleBay
Very nice EP where one of the best singer-songwriters and band founders of her generation gets to break from the album format and try some new musical expressions. I'm late to get into her EP releases...and I'm spacing them out to build anticipation. Looking forward to hearing more.
Johnny Barr
I love Mass Ave... I could listen to Tanya sing a phone book and I would love it... so if that is her next record on BandCamp I am all about it!
Robert Smith
Since coming on the scene in the 1980's whether with Throwing Muses, Breeders, Belly or eventually solo - Tanya always brought great songs, great lyrics & great attitude to her music. And that's exactly how I like it. Love ya Tanya.
An ongoing series of EPs made up of collaborations with various musicians, authors, and friends. Contributors so far include Bill Janovitz (Buffalo Tom, solo), author Rick Moody, Michael Hearst (One Ring Zero), Claudia Gonson (Magnetic Fields, Future Bible Heroes), author and musician Wesley Stace/John Wesley Harding, Brian Sullivan (Dylan in the Movies), author Mary Gaitskill, jazzers Joe McMahon and David Brophy (both Joe McMahon Trio), Kraig Jordan (the Masons), Manolis Famellos, and Dean Fisher (Juliana Hatfield Three). And also, some of my favorite players: Carrie Bradley (the Breeders, Edʼs Redeeming Qualities), Sam Davol (Magnetic Fields), Jacob Valenzuela (Calexico), David Narcizo (Throwing Muses), the English UK, Anthony Saffrey (Cornershop), Chris Toppin and Hilken Mancini (Fuzzy)
I sat down to write the blurb for this first volume (cleverly titled Volume 1) with a familiar shy anxiety that bubbles up when I commit to talking about myself. But it became immediately clear that this will be fun, because in blogging for these volumes, I get to write about the fabulous co-writers and contributing artists of the Swan Song Series, and the songs we all made together. V.1 consists of five songs, with some general thematic connective tissue: windows, streets, stars, flashbacks, escape. (Clearly, I need to get out more...)
Mass Ave, co-written with Dean Fisher (Juliana Hatfield Three, Dylan in the Movies, Bathing Beauties), with whom I have created many songs and two children. Dean is my most constant (and convenient) musical partner and trusted ear. I love the linear chug of this song, the forward motion. The lyrics came easily for this one, inspired by a strange evening of small but important moments. True story. Rhythm provided by David Brophy (drums) and Joe McMahon (bass), killer jazz musicians both, with Dean leading on guitar and Anthony Saffrey (Cornershop) contributing a beautiful and winding sitar.
Christopher Street, co-written with Wesley Stace aka John Wesley Harding, author (Misfortune, By George, and Charles Jessold, Considered as a Murderer) and musician (The Sound of His Own Voice, Songs of Misfortune, Here Comes the Groom, and so many others). The third co-writer of this song is Rob Seidenberg, who I haven't yet met and wish to. Wes and I are accompanied by the awesome English UK, made up of David Nagler on guitar and keys, Eddie Carlson on bass, and Adam Gold on drums. This song is a backwards-looking letter written to a composite of three men -- part true, part fiction.
Let Fall the Sky, co-written by Joseph McMahon. Beautiful piano by Joe, this is a heart-warming apocalyptic love song, sung as the sky literally falls apart and down. This one makes me feel good.
Blame the Muse, another co-write with Wes, and backed by the English UK. Despite the classic pop of this one, I imagine this conversation taking place a hundred years ago -- flowers in the river, cowering dogs, night rages, blown-out candles. (Also, this lady seems more patiently long-suffering than she might be today.) Lyrics for this inspired in part by Wes's Misfortune (the book), not so much in tale but tone.
Meteor Shower, written with Rick Moody, author (Ice Storm, the Diviners, Four Fingers of Death, On Celestial Music, and many other great things) and musician (the Wingdale Community Singers). There are only a few in this series with contributed lyrics by another and music by me, and this is one. Backed by myself on multiple instruments, and much elevated by cello played by Sam Davol (Magnetic Fields) and Dean on djembe. Growing up and grown-up, I’ve spent many summer nights (alone and not) lying on chilly East Coast beaches waiting for the sky to do something. The simple act of looking up (put down your device now) is an instant recalibrator. When Rick sent me the lyrics that became Meteor Shower, I felt that same shift.
Artist Sue McNally's gorgeous Pebbly Beach, the partner painting of Volume 1, might be a place where we all landed at the end of the night, faces up.
Hope you like!
peace, T
ps. Volume 2 comes out in early September, and V3 in early October. V2 will have two bonus tracks attached, as will V3.
credits
released August 6, 2013
Mass Ave (Donelly/Fisher)
Tanya Donelly -- vocals
Dean Fisher -- guitars, keyboards, percussion, vocal
Anthony Saffery -- sitar
Joseph McMahon -- bass
David Brophy -- drums
recorded by Christopher Cugini at Appleman Studio, Stoneham MA
and Paul Q. Kolderie and Adam Taylor at Mad Oak Studio, Allston MA
Christopher Street (Donelly/Stace/Seidenberg)
Tanya Donelly -- words and vocals
Wesley Stace -- music and guitars
David Nagler -- guitar and keyboard
Eddie Carlson -- bass
Adam Gold -- drums
recorded by Phil Palazzolo at Seaside Lounge, Brooklyn NY
Let Fall the Sky (Donelly/McMahon)
Tanya Donelly -- vocals
Joseph McMahon -- piano
recorded by Paul Q. Kolderie and Adam Taylor, assisted by Alex Hartman, at Camp Street Studios, Cambridge MA
Blame the Muse (Donelly/Stace)
Tanya Donelly -- vocals
Wesley Stace -- guitars, vocals
David Nagler -- guitar and keyboard
Eddie Carlson -- bass
Adam Gold -- drums
recorded by Phil Palazzolo at Seaside Lounge, Brooklyn NY
Meteor Shower (Donelly/Moody)
Tanya Donelly -- guitars, loops, keyboard, percussion, vocals
Rick Moody -- vocals
Sam Davol -- cello
Dean Fisher -- djembe
recorded by Tanya at Studio 24
with Rick’s vox by Michael Hearst at Urban Geek Studio, Brooklyn NY
and additional overdubs by Paul Q. Kolderie and Adam Taylor at Camp Street Studios, Allston MA
all songs mixed by Paul Q. Kolderie at Mad Oak Studio
and mastered by Eric Masunaga at Modulus Studio, Boston MA
supported by 88 fans who also own “Swan Song Series (Vol. 1)”
like the best lyrically driven bands from the 90s, stripping Belly down to their elements only serves to make their impact that much more poignant. Like the sundays' Harriet Wheeler, Tanya's vocals have a way of cutting through the gloom, illuminating ever greater depths. For the fans, no doubt, as we enjoy a new taste with old friends... but also for someone looking to discover, as well. Name your price. Float away for 6 or 7 minutes. Awaken a touch better centered. setaside2
supported by 59 fans who also own “Swan Song Series (Vol. 1)”
My sis and I used to love our vinyl copy of the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang soundtrack and this takes me right back to our attempts to recreate the film in our dining room! alf0d
Tom Heyman documents life in San Francisco circa 2023, refusing to succumb to easy characterization & instead capturing the city’s nuance. Bandcamp New & Notable Oct 22, 2023
Tanya Donnelly, Wreckless Eric, Rosanne Cash, contribute cover versions of John Wesley Harding’s songs for this charitable compilation. Bandcamp New & Notable May 6, 2021
supported by 57 fans who also own “Swan Song Series (Vol. 1)”
been living with this record since release day, and it has really got to me: been a fan since the 1980s but his one feels different, more personal. Then I watched spellbound in Glasgow last night as Kristin and cello player Pete Harvey brought these songs alive in front of me. I think I forgot to breathe in some parts. Clear Pond Road is a stunning achievement. eannsinc