Song of the Month, June 2022
Stories and trivia about our songs
"Ain't Nothin' But a Fox", 2011
Track number 17 from our 2011 album, Colonel Purple Turtle, this recording is a rare opportunity to hear a guest vocalist sing with us. The opportunity to broaden the vocal sound presented itself this time during writing, with the octave’d singing parts in a friendly key for both female and male singers. We invited Alexandra Blasgen, friend of the band, to add her talents. Alexandra, though not a professional singer, has great experience with choral performance and we knew she could sing. However, it was her first “pro” recording session (quotes used because it was in a little converted bedroom in a small house) and there was some nervousness in advance. There was no need to worry; she adapted to the recording process with great speed, and knocked it out of the park in approximately two takes. Actually, she was complaining of having a cold that day, but it was barely evident throughout the evening and perhaps she would even say that she had fun. We know for a fact that she is quite proud of the result, and of course we were thrilled with it!
The lyrics of ‘Fox’ form part of the story that loosely threads across the album. In our make-believe land called Soggy Bog, the animals are in a hurry to ready themselves for a strong storm heading their way. The foxes, though normally keeping to themselves, are moved by the feeling of a community in need and decide to allow other animals to take shelter with them in their burrow.
We had the great fortune to work with several outstanding D.C. area musicians during the recording of the album. Jamieson Tobey is a drummer you don’t forget. We said, “Rollin’,” and he poured a 100-ton groove foundation for ‘Fox’ like it was nothin’. Thanks again, J!!
This song might contain Williebob’s best overall recorded performances to date, on both the bass guitar and lead guitar. For certain, the song was designed to give him a good try.
TRIVIA CHALLENGE:
Somewhere in this recording, there is a sly reference - it goes by quickly - to a classic hit song from 1971. Grown ups might catch it... tell us if you found it! We would love to give you a shout out in our next Song of the Month!
LISTEN to "Ain't Nothin' But a Fox" on Soundcloud:
Rocknoceros · Ain't Nothin' But A Fox
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