A live take with full band from our CD release at Arts Project on Nov. 7. 

Past Other Lives Live Nov72015

I've been a massive fan of David Bowie since my teenage years when I discovered Changesonebowie. In my twenties I played in a band that covered Blue Jean for a fundraiser. I always loved the song, and not in an ironic way, and we rocked the hell out of it on many an occasion. Tonight isn't a great album, but this was--and is--a great song. Featuring the wonderful Jennifer Hale channeling her inner Margo TImmins, I recorded this song live in my home studio, running through a few takes and adding her vocals in later. Stripped of its pomp and circumstance and 1980s excess, this is a pretty tremendous pop song. I'll miss finding out how Bowie would surprise me next, but I'll always have the music. 

Blue Jean

One of a handful of tracks completed last summer as part of a planned EP that has yet to come to fruition. This will be part of the "Bought and Sold" album that will be completed in the spring. 
Sometime in the summer of 2015 I began thinking about the notion of betrayal. It was highlighted when a person I once though was a friend worked me over earlier this year, leading me to formalize the lyrics. I wondered why people betray others, and while thinking about it pragmatically, I created a tale of trust, duplicity and assumed violence. The song culminates in the final verse, where the narrator recognizes the that his pupil will take the lead. Maybe it is just the cycle of life. Cynically I wonder if subconsciously I was thinking of those one-time friends who put their own needs ahead of a longtime relationship. It might be lovers, it could be acquaintances. It matters little.

When the ending comes too song, will you steal from me?
Shattered friendship on the ground, will you steal from me?

The basics of the song were recorded live at Quiet Earth with me playing guitar at the same time Brent played his grand piano. Little editing was done on these parts as they were played live without a click track. Old school, that. The key hook is provided by Jennifer Hale, my beautiful and talented wife, who sang the harmony on what amounts to a near duet.

Christine Newland played cello
Josh Wood crafted an unforgettable french horn motif
Brent sang and played piano
I played guitar, sang lead and harmonies.

Judas Had His Reasons

The third track on Black Heart Machine's second album, Bought and Sold, The Staircase reflects the current uncertainty we all face. Voiced by Brent Jones, it questions how we remove "the villains from their thrones." Of course, it is also powered by a funky groove, so you can dance your disenchantment away (powered by Fil Beorchia).

Music by Robert Thompson and Brent Jones
Lyrics by Brent Jones and Robert Thompson

Vocals: Brent Jones
Guitars: Robert Thompson, Roberto Lorusso
Bass: Robert Thompson
Keyboards: Brent Jones and Robert Thompson
Drums: Fil Beorchia

Produced by Black Heart Machine and Simon Larochette and Sugar Shack
Engineered by Simon Larochette

THE STAIRCASE

The opening track on the album, "On Its Head."

Robert Thompson: Lead vocals, guitars, bass, synths
Brent Jones: Backing vocals, piano
Kelly Wallraff: Violin 

Produced by Robert Thompson, Brent Jones, and Simon Larochette

WHEN MORNING COMES

Track two from "On Its Head"

Robert Thompson: Vocals, guitar, bass
Brent Jones: Vocals, piano
Christine Newland: Cello

Produced by Robert Thompson, Brent Jones and Simon Larochette

BOUGHT AND SOLD

The fourth track on "On Its Head."

Robert Thompson: Vocals, guitars, bass
Brent Jones: Piano, vocals
Jennifer Hale: Vocals
Christine Newland: Cello
Josh Wood: French horn

Produced by Robert Thompson, Brent Jones, Simon Larochette
Recorded at Quiet Earth Studios

The fifth track on "On Its Head."

Robert Thompson: Guitar, keyboards, bass, vocals
Brent Jones: Piano, vocals

Produced by Robert Thompson, Brent Jones, and Simon Larochette
Recorded at Quiet Earth Studios

Halftime Show

The sixth song off "On Its Head."

Brent Jones: Vocals, Wurlitzer
Robert Thompson: Guitars, keyboards
Fil Beorchia: Drums
Simon Larochette: Bass, Pedal Steel

Produced by Brent Jones, Robert Thompson, and Simon Larochette

Fantasy Town

The final two songs off "On Its Head."

The two tracks are meant to merge into one.

On Its Head/Burn it Down

Robert Thompson: Vocals, guitar, bass, keyboards
Brent Jones: Vocals, piano, wurlitzer, rhodes
Simon Larochette: Bass on "Burn it Down"

Produced by Robert Thompson, Brent Jones and Simon Larochette 
Recorded at Sugar Shack

On Its Head/Burn it Down (coda)

The 7th song off "On Its Head."

Robert Thompson: Vocals, guitar, keyboards, bass
Brent Jones: Piano, vocals

Produced by Robert Thompson, Brent Jones and Simon Larochette
Recorded at Quiet Earth Studios
Mixed at The Sugar Shack

Decades

Quiet and cool like snow in January. Sharp like the point of a knife. Black Heart Machine is a project by two musicians who wanted to explore possibilities. 

Black Heart Machine

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