Monday Playlist week of 7/3/2023

Monday Playlist week of 10/30/2023

Durge

November tunes

ZenGazer

Monday Playlist week of 2/24/2025

Written and Produced by: Josh McAlexander

Nowhere To Run {Original}

This is an original love song that recalls such a vivid passion that he temps fate by dare asking if all these years later it could be reignited. Despite all odds, he ponders the seemingly impossible.

Lyrics:    Like We Could by Craig Durgy

I’m sure we can’t recall, the name of that motel
Where we parked our cars and hugged so hard we, 
Nearly fell
Like first time teenage fool-arounds we, 
Unlocked that door
And our summer duds went flying to the floor

And I loved you like no other, ‘cause I could
Never love another, the way we would
And I’d go back to that day with you, when it felt so good
Would you kiss me now, as if we really could
Can you understand, what we understood
And felt so good, like we could

The sun just melted all our cares, that distant day
But the bluegrass bands, like sonic fans just, 
Blew the sweat away
And I held you by your cut-off jeans like, 
Somewhere deep I knew
That loving you was too good to be true

And I loved you like no other, ‘cause I could
Never love another, the way we would
And I’d go back to that day with you, when it felt so good
Would you kiss me now, as if you really could
Can you understand, what we understood
And felt so good, like we could

Like We Could

“I was unsure about my next song to create and so my wife suggested writing something in the style of The Mamas & The Papas, which I thought was a fantastic idea. A further suggestion by my wife was added; to include the words “Give Love, Get Love”, which was written on my tea bag string (pictured). This was an even better idea and now a fun challenge. With that, this song was written. 

This is a song about giving yourself to life - that we are simply salt floating in the sea; stardust in the universe - to not resist and to embrace every moment. 

I really love the 60’s Woodstock camp fire feel to this song and I enjoyed trying to emulate the sounds/panning of the incredible “California Dreamin’”. I think the electro/synth-pop inspired vocal processing adds a nice modern twist. I hope you enjoy this one”

A song about the universe - “The Salt And The Sea”.

We are the salt and the sea
I drift with you and you carry me
So happy? 
In love? 
Everyone has a story 
Yes, we are the salt and the sea

You’ve got to give love to get love
You’ve got to lose yourself to win it all and be free
This bubble of ours is like living on Mars
We can see the twilight and stars from the sea

© Heart House Records 2023

Written, recorded, performed, produced and mixed by Heart House Records
Song structure editing by Queen Van WifeanMamma
Mastered by DOLBY

The Salt And The Sea

Hi Everyone! 😄

I'm thrilled to announce the release of my brand new reggaeton banger, "Devotion"! This song holds a very special place in my heart as it represents my unwavering dedication to creating music that embraces the vibrant spirit of Spanish culture.

I hope it transports you to a place where you can feel the vibrant rhythms and immerse yourself in the warmth and love that Spanish culture brings.

Thank you for listening and with heartfelt appreciation.

-Decan Usmic

Devotion

Undertow is an original song that tells a story by making an analogy between being taken away by a surprising, frightening ocean undertow and being wonderfully saved by a surprising, relentless love. This is another project that started with a simple live recording that Nat then fashioned into a more polished final outcome.

Copyright Daniels & Durgy 2023
Gentle Rain Records 
Available to Buy: danielsdurgy.bandcamp.com/
Written Performed & Produced by Nat Daniels & Craig Durgy
Vocals, Piano, Bass: Nat Daniels
Vocals & guitar: Craig Durgy

Cover art credits to Cristian Palmer
Banner art credits to Edgar Rodrigo

Lyrics: Undertow by Daniels & Durgy

I never saw it coming
The water seemed so calm
Into the surf I’m running
Let the waves just cool me down

But as the sea became me
Rocked gently to and fro
There came this rush to claim me
This playful undertow

I leaned well against it
My head turned toward the sun
But soon the current strengthened
And I was going down

No matter how I struggled
The mighty depths insisted
Soon I had no rebuttal 
My will ceased to resist it

And as I let it claim me
Pulled down deep into the foam
A calmness overcame me
With the feeling I was home

I looked to see my fate there
Perhaps I’d met my end
Instead I found your face there
An angel and my friend

And as we both just floated
To rise up to the air
I knew at once God wrote it
That you would save me there

I fought it like a soldier
As the waters turned
But as the sea grew colder
I’d no where else to turn

You sang the song of sea birds
That you would not let me go
And now your love needs no words
This mighty undertow

Undertow

Written by Bob Dylan
Performed by Josh McAlexander

Blowin' in the Wind

It’s difficult for people to escape doubt. No matter how good things may seem at any point in our lives, there are always moments of concern, of counter-thought and worry that lurk in the shadows of our imagination. Few things are without blemish and most of us can be unforgiving in the presence of imperfection. Thus, the shadows and the darkness that seeks to stifle the light.

Copyright Daniels & Durgy 2023
Gentle Rain Records 
Available to Buy: danielsdurgy.bandcamp.com/
Written Performed & Produced by Nat Daniels & Craig Durgy
Nat Daniels: vocals, piano, organ, bass & percussion
Craig Durgy: vocals and guitar

Lyrics:
Shadows of Doubt by Daniels & Durgy

Love can come, through the wind and rain
But too much sun, burns it all away
What I thought was fun,
What I thought would stay
Is up and gone like a Christmas Day

You appeared and your lips were true
Through the fear, I was lost in you
It was all so clear, but the moments flew
Then it slipped away with the slightest clue

But I still want you, but do I dream
Is my judgment, too extreme
Am I searching for an excuse
Could I ever, really cut you loose

As love grows, time reveals
Everything it knows, coming off its wheels
Dealing blows, does it blow the deal
Does it show what my heart should feel

Just a couple words, did I read ‘em wrong
Cause the way I heard, hit me pretty strong
The doubt occurred, like a half-wrote song
Throw it all away and just move along.  

But I still want you, but do I dream
Is my judgment, too extreme
Am I searching for an excuse
Could I ever really cut you loose
No, I just can’t let you loose.

Shadows Of Doubt

I wrote this one just before July 4th, 2016 as I was troubled by how patriotism seems to be fading these days. Frequently equated with nationalism, or expansionism and other more aggressive, negative concepts relative to the global community. Pride and values for our traditional ideals and foundations have been well battered. It's often an unpopular and uneasy position for a person to show true love for America. So this song attempts to declare it indeed very cool and very important to hold onto the basic and good principles that make America uniquely wonderful. Right on!

Remixed and produced with many thanks to Nat Daniels to help improve my rough original track.

All music written and performed by Craig Durgy
Produced by Nat Daniels of Gentle Rain Records
Copyright 2023

Lyrics
Right On by Craig Durgy

I passed somebody on the street today, he said how are ya and I said OK
I never saw the guy before or since but he’s my brother, we’re Americans
Right On, we are Americans, Right On

But lately we’ve been getting pulled apart, 
Testing our constitution and our heart
Some people make and others take too much 
And now we’re hunted down, we’ve had enough
Right On, it’s time that we get tough, Right On

Right On, sea to shining sea, Right On, trying to keep it free
Right On, brother you and me, let’s pull together
Right On, when we fought for days, on Iwo Jima till our flag was raised
Right On, when only God was praised, Right On

These days I guess our country ain’t so cool, all our customs are like fossil fuel
So many people that don’t give a damn,
For Old Glory and our Uncle Sam
Right On, for our Uncle Sam, Right On

Right On, freedom must be won, Right On, we can’t turn and run
Right On, till the fight is gone, we must stay together
Right On, say the words out loud I pledge allegiance and I pledge it proud
Right On, just like my grandpa vowed, Right On

Although the world wants everything we’ve got, 
They pile upon us till we start to rot
But we can’t forget that we’re still free 
Or those white crosses left in Normandy
Right On, way back in Normandy, Right On

Right On, for the farmer’s hand, Right On, for our firemen
Right On, if you understand God and country
Right On, for our men in blue and for Thanksgiving and Park Avenue
Right On, bleed red, white and true, Right On

Right On, may our flag yet wave, 
Right On, for all our veterans and soldiers brave
Right On, for every life we gave, Right On
Right On, say the words out loud I pledge allegiance and I pledge it proud
Right On, just like my grandpa vowed, Right On
Right On, love it then and now, Right On

Right On

Contemporaneous Eargasm created with my Ibanez Nylon Thin-Line Acoustic-Electric.

Sunny Beaches

Reflection ©

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

Composition and Sampling collage by Synline
Photo By Enoch111

By The Candlelight

A re mix of a studio track i didn't really like so I did a full re working of the track. Hope you like it. between me & you.... it was his issue not mine!!

Got An Issue

We welcome your feedback!

Composed, produced & performed by Srouly Frank

First step

A quiet moment of reflection. Surprise:)
Solo track over which Oddrun Eikli sang "That Wind". @oddrun-eikli
And though I say it over and again, my extreme gratitude goes to David Dunham for mastering my track. @david-dunhamuser589535203
https://youtu.be/IxKUPqXkcaA?si=aWnwgunfSyLDrRWz

Beautiful Night

NASA tells me: "Mercury retrograde is an optical illusion that occurs when the planet Mercury appears to move backwards in the night sky. In reality, the Earth briefly overtakes Mercury in its orbit, creating a visual effect."

Thanks NASA. That helps. 

But what about when two people think they're in one place but they're in another? And can sometimes a body, celestial or otherwise, look healthy but it's not? Let me know. Thx bro.

Influences: Roni Size meets Jeff Buckley

(Outta the) Not-So-Silent Planets

Mercury Transit

This song was recorded in 1967 and released in 1971 by Danny O'Keefe.  Artist such as Elvis and Willie Nelson have recorded it along with many others.  I recently heard this tune and remembered how much I liked it and had to give it a go.  Thank you all for the listen and support

Good Time Charley  ( Cover)

150 lunatics Tracks, Yeeeaaarrr!!!!!
Big Thanks for your Luxorious Jazz Voice
https://soundcloud.com/vocalatti
And Thanks too for your always great Sax
https://soundcloud.com/joerxworx

Lunatics 150 /Because it's you and me/ Vocalatti- Joerxworx & Ratzzz

4 I'll Never Know - Solo Sesh

Rise Higher

Taking another trip back in time to the 60's with my friend from across the pond Eddie Harrison. 

Back To The Sixties (Lyrics by Tony - Featuring Eddie Harrison) Original

This one takes a bit of get going , so if you want to fast forward to about 1.30 feel free , I would ! Hope you like it anyway . Next up is a great track with the one and only Gaz Brownie on the 1st of March , good grief , where is the year going ? Then on the 7th is the 1st of a series of songs I've written and got my friend Kim to sing on , amazing voice ! These songs will be mixed with a few releases by myself , and me and Charlotte have a stunning song nearly finished . Talking of Char , if you get chance have a listen to a song or 2 from our album Hopes and Dreams . Thank you for supporting me and my different projects , it means so much ! 
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_nWWNcrIRv08J_eEbL7MJ_1UTdMo0MjJLM
https://open.spotify.com/album/78ewrWZjS41XvHT9mFWd6O?si=yDMcRADSSrOdWlanz6UPMw

The Doubt

When my best friend moved back to West Virginia when I was still in elementary school, I knew I had to go visit the Mountain State that I had heard so much about. After several summer visits with my family I quickly found a sort of second home away from Connecticut where I've lived my entire life. The images of the town of Keyser, the people, the vast woodlands and easy going way of life really hit me and has never left. Since those early days I've returned with my own kids and they too got an idea of how I felt about "The Friendliest Town In The USA" as the sign plainly states as you drive into town on Route 220. This song is dedicated to Margaret and Richard Campbell, my friend's parents who are no longer with us, but have made a lasting impression of kindness, family values, tough love, backwoods wisdom and southern hospitality.

Update (2023): Many thanks to my esteemed music partner and friend, Nat Daniels, for re-mastering and producing the updated track for this song.

Lyrics:  
Keyser West Virginia by Craig Durgy

If you’re out some Sunday and you check your map
Headin’ south through Maryland and the Cumberland Gap
On Route 220 where the valley comes to view

You can smell that paper mill, miles away
As the road descends into the Mountain State
Past a parkin’ lot full of cars at the Chat n’ Chew

When you cross that bridge where the North Branch flows
And you see that sign that everyone knows
There ain’t no doubt it’s Keyser, and it’s true

That it’s the, friendliest town in the, friendliest town in the,
Friendliest town…in, Keyser West Virginia,
In the whole U.S.A. 

You can ride on down along New Creek Drive
Or take a golf cart ride at the Polish Pines
And on Green Mountain someone’s huntin’ for deer 

On Friday nights in the early fall
The Golden Tornado gonna move that ball
On Saturday they say how 'bout them 'eers!

Green tomatoes in a frying pan
String beans, bacon and chicken, man!
Or try some Stray Cat wings with a couple of beers. 

That it’s the, friendliest town in the, friendliest town in the,
Friendliest town…in, Keyser West Virginia,
In the whole U.S.A. 

Here in West Virginia, Lord you know I love this mountain state
Allegheny air gets in ya, 
And man those pines at Dolly Sods look great 

Some folks work at the ABL
West Vaco also pays pretty well
And Pot State College has lots to offer too

You can be a local or from out of town
Maybe up from Dallas or from Boston down
You'll get a wave from a lotta folks that ya never knew

And if you get the urge and the highway calls
Take a day trip down to Blackwater Falls
It’s West-By-God-Virginia, through and through!

That it’s the, friendliest town in the, friendliest town in the,
Friendliest town…in, Keyser West Virginia,
In the whole U.S.A.

Keyser West Virginia

Something about Autumn-the crisp cooling weather-skies seems clearer--shedding leaves just before the cold winter--the crops have all been harvested-- for me, it seems a little  slower and more  peaceful--natural process of nature and life--my mind feel more at ease--my body feels more relax--my favorite time of year

Fall (Favorite Time Of Year)

An easy going country tune that tells the story of a guy whose girlfriend breaks things off because she has doubts about being confined in their relationship. He walks away but never gives up hope that she would want him back, and well...I don't want to give away the ending.
Many thanks to Nat Daniels (Gentle Rain Records) for her considerable production work that greatly improved the final track from my original recording.
Banner art is a photo done by Elena Saharova (thank you!)

Copyright 2023 Gentle Rain Records
All music written and performed by Craig Durgy

Lyrics:The Last Time by Craig Durgy

Board the last train, for the last time
For this lasting, love of mine, Madeline 

Breaking up, moving out
Gentle touch, no need to shout
We can see, what it's about
You need to be, free of all doubt 

Waking up, laying still, found the channel changer, lost my will
Writing letters, to myself, trying to gather, my mental health

I walk door-ward…you look forward

Board the last train, for the last time, 
For this lasting, love of mine, Madeline 

Holding on, laying low
Winter gone, and I’m praying for snow
Crossed the train tracks, 1 A-M
Brings my thoughts back, to you again

Now and then I'd, make the trip, down your street I'd, quietly slip
Looking up, window light, who was in your, arms tonight?

Afraid of knocking…keep on walking. 

Board the last train, for the last time
For this lasting, love of mine, Madeline 

But sometimes when you, keep hope alive
Something happens, making it right
Ringing phone, your voice I hear
Saying please come home and,
Wipe away my tears

I'm headed door-ward…we're moving forward

Board the last train, for the last time
For this lasting, love of mine, Madeline 

Board the last train, for the last time
For this lasting, love of mine, Madeline (repeat)

The Last Time

All Country fans like Hank William's music…hope you enjoy this track.				
Original Country Lyrics by Tony Harris 2016				
Vocal and Music Production/Mix by Riff Beach (Hess)				
				
  NO TEARS IN HANK'S BEER				
				
HANK WAS A BIT COCKY				
UNEASY AT THE SAME TIME				
SOMETIMES A BIT SHAKY				
BUT IT WAS HIS YEAR TO SHINE				
				
EIGHTEEN MONTHS ON THE OPRY				
GAVE HIM DRAWING POWER				
HIS SONGS WERE PURE POETRY				
HE WAS THE MAN OF THE HOUR
				
CHORUS				
THE YEAR WAS FIFTY ONE				
HIS BIGGEST YEAR				
BIG CROWDS STOOD IN LINE				
NO TEARS IN HANK'S BEER				
YEA, NO TEARS IN HANK'S BEER				
				
POP STARS WERE COVERING HIS HITS				
HE PLAYED SOME TV SHOWS				
HE SIGNED A MOVIE CONTRACT				
BROKE IT BY BEING A NO SHOW				
				
THE MILES HE TRAVELED 				
INCREASED HIS BACK PAIN				
BUT HE MADE THE BIG TIME				
CAUSE COUNTRY MUSIC WAS IN HIS VEINS				
				
(REPEAT CHORUS)				
				
WHY DID HE HAVE TO DIE SO YOUNG				
IN THE BACK OF THAT OLD CADLLAIC				
				
				
© 2016 Lyrcis by Tony Harris

No Tears in Hank's Beer - (Lyrics by Tony - Featuring Riff Beach)- Original

Written by Jesse Winchester
Arranged and performed by Josh McAlexander

Blow on, Chilly Wind... New Mix

Lyrics by Tony Harris 
Music, Vocals and Production by The Glen Granthem Band

The lyrics listed below inspired Glen to produce this track after he made a few changes to make it flow. I thank him for his hard work on this one.                     

A FRIEND WAS IN NEED
ON THAT FRIDAY NIGHT
SO HE KINDLY AGREEDED
TO HELP IN HIS PLIGHT

THEY TOOK A LONG DRIVE
ON INTERSTATE FIFTY-FIVE
TO A DESTINATION
THAT WOULD BE A LIFE LESSON

ARRIVIN' IN RECORD TIME
HE HELPED WITH HIS BAGGAGE
GLAD TO HELP ANYTIME
TO HIM IT WAS A PRIVILEGE

IN THE BLINK OF AN EYE
HE WAS LAYIN' ON THE GROUND
LOOKIN' UP AT THE SKY
A DRUNK DRIVER HAD HIT HIM

THE ROAD TO RECOVERY
WAS VERY LONG
BUT HIS WILL WAS STRONG
THE MUSIC WOULD SET HIM FREE

MUSIC WAS HIS SAVING GRACE
TAKING HIM BACK IN TIME
TO A BEAUTIFUL PLACE
WHERE EVERYTHING RHYMNED
IN FOUR FOUR TIME
YEA, WHERE IT RHYMNED
IN FOUR FOUR TIME

HE THANKED GOD ABOVE
FOR HIS WONDERFUL LOVE
ON THAT FRIDAY NIGHT

Lyrics by Tony Harris © 2018 (BMI)

Music Was His Saving Grace - Lyrics by Tony Harris - Featuring Glen Granthem - Original

Written and performed by my one man band.  24 tracks . Brass and Blues and a bit of whiskey.

Whiskey Doctor Blues  ( original )

Remembering old friends and places with such great images.  This song
was written by Lyle Lovett and Robert Earl Keen Jr,. while they attended
Texas A&M in the late 70's. It was released by Lyle in 1986.  What an American singer and songwriter.  A gem of a song

This Old Porch   (  cover - Lyle Lovett)

Love John Prine's music! This is a quick raw cover of one of his songs.
Check out John's music on YouTube.

Knocking On Your Screen Door (Very raw John Prine cover by Tony)

Two song writers, two kindred spirits... that found each other by pure happenstance and great fortune, to collaborate and create music together.
To see our separate artist pages, please click on the following links:
Nat Daniels   https://soundcloud.com/natdaniels
Craig Durgy  https://soundcloud.com/durge