This song is a bit campy. The core of this thing is pure Isley Brothers' formula from the 70s -- they had these no nonsense, hard slamming funk songs that just went on forever (and you want them to). And there's also a healthy dose of 80s/90s slinky funk guilty pleasures like Grace Jones, Sade, & Seal.

is it finally living this feeling inside
I waited for hours with a slow burning fire
now is not the time to evade in the face of desire

but that's how it goes when you hold the control does it feel right
you're letting it go and I know that you know are you satisfied

the rules of the game are so easily changed
let's be honest about it lonely hearts will stray
I am still willing but your love is failing me every night

oh but that's how it goes when you're running the show  how you feel it
you're letting it go and I know that you know I can't steal it

out in the city new hearts align   
but tonight I am only alive for yours and mine

Control

this track was inspired by reading The Wager, a great true adventure story by David Grann. 

lyrics

meet me in the portrait 
down beneath the shade of tree
pack me in a suitcase
hollow out a chest built out for tea

I could be the border 
maybe you could set my scene
a painting like a raincheck 
trapped inside a submarine 

somebody is following
you better watch your back
once you lost your mind it's gone
and your incurring 
wager islands wrath 

so meet me in the rainbow 
down by the waterfront cascade
where beaux jack a dandies 
stole all the hearts from those who prayed

we could be important 
when our discoveries unveiled 
hook me up to morphine girl 
and I'll put up the bail

somebody is following 
you better watch your back
once you lost your mind it's gone
and your incurring wager islands wrath 

so meet me in the portrait 
we'll set sail at crescent moon
you can be the cannon
ball and I'll provide the boom

look out for me this summer 
when all the seas have frozen cold
you can be the treasure map
and I'll provide the gold


thanks for listening, greatly appreciated as always.


Wager Island (Acoustic)

(Written by Terry Reeves)
Terry Reeves: Vocal
Gary Reeves: Toms
Hans Albers: All other instruments, Arrangement & Production

Photo of Max from The Albers' Archive

What to say about Maximilian?
There are so many things to be told: a lifetime of 24 years, full of special moments, joys, fears, sorrows, worries, hopes, dreams, ups, downs, progress, regress, searching, finding, winning, losing, restlessness, peace...
His life had begun with an extremely difficult birth, almost as if the world didn’t want him. They told us he had a life-threatening infection, there were probably holes in his lungs and he obviously had no kidneys. In total, his chances of surviving were exceedingly slim. However, after endless weeks of both despair and hope, he overcame the infection, the diagnosis of holes in his lungs turned out to be totally wrong and they even discovered a kidney.  Just one maybe but at least it worked perfectly.  His journey into existence had begun.
As he grew, so did the never-ending nightmare of problems, challenges and battles, until we began to wonder what could possibly happen next.  Through it all, Max took every opportunity to accumulate extreme experiences - never hiding, always   seeking.  For that, we loved him even more…and even more it broke our hearts that we couldn’t help him find what he was looking for.
But suddenly, as the Summer of 2011 dawned, his troubles seemed to merely fade away.  Was he just arriving in life, coming of age, finding his place in society?  To be honest, we hadn’t the faintest idea.  But it was abundantly clear that, having always been an underdog, that same unwelcoming world had simply started to like and respect him.  He began to realise his many talents, enjoying his job as never before, finally becoming something he had never been - happy.
Fast forward to the gorgeous Summer evening of June 28th, the eve of a 4-week vacation to which he had been looking forward so very much.  A smile on his face, he said he was in the mood to go jogging, something he loved. Sometimes, he ran and ran for ages.  He’d been gone about 3 hours, quite a long time even for him, so Carina called his phone and he answered, cheerfully telling her not to worry and assuring her he’d be home very soon.  Seconds after the call, out of the blue, he collapsed.  A pulmonary embolism.  They told us he died instantly. 
Max, we have no words for what happened, nor for the eternal gratitude we feel for every single second of your life.  We do know we will never stop loving you.”
(Hans & Carina Albers)

Small chance of survival, words from the first day
Stretching all emotions not a single which way
Asking whys and reasons, a chance to breathe long
Heartbreaking moments, hopes remained strong

Such a short distance, but a life running miles
Bring every sensation, fear to a million smiles
Experience not forgotten, continuous hug of care      
Born with fighting spirit, giving back more to share

24 years of love, no single regret
24 years of love, never to forget

Every challenge building, inner muscles to be felt
Secret ways to be happy, never question hand dealt         
Complication of thinking to find a new sentence 
Pathways to friendships, dreams of acceptance

24 years of love, no single regret
24 years of love, never to forget

A vision full of truth with strength to admire
Finding a hidden talent, past helping to aspire 
No journey of distance could prevent direction
A phone call assurance became last connection

It’s hard to find words, express feelings remaining 
Deep down inside shell, empty, sad, self-complaining 
But we will never forget our boy hero from birth
Brought love and kindness, past and future unblurred

24 years of love, no single regret
24 years of love, will never forget
24 years of love…

MAXIMILIAN - CRIPPLE CLUB  (Please Read Description)

Land of love

Music : Janne Hennie & Little Man
Vocal & lyrics : Janne Hennie

On a saturday night I feel a little restless, a need for something
And after a few glasses of wine, I think:
Rest can wait until another time
Don't want to be alone
(So I call you)
Pick up the phone

Du du-dudu-dudu..
Hello?

Chorus:
Will you come and have some fun with me?
The night is young, the wine is strong
Will you come and say hello to my crazy side?
It's pretty wild!

Dudu-dudu-dudu..
Hello?

2
On a sunday night i feel anything but tired, can't sleep
And after twisting my mind, I think:
Sleep can wait until another time
Don't want to be alone
(So I call you)
Pick up the phone

Dudu-dudu-dudu..
Hello?

Chorus:
Will you come and have some fun with me?
The night is young, the wine is strong
Will you come and say hello to my crazy side?
Its pretty wild!

Dudu-dudu-dudu..
Hello?

Pick Up The Phone

This song is actually more of a poem. But I only realized that when I tried to set the text to music after I had written it. 
"I count on you" is a song written as a heartfelt thank-you to the quiet companions in our lives — those who stand by us when times get tough. 
Sometimes, these are the people who understand us without needing many words. Sometimes, they are the loyal, four-legged friends who remain by our side through the years. And sometimes, it’s a spiritual presence that carries us through our darkest moments.

This song is about that steady, silent presence — the comforting feeling of not being alone. It reminds us how much strength can be found simply in being there for one another. Some call it friendship, others call it love — some believe it is God. Ultimately, it’s about connection, trust, and the quiet certainty: I can count on you.

A heartfelt thank-you to Andreas and Colter, who deeply inspired me in the creation of this song.

It would mean a lot to me if this song finds a place in your heart and uplifts you when you listen.



I count on you

When everything inside goes quiet,
and I don't know what to do,
when every step feels heavy,
somehow – there’s you.
You never asked for answers,
you just stood there by my side.
In a time that felt so broken,
you were my piece of light.

I count on you 
when the fire’s burning low.
When I feel like fading,
you’re the one who still knows.
I count on you –
not 'cause you're loud or strong,
but 'cause you stay,
when everything feels wrong.

You held my silence gently,
carried every flaw I had.
You saw the parts I couldn’t show,
and never said it’s bad.
You never needed big ideas,
you just showed up as you are.
And in the middle of the night,
you were my northern star.

I count on you 
when hope has gone to hide.
When the world gets smaller,
you still stay by my side.
I count on you 
no questions, no disguise.
You’re the quiet truth
in a world of little lies.

And if the day should ever come
when you can’t hold it all alone –
I’ll be the one who holds you back,
like you have always done.

I count on you 
And you can lean on me
We carry what the other can´t
And set each other free
I count on you 
and hope you feel it too.
Through every broken piece,
I’ve found a friend in you.


Lyrics/Vocals/Music: Axel Menningen

I Count On You

Whatever’s haunting you
Whatever you’ve been through
That broke your heart in two

Whatever’s come before
The demons at your door
Will never change my love for you

Just the way you are
You are beautiful and scarred
You’ve gone up against the gods
And beaten the odds

Whatever’s on your mind
Together we’ll survive
As long as love’s alive

So let me hold your hand
Let me comfort you
Through all these trying times

So take me as i am
A lost and broken man
But as long as I’m with you
Together we’ll get through
Whatever comes our way 
We’ll take it day by day 
Whatever comes our way

Whenever skies are gray 
My love will shine each day
I’ll wipe your tears away 
Whatever comes our way


whatever

Special thanks to Ashesndreams for her acappella

Lyrics :
Baby no me pidas que me aparte
Yo ya te he buscado en todas partes
Solamente vengo a recordarte que estoy
Imaginandote
Una y otra vez
Que tu estas aqui conmigo
Acariciandome
No seas timido
Dejate querer
Que si dudas te prometo
Que vas a volver

No tengo miedo
Soy un kamikaze
Mi imaginacion se prende con lo que me haces
Diario yo te pienso
Te tengo en mis suenos
Eres el motor para escribir todos mis versos
No te voy a mentir te quiero todo pa mi

IMAGINANDOTE. 🎧.  feat  Ashesndreams

visitations.....for relations.....with a people.....from their past.

explorations.....confirmations.....of the beings.....from their past'

reconnection.....close inspection.....a resurrection......of their past.

they are here, to see our culture.   they are us, in the future.

they are here , to see our culture    they are us, in the future.

They are us in the future.


Texte Français et Google traduction

JOINDRE LES DEUX BOUTS

Fins de mois difficiles,
Les factures à régler.
Et les enfants fragiles
Qu’il faudra bien soigner.
Et ce loyer qui tombe
Trop lourd à chaque fois
Que faire dans un monde
Si on n'a pas un toit.

Puis il faut bien manger
Pas en faire des extras
Un plat ou une entrée
Sans sauter de repas.
C'est si facile à dire
Quand on y regarde bien
C'est sûr, il y a un pire
Beaucoup de nous ont faim.

A joindre les deux bouts
Quand on n'arrive pas,
Un sou est bien un sou,
Surtout quand on l’a pas.

On cherche et on ratisse
Dans ses tiroirs du fond
Ce jour qui rase gratis
Quand on n'a pas un rond.
On gratte toutes ses poches
Jusqu'à les déchirer
Tendre sa main c'est moche
Pour au mieux vivre.

En se privé de tout
Ce qu'on dit superflu
Il ne reste plus beaucoup
De moments détendus.
On se traîne, on vivote
Sans regarder au loin
L'intérieur se révolte
Espérant mieux demain.

A joindre les deux bouts...

Mais pourquoi travailler
On ne comprend pas bien
Que faire pour exister
Si ce n'est pour les siens.

A joindre les deux bouts
Quand on n'arrive pas,
Un sou est bien un sou,
Surtout quand on l’a pas.


MAKING ENDS MEET

Tough ends of the month,
Bills to pay.
And fragile children
Who will need to be cared for.
And that rent that comes in
Too heavy every time
What can you do in a world
If you don't have a roof over your head.

And you have to eat well
Not overdo it
A main course or a starter
Without skipping a meal.
It's so easy to say
When you look closely
It's sure, there's a worse situation
Many of us are hungry.

Making ends meet
When you can't make ends meet,
A penny is a penny,
Especially when you don't have it.

We search and we rake
In our back drawers
That day that shaves for free
When we don't have a penny.
We pick all our pockets
Until they tear
Reaching out is a shame
To live better.

By depriving ourselves of everything
What we say is superfluous
There aren't many
Relaxed moments left.
We drag ourselves along, we eke out a living
Without looking far ahead
Our inner self rebels
Hoping for better tomorrow.

To make ends meet...

But why work?
We don't really understand
What to do to exist
If not for our loved ones.

To make ends meet
When we can't make ends meet,
A penny is a penny,
Especially when we don't have it.

JOINDRE LES DEUX BOUTS

Thursday

There is so much talent and variety here, and most of the people are pretty cool too. I love being part of this community. Listening to your music and being heard in return is enough.

Still reading? OK I'm gonna muse a bit. It's hard to fully convey how much this forum has meant to me. There are people I've never met that feel very much like old friends -- and in a very real way they are.
If I follow someone I make every effort to listen to and support their efforts. It's certainly not a transactional relationship but I do tend to limit my follows to people who engage in mutual listening and engagement. If you listen and leave a comment I always try to listen to *your* music when responding! If you follow at random without any feedback I hope you get something out of that too... ; )

Control

Jeff Roberts