New single from Mark Urso. Available on Spotify December 17!

Fly To The Sun

I just want a girl ain't gonna ruin my life
She could look good too that'd be alright
I just don't know what I would do
If I got involved with a girl like you

I'm not sayin' you're bad for me
Might be somebody else that's better though, see?
I'm ridin' on the edge of reality dear
And I'm afraid of the future, not what's right here

What's out there in space things that haven't happened yet
Things that go wrong, and can make you upset
I'm concerned for me and the girl that I choose
Not about what we'll have but about what we'll lose

Will she turn into a crazy monster bitch?
Will she cast evil spells on me like a witch?
Will her eyes turn black as coal in a ditch?
Will she treat those she loves like a really bad itch?

You can't see these things no matter how hard you look
So baby open up to me like a book
And show me the future, that's what I want
Show me it ends on a farm in Vermont

Show me the bird flies home to the sun
That the colors don't all eerily run
Show me your hands and your eyes and your face
And promise me it doesn't all end in disgrace

Do l still love you; do you love me?
Can we just compromise and not need to agree?
Am I still good enough or did you leave long ago
I want to read the end of the book really slow

I don't think there's a way to get it just right
And deep inside I think still got a fight
My future isn't determined by spite
And I'll fly to the sun with all my might!

- Mark Urso

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Fly To The Sun

Dec. 14, 2023 All Original

Love From A Distance 
Mark Urso 

You know I love you - that’s all I’m gonna say!  
After all it could never happen … anyway … 

You’re not afraid - you don’t back away
You look so beautiful - watchin’ me play!
And I think you’re lookin’ - through your hair
And I think I’ve never seen such an intentional stare!

You ’n me are gonna have to love from a distance 
It’s ok with me if it’s just a few inches!

It’s a full moon tonight; wanna go out get tight
Just being near you I’m havin’ the time of my life! 
Do that thing with your eyes and your lips and your hair
Oh No! Oh-oh! … gettin’ caught in a stare! 
You got me by the neck holdin’ me down on the floor
And all you got to do is walk in the door!

You ’n me are gonna have to love from a distance 
It’s ok with me if it’s just a few inches!

I want to be a perfect gentleman 
All I wanna do … is hold your hand 
I can’t get in your head but I wish I could know 
Are you thinking nice things … I sure hope so! 
I don’t even wanna … find out all the way! 
I just wanna have an angel always in play! 

You ’n me are gonna have to love from a distance 
It’s ok with me if it’s just a few inches!

There’s a rainbow in my sky and it ain’t rainin’ do’no why!
Got my ruler I can see … we can move an inch or three!
Can I just whisper something in your ear
Come closer, sugar, so you can hear
You know I love you - that’s all I’m gonna say! 
After all it could never happen … anyway … 

***

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Love From A Distance

Published Feb. 26, 2024 
Mark Urso, vocal, guitar, drum design
With Brandon Raimondo​ on electric guitar! 

Electric Iguana

Only if you wanna 
Still in my pajamas

Electric iguana
Wanna fly, fly, fly away!
You got a better place to be!
Oh! It's better by the sea!

I wanna be a dragon 
Do it, baby, yea!
Do anything I wanna
Then I could fly away!

Changin' all my colors 
So I can just be me!
Down by the sea
Electric tangerine!

Electric iguana
So ya wanna? Say you do!
Jump up in the air!
Your girlfriend's gonna be there! 

Snakes alive, you got moves!
This is how we do it!
And you can't resist a dare!
Hey! Do it again!

My little friend, come on! (Say cheese!)
Let me show you where it's at! (Stat!)
 
Those pants are fine just bust a move
Do it baby, yea! wanna see what you got there!
The world's in need of somethin' cool
Fire in the cage but there ain't no fight!

You can try and knock me out
You know, weebles wobble but they don't fall down
But that'll just make me scream and shout! 
Makin' my iguana sounds!

Change up fast, 'cause
We're gonna have a blast
What we'll do, I promise you
Will never be surpassed

Breath more fire!
My electric iguana!
Gonna wake some people up! 
All around the world!

Doin' anything we wanna
Do it dance hall style!
Just fake it if ya gotta
You'll see what I mean!

You're an electric iguana
Fly, fly away!
With a better place to be!
Will you come with me?

So you wanna be a dragon!
I can't wait to see!
Change your colors and be free! 
Red, blue! Maybe green!

Electric iguana
Fly, fly away!
You got a better place to be!
Oh! It's better by the sea!

You're an electric iguana
Magic carpet style!
And you can carry me!
We'll go for a ride!

Still in my pajamas but 
We can do it if ya wanna 
Light the place on fire 
Do some dancin' by the water! 

Electric iguana
Time to fly away!
We got a better place to be!
Way down by the sea

Electric iguana
Fake it 'till you make it!
You can carry me!
With your electricity!

With your electricity!

- Mark Urso

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The Singles

Electric Iguana (feat. Moonbo)

A cover of a 1970's song from Dino Valenti and Quicksilver Messenger Service, performed by Mark Urso at River Song Music in RI. Release date Thurs., March 14, 2024. 
Mark Urso, vocals, G&L tele Bluesboy guitar through an EVH emulation on a Kemper amp head. The pad is a Polymax Synth plugin from Universal Audio called "Tremelo Pad." Mastered through a DBX EQ and ART Pro VLA II leveling amplifier. Shure SM7B microphone w Echoboy FX on vox.

Please follow Mark Urso on Spotify! 
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Don't Cry My Lady Love

Love Jackpot 		

She said I lost my earring and I think it's over there								
She said she really likes the smell of whiskey in the air				
She said it's shiny and it's pretty and it isn't very far!							
Can you believe we found the thing in the back seat of the car? 	

She speculated that it just fell off her ear!											
It looks like this! Then she leaned in to make it very clear						
Keep lookin' 'cause I'm keepin' track and now you're gettin' hot				
Be my hero!  Get ten points!  Win the love jackpot!						   		

It was just another normal day 														
When the Jack on the rocks hit the spot!											
She's really pretty and she wants to play											
So put a nickel in the box, hit the love jackpot!									 

Reality it stopped! 																		
When I hit the love jackpot!															
You don't need a yacht
Just put your nickel in the slot!

Ridin' down the back roads and she's leanin' on my shoulder					
I don't remember all the nice things I must have told her						
Every thing she said I'd just say yes and shake my head!						
She said I should let her wear her boots in the bed!								

It was just another normal day 														
When the Jack on the rocks hit the spot!											
She's really pretty and she wants to play											
So put a nickel in the box, hit the love jackpot!								 

Reality it stopped! 																		
When I hit the love jackpot!															
You don't need a yacht
Just put your nickel in the slot!

(instrumental)

Now the sun is settin' on the prairie in my dreams								
I got a nickel while I'm sleeping in the pocket of my jeans						
And I'll wake up tomorrow, do it all again											
With a casket full of hope I'll be the richest of all men							

It was just another normal day 														
When the Jack on the rocks hit the spot!											
She's really pretty and she wants to play											
So put a nickel in the box, hit the love jackpot!									
So put a nickel in the box, hit the love jackpot!									

Reality it stopped! 																		
When I hit the love jackpot!															
You don't need a yacht
Just put your nickel in the slot!

Reality it stopped! 
When I hit the love jackpot!
A silver spoon and a golden shot
I'm on the road to Camelot! 

Reality it stopped! 
When I hit the love jackpot!
Gonna store you away!
Just wanna have you around a lot!

Reality it stopped! 
When I hit the love jackpot!
Watch me keep my cool
Let me take a shot!

Reality it stopped! 
When I hit the love jackpot!
You don't need a yacht
Just put your nickel in the slot!

- Mark Urso

###


Beatbuddy drums, Rickenbacker 360 electric guitar through "MB-Dumb ODS FB3" profile on a Kemper profiler, Gibson SJ200 acoustic guitar, egg shaker, cowbell, Yamaha electric bass guitar, RBI SansAmp bass preamp, Shure SM7B and Neumann TLM 107 microphones through an ART PRO MPA II mic preamp ...

Please follow Mark Urso on Spotify! 
https://open.spotify.com/artist/7yPNCkIDd9fwg9dRyhWQZR?si=HNFnWeSGT86tMYawo0py1A

xx

Love Jackpot

New track from Mark Urso!
This one's called "Look 'Em in the Eye" and it is due for release in early June, 2024 ...

Mark Urso, Vocal and Instruments
Gibson SJ200 acoustic guitar
Mahogany African Djembe
Beatbuddy drums @ 140bpm
Yamaha 4-String electric bass
Sansamp bass guitar preamp
Neumann TLM-107 condenser microphone
ART Pro MPA II tube mic preamp
Reaper DAW, Soundtoys, UAD plugins
ART Pro VLA II leveling amp

Look 'Em in the Eye

They're gonna be knockin' on your door		
To welcome you to the neighborhood			
Remember to look 'em in the eye and smile
These boys ain't up to no good		

I found myself in a little crisis
I gotta figure out how to live my life
Distractions coming at me left and right
Forgot how to smile got the midlife strife

You know I got nothin to lose!
Just a shack and some cash and booze
But I've been watchin' on the news, my friend
And we ain't got no more money to spend! 

And I know the way to win		
How to vilify genuine sin
(Can you) forget about where you've been
Can we just start all over again?

Gotta do it for me!				
Gonna set me free!
I was blind but now I can see!  
Time to take the fight to the street! 			
	
They're gonna be knockin' on your door		
Callin' your neighbors and callin' your dogs	
Make sure you look 'em in the eye and smile
A friendly conversation down the barrel of your rifle

You get what you earned and now				
The new version is just for the rich
So if you don't wanna get eaten alive
You gotta be ready to duck the pitch

It's not a matter of whether or not	
Grab your canteen and a knife
And remember to look 'em in the eye and smile
Right before they take your life

You know I got nothin to lose!				
Got a shack and some cash and some booze
But I've been watchin' on the news, my friend
And we ain't got no more money to spend! 

They're gonna be knockin' on your door		
Put the cold steel on your cheek
(Remember to) look 'em in the eye and smile
Before they blow you ... into next week

###

Please follow Mark Urso on Spotify!
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Look 'Em in the Eye

Look 'Em In The Eye

A cover of a Patty Griffin song by Mark Urso
Mark Urso, vocal, guitar (Rickenbacker 360), bass

Let Him Fly

Great collaboration with Mark Urso (guitar) and Moonbo (keys)

The Fizz (feat. Moonbo)

Technical stuff:
2 vocal lines / KMS 105 and TLM 107
Vocal plugins: Echoboy, UAD LA-2, TC8 210
Guitar is a Rickenbacker 360 through a Kemper
Two guitar lines / EVH amp (rhythm) and Dumble (solos)
UAD Polymax synth plugin 
Yamaha bass through a Sansamp 
BeatBuddy drums arrangement
Mastering plugins: TC Master X HD, UAD LA-2A Silver
Reaper DAW | Completely in-the-box
I am the only performer

###

Like A Top

She still spins around!	 
Like she's gonna be comin' off the ground
Like a top in a world of sound
Can't stop can't flop can't drop be bop	

She goes 'round like a wheel
Spinnin' like the world is on her heel
She'll beg borrow or steal
But she's comin' home nonstop be bop

She's spinnin' in the air
I'm stayin' right here I'm not goin' nowhere
I think she's never ever gonna stop 
I wanna hear her bump the air be bop	

Don't you please ever ever STOP be bop 
... I got holes in my socks
But I ain't runnin' away
I'll just spin around ... like a top!

(instrumental)

I haven't used my brain in days!
I get used to ... just feelin' my way!
I wanna motor 'round the world ...
I'll meet you at the boat at the dock!

Gonna find myself a way
It ain't that hard I got a feelin' anyway
So if you wanna go find a decent spot to play
We can take the subway to the city and go swimmin' with the sharks

Don't you please ever ever STOP be bop 
... I got holes in my socks
But I ain't runnin' away
I'll just spin around ... like a top!

- Mark Urso
 
###


Like A Top

This is my latest release, Hold Me Please 

This is a collaboration
Mark Urso, writer, vocal, guitar
Moonbo, bass guitar, magic 

This is a Fender Bass VI vs. a Rickenbacker 360 going through a Kemper on an acoustic guitar profile with some Echoboy FX (also Echoboy on vocal, which is a single track w a Neumann 107 microphone). Drums by BeatBuddy, designed by MTU

Lyrics:

Hold Me Please

Hold me please, just a little longer!
Then just keep doing that forever

I want to sculpt your bust in alabaster
I can't tolerate this going any faster
It's like ten minutes is the world, but you'll disappear in a whirl!
Hold me please, just a little longer! 

An alleycat falls in slow motion
Lands on all four like it's nothing
Her old mother would rather nap than keep pace
She remembers when everything wasn't such a race

The ocean rolls over centuries, and
An old turtle crawls over the ground
Ain't no cat; she's aware of that
Her world rolls with a slow droaning sound

I want to sculpt your bust in alabaster
I can't tolerate this going any faster
It's like ten minutes is the world, but you'll disappear in a whirl!
Hold me please, just a little longer! 

		(instrumental)

Were Jack and Jill just in too much a hurry?
Does being old feel strangely soft and furry?
I dream of hopping on a plane, visiting Italy and Spain
I'd like to see the Pope if he isn't busy

I'd hurry but I just don't have the power
I can't tolerate this going any slower
Keepin' count gets harder when you're older
And every challenge feels like a game of poker

It won't go any faster! Slowly time slows down forever
Back when ten minutes was the world; Don't know how I kept my cool
Hold me like it makes your soul stronger!

Fare thee well in half a twirl, but stamped forever on my world
Forever takes a little time! When the rhythm's slow you can feel the rhyme
Hold me please, just a little longer!

- Mark Urso


Hold Me Please (feat. Moonbo)

I'm Invisible

Written and performed by Mark Urso

This is a properly bitter rock song written many years ago. It's great to finally record some of these older tunes; I will be first to admit sometimes it's challenging to get what I have in my head out there.

Three vocal lines, Rickenbacker 360 through a Kemper EVH emulation, Beat Buddy does drums, UAD PolyMAX pad

https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/markurso/im-invisible-2


I didn’t mean to misunderstand you my dear
I thought the best thing for me to do would be to disappear
Hold my breath and close my eyes and vanish in the air
So I closed my door and locked it just to make things clear

Mentally I’m just a little curious of you
Physically, I would – not know what to do
Probably I’d get in trouble and maybe you would too
But I learned from the cat – how to split in a flash!

It’s not a question of who!
I’m a nobody who don’t know what to do!
I’m not exactly sure and I don’t wanna be a fool
But I think I can be invisible when I’m looking right at you!

You’ll never know me! You’ll never know me!
Just another thing that isn’t in your view
There isn’t anything, that you can say or do
You’ll never know me and I’m gonna fly away!

You’ll never know me! You’ll never know me!
You’ll never know me! Look at me, show me! 
You’ll never know me ‘cause I’m invisible! 
You’ll never know me and I’m gonna fly away!

(Bridge:)

It’s a blast knowing all the things I know!
You wanna get to know my head, babe!
It’s a blast watchin’ you puttin’ on a show!
You wanna get to know my head! Oh!

I didn’t mean to mis-understand you my dear
But I often feel like I’m invisible
I didn’t mean to completely disappear
A disappearing popsicle would even make me quizzical

You’ll never know me! You’ll never know me!
You’ll never know me! Look at me, show me!
You’ll never know me ‘cause I’m invisible!
You’ll never know me and I’m gonna fly away!

You’re gonna lose me; gonna gonna lose me!
Poker face and all I think I’m already half gone!
It’s been a pleasure but my years on earth are limited
I’ll share my heartbeat but it might be in a song!

You’ll never know me! You’ll never know me!
You’ll never know me! You think you’re gonna snow me!
You’ll never know when I come creepin’ up on you!
You’ll never know, ‘cause I’m invisible!

		– instrumental –

It’s not a question of who!
You’ll never know me! Look at me, show me!
You’ll never know when I come creepin’ up on you!
You’ll never know, ‘cause I’m invisible!

You’ll never know me; you’ll never show me
You’ve got an owl in your bedroom window now
… when … I come cree-pin’ up on you!
You’ll never know me and I’m gonna fly away!

You’ll never know me and I’m gonna fly away!
You’ll never know me and I’m gonna fly away!

– Mark Urso

###

https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/markurso/im-invisible-2

I'm Invisible

Bottles in the Air

KMS 105 and TLM 107
Some Echoboy and TC8210
Rick 360, Dumble emulation
Squier Bass VI, Acoustic amp
UAD PolyMAX Salt synth
BeatBuddy drums

Written, arranged, produced by Mark Urso
All instruments and vocal by Mark Urso

Bottles In The Air

Bottles floatin’ in the air
Somehow I really just don’t care
I can’t change the world I’m in
Gotta have a thicker skin   ....

Thanks everybody for your concern
But maybe it’s you who’s got to learn
Never said I was afraid
I already danced and I already paid

I didn’t make no formal deal
But the monster pushed me it was real 
And I pushed back ‘till I almost died
A fight I knew I wouldn’t survive  ....

Bottles floatin’ in the air
Somehow I really just don’t care
I paid the doorman for my last stout
While I was on my way out ....

I understand you loud and clear
The world is full of bottles dear
Every day they stay on-the-shelf
You should be very proud of yourself!

But look at me with attitude		
Point your little stick 	
And maybe you can’t see yourself 	
And it’s you who ends up licked!	

I’m not here to give advice			
I don’t want to know				
The world is full of heartfelt concern		
But don’t start a fire if you don’t wanna burn   ....

Bottles floatin’ in the air
They’re literally everywhere
Twenty years later and I don’t care
They might as well have disappeared!

- Mark Urso

###

https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/markurso/bottles-in-the-air

Bottles In The Air

A beautiful performance on a brisk October evening by Natalia Rosso, backed by Marcy Kelly and Sugar Band. Clark Farms, Matunuck, RI
Video by Mark Urso and River Song Music
https://youtu.be/iQX2HH8B3bs

Valerie, Sugar Band

Valerie, Natalia Rosso - Oct 19, 2018

Cool stuff recorded in 2005 with Brandon Raimondo and Mark Urso. Mark's Pitbull, Ziggy, plays the tambourine. I don't remember exactly what he was doing, but when you hear the tambourine, it's not a human! :) There's lots of collar-shaking too; he's a multi-instrumentalist.

Please follow Mark Urso on Spotify! 
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Bend And Break

River Song Greatest Hits

Brandon's Song (feat. Ziggy the Pitbull)

VIDEO OF THIS - https://youtu.be/XqVaeuVqN0Y

We should be dancin'!
But no, no dancin' tonight for us poor sods.
But that doesn't stop the virtual entertainment!
Put on your shopping masks! I'll take care of it!
Wanna go to the store?

C'mon To The Store

It’s like vanilla and cream
It’s like a cinnamon dream

(chorus)

C’mon to the store with me!
We’re gonna buy everything we see
We’ll get to know each other
By way of groceries!

Butter rum candy in aisle ten
Hershey’s syrup just say when
Ginger ale and Haagen Dazs
Hey! Ya gotta understand me, boss

Steak and cheese and tater chips
Kinda sounds like a good mix
Don’t really need the whole foods buffet
But I’ll kick down a super sized lemonade

Butter my toast and don’t you burn it!
I had a hidden Hershey’s syrup!
Maybe that’s where I get my kicks!
Get my fix! Hey! Get some Chex Mix!

(chorus)

I just wanna let you know where I get my abs
From scoopin’ fresh ‘Dazs in my underpants
And how come I ain’t got no butt
When I smother my ice cream in coconut!

C’mon to the store with me!
We’re gonna buy everything we see!

I’m not proud of everything I eat
But, hey! I wanted you to meet!
My grocery personality!
You be the judge, he ain’t so nasty!

(instrumental)

Pastel spices ’n strawberry freeze
Poppy fields and bumble bees!
Baby be my rock and roll Twinkie
You know I wanna Winn your dixie!

(chorus out!)

- Mark Urso

also on YouTube at https://youtu.be/XqVaeuVqN0Y

Please follow Mark Urso on Spotify! 
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