Most of these songs have been released over the past 10 years on singles, cassettes and various artist collections. There are two songs on this collection that were recorded and played live many times but never previously released.

Here are the liner notes for the CD

Damn You All To Hell
(previously unreleased)
We use to play this in the band and had actually recorded a nice version of it. Unfortunately that version was ruined with a nice power spike and will never be heard again. This version is all electronic and has a nice pulsating flow to it.

The lyrics are mix of two themes (as most of the songs are). The first coming from the first time I was able to see the Planet of the Apes. I was 9 years old and my parents let me have a slumber party. I think it was the only slumber party I was ever involved in that didn't resort in some form of neighborhood vandalism. The second theme is that of general paranoia.

Coin Operated
-Originally released on a split His Name Is Alive/Mountain Singers cassette.
This is recorded with the Peter(Bass) and Kevin(Drums). They have a band called Florida. You should hunt down their CDs and go see them. I especially like the keyboard part on this one. This was recorded on a 4track in our practice space.

The lyrics started out about a friend who got mugged at an ATM. The next day I heard about the woman who sued McDonalds because she spilled hot coffee on her lap. Both things were equally weird and I thought they belonged in a song together.

Cecillianne
-Also on the HNIA/MtSngrs cassette
Sister Cecillianne was my first grade teacher who was a very nice lady. Her sister, Sister Jostlin was my 5th grade teacher. She was the complete opposite of her sister. Years later while visiting my Grandma in St. Charles,MN I ran into the two of them. Sister Jostlin (the mean one) remembered me instantly, while Sister Cecillianne was completely bored by our reunion. About a week after I wrote this I found out Sister Cecillianne had recently died and so I hope really hope this song does her justice.

I Am A Rack
-from the "Ta-hu-wa-hu-wai" cassette
This was recorded on a 4track. The keyboard is an old Silvertone air organ (thanks Tony). Matt (Smattering) and I do a doubled harmony version now that hopefully will get recorded.

The lyrics are more creepy Catholic school stuff. I was going to school right at the peak of Catholic Priest / molestation stories. It was everywhere in the papers and at school. I had two classmates who were deeply affected by this. Most of my songs are so light and this is pretty heavy.

Along For The Ride
-from the "Chicken E.P."
This was one of my first slide songs. The end is my favorite, the pitch of the song was sped up while we recorded the outro and it gives it a cool slowing sound. The lyrics are complete throw away.

Gum
-from "Ta-hu-wa-hu-wai" cassette
I guess it's always hard to record big rock songs on a 4track, but this is our attempt. This is also one of the few recordings that actually has Christie playing keyboards. The song is completely about having a big dumb smile on your face and being in love.

Danny's
-from "Racket to Stardom" compilation
I use to live around the corner from Danny's Bar. It's burned down now but the sign is still there. It's on the corner of Chicago and 15th in Minneapolis. This was a pretty rough place. One day while waiting for a bus I watched 4 guys standing in the doorway start fighting. Eventually one guy was stabbed and the others took off. I dialed 911 from a pay phone and ran too. I really didn't want to get involved.

Turns Real Orange
-from "Ta-hu-wa-hu-wai" cassette
Another two themes in one song. Part of it is about a car I saw on fire on Interstate 35W. The owner and his 5 year old daughter were standing about 10 feet away just watching it burn. I thought they were a bit close. The other theme is about rumors and how funny they can get. Once while playing this live one of Kevin's maracas blew up right as we hit the chorus. Afterwards everyone thought we had planned it and said it was the coolest effect. There was weird dust and beads flying everywhere.

He Ought To Be Erased
-previously unreleased
This has two versions of this song spliced together. Thanks to computers you can mix anything. This definitely has a real new wave feel going in the mid section. I can't believe this was done on a four track, but it's true.

She Use To Say
-previously unreleased
This was used in a film by Arzoo from the band "Selby Tigers". I wrote this song 10 years ago and somehow it won't go away. I was living in Hutchinson Mn and there was a girl who was constantly being arrested for hanging out in the cemetery. I guess this is her theme.

Soon All Bee's Will Die
-from "Ta-hu-wa-hu-wai" cassette
I was attacked by bees one fall afternoon. It really hurt but I knew that I had it better then them because the frost would be coming soon and they would all die.