I was in New Jersey some months back and my visit to
Paterson, New Jersey stuck with me. Paterson was one of the great cities in the
U.S. during the industrialization of the country. It’s been left to rot right
in the middle of affluent suburbs, gigantic malls and America’s biggest city
fifteen miles away. It is shameful. When I sat down one night to write a
million tunes at once. It was only 24, some of those thoughts bubbled to the
surface and found their way into this song. It is racist and classist and
classless for such an urban desecration to be allowed. Separate is not equal
when trash fills the city streets of Paterson and only live in trash cans in
nearby Glen Rock, Ridgewood and a million other rich little towns.
Someone needs to do something. It’s not OK.
Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Covers – 156 “American
Pie” by Don McLean
I love my job. I work with amazing people who teach me tons
every day. Perspective and appreciation. That’s a big part of it. So I busted out this jam today and a
whole room full of folks, many of whom struggle to speak, sang and celebrated the
majesty of this American anthem. They sang and we chugged through verse after
verse after verse together. I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m very
grateful.
Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Words – 156 “The Charger
of the Opera”
Here, I play the “Charge” chant, which I’d likely have used
as a cover if I hadn’t done so already five years ago. A fiend of mine from work enjoys my
music. I enjoy her take on life. She has told me many times that I should join
the opera. She says all kinds of awesome things all the time. Apparently, she
sings opera too. I had no idea.
After
all that, I think I’ll post it next week. I’ll show them today, first. It may
be more special that way. Public release is scheduled for Wednesday. Dot your
tees and cross your eyes.
Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - BONUS – 156 “Raquel and
Justin”
One could argue that I should be asleep right now. Two
things about me. I like being a great friend and I like working hard.
Occasionally, these two circles converge.
Weddings. So I’d been hard at work all day getting ready to
celebrate some nuptials this weekend. I pumped out a bunch of videos, wrote some
words. Somewhere in there, the process felt incomplete. It needed something. A
song. An original song. Like “Tara and Steve” and “Lauren and Jeremiah” from
the first 365. Like “Larissa and Wes,” which I wrote just a few months ago.
So, while playing some Palace with my friends, I imagined
what it was like when they first met. I don’t know what actually happened, so I
made stuff up. A song was written. And I won in Palace. I’m Ultimate Champion.
Now it’s late. Leanne, my wife, has gone to sleep. I have
quiet and my work is done. What do I do? More work. I typed up the words to
this tune. Then I practiced it, made this recording. Now I am importing it,
editing, it, bouncing, it and writing this note. I named it “Raquel and
Justin.” I will post it. Then I will go to sleep. Unless I decide to shower...
Congratulations Raquel and Justin. All this effort is
because I love you and I am so happy and psyched to celebrate your love, hard-core. It is my honor. Hope you like.
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