1) Slippery Slide was first entitled "The Rich get
Richer", because it was my first focal point that I wanted
to build on. It wasn't a case of 'hard cheese' or anything
like that; just a remembrance of my own experience with
prosperity and how ironically twisted some of our natural tendencies
are. For instance, when I was a viable commodity to my old
record company, I was bestowed with many gifts and, not that I
wasn't grateful, but I certainly could have afforded those
things myself- kind of like those gift baskets the celebs receive
when participating in awards shows- mere trinkets to add to an
already opulent lifestyle. Then, if and when things
take a turn and you could actually USE some help, well,
the tendency seems to sadly be, a mass exodus from the help department.
So, as I was musing over those thoughts, the T.V. in the
background lent a word that sparked off the current title- the
word was 'Enron'. Sometimes things can go awry, even
for the fortunate rich. Just don't burn any bridges while
you're enjoying the view, because although it would be easy to
look down on what's below you, just ahead could be a
slope with your name on it; and when stripped of all
our accolades and adornments, we are all naked and the same,
as we go down that slippery slide. mpeg
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2) Simple Needs was inspired by a cat of mine named Tweak. ( His tail was broken at the tip, hence the name. ) I had fed and watered him, and when he was finished, he jumped up on my lap, rubbed against me with such gusto and purred like a small lion, that I was quite moved by his gratitude. I said, "Aw.... you love me so much, yet you have such simple needs!" Click. On went the lightbulb, and I grabbed the guitar. It took several weeks to write after the initial burst of enthusiasm gave way to the first verse. But when it was finished, I remember trying to sing it all the way through, but was having some difficulty. I kept crying at different points along the way; not because I was so moved by my own words, but because I was forced to think about all of the hardships we put our lovely planet and ourselves through. To go back to simpler times seemed a safer, more ideal way to live. mp3 sample
3) Steady As You Go is ancient. It goes all the way back to 1975 or so, when I was still in Eric Clapton's band, and recording his LP "No Reason To Cry" in Malibu. I remember being driven mad with purpose as I scribbled and made funny noises in the corner of my hotel room- certain that I needed to document my revelations with the hope that if I wrote it down, maybe I'd remember it better. The night before had been especially noteworthy, with all kinds of rock royalty in attendance, making music late into the next day. Add alcohol to the mix, and you had people doing things they probably wouldn't have done normally, although I couldn't vouch for everyone there, for I had just met some of them. Needless to say, I too ( tsk, tsk ) was partaking and partying, and thorougly enjoying it all. It's that kind of fun that you never want to end, so you keep imbibing the same caustic concoction hoping it'll keep you up there... but, the house finally went silent, and I managed my way across the street to the bungalo where I hugged my pillow around my throbbing head. When I woke up it was evening again, and I was sick. Sick of myself, sick of the lifestyle, sick for my co horts ( who probably woke up with similar moanings ), and sick to my stomach. After nursing the boo boo in my brain with a handful of vitamins and bowls of soup, I remembered something Eric said to me while I was playing him a song; he interrupted my efforts with a shout that I realized (later) he could hold in no longer: "You play too f-----g LOUD!" I can't remember if I finished the song, but it's doubtful. I was hurt, but he was right; for to him, I was disrespecting the instrument that he so revered; the instrument that, through his gentle coaxing, had cast a spell over the entire world. It's no wonder, I thought as I picked up my Martin. It looked as though it had fallen off of a fast moving train. I started to play something in "E"- my favorite key. A riff formed, followed by the groove, and then mouthings of would-be lyrics. Pretty soon I was wailing and flailing, Eric's comment, a morsel in my memory, revved by a quick toot and a finger of Scotch ( had to keep goin' on this one so I could minister the message to my lost bandmates ), until it was pretty much finished. "Steady As You Go" is the only song I finished in one sitting. Shortly after leaving Shangri La Studios, I recorded the song in Memphis, with Steve Cropper producing, for my "Rising Sun" LP. It didn't translate into the rocker that I heard in my head, not through any fault of Steve's. I was adament about playing guitar, but didn't know a smidgen about playing electric. This version welcomed the fatter, beefier addition, (although, I can still be heard strumming ferociously, vying for position...old habits die hard, or in my case, never die! ) I believe the song is self explanatory. Cheers!
4) Queen Of Clean was written solely for my Mom for Mother's Day, and I really was surprised when Kevin suggested putting it on the CD...I mean, really? But since we were gearing it for a Hawaii release, the idea grew on me since I thought people here could relate to my story, which they know, and the spattering of pidgeon English that occurs along with the humor well, at least over here, they get it! I don't think I'll offer it on the full scale CD because my home recording skills basically suck, and perhaps the National public may not be ready for my brand of rap! mpeg sample
All songs by Yvonne Elliman.
Produced By Yvonne Elliman, Allen Alexander and Kevin Hirasa
Recorded at Kolohe Kai Recorders, Kunia, Hawaii
Except 'Queen Of Clean' Recorded in Malibu, CA
Engineered by Kevin Hirasa and Charley Lukela
Mixed By Charlie Lukela and Kevin Hirasa
