Dave Carter's "Frank To Valentino"

The late Dave Carter created lyrics like no other. Now that is a capability residing in of most of us due to our individuality but his stand apart from us mere mortals due to the display of intriguing complexity, evocation and iconic aggregation.

Simply put, he combined words into meaning no one else has ever created. Plus, his compositions flowed effortlessly, with nothing ham-handed or laborious.

His lyrical constructions create a sense of joy to those who care about such.

In the first of a series of posts about Carter's song lyrics, below is a snippet from "Frank To Valentino" on the "When I Go" release.

"...he got himself married at seventeen
she looked real pretty but she talked kinda mean
he thought they'd work things out in the fullness of time
twenty years later he's headed south
the close-range victim of her sawed-off mouth
leavin' their salad days behind..."

Focusing specifically the fifth line:

the close-range victim of her sawed-off mouth

It's just nine words but used in a manner typically involving the usage of a shotgun on an individual and not verbalization in a relationship.

Just think of the degree of consciousness that brought forth this combination -- that's the genius of Dave Carter.

A Bill Staines interview

Here's a nice piece on Bill Staines, who talks about the songwriting process for him, his performance schedule and more.

Saluting Michael McNevin

Folk singer and much more Michael McNevin is the subject of a feature by Darren Sabedra.