Let me warn you: It's like 11-year-old me, complete with awkward embarrassing moments, flaws, bruises, and some nasty scratches from falling off the bike. Listen kindly!I hope you find something to enjoy here. If it adds to your listening pleasure, I'll mention that most of these songs were worked out while I was also hanging on IRC.

From the vantage point of a couple weeks since completion, I'd say my take on it is this. It was an excellent exercise in composition and a great introduction to the recording process. Of these 9 songs, I think 4 or 5 are decent material. My plan now is to re-work some of them, work them up with accompanying instruments and backing vocals, and eventually go back to the studio to make a better version of this. I think some of these would sound good with a full band treatment.

On the downside, it shows just where I need work building vocal strength and guitar technique. I also learned that for a more polished product, I'd need to spend a lot more time in recording sessions. The songs don't all come across at their best because we only did one or two takes of each, so I didn't get to keep hitting 'em til they were right. Particularly the ones recorded before noon - man, weak voice!

But, you know, nothing ventured, nothing gained. Onward and upward, and all that stuff.

This is so excellent. Something to ease a bit of the jones that Women Drinking Whiskey ("Watch out boys!") gave me.

Wow. I'm impressed. You've got a real strong start, here, Miko. Take the steps you list above - the songs are worth the extra polishing. Also, don't sell your voice short. You're very expressive, and you have nice tone. Thanks for sharing with us!

I wish I felt as good about all of them as I do about "Women...". That and "End of the Run" are probably my two favorites.

Sp far "Running Board" is my new favorite. I like the rhythm and the melody and the syncopation. Still listening, though.

Yay!

Thanks miko! So far, I really like most of it, and I will echo IRFH, you really do have a lovely tone to your voice.

Miko, I will listen to the song when I get home from work - I promise. But I just wanted to say that if you subtract your full name from my full name, you're left with "O" for you and "AT" for me. We share a lot of letters!

I vote that "Women Drinking Whiskey" become the new theme song for any Team Vag meetups, regionally or nationally.

The End of the Run is really, really good. Beautiful, and perfectly elegaic.

I also really like the introduction and development of the story in Trail's End. It fits well into the genre of outlaw songs.

I love the introduction and chorus fingerpicking repeats in Rattlesnake. They have that Fahey sound that I love so well. I also like the "may as well take what don't nobody give" line, which is something my patients say all the time.

Excellent job. Women Drinking Whiskey is great, but is most impressive in this context because it indicates the (delivered upon) promise of the whole.

(Oh, are there any other of the albums that you would particularly recommend?)

Oh, thanks for asking that, Omiewise. Yes, I'm still listening to all of them, but so far high marks go to:

Dan Towle (a really, really fine pro singer-songwriter)
Laurel Brauns (interesting style, gives ya chills in places. She's kind of avant-folk, coordinates a singer-songwriter series at a hip loca lounge)
Chris O'Neill: Really nice solo instrumental guitar
My Desperate Icon: loud fuzzy rock
The Digbees: Concept album based on the concept that the Beatles ripped off all their music from a guy who was never credited
Jon Nolan: He spearheaded this project, and has had a long career in local music. He's now getting some well-deserved regional and national attention.
Ben Werth: Moody dark folk
Melvern Taylor: This guy is awesome. He wears a porkpie hat, plays a ukelele, and writes beautiful songs.
Museum of Science: That mixed rock/funk/hiphop thing that you get in Northern New England. They put on a great show.

...and thank you for your kind words and attentive listening. Thanks, everyone.

Wow, Miko! I loved listening to these. As a collection they're incredibly atmospheric, and now I'm all happysad and sepia. End of the Run is fantastic. Bravo!

I CAN'T FIND MY HEADPHONES! If they don't turn up soon I'll have to wait till I get home!

Two more recs:
Amigo Blanco (Latin/Jazz)
Anykey (mellow, soothing ambient electronic)

Very late comment: You have such an expressive voice, Miko, and I think your simple guitar-work is really evocative. I've been meaning to get back into folk-country stuff, and your album is just what I've been craving.