229: a song-by-song commentary.

The official Syed Druglord rundown of the new album….

01. Great Ape

This was originally recorded for “205″, however I couldn’t find the right spot for it on that album.  It carried a different vibe altogether…..but on this album, it was the perfect fit as opening track.  It’s a good summary of what the whole record is about.  Groove, rhythm, flow, and the TBD sound. “I am the great ape, still alive today”.

02. The Film Rolls

This was the first song recorded right after “205″ came out in March of last year.  It has a rolling drum line, which stumbles and staggers in all the right ways.  The vocals on this are one of my absolute favourite parts…..and maybe the best vocals ever recorded for a TBD song.

03. Cascades

This was supposed to be the b-side to “The Film Rolls” which was supposed to come out in the summer of 2009 but didn’t come out.  After that song was cancelled, this was supposed to be the b-side to “The Song Orange”, which was supposed to be released last month, but also got cancelled!  Instead, “The Song Orange” is going to be released on the next album “301″ and “Cascades” joined “229″.  Reminds me of a funk-soul song recorded in the arctic, standing on a glacier…..freezing.  My favourite part is the debut of Sobia Druglord on this track….the presence of gangsta female vocals really adds atmosphere.

04. Mille Miglia

The rhythm and bass totally drive this song.  My favourite part is about halfway through, where the rhythm totally starts to take over the feel. Named after a 1000 mile race which used to be run in Italy, and still is run as a heritage vintage-type event even now.

05. Leisure

I had the city of Helsinki in mind when i recorded this; a cold, modern, beautiful view….if there is a purpose to this song, it is to provide a 10,000 ft. view of this album, floating above the rhythm and soul to give a windblown view of what’s down below.

06. Groove Alone

The idea behind this was watching all the people in NYC walking alone with headphones on every morning and every evening.  Everybody is in their own world, and all in tune with their rhythm of walking and moving.  This album is very inspired by our lives in Brooklyn, and this song is my interpretation of what it feels like to live and work in NYC.

07. Blackmail

Was originally called “Le Painting”, which reminded me of a thin moustached man screaming at someone for not understanding their painting; so the name changed.  I love the ripping velcro=zipper guitar sound at the end.  A simple tune which really reveals a big part of this album’s mood and attitude.

08.  New York City Spy

I was listening to a ton of Sly & The Family Stone at the time of recording this; and i think it shows.  Another song which totally captures the feeling of city life…and the groove of everyday.   We are all spies…

09. Kill Art

Basic, dirty, mumbling, reckless.  Everything that encompasses the ethos behind the Kill Art Movement. Drowning in a sea of sleaze.

10. Leaf

This has the longest, most winding story of them all.  ”Leaf” was written many years ago, when i was still a kid.  Many versions of “Leaf” have been recorded over the years; most notably an acoustic version which was made for download a few years ago.  Contains probably the favourite lyric of mine I have ever written; “You’re a leaf off a tree no one can find”. There is a blinding simplicity in this song, however something which instantly clicked to me….and finding a song which FINALLY fit my favourite TBD lyric was severely satisfying.

“229″ is out on October 10th, 2010 digitally on ITUNES and AMAZON (amongst other e-shops;  and a future date (undecided) for the physical CD issue.