When you reach a certain age, there is an intrinsically satisfying thing about getting in the studio with no particular agenda, other than to make songs with friends. “The Signal and the Noise” is the fifth single I’ve released since my 2020 Something Gigantic album. Someday soon I may re-master and cobble them together into an EP or full length album. We’ll see. For now, they’re available on all streaming platforms.
This song feels particularly special, because it is a fairly big departure from my typical style. My songs tend toward the Americana/folk-rock/singer-songwriter end of the genre spectrum. I’m not exactly sure how to classify this one — indie/alt rock, with jangle pop undertones…? However you describe it, the feel is different. It’s more of a driving rock song full of melancholic energy, with some pop music elements (synthesizers, stacked vocals, etc.). Instead of assembling the full band in the studio, my producer Barak Hill (Mid-Americana Studios) and I played everything on it.
The lyrics and melodic structure began as a contribution to the Wild Bob’s Musical Book Club 10th Anniversary show last April at Lindberg’s in Springfield, Missouri. I hadn’t participated in a Wild Bob’s in quite a while, but since I was very involved the first couple of years, I thought I should come back for the anniversary. The title/topic for the April show was anything written by Kurt Vonnegut. I chose an obscure 1950 short story called, “EPICAC,” where the boundary between humans and machines is blurred, and themes like love and the nature of consciousness are explored. Seemed like an appropriate narrative for us, what with the burgeoning opportunities and crises of AI surrounding us.
In the story, two mathematicians work with a supercomputer called, EPICAC. The narrator is madly in love with his counterpart, Pat, and asks her to marry him. She has no real interest, because he is unimaginative and does not know the ways of love. The narrator shares his woes with the (essentially conscious) computer. EPICAC writes a lovely poem for the narrator to give Pat. She adores it, and decides to accept the narrator’s proposal, on the condition he write her an equally romantic poem each year on their anniversary. The narrator shares this with EPICAC, who mistakenly assumes Pat loves the computer. The narrator explains that Pat can’t love a machine. In despair, EPICAC destroys itself overnight. The narrator is panicked, because he can’t fulfill his poetry promises. As he is going through the ruins of the destroyed computer, he finds a final gift for him: 500 love poems to give his wife as presents.
I think it’s a beautiful story, and the song came together pretty quickly, since the experience is so relatable to this moment in history. I did a solo acoustic performance of it at Wild Bob’s, then I started hearing a particular rhythm and melodic feel. Once I got together with Barak, something new emerged.
The lyrics:
You sit right there, so close but out of reach
Every single day I lose the power of speech
And we, we work on foolish consistency
Oh, we’ll see and we’ll see, won’t we
In your algorithm, is there room for me
In this cataclysm, can we see what can’t be seen
And does my narcissism, work like alcohol
Do we fall, do we fall
PRE-CHORUS
Between the signal and the noise, yeah (2x)
CHORUS
Between the signal and the noise
Between the wisdom and the voice
I will find you
Does the rhythm of the morning after always feel like this
Does my stoicism feel like a swing and miss
I wish I was an optimist
Unclench this fist, this fist
Do I dare, disturb the universe
Do the consequences, play like I rehearsed
These are the calculations for better or for worse
Or for worse, or for worse
PRE-CHORUS
CHORUS
In your algorithm, is there room for me (2x)
Here are some things reviewers have said:
“The kind of tune that could steamroll a more delicate listener. Others will be swept up in the song’s sheer effervescence…offers a mood-altering alternative to daily blandom.” (mp3hugger)
“Poignant lyricism…stirring, enjoyable thematic drive.” (Obscure Sound)
“Super fresh and relaxed sound…a calm and passionate atmosphere…magical vocal tone.” (Indie Dream)
“Outstanding…very professional composition and great melodies…super creative, the artistry is evident.” (Rhythm Revolution)
“The soft, yet edgy, vocals over the upbeat guitars and drums create a chill and happy atmosphere.” (Melomaniacs)
“Beautiful instrumental landscapes…ideal for long road trips.” (End Sessions)
“Catchy musical structure…dynamic, eccentric melodies…excellent musicianship.” (The Route of Rock)
I hope you enjoy it.
As I often say, “If you like it, share it with your friends. If you don’t like it, share it with your enemies.”
Listen here (or wherever you stream music):
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