This is post 7 of 30 featuring live, single-take demos of each of the 30 songs I’m considering for my upcoming studio album. Each potential album tune is accompanied by a B-Side, to make each post a virtual 45 single (remember those?).

This pair of songs have always been as easy to play as they were to write. I wish I could say the same for the remaining 46 songs I have to capture.

Also, the fingers on my left-hand are completed shredded, which – given my decade-plus of guitar calluses – is a pretty impressive feat.

Song #174: Granted (live demo)
Last recorded the night it was written in October of 2003.

Granted was perhaps the first time a song woke me up from a dead sleep. I’ve been listening to its original early a.m. demo for so many years that I didn’t realize the subtle changes in how I perform it. Today it is for Sandra.

Song #141: So Hard (live demo)
Last recorded for Trio in February of 2003

This song began in an AIM window in January of 2002. I was talking to someone who was perpetually at odds with life, trying to explain that he should anticipate what he’d think about some of his decisions in hindsight. The rest of the song emerged in short order. Since he’s long since been forgotten, I tend to perform this as if it’s about myself. It’s a particular favorite of E’s and mine.

If you dig one (or both) of these songs, please leave a comment – your feedback will have a big effect on the songs I ultimately choose for the album.