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The Albatross Song

from At Home At Sea by E.G. Phillips

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about

A favorite of this San Francisco singer-songwriter's live performance repertoire, this recording opens with a choral segment captured at The Lost Church of San Francisco. After brass instruments are gradually weaved into this simple but immediately hummable motif, the song bursts into a raucous, high-energy Americana-style cacophony.

In addition to the references to the Rime of the Ancient Mariner the titular bird makes somewhat obligatory, there's an entire menagerie of birds name checked or invoked in the opening verses. But these are merely lead in to a sea-shanty style mantra that gets repeated with increasing fervor. The first song of E.G. Phillips' new album, this high energy romp not only layers on the cinematic imagery, it’s a catchy sing-along and it sets up the overall theme of "attachment" which is examined throughout the entire 11 song set.

In premiering the song and its accompanying music video, Jason Scott of B-sides and Badlands describes the song as "maniacally-enchanting" and writes that it "leans into outlandish storytelling, an almost Carnivàle shimmer smothered over the mix and finger-picking style. Horns flush and swell over a drum kit’s steady pitter-patter, and Phillips’ voice takes on a rustic, ring-leader quality."

lyrics

The bowerbird is quite creative when it comes to decoration
Starlings follow simple rules that dictate their murmurations
But wanton salt marsh sparrows and curious little chickadees
I know there’s only one companion for me — for...

When you’re with an albatross
Don’t you know you can’t get lost
‘Cause you’re never truly lost
When you are at home at
Sea...

Does your restless spirit wander yet get hopelessly attached?
You’re barely bound to this world, yet you dread it’s bound to collapse?
If Noah sent you from his ark to fetch some branches from a tree
Might you not return? Just drift perpetually? Well...

When you’re with an albatross
Don’t you know you can’t get lost
‘Cause you’re never truly lost
When you are at home at
Sea...

High above the antarctic circle on a wing and a prayer
Down below it’s all icy flows but don’t you ever despair
No... No...No...

When you’re with an albatross
Don’t you know you can’t get lost
‘Cause you’re never truly lost
When you are at home at
Sea...

Because...
In the straits of Magellan or rounding the Cape of Good Hope
Death and disillusionment will gamble on a ghost ship for your soul
No!

When you’re with an albatross
Don’t you know you can’t get lost
‘Cause you’re never truly lost
When you are at home at
Sea...


Who would tie their savior to a chain around their neck?
What good are relentless reminders of your failings and regrets?
Don’t pile your sins on livestock that you banish despite their pleas
That’s just not right and that’s no way to be free

When you’re with an albatross
Don’t you know you can’t get lost
‘Cause you’re never truly lost
When you are at home at
Sea...

credits

from At Home At Sea, released July 12, 2019
personnel:
E.G. Phillips (Vocals), Charles Choi (Violin),
Jesse Elkin Rubin (Trumpet), David Kaiser-Jones (Trombone),
Rick McKay (Mandolin), Ben Osheroff (Acoustic Guitar),
Sean Silverman (Upright Bass), Ben Visini (Drum Kit)

Opening ensemble vocal recorded at the Lost Church in
San Francisco, July 11th 2018

produced, recorded and mixed by Ben Osheroff
mixed at Laughing Tiger Record Studios
mastered by Matt Boudreau, Working Class Audio
songs and artwork by E.G. Phillips (ASCAP)
photo features Twinly (@twinlymusic)
published by Ducks With Pants Music (@duckswithpants)

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all rights reserved

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E.G. Phillips San Francisco, California

E.G. Phillips is a San Francisco based songwriter who creates lyric driven songs with his own special blend of whimsy and cinematic imagery which he uses to give a wry take on dealing with the longings of the heart and the madness of existence.

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