Great idea! I've intended to buy the book for my aunt (an avid fan of the Wayfarers incidentally), for some time. I consider her a substitute mother anyway, since my mother (her older sister) is deceased, so giving it to her for Mother's Day is an inspired gift suggestion.

I've read a few excerpts from the book to her during marathon phone calls, knowing she was hanging on every word. She has said repeatedly, "I'd LOVE to read that book" and she has always followed that statement with unbridled appreciation for its gifted author, so it's about time I ordered her a copy. (You notice I've never offered to let her borrow my copy - I love her, but I don't let my signed and numbered copy out of my sight).

I can't wait for her reaction to hearing "Ticonderoga" on the Anthology CD, but I know she's also going to love 'Close' and my new favorite, 'Down & Doily'. I think she will enjoy 'Star Witness', too, and I suspect that she will be especially inspired and comforted by it.

The book offers are such a bargain, she's going to think I'm really spoiling her this year! I'll send payment and shipping info, knowing I'll soon feel great satisfaction since you've solved my latest shopping dilemma.

Thanks again - it IS the perfect gift!

Jeanie


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hi sean :

I'm finally getting to REALLY listen to the Anthology CD and I love it.
ok ~ I've got to know YOUR feelings on the two versions of "Livin' For The Moment". When and who did you do the other one with? Of course I'm prejudiced, but the other version is very nice too.

I darn near didn't even recognize "Ain't That Good"... what a trip. It's SO different I can't even remember the way you sang it when The Chrome Throated Song Kissers were together. I can't quit listening to it. It's so neat to hear all the different, wonderful songs you've written.

I got an email from David today regarding your book:

"I got the book yesterday. What a scream. It is fun to read."

I can't put the book down till I fall to sleep. I wake up with it on my chest. I have to re-read a lot and work on some of the words, but eventually, I get it.

Take good care Sean, and give yourself a pat on the back from me for the whole package!
pam

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Pam -- thanks for the good word re the Anthology CD ... after such a protracted time re-mixing/re-mastering, maintaining objectivity became an additional challenge.

"Livin' For The Moment" #2 was recorded with Chris in Florida (see liner notes), and is mentioned (the sessions are) in the book (you'll understand a great deal more about the how and why after reading the chapter referring to 'My Cake & Eat It Two').

I favor our version a bit more, but they're two completely different approaches to the song.
Both address understanding "Moment's" concept of 'now' (explained more fully in the book), which becomes overshadowed by the song's secondary meaning; the human heart's proclivity for idealizing relationships via initial expectations.

The tracks on the Anthology CD are sequential, but
it's doubtful all but a few reader/listener's will connect the
book's narrative with the songs.

The intended humor and irony of career colliding with life may slip by unnoticed as well. "So Long Ago" for instance(recorded for the 'Close' album but omitted due to artistic irrelevance), looks back with humor on the Music Machine from a songwriter's perspective, condensing hundreds of paragraphs and descriptive narrative as would a single frame from a rear-view mirror.

By virtue of limited space, the Anthology CD is a musical overview of this thematic intention. Whereas the remaining companion CDs reach into the full depth of this ambition, the Anthology CD abbreviates the musical overview of Beyond The Garage much in the manner of one looking back facing the past in full view, with hands on hips.

To what degree such a unique concept succeeds is unknown to me; artistically, the mere attempt of this musical/narrative intention was satisfaction enough.

More deeply significant is the way in which the Lord provided the means and materials for the completion of Beyond The Garage:
40 years of nomadic wanderings -- with as many years of memorbelia and recordings in tow and preserved, was by His design; ideal writing locations, an encrypted memory inspired by Devine laws of cause and effect, and a full decade to see the book and Companion CDs finalized -- is well beyond human engineering: It was a Blessed privilege to articulate the portrait of one life navigating His unbroken circle.

sb