These are the liner notes written by Donavon which will appear in Recycled Recipes Vol. 2 when it is released in Jan/Feb 2010. Enjoy!
During the Summer ‘09 Pass It Around Tour, we decided to record some more of my favorite songs for another edition of Recycled Recipes. We laid down all of the basic tracks on the road- in the tour bus, in the dressing rooms, etc...very “Running On Empty” in style! Wherever and whenever the mood hit us, we pressed the “Record” button and went for it. Then Grundy added to them in his kitchen studio. Needless to say, the vibe was pretty loose throughout the process, so don’t expect technical perfection. It’s just all for fun...a half dozen cover songs to get us through until the next album.
DON'T CHANGE...This was recorded in Virgina beach in a hotel room right after opening for Dave Mathews. Then Eric added some keys a week later in Wilmington N.C. Mo Grundy (Matt’s dad) added harmonica on the hook later in the kitchen studio. I have loved this song since he first time I heard it in a classic surf film when I was a kid. INXS has always been one of my favorite bands.
AMERICAN GIRL...I have been a fan of Tom Petty since the first time I heard him. Gary Jules picked on guitar and I sang along. Grundy added drums and bass and gave it such a great feel. This was recorded in a hotel room right outside of Jacksonville, FL.
SWEET VIRGINA...I have always wanted to record a Stones song. Gary, Grundy and myself got around a couple of mics and laid this one down live in a hotel room in Virginia. I love how Gary used the guitar case as a percussion instrument and Grundy laid harmonica all over it.
SLIP SLIDIN’ AWAY...This was recorded in the little shack in Nantucket, MA. We added to the guitar and vocal track a week later in Wilmington, N.C. Paul Simon has always been an inspiration in my music, and it was wonderful recording one of his tunes.
(WHAT’S SO FUNNY ‘BOUT) PEACE LOVE AND UNDERSTANDING...This song was written by Nick Lowe, and made popular by Elvis Costello. Gary Jules introduced it to me while we where on the road together for the Pass It Around Tour. It has such a great message and groove that I couldn't wait to record it! It was recorded in a little band house next to the Chicken Box in Nantucket.
CIRCLE...I was blown away the first time I heard Eddie Brickel. I woke up early one morning on the bus and Gary was picking this song on his guitar. Later that night we gave it a try. I just remember it was very late and this was the last song we recorded on the road. I was so happy that Gary remembered this song, ‘cause it has always been one of my favorites.
I hope you enjoy these versions HALF as much as I enjoyed the original recordings...
Donavon
DEC ‘09