In My Van. I always wanted to write a song paying homage to my trusty steed, Alex. I had two vans. Alex #1 died shortly after I traded Dad for Alex #2. Alex #1 was a bit of a mess. A driving catastrophe of sorts. Three engines, breakdowns and some waiting on the side of the road moments but we never missed a gig or were late for one. Of course, when you don't have that much faith in "ol' reliable", you do tend to leave the shack earlier than normal. Two hours is plenty of time when you need to drive five or six miles to get to the show. Alex #2 fared remarkably better. Never a breakdown. Never a missed show. He died in late fall of 2019. Shortly before my brother passed away. And in front of my brother’s trailer, no less. As if to say, I could never let you down, RJ. Like the old Buck Owens song about Sally. Alex was a good ole’ girl. A bit of a cliffhanger ending for this song. And somebody always asks me if the guy drives away alone or not. If I was the character in the story I’d say no. I’d definitely say no. I’d keep that gas tank full. Alex #2. That’s the pony we’d ride … xoRJ
from
Slouching Towards Bethlehem (RM),
released December 1, 2008
RJ: Lead Vocals, Acoustic & Electric Guitars, Bass Guitar
Kevan Van Keith: Drums & Percussion
Sid Perez: Keyboards & Stylus Percussion
Backing Vocals: RJ, Kevan & Sid. Handclaps as well.
Recorded & Mixed @Mainline Sound, Vancouver, Canada
Engineered and Mixed by Sid Perez
Assistant Engineer: Robert James
Original Master by Sid Perez 2008
Remastered by Robert James & Landr Services 2016
Produced by Robert James for The Kingsway Group 2008
A division of Horace Media 2016
Lyrics reprinted by permission. Angry Lion Publishing
Cover Design & Layout:
Malcolm Summersby & MAS for The Kingsway Group
This release* Remastered 2016 Horace Media
Special Thanks to:
Pro Tools and Landr … a worthy righteous combination …
The usual suspects: Fender, National, Gibson & Ovation guitars.
Amplification by Fender, Traynor, Marshall & Gretsch.
Special Thanks to Malcolm Summersby. MAS design.
As always, my three F’s: Family, friends and fans. You cats rock.
Most of all this is your album.
*To see individual track listings and album art
please click on the song title …