The Music Spectrum Notebook Series digs into my handwritten notes and reviews on older releases still getting my attention.
Like the Spanic Boys, Ray Mason, his 1965 Silvertone guitar, and band play vintage rock ‘n’ roll cruising on a country flair, horn bounce, 50’s style, and a soul/blues heart. Don’t Mess with Our Routine is filled with the kind of songs I’d sing about—if I was a songwriter.
If I wrote songs, I’d write these songs about songs. “Don’t Turn Me Down” is about keeping up the stereo volume. “They Don’t Make Records Like That Anymore” has a Motown-influenced soft rock soul which musically—just as much as the lyric—is nostalgic for the old songwriting style. “As the Room Spins” is a little ditty second-guessing the ability of a songwriter to deliver a hit song while mainly focusing on getting drunk.
If I had a band, I’d write these songs about getting the girl. “I’m Not That Kind of Guy” is all about proving to the girl that I’m the nice guy and he’s the jerk (“he’s the only name in his daily planner”). “Hurt by Love” is a Van Morrison R&B rock about wanting to save the girl who’s been left broken by an ex-love.
If I sang for a living, I’d writer these songs about the quirks of being woefully uncool. With a backbeat country stomp and a little scorching guitar on the side, “Don’t Mess with My Routine” rocks on about being a “creature of habit.” I’d write these “I Miss My Loneliness” is a walking bluesy rock for the introverted.
And if I could, I’d sing instead of preaching and write a song like “Piety Seeks Power.” It has an excellent lyric which exposes the temptation of control even in spiritual things. It’s what Lutheran theologians call the theology of glory—seeking victory and power now—rather than the theology of the cross—knowing that victory only comes in Christ, His death and resurrection, and it’s His victory alone.
Ray Mason Band
Hi-n-Dry Records
