“Retrophonic 5”

c. 2018 Rod Ice

All rights reserved

(9-18)

Synchronicity.

In past years, I have often received a new recording by Davie Allan and the Arrows just as my personal life was enduring some sort of twist or turn that caused frayed nerves. On each occasion, finding a new disc in my postal mail offered a kind of soothing musical therapy. I came to depend on the California guitarist for healing vibes of fuzz.

Thoughts of Davie’s plectrum power returned, recently, when I discovered a copy of ‘Retrophonic 5’ in my post office box, at the mail depot in Chardon. I was just about to embark on a southern tour to continue the cleanup of my parents’ home, while finalizing my mother’s application for Medicaid. A battle joined in February, when she first entered a local nursing home.

I needed good vibes. ‘King Fuzz’ provided them, with gusto.

In yonder days, I composed a series of ‘First Impressions’ reviews whenever a new DA release appeared. It was a tradition born during the time I spent as a member of his fan forum on Yahoo. I made a mental note to write a similar piece for this newest arrow-dynamic recording, upon returning home. Meanwhile, I copied the CD onto my iPhone, for listening portability.

The week in West Virginia went quickly. I appeared in court with my sister, where we were granted guardianship/conservatorship for my mother. After several visits in the area to various institutions, her affairs were in order. And, I was able to settle the estate of my late father. Then, the journey home began. After a week of chili dogs, microwave dinners and pepperoni rolls, I was ready for home cooking and a free-form, wordsmithing session in my office.

Positive vibrations were in the air:

FIRST IMPRESSIONS – Retrophonic 5

by Davie Allan and the Arrows

1. Meltdown In Sector 5 – A hard ride on a steel-wound slide. Back in the saddle again, my friend. I have strings to bend. The King of Fuzz is here, draw thee near. Sing your praise, these are happy days!

2. Barhop – Glasses off the table, ride the rocker if you’re able. Suds and sounds and such, I dig the fuzz too much. Crank it to eleven, we’re on our way to heaven.

3. Swing It – Jazzy, jump and jive. The King of Fuzz is ever alive! Long may he reign, there’s a new album bearing his name. Good to hear, good to feel. A shining disc with sound appeal.

4. Guitar Central – On parade, a statement is made. Rattle the speaker cone, with the arrow-leader you are never alone. Shooting straight at the target. A bullseye you will never forget.

5. Feather River – Swim for your life, danger is there... white man beware! The new day comes in the fullness of sun. Kick the stream, live the dream. Everything is not what it seems.

6. Get Your Licks On Route 66 – A familiar friend, up around the bend. Mid-range sound, tires to the ground. Strutting, rolling, proud and pretty. Hope you like this fuzzed-out ditty.

7. Blue Dawn – Good vibes from my tribe. A siren song from the other side. Ready to ride and ready to sing. Let those steel strings ring! Going to vanish into the sun. Having fun.

8. She’s Been Gone So Long – Hard to remember her being here, but the memory is near. I still love her so, just so you know. When the sunset kisses goodnight, my dreams take flight. Gonna feel alright.

9. Audiosyncrasy – Mike Hammer gold, brassy and bold. The Fuzz King rides at night. Out of limits, outta sight. Spinning tires, digging dirt. A plectrum strike, an audio alert.

10. Topsy – Up early with the dawn, must be traveling on. Colors of morning in the clouds, no hindrance of doubt. Step with the sheikhs and feel elite. Blow with the breeze. This ride is neat.

11. Sentimental Journey – Bopping backwards, into yesterday we play. Good to be here, no cares, no fears. The glow of King Fuzz appears. My heart full of hope. A Jazzmaster neck and six slender ropes.

12. The Missing Link – A Wray of sunshine in 4/4 time. I’m stoked on the mainline. Ready to soar, have mined this groove before. So good to slip and slide, glad for the ride. The rumble continues. A six-string brawl, out in the hall. Come hear us, ya’ll!

13. The Stranger – Who is he, looking familiar to me… pale rider at horizon’s edge, Fender guitar sitting on the ledge. A mournful tale, cautionary like a mine canary. Heed the call, do not fall.

14. Night Crawler – Strut and strike, gonna ride my bike. A chrome steed with bells and beads. Leather chaps and boot-heel kicks, got to get my fix. One-horse town going down. Whammy-bar both near and far. Now the tale is told. The wind is growing cold.

It had been a long time since I channeled such stream-of-consciousness energy through my keyboard. After years of learning to embrace linguistic discipline, these moments of abandon were liberating. Like rediscovering childhood innocence. An experience gratefully received after long inhabiting a world of artifice and stale traditions.

The tonal palette of Davie Allan, as ever, made it possible!

Comments about ‘Words On The Loose’ may be sent to: icewritesforyou@gmail.com

Write us at: P. O. Box 365 Chardon, OH 44024