The world is goin’ crazy
And the state of affairs is very sad
The newscast is a tabloid
Even CNN is part of the fad
I understand the common man
Thinks it’s all a charade
So I sit and follow my breath
And I pray
And I om tat sat
I om tat sat
I om tat sat
These days things are scary, you can’t
Trust any stranger you come upon
Everyone is a suspect, even
Children now are carryin’ guns
I understand the angry man
Seems to be a craze
So I sit, follow my breath
And I pray
And I om tat sat
I om tat sat
I om
Legal wars
Whores and lawyers
Stuffed white shirts
Paid off experts
It’s all perverse
I om...
I understand the world’s gone mad
And terrorism’s a plague
So I sit and follow my breath
And I pray
And I om tat sat
I om tat sat
I om tat sat
I om tat sat
I om tat sat
I om tat sat
Masterpiece
I can see her 8 x 10
Black and white glossy
Naïve grin
She was gonna be
Someone
She said, someday
She left home at seventeen
For the lights and glamour
Of the movie screen
She was gonna be
Like Princess Grace
Yea, she was gonna be
This is your life, the only one
Your dream is your life
Your very own
Masterpiece in time
‘Cuz the masterpiece
Is your life
Dee, dee, dee, dee
Masterpiece is your life
I don’t wanna be too proud
I wanna be a better man
My aim was always true
I don’t wanna drag you down
I wanna lend a helpin’ hand
Lift you up, carry you high
‘Cuz I believe in you
I believe in you
Yea… Dee, dee, dee, dee
Masterpiece is your life
Dee, dee, dee...
Masterpiece is your life
Remember this
Listen to your heart
And follow your bliss
The things you think about
All the long day
Become your reality, your reality
This is your life, the only one
Your dream is your life
Your very own
Masterpiece
Is your life, one of a kind
Your dream is your life
Your original
Masterpiece in time
‘Cuz the masterpiece
Is your life
19 Miles
In a little war
A war of words
And attrition
No one ever wins
No one begins
To even ever listen
Fallin’ down
Into the black cauldron of love
Fallin’ down 19 miles
I fell for her
After the last word
Last word
In a battle of one
One lover’s lie
One lie of intention
Betrayed by a kiss
Like a love sick slave
In chains of resistance
Fallin’ down
Into the long siphon of love
Fallin’ down 19 miles
I fell for her
After the last word
The last word
Blind is one love
And one‘s a line
A line of deception
Zero or less, ah yes
The little actress
Feigns affection
Fallin’ down
Into the great vacuum of love
Fallin’ down 19 miles
I fell for her
After the last word
Fool's Parade
Freddie was cruisin’
In a white
Stolen ‘64
Impala one night
In a case
Of mistaken identity
His homeboy shot him down
He was seventeen
Ain’t life sublime
In all its grandeur and decay
In idiot paradise
Everyday’s a fools’ parade
Gunnar’s a star
In an Aryan clan
He learned to hate
From his ol’ man
Propaganda spews
Racist news
To the goons worldwide
From his own web site
Ain’t life sublime
In all its grandeur and decay
In idiot paradise
Everyday’s a fools’ parade
It’s become a common occurrence
Nobody respecting nobody else
Everyone is suspicious
Of everyone
In idiot paradise
In idiot paradise
In idiot paradise
Everyday’s a fools’
Eddie’s in a hotel
Mixing chemical
Substances
As he always does
A cocktail
Of gin
Protease inhibitors
And heroin
Ain’t life sublime
With all its grandeur and decay
In idiot paradise
Everyday’s a fools’ parade
Everyday’s a fools’ parade
In idiot paradise
In idiot paradise
In idiot paradise
Everyday’s a fools’ parade
Ain’t life sublime
In all its grandeur and decay
In idiot paradise
Everyday’s a fools’ parade
Samsara's Grip
I wanna hush
Muffle the roar
Silence and mute
The sound I abhor
I wanna stop
This monotonous buzz
The distant echo
Of what once was
I can’t get out of my head
Out of my head
Out of my head
And into what is
I can’t free myself
From samsara’s grip
I wanna quiet
The cacophony
The dissonant
Raucous symphony
All the voices
And all the discord
The incessant chatter
Of meaningless words
I can’t get out of my head
Out of my head
Out of my head
And into what is
I can’t free myself
I’m caught in the endless
Wheel and cycle
Of birth, death, rebirth
And death again
Hell and heaven
It’s too damn loud
I can’t hear
Gotta turn down the volume
Between my ears
I’m tired of the noise
And all the chaos
Analyzing
Every thought
I can’t get out of my head
Out of my head
Out of my head
And into what is
I can’t free myself
I can’t free myself
I can’t free myself from
Samsara’s grip
Samsara’s grip
Samsara’s grip
I can’t free myself, samsara’s grip
I can’t free myself, samsara’s grip
I can’t free myself from
Murder
Blowin’ down the highway
In venture and thrill
The rush in his veins
Is the alcohol and pills
Carry on, your ill-fated ride
Hit and run homicide
Do you feel contrition
Or anger and denial
Are ya thinkin’ of yourself
Or the child, ah yea
Murder, murder
Southeast in O.C.
Lopers cruise the streets
With tattoos of allegiance
Guns and rosaries
Carry on, vato chingon
Your time’s gonna come
In your random violence
Do you feel regret
Is nothing sacred
Or innocent, ah yea
Murder, murder...
Rage against the system
Of loop holes and leaks
Freedom is a privilege
Of power and celebrity
Carry on, counselor with your spin
Blow your idiot wind
Justice for everyone
Is a fallacy, a joke
Money acquits and the poor
Get the rope, ah yea
Murder, murder
Murder, murder, ah yea
Murder, murder
Consequence of War
It’s all around us
No one escapes
Random acts
In violent ways
Seems like nothing
Ever shames us
But murder is outrageous
So long, what for
Another consequence of war
So long, what for
Another consequence of war
So many colors
And many faiths
But fear and ignorance
Is hard to change
Misguided teachings
Are passed for generations
With no tolerance or patience
So long, what for
Another consequence of war
So long, what for
Another consequence of war
History don’t lie
History don’t lie
We repeat the same things
It’s everywhere
It’s in the news
It’s real life
It’s me and you
Etched in our psyches
Like a tattoo
I see the future in my rear view
So long, what for
Another consequence of war
So long, what for
Another consequence of war
So long, what for
Another consequence of war
So long, what for
Another consequence of war
Right In The Head
She comes possessed
Mad as the birds
Smilin’ wildly
Speaking no words
She slowly enters
The heaven-proof room
Bolting the door
With her arm, her plume
Love is her hunger
It’s got to be fed
But the love, the lover
The lover ain’t right
Right in the head
Incense and oil
Patchouli and sage
Sex magick and wicca
She celebrates
Dancin’ in the moons
Kaleidoscope light
Bouncin’ off the walls
She’s a carnival
Love is her hunger
It’s got to be fed
But the love, the lover
The lover ain’t right
Right in the head
She raves, raves mad
‘Cuz the lover
Ain’t right in the head
Right in the head
Right in the head
She offers communion
And pagan bliss
And I don’t refuse her
After one kiss
Tonight
In my stucco tomb
Of four white walls
My heart goes zoom
Love is her hunger
It’s got to be fed
But the love, the lover
The lover ain’t right
Right in the head
Love is her hunger
It’s got to be fed
But the love, the lover
The lover ain’t right
Right in the head
Shrink The Guru
Born and baptized
Into guilt I was raised
By a zealous man
And his righteous way
Living a lie
Of consequence and sin
I was seeking validation
But I wasn’t gonna get it from him
I’m alright, I’m only bleeding
And bodhisattva
Is in the corner getting fat
Shrink the guru, shrink the guru, yea
He’s always eating it
I am everything and I am that
I am everything and I am that
I am everything and I am that
Yea, I am that
Was a wild child
With a serene soul
Lost in the random
Thoughts of my ego
Learning to quiet
A violent mind through zen
I was looking on the outside
When the answer was within
I’m alright, I’m only bleeding
And bodhisattva
Is in the corner getting fat
Shrink the guru, shrink the guru, yea
He’s always eating it
I am everything and I am that
I am everything and I am that
I am that
I’m alright, I’m only bleeding
And bodhisattva
Is in the corner getting fat
Shrink the guru, shrink the guru, yea
He’s always eating it
I am everything and I am that
I am everything and I am that
I am everything and I am that
I am everything and I am that
Yea, I am that
Shrink the guru...
World Just Is
It’s a world of random violence
Arrogance and blindness
Ambition and greed
Nothin’ much is sacred
Prayer fuels hatred
Like fire ignites gasoline
Terrorism’s a sensation
A popular vocation
Of the youth it perverts
Fundamentalist religion
Kills all rational decision
And is it really God’s word
Or just cold-blooded murder
The world just is what it is
What’s it ever gonna be but this
The world just is what it is
World just is what it is
World just is
False gods and true believers
Politicians and deceivers
Lawyers and thieves
Corporate thugs in ivory towers
Addicted to power
It’s a common disease
Of avarice and apathy
The world just is what it is
What’s it ever gonna be but this
The world just is what it is
World just is what it is
World just is... what it is
Among the dust and ruin
Are diamonds in the ashes
And flowers in the weeds
Young souls in soiled linen
Of smiling dirty faces
Who dare to believe
In miracles and incredible things
The world just is what it is
What’s it ever gonna be but this
The world just is what it is
World just is
Experience
Nothing’s permanent
In God’s charade
What’s certain now
Is soon to change
There’s nothin’ really
To acquire
Everything’s rented
When you expire
You don’t need
All this material shit
Simplify
Get rid of it
There’s nothing to possess
In God’s fine mess
God’s fine mess
Everything’s transient
Nothing sticks
It all peels away
Far too quick
Time is movement
Like the breeze
We use to gauge
Our mortality
Don’t that blow
Your inquiring mind
Relax, kickback
Enjoy the ride
‘Cuz life is a surreal fest
In God’s fine mess
Experience God’s fine mess
Nothing’s forever
All things decay
Into dust
And ash with age
All there is
Is here and now
This moment
And nothing else
Right action
Or apathy
As you think
So shall you be
In misery or happiness
In God’s fine mess
God’s fine mess
Bill Madden is a new name to me and I admit that I was a bit skeptical about putting this CD in the disc changer. Shame on me though because Bill Madden is certainly one of the brightest artists to come across my desk this year! It hasn't left the changer since I put it in...
Samsara's Grip is an amazing piece of artistry. Unlike most male singer/songwriter material, the songs are rich and full. They have a very warm, band oriented feel to them that will definitely bring to mind artists like Elvis Costello, Steven Delopolous, Peter Gabriel's more straightforward material, and even "...But Seriously" era Phil Collins. What I enjoy most about this CD though is the intelligent well-written lyrics that eloquently express Mr. Madden's thoughts and ideas without ever coming across as pompous or pushy. This album is just a wonderful piece of work that will appeal to fans of many styles of music. If male singer/songwriter isn't your thing; I still suggest you try this out. Bill's great voice, excellent songwriting, and warm production will undoubtedly win you over. If you like your music smart and musically top notch then you need to add this CD to your collection. Take a chance, you won't regret it.
This insightful, socially active southern California-based singer/songwriter sets his agenda against mindless political correctness and cultural intolerance even before the music gets going. The cover of the disc features the performer by the pool as an innocent toddler, his future manhood dangling. The gentle shock value of this statement will hopefully solicit a few extra listeners to a deep exploration of social issues and observations that fully embrace the spirit of his two greatest influences, Buddhism and Bob Dylan. While his guitar-driven light rock and generally retro pop-soul elements are mostly engaging, they're merely the backdrop to lyrics that could double as crisp, sharp op-ed pieces. On the opener, "Om Tat Sat," he advocates meditation as an antidote to the global horror he sees on CNN. Tracks like "Fool's Parade," "Murder," and "Consequence of War" decry the ongoing madness of today's world of foreign and domestic terror and cultural division, and listeners might wonder if there is relief in sight. Madden offers a few suggestions, like getting rid of material things and simply offering encouragement to those trying to follow their hearts. Gotta have a personal heartbreak tune in the mix as well, and the wrenching title cut is a classic lament that is a metaphor for trying to break free and soar above a world in chaos.
Samsara's Grip engages Eastern philosophical influences in a head-on collision with the politics and abuses occurring in our world. Starting with "Om Tat Sat," we hear "The world is goin' crazy" and witness the world exploding all around the artist while he retains a calming centeredness. Other songs such as 'Fool's Parade' - an ambitious 3-part story of different individual scenarios involving human ignorance - and Consequence of War; a song that brings the horror of violence front and center, are just a couple of the stand out tracks on this inspired album from Madden. In the end, Bill Madden's CD, Samsara's Grip, is an experience and journey for all serious music lovers to consider - especially those who are of the belief that people inspired by the power of music can, indeed, bring change to the world.
Bill's Censored Grip
In the wake of 9-11 and the Superbowl wardrobe malfunction, some conservatives have been openly attacking the entertainment industry for being decadent, morally corrupting our youth and nation. Some of the criticism is over the top, just like some of the entertainers are. Depends on where you sit on this issue is the key to know whose right or wrong. But there is a guy who may be giving those conservatives another shot at proving the decadence of the music industry. This guy is Bill Madden. It's not really his music that is at issue. It is the album cover of Bill's debut release. The title of this album is Samsara's Grip. The cover shows a photo of a little boy lifting a resistance strap. The boy is bare-chested, wearing a pair of checkered fronted shorts. The controversial part of the photo is that the boy's penis is hanging out of the shorts. Can you actually have an album on store shelves with a picture on it like that? Isn't that child pornography? That is what some of the flap is all about. Does it matter that the picture is of Madden himself as a child? Who knows for sure?
Bill seems to thrive on controversy. That is what the content of the album seems to be about. His songs tackle the world issues such as poverty, wars and the need to get ahead and stepping over the downtrodden. The music is a little varied, but carries the same angst filled lyrics of a world that has turned its back on equality for all mankind.
On this album Bill does the lead vocals, plays the electric guitar, Fender Rhodes, Tibetan Bells and shakers. Gannon Arnold is on electric guitar, Fender Rhodes and reed organ. Billy Mohler is on bass and upright bass. Adam Watts plays the drums, tambourine, doumbeck and djembe on the album. Other people who provided musical talent on the album are Drew Hester and Ian Miller. The album was produced by Ian Miller and Bill Madden.
Om Tat Sat is the first track. It is getting a lot of airplay on college radio. It is a song about the way the world has become corrupted. The song has some intense lyrics and melody that is appealing. The intro has an Indian flavor to it. Of course, Bill is a proponent of Eastern philosophy, so his music somewhat reflects that culture.
Masterpiece deals with broken dreams and helping others when they are down. 19 Miles has an almost smoky blues tone to it. The song is about a relationship that has fallen apart and who is to blame.
Fool's Parade tells stories about three different people whose lives are wasted due to circumstances. The song is a strong commentary about what Bill sees is going on with people.
The title track, Samsara's Grip, has some decent guitar. It is about the decaying world. I wasn't familiar with what Samsara was, so I looked it up. The way I understand it, Samsara deals with the fragmenting of the universe. This song and its title fit with Bill's working of Eastern philosophy.
My favorite song on the album is Murder. It deals with hit and runs, gang violence and the system shutting people down. The song has some cool music, especially a rock out bit during the chorus.
Bill sites both Eastern philosophy and Bill Dylan as early influences. His music reflects both influences. He uses Eastern styling in his music. And the commentary in the songs is filled with angst and reflections on the current state of the world.
Samara's Grip is probably not going to make it into Billboard's Top 10. The songs on the album are filled with conscience raising commentary. Bill has a decent sounding voice and the music itself is good. With the music and the commentary, it is understandable why the album is getting a lot of play on college radio.
You can find out more about the album on Bill's web site. He also has links on the site to the causes that he supports and agencies for world peace, human rights and environmental concerns. The web site is www.billmadden.com.
As a 15-year vegan and animal-rights activist, I'm glad Bill Madden's CD Samsara's Grip gets lots of college airplay. He's been vegan and into AR for ten years, is interested in Eastern thought, and donates money to the fights against AIDS, TB, and malaria. This disc doesn't mention food politics, but Madden's website offers relevant links. Madden sings of the need to discard violence and destructively constraining ideas. In these 11 tunes, mostly recorded live, the music grows so organically from the words that to describe it as "arranged" would make it sound too calculated. My one gripe is Madden's overly affected singing. A plainer vocal style would have highlighted the thoughts and better established the voice. My 1974 Webster's defines samsara as the Hindu conception of human existence as a cycle in which the same soul is repeatedly reborn.
Rating: ****
In this somewhat controversial album by Bill Madden, you will find if not excellent music, at least a set of lyrics that will perk up your ears and possibly get you talking and thinking once again.
Before you even have a chance to delve into the true charm of Madden's album, you learn that this is the work of an activist who has been moved by the wave of terrorism and terrorist protection in the United States. His first song and the album's first single, "Om Tat Sat" is an insightful look at the state of the country. Unlike some other artists, he isn't calling for the end of war or George Bush, but instead has chosen to take a more subdued role in discussing the war. He talks about sitting and watching and praying.
Other songs such as "World Just Is" and "Consequences Of War" have the same themes and feelings as the opening of this disc. These themes fit perfectly into the sound that Madden's music takes. His guitars and voice are reminiscent of Bob Dylan's work.
The entire album isn't this serious. There are some lighter songs on the album, such as the standout "Masterpiece," which is about love and believe in someone. Despite the lighter tune though, you can always hear a hint of seriousness in Madden's voice as he sings. It feels like you are always waiting for the next song to have a stronger message.
The only heavy downfall of "Samsara's Grip" is that many of the songs have the same flow and tunes making them run together after a while. There are a few breaks for the listener, but many of them don't come until further into the album, by that time Madden may have already lost a few listeners. I felt that he should have moved up more powerful songs, such as "Murder," nearer the beginning of the album to keep listeners on their toes.
modern-dance by Dave W. Hughes | 2005
Whilst the artwork rages with controversy (it shows a young Bill Madden innocently unaware that his little todger's hanging out of his shorts - it IS an innocent photo after all!), hopefully, folks might eventually realise that the music is pretty damn good. As with many a good novel, the opening chapter is the hook, and here it's the opening song Om Tat Sat, damn good. Masterpiece, the 2nd track carries on with a certain style and assuredness that's not often found on self-released albums. He's surrounded himself with some pretty fine musicians, and the mix and production is really well balanced, with lead breaks not drowning out the rest of the band. It's an album that needs time, the first time I played it I knew it was a decent cd, but it wasn't until maybe the third or fourth spin I realised it was a bit better than that. Tracks such as 19 Miles are really laid back and relaxing. Overall, Madden has produced a stunning album here with some well crafted songs, and lyrics that provoke and stimulate. (dw)
Summary: This insightful Southern California-based singer/songwriter sets his agenda against mindless political correctness and cultural intolerance. The gentle shock value of the album's artwork should solicit a few extra listeners to a deep exploration of social issues and observations that embrace the spirit of his two greatest influences, Buddhism and Bob Dylan. While Madden's guitar-driven light rock and retro pop-soul elements are engaging, they're merely the backdrop to lyrics that could double as sharp op-ed pieces.
Opening up "Samsara's Grip" with one of the most far-reaching and impressive alternative rock songs, Bill Madden inserts bits and pieces of R.E.M., New Radicals, and the like to make a compelling and ingratiating song. Moving more into the Dave Matthews-brand of vocalization, some form of drive forces "Masterpiece" in a realm that is not usually traversed by the former's music. There is some actual conclusion to this music, instead of the same rote, drawn-out repetition that marks most of the singer-songwriter genre. The music is not revolutionary in its sound, but provides perfect material for the legion of individuals who would rather slap on a pair of headphones and zone out to their favorite musician. If individuals would get the ability to listen to tracks off of "Samsara's Grip", chances are that Madden's fanbase would swell, owing much to the heart-breakingly beautiful way in which Madden constructs each guitar lick and vocal inflection. "19 Miles" suffers from the lack of the same drive that brought its preceding track to the dizzying heights of greatness, but offers a brooding tone that surpasses anything to this point. The bass laid down by Billy Mohler is the piece de resistance "19 Miles", leading fairly well to the dreamy guitar work placed down in the Tom Petty-vocaled/Wallflowers-esque guitar led "Fool's Parade".
Each of Bill Madden's tracks on "Samsara's Grip" is a mini-epic, its four-minutes devoted to creating a rich tapestry of differing sounds, moods, and influences. The disc will get mucho play on CMJ radio, but this isn't your typical indie flavor of the weak -- this is Don Henley, Bryan Adams, and Mr. Mister fighting intensely over the last scrap of food in the trash can, and anyone that liked that style of music when it dominated the airwaves in the eighties will be happy to see that it makes such a convincing comeback on this album.
Madden's album is one of the few that can revel in a slowed-down and laid-back tempo for an extended length of time. To do something of this magnitude is equivalent to those individuals that can practically stop their heart to conserve energy when they are in the coldest of settings. The mastering on this disc is the final icing on the cake; if a less skilled hand was on the dials, then a track like "Right In The Head" would not be able to drag people along for the entirety of its length.
Bill Madden, "Samsara's Grip" (MadMuse) - It's no surprise that Bill Madden's latest disc would be a wonderful addition to the collection of any fan of intelligent and powerful song craft. The Newport Beach singer-songwriter's first CD, "Chillin' in Hades," established Madden as a dazzling local talent and earned him college airplay around the United States, but his sophomore effort boasts even stronger songwriting and performances that elevate him to the ranks of many of today's best singer-songwriters.
The title track sounds almost as if the Waterboys' Mike Scott had teamed with Toad the Wet Sprocket during the "Dulcinea" sessions, while other songs beg comparisons to a wide range of seminal artists ranging from Peter Gabriel ("Murder") to George Harrison ("Experience," "Consequence of War"). But comparisons don't begin to fully detail Madden's distinct talents when tackling global politics and personal crises (minus cliches) on tuneful rockers ("Fool's Parade") and achingly beautiful ballads ("Right In The Head").
There's already been quite of bit of controversy concerning this release. Or let's say concerning the artwork of this release, which features a three-year old boy (Bill Madden himself) playing in the garden only in his underpants but with his penis sticking out. Journalists have been all over this calling it wrong and lots of other things, but considering that we're talking about a photo of the man playing the music on this disc (when he was three, mind you) I think it's rather harmless. Musically this is a good singer/songwriter album that sounds more like Lenny Kravitz than Will Young. So forget everything I just said about that picture and concentrate on the music, because that's where the focus really should be.
Rating: ****
PhenomeNews by Greg Ozimek | 2004
Bill Madden takes a look at the adult world he has and has no control over in his latest, Samsara's Grip.
His title track reminds us of this theme in a mild rock -- that is an anthem of his album which continues to make him a hero on college radio stations stateside.
Samsara's Grip's first track, Om Tat Sat, which Madden says loosely translates to "Truth in absolute consciousness," and Shrink the Guru (I am everything and I am That), World Just Is (... what it is) all contribute to a progressive feel that may anchor him a status of "legend" with the Rainbow children and the Indigos too.
Musical genius and legend Herbie Hancock, in a recent interview with WJR radio's Mitch Albom, mused, "How do we know today what is going to be remembered (and lauded) decades from today" (to which Mitch quipped, "Yeah the latest from Hillary Duff...")
Madden with Samsara's Grip should be remembered for more than his album cover depicting him in childhood antics when he was 3-years-old. Certainly I hope so.
Smother.net by J-Sin | 2004
Don't worry all you pedophile watchers, this is Bill Madden, albeit slightly younger and less hung. And with that cover, one might be surprised at the gripping content that permeates "Samsara's Grip". A great testament to post-9/11 nationalistic bravado, this is a singer/songwriter album for the ages. Sure to get CMJ worked up as well as the morality police for the ironically covered album -- innocent times that invoke fist-shaking years later. The production is awe-inspiring with some twang in those guitar strings and tone that most take decades to perfect. A portion of the album proceeds will be donated to The Global Fund to fight AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. And while many might see that as an omen that this is a serious album that will depress most, they'd be dead wrong -- this is uplifting soft rock that you'll be glad you popped in your stereo instantly.
And now our moment of zen. Bill Madden comes from the school of topical folk rock with witty lyrics, warm production and heartfelt delivery -- which is all well and good, but the twist on Samsara's Grip is Madden's conviction. He isn't just spouting new age rhetoric from his coffee-stained bar stool, swaying before an audience of sweatered suburbanite liberals and their lattes; he's living his beliefs every day. From his ten year vegan odyssey to his the prominently displayed links to Rock the Vote and The Global Fund on his web site, Madden's ongoing effort to better himself isn't limited to his music. It just happens to be his chief mechanism to better us, as well.
Freedy Johnston and Michael Penn have a kindred spirit in Madden, whose voice rings with rich emotion at every mention of "sex magick and wicca", "god's fine mess" and "idiot paradise / where every day's a fools' parade." He namedrops Boddhisatva and other Eastern philosophy touchstones while clinging firmly to his love for Dylan (Bob and Thomas, one suspects) and struggling with the injustices of his day-to-day life. The inherent paradox in Madden's work, and in Eastern philosophy in general, is summed up in "World Just Is", on which he observes, "The world just is what it is" -- a far cry from the call to arms of earlier tracks like the "Murder" and "Consequence of War". Then again, as darkness cannot exist without light, so, too does peace require strife -- or so the buddhas believe.
Madden's messages can be a bit heavy-handed, but he makes a conscious effort not to ram his points down our throats. When he's in doubt, he just turns up the amps and rocks, trusting that the path to nirvana runs through the dharma and distortion pedal in equal measure.
From its opening track, the jangle-poppy "Om Tat Sat", it's clear that Bill Madden's latest album, 'Samsara's Grip', is taking us into singer-songwriter country. It's a radio-friendly country where you can find Dylan, Costello and Lennon on the stamps while Tom Petty stares up at you from the banknotes. What's perhaps surprising is that the country is ruled not by one of this quartet but seems to have a benevolent dictator in Peter Gabriel. Time and again, the Womadman's antic vocal and production styles pop up to check your passport.
Nowhere is this more obvious than on the second track, the excellent 'Masterpiece', based loosely on a comment by Mahatma Gandhi and containing the mantra "Your life is your masterpiece". That Madden is a Buddhist and a vegan of ten years standing only serves to confirm the impression of a rock'n'roll hippy born after his time.
Not that Madden is anywhere near as elliptical as Gabriel or, indeed, any of the aforementioned influences. Instead, as a lyricist, he can be direct to the point of rudeness. Then again, this is hardly a time for poetic imagery. A hardline political activist by US standards (Madden is donating a share of the money from the album The Global Fund, which helps in the fight against AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria), time and again these songs urge you to cut through the crap and pretence of a situation and see it for what it is.
The lyrics to "Consequence of War" may read like embarrassingly earnest sixth-form poetry but, when backed by the solid trio of Gannon Arnold, Billy Mohler and Adam Watts, the song becomes reflective, almost poignant. In this day and age, then, it should hardly come as a shock that this album has already received some broadsides in the States, but - sad to say - it's not for Madden's lyrical content but for the album's cover. It all seems innocent enough: a three-year old Madden, crew-cut and all, pulling on a chest-expander. But then, peaking out of his bathing shorts is a three-year-old's penis (his own, obviously).
While Madden has complained about the reaction, describing it as the work of "morality police", it's obvious he's gone out looking to provoke. Which is a pity because it distracts and detracts from an album that - while hardly pushing back the boundaries of the form - contains enough passion and power to hold its own, even in the face of sledgehammer critics.
TheCelebrityCafe.com by Michael Mardings | 09.16.04
Bill Madden's latest album has gotten more attention for the album cover than the music itself. After all the controversy surrounding the cover, Madden may now only be known as "the guy with the kid's penis on the cover." Yes, it's his picture from his childhood, but it seemed to stir the fires.
That said, Madden's album is pretty good. He tells stories with a conscience that have an alternative/world music feel. In the press release, they list Eastern philosophy and Bob Dylan as influences and to be honest, I guessed both before I read the release. It comes across.
Now it's an interesting situation when you have a songwriter who is trying to get across a social message but the message is being lost by the fact that the album cover is showing a child's penis.
From the opening lines on "Om Tat Sat": "the world is goin' crazy" to the final "God's fine mess" ("Experience"), Bill Madden is trying to make us aware of something: the world is going to Hell in a handbasket. Samsara's Grip is eleven tales of woe and outrage, covering topics such as runaways, murder, lawyers, guns, and money, religion, terrorism, and war.
Ironically, the controversy over this album will be less over its subject matter than the cover of the disc, which features a three-year-old boy experiencing the phenomenon that revived Janet Jackson's fame, a "wardrobe malfunction".
Madden's approach is somewhat as if Bob Dylan embraced Buddhism. "Om Tat Sat" throws its hands into the air against the world's turmoil and resorts to meditation as a coping mechanism. "Masterpiece" encourages the pursuit of dreams, and owes something to Elvis Costello. "Consequences of War" is designed to prick the conscience of those who would discount their own prejudices.
"Right In The Head" is perhaps the most disturbing song, detailing a woman who is attractive in every sense, with the exception being her mental state. Madden also attacks the traditional concept of God in "Shrink The Guru," "Samsara's Grip," and refers to "God's charade" in "Experience."
While it is difficult to agree with Madden's Eastern influences, his social concerns are heartfelt and legitimate. Samsara's Grip will disturb you, challenge you, and perhaps provoke discussion on how to resolve some of society's woes.
Interview
Why: Find out what goes on in the mind of one of today's premier artists.
Singer/Songwriter Bill Madden has quickly become on of my favorite artists. His amazing mix of the full band sound and the Singer/Songwriter offensive is paralleled by few. His latest offering, Samsara's Grip, is getting rave reviews and it's only a matter of time before people start catching on. I had the chance to chat with Bill about his past, present, and future. Here is what he had to tell me...
Mark Fisher: "Samsara's Grip" is my first experience with your music. I absolutely love this album and your overall sound. How long have you been involved in music?
Bill Madden: Well, I did an album called "Chillin' in Hades" a few years ago and it got a lot of college radio play. Really this would be my second album but this is the one that I went in and produced it the way I wanted it to be. I was very meticulous on how I wanted it produced. I wanted it to have the warmth of older analog recordings so I went in with a bunch of 2 inches under my arm. I recorded most of the track pretty much just jamming with a band onto the 2 inch. Then we ran it onto the pro-tools and did some overdubs that way. We actually ran some of the tracks back onto the 2 inch after that to retain the warmth. I wanted the crackles and the pops in there you know? We, of course, mixed it in pro-tools after that. At the time I was listening to Bob Dylan's "Time Out of Mind". I like the sound of that recording so much. I wanted that kind of warmth to be there.
While we were in the middle of recording the studio got sold and they didn't want to let me back in! The new owners wanted more money. So in order to finish the album we basically snuck in in the middle of the night at various times. This album took about 2 years whereas it should have taken about 6 months. We got it out though and that's good!
MF: Wow! I noticed that this is on MadMuse Records. Is that your own label?
BM: No, it's a small independent label owned by someone who likes my music. I haven't really pursued a label. I had a bad experience with a major label awhile ago and since then I have never really bothered to go anywhere else. It's really because I have the freedom to do what I want now and I enjoy that. I'm gonna be going in in the next few months to record another CD already. This is a time where I am writing a lot. It's really a prolific period for me. I feel like I have something to say and I want to get it out. I don't want to distract from this CD at all but I think it will probably have pretty much run its course within the next few months. I want to just continue to put out albums; I don't want to have any layoffs ever again. It's really important to me to get back into the studio, which I plan on doing. It'll be interesting and probably even more singer/songwriter-ish.
MF: What I really like about this album is what you were describing earlier. It feels "warm" and it feels like a band, like Elvis Costello or Bob Dylan records feel. So much singer/songwriter misses that.
BM: That's right! Thank you SO much! That's exactly what I wanted. I am a singer/songwriter. That's what I am but I wanted to jam with people and get that sound that sounds like a band. And we are a band, we know each other and we play. We played, we did the songs many times and that's where you got that feel from. I was really interested in that.
MF: How has response been to the album aside from the "controversial cover art", which I'm sure you have talked about way too much already.
BM: Response has been good. We did the college thing first and we got played on about 150 stations and then we went to the AAA thing, which is a singer/songwriter format. Even on bigger stations we are getting some air play which I'm sure you know is SO difficult because it's a lot of politics.
MF: And a lot of money.
BM: (laughter) You got it brother! A lot of money. The response has been good though. We're selling albums and that's good. I'm not sure if the cover has caused people to look at it and check it out or not, I imagine it has. It's a double edged sword though because you want people to check it out to see what it is but at the same time you don't want it to distract or take away from the music either. I don't know if it does or not really. It wasn't any kind of publicity thing, it was just that with the name of the album being "Samsara's Grip" and you have this little kid lifting this resistance band with all his might. It just sort of signified the struggle of life for me you know? It just so happened that during the picture his pee pee popped out. To me that's just funny! (laughter) If his pee pee wasn't popping out I still would have used the picture as a metaphor for the album title.
MF: The song that sticks out to me the most on this album is "Masterpiece". Could you tell our readers a little about the thoughts/inspirations behind that one?
BM: "Masterpiece" is one of those songs where... you know people want to be something in their lives. They want to be whatever they want to be. It's about not giving up on your dreams I think. For me, I don't separate life and art. There's just no separation there for me. Let me give you an example, there's a quote that always stood out in my mind. Ghandi was leaving a train station and one of the reporters said, as the train was leaving, "Ghandi! Ghandi! Give us a message! Give us a message!" and he wrote on a little brown piece of paper "My Life is my Message". I think that, as a metaphor, that's kind of what "Masterpiece" is about. Your life is your masterpiece, what are you gonna do with it? In this case this person wants to be in the movies. Well, go for it girl! You know listen to your heart and follow your bliss. You have to do what you love. It's not an easy thing but if more people would do that they would find that they would meet up with a success that was unexpected. I just believe in that totally.
MF: From looking around your website I'm guessing that you are pretty politically and socially involved.
BM: Yes, I do have opinions. (laughter) Which, there we go, is the double edged sword again. Everyone has opinions and I respect them all. I definitely have mine though and they are pretty strong.
MF: Do you feel a sense of obligation in regards to being pro-active in your music then?
BM: I do in the sense that I want to be honest in my music. A friend of mine went to a Woman's Rights rally in Washington, D.C. My friend was marching with this older woman and the older woman was saying, "Yeah this is a really big crowd but you know what's missing?" and my friend said, "What?" and she said "The driving force behind what we did back in the sixties." Music then was the soundtrack to life and you don't hear that anymore. I guess it's there in parts but it's fractionalized. As the country is fractionalized you just don't hear it being played all that much on the radio. Nor do you hear artists really singing about it. I personally don't like to be preached to but in my opinion the really good songwriters could do it in metaphors. People like Bob Dylan. That's a beautiful thing and that's hard to do. That's what I try to do. I don't want to be preachy but I want to say what I want to say. I don't want the message to be misconstrued, believe me I want them to hear it but I don't ever want to be preachy. It's a turn off to me. Is far as your question is concerned though, I do feel an obligation to get it across in the music. That's only me though. That's my heart, if it's there I'm gonna get it out brother. I'm not gonna sit back and ask if the radio station wants to hear it. I'm not out there to find fans, I hope fans find me.
MF: Do you think that the fact that there are things you want to say and there are things you want people to know about and think about has given your music a little bit of a handicap?
BM: That's an interesting question. That is really interesting. You know I have always had record companies and people like that tell me to "write a hit" but I really just don't know what that is. I'm not sure what the formula is for that. I don't know if it's a handicap, it might be, it just doesn't concern me. I just have to do what I do you know? I try to be on purpose. I always ask what my purpose is with the song. That little voice that is inside you, that intrinsic wisdom that speaks to you, that's God. So what do you do with that? Do you deny it? The object is to be free enough, pure enough, free to do what that intrinsic wisdom is telling you to do. Not suppress it, not deny it, not turn it away because of some political or career whatever. It's just to let it go and to let the chips fall where they may. If they don't fall to the extent of where I have worldwide notoriety or whatever then so be it. I want to be able to live with myself and I want to feel that good feeling as time goes on that I did what was inside of me justice. I stayed true to myself, that's what is important. I guess, to answer your question, yes it probably has you know? That's OK though. It's not over yet! (laughter)
MF: Are you touring at all for "Samsara's Grip"?
BM: I did some radio dates but really my whole plan is to go back into the studio and record another CD. I plan on going on tour after this next album, because I'm gonna have 2 albums within a year. So I want to tour after this next album and that will give me a good amount of material to draw from for a show. I plan on recording a minimum of eleven songs for the next album but maybe even more. That will give me 20 or 25 songs to choose from for the shows. Taking a full band on tour with me would be my preference but we'll have to see if that would work financially. I may just take another guitarist with me to add some melody. Worse comes to worse I would just go out there with my acoustic and strip the songs down. A full band tour is what I hope to do though. That's all financial though.
MF: Very good. Thanks for your time. Any parting thoughts?
BM: I don't know. I would hate to over speak! (laughter) It was a pleasure to talk with you Mark and I appreciate your interest.
News Bytes
Rimone.org by Rimone Newman | 09.06.04
the way back to our puritanikal roots IX
Filed under: Amerika
great shades of janet jackson's tit as censorship strikes again in freedom-loving amerika: the newest horror is bill madden's latest CD. the cover features bill madden himself, photographed at 3 years old, w/his penis exposed. like big fucking deal, right? but amerikans are freaking out over this latest reminder that yes, we all have genitals and (gasp!) we had them as children (but don't tell anyone).
bill madden: 'here's this picture of this kid lifting a resistance-band, straining his mightiest, and a moment is captured that is so innocent; and yet, there are people who have a big problem with it. it's just amazing to me, but i'm not surprised.
'since 9/11, amerika seems to be embracing a nationalistic, overzealous mind-set that is so unbending, narrow-minded and myopic that it reminds me of the mentality that permeated 1930s germany. it's just crazy. it's extremism where there is no middle way.'
Why they vote
From staff reports
As we head to the ballot boxes today, we thought we'd give you a look at some of the artists and celebrities who are also exercising this most sacred of civic privileges -- the right to vote -- and let them offer some insight into why they cherish the democratic process. Some of them we talked to on their last pass through the Port City. Others we sought out because we thought they might offer inspiration.
Hilarie Burton
One Tree Hill star and MTV VJ
"I do vote, ever since I turned 18. Our age bracket, more than any other age bracket, is affected by whoever will be in office the next four years. It's our college tuition; it's paying off student loans. Not only directly, but how we deal with the repercussions of what goes on the next four years, planning for kids and taking care parents."
Melissa Etheridge
Pop artist
"In my concerts I tell people to make sure to register to vote. I don't tell them how to vote, I just say, 'Look, it's just so important that you register and vote and exercise that right that we have.'"
Ed Sloan
Vocalist and frontman for Columbia, S.C.-based heavy-hard rock band Crossfade
"You walk around and talk to people and they're always mad about the way things are going and whose running the country. You have all these people who aren't voting and don't vote. ... People should just take pride in their country and do what they gotta do to make it the best they can and vote."
Rickey Medlocke
Guitarist, mandolinist and vocalist of the staple Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd
"I'll keep the way I'm going to vote to myself. I don't like to mix politics and religion in the band. Part of the band's got one way they believe and part of the band's got another way they believe. That's what Democracy's all about. Now me, I'm about three quarters Native American, so believe me, I've got some strong political opinions, but like I said I keep them to myself. I'm just pulling for this country. That's what I'm pulling for."
Mickey Hart
Drummer for The Grateful Dead
"It's one of the most important things you'll ever do in your life. Because then you can't blame anybody about the outcome of your fate. If you care about the environment, your children, yourself and the economy -- look around you. It's your world, or it could be."
Derek Trucks
Singer, guitarist for the Derek Trucks Band
"For me, it's one of those things where it's easy to sit around and complain, but if you don't take the few hours out of your life to cast a vote, it's hard for people to accept your complaints."
Ryan Newell
Guitarist, Sister Hazel
"Most of the people who don't vote are younger people -- kids -- and I think if they knew the power that they have, they wouldn't sit back and not vote ... A lot of people sit around and debate and have strong opinions and they're fired up, but as far as I'm concerned you should keep your mouth shut unless you're voting."
Jacki-O
Miami-based rapper
"It is so important for Americans to go out to vote. How can you complain about the decisions being made at the White House if you haven't done your part by voting? ... This election is a close run and that one vote can help decide our next President."
Chris Stamey
Chapel Hill based producer of Ryan Adams, Michael Stipe, Whiskeytown, Matthew Sweet, Caitlin Cary, Tift Merritt, etc.
He recently released a limited edition record available at independent record stores that includes a PSA V.O.T.E. that he recorded with Yo La Tengo. "If you look at civilization, this is a rare tiny moment where we get to decide the direction of our country. This wasn't true throughout history and is still not true in most of the world and even though the electoral college is maybe a barrier that reinterprets our decision making, we still can make a change in our lives directly, if we express ourselves at the polls."
Bill Madden
Southern California singer-songwriter
"America is like a corporation in which the citizens are shareholders and the president is like the CEO. And like in any corporation, the president, or CEO, should be acting in the best interest of its citizens, or shareholders. If he does well, we can vote to give him or her another four years. If he doesn't, the shareholders can vote to fire him. All a citizen has to do is register and vote. That's all you have to do to get that one share. You can be poor, you can be jobless, 18 years of age -- and this is the cool part -- your vote is just as important and counts equally as much say a 55-year-old, wealthy, corporate executive. How beautiful is that?"
Commendations
Los Angeles Music Awards | 03.22.05
As difficult as it was sitting down and spending the past several weeks revisiting the countless new releases I received in 2004, it only speaks to a wonderful and thriving O.C. music scene. Selecting the 10 best releases of the year was just short of impossible.
1. John Hoskinson, "Miscellaneous Heathen" (independent) - With the possible exception of the latest titles by U2 and Snow Patrol, no other 2004 release has enjoyed as much time in my player this year as the debut of John Hoskinson. Armed with a voice that draws natural comparisons to Neil Finn, Hoskinson has a knack for writing instantly memorable songs and finding the right mix of supporting players to render those tunes perfectly. Information: www.johnhoskinson.com. You might like if you enjoy: Crowded House, Finn Brothers, the Beatles
2. Topeka, "Land Rush" (Lopie Records) - Fletcher Harrington is among the most talented and original artists to ever call Orange County home. Harrington's latest project, Topeka, has teamed the Tustin artist's vocal and songwriting skills with the angelic voice of Tanya Livingstone (Blind Ruby) and handiwork of guitarist-keyboardist Brit Collins (Moonhead) to create a sound blending Americana roots and electronic shadings. The results are glorious. Information: www.lopie.com. You might like if you enjoy: Gram Parsons, Wilco, Zero 7
3. Michael Ubaldini, "Avenue of Ten Cent Hearts" (Blackwater Records) - Ubaldini has increasingly been able to bring a growing number of authentic influences into his American roots sound, with his latest album blending rock, folk, country, blues, jazz and gospel around remarkable songs. Information: www.rocknrollpoet.com. You might like if you enjoy: Peter Case, John Mellencamp
4. Kenny Howes, "Lady Friend" (YEAH! Records) - A dozen power-pop ditties adorned with Chuck Berry guitar licks, early Joe Jackson-styled propulsive rhythms and real-world lyrical tales. Information: www.kennyhowes.com. You might like if you enjoy: Cheap Trick, Slade, the Who
5. 9 Ball, "Upside Down" (independent) - Melodic and modern, singer-songwriter-guitarist Tim Nienhuis, bassist Dev Torres and drummer Danny Gamboa crafted one of the most pleasing rock albums of the year. Information: www.9ballmusic.com. You might like if you enjoy: David Gray, Pete Yorn, Badly Drawn Boy
6. Bodie, "Terrors of the Deep" (Arthropoda Records) - The debut of Bodie is filled with songs that benefit from stirring and eclectic production. Whether fusing wonderfully somber rock with blues ("Twilights") or traditional folk ("Blood of the Goat and Black Cat Bones"), there is a powerful focus at the heart of Bodie's "Terrors of the Deep" that is far more tantalizing than terrifying. Information: www.arthropodarecords.com. You might like if you enjoy: Radiohead, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Peter Gabriel, Travis
7. Fit 2-B Tied, "Where the Rubber Meets the Road" (independent) - Mixing traditional country with rock and blues, Fit 2-B Tied defies the cliche of modern country across its captivating sophomore effort. Information: www.fit2-btied.com. You might like if you enjoy: Pirates of the Mississippi, the Flying Burrito Brothers
8. Joe Ongie, "Critical Darling" (A Granny Vegas Record) - Anchored by clever rockers such as "Critical Darling" and "Sleepwalking World," this epic, 16-song collection was the first great CD I heard this year. Information: www.joeongie.com. You might like if you enjoy: Elvis Costello, the Beatles' "White Album," Stan Ridgway
9. Andrewesley, "Strength" (Marathon Records) - Shining guitar work, emotive vocals and strong songwriting are used in combination to paint an intelligent and provoking release from one-time Goforth guitarist Andrewesley on his solo debut. Information: www.marathonrecords.com. You might like if you enjoy: Toad the Wet Sprocket, Tears for Fears, Train
10. Ball Madden, "Samsara's Grip" (Madmuse) - This is a release that recalls a number of wonderful singer-songwriters, ranging from John Lennon to Joe Strummer, who were not afraid to blend world affairs with affairs of the heart. Madden crafts songs that challenge the listener, with his "Om Tat Sat" especially in tune with today's troubled times. Information: www.billmadden.com. You might like if you enjoy: solo John Lennon, the Replacements, the Clash
Freelance writer Robert Kinsler has covered pop music in Orange County for the Register since 1992.
