Full of sardonic bite and heartfelt sadness, the new James Clark Institute record is an exorcism of emotions felt after a long term relationship went south. What began merely as a therapeutic exercise in the fall of 2005, ‘Sideshow Unattraction’ took shape in early 2006 after 25 songs had been written. Conjuring up the same spirit as John Lennon’s ‘Walls and Bridges’; Frank Sinatra’s ‘In The Wee Small Hours’; Beck’s ‘Sea Change’ and Bob Dylan’s ‘Blood On The Tracks’, this farewell record to a lost lover/friend will be released in May 2008.

Taking the sideshow theme one step further, James spent the late winter months of ’08 painting a full size 9’x6’sideshow banner reminiscent of the ones used in the vintage days of the freak shows. Incorporating several images and characters that are found in the new songs, the banner will be used as a backdrop for James’ live shows.

MONSTROUS

The bees are bad this year. They buzz around my beer.
Making it hard to appear sincere but I am.
The stewardess was there. She let down her hair.
She was putting on airs though she was firmly on land.

Cindy Sherman’s ears must be burning.
This fairy tale’s turning monstrous.

In a cab on Williamson, it all came back with a grin.
While I was reaching in for $15.50.
‘Neil Young’s Greatest Hits’, and R.E.M. on cassette.
The soundtrack I won’t soon forget, to our movie.

Cindy Sherman’s ears must be burning,
This fairy tale’s turning monstrous

You share the same qualities as the damsel in distress.
I wear the same monogrammed handkerchief as Jesus,
yeah.

Cindy Sherman’s ears must be burning.
This fairy tale’s turning monstrous.

Yesterday I sat in a Vaughn Road Laundromat,
Accepting that that is that and washing you away.

Cindy Sherman’s ears must be burning.
This fairy tale’s turning monstrous.
Monstrous….Monstrous.

(c) James Clark 2007.

lyrics for all songs are viewable in my blog

Produced by James Clark and Garry Flint.

Recorded and Mixed by Garry Flint at The Daisy Factory, Toronto.

Mastered by The Ring-Masterer in trailer number four, Toronto.

Photography by Raph Nogal (www.photog-raphy.smugmug.com)

Cover Design by James Clark

Sideshow Banner by James Clark

James Clark - Singing; Acoustic Guitars; Harmonica; Drums and Percussion.

Vince Yue - Electric Guitars.

Mike Zammit - Bass Guitars.

Greg Condie - Keyboards.

Garry Flint - Organ on 'Lake Monona'.

David Ponter - Harmony Singing and Whistlin' on 'Nonetheless Happy'.

Jennifer Foster - Accordian on 'Nonetheless Happy'.

click above

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