I’ll Be Sober Only For a While
So, there’s this guy at work, let’s call him Charlie, who’s basically the office boy (we call that a production assistant in the entertainment biz) who is working here while he tries to create a career as a musician. I’d been working with him on my part-time schedule for over a year. He is in his twenties, nice enough, and okay at the job. He didn’t make much of an impression beyond that.
He talked a lot about his musical family and how they and some friends were helping him record an album, and he always sings when working around the office – nothing obnoxious or loud, but a normal, humming to yourself kind of thing. I do it too, so I didn’t think anything of it.
But then he finished his album and he brought copies for everyone at work. We get lots of music sent to us there, and there was a time when we interviewed musicians all the time – from Sting to The Guy Who Sang That One Song Whose Named Nobody Can Remember to The Band to Nowhere. So I didn’t have high expectations when I popped the CD into my car’s player on the way home that day.
By the time I got to the freeway I was so overcome with surprise, delight, and pride that I actually had to call the office to tell him how much I loved the first song. And it just got better from there – the whole album is great. The arrangements, the production, the lyrics, the singing. I find myself singing the songs when I’m at my desk and then Charlie will come into the room and I feel silly. It’s like singing “Uptown Girl” to Billy Joel. (Wait, does anyone remember that song?) Okay, it’s like singing “I Will Always Love You” to Whitney Houston. (Does that one work? Maybe I’m just so excited about Charlie’s album because it’s the first new music I’ve listened to in 20 years?)
I played the CD in the car when the kids were with me, and Kyle started requesting it. I gave him his own copy. He asks for “Charlie’s music” all the time, which of course makes Charlie laugh and think maybe he should be aiming for the soccer mom demo. He’s doing his own grassroots promotion of his music, and he gave me a copy to give away to my readers. You don’t actually have to be a soccer mom.
I’ll give it to the first commenter who checks out his tracks and likes them. Hell, if there’s an overwhelming response, Charlie might give away more than one. He’s desperate like that.
P.S. The post title is a line from that first song. It’s not my mood. At least, not right now.
Diary of a Moving Mom
Every Little Bottom
Uptake
Help a Mother Out
Los Angeles Moms Blog
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Agree… He’s really good. Going to go send a link to Heath — our resident music guru. He loves finding new stuff. Thanks for posting! –bettijo
De-lurking (again) to say that I also agree. That song was really great, it sounds like something I would download!
Dang. I missed my chance to get a free CD by not leaving the first comment. I was just tooling around his myspace page a bit and really do like what I hear. (And KTP you know how obsessed I am about the music scene.)
I imagine he sounds quite good live as well — maybe one day I’ll catch him in Boston if he ever heads East on a tour.
I also have a habit of developing a crush on almost every twenty-something musician I see stand up in front of a mike, guitar in hand. I’m glad to see, thanks to the photo you provided, this time proved to be no different.
i think he’s great too! i really like his voice. thanks for sharing — i love finding new music worth listening to.
I think it’s so fantastic that you’re promoting Charlie here! He deserves it.
Laura
That WAS good! Thanks for sharing! (totally bummed that I wasn’t first to post, but it was worth listening!)
He’s amazing. I’m digging it. Can I get it on itunes?
Never mind, I just bought the album. Cool. Thank you for throwing that out there.
Wow. Just wow. Would he consider giving an additonal copy to the 9th commenter?
Wow is right! I totally loved that song!!!! Get his autograph now, he might blow up soon!
He’s great! Reminds me of Amos Lee, another favorite of mine. I think I just like guys with guitars.
Wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy cool! Can I walk over and hear him sing while he is working sometime?!
I sure wish him luck because he has great talent!
Really good. He’s got it.
Bob has done lots of critiques for various musicians online etc….I have sent him the link so he can check out the music. Will let you know what he thought!!
finding good music in surprising places feels like an accomplishment!
[...] local acts you’ve never heard of and bands that have been there, done that. My own friend Charlie Vaughn and his band The Daily Routine are on the bill for Monday. This live act is not to be missed. Just imagine it – [...]
[...] local acts you’ve never heard of and bands that have been there, done that. My own friend Charlie Vaughn and his band The Daily Routine are on the bill for Monday. This live act is not to be missed. Just imagine it – [...]