 Click on titles for song lyrics.
THE ROOKS
A DOUBLE DOSE OF POP (Remaining tracks feature Twenty Cent Crush)
CHIMES
MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM MICHAEL LIMITED EDITION CDs 10 manufactured RELEASE DATE: DECEMBER 1999 (Personalized Christmas messages & songs from Michael Mazzarella. Each disc is unique in track selection with hand-drawn cover art. Nine different drawings were created by Michael).  ENCORE ECHOES- EUROPEAN RELEASE RECORD#: WHEN! (a division of Castle Music Ltd.) WENCD205 RELEASE DATE: MARCH 6, 2000 TRACK LISTING: Love Said To Me (same mix as GDR 701) Reasons (same mix as GDR 701) Apology (same mix as GDR 701) Steeplechase (same mix as GDR 701) Night Writer (same mix as GDR 701) Down (same mix as GDR 701) Look (same mix as GDR 701) Circle Of Fools (same mix as GDR 701) Always You And Me (same mix as GDR 701) Better Start Right Now (same mix as GDR 701 minus original acapella intro) Monday Morning (same mix as GDR 701) It's A Crying Shame (same mix as NL-0036 minus original pre-song Gary Wade/Michael Mazzarella dialogue) House Of Fortune (same mix as NL-0036) War (same mix as NL-0036) Friends Of Mine (same mix as NL-0036) Praises (same mix as NL-0033) Music Sound Sensation (same mix as NL-0033) Waiting (same mix as NL-0033 minus original wrongfully edited pre-song Elliot Easton dialogue) Glitter Best (same mix as NL-0033) In A Pinwheel Spin (same mix as NL-0033 Colours (same as found on NL-0033) (Cover and inside art, track sequencing & edits differ from the U.S. release). A WISHING WELL-EUROPEAN RELEASE RECORD#: WHEN! (a division of Castle Music Ltd.) WENCD204 RELEASE DATE: MARCH 6, 2000 TRACK LISTING AND SEQUENCE SAME AS U.S. RELEASE NL-048  MUNSTER RECORDS GOES HI FI RECORD#: MUNSTER MRCD 180 (Spain) RELEASED: JANUARY 31, 2000 TRACK #7 "MAYBE" (same mix as NL-048)  CHURCH BELLS AT THE FACTORY RELEASED: FEBRUARY 15, 2000 100 manufactured (This CD features alternate and stripped down instrumental mixes of "A Wishing Well". This disc was made available to Not Lame contest winners).  WHEN! 2000 SAMPLER-EUROPEAN RELEASE 10 TRACK CD RECORD #: WHEN! (a division of Castle Music Ltd.) CMS2001 RELEASE DATE: APRIL 2000 TRACK #6 "WISH YOU WELL" (same mix as NL-048)  ENCORE ECHOES- U.S. RELEASE RECORD#: NOT LAME RECORDING CO. NLA-003 RELEASE DATE: OCTOBER 30, 2000 TRACK LISTING: Love Said To Me (same mix as NL-0033) Reasons (same mix as NL-0033) Apology (same mix as GDR 701) Steeplechase (same mix as NL-0033) Night Writer (same mix as GDR 701 minus original pre-song Kristin Pinell dialogue) Down (same mix as GDR 701) Look (same mix as GDR 701) Circle Of Fools (same mix as GDR 701) Always You And Me (same mix as GDR 701) Better Start Right Now (same mix as GDR 701 minus original acapella introduction) Monday Morning (same mix as GDR 701) Praises (same mix as NL-0033) Music Sound Sensation (same mix as NL-0033 minus original pre-song metronome & followed by Elliot Easton’s dialogue restored to its originally intended placement. NOTE: This was mistakenly edited onto "Waiting" on NL-0033) Waiting (same mix as NL-0033) Glitter Best (same mix as NL-0033 with shorter fade-out) In A Pinwheel Spin (same mix as NL-0033 with shorter fade-out) Colors (remix originally found on NL-0038) It's A Crying Shame (same mix as NL-0036 minus original pre-song Gary Wade/Michael Mazzarella dialogue) House Of Fortune (same mix as NL-0036) War (same mix as NL-0036) Friends Of Mine (same mix as NL-0036 followed by previously unreleased Gary Wade dialogue) Christmas (same mix as GOD 777, radio promotional version)  CHRISTMAS WISH FROM MICHAEL 23 manufactured RELEASED: DECEMBER 2000 (A personalized Christmas greeting including two versions of the Mazzarella penned tune "Christmas Time In The City").  SIX YEARS OF POWER POP- (COMPILATION) RECORD#: NOT LAME RECORDING CO. NL-065 RELEASE DATE: DECEMBER 2001 TRACK #5: "Love" (unreleased song recorded for The Rooks GDR 701) ORANGE-YELLOW SWIRL SERIES Approximately 260 manufactured RELEASE DATE: JANUARY 2001 (These recordings were personalized, live, in-the-studio, one take (usually 3 song) performances by Michael Mazzarella. Each disc label was autographed and many CDs featured an alternate cover photo.  FROM THE SHELVES OF SOUNDSCAPE STUDIO (A COLLECTION OF ODDITIES AND RARITIES) RECORD#: NOT LAME RECORDING CO. NL-068 RELEASE DATE: JUNE 28, 2002 TRACK LISTING: Friends Of Mine (alternate take) In A Pinwheel Spin (alternate take) Music Sound Sensation (recording session outtake with Elliot Easton) Better Start Right Now (alternate acoustic mix) House Of Fortune (alternate mix) Reasons (alternate "Sloop John B." mix) Look (alternate sitar mix) Down (alternate, slowed down mix) Glitter Best (alternate take) It's A Crying Shame (background vocals mix) Steeplechase (alternate vocals take) Colors (alternate take) Waiting (Kristin Pinell lead vocals mix) Praises (alternate take) War (alternate vocals take) Night Writer (alternate background vocals take) Always You And Me (reference vocals take) Music Sound Sensation (alternate take) To listen to these songs in chronological order of mixing date, program your disc player; 11, 8, 16, 17, 1, 4, 6, 7, 12, 14, 9, 2, 13, 18, 3, 15, 10, 5  DEMOS PREMIUM DISC (Contains 2 Home Demos) RELEASE DATE: JULY 8, 2002 (A bonus disc released as part of a "premium package" along with From The Shelves Of Soundscape Studio. This disc is housed in a cardboard sleeve with both front and back sides hand-drawn by Michael Mazzarella & Kristin Pinell. Each item is unique and one-of-a-kind. This CD contains 2 (out of an available 7) previously unreleased Mazzarella home demoed compositions.). SONGS AVAILABLE: In The World After The War Heartbreak Christine Obscene Girl At Pier 47 From A Star Balloon This Grey Scene PREMIUM DISC COVER GALLERY  MICHAEL MAZZARELLA- HOME DEMO RECORDINGS RELEASE DATE: SEPTEMBER 11, 2003 TRACK LISTING: In My Secret Heart Goodbye Something On Sunday No Holidays Kid Song OK Firelight Dandelionstar In My Darkest Hour, On My Longest Day Don't Give Up You Crazy Child In Here Alone Daisy Chain Up A Tree Not So Good Day That's When You May Go Wishes  A WISHING WELL REVISITED RELEASE DATE: NOVEMBER 16, 2003 TRACK LISTING Wish You Well Maybe Vows Meditiation Drag Of The Month Sometimes In The Neighborhood Girl Cried Nico Trip India I'm Not A Joker Happenstance Do You Have God? Some And Others BONUS TRACKS: Do You Have God?- Alternate Version I'm Not A Joker- Alternate Mix, Unedited Version Meditiation- Early Mix Wish You Well- Alternate Vocal, Early Mix Trip- Alternate Vocal, Early Mix Do You Have God?- Background Vocals Track India- Early Mix,, Unedited Version  ONLY HOPE FOR WINTER (DVD) RELEASE DATE: November 29, 2004 (video footage of Michael Mazzarella with the Fellows Of Mortimer) TRACK LISTING Vows House Of Fortune Meditiation Music Sound Sensation Down Nightfall Circle Of Fools If I Knew Love Said To Me Apology Trip Folk Hero Blue Better Start Right Now Long Ago Wish You Well War Always You And Me Steeplechase Reasons Only Hope For Winter  HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM THE FELLOWS OF MORTIMER RELEASE DATE: December 13, 2004 (Limited CD Holiday greeting from Michael Mazzarella & The Fellows Of Mortimer. This was sent to various journalists and many of the first fans that purchased the Only Hope For Winter DVD)  DANA & CARL PRESENT: "THIS IS ROCK 'N' ROLL RADIO" VOL. 1 RECORD #: JAM RECORDS JCD-222 RELEASE DATE: January, 2005 TRACK #16 SOMETIMES alternate version  THE VAULT SERIES, VOLUME 1 RELEASE DATE: JULY 1, 2005 (Volume One of a rarities series available on a limited basis. This volume sold between July 1 through October 1, 2005.) TRACK LISTING Love Said To Me - Mazzarella's original home demo written and recorded on August 28, 1986 while living on Bleecker Street in New York City as a member of The Broken Hearts. This recording was created on a 4-track cassette deck moments after the song's completion. Monday Morning - Mazzarella recorded these "scratch" background vocals on July 30, 1992 as a reference with plans to have Kristin Pinell and Annmarie Gatti re-record the same harmonies at a later session. As Michael's background tracks were subsequently erased, the girls' harmonies wound up on the released version of "Monday Morning." Notions - A Broken Hearts-era song, this demo was recorded on April 10, 1986 with Mark DeLorenzo at Marky Music Studio in Bristol, Connecticut. Mark can be heard playing keyboard, bass and singing background vocals. Mazzarella handles the rest. Friends Of Mine - Here is an early reference mix without drums and many of the overdubs found on the final recording. This mix was created on September 14, 1995. Up The Junction (Difford-Tilbrook) - Mazzarella's home recording rendition of one of Squeeze's most popular songs. Recorded for the fun of it on September 27, 1997. Evil Woman - A Mazzarella original and an staple of The Rooks' early live set. This was recorded at O'Hara's in Hartford, Connecticut on March 1, 1991 and the lineup found here is Mazzarella, Kristin Pinell, Michael Nunziata and Patrick Yourell. Circle Of Fools (original idea & rewrite) - As can be heard here, "Circle Of Fools" was a completely different song with only the chorus intact on Mazzarella's first draft of the song (recorded on July 28, 1985). The rewrite recording (July 31, 1985) follows reflecting the song closer to the arrangement found on The Rooks' first album. This song was also written during The Broken Hearts era and was included in many live shows performed by that band. Vows - This early studio reference mix from May 1, 1998 is bare compared with the final version on A Wishing Well. Break-up? - A previously unreleased Mazzarella home demo written and recorded on March 28, 2001. Wish You Well - An early studio reference mix containing Huw Gower's folk-style guitar throughout. Although this guitar track was not used in the final mix, Huw's solo remained intact for the final recording. This Gower session took place on January 14, 1999 at Jolly Roger Recording in Hoboken, New Jersey. Michael Mazzarella interview segment - A telephone interview segment for France on April 24, 2001. Waiting - Rooks fans know that "Waiting" was recorded for the band's A Double Dose Of Pop CD. However, here is a completely different Mazzarella song demoed with the same title and recorded by The Broken Hearts in 1983. The lineup here consists of Michael on guitar, lead/background vocals, Morrison McCarthy on 12-string electric, Jamie Beckett on bass/background vocals and Chas Schmidt on drums. An actual video was filmed at Bradley International Airport in Hartford for this song in 1983 and broadcast on the music show Dead Or Alive. Music Sound Sensation - The studio recording sans vocals. As one can hear, there is a lot going on throughout this beautifully recorded track. This mix is from December 13, 1994 with Elliot Easton's masterfully played 12-string acoustic guitar prominently featured. Ought To Be - A previously unreleased Mazzarella home demo written and recorded on April 22, 1989. Reasons - At the very start of their working relationship in early 1990, Mazzarella and Kristin Pinell would meet at Michael's Upper West Side apartment in NYC to rehearse songs for future studio sessions. Here is a very early (perhaps the earliest) recording of the pair running through Michael's then, fairly new composition "Reasons" - February 1990. I'm Not A Joker - Another Mazzarella song written as a Broken Heart. This demo was recorded in New Britain, Connecticut on an 4-track reel to reel machine with Brad Ragaglia in November 1985. Brad's contributions include guitar, bass and background harmonies. Mazzarella filled out the recording with rhythm guitar, lead and background vocals, percussion and the guitar solo. Maybe - The vocals tracks for this power pop stomper. Vocalists include Michael, Kristin, Anne Benkovitz and Richard X. Heyman. This reference mix comes from February 16, 1999. Only Hope For Winter - Mazzarella's running tape of his compositional workout session recorded on November 3, 2003. Only Hope For Winter - Recorded on November 24, 2003. Mazzarella's final home demo of this song taped just prior to the Fellows Of Mortimer's DVD rendition. This was the blueprint arrangement utilized for the DVD version. Girl Cried Nico - Take 2 from Soundscape Studio captured on May 4, 1996. This recording consists of Mazzarella with Patrick Yourell only. The basic track, along with Michael's reference vocals (taped on May 6) were mixed with plans to overdub various other instruments later by the other Rooks members. Ultimately, this take was scrapped and a new version (found on the A Wishing Well album) was recorded on November 9, 1996 at Prince Studio in New York City. Love (Lennon) - Written by John Lennon, here is Mazzarella's home recorded version of this delicate masterpiece - February 13, 2000.  THE VAULT SERIES, VOLUME 2 RELEASE DATE: NOVEMBER, 2005 (Volume Two of a rarities series available on a limited basis. This volume sold between November, 2005 through December 31, 2005.) TRACK LISTING Wouldn't Want To Be You - Although an alternate (and later) recording of this song was issued on Methods Of A Mad Rook, here is Mazzarella’s original 4-track demo cut at 177 Bleecker Street in New York City on October 26,1986. This recently discovered demo was recorded when Michael played with The Broken Hearts. Meditiation - A very early May 5, 1996 reference mix with an alternate vocal and minus many of the overdubs that made their presence on the final recording. If I Knew - The first appearance anywhere of this song was a live performance on the Only Hope For Winter DVD. Here is Mazzarella’s home demo recorded on March 14, 1997. The song was written on July 17, 1983. Music Sound Sensation - Three Rooks (Mazzarella, Pinell and Benkovitz) live on WFMU with host Bob Brainen - April 23, 1997. Lonely You - This song was Mazzarella’s first choice as The Rooks’ contribution for the Copper Records release Come And Get It - A Tribute To Badfinger. However, the song went to Bill Lloyd and The Rooks delivered "Get Away" instead. Here is Michael’s home demo of Pete Ham’s tender ballad which was done as a trial-run to get a feel for the song. Mazzarella thought at the time that The Rooks would record it for the tribute CD but it didn't happen. Down - Recorded in Mazzarella’s New York City apartment, here are Michael, Kristin and bassist Michael Nunziata during a vocals rehearsal - February 18, 1991. You Can Cry - This song was written at about the time The Broken Hearts were calling it quits. Mazzarella demoed it with another musician on October 28, 1986 in Kew Gardens, Queens. Holly Don’t Cry - Voice and piano. Written on January 17, 2005 and demoed two days later. The lush piano chords take the listener to Mazzarella’s current songwriting style. House Of Fortune - An early reference mix with piano, acoustic guitar and an alternate vocal. This mix comes from an August 7, 1995 recording session. Interview - Mazzarella via telephone with host Alan Haber on Washington DC’s WEVR - November 1997. Onward Tokyo Three - The Broken Hearts in 1983 - Mazzarella wrote the entire song around lead guitarist Morrison McCarthy’s single guitar line. This recording received much attention on college radio in and around the Hartford area at that time. Stuck In The Middle With You - A live, solo Mazzarella performance with Huw Gower (guitar) and Patrick Yourell (drums). This Stealers Wheel classic was recorded at New York City’s The Fort on May 10, 2002. Knowing You Is Wrong - This previously unreleased song was written, demoed and forgotten about. Recorded on May 1, 2003. Christmas - The Rooks’ holiday song "Christmas" gets seasonal college radio airplay in late November through December every year. Here’s Mazzarella’s original home demo recording. Lie A Little - Mazzarella lived in London for just over a year. During his entire stay, just about ten minutes of tape exists and he only composed one song. Here is "Lie A Little" recorded at 99 Philbeach Gardens in Earls Court on March 11, 1987. War - A reference mix from August 12, 1995 highlighting Mazzarella’s beautifully written arrangement for cellos, violins, French horn and oboe. Home On The Range - This 1873 Daniel E. Kelly composition was recorded at home for a laugh in 1999. In My Own Good Time - On the album Bee Gees 1st, this Robin and Barry Gibb song was covered by The MVs (pre-Rooks band name) and captured live at the famous Bleecker Street club Kenny’s Castaways in New York City on May 9, 1991. Along with Mazzarella are Pinell (guitar), Nunziata (bass) and Yourell (drums). The moniker MVs was the result of then-manager Diane Connal’s desperate attempt to come up with a name while she booked her nameless act. The band did a show utilizing the tag The Vunerables but quickly dropped it. During a booking call, Connal needed a name to close a booking deal and came up with the last minute MVs, as in Michael and The Vunerables. The name lasted for this one show only. Love - This song was originally recorded by The Rooks for their debut album but was left on the cutting-room floor. That session outtake can be heard on Not Lame’s Six Years Of Power Pop compilation. Here is a home demo featuring Michael and Kristin recorded in early 1990. Always You And Me - Before it became a Rooks staple, this Mazzarella song was in the hands of The Broken Hearts. Demoed with members Jamie Beckett and Patrick Yourell, this unfinished March 18, 1984 demo was produced by Mark Delorenzo and recorded in Glastonbury, CT. The recording pre-dates lead guitarist Tom Bittel’s arrival by several months. Beckett handles bass and lead guitar duties and Mazzarella plays the harmonica in the outro. Listeners will hear a verse of lyrics that went unused for The Rooks version. Christmas radio station promo spots - Over a three day period, various Rooks got together to record radio station IDs that were sent to hundreds of stations all over the country and Canada. The purpose was to promote the band’s newly recorded song Christmas. Here are alcohol-fueled members Mazzarella, Pinell, Annmarie Gatti and Marshall Rosen attempting to record anything that could pass for a usable promo spot - November 19, 1992  THE VAULT SERIES, VOLUME 3 RELEASE DATE: FEBRUARY, 2006 (Volume Three of a rarities series available on a limited basis.) TRACK LISTING Evil Woman - A live recording of this song was issued on volume one of the Vault Series. Here is Michael's June 3, 1992 home rendition of "Evil Woman." Oddly, Mazzarella never bothered to write proper lyrics for this song even though it was played on many of the band’s early live sets. He simply made up different words with every performance. As can be heard here, Michael's non-committal approach to his words for this song are evident. Mind Full Of Worry (Schwartz) - Written by former Aquanetta Debby Schwartz, this is Michael's home recording of a song originally performed by the Aquanettas and released on their 1993 EP Roadhaus. Colors - Here is a studio reference mix consisting of vocals, percussion, strings, keyboard and a very nifty toy piano played by Gary Wade. Tuesday Evening Girl - This Mazzarella-penned tune first made its appearance on the album Want One? by The Broken Hearts. Here is a BH's living room rehearsal with Michael singing lead and playing acoustic guitar, Tom Bittel on electric guitar/background vocals, Jamie Beckett on background vocals and Patrick Yourell pounding out a solid beat on magazines and a telephone book. This was recorded on August 12, 1986 at the band's infamous New York City Bleecker Street apartment. Monday Morning - Written on December 11, 1992, Mazzarella wasted no time in introducing his newest composition to The Rooks at the band's rehearsal the following day. Here they are having a very impressive go at this early stage of the song. Although Michael wrote the rolling guitar line that runs throughout the tune, Kristin handles it easily here and would soon add her own elements including a blistering guitar solo found on The Rooks' first album version. Secrets - When blues/jazz artist Madeleine Peyroux signed with Atlantic Records, the label sought material for her debut album. Michael was working at Atlantic during that time and specifically wrote two songs for Ms. Peyroux's consideration. As time was of the essence, Mazzarella hastily put to tape his pair of newly written compositions and handed them over to the decision makers. Unfortunately, neither song was recorded, although Madeleine liked the songs he offered. Here is Michael's torch song "Secrets" demo just as Madeleine heard it in 1993. Night Writer - The Rooks live at Sidewalk in New York City on June 23, 1995. This is an "unplugged" performance with Michael (acoustic guitar/vocals), Kristin (electric guitar/vocals), Patrick Yourell (percussion) and guest-bassist/vocalist Nancy Heyman filling in for the evening. The vociferus friend heard in the audience is actor Jack Mulcahy of Porky's and The Brothers McMullen fame. India - A beautiful reference mix showcasing The Rooks' abilities to create a simply gorgeous piece of music. Kristin's electric sitar and Huw Gower's recorders are highlighted in this (mostly) backing tracks mix. The only vocals present are background harmonies handled masterfully by Michael, Kristin and Frank Bango. Today - This weary sounding demo was written at the Bleecker Street apartment just days after The Broken Hearts called it quits. Recorded in Bristol, CT with Mark Delorenzo, Mazzarella's "I'm knocking down the barriers but all the barriers fall down on me" lyric reflects his downcast mood of that time. Michael Mazzarella interview segment - A portion of an interview conducted for a British magazine and recorded on October 22, 1999. Mazzarella's somewhat unenthusiastic tone is obvious. About A Girl (Cobain) - Being an ardent Nirvana fan, it's no surprise that Michael eventually got around to covering a Kurt Cobain song. Mazzarella added "About A Girl" to The Rooks' rehearsal workload weeks prior to the band's Eastern European tour. The song was performed on each date of that tour and was greeted with extreme enthusiasm from the Czech Republic kids. Michael often test-demos potential cover songs for himself at home with this one being no exception. Look - Michael and Gary Wade in Soundscape Studio's control room and Kristin and Annmarie Gatti at the vocal mic. Here is a portion of their August 12, 1992 session with the gals recording their background vocals for "Look." Remember For You - A lost song for sure. This composition is so obscure that it's not even logged into Michael's personal master songbook. According to him, it was written in about ten minutes one evening and hastily recorded directly thereafter while waiting for friends to show up at his apartment. He never bothered to type the words out and has since lost his original manuscript. Mazzarella thinks this song dates to late 1997. This recording was found at the end of an unlabeled cassette tape - a lucky discovery. Do You Have God? - Michael and Patrick live with host Irene Trudell on WFMU, January 27, 1997. In My Secret Heart - The creative process unfolds during this composing session for "In My Secret Heart." Recorded at home on January 6, 2002. In My Secret Heart - Following up, Mazzarella continued his working process with a demo of the song he started earlier that day. Although "In My Secret Heart" was included as one of the songs on his now out-of-print Michael Mazzarella Home Demo Recordings CD, here is an earlier and previously unissued take. Waiting - Here is a studio background vocals reference mix with the stereo picture having Kristin and Dave Rave in the left channel followed by actor/friend (see track #6) Jack Mulcahy in the right channel. Michael also shows up on the right side of the stereo image in the outro. Under The Long Grey Sundown - Delicate and beautiful. Written and recorded on March 28, 2005. Better Start Right Now - Mazzarella's home recording. One can hear a different middle section from that of the final album version. The recording date is unknown. One (Nilsson) - The late and great Harry Nilsson's song "One" performed by Michael at home. Recorded on March 22, 1998.  Grey Over An Autumn Winter RECORD # ANGELICA RECORDINGS AR-001 RELEASE DATE: December 13, 2006 (Michael Mazzarella solo album) TRACK LISTING Fairground Is Gone She Said You Like Me The Colder It Gets The Deeper We Fall Before Girl Gone Bye Grey Over An Autumn Winter Here Alone Winter Over Me A Life In The Day Of A Man Dear Mariann   Folk Songs For The Curious Few RECORD # ANGELICA RECORDINGS AR-008 RELEASE DATE: August 12, 2008 (Michael Mazzarella solo album) Limited Edition, Numbered, Handmade Lyric Booklet TRACK LISTING Recollections Of A Young Girl Gone October On Bleeker The Ballad Of Who Are We Open Letter Of Sorry My Father's Clothes Ramble, Ramble On Shine A Little For LaDonna The Blue In An Ocean (Song For W) Hallelujah, For The Hallelujah Of Us
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