1st Listen | Yukon Cigar

Among The Weeds

Posted on April 2, 2016 by Yukon Cigar

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CREDITS:

Words & music by Craig Konyu
Recorded & produced by Peter Buck & Craig Konyu
Released April 1, 2016

The vocals: Craig Konyu
The backing: Craig Konyu
The acoustic: Craig Konyu & Peter Buck
The electric: Peter Buck
The slaps: Craig Konyu
The tambourine: Craig Konyu

LYRICS:

Instead of thinking
She reads the dictionary
For a word she never heard
Extraordinary
And she starts humming 60s songs
Until the past fades out
Memories—add tambourines—
Are what it’s all about

Although she had good luck
She never grew up
In life among the weeds
The beautiful shamrock

We all know Dylan
But, we don’t talk about him
He’s the one that done you wrong
And the song you’re singing
And we start humming 60s songs
Until today fades out
Memories—add tambourines—
Are what it’s all about

Although we had good luck
We never grew up
In life among the weeds
The beautiful shamrock

Although she had good luck
She never grew up
In life among the weeds
The beautiful shamrock

Although we had good luck
We never grew up
In life among the weeds
The beautiful shamrock

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Vacant Heart Refrain

Posted on March 1, 2016 by Yukon Cigar

Vacant Heart Refrain_PIC

Yet another that was written during the university days. As a student of history, I learned this to be true: “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.” Abraham Lincoln said that. More leaders and institutions could have listened.

Photo by Linda Brennan

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CREDITS:

Words & music by Craig Konyu
Recorded & produced by Peter Buck & Craig Konyu
Released March 1, 2016

The vocals: Craig Konyu
The backing: Peter Buck
The acoustic: Craig Konyu
The electric: Peter Buck
The keys: Peter Buck
The bass: Craig Konyu
The handclaps: Craig Konyu

LYRICS:

Lady of the castle
All fortified in name
Your march is into battle
Our loss is what you gain

It’s okay
You got me where you want me
It’s okay
You got me where you want me

Lady of the morning
Your dream becomes my day
Your eyes see all that matters
Then you look away

It’s okay
You got me where you want me
It’s okay
You got me where you want me

Lady of the summer
With vacant heart refrain
It got you in the shackles
An orchestrated reign

It’s okay
You got me where you want me
It’s okay
They got me where they want me
It’s okay
They got you where they want you
It’s okay
I got you where I want you

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Freedumbpenguin

Posted on February 1, 2016 by Yukon Cigar

Penguin Photo

Does the penguin withstand extreme, repetitive conditions because he’s flightless? Maybe. Or maybe it’s his devotion to the egg; under any circumstances, he just doesn’t want to leave. This one’s dedicated to loyal, hands-on dads everywhere.

Photo by Peter Buck

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CREDITS:

Words & music by Craig Konyu
Recorded & produced by Peter Buck & Craig Konyu
Released February 1, 2016

The vocals: Craig Konyu
The backing: Peter Buck
The acoustic: Craig Konyu
The electric (6-string): Peter Buck
The electric (12-string): Peter Buck
The keys: Steve Denyszyn
The bass: Peter Buck
The drums: Johann Burkhardt
The tambourine: Craig Konyu

LYRICS:

My house is a rock
My heart is one, too
The windows are dark
The sky is so blue

Whisky to keep the heart warm
Fire to heat the head through
It’s a science, of sorts, of being
Unenthused

Awaken to fear
Awaken to wonder
The same wave that keep me riding
Is pulling me under

Whisky to keep the heart warm
Fire to heat the head through
It’s a science, of sorts, of living
Under you

Whisky to keep the heart warm
Fire to heat the head through
It’s a science of being
Uncertain

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Moonlight Mile

Posted on December 1, 2015 by Yukon Cigar

A well-known critic wrote, “Most bands play country blues as rock and roll; the Rolling Stones play rock and roll as country blues.” A few years back, visiting family in Alberta for the holidays, I tried out my brother’s new cigar box guitar. This Stones gem emerged. Swampy Delta slide in the chill of December. Craig and I built on the simple instrumental track and offer this as the last 1st Listen of 2015. Spin it on the next full moon, slated for December 25.

Photo by Dave Buck

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CREDITS:

Words & music by Mick Jagger & Keith Richards
Recorded & produced by Peter Buck & Craig Konyu
Released December 1, 2015

The vocals: Craig Konyu
The backing: Craig Konyu & Peter Buck
The acoustic: Craig Konyu
The electric: Peter Buck
The cigar box: Peter Buck
The Stella: Peter Buck
The keys: Peter Buck
The bells: Craig Konyu
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Waiting For The World To Blow Away

Posted on November 1, 2015 by Yukon Cigar

Excessive idleness. Misspending the powers of youth. It’s a song about regrets. But, not a sad one: 1) because they’re not mine, and 2) because this musing (on others’ behalf) eventually became the glue for one of our favourite jams. A hat tip to “Tomorrow Never Knows.”

Photo by Wendy Leung

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CREDITS:

Words by Craig Konyu / Music by Craig Konyu, Steve Denyszyn & Peter Buck
Recorded & produced by Peter Buck & Craig Konyu
Released November 1, 2015

The vocals: Craig Konyu
The backing: Craig Konyu & Peter Buck
The acoustic: Craig Konyu
The electric: Peter Buck
The bass: Craig Konyu
The keys: Steve Denyszyn
The drums: Johann Burkhardt
The shakers: Craig Konyu & Peter Buck

LYRICS:

Spend weeks to find tomorrow
Answers come at bottle’s ruin
Roll your own to hide the sore of
Empty days that fill the room

In black-and-white horizons
Penciled trees forget to sway
Pick-Up-Sticks with junkyard bones
Waiting for the world to blow away

When day is long, night can’t sleep
The moon is sent to seek the sun
When it’s learned that life is free
Try and buy another one

Sunday’s final judgment leaves
Familiar dreams in disarray
Looking back through tunnel vision
Waiting for the world to blow away

Waiting for the world to blow away

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To You

Posted on October 1, 2015 by Yukon Cigar

This was written 10 or more years ago. I was in a fight with Toronto. Today, “big city” frustrations—e.g., the cattle-like call of the daily commute—haven’t changed. I just don’t write songs anymore.

Photo by Craig Konyu

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CREDITS:

Words & music by Craig Konyu
Recorded & produced by Craig Konyu
Released October 1, 2015

The vocals: Craig Konyu
The backing: Craig Konyu
The acoustic: Craig Konyu
The piano: Steve Denyszyn
The organ: Steve Denyszyn
The bass: Craig Konyu

LYRICS:

I tried for Union Station.
To catch your train of thought.
The long view turned on Queen Street.
And shuffled me right off.
While guns of silent army.
Sounded nothing more than blanks.
I was doomed by screeching echo.
Of the wine we drank.

Eyewitness, your umbrella.
Defeating fire and rain.
It veiled you from a brainstorm.
As you misplaced your name.
And your old pocket watch.
Revealing nothing more than age.
Measured audiences crumbled.
When you took centre stage.

Unglued. I’m feeling blue.
En route. To you.

Now, all good minds have capsized.
Now, all ears have grown cold.
And the crowd is now disgruntled.
All those stories that you told.

Unglued. I’m feeling blue.
En route. To you.

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Hours (I Love The Days)

Posted on August 22, 2015 by Yukon Cigar

Cross an ocean. Gaze at the stars. Plot yours on the map of time. There’s no denying our insignificance. Which is all the more reason to create significance. These are your months, days and hours, so fill ‘em wisely—with work that’s meaningful, with whisky that’s made well. No one needs a 40-year-old dad-of-three reminding them that time flies. So, take it from the 25-year-old kid who penned this song, in 2000. He had all the time in the world, yet still realized the urgency.

Photo by Peter Buck

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CREDITS:

Words & music by Craig Konyu
Recorded & produced by Peter Buck & Craig Konyu
Released September 1, 2015

The vocals: Craig Konyu
The acoustic: Craig Konyu
The electric: Peter Buck
The organ: Peter Buck
The bass: Craig Konyu
The slaps: Craig Konyu
The handclaps: Craig Konyu
The shakers: Craig Konyu

LYRICS:

Hours are staring.
Into deep outer space.
Ours is knowing.
That we can’t relate.

It’s true. I love the days.
That are spent with you.
It’s true. I love the days.

Hours are stretching.
For sky sublime.
Ours is changing.
With no worry of time.

It’s true. I love the days.
That are spent with you.
It’s true. I love the days.

Hours are spent.
Avoiding outer space.
Ours is spent.
In significant place.

It’s true. I love the days.
That are spent with you.
It’s true. I love the days.

Hours are wasting.
In significant place.
Hours are wasting.
In significant place.
Insignificant place.
Insignificant place.

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The Shreddies Song

Posted on July 31, 2015 by Yukon Cigar

Melodically, I remember exactly how it went down. It was “any old rehearsal” when Steve hammered out the fuelling refrain; followed by a verse component and an arrangement from me; then, over to Peter for that decidedly punk power. Lyrically, I can’t recall a thing. It sounds like a response to reading the news. Apparently, over breakfast. But, don’t mind the ingredients. Just make “Shreddies” part of your daily musical diet.

Photo by Craig Konyu

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CREDITS:

Words by Craig Konyu / Music by Craig Konyu, Steve Denyszyn & Peter Buck
Recorded & produced by Peter Buck & Craig Konyu
Released August 1, 2015

The vocals: Craig Konyu
The backing: Craig Konyu & Peter Buck
The electric: Peter Buck
The bass: Peter Buck
The keys: Steve Denyszyn & Peter Buck
The drums: Johann Burkhardt
The tambourine: Craig Konyu

LYRICS:

Dust off your mind. Pull up a chair.
Throw all of the thickness of thought in the air.
The whole world is down. Now you may stand.
Hold all of the thickness of thought in your hand.

Diamond eyes cut. Never may heal.
Bleed all of the thickness of thought that you feel.
When night is cold. Freeze up the dream.
Live all of the thickness of thought that’s ever been.

Will chaos end? Clean up this mess?
Write all of the thickness of thought in poems of sense?
The simple chirp. Of calling birds.
Join all of the thickness of thought of distant worlds.

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Six-Pack: July 1, 2015

Posted on June 26, 2015 by Yukon Cigar

True patriot love: To mark this favourite (not favorite) day of the year, we picked a few of our favourite homegrown hits. Enjoy this six-pack—two guys, two acoustics, two microphones, recorded mostly live off the floor. Just in time for Canada Day 2015! (A decade ago, it absolutely would’ve been a two-four.)

Photo by Craig Konyu

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CREDITS:

Comes A Time [Neil Young]
Words & music by Neil Young

Up On Cripple Creek [The Band]
Words & music by J.R. Robertson

Long Time Running [The Tragically Hip]
Words & music by The Tragically Hip

Why Be So Curious [The Sadies]
Words & music by The Sadies/Rick White

Hasn’t Hit Me Yet [Blue Rodeo]
Words & music by Jim Cuddy & Greg Keelor

Four Strong Winds [Neil Young]
Words & music by Ian Tyson

All songs recorded & produced by Peter Buck & Craig Konyu
Released July 1, 2015

The vocals: Craig Konyu
The backing: Peter Buck
The acoustic (rhythm): Craig Konyu
The acoustic (lead): Peter Buck

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I Can Hear Flowers Bloom

Posted on May 31, 2015 by Yukon Cigar

Inspiration lives in unlikely places. In the 1970s, visionary surf-shop owners in Southern California established a competitive skateboard team, made up of teens from broken homes. To hone their skills, these “troublemakers” rolled straight into backyard swimming pools—emptied due to extreme drought. Skateboarding, as we know it, was born. About 10 years ago, I sat down to watch the documentary Dogtown and Z-Boys. Well, the idea for this song bloomed.

Photo by Craig Konyu

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CREDITS:

Words & music by Craig Konyu
Recorded & produced by Peter Buck & Craig Konyu
Released June 1, 2015

The vocals: Craig Konyu
The acoustic: Craig Konyu
The electric: Peter Buck
The bass: Peter Buck
The drums: Johann Burkhardt

LYRICS:

I’d like to change the day for you.
I wanna make believe that we find something better.
Feel live. Swan dive. Empty pool.
Don’t take chances. Place your bet here.

Board the aircraft.
Let the outside in.
Doing anything
Is better than my nothing.
Pretty please, make my heart croon.
I can hear the flowers bloom.

I’d like to save the day for you.
I will hypothesize that we find something better.
Stay long. Swan song. Brighter blue.
Up the ante. Place your bet here.

Leave the aircraft.
Let the inside out.
Do it first and, second,
See if it’s allowed.
Pretty please, make my heart croon.
I can hear the flowers bloom.

Abandon aircraft.
Walk in fresh air home.
Do the math,
But spell the answers that are born.
Pretty please, make my heart croon.
I can hear the flowers bloom.

I’d like to make the day for you.
I wanna guarantee that we find something better.

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Pact

Posted on May 1, 2015 by Yukon Cigar

Pact? Fortunately, Peter and I aren’t righting a conflict, and we hardly need a formal agreement. Ours was of a friendly variety: could we, the two of us, record and release a new song every month for three years? Life. Work. Hangovers. Taxes. Lots gets in the way. But, a deal’s a deal.

Photo by Chris Matteis

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CREDITS:

Words & music by Craig Konyu
Recorded & produced by Peter Buck & Craig Konyu
Released May 1, 2015

The vocals: Craig Konyu
The backing: Craig Konyu & Peter Buck
The acoustic: Craig Konyu & Peter Buck
The electric: Peter Buck
The bass: Peter Buck
The shaker: Craig Konyu
The handclaps: Craig Konyu
The tambo: Craig Konyu

LYRICS:

It won’t happen again.
She said with a grin.
As I held up her chin.

She just wasn’t herself.
When the last hand was dealt.
And she went for the win.

But, I saw the look in her eyes.
Reflecting the lies.
And the sweat on her skin.

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At Loggerheads

Posted on March 1, 2015 by Yukon Cigar

It takes loads of oil and water to raise cattle. Every few minutes, a mammoth-sized piece of rainforest is destroyed for soy cultivation. So, who’s right, the carnivores or the herbivores? (This is just one off-hand example.) Point is, you can argue till you’re blue in the face. Until your point of view trumps the other. But, often, a sweeter villain lay in walking away with a tightened grip on what you believe.

Photo by Craig Konyu

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CREDITS:

Words & music by Craig Konyu
Recorded & produced by Peter Buck & Craig Konyu
Released March 1, 2015

The vocals: Craig Konyu
The backing: Craig Konyu & Peter Buck
The acoustic: Craig Konyu & Peter Buck
The electric: Peter Buck
The bass: Peter Buck
The accordion: Steve Denyszyn
The drums: Johann Burkhardt

LYRICS:

Writ not in the spirit
Of changing one’s views
But for the lack of power to do so
While heads and arms
Of mutton heroes shovel
Spoonfuls into proudest bellies.

More wood upon the fire.

Across the forest
Lumberjacks go snubbing
All boundary lines of bliss
No I were you
Or you were me
And something else was this.

It’s steak at dinnertime.

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From Bowen Island

Posted on November 2, 2014 by Yukon Cigar

It’s country versus city. Hippie idealism versus hopeful realism. The spark for this pretty number came during a Grateful Dead–fuelled camping trip in BC. (How novel.) On the ferry was a girl who had proudly abandoned the city, criss-crossed the Gulf Islands, and had been up and down the California coast. But, I was impressed for other reasons: how could someone so free and so travelled have no idea where she was going? Following that trip, I took a deep breath and headed the usual way home.

Photo by Craig Konyu

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CREDITS:

Words & music by Craig Konyu
Recorded & produced by Craig Konyu & Peter Buck
Released November 1, 2014

The vocals: Craig Konyu
The backing: Craig Konyu
The acoustic: Craig Konyu
The electric: Peter Buck
The slide: Peter Buck
The piano: Steve Denyszyn
The bass: Peter Buck
The drums: Johann Burkhardt
The handclaps: Craig Konyu
The tambourine: Craig Konyu

LYRICS:

Are you tired of running ferries
To keep your dreams afloat?
Is it time to lay my heart down
Or best that you don’t know?

That I was cursing you
While you were kissing me?

Well, your coat’s in California—
Your shoes are in the rain.
Does that suitcase that you carry
Hold the hopes or hide the pain?

Of my caressing you
While you were cursing me?

I’m walking away. I’m walking the same.
I’m walking the same way home.
I’m walking away. I’m walking the same.
Walking the same way home.

And I was cursing you
While you were cursing me.

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Little Leaf

Posted on October 1, 2014 by Yukon Cigar

What began as a murky musing—on the perils of ego and shortsightedness—became a crystal-clear musical vision befitting the Summer of ’67. And perhaps Buddha, whose wisdom points the way: “Even death is not to be feared by one who has lived wisely.” The only thing missing is a sitar. CK

Photo by Peter Buck

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CREDITS:

Words & music by Craig Konyu
Recorded & produced by Peter Buck & Craig Konyu
Released October 1, 2014

The vocals: Craig Konyu
The backing: Craig Konyu
The acoustic: Craig Konyu & Peter Buck
The electric: Peter Buck
The organ: Peter Buck
The bass: Peter Buck
The djembe: Craig Konyu

LYRICS:

Cigarette-stained tongue.
Blow all smoke and fire.
You can stone your love.
But, don’t deny her.
Beguiled and frightened.
By the worlds of liars.

You’ll find the comfort that you seek.
Little leaf.

Take this holy cow.
Trade for tougher skin.
Chew upon those works.
But, dare to spit ‘em.
You’re a bull’s eye.
When you stop and listen.

You’ll find the answers that you seek.
Little leaf.

You won’t find anything you need.
Little leaf.

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Oranges (Part 1)

Posted on August 1, 2014 by Yukon Cigar

Hey, those aren’t oranges! This one’s ripe with hypocrisy and contradiction. In short, it’s best to be authentic, to practise what you preach. Or, in this case, “…what you peach”? (Hat tip to RG.) CK.

Photo by Craig Konyu

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CREDITS:

Words & music by Craig Konyu
Recorded & produced by Craig Konyu
Released August 1, 2014

The vocals: Craig Konyu
The acoustic: Craig Konyu

LYRICS:

You put your faith in words.
Punching the clock of diamonds and birds.
Drivel absurd.
Preserving wisdom from your first birthday.
It’s all but blown away.

You ran away from church.
Mumbling a prayer for what it’s worth.
Whispers are heard.
Deserting wisdom on your first birthday.
Now it’s here to stay.

Crying on your birthday.
Cursing all the years ahead.

You put your faith in words. (You ran away from church.)
Punching the clock of diamonds and birds. (Mumbling a prayer for what it’s worth.)
Whispers are heard.
Deserting wisdom on your first birthday.
It’s all but blown away.

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I Don’t Wonder

Posted on July 1, 2014 by Yukon Cigar

This song is about giving up—on a job, on a relationship, on yourself. After the thrill, passion or “wonder” is gone. No more asking “Will this work?” Rather, “Who cares if it will?” It may have been the first song I wrote, start to finish (way back in the mid-90s). But, ironically, I’ve never given up on it. It’s landed in nearly every live set, and it’s been reconfigured more than a few times. This is merely the latest. Please, give it a few listens, before you write it off for good. CK

Photo by Craig Konyu

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CREDITS:

Words & music by Craig Konyu
Recorded & produced by Peter Buck & Craig Konyu
Released July 1, 2014

The vocals: Craig Konyu
The acoustic: Craig Konyu
The electric (6 & 12): Peter Buck
The bass: Peter Buck
The drums: Johann Burkhardt
The tambourine: Craig Konyu
The hand claps: Craig Konyu

LYRICS:

I knew a girl.
I knew somebody else.
She kept her parking place.
And her 44.

I’ve written words.
Tried to describe myself.
She kept her smiling face.
But, she wanted more.

I don’t wonder. I don’t think anymore.
I don’t wonder. I don’t think anymore.

Doo, doo, doo, doo.
Doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo.

I don’t wonder. I don’t think anymore.
I don’t wander. I don’t think anymore.

I knew a girl.
I knew somebody else.
She kept her parking place.
And her 44.

I’ve screamed my words.
Tried to decry myself.
She kept her smiling face.
But, she wanted more.

I don’t wonder. I don’t think anymore.
I don’t want her. I don’t think anymore.

_____

Surf It Black

Posted on May 31, 2014 by Yukon Cigar

Surfing on Lake Huron? I was planning a visit to long-time pal Bill Harper’s in Kincardine in 2003. As always, music was high on the agenda, so I invited Craig along. I dig the Stones, and I dig surf instrumentals. During a pre-jam jam, the three of us concocted this lo-fi beauty. It’s been a live staple for Yukon Cigar (and our 3SS band, even earlier) ever since. Hang 10, Mick and Keef! PB

Photo by Craig Konyu

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CREDITS:

Music by Jagger/Richards (Arranged by Peter Buck, Craig Konyu & Bill Harper)
Recorded & produced by Peter Buck & Craig Konyu
Released June 1, 2014

The acoustic: Craig Konyu
The electric: Peter Buck
The bass: Peter Buck
The keys: Steve Denyszyn
The drums: Andy Mitchell
The tambourine: Craig Konyu

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Sticks II

Posted on April 30, 2014 by Yukon Cigar

Every fork in the road brings two possible paths. Every decision made brings a missed opportunity. There are no straight facts. There are no right answers. But, says Lennon, “There’s nowhere you can be that isn’t where you’re meant to be.” It’s easy. CK

Photo by Craig Konyu

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_____

CREDITS:

Words & music by Craig Konyu
Recorded & produced by Craig Konyu
Released May 1, 2014

The vocals: Craig Konyu
The backing: Craig Konyu
The acoustic: Craig Konyu
The bass: Craig Konyu
The keys: Steve Denyszyn
The tambourine: Craig Konyu
The slaps: Craig Konyu

LYRICS:

To think of the people I know
And the people I live for
Reaching all the dreams in your head
With a broken guitar chord

I traded II for II
Just to keep you guessing
What the other II will add up to

I traded II for II
Just to keep you guessing
What the other II will add up to
What the other II will add up to
What the other II will add up to

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Dusk

Posted on April 1, 2014 by Yukon Cigar

There’s “O Death” by Dock Boggs (1920s). “See That My Grave Is Kept Clean” by Blind Lemon Jefferson (1927). “The Gallis Pole” by Lead Belly (1939). “Bury Me Beneath The Willow” by Woody Guthrie (1944). “Long Black Veil” by Lefty Frizzell (1959). “Death Letter Blues” by Son House (1965). Then this, our nod to these so-called dark nights of the soul. The electric guitars cast a tall, dark shadow. The lyrics? They’re as good as buried. CK

Photo by Craig Konyu

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CREDITS:

Words & music by Craig Konyu
Recorded & produced by Peter Buck & Craig Konyu
Released April 1, 2014

The vocals: Craig Konyu
The backing: Craig Konyu
The acoustic: Craig Konyu
The electric: Peter Buck
The slide: Peter Buck
The shaker: Peter Buck
The claves: Peter Buck

LYRICS:

Ah, dig a hole.
Staring at the bottom.
With nowhere to go.

Ah, look out below.
Lean upon this bottle.
Till it breaks us all.

And as sure as the sweet sun sets in her eyes.

Ah, these trees won’t grow.
With the sky above us falling, falling.
Falling, falling slow.

And as sure as the sweet sun sets in her eyes.

Ah, dig a hole.
With the night around us growing, growing.
Growing, growing cold.

_____

We Are The Vanity Kids

Posted on March 1, 2014 by Yukon Cigar

One day on the streetcar, two hipsters talked a cult-classic film—the awesome director, the rich cinematography, the killer soundtrack. Smugly, they laughed: “Nobody would have a clue as to what we’re talking about.” It took everything to avoid debunking their cool and lofting “Zabriskie Point, 1970” their way. But, alas, a reminder to us all. There’s always someone cooler than you. (For example, I was pretty proud of this songwriting effort. The lyrics. The melody. How it all fit together. Then, Peter added that too-damn-catchy guitar line.) CK.

Photo by Peter Buck

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CREDITS:

Words & music by Craig Konyu
Recorded & produced by Peter Buck & Craig Konyu
Released March 1, 2014

The vocals: Craig Konyu
The backing: Craig Konyu & Peter Buck
The acoustic: Craig Konyu
The electric (6 & 12): Peter Buck
The bass: Peter Buck
The shaker: Peter Buck
The tambourine: Craig Konyu
The handclaps: Craig Konyu

LYRICS:

Woke up buzzing from the beans
Of them percolated dreams
Sipping straws not to stain our teeth
Woke up buzzing from the beans

We are the vanity kids
We know where all that’s happening is
Read our shirts and read our lips
We are the vanity kids

Success can never endure
Them ice cubes you stack for the pour
Sipping straws not to look too bored
Success can never endure

We are the vanity kids
We know where all that’s happening is
Lift our shirts and lick our lips
We are the vanity kids

We are the vanity kids
We know where all that’s happening is
Steal our shirts and seal our lips
We are the vanity kids

We are the vanity kids
We are the vanity kids
We are the vanity kids
We are the vanity kids
We are the vanity kids
We are the vanity kids

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In The Mood For A Revolution

Posted on January 27, 2014 by Yukon Cigar

Repetition. Indecision. Need for change. These are prominent themes in this one, written way back in 1999. To prove a point? The lyrics have teetered between “in the mood for a revolution” and “…for a new confusion” ever since. (“Revolution” won. For now.) Peter’s catchy, circular guitar adds the perfect complement: it keeps rushing forward in a flurry, always arriving right back where it started. CK

Photo by Adrienne Guthrie

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CREDITS:

Words & music by Craig Konyu
Recorded & produced by Peter Buck
Released February 1, 2014

The vocals: Craig Konyu
The acoustic: Craig Konyu
The electric: Peter Buck
The keys: Peter Buck
The shaker: Peter Buck
The tambourine: Craig Konyu, Peter Buck
The handclaps: Craig Konyu, Peter Buck

LYRICS:

Pretty pigeon on a fence post.
Waiting for the sun to rise.
Chain-linked offers—why the bother?
Crack before they reach the sky.

Get up. Get up. Get up—and get the self moving.
Oh, yeah, I’m in the mood for a revolution.

Ball of beeswax stinging plenty.
Mob rules fast unravelling.
Loneliness—that dead-end guess?
Is growing old in honey dreams.

Get up. Get up. Get up—and get the self moving.
Oh, yeah, I’m in the mood for a revolution.

Turn around.
The wind is whispering my name.
It’s all the buzz.
It’s all the same.

Gardens grow eyes, ears and hearts.
Kill the noise and live to find.
The papers scorn—while bodies warm?
The sun does hurt if it does shine.

Get up. Get up. Get up—and get the self moving.
Oh, yeah, I’m in the mood for a revolution.

Get up. Get up. Get up. Get up. Get up. Get up. Get up. Get up.
Get up. Get up. Get up. Get up. Get up. Get up. Get up.

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