This CD culminates the involving 3-year project which started in early 1997 when guitarist Mike Pesta and I began rehearsing songs that I had recently written. After working with a couple of other musicians, we found drummer Dan Patsen in June of 1998. Finally we began recording in September of that same year. Buddy Hall was brought in to produce the CD and he also contributed some bass, lead guitar, mandolin and exceptional backing vocals. The tracks were laid at Soundscape Studio with engineer Matt Harrington at the board.

Although most of the tunes were written near that period, I pulled a couple of tunes from earlier in my career ---- notably the hard-rocking "The Last Time" (with Tammy Petty) from 1982, "Lori '85" a smooth pop tune from 1987, and the funky "Walk The Walk" from 1990. Mike contributed the fabulous blues tune "Ain't Gonna Go". And the early beatle-esque throwback "Baby Let Me Go". The CD finishes with us collaborating on "SSMJ"----a little somethin' 'bout lovin the taste of mother nature.

The core of the CD though is based around the contempt that I've developed for corporate america and their manipulation of our lives, especially during the 1990's. Songs such as "Call To Arms", "Senseless", "Good Enough", and the pop masterpiece "Wasted Space", all shoot right at the heart of the money and power conglomerate that has invaded our lives through the media, the telephone, credit cards, the abuse of our environment and even with downright force. I also offer some positive reenforcement with "Leave It To Me", "Revelations", and a reworking of the tune from the flip side of The Ryan Hacke Tape "Closer To The Edge". These tunes have a slightly heavy, always funky, pop shimmer that combined with accessible and relateable lyrics, make good radio tunes.

The acoustic section of the CD centers on the loss of loved ones well before their time. "A Couple Of Tough Ones" was written while my wife Gaye a.k.a. (Gee Gee) was about to lose her mom to cancer while late in her pregnancy with our son Caleb. "Going Home" should be familiar to those who know me, as this song was previously released to raise money for The Ryan Hacke Playground. Ryan was killed in January 1997 when he was struck by a stray bullet during a gang-related shootout in Homestead. He was only 3 years old.

Finally, I hope everyone enjoys this CD. There should be a song here that someone could identify with. This CD is the result of a 20-year journey that began in Munhall and has involved me in the lives of so many wonderful people and vice-versa. As I was told once by someone in Ocean City, Md, "Your life is a song." I couldn't agree more. With good friends, good music and good times, the parts of our lives that aren't so wonderful seem a little less burdensome. -- Matt Tichon.

P.S. I changed the spelling of my last name so people could pronounce it correctly; and yes that is an alligator I'm holding on the CD itself. -- MT

You can find Matt's CDs at all of his shows and at Swissvale Music Store for $10.00. Additionally, you can order it from this web site (shipping and handling are extra)

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