(I’ll start this month’s blog with an apology for the late post. A sinus infection spoiled my plans of taking my time this month and consequently, April’s entry ended up in yet another rush to get it written, recorded and posted for the last day of the month. I gave it a valiant effort but unfortunately sleep and antibiotics won this round…sorry)
April started off as an amazing month, as I spent a week in Charlottetown at the ECMA Conference and had the time of my life. I think that my time in Charlottetown, surrounded by music day and night, contributed to the positive feel of this month’s submission.
April’s submission is a unique entry in this project, as it marks the first time that I have played almost all of the instruments on one of my songs since my first EP back in 2006 (necessity for sure but gratifying nonetheless). This is also the fastest song I’ve written for this project by far (again, necessity).
This past Friday night, on the second to last day of the month, I set up a small drumset in my living room and grabbed my trusty old Gibson J-45 to knock off the foundation for what would become this month’s entry. My intention was to figure out the lead breaks on my 12-string but I quickly ran out of steam and hit the couch, worn-out and worried about April’s entry. It was Sunday before I felt up to playing guitar again and I took advantage of the energy by recording a part on my 12-string Hofner, singing a lead and harmony vocal, and getting the song off to be mixed.
Lyrically I think this song speaks volumes about how the month has been. Having a full-time job, a family and a busy music schedule can be hard to juggle sometimes and as much as I’d like to be able to make music full-time, it’s just not feasable. A boy can dream though.
Usually Sean Boyer will mix the songs for this project, but he was MIA this weekend and consequently, my good friend and Parade collaborator Chris Fudge stepped up to bat. Chris also recorded Chris Braydon on the song since he was already tracking him on some recordings for Penny Blacks. Fudge was kind enough to play bass on the song and sing in one of the verses (as opposed to my original recording which featured only my voice in harmony with itself).
Then we found Sean …
So this all leads to what I present to you now. Two mixes of the same song. One version of the song as realized through Chris Fudge’s eyes and one from Sean Boyer (we couldn’t leave him out!).
So without any further delay, I present to you….
I Haven’t Got The Time To Spare
Well I’ve got my words and I’ve got my voice
but I haven’t got the time to spare
and I’ve got the means to make some noise
but I haven’t got the time to spare
Well I’ve got my paper and I’ve got my pen
but I haven’t got the time to spare
and I’ve got some things I’d like to say my friends
but I haven’t got the time to spare
well I haven’t got time to spare boys
I haven’t got the time to spare
well I’ve got some things I’d like to say my friends
but I haven’t got the time to spare
well I could write these songs my whole life long
but I haven’t got the time to spare
it wouldn’t matter if anybody’s singing along
I haven’t got the time to spare
I’d like to disappear in the deep deep woods
but I haven’t got the time to spare
I’d like to disappear into the dark for good
but I haven’t got the time to spare
well I haven’t got the time to spare boys
I haven’t got the time to spare
I’d like to disappear into the dark for good
but I haven’t got the time to spare
well I haven’t got the time to spare boys
I haven’t got the time to spare
I’d like to disappear into the dark for good
but I haven’t got the time to spare
I’d like to disappear into the deep dark woods
but I haven’t got the time to spare
I’m gonna disappear into the dark for good
and no-ones gonna find me there
Here is Sean’s mix:
(Clinton Charlton: Acoustic 6 & 12 string guitar, drums, vocals / Chris Fudge: Bass guitar)
Clinton Charlton – I Haven’t Got the Time to Spare (Boyer Mix)
(to download, right click and select “save as”)
Here is Chris Fudge’s mix:
(Clinton Charlton: Acoustic 6 & 12 string guitar, drums, vocals / Chris Fudge: Bass guitar, vocals / Chris Braydon: electric guitar)
Clinton Charlton – I Haven’t Got The Time To Spare (Fudge Mix)
(to download, right click and select “save as”)
Big thanks to both Chris and Sean for their time and talent. Props to my good pal Chris Braydon for lending his talent as well. I hope you all enjoy the song!
Note: This song is also available in both .WAV and FLAC formats. If you’d like a copy in either format, please write to clintoncca@gmail.com