January 6, 2009

• Bill Mallonee

  I followed Vigilantes of Love when they would do gigs in Pittsburgh long ago, and found Bill Mallonee’s lyrics provocative and satisfying. He now shuffles around from coffeehouse to backyard now with his new wife. There is no VOL. Mallonee has gone through some rough patches, and his theology has taken a trajectory that parts a bit from mine, but his lyrics still amaze me and his expression of belief still pierces my soul.

  His myspace says that the cost of his performances are heavily discounted for 2009, so this would be a good year to snag him if you have a venue that does that sort of thing. Here is a 2008 video of one of his classics:

  
  Blister Soul
  yeah, you got this place you go
  it's just a trip before the fall
  way past the fevered pitch
  but just a spit from the wreckin' ball.
  said you woke up this morning
  said you woke up under a curse
  I've heard the blues are bad
  but this is something worse
  and the ambulance driver
  well, he tips his hat and stares.
  and he asks you in a grave voice,
  "Can I take you anywhere?"
  Chorus:
  Yeah the thing we cannot speak of
  too painful to behold
  oh, this blister soul.
  oh, this blister soul.
  oh, this blister soul.
  there's a smaller place you go
  where there's hardly any sound
  where the deals have all gone sour
  and where the house of cards comes down.
  And the damage is costly
  is beyond all dollars and sense.
  You can't measure it with graphs and charts
  or any instruments.
  Chorus:
  yeah the thing we cannot speak of,
  the secret we all know.
  oh, this blister soul (etc...)
  yeah from the trumpet blast
  I hear the banging drum.
  yeah from once upon a time
  to the kingdom come.
  and the thing that's yours for free
  is the thing I need the most.
  stifles every boast
  stifles every boast.
  		

  • 9:59 am
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