The agony and ecstasy of release
Releasing a record is not unlike having a baby. It is a process that begins in paradise, peaks in pain, and ends in pride.
Conception (the fun bit) occurs in the studio where the hopeful formula is contrived by mad musical chemists rubbing ideas together in hopes of achieving ignition. As in romance, most experiments fail due to incompatibility, infidelity, or incompetence. But the worst mistake you can make is take a song (or a lover) for granted. There’s no such thing as a “sure thing” in the bedroom or the studio. The best songs (and all babies) are made with love.
When the heat of the “session” subsides the gestation period begins. This involves a lot of conjecture and no small amount of self evaluation. Will my progeny be like me? Am I ready for this responsibility? Now the real work has begun.
Finally, after long months of patient waiting and plan making, the big day arrives and you find yourself completely unprepared. For in the end, while you can love and care for children and songs, you can never predict what they may grow up to become. One minute they are helpless in your hands……and then they are gone.
sleep well
s
I know I’m eagerly awaiting the arrival of this new life. Take deep breaths, and everything will turn out great. And if it doesn’t, well there’s tons of us standing by to support you through it. We’re here for you!
No uterus…no opinion!!
LMAO!!
Congratulations on your beautiful new arrival, the very first of what I hope will be many siblings. You’re ready, not a bit of doubt.
You sleep well too. And dream even better.
You have learned that lesson really fast, Sean. All of your progeny are sure to be valued, human, canine and musical. Congrats on Lullabies’ release.
Be proud of what you have given life to. May your children (both musical and fleshy) be as successful as their father. Many hugs and pleasant dreams to you and yours.
Congratulations on the arrival of this musical child. I’ve been enjoying the songs this past week and am eagerly looking forward to the real thing arriving by stork… erm… mail carrier. (I love liner notes!)
You did a great job with Lullabies for Bloodshot eyes your first album. You released a strong testament on the world, you have shared thoughts and ideas with this album that are yours alone. Each song is a bit of vulnerability, a testament of your heart, your life, and the human condition. You’ve risen peoples’ expectations of you, proven (yet again) that you are more than just a member of the band. Keep up the good work, take joy in what you have done, and know that this is something you and your family can be proud of.
You need to determine how you will measure your success with this album. Not everyone is going to be supportive or appreciate your Lullabies. Some will lash out in fear, anger, and jealousy, some may appear to try to shoot you down. Not everyone can take pleasure in your success. From the testament and the words I’ve read here, in the reviews I’ve read, you have done something great. You have touched others with this album, given them more to feel, made them more human.
Again, great job, good journey and continued success!
Well said.I’m sure you will continue to grow. You’re a good man, Mr McCann.
J.
P.S.: Thrilled! Your record arrived first thing this morning. Be proud, it’s a beautiful baby.
Can’t add much to what’s been said, just another convert wantin to communicate his appreciation and respect. You done good.
Glad you recorded ‘Sooner or Later’ for us!
Keep it up.
PDM
Morning Sean & Congratulations on the arrival of your new baby, “Lullabies for Bloodshot Eyes”! Today’s your big day & you must be really excited. What an achievement. I’m sure the album will be a great success.
P.S. Just waiting for the store to open so I can run out & get my copy! Gonna play it all day long!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
She’s beautiful (figured you needed some pitter-patter of little girl feet). Full of wonder with the potential for amazing things. You’re on-line community will also help raise her and promote her accomplishments.
Sensational comparrison to birth. May your songs take flight and grow.
What an absolutely beautiful baby – MANY congratulations!
Congrats Séan ! Your CD is an amazing work of art from the first song to the last one. The quality of your music is a proof that dedication and hard work pays.
Such a great group of songs all pulled together in a spectacular fashion! Well done!
I’ve had it for a week (digital download), and am finding myself listening to it over and over. Particularly touched by the first song, with a haunting chorous, and wasted, where many of us can see ourselves landing were it not for a lucky happening or two. And, fun to have Sean and Alan’s kids in the queen jane. Feels intimate and inviting, bringing the listener close to him. I know that’s not easy to do, and is indeed risky, but very successful. I for one appreciate his courage. Congrats. We’re with you, Sean.
Love the music. May I please suggest putting a tech support contact on the website? I have had a bit of technical difficulties and have never received the “email” which I understand contains the tech support info. Thanks so much and have a great day. Safe travels and I hope you win a gold medal. Oh, wait, wrong reason for going to the Olympics.
I love this comparison. This baby is a wonderful work of art.
Congratulations on every thing.
Sitting here awake now after getting a twitter update from you at 2:35 am. So I find myself yet again listening to the new album which is amazing to say the least, and extraordinarily breathtaking and inspirational to say even more. Be a proud da, Sean. You’ve done such great work on bringing life to this new child that all your fans can’t wait to see how it and you continue to grow into maturity from here on out.
Have you ever been to an art exhibit where you can purchase a guided tour via headphones? When I listen to the album I feel as if I have been transported to art exhibit and through the music I see the different paintings on the wall and they tell the story of a segment of your life.
I feel as if I am listening to a love letter being read aloud to your friends and family. Thank you for sharing it with us.
The hardest part for me is trying to decide which song is my favorite. Currently, it’s Hold Me Steady. My 8 year old likes to sing Razor and Rust with a fast, hard rock beat.
may I suggest you change the ‘cash’ in the cast-list to ‘Cash’?
How’s the “Baby”? Hope it’s not keeping you up at night!
P.S. You must be in great shape to run 8k!!!
Received the “hard copy” of the cd, so now the “download hiccups” are a thing of the past.
It’s great to be able to hear the album in it’s uninterrupted state. Great stuff! Thank you. Heard the Olympics show was fantastic. Wish we could have been there!
What a beautiful comparison! It must be so hard to open yourself to the judgement of others this way. I am very happy you took the leap of faith and made this album.
I listened to it, on a dark snowy night, driving home from the store and found myself driving around until the end. It is so warm and peaceful. I felt as though you were right there, guitar in hand, telling me about your life and loved ones. What a precious gift to your fans…and to your loved ones who will have this forever! Now today, Lazy Lover won’t leave my head…thats okay, it puts a bounce in my step and a smurk on my face! Again, Merci et Bravo!
Ditto on what everyone else said! Be proud Mr. McCann, this baby of yours is beautiul!
Still haven’t got the hard copy yet, but thoroughly enjoying the mp3s! Thanks for sharing this wonderful gift with us!!!
Love the cd. Enjoyed the performance on MM BUT it would have been much nicer to see your face more often, rather than the shots of the backdrop, eh!
It was really nice to see Great Big Sea on MM at the Vancouver Olympics,amazing show! You must all feel so honored. I have to say Sean that you looked (don’t change the hair)& sang great! You’re performance of “England” was perfect, not a move or a note out of place. I think that I forgot to breathe at one point!
Can’t stop humming the songs. I liked the samples so much that I bought 2 copies of the CD, so I could send one to my neice as a baby present. My daughter found the extra copy and it “disappeared” into her car. Guess I will have to buy a 3rd copy!
It is great to read such honest words, genuinely delivered. I remember holding our then helpless daughter 15 years ago like it was yesterday. And I have a notoriously poor memory.
Distracted by the Olympics, we have not yet heard your new cd, but soon….
Fab-u-lous! I have been enjoying the album for a little over a week now. Thank you for sharing yourself through these songs. My favorite is Wish. Very sensitive and sexy in every way. Keep it coming. I have loved GBS for many many years, and I love the solo stuff too. Good for you! Take care.