AL'S COMMENTS: Here's a love song I wrote that came from the idea of two naked lovers, with not even their jewelery coming between them, not only physically but spiritually. A friend pointed out the notion that the man's ring for the woman (yes, the couple in this song is married) is only a symbol, and that the symbol can be done away with in the presence of the actual thing.

I'll forever remember watching J.T. play the organ while recording the take we used. He looked like he was playing his life on that instrument, in a state of complete rapture.

This song was an incredibly ambitious arrangement, an interweaving of parts, textures, melodies... It's my own personal "Pet Sounds."

FUN FACT: Doug had this old drum throne someone left in the studio that made a very wicked squeaking sound when you sat and rotated on it. It made us laugh with much silliness, and we decided to record it just for the hell of it; you can hear it tailing off on the tail end of the song as it leads toward the ghost track at the end of the CD.

---

THE PURE THING (Click HERE to preview/download the song)

I like butter on my toast
And trees without leaves
I take my coffee black
To taste the water and the bean
I need the sound of bells
I need a cold, stiff breeze
I love a deep red wine
And I will drink it to the lees*
That’s why

CHORUS:

I want to love you both here and afar
In the front of the church, in the back of the car
Take off my ring, when you make love to me
All that I want, all that I want is the pure thing

Sometimes I need to unplug the TV, and I’ll
Pick up a book and I’ll sit down and read
Sometimes I pause and I just stare right at your face
I can’t say a thing because I’m overcome with grace
That’s why

Chorus

I need to laugh without thought of restraint
I need to give with the heart of a saint
I need the truth even when it shakes me too the core
I can not listen to lies anymore
And that is why

Chorus

* Lees: the sediment at the bottom of the wine keg

Musicians:
Al Polito: Vocals, Lead guitar, Acoustic rhythm guitar, Tenor banjo
John (“J.T.”) Thomas: Hammond Organ
Andy Kamman: Drums
Al Wolovitch: Bass guitar

Recorded at harddrive
Produced by Doug Messenger and Al Polito