'Things Here Are Different' released in 1990 on MCA records. This is my very first record, produced by the legendary Todd Rundgren. For years, it had been hard for me to listen to and acknowledge the record. I felt like I hadn’t quite yet discovered my own voice - both vocally and as well in the songwriting. It was recorded during a bit of a rough patch in my life.
But lately, in the last couple of years, I have come to really appreciate it. I am taking it back. Songs like “Pilar” about a 15-year-old pregnant girl in Spain, and Evian, a love song with the tragedy W.W.II as a backdrop, are now amongst my favorites. Give it a. Listen.
Trivia: When I first arrived in Bearsville, at Todd’s compound, I was informed that the following night, Todd would be having his annual Labor Day bash. Yes, I was invited - I basically had no choice but to accept - to a gathering of around fifty of his friends to watch the Jerry Lewis telethon all day and night…on mushrooms. At first, I was a little concerned, as I wanted to be in tiptop shape for the recording. Plus, it was weird as fuck. But, it ended up being one the most fun nights of my life.
