1. Isaac Hurrell (M O’Callaghan) Isaac Hurrell, was not only the great-great grandfather of my wonderful wife, he was also a Luddite! He was convicted of breaking a threshing machine during the Industrial Revolution and sentenced to 7 years penance in Van Diemens Land. This was possibly the best thing that could have happened to him as his future in England was without hope. After his release he began a life of hard work in South Australia, rewarding him and his family with significant wealth. 2. Snowdrop (J Munro) Another true story. Alex was interviewed by ABC radio’s “The World Today” as he was standing in a queue for some food at the beginning of a Moscow winter. Sadly he ended that winter in a stairwell – just another snowdrop. So called by the Muscovites as the homeless who freeze to death become, when the snow melts, the first signs of spring 3. You Never Know (J Munro) For some reason I got to wondering how much money over my lifetime I’d pulled out of my pocket by mistake and lost – I bet it’s hundreds of dollars. Anyway this made me think about all the things that go on around us that we never find out about – like the impact we might have on others, what our nearest and dearest really think of us and what awaits us…later 4. Crying is the Only Sound (M O’Callaghan/S O’Callaghan) My 16 year old daughter went to Hamburg as an exchange student some years ago. She was shocked to see the extent of poverty in the streets and the harsh treatment of beggar children by their “loving” families. 5. The Games People Play (Joe South) It’s always fun to take a song from another genre and give it a different feel. We enjoy using our 3 voices with minimal instrumentation and this seemed like a great song to demonstrate that with. 6. Did You Read it in the Paper (P Titchener/J Munro/M O’Callaghan) Ah, the power of the media. Are they selling us fact or fiction? Who determines truth? Are we being too cynical? The answer to those questions is ultimately up to us, or is it? 7. Journeyman (P Titchener/J Munro) Pete began his working career as an apprentice carpenter/joiner and that became his trade for many years. The idea of handing down (practical) skills to new generations is a fascinating one, albeit a declining one. In these days of a more advanced technological world it seems that there’s a different starting point. A joint song writing effort here between John and Pete. 8. Have You Ever Loved (J Munro) This is a completely true story told to me by a stranger at Sidmouth festival in England in 2009. It’s the sort of story that if you made it up people would say you had gone completely over the top. The man who told it to me is the nephew in the story and when he’d finished he took off and I couldn’t ask him what happened next – might be just as well 9. December Rose (P Titchener) On my very first visit to Scotland in 1998 some mutual friends introduced Nicky and me to each other. Within a year Nicky had migrated to Australia. The following year we got married and just a few short weeks later I was heading off to the UK (Scotland!) on tour with Colcannon for 3 months. So I wrote and recorded this song while we were away as a present for her. Tip: Writing a song for a new bride is a really good way to be excused washing up duties for several weeks 10. So The Story Goes (Rich Woods) Loved this song when we heard Elbow Jane’s seminal album “3 Side Island”. We met these guys when they were just starting out and it’s a huge thrill to see how their song writing and presentation have developed. 11. Beauty and the Beast (P Titchener) Nothing too deep and meaningful here. I just wanted to write a more up-tempo song and used the subject of nature giving us an upside to every down. 12. When an Angel Appears (M O’Callaghan) Sadly, friends and loved ones who have passed away are often remembered by the circumstances surrounding their death, rather than the times in their lives that endeared them to us. As a nurse, saving lives was Vicky Chaplin’s job. But nursing both parents at home until they passed away was never considered a chore. The disease that took her own life was both quick and ruthless, but the life that was taken, though far too short, was truly inspirational. 13. When I needed You (J Munro) Don’t know about you but I regularly find myself in situations like this. Somebody says something or does something and le mot juste completely eludes me until the next day. After that I tend to replay in my mind the new improved (and totally erroneous) version of what happened. Self-delusion rules!!