Punk Rock Prose

With this sickness, I got that, snuff out the dream

With my faith, I keep bustin’ right out of the seams

To sacrifice myself at the drop of a dime

Unglamorous death, a terrible crime

Yeah, No!, Yeah, No! Yeah, No! Yeah, No!

We are synchronized

Edge of volcano vibes

~Blood Gospel (3rd Verse)

I want to take some time examining the songs in The Unsatisfied library - and there are many! So, this Blog will probably become a recurring series if everyone enjoys the content. The band often receives questions about the albums, the meanings of the songs, the band's songwriting processes, and, quite often, about the lyrics. I haven't designed a standard layout for everything yet, but you can let me know what you'd like to see, and we'll create these chapters together; it'll be our Juke Box of sorts, a library of lyrics. Since there is so much material to work with, I will take my time and stroll through the archives, I will explore requests, share some deep cuts, add context and history when warranted or interesting, and I will highlight the band's current writing and ideas for the new album they plan to cut next year. Sound good?

I must start by saying that, being with Eric all these years, I have certainly formed a strong appreciation for his writing and an admiration for his skill as a lyricist and frontman. Setting prose to poetry is a difficult art. As a published author, I know well what it takes to craft deep, articulate, meaningful words into short form; it's challenging, let alone structuring a story into catchy, bite-sized phrasing that makes sense and touches people, all while delivering it on a stage. This takes a whole new level of mastery. One that, as a long-form wordsmith, I struggle to compete with, and Eric makes it look easy. Though I was a fan and starstruck from the start, my respect for Eric's writing has only deepened my love for him, and he truly inspires me with his talent.

I have had the unique opportunity of being present for all the creative processes of The Unsatisfied. I have witnessed many evolutions over the years, including line-up changes. Each infused the music with a different energy. When the elements were aligned, amazing songs emerged; when the energy was off, the creative process stagnated, but the band always found its way back with no loss of power. Eric never stops writing, so he is always ready to create. There are lyric books all over the house, crammed into bags and drawers, rich with words, comic-style sketches throughout, notes about the inspirations that spawned each idea. He has encyclopedic knowledge of music, even forms you would never suspect him to be familiar with, and he applies everything he experiences to what he writes and collaborates with his bandmates about. The Unsatisfied are truly skilled songwriters, and I hope this overview will allow everyone to experience them in this way. Let's dig into some of those masterworks now.

Lyrics to .44 Caliber, the closing song on Real Gone Pale Face. Get your copy of this limited edition release at the Halloween Resurrection Show this Oct 31st at Songbirds, and celebrate the band's anniversary with them!

We'll start with a suggestion by our friend, Mason, .44 Caliber. It's a great place to start. This song is the final track on Real Gone Pale Face, and it is one of The Unsatisfied's biggest hits. Loved for its bluesy, mesmerizing guitar licks, tribal drums, injections of beaten tambourine, and shifting vocalizations, this song is always requested at shows and has been a must-have on the set list for many years. The opening guitar riff sets the tone for a dramatic, moody ballad, evolving into a driving force during the solo, then quietly repeats the intro as it trails the ending, implying the ebb & flow of life & death, keynotes also reflected in the purposely disjointed lyrics. The snare rattling out "gunshots" near the outro of the song mimics the sound of gunfire, adding a well-crafted touch to the song's context, working nicely into the arrangement of Real Gone Pale Face as all of the tropes on this album reflect phases of life, death, ascension, and what lies in between. If you are new to this song, you can listen to it in full on the band's EPK page here: https://www.theunsatisfied.com/epk

The song surrounds the Son of Sam murders as its framework, but Eric talks about how it was inspired by his own imbalances and struggles at the time it was written. "It’s written from the perspective of a drug mind, like someone on speed or PCP, feelings of hopelessness, something is about to blow. I wrote this, Death Card, and Heaven while I was mowing lawns in the projects, battling alcoholism for the first time. I had to find my way back to my ritual space to keep the demon at bay, and it saved me from becoming murderous." The pulse of the tune emulates the flux between hunter & hunted, suspense & confusion. It is a very climactic-sounding piece, as many of the band's epic songs are, but .44 Caliber has something special. The words and melody line, and haunting guitar-driven harmonies, inspire film-worthy mental imagery that is emotionally stirring. The performance of this song live is on another level, and I guarantee it will ignite you and give you chills. It is a perfect moniker of The Unsatisfied's songwriting style when all the right elements are aligned.

Though pictured here, the line-up on Blood Gospel did not include Wayno when it was written. The recording featured (L-R): Doug Bales, drums; Eric Turner, Bass; Eric Scealf, Vocals; Johnny Stockman, Lead Guitar; & (not pictured) Joel Hastings, Rhythm Guitar. This photo was shot before Wayno left the band (Wayno - pictured here, far right, thankfully back where he is needed, happy & healthy). Photo Credit: Carlton Freeman

The lyrics featured at the top of the page are from Blood Gospel. This song reflects the feelings of loss and desperation that tether to grief when a bond is broken. Eric wrote this song about Wayno, the band's longtime rhythm guitarist. It expresses Eric's agony over Wayno leaving the band to deal with some personal issues, and at the time, there was concern for his health; the band worried they might lose him permanently. Luckily, this break was only for a short time, but Wayno's two-year absence seemed longer to Eric, and it devastated him. They had always been close, family, Tribe. While Joel Hastings filled the slot well and was a pro guitarist, not having Wayno on stage with them was like losing their right arm, and it affected them enough to write about it.

The line-up during Wayno's temporary departure (L-R): Eric Turner, Bass Guitar; Joel Hastings, Rhythm Guitar; Doug Bales, Drums; Eric Scealf, Vocals; Johnny Stockman, Lead Guitar. Photo Credit: Carlton Freeman

The powerful changes in Blood Gospel are strong and dramatic, and the emotive "Yeah, No" exchange that recurs throughout is something anyone who has ever lost someone or suffered a break-up can identify with. It is grief, trying to reach acceptance while at the same time resisting it. Blood Gospel was released as a single and is not featured on any album, though it has been discussed that it may be re-recorded for the new album currently in development. It is one of the most technically produced recordings the band had done at the time. Recorded and produced using a click track, the band often complained that it was the most aggravating recording session they had ever experienced, but they are all pleased with the outcome. It has become one of their biggest fan and radio favorites, and now it is a lasting commemoration of how much Wayno means to the band and especially to Eric.

The mixing of tones, growls, and screaming Eric uses in his delivery of the lyrics, traded with the strong backing vocals behind him (Backing Vocals: Eric Turner - star singer-songwriter, long-time friend, and one-time bass player for The Unsatisfied), truly emulates feelings of anger, heartbreak, and desperation in Blood Gospel, artfully bringing this powerful ballad to life. A lasting commemoration of how important and loved Wayno is. Photos: Eric & Wayno and the Blood Gospel single sleeve (upper right corner).

Blood Gospel features intricate chord exchanges and vocal climbs, articulate bass measures, and expressive drum and percussion modes. It is quite cinematic in its structure and presentation. The vocals are well-packed with organic and authentic emotions; sorrow and heartbreak are felt in the delivery. Johnny's fluctuating chord progressions represent breaking apart, and the driving guitar climb quickens pace rapidly evolving into a heavy and furious guitar infusion that interjects the frustration and pain felt in the lyrical and emotional changes; "Edge of volcano vibes." The dreamy vamp of the song alludes to the sense of loss and carries you all the way to the climactic and dreamy ending. It is hard not to feel it in your chest. This song can also be heard on the band's EPK page: https://www.theunsatisfied.com/epk

BLOOD GOSPEL

(1^st Verse)

On this day of pain

I walked out in the rain

It’s good things like this never change

(2^nd Verse)

Oh, my bride to be

I hold your cold hand, my fool, my love

Ecstasy, misery

I stand tall

I don’t fear nothing at all

(Vamp)

A truly bizarre fate

Irresistible

Time to expose

(Chorus)

When you see me, I’m not there, but that’s cool

You don’t care I’ll put on a smile for you

It really doesn’t matter if we speak or not

It’s useless, you won’t get, you can’t get caught

(Verse 3)

With this sickness, I got that, snuff out the dream

With my faith, I keep bustin’ right out of the seams

To sacrifice myself at the drop of a dime

Unglamorous death, a terrible crime

Yeah, No!, Yeah, No! Yeah, No! Yeah, No!

We are synchronized

Edge of volcano vibes

(Repeat Chorus)

(Repeat Verse 3)

Yeah, No!, Yeah, No! Yeah, No! Yeah, No!

Ye-ah, yeah, ye-ah, yeah, ya-ha-haaa

Yo, yo-oh, yo-oh, yo-oh-hooo

Y, y, yo-oooo

I want to touch on one more song before wrapping up this introspection. Since we have been focusing on epics, I thought excavating a popular anthem from the archives might be fun, so I chose White Trash. This song was heavily requested at shows for many years, has been featured in a couple of short films and videos, and has been on radio rotation for some time. It is a heavy, guitar-driven tune with a ripping solo and a catchy chorus that fans sing out loud. Released on the album Seven Inch Rock Scar in 2001, along with other well-known Unsatisfied sing-along faves like Fed-Up, Occultist, and Massa Disappointment, it employs a nice rhythm and articulation with a fast tempo and heavy drum and bass combo that triggers the inner slam-dancer in all of us.

WHITE TRASH

Whoa-oh-oh; Whoa-woa-wa-ohoh

Whoa-ohoh -woa; Whoa-whoa-waahhh!

Every day I think about it

Every night, I scream and shout it

Every minute it’s on my mind

It’s out there, baby, all the time

They call me

White Trash, white trash, white trash, white trash

Whoa-woa -woa; Whoa-whoa-waahhh!

I can’t think, it’s in my head

Forget sleep, it’s in my bed

When I’m full of fuckin’ fear and dread

I hear your daddy - did he just call me...

White Trash, white trash, white trash, white trash

Yeah! I’m talkin’ about white trash

Well, I know now, baby, that’s my class

Your fingernails, they’re just like razors

Makin’ the walls start to bleed

Tennessee White Trash

You gotta do it, ta-da-da-da do it

Do it, ta-da-da-da do it

Do it, ta-da-da-da do it

The writing style Eric used for these lyrics is simple and abrupt. Short, impactful lines that say a mouthful, just well-written words full of meaning, anyone can follow. Eric says he wrote these lyrics while still in high school, "It was one of the first complete songs I wrote that originally was a novelty song titled P.U.S.S.Y. Changing the name turned it into something stronger culturally; an anthem of rebellion." It definitely sings like an anthem and always has the crowd chanting along.

Before I finish up here, I thought it might be fun to pull something out of the time machine and post the lyrics for you to examine, Tribe. If you are familiar with this song from "back in the day," see if you remember what it's about, or if you are new to the Tribe, see if you can interpret what Eric is singing about. One of the things I love most about Eric’s writing is his ability to write with irony and ambiguity, to allude to something with the slightest misdirection, veiled so perfectly you don't catch it on a first listen. Then, when you discover his meaning, it seems so direct and obvious that revelation is just, WOW! So, here, for your enjoyment and hopefully to intrigue you and tickle your sense of "Gimme More," is our first blog retrospective, Lidia Automatic (1993 - Insanity Revival). Write in to the Blog comments section, or email me with your analysis, if you like, and I will reveal the answers about this song's origins and context in the next Punk Rock Juke Box Blog, and perhaps load a video or audio clip ;)

LIDIA AUTOMATIC

Caress, a warm caress

In her hands, I feel the best

My cold metallic body, my loaded chest

Is over-stressed

I’ve never kissed your mouth

Pray to God, I never see your face

But when I touch your silken skin

I want to turn around; I want to turn around

Lidia, foolish child

Automatic show-off, baby

I’m in anguish, I’m in Hell, look into my immortal shell

Or give my love to something else

I’ve never kissed your mouth

Pray to God, I never see your face

But when I touch your silken skin

I want to turn around; I want to turn around

I’ve got to turn around

Don't you miss this, Tribe, don't you miss it! This is gonna be the best Halloween Party you'll find anywhere this October 31st! Come dressed to kill, bring all your Goblins, and get ready for 90 minutes of pure punk rock fun!! Tickets available now at Songbirds Foundation: https://www.eventim.us/event/the-unsatisfied/655382

Get your tickets now - they are expected to sell out fast, and standing room is limited!

I am seeing the beginning of some rough diamonds emerging as the band works on new material. Feverhead has been played live a few times now and seems to be holding its place on the set list. I think the recorded version will be an amazing car concert song! It has what I like to call a '70s head music feel to it (in other words, it reminds me of heavy 1970s rock bands like Triumph or Deep Purple). The new album will also include a couple of songs that have been vaulted for a while that no one has really gotten to know, such as Just A Kind Word and God Wants Me To Do It, Baby, and, hopefully, an acoustic song Eric wrote for me a long time ago titled Crows and Angels Both Have Wings. Which makes me happy because these are great songs that deserve to be heard and shared with the world - when you experience them, Tribe, I know you will agree!

I hope these writing samples give everyone extra enjoyment and respect for The Unsatisfied. They are good songwriters and deserve the recognition for it. Over the years, bands have covered their songs, named their bands after Unsatisfied song titles, quoted the lyrics in reference and interviews, and been invited on stage to sing every word along with the band. This is not only the greatest form of flattery, but it is also a testament to how well-crafted Unsatisfied tunes are. If you love them like I do, show your support by liking and sharing their links, subscribing and following them on social media, requesting their music on radio channels and in stores, sharing and commenting or reviewing their music on their website, watch their movie, and most importantly, be present at every show you can, you'll be glad you did, I promise! Most of these things won't cost you a dime to do, but they mean a lot and help the band in so many ways.

Til next we meet, Luv 'N Blood, forever Tribe!

This amazing artplate, penned by Eric's youngest daughter and skilled artist, Rhapsody Forever, conceals something special to be revealed soon! - Support real artists, folks! It preserves the hearts, minds, spirit, and culture of every generation ;) -

COMING SOON...

We have some great news to share, highlights from a couple of recent interviews, and the mystery behind the inset photo to the left will be revealed. It was commissioned and created by our youngest daughter, Rhapsody Forever, for a very special event! It's big and exciting stuff! We also hope to share some specs from our current creative works and the upcoming Halloween Resurrection celebration! The Real Gone Pale Face CDs are almost through production - and an unwrapping video will follow shortly!

Your feedback on this and all things The Unsatisfied is important to us. We want and welcome your suggestions and thoughts. Comment on this Blog, leave a review on your favorite Unsatisfied album, or email us at theunsatisfied2020@gmail.com with whatever is on your mind. We value, respect, and will consider your input.

THE UNSATISFIED THANK YOU, from the bottoms of our black hearts, for believing in us!