released January 26, 2009

The words and songs were written by Brad Caliman from September, 2007—May, 2008, except piano on “Making a Living Is Nothing Without a Life” and the interlude and EP titles, which have unknown birth dates. The music was put together by Standish Arms (Brad Caliman – voice, acoustic guitar, electric guitar [tracks 1, 5, 8, and 9], piano, keyboard, MicroKorg, balalaika [track 7], ukulele, The Music Maker, Keymonica, Brita filter, tambourine, bongos [track 8], Thunder Tube, and light bulb; Tim Arcari – electric guitar, voice [track 9 - “choose”], and light bulb; Steve Kaler – drum kit, bongos, and conga; and Joe Khan – bass and voice [track 9 - “worked up”]). Additional players under that collaborative moniker this time around included Maria Diaz (voice), Scott Johnson (electric guitar [tracks 6 and 8]), Bob McGarity (trumpet, alto recorder, melodica, and balalaika [track 2]), Maureen Miller (flute), Paul Park (cello), and Gerald Schroeder (electric guitar [track 6]). Joe’s little brothers also provided some vocal noise that was manipulated. The songs were recorded in fits and starts (mostly fits) from May—August, 2008 in bedrooms and a den, except drum kit, bongos, conga, and Thunder Tube, which were recorded by Ray Marté at Double Vision Studios in Massapequa, NY. The bird sounds were recorded in Kyoto, Japan. Austin Stahl took care of the mixing at the Buena Vista House in Baltimore, MD. Michael Nestor took care of the mastering at The Beechfields Resort in Catonsville, MD. The artwork was created by Paul Clark. Thank you to our families and Maureen for putting up with countless hours of noise, last-minute planning, and increasingly divided attention. Thank you to Dan, Paul, Stro, and Will for helping us out with group vocals, despite their out-of-context weirdness.