New Album; The Epilogue

"Life is what you make it."

Album cover.

That is the subject matter that runs through Salterszo's latest collection of songs. The album, his tenth to date, reads like a quote from the American constitution. Theme's of love, life and the pursuit of happiness. A savory blend of country, folk and soft rock, which for fans of this musical genre, should be a prodigious treat.

From the opening song of the same title, it's quite apparent, that Salterszo is all about guitar based rock 'n' roll. His music may lean heavily to an American radio rock, or at times, Nashville audience, but that certainly doesn't minimize or restrict it's appeal to other geographical spheres.

There is a feel good factor overall and after listening to the album, on several occasions, I'm always left with a feeling of well being and optimism and that's no bad thing I'm sure we can all 

agree.

"Papa Smurf"

As Steve and myself ponder the question, is there any demand for album's, in these days of mp3 downloads, I can't help feeling we're all losing out somehow. Classic albums were made of strategically placed songs. Song's that took the listener, on the proverbial emotional rollercoaster, leaving them to disembark, knowing they had been fully entreated to something magical.

"I've really tried to emulate that placement, that analogue, wow and flutter, that almost organic vinyl sound, to this album." says Steve. "To try and recreate that feeling I had, the first time I heard "Dark side of the Moon' for instance."

Stevo & Greeny.

The album is due for release 25th April 2014 on Steve's own independent PinetreeMusic® label. Sadly it will be only available for digital download due to overhead costs accrued in the manufacture and shipping of compact disc, although if like me you ask nicely, Steve might very well garnish you with a physical copy.

Check out itunes, Spotify, Amazon and Bandcamp for your copy. I would personally recommend Bandcamp, as Steve has put it up on the, 'name your own price', option, pay something, pay nothing it's entirely up to you on release day. Also note the audio quality will be far higher too.

This is me sigining off. It was a pleasure to meet and spend time with the quiet gentleman, lover of guitar and all things musical, Mr. Steve Salterszo, and I will never forget that home made cappuccino either, cheers to you Steve and I wish you good fortune and  good luck.

- Jeff Johnson-

 GratisMusic® Reviews 2014

Track Eleven: I'll Be There

And so finally we reach the last track of the album, a smooth rock ballad.

"A love song never goes out of fashion or grows old. We all have those moments of heart break or of being head over heals in love, surely it's the most powerful thing in life."

The track opens up with an acoustic guitar and string section leading into a lazy, hazy piano hook that wouldn't be out of place on a Supertramp song. Steve lyrically makes a statement that we all would love to abide by, for the one we love, but that we all fall so very short off, to always be there for them.

It's a great track, not so much AOR but a stand alone single, or a song fitting that movie moment of seeing our hero or heroine teary eyed and broken hearted.

"It always amazes me how a little idea on an acoustic guitar and a little melody can grow till it becomes something so removed from where it started out, but that's the beauty of writing a song, you never know where you'll end up." says Steve

I'll Be There - by Salterszo © PinetreeMusic®  2014

When your down and out and you can't go on

When life has left you shackled and drawn

When all of your hopes and dreams are gone

I'll be there

When you feel like you can never win

When there's no way out from the trouble your in

When you feel your world is in a spin

I'll be there

Let me put my arms around you

And shield you from all harm

Let me hold you close show you love

Make you feel safe and warm

Let me carry you when your weary

If you should stumble or fall

Let me take all your burdens

All you need do is call

In answer to your prayer

I'll Be there

When sorrow comes calling and you feel only pain

When tears change nothing all seems in vain

When your heart is mortally wounded and you've been slain

I'll be there

When life has lost all meaning and your numb inside

When you feel exposed and can't find nowhere to hide

When your lost on your journey and need a guide

I'll be there

There is nothing I can't do

No bridge to hard to cross

No mountain I can't climb

I'll stand still amidst chaos

When you say life isn't fair

Take heart, take hope have a little faith

I'll be there

When your down and out and you can't go on

When life has left you shackled and drawn

When all of your hopes and dreams are gone

I'll be there

Track Ten: I'm Coming Home

I'm coming home is a like a quiet afternoon set in the shade of a summers day, smooth and cool, non offensive but underlining a solemn subject.

"You've watched it all on television and whether you agree or disagree with the war matters not. It comes down to ordinary people being asked to do unthinkable things, for someone else's idea, of how to solve a very complex problem."

"I just wanted to give homage and salute all those who serve in armed forces and wish them all a coming home, safe and sound."

"I'll second that, Steve."

Dedicated to all those who serve in the Armed Forces... I own no rights to the video footage and mean no copyright infringement, this is a none profit video.

I'm Coming Home - words & music by Steve Salterszo

Night flight, by starlight

Tired and drawn journey's been so long

But my destiny draws near

I'm smiling from ear to ear

I'm coming home

Went out a boy travelled by convoy

Adrenalin kicking in, fear my only sin

Told us to win hearts and minds

My mind quickly rewinds

I'm coming home

Chorus

How can I leave it all behind

Restle my troubled mind

Images of what I've seen

Shade or light no inbetween

Lived life in monochrome

but no more I need to roam

I'm coming home

Foreign land, desert sand

Friend or foe, no way to know

Do the job while you're hear

Can nearly taste that first cold beer

I'm coming home

Friends lost, was it worth the cost

Get a pat on the back, time to hit the sack

Try to dream of better days

I whisper to myself the phrase

I'm coming home

Plane touches down, I kiss the ground

Your open arms, your kiss disarms

Melt into the long embrace

Your smile takes me to another place

I'm home

Track Nine: End To Our Love

"We thought we'd take on the world and win, be our redemption from all sin"

Track nine is straight up country and western with a dash of Squeeze and a sprinkling of The Byrds. To me, musically it comes across as one of the weaker songs on the album, but lyrically having a story just strong enough to hold on to its listener.

Steve, sticking with the album theme, life is what you make it, tells us the story of trial and tribulation, temptation and the inevitable one night of infidelity. He takes us on a journey of two lovers from beginning to end and the love once so strong that bound them together, vanquished by betrayal.

"I wasn't quite sure of this track either" says Steve.

"But I felt the story I had to tell, was compelling enough , to warrant it's inclusion on the album. I guess in the end, these decisions, belong to the listener, they are the ones who decide if a song is good or bad."

End to our Love - Steve Salterszo © PinetreeMuisc® 2014

1.

It was late September when she said she was leaving

And I thought in my heart she was trying to get even

But she had that look in her eye that said she'd had enough

And mister that was the end to our love

2.

Well we fell in love just like any other

And by God's hand she soon went from lover to mother

And she said outta me she'd iron out the rough

But who knew there was an end to our love

C.

Was everything we accomplished in vain

Beneath a blanket of love, tears and pain

We thought we'd take on the world and win

Be our redemption from all sin

3.

Well I played the part of a proud father

And no matter what life through at us said we'd always stick together

But a heart can't always survive the rough

Circumstance could bring an end to our love

4.

Head over heart can lead a soul astray

And I couldn't help but notice her flirting was coming my way

She had a look of danger a temptress of mischief

This one night affair could be the end to our love

5.

Well somehow a woman just knows when her man's not right

And all hell broke loose when she found out about that night

Like a fool I hoped we'd get over all that stuff

But mister that was an end to our love 

Track Eight; Here Comes The Rain

Now on the latter half of the journey we reach track eight. As Steve asked earlier "Does anyone even get this far when listening to music any more?"

I have to say that in this case of you who do there's some euphonious delights to be found. This song is a good example, an almost analogue homage to 70's rock, a cross between Fleetwood Mac and Bernie Marsden's Whitesnake. It's well produced, floating guitars left and right, a solid rhythm section and a wonderful soloing guitar delayed just enough for added effect.

On asking Steve as to the storyline he says "I'll leave that to the listener, a little mystery is always good, paint a picture, tell a story and leave the imagery to the individual."

Here comes the Rain - by Steve Salterszo © PinetreeMusic® 2014

They said don't you believe it

Nothing of what they say is true

We can explain the impossible

In easy terms for you

But here comes the rain

They say life's wheels keep on turning

All carries on as before

We can provide your every need

No need to strive any more

But here comes the rain

Here comes the rain

Just when they didn't expect it

Falling on those who thought they'd see it no more

Here comes the rain

Washing away all their covering

Carry them down onto the threshing floor

Here comes the rain

The message says not to panic

There is nothing to fear

A little set back in our plans

Soon all will be clear

But here comes the rain

Soothing words set the mind at ease

Sweet whispers of delight

Storm clouds gathering up above

What if what they said isn't right

But here comes the rain

Surely this can't be happening

No of it makes sense

Preacher man says I told you this would happen

What have you got in defence

But here comes the rain

Nights full of fear and confusion

What is this world coming to

You look to them for an answer

They're as confused as you

But here comes the rain

Track Seven; Gone Gone Gone (reprise)

With another kettle boiling, for yet another bru, we reach track seven a  4/4 beat, driven bass guitar, 70's rocker.

"So what's the story behind this one?"

"I was listening to a lot of Free at the time and just love the way they put a classic rock tune together, classic guitar riff's and brilliant melody, simple but so effective, alright now being the classic example."

"The song originally appeared on my 'Development Opportunity' album, but I had always like it and with a few mastering tweaks, it found it's way onto this album. There was a mistake in production on this song and I accidentally managed to change the programmed hihat for the metronome" he chuckles.

 "But after listening back to it, I thought, it's different, and who is to say the metronome isn't a musical instrument."

"Well! I don't think that's ever been done before." we both laugh.

The track opens with drums, guitar riff and bass beat that form the rock foundation, building ever upwards to the chorus. The story of a femme fatale preying on the ultimately weak male of the species, we've all been there gentlemen.

1.

Well I trust that you've been doing fine

Can't say the same for me

I've surely had myself better times

You've been running off at the mouth

Slandering my good name

Just adding to the long list of your crimes

Was it something in the water

Made you the Devils daughter

Did you only have evil on your mind

C.

You've been running with the Devil

Bringing men down to your level

The you're done

You stole this heart away

You lead my burden soul astray

Then you were gone

Gone, gone, gone, gone, gone

2.

Well I've never been the type of guy

To be easily deceived

But baby so good at what you do

You had me hook, line and sinker

Wrapped around your little finger

A temptress my foolish heart did pursue

Oh stoke the flames higher

Drive men wild with desire

Did you only have evil on your mind

Track Six; I Just Want To Feel Alive.

"I believe you were given a challenge for this next song?"

"Yes that's right" Steve chuckles

"A friend suggested the scenario that I had to write a song for Lynyrd Skynyrd, it could only have basic elements, two guitars, one bass, one solo and drums. Having been a fan of Skynyrd for many years and with everyone knowing the iconic 'Sweet Home Alabama', I thought I've got to write something in the same vein."

With a dunk of a chocolate digestive the track kicks in with a hiphop beat but with that unmistakable Southern Rock guitar riff that has a hook so big I could reel in the largest catch of the day.

I look over to Steve,

"If that's not oozing Lynyrd Skynyrd all over it, I don't know what is."

I Just Want To Feel Alive - by Steve Salterszo © PinetreeMusic® 2014 

I've been ducking, diving 

Trying not to get caught up in anything 

I've been wheelin', dealin' 

No trouble I wanna bring 

But that's not real livin' 

That's just doin' enough to survive 

Now I just want to feel alive. 

I've been keepin' low, stayed below 

The radar don't draw attention 

I've been sleepin', weepin' 

Now I'm in need of intervention 

But that's not real livin' 

That's just doin' enough to survive 

Now I just want to feel alive 

Open my eyes let the scales fall to the ground 

Give me a new passion for living 

Break the shackles that had me bound 

Rescue me from the stormy seas where I near drowned 

This heart of mine won't you revive 

I just want to feel alive. 

I've been a solo act that's a fact 

kept myself to myself 

I've been slow in letting go 

Like a dusty book on a shelf 

But that's not real livin' 

That's just doin' enough to survive 

Now I just want to feel alive. 

I've been on the fence a liberal dance 

Never offered an opinion on anything 

I've been slow to vote never took note 

Whether it was winter or spring 

But that's not real livin' 

That's just doin' enough to survive 

Now I just want to feel alive. 

Track Five; You're My All In All

On Steve firing up track five you're immediately confronted by a driving drum beat, delayed guitar and smooth synth filling out the blanks all of which falls acquiescently on the ear.

"So you say this is a collaboration?"

"Yes, with an online buddy, Mr Daryl P Hall. Daryl is great on the lyrical department and we've written quite a few tracks together in the past and with a title like that, what else could it be, but a love ballad."

"I was looking for a drumbeat to drive the song along, something that stood out and had a character of its own, but as I've been told by several people it's like marmite, love it or hate. It was originally intended for a duel project Daryl and myself where working on, but I always liked it and so it found its way onto the album."

I find myself at odds with this one.  Steve strains the vocal and yes that ambiguous drumbeat opens a debate for sure. Overall though some poignant lyrics and decent melody are I feel just enough to rescue it.

You're My All - by Hall & Salterszo © PinetreeMuisc 2013

Well I see you lying there

With the sunlight on your face

Heavens light reflects your beauty

No one could ever take your place

I hear you lying there

And listen as you sleep

As I hear each precious breath you take

I know my love for you is soul deep

I'll never take you for granted, I'll never forget to say

Those three little words that mean so much

love you in every way

Your the apple of my eye

And I just wanted to say

You're my all in all

You're my everything

You're my all in all

You're so amazing

Darling just to see you

Over broken glass I'd crawl

I'd do this to prove to you

You're my all, in all

I pinch myself to make sure I'm not dreaming

Cause I can hardly believe my eyes

As you awake to great the morning

By your smile I am baptised

And I am just so thankful

You're my lover and my friend

You're my Alpha and Omega

My beginning and my end

Copyright Cat in the Hat lyrics 2012

Track Four; Tonight

"Do people even listen this far into an album anymore?" asks Steve.

With the event of the mp3, which completely revolutionised the way people listen to music, I have to wonder if Steve is right. We live in a world of singles, a world where we simply download our favourite track. The music business affirms a sharp fall in album sales and with the ever increasing speed of life we all live at, has anyone the time to sit for an hour or just over and listen all the way through an album?

"It sounds like Fleetwood Mac!" I shout over the thumping bass tom rhythm, half expecting to here Lyndsey and Stevie open up the vocal.

This song has a late 70's feel about it, very much a folk rock vibe like it's being played on an old analogue tape.

"Was that what you were aiming for?"

"Most certainly. I used a plugin that emulates an old analogue console, stuck one on every channel and one on the master bus and it definitely gives an added colour and tone to the whole track."

As I listen to the story told of an illicit love affair, it conjurers up all manner of images of two star crossed lovers on the run, fleeing for their lives, from those who are extremely unhappy with their relationship.

Tonight - by Steve Salterszo © PinetreeMusic 2014

Hush now , Hush now

They are coming to the door

Be still, Be still

They've come to end us that's for sure

Arise my love

They weren't expecting us to fight

And this I swear

We'll have our freedom tonight

Tonight..

Hush now, Hush now

We had no other choice

Be still, Be still

We couldn't let any air there voice

Arise my love

Time to make our escape

And this I swear

We'll meet the ship near the Cape

Tonight..

B.

Running through shadows

Hiding out from the moonlight

Take courage my love

If only for tonight

Tonight..

3.

Hush now, Hush Now

There's the signal all is clear

Be Still, Be Still

Our liberty is near

Arise my love

On winged feet take flight

And this I swear

We'll walk free in full sight

Tonight..

Track Three: A Love Like Ours

Having listened to the first two tracks of the album, a country rocker followed by indie rock with berating  anti-establishment rhetoric, there's definitely some meat on the bones here.

"Right the kettle's on, time for a bru" As Steve quickly and efficiently produces two mugs, a splosh of milk and a packet of a well know brand of chocolate biscuits.

"So tell me about track three, a kind of ballad is it?"

"Well when it comes to a love song, I try desperately to stay clear of clichés, to say something different about heart ache or being head over heels in love with someone, and that is always a challenge. So I started thinking about classic pairings, Romeo and Juliet for example and comparing the love they had to an ultimate incomparable love."

"Does such a thing even exist?" I asked

"Well for the romantic soul that lives in quite a few of us... I'd like to believe so."

   A Love like Ours -  by Steve Salterszo PinetreeMuisc© 2013

1.

Making your way in the world today

It's getting harder and harder so they say

And with all of the games that people play

It's hard to find the truth

2.

But you and I never twisted or turned

Never got our fingers burned

And out of all of the lessons that we learned

It's about trust and honesty

And that's why I love you

And all you do

We're the chosen few

Cos so many have come and gone

Romeo and Juliet never had their own song

Anthony and Cleopatra never belonged

To a love like ours

Not even Lancelot and Guinevere

Could find a way to be sincere

Samson and Delilah lived in fear

None of them had a love like ours

3.

Look you in the eye talk behind your back

Of two faced people there's no lack

But we never came under attack

There's nothing we care to hide

4.

No awkward moments in silent rooms

No hiding behind elaborate costumes

Just walking where the flower blooms

That's you and I

B.

They say we're tempting fate

But we just don't believe them

Cos when you find your soul mate

There's no deceiving

We're floating on air

We're soaring high

And we're not coming back down

Until we die 

Track Two: The End Of Liberty

So with track one making it's mark onto track two.

"This feels somewhat political in it's message, so what was the thinking behind it?"

"Yeah I guess I was just looking at how Police forces around the world seem to have become more and more militarised , less about protecting the people and more about controlling them. The video footage for the track is pretty startling but it puts the point across in vivid detail."

"In a time when people are really seeking life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness it would seem that George Orwell's Big Brother is putting people more under the cosh than ever. Of course with the rise of social media, for better for worse, people are only to eager to offer up their own privacy for all to see. I think like all things, it's got to be in moderation and with the knowledge that when you post something, when you put something out there, then everyone, including those you don't want to, can see it."

Steve hits the play button on Pro Tools...

The End Of Liberty - by Salterszo © PinetreeMusic® 2013 

1. 

Anger out on the streets 

Hear the sirens wail 

Civil upheaval all around 

Common man 

Making his final stand 

His suspicions well-found 

Spin Doctors alleviate our surprise 

They seem so sincere 

Weaving their tapestry of lies 

Making the truth so unclear 

C. 

Is this the end of liberty 

Enslaved by those who promised us 

To set us free 

Is this the end 

Of Liberty. 

2. 

Can't do this 

You can't do that 

It's only for your protection 

Can you really 

Prove who you say you are 

To our requirements and satisfaction 

Big brother is watching you 

Everything you do is on file 

There's no holding on to privacy 

Everyone's got a profile 

B. 

The curtains fall on self determination 

The flames of freedom burn down low 

Is this the end of your emancipation 

Do the masses even know

Track One: Life's What You Make It

On a somewhat fresh summer morning and on the imminent release of his tenth album to date, I join Steve Salterszo for some intimate conversation and insightful anecdotes.

Steve hands me a home made cappuccino and states "Far better than that devil's brew you can get from some well known coffee outlets." He sits back, readies himself and says "Go ahead, ask away."

"So this first track, the all important opener to anyone's album, what's it all about?"

"Quite simply the title says it all really" You know that moment in the morning when you first open your eyes?
You either greet the new day with jubilance or with fear and trepidation, well that's what the songs core is about. But more than that it's about dispelling, the myth, that the new day you have awakened to, does not have to be a ground hog day experience of the one before, Life's what you make it."

"What came first the lyric or the music?"

"For me almost always the music and it was no different for this song. I usually start playing around on the guitar and I stumbled upon the main chord riff. I always feel the first track of any album should be big, bold and an attention grabber, otherwise why would anyone stick around to hear the rest of your songs.  I wanted it to have that, cruising up the motorway, feel to it and with that in mind I went for a big sound, lots of air, an easy lyric to sing along to and a driving rhythm to get those feet tapping. I was very pleased as to how it turned out."

I look down halfway through my cappuccino, "Boy that is good Steve."

As we sit back and listen to the track in his home-made studio, a little kitchen dinner affair, but quite adequate for what Steve does best, a one man band member, engineer, mixer and producer, I'm singing along and my foot is tapping.

"I think you achieved your goal there, Steve!"

Life's What You Make It - music & words by Steve Salterszo © PinetreeMuisc® 2013 

1. 

Welcome to a new day 

Nothings happened yet 

Make it how you want it to be 

So you won't regret it 

Rise and shine 

It's all out there waiting for you 

Rise and Shine 

Another day it's all brand new 

C. 

Life's what you make it 

Don't live by what was yesterday 

It's all there for the taking 

Stretch forth your hand don't delay 

Life's what you make it 

2. 

You'll never know if you don't try 

Don't you say what's the use 

Through of that cloak of despair 

Your past is not an excuse 

Rise and shine 

It's all out there waiting for you 

Rise and Shine 

Another day it's all brand new 

B. 

For far too long you've been wrong 

Believing you'll never make it 

Have a little faith don't enslave 

Give yourself some credit

NEW ALBUM: LIFE'S WHAT YOU MAKE IT

WHO?

Steve Salterszo

WHERE?

http://salterszo.bandcamp.com/album/life-is-what-you-make-it

WHAT?

About Life, The Broad & Narrow Way

WHEN?

25th April 2014

WHY?

Composed of Country, Folk and Soft Rock for an easy, everyday listen.

Pay something or Pay nothing, for a digital download. It's completely up to you!

Preview:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_2kAEq-GTlMrCPlknW4wmBMZEsZMLoTs