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The Algebro Album

by Algebro

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  • Streaming + Download

    Thom Cathcart is Algebro.
    He writes toe- tapping, dark, funny songs;
    Folk-noir mysteries;
    Songs of suicides and private eyes…
    all with a southern gentleman's acid-wit.

    “a subtly clever lyricist” Chicago Reader
    “worst band names” The Onion/ AV Club
    Raised in Gainesville, Georgia.
    Currently residing in Chicago.
    Algebro is King.



    Immediate download of 11-track album in your choice of 320k mp3, FLAC, or just about any other format you could possibly desire.
    Purchasable with gift card

      $7 USD  or more

     

  • Compact Disc (CD) + Digital Album

    High quality, self-released CD in shrink-wrapped jewel case with single-fold liner notes.
    Also includes immediate download of 11-track album in your choice of 320k mp3, FLAC, or just about any other format you could possibly desire.
    ships out within 14 days
    edition of 1000 
    Purchasable with gift card

      $7 USD or more 

     

1.
How else could I arrive A puff of smoke in black and white Three days without a razor And a breath that catches fire How else could I survive The shadows of the city night Will they embrace me like The strangest girl I've ever known My old man walked a beat Before you pushed a button to cross the street Back then you just moved your feet After you looked both ways She was three when I was five When I was one she wasn't alive Now she's grown - she's caught my eye She's the strangest girl I've ever known How she screamed and she cursed When I claimed to be her's Then she swore that she was mine too
2.
Tangent (free) 02:51
To the sore thumb sticking out for all to see The reason to doubt you were ever meant to be Apples and oranges, you and me You got the makings, but it's my recipe No, I never saw your place cause your place was a mess The next sight of your face and I must confess My nights spent there were made in distress Last time I left, I forgot the address A hundred to one that you could survive All those dollar signs flashing in your eyes The point is gone on a tangent Like disappearing ink Why did you go along You should write what you think You should right what you wrong But still you don't quite fit like your choice of words Your arts and crafts they are so absurd All you e-kids thought you knew the word You polish your shit 'til it becomes a turd Think tank long sucked dry With a vacuum-sealed look in your eye The point is gone on a tangent Like disappearing ink Why did you go along You should write what you think You should right what you wrong
3.
I don't know when to say when I can't say no to my friends When they'd like to have a drink or two Don't mind if I do And I've had no complaints On my lack of restraint When it comes to propping up a bar And another pull from the jar And a smoke in the alleyway Everyday is a getaway I don't know when to say when I can't say no to my friends When they'd like to have a drink or two Don't mind if I do And I've had no complaints On my lack of restraint When it comes to propping up a bar And another pull from the jar And a smoke in the alleyway Everyday is a getaway So let all the meddling Italian neighbors say... That damn dog broke off it's chain That damn dog's got shit for brains That damn dog is way too old to train So keep him on a leash That damn dog broke off his chain That damn dog's got shit for brains That damn dog is way too old to train So let's keep him on a leash Capice? Capice.
4.
Walking the plank Down in the hull it stank Working with all the men Rowing the oar again I'm dying to meet you The Lion and The Colorado Dodging a shark There's a mutiny on the ark Backstroke to dry land Feeling the fins again I'm trying to see you The Lion and The Colorado You work to eat And then you eat to stay alive The mightiest survive All the mightiest arrive And they're all dying to meet you The Lion and The Colorado
5.
You were so convinced when you slit your wrists That you were doing the right thing Like when the evangelist left his fingerprints Where he never should've been in the first place And you had to take the case. You were wearing a wire. You were singing in the choir. You had us all thinking you were going right wing, But you never retired. You were always for hire. Undercover in the congregation. You're on the prowl for some salvation And like a good gumshoe, you always come through. Like a good gumshoe, no one can lose you. Songs of suicide, songs of private eyes, A little strange but it's got a nice ring Like the alibi that poor preacher tried saying I never could've touched your daughter I was way too busy blessing holy water. But he was caught red-handed And he was reprimanded, But you were down despite everything. It's not the way you planned it. You couldn't understand it, And the note read - That's the way it goes. First your money, then your clothes. But I like a good gumshoe, you always come through. Like a good gumshoe, no one could lose you. So, I made a few mistakes Since I tried to take your place, But I learned alot since then. The old man had a face From another time and place, And that's the memory of the mystery. You two had a history, And like a good gumshoe, you always come through. Like a good gumshoe, no one can lose. A good gumshoe who always comes through. Like a good gumshoe, no one could lose you, But we all did today.
6.
It wasn't long ago, I was waiting on Santa Claus. It wasn't long ago, I'd ask you why And you'd just say because I said so I don't have long to go before my Better half hits menopause, And I don't have long to go until I'm Wondering where that friend was Who's been six feet below Without that much to say. Make peace with the ones you lost, So if you run across them in town, You won't be met with a frown.
7.
Broken glass and sharp rocks Make a trap out of the sandbox. I know you want to play, So we'll watch, and we'll wait For that guinea pig of a playmate To try and I hop he makes it. Then, a scream and he's clutching his hand. There's blood all over the sand. Broken glass and sharp rocks It's the playground of hard knocks. Love and kisses and all your mama misses Hot dogs and hugs and all your daddy loves I coulda, I woulda, I shoulda been your man, hey I coulda, I woulda, I shoulda stuck to Plan A Plan B always leaves me so lonely Love and kisses and all your mama misses Hot dogs and hugs and all your daddy loves Love and kisses and all your mama misses Hot dogs and hugs and all your daddy loves Broken glass and sharp rocks Make a trap out of the sandbox. I know you want to play, So we'll watch, and we'll wait For that guinea pig of a playmate To try and I hop he makes it. Then, a scream and he's clutching his hand. There's blood all over the sand. Broken glass and sharp rocks It's the playground of hard knocks.
8.
9 or 10 03:44
I know it's been nine or ten Years since I saw you last. My plans have changed; I act my age, And I take the blades to the grass, But you know how it goes, Just as soon as I've mowed, The grass starts to grow again. So I've got this girl. She's back in my world. You know, she thinks I've got it made. She's never ill, but better still She's gonna leave as soon as she's paid. And so how've you been? What state, what state have you been living in? Me, I'm living in sin, Cincinnati.
9.
Miracle lipstick With a tricky striptease All the magical words Are never please, oh please Strike the first offense The judge she dug my face But in my fair defense She picked the time and place Baby boomers are fucking up the plan Made by the man no one can understand Miracle lipstick On the dot, on the scene, Off the hook and all the things Keeping me from keeping clean The magical words A pretty cherry on top You better watch your mouth The edges are sharp, they are so sharp Baby boomers are fucking up the plan Made by the man George Washington Fucking fascists are screwing up the plan Made by the man no one can understand Miracle lipstick With a tricky striptease All the magical words Are never please, oh please
10.
Moon's running circles 'round us Kicking up trails of stardust Quite a sight to see We come and go the same way You're better looking each day You should walk with me No practice, no rehearsals Sunday morning churches Wine and water waves This man loves the mountains Pennies all lost in fountains Money spends and Jesus saves
11.
There I go again To the dreamland where I'm perfect There I go again To the world where Algebro is king But I can't stand the fame I can't stand making songs rhyme Someone's always there Eyeing me the whole time Blue ribbon baby Another mother's envy Can you cross your eyes Roll your tongue And turn the globe To where you're from I could be a stranger with candy palms Watching from my van when your shadow's long So long shadow so long But what's around the corner Is it bad or good Does it mean what it should Or will it stand in the corner But there I go again To the dreamland where I'm perfect There I go again To the world where Algebro is king But I can't stand the fame I can't stand making songs rhyme Someone's always there Eyeing me the whole time Blue ribbon baby Let's throw a party With a homeless clown Carnival glass And pin the tail on the ass' ass I could be a stranger with candy palms Watching from my van when your shadow's long So long shadow so long

about

All songs by Thom Cathcart
Produced by Eddie Dixon
Recorded and mixed by Eddie Dixon at Spider Sound
Mastered by All City Mastering
Cover photo and album layout by Annie Floisvik

credits

released July 31, 2010

Algebro- guitars, lead vocals
Chris Merrill- bowed bass, 5
Jeremy Cox- bass clarinet, 6
Ryan Suzuka- harmonica, 8
Dan Salyers- drums, 8 & 11
Adam Fitz- backing vocals, 9
Gerald Bailey- trumpet, 5
Eddie Dixon- all other instruments

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Algebro Chicago, Illinois

Algebro is Tom Cathcart.

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