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When My Brain Goes on Vacation - NEW TOMMY WIGGINS ALBUM

by Tommy Wiggins

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1.
When My Brain Goes on Vacation 02:57
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When my brain goes on vacation I admit that the sensation Isn’t all that bad Erasing for a moment The memories of a breakup That’ll make me sad And though I think the world of her and even pinned a moon for her It was never enough To make her want to love me Like she loves me When my brain goes on vacation Why does this happen? I’ll never know When does this happen? It comes and goes Grabs me like some sentimental song And then she’s gone, gone, gone Solo When my brain goes on vacation That feeling of elation’s Like the 4th of July For a spinnin’ like I wanna spin it It’s my world with her in it Kind of guy It’s quite the contradiction To focus on the fiction That somehow it will be enough To make her want to love me Like she loves me When my brain goes on vacation Why does this happen? I’ll never know When does this happen? It comes and goes Grabs me like some sentimental song And then she’s gone, gone, gone When my brain goes on vacation I admit that the sensation Isn’t all that bad
2.
Seventy Two 03:29
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I’m not here to criticize But I’ve lived life beyond your eyes We’re all doin’ what we gotta do To make it through another day Punch a clock, draw some pay Here’s the deal I’m ‘bout to lay on you When you say I need to wait Stand in line, don’t be late Pau my dues like any other fool I did my time, ran the race so I’m gonna get up in your face buddy you can’t tell me what to do ‘cuz I’m 72 That is not a number you should mess with Not about to toe the line no more Show me some respect Or you can stick it in your ear Won’t stand in line – at 72 Bide my time – that won’t do Save my dough – oh, now Couple puffs – I’m good to go SOLO I was you when I was young Too much work, not enough fun Saving pennies for a rainy day Now I’m cruisin’ ‘cross the nation Blowing steam of my creation Loving what I love along the way I am not a number you should mess with Not about to toe no line no more Show me some respect or you can stick it in your ear Won’t stand in line – at 72 Bide my time – that won’t do Save my dough – oh, now Couple puffs – I’m good to go Senior discount - now you’re talkin’ Yoga mats – lots of walkin’ Makin’ music - with my friends Chillin’ out – until the end So buddy, you can’t tell me what to do…‘cuz I’m 72
3.
Little White House 02:24
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I grew up in a little white house in a North Country town Built me a Rocky Mountain cabin right up from the ground Spent some time in Ohio folks were good to me I love everywhere I’ve been and now I want to be In Tennessee Home is where I lay my head My heart always follows I’ll be smiling in my bed When I wake up tomorrow In Tennessee, Tennessee Greenest state in the land of the free Good enough for Davey Crockett Is good enough for me Are you looking for a little place to call your own? Maybe you got some roots already And your kids are grown Home is where you lay your head Your heart’s bound to follow You’d be smiling in your bed If you woke up tomorrow In Tennessee, Tennessee Greenest state in the land of the free Good enough for Dolly Parton’s Good enough for me Tennessee, Tennessee Goin’ to Graceland, you and me Nowhere now that I’d rather be Then back in Tennessee Tennessee Tennessee
4.
Rockin' Them Yoga Pants 02:01
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She’s rockin, the girl’s rockin’ A little wiggle in the checkout line Showin’ everybody that it’s workin’ just fine 15 to 80, it don’t matter makin’ our hearts beat a little bit faster When you got a good thing an you know how to use it Work it real slow and you don’t abuse it Not near enough to get a reputation But the girl can’t help it if they cause a sensation She’s rockin’ them yoga pants The boys don’t stand a chance “Lord, have mercy” from the very first glance She’s rockin, the girl’s rockin’ SOLO Grandma’s day they were pedal pushers Mama wore white Capris It don’t matter what you call ‘em Son They all do the same darn thing When she’s rockin’ them yoga pants The boys don’t stand a chance Lord have mercy from the very first glance When she’s rockin’ them yoga pants She’s rockin’, the girl’s rockin’ It’s a Liberation Sensation Stimulation Celebration It’s a miracle excitation Anatomical recalibration She’s rockin’ them yoga pants Nobody stands a chance Sisters rockin’ all across the land She’s rockin’, the girl’s rockin’ She’s rockin’, the girl’s rockin’ She’s rockin’
5.
Tracers Cross the Sky 02:46
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Tracers ‘cross the sky Busy people going places Better them than I Cuz I’d see you in all their faces Lookin’ down and staring at the ground No one else but me to be around In time this shall pass It won’t last, my longing for A way back to a time (when) days were so sublime And you and I were Burning tracers cross the sky You and I were Burning tracers cross the sky Brighter than a constellation Shooting without hesitation Never mind the destination Solo I know that you tried To hang on to our rocket ride As far as it could go Never let it show Until the end, I loved your more Than any heart I’d held before (But) it took some time to se That comets, they burn out Eventually Burning tracers cross the sky You and I Were burning tracers cross the sky A pair of roman candles We did fly You and I Across the sky
6.
Big Tent Freedom 02:53
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There’s two kinds of freedom ‘far as I can see The one you’re pushin’ – the other’s for me Yours got you lookin’ – out for number 1 Mine is a Big Tent under the sun Well you’re walkin’ like a vigilante, grown man talking with a gun Shoving your deal right in my face Makin’ mothers and the children run In my kind of Big Tent Freedom, everybody welcome ‘round here No matter where you come from, no matter what you look like I see you in my mirror Blue steel law and order, never gonna keep no peace Self-appointed soldier, you ain’t what we need SOLO Well we’re floatin’ in the same blue ocean, rise and fall with the tides So stand down for a minute, man – loosen up your pride LET’S TALK ABOUT IT – you’re spoilin’ for a fight LET’S TALK ABOUT IT – That ain’t never gonna make it right TALK ABOUT FREEDOM – different points of view TALK ABOUT FREEDOM – better be careful what we choose Cuz if you get yours, and I lose mine, that ain’t freedom Son Raisin’ your fist in a camo line is liberty undone BIG TENT FREEDOOM – leave your guns at home BIG TENT FREEDOOM – leave your guns at home BIG TENT FREEDOOM BIG TENT FREEDOOM
7.
Stop the Wheel 03:13
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Another blue-sky sunny day Picture perfect, I would say For sippin’ on a cold one in the shade Dustin’ off your favorite song That makes you wanna sing along ‘least when no one’s listening, anyway It’s ok to stop the wheel from turning Forget about the bridges burning Down-a-round-your Way too many bills to pay Diggin’ deeper every day Squeeze another dollar out of that stone But you can’t take it with you When you go Just like domin o o o oes When that sky is fallin’ round And your pack-o-trouble weighs you down Stop the wheel from turnin’ round and round Let them bridges tumble to the ground Solo Tomorrow is another day Another round, another play Ain’t gonna trade tomorrow, not for today Gonna take a big bite outta somethin’ It don’t matter what, ‘cuz It’s ok to stop the wheel from turnin’ Forget about the bridges burnin’ down a round your Stop the wheel from turnin’ round and round Let them bridges tumble to the ground Stop the wheel from turnin’ round n round n round This town
8.
Gristle and Bone 03:01
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When the hand you’re dealt is all gristle and bone Wolf at the door won’t leave you alone Try as you will, try as you might When every other breath is a knockdown fight You’re not alone, with the gristle and bone It looks like that tonight, but it’ll be all right The words we say ain’t chiseled in stone We can take ‘em back, ‘n nobody will know Shake ‘em loose, leave ‘em alone Pull up ‘yer boots and shuffle on home Nobody’s alone, with the gristle and bone Lay them demons down And come back home Come back home Cuz the gristle and bone won’t leave you alone Solo Tables turned, it used to be me Banged and battered and blue as can be Without your lovin, I’d be RIP Giving you girl what you givin’ to me givin’ to me We’re not alone with the gristle and bone Might look like that tonight, but it’ll be all right
9.
All Kinda Messed Up 03:26
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I thought the only crazy I knew was livin’ in my head Barkin up a neon tree, and even in my… bed then I met a guy from Boston, or maybe it was Austin Shoulda’ heard what that damn fool said Dude was all dressed up, 10 kindsa messed up Take if from a guy who know Some folks is lazy, but we’re all kinda crazy I guess it just goes to show Every one I know - is all kinda messed up From the word go – its time to fess up that we’re all crazy, livin’ in a messed up world there’s religion, politics - body image, hypocrites yes to sex or no sex – success (makin’ it) whatever that is take a walk, take a nap smoke a bowl, swim a lap do what you gotta do say you’re sorry, take it back Every one I know - is all kinda messed up From the word go – its time to fess up that we’re all crazy, livin’ in a messed up world Every one I know - is all kinda messed up From the word go – its time to fess up that we’re all crazy, livin’ in a messed up world Every one I know – spinnin’ like a yo-yo anything goes – in our own private Idaho-o We’re livin’ in a messed up world Livin’ in a messed up, Livin’ in a messed up world
10.
Funk Trunk 04:06
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It's all about the groove.

about

More than 50 years into his songwriting career, Tommy Wiggins continues to turn new corners. He's a natural-born explorer, charting his own path through the intersecting worlds of rock, country, blues, soul, funk, and folk. The journey continues with When My Brain Goes on Vacation, an album that dishes up 10 newly-written tracks from Wiggins' melting pot of American roots music.

When My Brain Goes on Vacation was written and recorded in Nashville, TN, where Wiggins relocated a decade ago. The album takes full advantage of Nashville's rich community of session musicians, with six different background vocalists and a dozen instrumentalists contributing to the various tracks. That diversity is mirrored in the music itself, from the title track's mix of twang and tropical textures to the Stax-sized grooves that anchor the record's instrumental closer, "Funk Truck." Wiggins proudly calls it his "Nashville album," a description that has less to do with the record's sound — although there's plenty of countrified music sprinkled throughout — and more to do with the collaborative approach he pursued in the studio.

"For me, being a producer starts with getting the right people in the room," he explains. "That doesn't happen anywhere else that I've lived as easily as it happens here in Nashville. It's a phenomenal thing."

When you've been making albums for a long time — and Tommy Wiggins has been doing it for decades, releasing more than 30 albums as a solo artist and amassing an even longer list of credits as a sideman, producer, and sound engineer — you learn to hit your mark. When My Brain Goes on Vacation hits that mark 10 different times, with a little help from the album's unique guest list. For those listeners whose brain might also be on vacation right now, we salute you… and we kindly offer the following listener's guide.

"When My Brain Goes On Vacation"
A song for siestas and peaceful easy feelings, stocked with tongue-in-cheek lyrics and beachside vibes. Phil Solem, known for his work with power-pop hitmakers The Rembrandts, handles guitar duties.

"Seventy Two"
Tommy plants his flag in the septuagenarian sand with this slow-and-sturdy slab of blues-rock, with searing slide guitar leads from Tim McGraw's longtime bandleader, Denny Hemingson.

"Little White House"
While an unhurried groove lopes in the background, "Little White House" traces Tommy's path from past to present, chronicling the travels that have brought him to Nashville. "Good enough for Dolly Parton, is good enough for me, Tennessee," he declares.


"Rocking Them Yoga Pants"
Tommy sings the praises of yoga pants — and the women who wear them — on this revved-up anthem, which nods to Chuck Berry's fretwork one minute and The Cars' keyboards the next. Call it a rock & roll power flow, delivered by a longtime devotee of the practice.

"Tracers Cross The Sky"
An observation of a love that burned brightly and briefly, shot through with lovely pedal steel guitar and the blissed-out beauty of 1970s-inspired singer/songwriter power balladry.

"Big Tent Freedom"
With a funky backbone, swirling organ, and plenty of R&B harmonies, "Big Tent Freedom" gets topical, taking a look at those willing to create chaos to advance their political beliefs.

"Stop the Wheel"
A carpe diem anthem about enjoying the present moment and freezing oneself in space, disguised as a laidback, vintage pop/rock gem.

"Gristle and Bone"
Tommy extends a helping hand to a friend in need, sealing the deal with another signature combination of groove, muscle, and melody. Come for the percussive pulse; stay for the accordion!

"All Kinds of Messed Up"
Written with Lincoln Parrish, "All Kinds of Messed Up" celebrates the crazy characters among us. "We're all crazy, living in a messed up world," Wiggins sings over a country-fried chord progression, not pointing his finger as much as casting his lot with the rest of the crazed crew.

"Funk Truck"
A funky instrumental that could have been pulled from the archives at Stax Records, driven forward by Tommy's organ and stacked high with electric guitar solos. "I've created so many instrumental groove records in the past," Tommy explains. "I wanted to include one at the end of this album to hint at what the public might get from me next."

credits

released October 7, 2022

THE PLAYERS
Phil Solem - Guitar 1, 7
Denny Hemingson - Guitar, Lap Steel, Pedal Steel, Weissenborn 2, 5, 6, 7
Russ Garner - Drums 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9.
Austin Solomon - Bass 1, 2, 3, 7
Chris Wild Guitar - 3,4 8, 10, Bass 4
Dreadlock Dave McDougald - Bass 5, 6, 10
Lincoln Parish – Guitar 9, Bass 9
Peter Young - Drums 8
Chance Martin - The Voice in Black 4
Steve Strong Keys - Guitar 10
Nick Paracandola - Drums 10
Billy Livsey – Hammond B3 6
Tommy – Acoustic guitar, Wurlitzer electric piano, Hammond B3, percussion 1-10.

THE SINGERS
Tommy Wiggins 1-10
Alicia Michilli 1, 2, 6, 7
Jolene Kay 4, 8.
Amanda Broadway 6
Chris Daniels 6
Dreadlock Dave McDougald 6

THE TRACKING CREW
Connor Leveillee
Dave Towne
Raelynn Janicki
Britton Deuel
Connor Johnson
Monty Miller
Ryan Speakman

Produced by Tommy Wiggins
Mixed and mastered by Tommy Wiggins and Connor Leveillee
All Kinda Messed Up mixed by Lincoln Parish. Rockin’ Them Yoga Pants mixed by Lino Sistu and TW.

All songs by Tommy Wiggins (Expensive Fun Tunes BMI) except for - “Rockin’ Them Yoga Pants” by Tommy Wiggins (Expensive Fun Tunes, BMI) Larry Haack (Blue Sierra Music BMI); “Gristle and Bone” by Tommy Wiggins (Expensive Fun Tunes, BMI), Chance Martin (Edge Star Music ASCAP), Peter Young (Pgroovy Music, BMI); “All Kinda Messed Up” by Tommy Wiggins (Expensive Fun Tunes BMI), Lincoln Parish (Talk Box Rodeo/Kobalt BMI).

Cartoon Tommy - Skylar Wilson
Graphic Design - Bos at Bosley Design
Liner notes – Andrew Leahey

©P 2022 Tommy Wiggins Music

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Tommy Wiggins Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville’s Tommy Wiggins began writing songs by kerosene lamp in a Rocky Mountain cabin. He’s been writing, recording and performing his own funky blend of folky, bluesy, country-funk ever since. Tommy recently bought a camper van and is writing songs along the road. New album in 2022 - "When My Brain Goes On Vacation." When your brain goes on vactation, where do YOU go? ... more

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