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Hotbox Railcar

by Leaky Joe

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1.
Hotbox Railcar 04:33
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Hotbox railcar screaming down the iron road / Leaning on pine tar, sleeping where the lumber's stowed / Out of water, out of whiskey, out of ways out of this fever dream / Got to get to where it's going and forget the places I have been / Hotbox railcar rumbling through the prairie night / Left my woman in Topeka in the ember of the morning light / Empty pocket, empty belly, empty feeling in my hollow heart / Got to get to where it's going, got to step into a different start / Hotbox railcar leaking in the northern rain / Wet cut cedar shack waiting when I scoot this train / Got no family, got no future, got no way off of the bottom rung / Got to get to where it's going fore the sins behind me get me hung / Please forgive me, I was wrong / I was wrong for so long
2.
Do It 03:17
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Buying on impulse some roses and courage then standing and wilting --I don't really know you. planning, rejecting, then planning all over --your dress in a heap on the floor in my mind. I'm trying to focus on noble intentions, but tensions are mounting --I don't really know you. Trying to recall what I said in the shower, rehearsed in the steam with the soap in my eyes. Chorus: Do it, fucking do it, rejection means you'll only have to do it again. Do it, fucking do it, acceptance means you'll never have to do it again. I don't understand you, I don't understand me. Do you understand you? This doesn't look good. Pacing and cursing, observing your habits, observing your boyfriend --this doesn't look good. Playing with curtains, you're just like a kitten, but kittens can scratch you and sometimes draw blood. Lying awake with a pain in my stomach, is this indigestion or am I in love?
3.
Amen 05:45
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Lord, I need / Just a little more water / Just a cool, clean breeze / Before the desert gets much hotter / And I can see / That I'm broken, not a martyr / But I'm driven to my knees / Without your help, I get no farther / I got to get back / And make good with my daughter / I done twisted at the root / I done failed her as a father / Lord, I need / Just a little more water / Just a cool, clean breeze / Before the desert gets much hotter / (Guitar) / / Lord, my eyes / I can't see which way I'm going / And when the dust it gets to blowing / I venture lost without my knowing / I'm blind and I'm wretched / With a belly full of sand / Praying for your gentle hand / To nudge me through this barren land / I made my wreckage, / Lord, I knew my path was twisted / I stayed selfish and insisted / Forced her hand when she resisted / If I could see her again, / I've got the will to set it straight / Confess my sins and my mistakes / Profess my love 'fore it's too late / / Fade: Amen, Hallelujah, glory glory, praise be to You
4.
I Won't Miss You 03:47
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Who's the tootsie, you're hoochie-coo lonely. You fish, but only a fool would bite on you. I know --I've been a fool or two. So f*** away, the light is green. You know what I mean. Let's get this done; you can regret me when you're gone. What's the matter: you've lost all of your laughter? You drown pretending to wave --can you be saved? You've got the dope I've got the rope. So splash away, this ain't the blues --I found my shoes. Let's get this done; you can regret me when you're gone. Chorus: I won't miss you. I won't miss you anyway. What a keeper --empty heads come cheaper. Dumb and dry with a cruel spark in his eye. Yet you maintain he is the guy. You have the right to shut your mouth. I tell you, he'll bail out. Let's get this done; you can regret me when you're gone. Chorus. After all I did for you, you didn't think you felt that way. So run away with Mr. Fright --your future's looking bright. Let's get this done; you can regret me when you're gone
5.
The Absinthe Drinkers 04:34
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Here we are in this condition --vacant, sprawling careless town. Drinking out of mason jars. Streetlamps, yellow painted stars. CH: Wormroot tongue and restless stupor. Restless says "I'm all used up." Shadows I, I wish I were. Coffee brown says sober up. Green fields are more pleasant beds and clear, blue skies more gentle jails. I lifted more a thousand cups, sat drunk, confused in garden's veils. I wished my heart weren't parched, dizzy in the garden. Wished it wouldn't shrivel, wished it wouldn't harden. CH. We lay down soft, just me and Heather, all the clouds up whisking high. I was feeling dense and clever --will I shrivel, will I die? CH. Another small, another splash, another drop falls down. Thought and motion, darkest ocean, green-lit potion town.
6.
This Broken Heap 04:54
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This broken heap has done had it / It is plumb out of ways it could die / But I need it this morning to get there / If it don't, we ain't gonna get by / If it don't, we ain't gonna get by / CH: Please don't fail today / Please don't fail today / Give it some gas, but don't flood it / There is only so much it can take / For a moment it turns, but then shudders / 'Cause it don't care how much is at stake / No, it don't care how much is at stake / (CH) / Pray for a spark and then crank it / With a push and a pop, hear it roar / And I trace the worn wheel just to thank it / As it ferries me forward once more / As it ferries me forward once more
7.
Scar 04:06
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Break me, burn my skin / Slice me where the knife gets in / Bind me, oh, so tight / Wrong me, never make it right / She's the hatchet queen / Lies to keep her mirror clean / Drag me through the grime / Same sad song played one more time / CH: I got one scar from fighting / One scar from falling, / One from just playing too rough/shaving too close / But the deepest scar / That has hurt me so far / Is the one from falling in love / / Beat me, wear me down / Each whistle blown unheard somehow / Turn them tables round / Each brave soul becomes your clown / Rob me blind and clean / Crown yourself the puppet queen / Accuse me of everything / Squeeze that bird until it sings / (Solo V/CH) / Bruise me, crack my ribs / Kick me where my softness lives / Find my weakest parts / Twist until you break my heart / Choke that poison down / Keep on lying 'til I drown / Leave me all alone / Broken and without a home
8.
They Always Leave 04:32
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I knew a girl about a year ago today. I thought that she would always be here, but then she said that she could not stay --she said to me, "the end is near." She packed her bags and she sold her house, but she said she'd write. A year has passed and the most I got was a postcard about her flight. CH: They always leave, they never stay, but part of them stays with me. They always leave, they never stay, but I still see them in my mind. They always leave, they never stay, but I won't forget them. They always leave, they never stay, but part of them stays behind. I knew a girl with the richest voice --deep in her eyes, I could see the sun. She'd never speculate or make an assumption. She'd always wait until she was done. And now I find that I'm missing her company --she was so warm inside and I'm so cold at night. I always thought she could maybe sing the blues. That's what I've got, now that she's gone. CH. I knew a girl with the greyest eyes --you never saw a face as pretty as hers. She tasted sweet --candy kisses. But now she's leaving and the sugar is gone. I want to tell her that if I had the time, I'd find a way for me to go with her. But now she's packing and she told me she'd write. The sweetest sorrow was kissing her goodbye.
9.
I Won't Bite 05:30
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What you want from me is all right. What you get from me is all night. But don't ever try to tell me that you're running out of time --I won't bite. Little Red Riding Hood's been messing with your mind. Wolf in sheep's clothing --that's not me, I think you'll find. I'll show you my pearlies but I won't bite. Little Red Riding Hood's not falling for that line. I know you much too well to let you in this time. If I keep my door closed then you won't bite. Step in my parlor, you're no spider. You're no fly. I hope I can trust you. Cross my heart and hope to die. And if you are careful, you can bite. But if you must bite me, do it right.
10.
I Can't Have Two 03:41
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Laura's got her daisies, and Beth has tattoos. She claims she did a porno --she said she'd do me too. Laura is a painter and a waitress at the zoo, but I can't have two, I can't have two. Laura knows the wine list, and Beth knows the booze. I think that Laura likes me --I kissed her after school. Beth can turn your tongue into an animal balloon, but I can't have two, I can't have two. Smells like flowers, but it's not Gretchen, even though Gretchen smells like flowers, too. You know, three won't do. Angry Laura's leaving, she buried my shoes. She painted me a eunuch --I'm hanging in the Louvre. Beth can turn a whip just like she's turning on the news, and I can't have two, I can't have two.
11.
Swing Jane Wild 05:37
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Swing Jane wild, swing Jane free / Hands on hips, hence and back / Swing Jane round and bend her back to me / The ring is true, now bound and free / Lip to lip, hip to hip / Flesh and bone made fresh from Jane and me / The die is cast, and I ride two weeks / Through rain and cold, through dust and heat / My heart in paper, Jane will wait for me / (Inst. Interlude) / The knock awoke my Jane from sleep / This cloth is torn, this soul I mourn / Jane knocked down and broke across his knee / / The deed is done as done can be / Blood on hands, hands on brick / The deed is sin that Jane could not foresee / (Inst. Interlude) / My old blue steel, oiled cold and clean / Hand betwixt, through and through / A cold cruel lump of spoiled and wicked meat / / Fire in grass, flame through trees / Burn this house down to stone / Break this hearth before you bury me / Swing Jane wild, swing Jane free / Hands on hips, hence and back / Swing Jane round and bend her back to me
12.
Ode to Keri 05:23
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Leave a nice tip for pretty Keri Sutton down in Pocatello, Idaho. It's been a long, hard night, and nothing's going right, so leave some change before you go. Have a sandwich, but don't be disappointed if it's not what you had in mind. It's been a long, hard night, and nothing's going right, so don't forget to be kind. if your waitress is pretty Keri Sutton, leave her more than her share. It's been a long, hard night, and nothing's going right --give her what kindness you can spare. Early morning, and pretty Keri Sutton hasn't had her beauty sleep. She's tired --her back's been patted, as if that really mattered. Give her a present she can keep. It's been a rough week for pretty Keri Sutton down in Pocatello, Idaho --she found her man in bed with someone else instead, and she has nowhere else to go. Ugly people leave pretty Keri Sutton with slightly less than she's earned. They don't seem to understand she can't buy a second chance. Be patient 'til her luck returns. It's a hard job for pretty Keri Sutton down in Pocatello, Idaho, because who can concentrate in the face of lousy fate, so leave some change before you go. Give a thank you to pretty Keri Sutton and tell her everything is fine. Good deeds shall be returned, a tip to those who've earned so don't forget to be kind. It's been a rough time for pretty Keri Sutton down in Pocatello, Idaho. Her self-esteem's been battered --I think her heart's been shattered, but then I really wouldn't know. A vacation for pretty Keri Sutton is probably coming up real soon. To Paris, France, or London, all that she needs is funding, so try to leave a buck or two. Come tomorrow and pretty Keri Sutton will find a new place she can stay. She's just like everyone, just wants to have some fun, so leave a big tip when you pay. Leave a nice tip for pretty Keri Sutton down in Pocatello, Idaho. She's had a long hard night, and nothing's going right, so leave some change before you go.
13.
Christmas Blue 03:27
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Holidays bring familiar gloom / I'm a Scrooge / And I spend each Christmas blue / Spend each Christmas blue / But then I met you / / Only one thing is on my list / I'm the Grinch / Gonna steal your Christmas kiss / From off your Whoville lips / And you can't resist / / Stockings hung by a dancing fire / I'm a coal / But I'll warm your heart's desire / Warm your heart's desire / If you let me try / / All the ghosts sing the same old tune / 'Tis the season you give the best of you / Love that's pure and true / That's what I wrapped you
14.
Bang Bang Girl 07:41
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You don't love me, but I sure do need you so. Well my baby, you've got a long, long way to go. Chorus: Yeah, I'm gaga over you, my bang bang girl, my bang bang girl. You don't trust me, but you keep the oven hot. Well, my baby, you've got me all tied in a knot. Chorus. You won't keep me, but you let me hang my hat. Well my baby, you don't know where my heart is at.

about

Leaky Joe's 1999 debut, "Fistful of Blues" was a tense affair, punctuated with constant strife in the studio, as the strong, stubborn, oxen wills of singer/guitarist Leaky and songwriter/producer Cody Weathers pulled at opposite purposes as often as they yoked together. In interviews, Leaky confessed that he resented the fine print of the deal he signed which gave Weathers final say, complaining, "that guy doesn't know thing one about thing one," and taking issue with draconian production decisions such as sacking Leaky's regular band in favor of Russian circus musicians. For his part, Weathers felt the process was too often mired in Leaky's mysterious "atmospheric requirements," and entire days would be spent trying to set a mood ("by which I mean Leaky was baked out of his mind and useless at the mic"). Burdened with producing an indifferent star, Weathers felt that the entire process was a frustrating exercise in coaxing an elusive good take rather than elevating the material to its loftiest height. With the project finally in the can, the frenemies confided in their respective camps that they had no desire to repeat the difficult collaboration. But with the passage of time, and Fistful's perennial top 10 status in Seattle blues, Leaky reached out to Weathers in 2017 with the idea to bury the hatchet and record a 3-song EP as a long-overdue celebration of the success of their previous efforts. Weathers agreed, and the pair made arrangements to record in Portland. Still raw from the circus incident, Leaky insisted upon selecting the bassist, legendary underground session pro Decibel Cooper. Cooper did not come cheap, and what had originally been a no-budget EP was suddenly dwarfed by his $100,000 session fee, payable in cash. "It was a nightmare," explains Weathers, "First off, I'd never heard of this guy, but Leaky swore his participation alone would open doors to make the EP go wide --all these bass podcasts and playlists and influencers. But I just felt like we were being held ransom to his increasingly-ridiculous demands. Then he shows up, plays a soundcheck, and slips out the back with his briefcase full of cash, never to be seen again. Leaky wanted to be sure he was credited as playing bass anyway to get what promotional mileage we could, but I'll be honest with you, he didn't play a damn note. I covered most of his parts that day, and later got Sean Mersereau to cover the rest. I mean, the dude freakin' vanished, OK? Nobody's seen him. I've still got his bass." But this inauspicious start proved to be just the weird vibe Leaky needed to get inspired, and immediately, the project expanded from a modest 3-song EP into a full album. "We tried to make it a tourable project," says Weathers, "but we'd schedule these warm-up shows with myself and the Men Your Mama Warned You About backing Leaky, and he'd invariably get his wires crossed and not show up, leaving me to cover. It was definitely echoes of '99. But I guess this time, I didn't take it as personally, and ultimately just let it go, finished the album, and put the ball in Leaky's court for what happens next." Leaky Joe has not responded to our request for comment, but probably plans to tour at some point. For the sake of progressive lo-fi blues, let us hope that he, too, has not vanished.

credits

released July 1, 2020

Leaky Joe: vocals, guitar
Cody Weathers: drums, keyboards, backing vocals
Decibel Cooper: bass
Jean Gustin: guitar

Sean Mersereau: bass on "Do It," "The Absinthe Drinkers," "I Won't Bite," "I Can't Have Two"

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Cody Weathers Portland, Oregon

Multi-instrumental scat-singing acoustic-rock fool-for-hire. Card-carrying nerd since 1989. Not afraid of hyphens. Super powers include: [deleted for reasons of national security].

DESCRIBE THAT NOISE:
Hard rock sensibilities fused with acoustic upbringing and jazz acumen operating in a truly independent consonant harmonic system. ... more

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