“Odds and Ends”
(Written, arranged and orchestrated by Reynold D. Philipsek 1995 and 2026 copyright Zino-Rephi Music BMI)
Guitars, vocals-Reynold
Drums-JR Hammond
Bass-Luke Kramer
Cello-Ellen Gilson
Horns-Zane Schaefer
Engineers-Stymie Seamans and JR Hammond
In 1995, I tried to write something like a “musical play” called “House of Curiosities.”
I wrote all of the tunes and assembled them on an album in 1995 by that same name attempting to create a storyline narrative.
This tune is the grand finale piece.
The preceding 1994 album “Global Home Movie” was a surprise success for me. That CD garnered good reviews, some airplay and a nomination for best 1994 album by both The Star Tribune and MN Music Awards. That gave me the false impression that the follow-up would automatically do well. So I aimed at a more grandiose concept. (Ergo, a “concept album” or an attempt at my version of “Sgt. Pepper’s.”)
The “House of Curiosities” is centered on a fictional “off the beaten track” curio shop where people can discover their fated potential through interactive displays, which are all engineered by proprietor Dr. Plebius.
It was a “Disney-like” fabrication that ended up a little too far beyond my ken. The concept was way too nebulous and unwieldy but a few good songs did come out if it.
(Essentially, the message is that small random acts of every day life have more importance than we may think.)
The “House of Curiosities” album only did so-so at best despite a big promo push and many in-store and on-air performances.
This greatly disappointed me and as a reaction I turned my back on all “singer-songwriter” ambitions and entered the long period where my recordings became centered more on guitar, improv and instrumental pieces.
In the past few years, I have slowly rediscovered this album and have recently resurrected a few of the tracks on YouTube like “Paint Your Own World,” “Welcome,” and “Life Is Short.”
I now can appreciate that album again. I like most of the songs now. In the end, it was a worthwhile effort.
Be safe.
Be kind.
Love,
Reyn