Greetings From the Island of Guitars

by Rich Mattson and the Northstars

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about

The Island of Guitars that Rich Mattson sings about is a room about 15’ x 15’ and located in Sparta Minnesota. “Locked myself up in a room, or a tomb, or is it a womb? I’ll find out pretty soon…” Mattson sings on this clever mid-tempo rocker with his band the Northstars. As the story goes, he was homebound after losing his license to drive during the stark cold winter of a global pandemic and things couldn’t be much worse..the punch line here is that the man lives in a secluded place equipped with 20+ guitars and machines capable of recording professional grade audio, not to mention he’s got a sweet and lovable lady by his side..why complain?

This is the first Rich Mattson and the Northstars release to include new bandmate Dan Anderson on the keyboards. The band has been crafting away at the songs Mattson wrote during the Covid lockdowns over the past year or so since the release of their 2021 vinyl “Skylights” album, which was received with glowing reviews worldwide.

On “Greetings From the Island of Guitars,” as with several (but not all) of the new recordings, drummer Keely Lane recorded his parts at home and electronically sent them to Mattson. Bassist Kyle Westrick did the same. All 14 of the guitars on this track, the lead and Germaine Gemberling’s harmony vocals were recorded at Sparta Sound Studio up on the Iron Range of Minnesota, on/in the “Island of Guitars.”

lyrics

Locked myself up in a room, or a tomb, or is it a womb?
I’ll find out pretty soon
I’m so glad for the tunes, and for you
Without which I’d be sad and blue
You would too, what to do, except follow the muse
To my friends, I bring you
Greetings from the island of guitars

Oh the fireglo so warm, and the country gent never meant no harm
And the Telecaster speaks even if the signal’s weak
And the Harmony sounds so full, when it howls it’s wailing screed
and the Custom’s always there when perfection’s what you need

What’s your desert island fantasy
Coz I’m living mine with you right here with me
THe law it says I ain’t fit to drive a car
So HEY! Greetings from the island of guitars
Greetings from the island of guitars
Greetings from the island of guitars
….guitars … Greetings from the island of guitars

credits

released April 11, 2022
Recorded at Sparta Sound, Hot Dish Studios and Kyles House
Bass: Kyle Westrick
Drums: Keely Lane
Organ: Dan Anderson
Vocals: Germaine Gemberling
Guitars and Vocals: Rich Mattson

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Sparta Sound Sparta, Minnesota

Hello, my name is Rich Mattson. Here are some bands that I sing, play guitar and write songs with at my studio in northern Minnesota. Enjoy!

richmattsonmusic.com

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