Here's a quirky little instrumental to kick off the new year. No, I didn't set out to write a funeral march, though it's certainly possible - okay, likely - that the recent loss of my father to stomach cancer had some influence on things. I know, I know - there's that depressing "cancer" word again. What can I say? That's what life is throwing at me these days, and it's tough to work the musical neurons without sparking the whole messy lot. That said, I promise it won't become a recurring theme.

On the upside, this project has gotten the musical gears turning again after so many months. I hope you enjoy the sparse arrangement of distressed synthetic bass, electric piano and guitar.

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In 2008, my lovely wife, Linda, was diagnosed with advanced, Stage 3 breast cancer. A committed over-achiever - don’t get me started - Linda fought the disease with her usual determination and impatience. In one instance, when doctors wheeled her out of surgery, her first anesthesia-impaired words to me were, "can I go home now?" Adorable. "Soon enough," I encouraged, and hospital staff joined me in spirited laughter.

This song is for Linda and for anyone battling such a horrible disease. When first diagnosed, you might've thought to yourself, "I don’t have time for this." But you do. Nothing in this world is more important than your recovery. Let go of your obligations. Rely on your caregivers. Reserve your energy for yourself. In the end, you might just come to discover that your commitments weren’t so important after all. For survivors, life often takes on new clarity.

For some drama - I thought it justified - this track employs a sampled cello section in place of the traditional Roland TB-303 (or whatever bass you'd expect in a rock/electronic arrangement). Likewise, violas are sprinkled about, lending the track a nice cinematic effect. I hope you like it.

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"Raptures of the deep" (nitrogen narcosis) is a condition in scuba diving where an underwater diver feels elation and euphoria from a buildup of nitrogen in the brain. Though not physically dangerous on its own, divers who succumb to this condition become so intoxicated, so convinced of their invincibility, that they gleefully dive to their deaths - they swim too deep for their equipment or abilities, refuse to surface or simply remove their breathing equipment altogether. Either way, they perish. And when they die - here’s the creepy part - they die happy.

This is a song about nitrogen narcosis. For added dimension, it's sung from the perspective of a sinister, intoxicating killer, lending it a dark, romantic angle that speaks of any bad relationship or self-destructive obsession. Check your gauges. Enjoy your dive.

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Whatever did we do with ill-mannered children before drugs? The remedies for bad behavior were as unscientific as they were brutal: scolding, restriction, a slap on the proverbial fanny. Perish the thought.

But of course, we're much more civilized today. Inattentive and excitable children are, in ever-increasing numbers, diagnosed with Attention Deficit and Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) and prescribed addictive stimulants with potentially serious and irreversible side-effects, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Encouraged by pharmaceutical companies, some doctors are quick to recommend chemical remedies for the mildest of "symptoms" while a new generation of fragile, overly-sensitive moms and dads excuse themselves from the traumatic responsibilities of traditional, hands-on parenting.

And the best part? ADHD isn't just for children anymore. Behavioral modification through chemical adjustment is the new black. Take a number, citizen.

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In November of 2009, CERN's Large Hadron Collider (LHC) is scheduled for completion. With it, physicists from around the world hope to answer, well, everything. More accurately, it is hoped that a unified theory of everything (TOE) will emerge that describes the nature of all things, from the very small to the very large. As things stand now, separate theories can predict interactions between elementary particles, for example, and between planets, but not both – the theories do not scale and are, consequently, incomplete or even flawed.

With a theory of everything, it is hoped that we can explain gravity, dark matter/energy, the origins of our universe, and much more. Personally, I'm holding my breath for a scientific explanation of Jeri Curl, if such knowledge won't threaten to destroy our reality.

This track is a celebration of CERN's Large Hadron Collider, with just a dash of sexual innuendo thrown in for good measure. Not to worry, I steered well clear of the cliche "black hole" double-entendres, as should you. Warp speed, Mr. Sulu!

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In the occult Tarot, the Hanged Man presents a grotesque image, often misunderstood to represent death, judgment or retribution. But look closely - the hanged man is relaxed, content, even smiling. A halo suggests a vibrant, living spirit. In fact, The Hanged Man is a positive symbol of self-sacrifice; he lets go of the material world in favor of spiritual enlightenment.

This macabre picture has become a poignant symbol for me in recent years. With age and professional experience comes the realization that commercial success as a songwriter or independent musician might not be in my cards. Do I give up? Hell, no! Like The Hanged Man, I carry on, not for love of money but for the pure joy of creating and sharing music.

What better way to kick off Rigel 7's new donation-based website. It's all about sharing the love, baby. Enjoy!

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