Release

Here's to our 'Last Album Ever'! Listen now!

Photo by Joshua Olsen on Unsplash

The day is finally here, everyone.

Today marks the official release of our homegrown, self-produced album!

Release the doves!

The Boy and I would like to present to you: Last Album Ever by M&G

Original album artwork by me.

This has been almost a year and a half in the works. Holidays, major family events, and just plain ole “life admin” stuff have been placed in our path since the start — but we didn’t give up! I salute all the people out there who do this work for a living. Granted we don’t own professional grade equipment, we didn’t use an established recording studio, and we didn’t even write original music. Nonetheless, I feel nothing but a profound sense of admiration and respect for the music production artform.

And this experience has shown me what an incredible tour de force The Boy can be when he chooses to step into the spotlight. Hey dear, looks like you can finally say it: you made an album!

Listen now

Unfortunately, Substack does not currently support the upload of a playlist or an album. (Or compressed file folders, apparently.) I hope one day this will change! In the meantime, I have included all 13 tracks in this post. Reply to the email version of this post if you would like to download a ZIP file of the album. Or if you would like me to mail you a physical copy! Happy to do so.

Also, my sincerest apologies in advance to all you French speaking readers. I gave it my best go… sorry! Let me know how I did in the comments.

Are you ready for some jazzy, old-timey music with an MTV Unplugged-esque twist?? Then, have a listen!

Tracks

01 - Stompin’ At The Savoy

Writer(s): Benny Goodman, Edgar Sampson, Chick Webb, Andy Razaf

02 - C’est Si Bon

Writer(s): Henri Betti, André Hornez

03 - Singin’ in the Rain

Writer(s): Arthur Freed, Nacio Herb Brown

04 - La Vie En Rose

Writer(s): Édith Piaf, Louiguy

05 - Alice in Wonderland Theme (aka In a World of My Own)

Writer(s): Bob Hilliard

06 - Cabaret

Writer(s): John Kander, Fred Ebb

07 - Cien Años

Writer(s): Rubén Fuentes, Alberto Cervantes

08 - ‘Till There Was You

Writer(s): Meredith Wilson

09 - I Can’t Believe That You’re In Love With Me

Writer(s): Jimmy McHugh, Clarence Gaskill

10 - My Blue Heaven

Writer(s): Walter Donaldson, George A. Whiting

11 - Dream A Little Dream

Writer(s): Fabian Andre, Wilbur Schwandt, Gus Kahn

12 - Shine on Harvest Moon

Writer(s): Nora Bayes, Jack Norworth

13 - I’ll See You In My Dreams

Writer(s): Isham Jones, Gus Kahn

Personnel

• M - vocals, design

• G - producer, guitar, ukulele, piano, engineering, mixing, mastering

Acknowledgements

There are many, many friends and family members that need to be thanked, their encouragement and support fortifying us over the past year and a half. But a special thanks goes to our parents, Sonia, Lucy, Alison, Max, Anya & Misha, Dan, Rachael, Lauren, Tía Rosa, and Allyson.

And there are some incredibly generous and kind Substackers whom I have the privilege of knowing, if only virtually, who have been some of my best cheerleaders during this project. Your excitement over the release of this album made me smile, cry, and count my lucky stars. An extra special thanks to: Jenovia 🕸️ Sean Thomas McDonnell Honeygloom Freya Rohn Jeff Kinnard Author Michele Bardsley and Suzannah. And of course, can’t forget our favorite roadie, Adam Colorado.

Lastly, my biggest thanks goes to my husband, The Boy, for making my dreams come true. Today and everyday.

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I’m at a point in my life where, while I am an amateur at best when it comes to my creative endeavors, I know what I bring to the table. I create what I create. I express what I express. It’s all me, and it is only me.

So while I might not sound like your typical crooner or singer, I still love what my voice can do. I love that when I sing, I sound like me.

Thank you for reading and listening.

Stay charming,

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This post is 8 of 24 for the Sparkle on Substack Essay Club hosted by Claire Venus (she/her) ✨.