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City Croons

by Little cake

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    CITY CROONS by Little cake on Compact Disc

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1.
I’m downtown Buffalo with my guitar. Don’t ask me how I got here. It’s January and I’m getting so old. The clock is ticking and I’m smelling like mold. And I’m playing my guitar in Buffalo. I’ve been here for a while now. The wind is blowing and I’m feeling the cold. But the songs I’m singing make me never get old. So, I’m singing my song in paradise. I kinda feel I belong here. There’s a nasty breeze but the melodies keep me floating to the sun. If I write ‘em all down I know I really could stay young. If I belt it all out and put it all in a song. They’ll be singing that song in paradise. So, let me know if you find me. In downtown Buffalo with my guitar. Ooh, Buffalo with my guitar (la la la la la).
2.
Fashion 03:06
I want a coat with collars. I want a coat like Barbara’s got. I want a coat with collars, with buttons all up to the top! I know what’s hip cuz I saw it in a cool magazine. I can fit in with a whole different cool type of scene. I saw this chick and her outfit was talkin to me. I got a tip and I think I know just what I need. I want a coat with buttons. I want a coat with frills on the front. I want a coat with buttons. Down with spendin’ all that I got! I know what’s hip cuz I saw on my instagram feed. I can fit in with a whole different cool type of scene. I saw this chick and her outfit was talkin to me. I got a tip and I think I know just what I need.
3.
Dear Old Pal 03:34
Has anyone seen my Dear Old Pal? We’ve been fighting since last evening. I’m wondering how he’s feeling now; he’s been sick and pale and queezy. I hope you understand, he said that he’s my man but he never holds my hand. My mind is now made up; we haven’t had much luck, now I’m acting on my gut (I’ve been poisoning you!) Has anyone seen my Dear Old Pal? He’s been cheating on the weekends. I’m wondering why he’s with Michelle, or why I never seem to please him. You said you’re moving in, but that was just pretend. I thought you were my friend Now I’m poisoning you! I thought I needed you in my life, but I was wrong. You never really loved me and you’re always making me cry (making me cry). I realize now, you never did me right at all. I’m not the only one. Drive the truck around til dawn, I know what’s going on, and now I want you gone! I knew I would succeed, nobody had to see me put some ricin your tea I’ve been poisoning you! Has anyone seen my Dear Old Pal? Being close is never easy (oh, no it isn’t!) I’m wondering if he’s heard this tale of Lady’s love and heart that’s bleeding. I fell under your spell, my pain you’ll never tell, and now I’m living Hell You thought it was the food, now you’re not feeling well, maybe too early to tell I’ve been poisoning you! Your lips are turning blue, your skin a pasty grey now, what you gonna say now I’m comin’ at ya, makin’ ya die. And now you’ll never lie to me again! So, Goodbye my friend.
4.
What is life when we’re given these beautiful bodies and it's great, and it's cool.. Then there’s your mind and it’s all downhill from there. You don’t have to worry about those little things about yourself Like, they’re looking’ at you or they’re sizing’ you up Oh, those little things; I try so hard not to think about them What is life when we’re given these pretty cool bodies and it's swell, and it's grand.. Then there’s your mind and you know what’s up from there. You don’t have to worry about those little things that seem absurd. Like, you’re using’ your words and they’re melting’ away Ooh, you’re on display and now your brainwaves, they go: !$&%^(*!$&!#*!!! Then there’s your mind. Yeah, yeah your mind! Then there’s your mind, and your thoughts consume you and you spiral down… Just try to think about my body, don't try to think. Just try to think about my body, don't try to think about nobody. I can tell your body is nearby and I can try to control myself… What is life when we’re given these beautiful bodies (and it’s not so great). I feel trapped… Then there’s your mind and it’s lookin’ up from here. I can tell your body’s good at hypnotizing me, filling me with almost certain ecstasy. But wait- let me think!
5.
Amateurs 02:41
I’m getting old and Haggard, so I’m navigating. Siri, navigate me to Bed Bath & Beyond. I need a pampering scrub. If you haven’t noticed, well, I’m always pooped now. Siri starting route now to Bed Bath & Beyond. I’m starting to sound like my Mom. Time to get my life together, that’s last year’s sweater, I know I’m better. I WOW like a charm, keep the folks up in arms, they can’t say no. But folks, what do they know? And now I’m thinking Either I’m done with Amateurs or I’ve just begun. I’m approaching stardom. Survival of the best one, when you’re trying to possess one of the public’s foggy stares; you’re lucky if the audience cares. It’s time to get your life together, the folks are snoring, let’s start exploring your art Should be bolder, your face will be older in no time, baby this is your time! If not, I’m thinking Maybe I’m done with Amateurs or I’ve just begun. And if I give it a whirl I could give this old world for it’s money a run. Yeah, I’m thinking either I’m done with Amateurs or I’ve just begun. Or, I could have my own, damn fun.
6.
7.
There’s a marvelous dinner! A marvelous feast. And it’s really a winner, Cuz it's made by my niece Something you’ll wanna eat, Something you’ll wanna sip, So just open your lip, And a’fasten your bib (Baby) come on a trip with me, a sweet little occasion, just thank me for the invitation... to my family dinner. My family feast (feast). Out of all of your dinners, you won’t like it the least! She’s making raisins and turnips, She’s using’ limburger, Don’t think that I heard her right? She’s making that old recipe tonight! Yes it’s not a fable you’re a guest Sit at the table, we’ll be using all our ladles cuz She’s making that old recipe tonight! There’s tuna and there’s clam fish and there’s donuts on a sandwich and there’s pasta and there’s onions and There’s all my fuckin cousins cuz She’s making that old recipe tonight. There’s peas and peach and meat merengue and Grapes served with orangutan A Spicy broccoli marmalade While aunts and uncles all parade She’s making that ol recipe tonight Corn beef and there’s Chowder cream of mushroom with wild flowers dream of orange sauce and butter Throw it in to clear the clutter cuz she’s making that ol recipe tonight There’s horse meat and coleslaw, there's molasses and cat’s paw, and there’s pear juice on a wonton and the pickled eyes of some creature over rice (yuck!) Yea she’s makin that old recipe tonight!
8.
I never saw a Turkey in the city, Oh my! (So far) He’s struttin’ the streets, yeah he’s painting the town. No, I never saw an urban turkey until now! Turkey in the city, a Hell of a Bird. Turkey in the city, Metropolitan quirk. Isn’t it special, a wonderful sight! To see him in the city lights. I never saw a Turkey in the city, Oh my! (So far) It’s almost November, he’s portly and round. Yo, I think I need that Turkey dude, let’s chase him down. Turkey in the city, Just look at him Trot. He’s the opposite of Skinny, will he fit in the pot? He’s not so petite, I know he’ll put up a fight, if you ever wanna take a bite. I never saw a Turkey in the city, Oh my! (So far) His legs are like twigs, and his feathers are brown. I’m doubtful that a cuter turkey could be found! Turkey in the city, I like him a lot. He’s cuter than a kitty, hey! We’re ditchin’ that plot. Translated from Gobble: says, he’s here for the night. He only wants to see the sights. I never saw a Turkey in the city, Oh my! I’m happy there’s a Turkey in the City (so far) The look on his face is elated and proud. Let’s give him some space; let’s give him the town!
9.
Days off come round every Sunday, I’m sippin on my tea to pass the time. But as I walked the dog on a Sunday, I became concerned for hours passing by. And all the while, I wonder why, that I feel anxious about time. Days off come twice every Sunday, Blink and then it’s gone You’re feeling down, what’s wrong Honeybun? And all the while, you wonder why, that you feel anxious about time. Anxious, Anxious, Anxious, Anxious and I’m really Wonderin’ will you wait for me? Your hands move so quickly. And could you cut a break for me, wait for me just wait for me. Hours never wait for me, they let it get later (later, later).
10.
I’m feelin really special on this period, every conversation i’m just heatin’ it. Blood is spillin’ out just like i’m peein’ it, try to say somethin’ i’m just screamin’ it. But I can’t look back or down, I gotta get rid of this Can’t look back or down, I gotta get rid of this…
11.
When we go out for a meal, I can’t wait to sit next to you. Your elbow bumps me a great deal, but it makes me fall in love with you. I love adjusting for place settings, you’re spooning me it’s dating time. I love your wonky, lefty, funky, forking, plating, eating time. Yeah, your sweet, left-handed eating habits. Oh yeah, your sweet left-handed eating habits.
12.
Song for Me 02:11
Sing a little song for me. If you can’t sing one then hum two or three. And I could start to feel OK if you just play that melody. So sing that diddy one more time. And sing it with a little rhyme. Whistling along, I feel as though the song is mine. So float that tune my way and I could swoon all day. When I hear that perfect scale I can’t exhale. So spin me up another verse. Hit me with that stuff so nothing will hurt. I need to hear that harmony, so sing a little song for me. When I hear that sound you disappear my frown for good. It’s tricky to explain but this shit is insane. I’m begging you to set me free and sing a little song for me.
13.
I’d like to welcome you all to Hell. You thought your friends and you, you did pretty well? But there’s no escaping, its hot and frustrating now, start contemplating your descent. I’d like to welcome you all to Hell. You thought you tricked us, had us under your spell? You know you went wrong when you murdered that woman and left her lifeless body in the park. Welcome my guy, you failed the test. You acted shittier than most of the rest. All you ate was bologna and you spread the coronie and you never ever cared to wear a mask. Welcome to Hell cuz you’re a pest. We tried to save you but your life was a mess. You may not remember, but you went on that bender and karate-chopped a puppy in the neck (oh, buddy!). We’ve been checking on your records from high schoolie, you were wicked and unruly, left your classmates in a rut. You quipped at little Julie, said that Rick was so uncoolie, and you name-called little Jake a you-know-what. In middle school you were a prick, you hit your teacher with a stick and lived with hateful parents in the suburbs. Your mansion had all name-brands in the cupboards. Your mother hates the city cuz there’s far too much diversity…. Now your whole family’s here in Hell. You were disgusting thought that no one would tell. You shouldn’t be stumped when you voted for Trump, hey! Now snack on his rump and have some fun. I’d like to Welcome you all to Hell. You had some ugly urges no one could quell. We weren't quite sure, then you stole your friend's girlfriend, used her as companion then threw her in a canyon. And I’m sure you’re hesitant to be our next resident but there’s no exit, anyway, and basing on your resume you’re here to stay! Welcome to Hell!
14.
When I’m happy you can see it. Just look at my face, I’m smilin! I’m laughing, I’m dancing, I’m ME. When i’m happy, I can feel it. Like floating in space, I’m sighing. I’m catching a wonderful breeze. Rainy days may happen, I just cramp ‘em with a song. I start singing about When I’m happy I ain’t losing. Learning the tricks, inspired. There’s nothing that I couldn’t beat. When I’m happy I’m just cruising. Floating away, it’s gravy. It’s butter and scones and iced tea. Rainy days still happen, but they never last so long. I start thinking about when I’m happy baby. But I’ve noticed lately: Ordinary folks, they function mostly like a ghost. They like a lot of posts and never care to know if they’re happy. Ordinary Joes, they pose, they gossip and they boast. They fry their brains to toast and never care to know what makes them happy. Sometimes there’s a Stan, who works and practiced what he can. He tries to understand that if he cares at all, he could be happy. Sometimes there’s a Jane, who works hard and practiced what she may, would go as far’s to say that if you care at all you can be happy.

about

CITY CROONS was recorded live in the living room.
if you listen close, the creaks and groans
of the family steinway may be cherished.
created on Greenfield street in Buffalo, new york
on Aug 24th, 25th and Sept 1st of 2021.

credits

released August 27, 2022

Songs by Ana Vafai
RECORDED / MIXED / MASTERED by John Angelo
Cover photo and long exposure traffic by Vicente Rondon
Sounds made by the Little cake Cover Band

Ana Vafai, piano/vox
Brianna Battista, vox
Katie Weissman, cello/vox
Shannon Reilly, violin/vox
Evan Courtin, violin
David Bailey, electric bass

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Little cake Buffalo, New York

Little cake (Ana Vafai) creates songs, and teaches music in Buffalo, NY.

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