Today, I’m sharing this demo of “A Man Needs A Vocation” from my album Always Been.
This is a pivotal song in the narrative of the album. It talks about how the main character became a minister. He did not have faith so much as he needed a job and thought this might be a good one. He wants to wear the collar, so everyone knows who he is. He craves the respect and standing in the community that a minister receives, but also the stability. The song title says it all - a man needs a vocation.
I’m pretty sure we had already started making the record when I wrote this one. My process is generally to make the song as presentable as possible with only me playing and singing. I like to imagine heading down to an open mic night (I haven’t) and performing these new songs. Could I get through it? Would people understand it? Would everyone get bored? I try to think of those things as I get my parts together. Once it passes those tests in my mind, I feel like it’s ready to show the producer.
The feel of the demo is more of a trad nylon string acoustic presentation, but when we got in the studio I think Adam and I both heard more of a wide open rock song in it. We changed a few chords to make it more dramatic, and Dave Hartley immediately offered some stacked harmonies that made the song soar. His enthusiasm for this one elevated it immensely, as did Patrick Berkery’s drums, which were done by remote.
I enjoyed re-visiting this demo, seeing the songs humble and hushed roots. My demos are generally just an iPhone voice memo, so here you hear my desk chair squeaking as I lean in over the phone laying flat on my desk.
Always Been is now three months old, and I appreciate everyone who has taken time to listen. I look forward to playing these songs on upcoming tours with The Mountain Goats (supporting August), The Band of Forgiveness (headlining in October) and Patterson Hood (co-bill in November). Check out craigfinn.net for all tour dates.
Always Been,
Craig Finn
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