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E Pluribus Album

by Paul Riley

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  • Compact Disc (CD) + Digital Album

    This album was released to support City Year New Hampshire (www.cityyear.org/new-hampshire/), an organization I served with for two years. For the site's 15th anniversary, which began in August 2014, we had the first-ever alumni sponsored team. At the time, all of the money raised from this album was used to fund this attempt (which was successful!). I continue to donate money from album sales to City Year New Hampshire or another organization, depending on the climate of the country.

    Each CD is individually numbered, with artwork designed and created by Tim Goodier. Additionally, you'll receive a poster advertising the album release and fundraising kick-off - again, designed by Tim Goodier.

    Includes unlimited streaming of E Pluribus Album via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    ships out within 7 days
    edition of 100 
    Purchasable with gift card

      $10 USD or more 

     

  • Streaming + Download

    Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    Purchasable with gift card

      $5 USD  or more

     

1.
If you can walk, put on your walking shoes and get up and head out of your door. Just down the hall, there is an open room and there's a guy in there who'd like to say hello. If you could eat, let's get out of this dorm, go to Mackenzie's and get ourselves some food. And maybe there, we'll see some other friends that we could join and share a table with. If you can talk, just pick up the phone and press the buttons that bring your voice to me. And it will soar high up through the clouds hit some metal and rush back down to earth. And through the wires come the stories of our new found homes and the new people that we know And soon it comes, the awful audio of saying goodbye to someone that you love. We're never too far away from each other that a little bit of effort cannot overcome. If you can drive, well then it's not too far to come and see me living in this state. If you would like, I could take you up to climb the mountain that overlooks this town. And we could stand, orange sun setting home and make-believe that this whole town is ours. And we could share this place with everyone, let them know about this great thing that we've found.
2.
Four Square 03:17
Out of left field, there comes the man. He's back to play some ball. In a dress shirt, top button loose, his office has no walls. Instead of sitting down on the bleachers, these kids are gonna have their turn on the court. If school's a place where a kid should feel alright, John'll bring some peace to the world of sports. Pull out the chalk and draw the line, it's John's turn to be the ace. Lays down the rules, prepare to serve; lets Tim take his place. Instead of sitting down on the bleachers, these kids are gonna have their turn on the court. If school's a place where a kid should feel alright, John'll bring some peace to the world of sports. They ask from the sidelines why he's here. He could make millions going pro. But when he's with the kids, it's so clear: symbiosis as they grow. They're all just games, that may be true, but we remember them. A helping hand from someone big gives us a chance to win. Instead of sitting down on the bleachers, these kids are gonna have their turn on the court. If school's a place where a kid should feel alright, John'll bring some peace to the world of sports.
3.
Service 01:43
Service We all define this word differently. Now, some people may say that service is the reception on your Blackberry while to others, service is that bartender pouring you a Bloody Mary. But to me, service is something completely different. It's that warm feeling you get when you bring a smile to a face or when you help out a friend who's in a dark place. Service is taking the time out of your day to brighten someone else's. It's giving that slice of the pie to someone else instead of yourself, you hungry asshole. You'll know when you meet someone who walks down the path of service because chances are they'll be filled with respect and passion, they'll be driven by their values and ready to take action. They'll be quick to help and slow to judge and will most likely never ever hold a grudge. But what we don't always realize about this thing we call service is that it's a two way street. When I served my class of third graders, yes I served them but they also served me. They showed me how to be humble while I showed them how to read. Every day I feel the impact that they left on me. Kevin, Euan, Paige, Brian, Anna, Almin, and Norvin, just to name a few. Those names will be forever carved into the side of my heart, along with all those other names that hold me together when I start to fall apart. When we find the values we believe in, we should fight for them - no we have to fight for them because standing up to take action is the only way to gain any traction. Whether it be repainting a schoolyard blacktop, cleaning up a state park, teaching a child how to multiply 45 and 66, advocating for women who suffer from abuse, building a house for disaster survivors, serving food to the homeless or simply helping your friend with that one big paper. DO SOMETHING It's the only way we can save ourselves from ourselves.
4.
Link Cable 02:46
I walk into a brand new land My pack is ready for the journey ahead No power stars, no extra lives, just a town map and my three best friends by my side. As we're walking to Castle Peach we must keep our eyes open and see a blue hedgehog running loop-de-loops, and red spinning shells of Koopa Troops. Collect the coins and get the rings, enough to buy all of the pretty things. Like Chaos Emeralds and the Master Sword. Dodging all the traps, we will not be bored. Piranha plants belching fireballs. From Death Mountain, won't survive the fall. Fighting Andross, do a barrel roll. Poisonpowder really takes its toll. Keep on marching ‘til we reach the goal. Welcome to the world of Saturday afternoons, home to heroes, villains, battle royales and cartoons. The world we made to get away and play. Ganondorf is coming to get you. Bowzer is crushing the kingdom. Robotnik is stealing your rings. Andross is attacking the system. Team Rocket is stealing your Pokemon. But we won't give up now. But we won't give up now. But we won't give up now. Welcome to the world of Saturday afternoons, home to heroes, villains, battle royales and cartoons. The world we made to get away and play.
5.
Doin' Fine 03:20
Walking down the stairs from my busy office suite, a throbbing in my head and an aching in my feet. Put my helmet on as I walk out to the street, Though it's only Monday, I just might admit defeat. Pedal down Granite, jump off my bike. For the next few hours, I'll do whatever I like. I might eat some Lean Cuisine and watch a Senifeld rerun. This is a good night to get some laundry done. Another day of work and I've got so left much to do. Gonna push some papers; I've got in-kinds to approve. Training, workshops, schedules; gotta meet my boss at two. She asked about my tracking but I haven't got a clue. But it's okay, ‘cause when I get home I'm gonna bake myself a pie. I found this recipe online that I really wanna try. Read another chapter of Into The Wild and fall asleep listening to Smiley Smile. Wednesday, gotta pack my bag. We're all going away. We're going on a business trip but I wish that I could stay. Our cars are driving in a line, headin' towards judgement day. I really don't wanna hear what these people have to say. This talk about idealism is really not so bad. My coworkers are smiling, they all seem pretty glad. This girl says, "Hey, don't think we've met – do you know Jane and Brad?" We're hanging out this weekend. Do you wanna come – it could be rad." And I thought about it…and I said, "Nah." I've got an idea for a song that I wanna write and thinking of a melody is gonna take all night. The work week is a drag but you won't hear me whine. As long as I got my books, I'm doing fine. As long as I can cook, I'm doing fine. As long as I got cable, I'm doing fine. There's nothing I would change, I'm doing fine.
6.
I Don't Know 03:34
I don't know why when you walk by, a smile appears on my face. I don't know why I can't deny that I long for your embrace . Futures play out: they’re just thoughts, nothing sure from my spot on the side – a pining wallflower. Nothing changes, nothing gained. I don't know why I can't explain the way you make me feel. I don't know why I can't refrain from hoping this is real. Futures play out: they’re just thoughts, nothing sure from my spot on the side – a pining wallflower. Nothing changes, nothing gained.
7.
First State 04:12
When I was still in high school's halls I played guitar in a band we called Pennyfarthing. Five kids just trying to find their place. My brother James was on the keys. The drums, my best friend Kevin C. Joe laid out all the leads with Kirby on the bass. What we had then was a pretty good amount of noise but we were friends, so we're just dancing in the joys. Then we broke up and made new sounds, leaving the basement for new towns still echoing the tunes of northern Delaware. In a small church off of Marsh Road, we discovered Knappacino's where Tommy Murray played a song that breaks me still. From Joe Trainor's piano notes to B'gosh's lo-fi "Adios," stood a world erected by my second favorite Jill. What we had then was a pretty good amount of noise but we were friends, so we're just dancing in the joys. Then we broke up and made new sounds, leaving the basement for new towns still echoing the tunes of northern Delaware. You may not care where we come from, but we called it home for years. And I will sing of the first state as long as I have breath. In the booth of Dead Presidents I hear the sound of old voices singing out the same notes that we sang in youth. But the melodies have changed and the words that once sounded strange are the only ones worthy to share the news. What we have now is a pretty good amount of noise but we are friends, so we're just dancing in the joys. We had broke up and made new sounds, but we've returned from those new towns to echo still the tunes of northern Delaware. From Fall Out Boy's "We're Goin' Down" to the swirl of hues in that beach town, we're singing still, the tunes of northern Delaware.
8.
I traveled to the land of star to prove my dust A promise of ambition on fumes of trust Unmade, remodeled, gaining speed I left the track, not looking back don't know my need Forward to a calling only my gut can hear Unbalanced perception my only fear. I know I'm bound to roam Getting lost when I'm on my own When joy is wearing thin Go to reach out to grow within. Finding my footing, no light but I'm sure Directionless progress, don't know what's in store Certain in striving for all that's to come Permission to ideas that I can become Take a step, make a move, it could be the break Of thriving in this now, that we're bent to make I know I'm bound to roam Getting lost when I'm on my own When joy is wearing thin Go to reach out to grow within. Hold me now Heal me now Find me now Own this now Finding my footing, no light but I'm sure Directionless progress, don't know what's in store Certain in striving for all that's to come Permission to ideas that I can become Take a step, make a move, it could be the break Of thriving in this now, that we're bent to make I know I'm bound to roam Getting lost when I'm on my own When joy is wearing thin Go to reach out to grow within.
9.
Hi you've reached the home of Paul Riley and James Riley. We're unavailable to pick up the phone right now, so please leave your name, number and a brief message and we'll get back to you as soon as we can. Thanks a lot, and have a great day. At the tone, please record your message. When you have finished recording, you may hang up or press one for more options. Hey Paul, this is Andy. I just wanna say hey. I hope you're enjoying your trip. Um, I got together a few of these quotes that I thought that, um, really spoke to me and really inspire me, so...here goes. "Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds." - Albert Einstein
10.
Don't Ask 01:28
Everything on Earth's connected, you affect everything you touch. Don't ask what I can do for you – ask what you can do for us. It starts out like a tiny ripple, crashes down with a rush. Don't ask what I can do for you – ask what you can do for us. Don't need to know thermodynamics, just need a soul powered by love. Don't ask what I can do for you – ask what you can do for us.
11.
You And Me 02:54
There's a road that snakes through the eastern states but it can't go through every hometown. So we made the trip toward the northern tip and stopped at the New Hampshire sea. Still, I had no idea I'd be on it every day after the school year start. And the town it bisects is the one that we left nothing less than a piece of our heart. So pour one more out for the Seacoast, and pour one for each of us too. For you and me and Seabrook make three, and today, I thank that it's true. When I took my first step on the earth of that hardworking fisherman's town, I knew it'd be wrong to pretend we belonged like we were all old family. ‘Cause while there's nothing between us but atoms, I know it takes time to earn trust. Yet we earned it because we gave all our love and waited with them for the bus. So pour one more out for the Seacoast, and pour one for each of us too. For you and me and Seabrook make three, and today, I thank that it's true. From the 99 to the Mass state line, there's a lot of chain stores to be found. But the stories we have come from the laughs of the people inside that we'd see. Now, I've met enough people to know that not everyone grows up to be famous or rich, but what matters is you take time for the people you see. So pour one more out for the Seacoast, and pour one for each of us too. For you and me and Seabrook make three, and today, I thank that it's true. So pour one more out for the Seacoast, and pour one for each of us too. For you and me and Seabrook make three, and today, I thank that it's true.
12.
Beats from my heart repeat the pain I've learned is here to stay. Deep in my thoughts, keep my mind feelin' this agony. Layin wit this ache, awake, thinkin' bout this life I live. Poverty, bloodshed, illiterate and hungry kids. How am I supposed to feast, knowin' that kids across the seas are livin' in streets, feelin' the heat -- treated like savages? Gaza Strip, West Bank, Afghanistan, Japan, not to mention kids Iraqi plus Haiti and Queensland. You wonder why I haven't frosted my neck and my wrist? I'm no longer ignorant, what if I was born like this? Without a home or place to go to get some water on the border of dyin' a hunger, cryin' for parents alive no longer. HUH? Can you answer me? If not ---come and make some plans wit me. I'm sick of sittin' around in this town only questionin' God please help me wit these feelings festerin' cuz… Tonight, I'm headin' for a break down. Lord, get me outta this sleepy town. Too many nights I lay awake in my bed wonderin' why every day is the same way. Way, why every day is the same way. Way, why every day is the same way. Too many nights I lay awake. Man, I'm sick of the monotonous, used to bein' on top of this in a town where people would throw it down and rock wit' us. Now I'm stressin', cuz kids in America are guessin' different reasons why their fathers or mothers have gone and left them. Fightin' in this war losin' life is what it's good for. N' how I'm feelna rest wit nuttin' left in my core except regrets of why we even got ‘n this mess of a war -- sick of the bore of this small town's repertoire -- therefore: my adrenaline's kindlin', wonderin' if venom in him erytime u hear me scream for peace spinnin' n sinnin', killn' innocent children n women, wonderin' the death count in streets and it's conspicuous to think it's ridiculous not to think about the life u never thought they had. But Ima scratch, make it hap, get it back till this rap is talkn' about a thing of the past. I will never rest until I spit it from this chest. This revolution I'm pursuin' with God's plans I'm doin' what I'm sent to do, borderline remarkable lyrical ammunition for soldiers that I'm talkin' to. Townie life has never seen a person's schemes, the types of dreams -- for world peace, eliminating poverty in world streets. Livin' out the script -- pissed -- tryna tell the world this: I'm finally awake so don't make the mistake that Tonight, I'm headed for a break down. Lord, get me outta this sleepy town. Too many nights I lay awake in my bed wonderin' why every day is the same way. Way, why every day is the same way. Way, why every day is the same way. Too many nights I lay awake. Tonight, I'm headed for a break down. Lord, get me outta this sleepy town. Too many nights I lay awake in my bed wonderin' why every day is the same way. Way, why every day is the same way. Way, why every day is the same way. Too many nights I lay awake. Too many nights I lay awake.
13.
My physics teacher, when I was in high school, took us to the roof to show us that everything falls the same. He watched me go north to make my own path. I haven't been back there since. My mentor up there, she let me break out. But when she moved out, I didn't even say goodbye. She's just down the road, I know I can go but I never made it down the block. I've got a best friend that I don't talk to. Until I need something, he's too far away from me. We're both busy guys, I know that that's why we won't see each other anymore. I think of all the times I came up short and I know I could've done more, I should've done more. I got a woman who steers me right. But behind the wheel, I'm driving us off a cliff. I don't think she knows as far as love goes she's the best one I've ever had. I'm just trying to sing a song that somebody else sung a whole lot better than I ever could. Bruce still dances in the dark and I still go to bed wondering if I did any good.

about

When February Album Writing Month came around, I wanted to create an album to celebrate the idea of community, to acknowledge that we're better off when we're connected. So I reached out to several friends and CYNH alumni to create the album that's in your hands. The thirteen tracks collected here are the result, and represent a diversity of sounds and styles that I could never have created without the help of others. 8-bit, spoken word, rap, a touch of klezmer and more. This is my most exciting collection of songs yet, and I hope you enjoy it.

This album will benefit City Year New Hampshire, an organization where I served for two years. It's an organization focused on building educational equity, as well as building the Beloved Community that Dr. Martin Luther King spoke about. Thank you for supporting them, and me.

For more information, visit cityyear.org

This album is dedicated to everyone trying to change the world, one ripple at a time.

credits

released April 27, 2013

All songs, words & music by Paul Riley except:

"Service" - words by John Hathaway
"Link Cable" - words by Chris "DJ Boba" Cormier and Paul Riley
"Doin' Fine" - words and music by Jared Field & Paul Riley
"I Don't Know" - words by Becky Arno & Paul Riley
"Where To Next" - words & music by Skyler Mosenthal
"A Message From Andy" - words by Andy Johnson and Albert Einstein
"Sick Of The Same" - words by Aaron Mohammed

Who played the music? Well...
Paul Riley - acoustic guitar (1, 5-8, 11-13), electric guitar (1-2, 6-8, 10), vocals (1-2, 4-8, 10-11, 13), bass (1-2, 5, 7-8, 10-11), keyboards (1, 3, 7-8), programming (4), accordion (11), Timberland boots (11)
Chris "DJ Boba" Cormier - vocals (4)
Jared Field - clarinet (6), keyboards (6), vocals (6)
John Hathaway - vocals (3)
Andy "Prime Time" Johnson - vocals (9)
The Lil' Sebastian Players - vocals (11)
Aaron Mohammed - vocals (12)
Skyler Mosenthal - vocals (8), acoustic guitar (8)
Amber Siddle-Manas - vocals (11)
Brendan Tompkins - drums (1, 10-11)
Vance Umphrey - drums (2)

Album design: Tim Goodier and James Riley
Album art: Tim Goodier
Photos taken by Jill Connolly

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Paul Riley Lowell, Massachusetts

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