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12 Steps to the Liquor Store

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from Menn Ársins by Menn Ársins

 

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about
The origin of this song, 12 Steps to the Liquor Store, goes back to 2005 when bassist Sigurdór Guðmundsson was writing material for upcoming projects. At that time the song had a different melody and no lyrics (and was called "Calm Mouse"). That version of the song was for instance performed by the Icelandic/Danish group Amalgam in 2005.

Fast forward 2 years and we have Menn Ársins preparing material for an upcoming album. Sigurdór throws this song into the suggestion pool and it gets a makeover from Haraldur Vignir. New melody is written by him as well as the lyrics. The horn arrangement (originally inspired by one of Chris Speed's songs) is kept.

The rest of the band was skeptical that the song was anything that fitted for them. Nevertheless the song was practiced briefly before the band went into Lundgaard Studios in Denmark (November 2007) to lay down the basic tracks for the album.

When in Denmark, Sigurdór contacts his band mate from Amalgam, trumpet player Hans Christian Erbs (HC). HC comes to the studio and plays the trumpet parts and solos while the track is recorded.

Icelandic lyrics where tried but didn't work well, so the English version was finished.

On the last evening of their recording period in Lundgaard Studios the band gets a visit from three young danish jazz musicians (members of the Suntan Trio) that had just arrived to record at the other studio at Lundgaard. They ask if they can listen to some tracks. And while enjoying some fresh tracks and some Icelandic liquor they are asked by Menn Ársins to help with some background vocals and general party vibes on the track.

When working on the overdubs, back home in Iceland, the band calls in tenor saxophonist Steinar Sigurðarson to play the rest of the horn arrangement and add some solos.
lyrics
12 STEPS TO THE LIQUOR STORE


I'm on the outside
I'm looking in
I can't believe the situation I'm in

Right before my eyes
On my anniversary five years dry

There are 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 steps to the liquor store

Over the threshold
My deepest fear
First signs of failure and the danger is clear

I see the bottles
And I see the end
My darkest enemy in form of a friend

Feel like a kid in a
Candy store
Few bottles gone
And I'm ready for more

Ooh my head is aching
My throat is sore
My stomach aches and yet I'm ready for more

Oh what have you done, Jack
Giving me the chills
I'm going back to rehab and I'll send you the bill
credits
from Menn Ársins, released 29 September 2008
Song: Sigurdór Guðmundsson & Haraldur Vignir Sveinbjörnsson
Lyrics: Haraldur Vignir Sveinbjörnsson


Haraldur Vignir Sveinbjörnsson - keyboards, vocals, composer, lyrics
Sigurdór Guðmundsson - electric bass, composer, horn arrangement, background party choir and hand claps.
Sváfnir Sigurðarson - electric guitar, background party choir and hand claps.
Kjartan Guðnason - drums, percussion, background party choir and hand claps.

Hans Christian Erbs - trumpet
Steinar Sigurðarson - tenor saxophone

Jazper Lindenhoff - background party choir
Søren Østergaard - background party choir
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