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America

by 2 Inch Tape

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  • Full Digital Discography

    13
    releases

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    Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality downloads of What I Need, Lydia, Way Too Deep, Again, Already, Sublime Conspiracy Rhymes, Any Better, America, and 5 more. , and , .

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1.
You're In L.A. 01:16
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Cab driver from LAX questions my address Not a tourist neighbourhood, have you misunderstood The sun is beating down, my confidence is down There’s fire all around Motel prison bars, welcome mat that says You’re in L.A. You’re in L.A. I see the sign on the hill it once sold real estate Holly wood what a dump, cannot believe its this way Another sex shop, tourist hock, bible mock Walked on a thousand stars, who are they anyway You’re in L.A. You’re in L.A. You’re in L.A. I’m feeling underwhelmed, I’m feeling oversold Don’t believe what you’re told You’re in L.A. I’m feeling underwhelmed, I’m feeling oversold Don’t believe what you’re told You’re in L.A. I’m feeling underwhelmed, I’m feeling oversold Don’t believe what you’re told You’re in L.A. I’m feeling underwhelmed, I’m feeling oversold
2.
Santa Monica to Venice Beach 03:46
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Santa Monica to Venice Beach Freaks roll pass on anything Just like in a movie scene Doctor Weed’s in, better take a seat Shores of Venice Beach, no lands in between From where the bird carried me, To my cousin to see I think it’s clear to see, apple falls near the tree Santa Monica to Venice Beach Jesus is back this is his scene Jamaican dress to his feet He just checked out with Doctor Weed Shores of Venice Beach, feet leave for the see Waves crash above me knees, a swim away I could be Lost in the ocean shared, Pacific waits gravely Santa Monica to Venice Beach Rolling on by any means Hustle bustle a dime for the Buy a pet rock get one for free From the shores of Venice Beach, a thousand horizons disappear I look towards a land, distant but always near Shores of Venice Beach, such strange company Santa Monica to Venice Beach Every woman I turn to my surprise Speaks a tongue in disguise Californian girls you have upsized Santa Monica to Venice Beach Santa Monica to Venice Beach
3.
Homeless in Boston 03:43
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Homeless in Boston Homeless in Boston Homeless in Boston You’re homeless in Boston Just touched down from LA. Sleepless on a red eye plane Checked in near the Red Sox play, I followed the red line part of the way It’s nice to meet you Boston Gentrification lines the streets. Costumed guides patrol the beat Tourists follow intently, but the beggar he doesn’t count two feet He’s Homeless in Boston Biotech, innovative city It doesn’t mean that much, when you’re sleeping rough Crossed to the water edge. Saw some ducks floating there Christopher Columbus Park presents, a green place to lay my head Oh I’m just resting in Boston The cradle of liberty. I read about your tea party You fought for your freedom trail, but now your veterans you do fail They’re homeless in Boston Leader in philanthropy But what about your own city When you’re homeless in Cold and homeless in You’re homeless in Boston Athens of America, with homeless scattered everywhere Cardboard pleas at their feet, nameless as you flea Oh you’re so happy in Boston Human kindness they do seek, it’s not your coins its change they need Compassion from so few, tired broke and hungry too When you’re homeless in Cold and homeless in When you’re homeless in You’re homeless in Boston
4.
North Adams 03:39
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How often in your life are you standing so magnificently Exactly in the time and place, precisely where you want to be Three sixty degrees all around, mountains effortlessly hold back All of life’s distractions, the clouds they rise like smoke stacks There’s no place in the world, I’d rather be There’s nothing more tempting that I’d rather see There’s no place in the world more perfect for me than North Adams, no place I’d rather be, than North Adams, surrounded country pristine North Adams, I think I’ll catch some TV and then Wil- Co co co co co co co co come with me Being there I’m not alone, eight thousand like me on the tow Rick, Jed and Mat share me some puff, buy them some Pils hope that’s enough Pilgrimage, best to share, brothers, sisters everywhere Darkened stage, now lights up, our sense shortly to erupt. There’s no place in the world, I’d rather be There’s nothing more tempting that I’d rather see Being there is just perfect for me Being There plait for me in North Adams, no place I’d rather be, than North Adams, surrounded country pristine North Adams, I think I’ll catch some TV and then Wil- Co co co co co co co co come with me
5.
Rochester 03:23
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Upstate New York, Lake Ontario, Rochester oh where to go There’s a funeral parlour across the road, think I’ll stretch my legs and take a stroll. All the houses they look the same to me, with an American flag and an SUV Doors lock tight, deserted streets, another turns and retreats Middle class American dream Is this the middle class American dream Misplaced silence unsettling, just the sound of air-conditioning My presence makes a dog yelp, owner acts like I let Satan out A couple approaches from down the street, they’re kind of shocked to see me An outsider well obviously, not back and sides enough for this scene. Middle class American dream Is this the middle class American dream Houses so pretty, the gardens pristine To get the dream did you move upstate, for affordable real estate Who needs the hassle anyway, big city’s not the place to stay Upgrade your life, upgrade your wife, perhaps some plastic surgery, and Keep the kids out of strife, with some cheap luxuries Middle class American dream Is this the middle class American Middle class American Middle class American dream Halloween kids hit the street, safely doing their trick or treat Four walls boxed soap, painted roof, but does your height your know the truth Value’s in how you’re seen, better pain the house, keep the garden clean Every body fights a battle unseen Every body fights a battle unseen Every body fights a battle unseen Every body fights a battle unseen Every body fights a battle unseen Every body fights a battle unseen Is this the middle class, American, dream
6.
Toronto 04:35
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Little Italy, corner College and Clinton Drinking with Alan, Sammy and Spiro Sammie works two jobs she, sell insurance Spiro does some acting and wee laugh about his bit parts Frankie walks in from Little Portugal He’s telling tales although they’re probably true Local bat fly she tries to have her way If I’m ever that drunk I hope that I can’t play Dopplegånger city ten thousand miles from home Toronto, I never want to go, away from Toronto, home so far from home Toronto, Toronto oh oh oh Bar tender didn’t catch her name But she keeps my hydrated, all the same Ohhh she’s a natural tease, she could Sell tsunamis to the Japanese Asks, like another, I say yes please Her smile it sinks me to me knees Ten years younger and I might have been game but One more shot and I’m on my way, In my Doppelgånger city ten thousand miles from home Toronto, I don’t ever want to go, away from Toronto, my home so far from home Toronto, Toronto oh oh oh Little Garden on Bathurst, quench my caffeine thirst My throbbing head, hey it kind of hurts They only take each, I’ve got no way to way, but Lovely Marcia make my latte anyway I return latter on to settle the bill Marcia’s not in but hey still Another serves me and to my surprise She’s super friendly and she pleases my eye Toronto you do it in style Doppelgånger city, ten thousand miles Toronto you do it in style You’re my doppelgånger city, ten thousand miles from home Toronto One fifty years tomorrow sorry I cannot stay I’d really like to celebrate your birthday But to another, well you know, I have to go I’ve got a feeling that it ain’t going to end so well Ten hours on the ninety-five Got some tunes with me to help with the drive So long friendly Toronto Hey but I’ll be back much longer next time, to my Doppelgånger city ten thousand miles from home So long Toronto, sorry I have to go Far from Toronto Home away from home Toronto, Toronto, oh oh oh…..
7.
Thank God, God is an American 03:12
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Zig zag across a thousand highways Thank god for all night check in at my stay DIY theme park drive by Another church sign tells me how to live my life Be the person your dog thinks you are take the bread of christ or end up in a toaster I think Jesus christ is an American Baptise, nationalised, evangelised Yeah Jesus Christ is an American Commercialised, stylised held up so high Any day now he’ll be back again Walking your flat earth from end to end On top of water he’ll appear to glide It’s an oldie, but it gets them every time Feed the poor bread fish and wine He’ll save your soul but he won’t save mine Raise your soul to hear my friend Father like son, god is an American Thank god, god is an American Thank god, god is an American Thank god, god is an American Thank god, god is an American
8.
Philadelphia 02:33
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All nations they line your street Skyscrapers with sharpened teeth Modern city kind of futuristic History wedged in characteristic Philadelphia do you speak to me Your heartbeat is not so clear to see Philadelphia do I hear from you The murmur I hear, I’m not so sure its true Like the rivers of Babylon In between is where you belong Near one bank I see a weeding throng Beneath the veil what could be wrong Philadelphia I sense there’s something wrong Your identity is not so strong Philadelphia you could be so much more Did you settle for what came along A kiss to the lips, held so long A kiss for view, is so wrong A kiss with you would not last so long A kiss long lost, a kiss long gone Philadelphia I’ll soon say goodbye My stay was nice but not a high We could have been so much more But now my bus awaits, it’s time to say goodbye Bye bye, and take, The Greyhound to the big apple in the sky
9.
New York 02:44
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Edge of Chinatown, mix match all around, lower east side bound Dealer borrows my ear, offers coke as I near, I’m on my way Drinking beer as I leer, the beauties they pass near, my state of mind is clear Hold her down forcibly, with her consent obviously, I’m just a toy for her needs A tempo just right for me, I love this city, must be New York It’s a spider’s web, be a cheeky insect, or you’ll get caught Manhattan town, people all around, must be, must be New York Tall sexy gawly, feel kind of stalky, oriental delight Jump suit parachute, she looks awfully cute, I love her Jewish nose it’s alright Staring awkwardly so, she’s looking at me oh no, just a glancing blow Cashmere and afronese, a visual tease, take a chance to proceed I just might A tempo just right for me, I love this city, must be New York It’s a spider’s web, be a cheeky insect, or you’ll get caught Manhattan town, people all around, must be, must be New York Green leather boots, I think she’s from Brazil, walks towards me with a smile Well she a traveller too, likes to look at and do what locals pass a thousand times Ribbon round her neck like a Christmas present, unwrap her anytime They all do my mind, that’s why I’m doing time, waiting for my surprise A tempo just right for me, I love this city, must be New York It’s a spiders web, be a cheeky insect, or you’ll get caught
10.
Nolita 04:23
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Oficina Latina, this vino is never through Bartender’s making sure of his tips, he’s sure to get his due You must have had a couple, for you ask me about you You claim I put you on a pedestal, I’ll have to think that through We had some fun in Boston, expectations seemed almost true You drove me mad in Toronto, I needed time and space from you We lost our way upstate, and Philadelphia dragged on too Ain’t it funny how things work out Sitting in a bar, drinking with you in Nolita Oficina Latina, shots appear from out of the blue Bartender’s making sure of his tips, you know he’ll get what’s due You smile at me, and I laugh at you Tensions obliterate, I think we always knew You can’t scam a scammer and you should never steal from a thief Aquarian you, aquarian me, contrary relief That fall you took in Manhattan, it left you all black and blue. It’s funny how things work out Sitting in a bar, drinking with you in Nolita Oficina Latina, this wine glass is always full Ain’t it funny how things work out Sitting in a bar, drinking with you in Nolita Sitting in a bar, drinking with you senorita Ain’t it funny how things work out Ain’t it funny how things work out Ain’t it funny how things work out Sitting in a bar, drinking with you in Nolita
11.
Chicago 04:10
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Touch down in O’Hare, my last stop city, I’ve got one last care I got some help to pay my fare, caught the train, got off at Logan Square Enchilada and local beer, sitting at this bar I recall just why I’m here I consult my second brain, to see if my destination’s near Char Dham, Jerusalem Don’t need either of them when I’m in Chicago Walk Milwaukee Avenue, grab a coffee and I buy a record or two You drove this road a thousand times, I’ll walk it once to savour all that passes by Turn right and start again, my journey’s far from over kind of hope it never ends Thrift shop, corner shop, turn around, look aloft What else could I do in Chicago Mecca, Kanwar My journey afar, well it’s to Chicago, Chicago What else could I do in Chicago What else could I do in Chicago What else could I do in Chicago What else could I do in Chicago Eat at D’Candela, I suppose you get your drugs from that Walgreens I scout around out of sight, it’s not my ambition to be seen Four pale brick walls, some might say not much to see But the magic from up above, well it’s inspired many just like me Mashad, Maherabad Oh I’m so glad, to be in Chicago Chicago Oh I’m in Chicago Chicago What else could I do in Chicago
12.
Back In L.A. 01:07
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College, military or obsolete serve your country, serve your county or you’re not complete Privileged few rule you even if your elite College, military or obsolete Back in L.A. College, military or obsolete Back in L.A. Educate, medicate, incarcerate Back in L.A. Think tank, higher rank, walk the plank Back in L.A. College, military or obsolete Cocaine, amphetamine, crack ice scene Trophy wife, affirmative strike, gang life College, military or obsolete Back in L.A. College, military or obsolete Back in L.A. College, military or obsolete Back in L.A. College, military or obsolete Back in L.A.
13.
No Free Will in America 04:43
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Keep the masses, the illusion of a dream Hapless lower middle class, sweep the streets and keep them clean Aspiring to serve others, negotiated slavery Born into your classes, serving subordinately Health and Education, out of reach for ordinary. You Want to be the president, oh don’t believe the story Unless you are an actor, and B grade or a billionaire, and Corruption is something, for which you have a flare No free will in America There’s no free will in America Can’t see your free will in America Where’s your free will in America Hungry and unsheltered, another night sleeping tough Once you served your country, now you beg for all you’ve got Free entrance to museums, but first you must have a wash, to see Immortalised masterpieces, what more could you want Sexual exploitation, in a family restaurant Waitress serves half naked, boy ten years, looks on I try to lift my gaze but I’m, more than than I want She came for opportunity, is this all she got No free will in America There’s no free will in America Can’t see your free will in America No free will in America So much for your liberty I thought you were, the land of the free I hear a beggars cry, he’s hungry, while in a restaurant I do feed Guilt finally gets to me, must offer food to relieve Fried chicken wings and fries for you, a handshake I offer too Your trust flees as I near, what could have caused this fear Existing out in Binghamton, on disability I’ll hold my pity, a useless currency Down and out city, no postcards to be found Trouble should be brewing, voices they seem drowned No free will in America There’s no free will in America No free will in America Can’t see your free will in America Where’s your free will in America Oh There’s no free will in America No free will in America Can’t see your free will in America

credits

released November 22, 2019

Recorded, mixed and produced by Simon Rigoni at Room 29, Melbourne Australia except for acoustic guitar recorded at Echidna by Greg McMIlian and grand piano recorded at The Base.

Mastered by Adam Dempsey at Deluxe Mastering, Melbourne Australia

Photography and graphic design by Simon Rigoni

All songs written by Simon Rigoni and performed by;

Simon Rigoni: Vocals (all), Rhythm Guitar (all), Lead Guitar (2), Lap Steel Guitar (6,7), Nylon String Guitar (13) Ukulele (2), Taurus Pedals (2,3,4,13), Synthesiser (6), Handclaps (2) Field Recordings (All)
Fiona Broussard: Vocals (7), Grand Piano (4,5,6,13), Wurlitzer Electric Piano (2,3,4,10,11) Rhodes Piano (3,8) Upright Piano (9), Clavinet (3,12), Backing Vocals (1,4,10, 12, 13)
Mark Petrilli; Bass (all), Backing Vocals (1,12,13)
Julia Bebenek; Drums (all except 7), Backing Vocals (4, 13)
Greg Milton: Pedal Steel Guitar (7,11), Mandolin (3, 10), Harmonica (2), Hammond Organ (3), Lead Guitar (4)
Samuel Cope : Hammond Organ (1,2,7, 9, 11, 12)
Phil Carroll: Piano Accordion (2, 10)
Kurt Mottershead: Backing Vocals (1,4,10, 12,13)
Daniel van Horrsen: Guiro (10)
Emily Chapman: Handclaps (2)
Rhys Rigoni: Handclaps (2)

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2 Inch Tape Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne band 2 Inch Tape adheres to an aesthetic of yesteryear; real instruments played with an authenticity that is often abandoned in our technology-enabled times.

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