1. Jukebox Patsy
Mary Sue Ulven & Greg Rank
Folk
Story Song
Born on Highway 50 during a road trip to Utah, this touching tribute emerged from an unexpected encounter with Donna, who shared the heartbreaking story of her late husband and a mysterious disappearing Patsy Cline song on their jukebox. Sometimes the most beautiful songs come from the stories we discover in the most unexpected places.
2. Polished Shoes
Greg, Rod and Terry
Collaboration
A collaborative piece that showcases the musical chemistry between Greg and his fellow musicians Rod and Terry, polished to perfection like the shoes in the title.
3. The Hurried Child
Greg and Sunny
Folk
Introspective
A deeply personal exploration of childhood trauma and healing, drawing inspiration from David Elkind's important work about children forced to grow up too quickly. The song captures the struggle of carrying childhood wounds while fighting to move toward the light, offering hope that healing is possible.
4. Blueberry Buddha
Greg Rank
99 BPM • A minor • 3:11
Blues
Cheeky
A delightfully cheeky response to Tom Waits' "Chocolate Jesus," this song celebrates finding enlightenment in simple pleasures. Desert enlightenment through blueberries, whipped cream, and the wisdom that sometimes "better than winning the lotto" can be found in a bowl. "Every day I wake up happy, I was born to die" - philosophy served with a smile.
5. Three Dreams in the Desert
Greg Rank with Cliff Hugo
Desert Folk
Collaboration
A mystical journey through desert landscapes and dreamscapes, enhanced by the musical collaboration with Cliff Hugo. The vast emptiness of the desert becomes a canvas for profound musical storytelling.
6. Bring Me Back Pictures of Cowboys
Zoe Rank
Country
Western Romance
A romantic Western fantasy about dreaming of "a man that the prairie employs" - tall, good-looking, tan, roping and riding the range. The song captures the timeless appeal of the cowboy mystique and rodeo romance, with dreams of being "his cow girl, the only one in the world."
7. Loan Shark City
Greg Rank
Social Commentary
Financial Satire
A biting satirical take on predatory lending and consumer debt culture, presented as mock financial industry news. "Everybody wants your pay. Nobody gets away." This track offers sharp social commentary wrapped in the language of investment portfolios and market analysis.
8. Wheat Grass in My Wurlitzer
Spencer Rank
110 BPM • E major • 4:01
Blues
Folk
Pop
Upbeat
An upbeat, playful track featuring Spencer Rank on Korg-N5 using the Wurly patch, with Greg on guitar. Originally from the "Angel in a Blue Dress" collection, this song brings together organic health trends and vintage electric piano sounds in an unexpectedly delightful combination.
9. He Didn't Come Back Alive
Greg Rank
83 BPM • G major • 4:16
Blues
Folk
Melancholy
A deeply personal song about mental illness from the perspective of a caregiver who made a mistake. Written in 2021, this powerful track addresses mental health struggles with sensitivity and provides resources for those in need. The title track represents the emotional core of the collection.
10. Malibu
Greg Rank
103 BPM • G major • 3:06
Folk
Pensive
Recovery
A mature reflection on addiction and recovery, sharing thematic resonances with "Less Than Zero" and suburban youth literature. From "white shirts and the crease in our gray pants" to finding redemption in family life, this song offers hope beyond destructive patterns. "No more need to get high" - the possibility of growth and healing.