I don’t do this often, but I specifically requested a song from Colin for Ball of Wax 34, and then had to practically lock him in his studio and force him to record it. I don’t know why, but it just didn’t seem right to have a collection of waltzes without one by him. My instincts were right, though, as he came through with a doozy. You know you’re in for a treat with a song that starts off “I wanted to write a nice song for you, so full of optimism and love, so pure in form and intention, devoid of ironic poseury.” I want to tell you the last few words of the lyrics, but you really have to hear them in context for yourself (I actually laughed out loud on the bus the first time I listened through this song). Complementing the beautifully absurd lyrics, the song is gorgeously composed, arranged, performed, and produced in inimitable CJN style. The waltz beat swings through the whole thing, but the structure is a slippery thing, taking strange melodic and chordal turns. “Dedication” refuses to give us a chorus, but there’s a progression that fills the role, repeating a few times behind different sets of words and a couple majestic guitar solos. The genius of the lyrical and musical structure both take a few listens to fully absorb, and by that time you will be completely hooked.
It’s a rare treat to see Colin J Nelson play live with a full band; I’m really excited to see them play this and a few other greats from his catalog at the Ball of Wax 34 release show this Saturday.