ONLY IN IT FOR THE GEAR - Old Outtake Demo

Plus, I stay ahead of fashion trends!

Normally on the New Moon, I share something new. But this time, as I continue to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Spacey and Shakin,’ I share an old home demo of a funky little lo-fi groover called “Only In It For the Gear.”

This recording dates back to around 1997 when I was demoing for Spacey. It’s no surprise that this song did not make the cut to be included on that record. It would have stuck out like a sore thumb among all the loud, bashy psychedelic rock.

And no, your speakers are not broken. That drum machine is totally busted up. On the one hand, “What was I thinking?” On the other hand, “I love it soooo much!”

I called my studio “Got Wheels” in those days because a lot of my gear was in road cases. The name was also a nod to the great Flying Burrito Brothers song with the lyric, “We’ve all got wheels to take ourselves away.”

Below is a photo where you can see what the studio looked like around the time I cut this demo. On the ledge to the left of the Yamaha NS-10 speaker, you can see the Roland “Rhythm 55” drum machine I used on this track.

Got Wheels Studio ca. 1997 or so.

Yes, I was way ahead of the trend with the UGG boots. They would become ridiculously popular in the early 2000s. I was turned on to them by Tom Petty in 1995. I commented on how cool I thought they were, and he replied, “Great bus wear.” (It’s funny how we remember these little details from interacting with our heroes.)

Years later, pulling into Madison Square Garden with The Thorns in 2003, I saw the line of teenage girls out in droves to see our headliner, John Mayer. I swear that 75% of them were sporting UGG boots.

Aaaaanyway… back to the song. I’m quite fond of the lyrics:

Some cats are playing for the song
No gig could ever last too long
Some cats are moved by stacks of cash
But I dig the quality of a fine guitar that lasts

I’m only in it for the gear just like the kind we got right here

Some dudes sure like to strut their stuff
Them groupie chicks they just can’t get enough
Some dudes are puppets to their own meager thoughts of fame
They like to hear the sound of their own name

I’m only in it for the gear just like the kind we got right here

Alright! Let’s take the state route  (acoustic guitar solo) 

Alright! Let’s take the submarine  (ebo solo)

I’ve always had a real affection for this demo, and it makes me happy to share it here on Love Songs Etc. Dig it!

Peace & Love Songs,

Pete

PS: Paid subscribers can download a copy of “Only In It For The Gear” by visiting my Rarities page HERE.