Amy: Thanks. I definitely found LaVey to be the proverbial “Baby Man” (to quote Bobby Conn) on many levels. Control –or the lack thereof– is a stereotypically male conceit. LaVey was definitely “old school” in that regard.

Elaine: This comment made me laugh!

It was in my head all weekend, ironically enough.

Can’t wait to hear more in this vein!

Structurally, there is definitely room for improvement here, I agree completely. Andrew (DH! drummer) suggested extending the hypno-noise tags at the ends of the choruses, and another listener suggested that the song is far too short.

Given the positive responses this one is getting across the board, we’ll likely hash it out in rehearsal.

Yeah, that Jayne Mansfield would go to such lengths to harass Anton LaVey definitely evoked a sense of sympathy for the man. He strikes me as the eternal junior higher.

Thanks, as always, for your thoughtful input!

Phil: Actually, I’m glad someone’s getting something out of “Hand and Brain.” It was panned across the board, esp. within the band, but I also feel an affinity to that tune. It’s a less embarrassing “Scientific Eye,” which is a real turkey on our first record that deals with similar subject matter, albeit in a more ham-handed manner.

You voice my reservations about the song– that it kind of just hangs in space for awhile and vaporizes at the end. I’m used to writing in much more punchy style, as you know, so this was an interesting experiment.

I’m curious to see how the overall vibe will change once the rest of the band gets their claws into it.

Glad you enjoy the blog– it’s satisfying to write knowing that someone out there in the ether is getting something out of it. Y’all come back, now, hear?

‘Bab: Funny that Phil characterizes the vocal performance as “tops” and you notice the large number of warbles and clams– which almost prevented me from posting the song at all. There are some “cringe” moments for me as I listen back.

I’m generally not a fan of intentionally “bad” singing, but this one seemed to lend itself to a more inexact approach. I’m happy you think it adds to the effect– that was definitely the intention.

Santa: Whishhhhh!

ASK SOMEONE OF THE OPPOSITE SEX.

WooooOOOOOoooooOOOOOOoooo…

Bow to Fate.

WORSHIP THE ORGAN!

It has a brand spankin’ new “feel” to it that I have not heard from you. Great melodies. Whatever struggles you had singing it I think gives it a more “vulnerable” sound which works great with the subject and mood.

I will comment more later. gotta run.

With that being said, I like this song, but it’s not my favorite Detholz! composition (at least after three listens). It definitely seems like a “grower” – the type of song that gets better the more you listen to it. I love the harmonies on the line “Baby Believer”. The bass line that starts off the song (and continues throughout) is great. The vocal performance and song composition are tops. It’s obvious that you put a lot of time and detail into getting this song as close to perfect as possible.

In the end, the song doesn’t jump out at me like some of your other ones do (Spectacula, Club Oslo, Psychotherapy, etc.), it lacks that certain addictive fall-in-love-at-first-listen spark, but it’s definitely a good song. Your blog is always a fascinating read/listen, keep up the god work.

One quick note: after listening to the song again, I’m thinking it could use a stronger ending?

Disclaimer: Take my opinion with a grain of salt, though as I tend to have weird taste (example: I’ve really been digging “Hand and Brain” lately).