Could Not Have Done This Without You
Ghost Writer
So a little background origin story. Ghost Writer aka Phillip J. Mellen and I are old college buddies from the 90's. He's had a hand in so many different projects over the years. His poetry has always been a source of inspiration for me. I first met Phillip in my second semester at a local community college where we were both Art Majors. We shared several classes including a very avante garde sculpture class with a very avante garde (aka pain in the ass) professor. Tasked with creating an installation with few limitations or boundaries, Phillip came up with this amazing piece of art that included a briefcase and a molotov cocktail. The molotov cocktail may have ruffled some feathers.
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| Phillip J. Mellen aka Ghost Writer and Collaborators |
Post college, Phillip and I have reconnected several times. First both being participants in a small local gallery show and then a few years later as a guest on his podcast, Ahtcast. Phillip has never shied away from talking about mental illness in his poetry, art collages and music. Much of his subject matter deals with the beauty and sadness of close relationships. Phillip's work reflects that sensitivity, empathy and intimacy. "Could Not Have Done This Without You" is a collaboration of Phillip's writings and the many friendships he's developed in his local scene.
The graphics on the album's packaging were created by Phillip and many of the lyrics/poetry are straight from Phillip's own writings. Phillip has enlisted many of his friends from the local Southeastern Massachusetts music scene to interpret his work in fantastic ways. This is not a metal album. This is art.
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| Album Cover by PJM |
1. From The Top - Vocals By Kevin Grant (Wire Lines, Gaskill, The Hidden), Yelling/Music by Dug McCormack, Lyrics By Phillip J. Mellen
Grant's delivery reminds me of a warning message sent over radio air waves during the intro to a dystopian movie. I mentioned to Phillip that this album's vibe reminds me in a way of Bowie's "Outside" Album which is my favorite in his catalogue. This track is a perfect example of setting the table for what's to come.
2. Contact - Music by Ethan Weiss with an assist by Mark Arruda, Lyrics by Phillip J. Mellen
This is a track that's got a Meat Beat Manifesto vibe. Dream like with a great beat throughout. Phillip's echoey delivery sends your brain through space.
3. Sundress - Vocals by Dena Haden, Samples and Lyrics by Phillip J Mellen
This is a departure into a very quaint and beautiful short poem. The samples of a spring day really compliment the lyrics.
4. Palpitations - Music and vocals by Mark Arruda, Lyrics by Phillip J. Mellen
Palpitations is a radio ready pop song that is both catchy and replayable.
5. Pace Yourself - Music by Kat Knutsen, Vocals and lyrics by Phillip J. Mellen
Fine piece of piano work over an intimate glimpse into Phillip's thoughts recorded over a phone message. It really invites the listener into a personal space.
6. Agreed On A Weed - Music by Chris Evil, Vocals and lyrics by Phillip J. Mellen
80's Synth pop by the enigmatic Chris Evil over a daydreamy poem about the connection between a weed and a relationship.
7. Wait For Me - Music by Kevin Fernandes and Ryan Coffey, Vocals by Sarah Jane Mulvey and Phillip J. Mellen
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| About the Album |
Very beautiful and dreamlike instrumentals over Phillip and Sarah's dreamlike delivery of poetry. The back and forth is both intimate and relateable.
8. It Was A Ghost - Music by Nick LeBlanc, Vocals and Lyrics by Phillip J. Mellen
This is yet another great collaboration between the direct delivery of vocals/poetry and bright guitar riffs. A soundscape that is very expansive.
9. Cigarette Break - Vocals and lyrics by Phillip J. Mellen
A brief look into a poignant memory of a relationship.
10. Voicemail from Kevin - Vocals by Kevin Fernandes
A great reminder to check in with your friends. I miss my old phone recording message machine.
11. He Was a Good Man - Music and vocals by Keith Borges, Lyrics by Phillip J. Mellen
A beautiful acoustic piece. The lyrics are a like the narration in one's mind on a sunny mid afternoon.
12. Ghost Pilot - Vocals by Shelley Cardoos, Kristin Dupre, Mark Arruda, and Phillip J. Mellen, Music by Mark Arruda, Lyrics by Phillip J. Mellen
I really enjoy the vibe of this tune. A great closer full of modern folk rock meets shoe gaze playing and a beautiful chorus of vocals. The musicianship is top notch and uplifting. Great way to close this chapter.
I'm a biased listener. I've known Phillip for a good portion of my life. Hearing his voice on this album is a like a time machine taking me back to some of my favorite periods in life. This album is a beautiful piece of work that will translate to many people these days. While this blog is about "all things heavy", sometimes we need a moment to step outside of this space. The beauty of sunlight through a bedroom window, a look back at the "perfect" moments of a past relationship that transcends time and just engaging in human moments like reviewing an old voice mail from a friend are sometimes the things we need to break up a heavy day. So while you're ripping through your catalogue of old slayer classics and you find yourself in need of a change of pace for a moment, give this piece of art a listen. It's on bandcamp. You have no excuse. Thanks Phillip for creating this.
If you enjoyed this album and would like to know more, click the links below.
Phillip J. Mellen on Facebook
Singaporean Grindcore Legends Wormrot 
