Tim Rogers Delves Into His New Album 'Tines Of Stars Unfurled'

TINES OF STARS

Let me introduce the Twin Set and our intent in musical form. One night in Triabunna, Tasmania, last year, I was walking home from the tavern, and stars did line up like tines on a fork. And I knew what I wanted to do.

BEEN SO GOOD, BEEN SO FAR

Each of the 1027 times I’ve sung the Been So Good To Me So Far song, by the time I’m into the second verse, I’ve been cringing, thinking, “Who is this ungrateful knucklehead?” There’s some genuine affection there, but it’s blown away by some posturing and bluster. “Forgot all my girlfriends?” That dude never had girlfriends, he was occasionally an idiot, but he was genuinely grateful and loving toward the person sung about. So whether it’s 23 years or 230, I wanted to right some wrongs, take some wind outta some sails, let the boat drift and talk some truths.

LEFT MY HEART IN A COUNTRY CHURCH HALL

I’ve been to anonymous meetings in a few different countries and may one day go again, but the contrast between one in West Hollywood eleven years ago and one in the Riverina of NSW three years ago was just too…sharp and unhumorous. So I became best temporary friends with a few other anonymous goers, and the wheel kept turning beneath wheezing and grinding gears.

CAN YOU JUST DO IT FOR ME FRIEND?

My incantations and thanksgivings for many decades have been directed to a litany of do well and/or gruff types who perhaps weren’t shining examples of humanity beneath their good-looking facades. The ones mentioned in this tune are perennials, but the guest list has been evened up somewhat. The sequel to this may include Bette Midler, Edna O’Brien and J. Joplin, for example. Peter Lawler, Doctor Pump, sings the souls of his boots off on this one. That was another night to remember in the 724 with the Good Doctor.

THAT ARSE-KICKING SONG

Simply retelling a night in Birdsville where a gentleman who looked and smelled like he’d had a beating asked me to play him a tune. I hope he enjoyed a little of it because I sure enjoyed his company, if not his breath. But I’m nitpicking here. We looked after each other.

A QUIET ANNIVERSARY

Dad died while I was in Tasmania and couldn’t get home for reasons no one wants to talk about, least of all me. Though he was very ill for a while, as everyone knows, grief is a beast with ever-changing fur, plumage and needles. He talks to me mostly whilst I’m mowing grass these days.

TWENTY TWO

About the best person I know. If I had been more like her when I was 22, I’d …..probably not have been in her life….so forget it. “We talk more than we ever did, though we’re barely in the same room” will be one line that may be tough to sing, but hey, she’s the best, and I’ll feel a lil’ closer when I yodel it so shut yer trap Rogerstein.

I LIVE NEAR A TRAIN STATION

It’s true; I do. And a big old viaduct. City trains have a bustle that can remind a listener like me that a city still has a heart. These country ones have a whine that sounds like a heart that’s just been broken. Or like someone waving atcha from up a ways. Let’s see which one it is tonight.

UP-A-GET

This lil’ malapropism is the domain of Lorraine of Bendigo. It’s “up ya get” but with more swing. Lorraine was/is a drummer, you see. It’s a song between a lugubrious partner and a relentlessly positive one. Somehow they complement each other. One reason that positivity is for batteries, and the other that negativity is for medical tests. I’m glad they’re there for one another. Sally Dastey sings the beatitude out of this, as only she can. Lord, be appraised and, if you want, praised.

GET HIGH, SUPPORT THE BAND

Everything old is new again, and many new things will be old before you know it. The wheels of industry and commerce speeding along and chewing up the cobblestones of art and aesthetics is as funny as it is depressing. So let’s sing about the joy of ignoring the vicissitudes of the biz whilst extolling the joys of the bumpy road, shall we?

THE DRINKS THEY DRAINED AS I DROVE AWAY

Driving is a large slice of my living pie, so I try to make the most of it. Daydreaming, singing nonsense tunes while driving in jocks, conversing with ghosts, stopping in new towns and listening to whatever is conversing in a bar, or reading a book after putting my pants on. Yep, it can be boring, but only briefly. There are just so many thoughts to experience, y’know? Anyways after a car breakdown in country V.I.C. I was towed to a town, and the rest of the story is true. I vowed to write for my own amusement, and if it tickles you too? Well, we’re living in high cotton.

You can stream or download Tines Of Stars Unfurled here.