Sublime eclectic mayhem. That’s been my playlist project and musical life, one that begins with The Muppet Movie soundtrack and later involves performing hymns, death metal, surf, and bluegrass. I’ve played in theaters, tents, and basements, for multi-stage festivals and squirrel rodeos. I’ve written and recorded music for The Drunken Odyssey. Sublime eclectic mayhem. A warning and a welcome for joyous noise, for those navigating what Beckett called “this bitch of an earth.”

Eating Oranges

The skin rips off, 
flecks into the sunlight like dust 
motes, a scented exhaust 
from the tearing flesh. 

That floral scent takes me 
back to sitting in old kitchens, 
eating lunch outside the biology building, 
or peeling lone fruits for toddlers. 

Each crack and floral funk 
a stringy landscape of memory. 
Before the meat is gone 
I’m always told “break’s over.”

Break’s Over
Listen on Tidal. Listen on Spotify.

1. “Ye Ko Gni Me Towe Dea” – Antoine Dougbé, Orchestre Poly-Rythmo De Cotonou
2. “Tic Toc” – Fabric
3. “Vampire Grave” – Crippled Black Phoenix
4. “Owner” – Kathryn Mohr
5. “Forgotten In Space (Live)” – Voivod, Orchestre symphonique de Québec
6. “As the Ocean” – Yaya Bey
7. “Come Closer – TOMORA, AURORA, Tom Rowlands
8. “Moon Traveling” – Adrian Younge
9. “Superbloom” – Jessie Ware
10. “Crossing Muddy Waters (Denver)” – I’m With Her 
11. “Wolverine Blues” – Noël Akchoté
12. “Trip Thru Hell, Pt. 1” – C.A. Quintet
13. “Orbit Brazil” – Flying Lotus

Stephen McClurg (Episode 473 & 666) composes and improvises in Serenity Dagger, The Abdomen, and other projects. Along with session work for mid-Alabama singer/songwriters, he frequently collaborates with musicians across the state adding bass, guitar, and synths to friends’ recordings. He currently writes reviews for Horror DNA and is the substitute low end wrangler for Mobile-based punk rock band Future Hate. You can find out more about his work here.