Diane Hubka “Ordinary Madness”
Americana Highways is hosting this premiere of Diane Hubka and the Sun Canyon Band’s song “Ordinary Madness” (written by Richard Mayock) from their forthcoming album Moon Over Larrabee. The album was produced by Rick Mayock, Diane Hubka and Frank Rosato; recorded, mixed and mastered by Frank Rosato at Woodcliff Studio in Los Angeles; with photography by Robert Reiff.
“Ordinary Madness” is Rick Mayock on lead vocals, rhythm and lead guitars; Diane Hubka on rhythm guitar and background vocals; Chad Watson on bass and guitar; Lynn Coulter on drums; and Albert Lee on guitar
Rick Mayock tells us about the song: “I like the juxtaposition of “ordinary” and “madness,” which opens up a creative space between opposing concepts. You would not find the same dynamic in “ordinary sanity” or “extraordinary madness.” We all experience a little madness in our lives, in our politics, our news media, social media, and our personal interactions. At a certain point the madness becomes accepted as ordinary. Or, conversely, the ordinary becomes madness. We are living in a world in which madness is becoming normalized.
“The title was inspired by a collection of stories and poems by Bukowski called Tales of Ordinary Madness. I first encountered the writing of Bukowski when he was a relatively unknown poet through his works published by City Lights and Black Sparrow Press. Now his books are collectors’ items and he’s respected and being read in the academic world.
“A few of the lyrics come directly from Bukowski poems, for example “betting on the muse” and “private war.” I think my favorite lyric is, “I wish I knew the secret that the poets understand,” which opens us up to the mystery, power and beauty of words. Great poets know how to sing to the muses and court them. And their words reflect the magic of their vision and inspiration.
“The horse imagery comes directly from Bukowski, who, along with being a chronic womanizer and alcoholic, spent a lot of his free time betting on the horses. His poetry reflects the art of the gambler who is always betting on the muse, courting the spark of love and inspiration that is always running away like wild horses.
“Albert [Lee] was very sweet and accommodating. I felt he tried to embellish the song in his own unique way. He played some subtle guitar textures and caught the mood and feeling of the song. (From Diane Hubka: I also love Chad Watson’s gut string guitar embellishments throughout the song! They blended beautifully with Rick’s guitar and vocals, making the track truly magical!)
“I think a certain degree of insanity is a healthy reaction to an insane world. Like many people, my mental health is challenged with bouts of depression and anxiety. Many of us are fighting a private war, an inability to stay in the present moment, a lack of mindfulness, and tendencies to time travel. This may be part of the human condition, as we watch the days run away like wild horses in the rain.”
A compelling arrangement draws you in like to a song about ordinary madness, ordinary pain “and the days run away like wild horses in the rain.” The addition of Albert Lee in the mix on guitar adds a layer of beauty to this song about very human struggle.
You can find the music here: https://dianehubka.bandcamp.com/album/moon-over-larrabee and also here: https://music.apple.com/us/album/moon-over-larrabee/1834177049
Enjoy our previous coverage here: Song Premiere: Diane Hubka and the Sun Canyon Band “Home”
