The band's title track - a true composition written by candlelight in October of 1999 (maybe even on Halloween?). Joe came up with the intro arpeggios, while I did the main verse gallop and lyrics, but Dan and Frank also collaborated - there was a good chemistry when we got together, and I think this is a really effective example of that.
This one was recorded by the original lineup, along with the rest of our debut EP, in a weekend around winter of 1999/2000 if I recall correctly. The recording sessions maybe lightened our more metal sound, but it came out pretty good! I've always regretted not doing another batch of songs and making that EP a full album - we had more great songs, we were tight, and the original lineup had a magic chemistry.
lyrics
Young Ichabod Crane leaves the ball a defeated soul
Visions of a beautiful lass, her voice still echoes in his ears
Soon the feeling of a phantom presence alters his thoughts
The sound of an unseen spectre arouses his fears
Moonlight, casting strange shadows across my path -
that move without wind
Legends I've heard of this region that spectres walk -
and stalk in the night
A twig breaks, nearby in the woodland, from heavy weight -
my heart starts to pound
I cry out a "Hail!" and "Who goes there?" to no reply -
but red eyes meet my gaze!
chorus
Sleepy Hollow in the trees, glancing at me
Creepy feelings running through me - I cannot breathe
I cannot escape - fear the mental rape
I set my heels into my horse's flanks with force -
and fly for my life
Although I'm the only live horseman for miles around -
I hear eight hooves pound
Pure terror keeps my eyes locked forward, but I can feel -
hot breath on my neck
I must reach sanctuary in the churchyard across the bridge -
if I'm to survive
chorus
Sleepy Hollow in the trees, glancing at me
Creepy feelings running through me - I cannot breathe
I cannot escape - fear the mental rape
credits
from The Sleepy Hollow Years,
track released October 31, 1999
music and lyrics - Schwarz, Dell, Castiel, Melick
Matthew H Schwarz moves between (and combines) the musical genres of classical, progressive rock, traditional and original
folk, and heavy metal. His main instruments are guitar, harp, and flute. Sheet music can be found at www.sheetmusicplus.com/publishers/matthew-h-schwarz-sheet-music/3006990. ...more
Somber, beautiful string meditations abound on the debut album by Oxford cellist and composer Lou Lyne and her ensemble. Bandcamp New & Notable Mar 30, 2024
Gabriel Kahane is often compared to Sufjan Stevens and Rufus Wainwright (both of whom he’s collaborated with in the past). It’s a lot to live up to, but to that already high bar I’ll add Ben Folds and Randy Newman, if only for Kahane’s similar sense of musical theatre, playful storytelling and ability to set … Continue reading Album of the Week: Where are the Arms → Bandcamp Album of the Day Dec 19, 2011