Transparent recording process reveals all.

Finished in 2012, this version re-imagines the “No Surprise” that originally appeared on my “Parlez-Vous Français?” album in 1994. Normally for the Singles Series I’d show you the process of recording, but here you have a version that is twenty years old with a very different vibe.

For the new version we used a Gram Parsons mood, and even toyed with calling the sessions Psychedelic Pioneers, vaguely in honor of the man and his music. At Flowers Studio, where the great Gary Louris of the Jayhawks has worked is was easy to get that 70’s country rock mojo going. Pedal steel was added later in Los Angeles.

CREDITS ::
released 07 February 2014
Ed Ackerson: acoustic guitar, pianet
Peter Anderson: drums, tambourine, shaker
Chris Heinrich: pedal steel
Mike Ruekberg: backing vocals
James Voss: electric bass & backing vocals (not used)
Willie Wisely: electric guitar, vocals
Engineered by Ed Ackerson, Peter Anderson, Willie Wisely & Ken Chastain
Mixed by Chuck Zwicky
Produced by Wisely & Ed Ackerson
Recorded at Flowers Studio, Minneapolis & Weepah Way, Laurel Canyon, CA
Art by John Berry [detail of original album cover]

Here’s a list of all my “Singles Series” blog posts.

LYRICS ::
Now I can’t understand why you treat me like you do
I’d re-arrange the stars
Mine becomes ours

And I can’t comprehend these amazing stunts you pull
You leave me with a thrill
But I know what’s coming next
No surprise

No surprise
No surprise
No surprise
What’s wrong now?
I hate that look in your eyes

You just say the word and I’ll be out of your life for good
That’s not what I want to do
But I know what’s coming next
No surprise

No surprise
No surprise
No surprise
What’s wrong now?
I hate that look in your eyes

You say the word, I’ll be out of your life for good
That’s not what I want to hear
But I know what’s coming next
No surprise