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Things That Strangers Say

Things That Strangers Say  is a well-thought-out collection of songs exploring love, friendship, family and the question, “What happens when you ignore your mother and talk to strangers?” Some songs record those chance interactions: a fellow American telling her story over tea in a foreign hostel, a drunkard coveting a street musician’s coins, a band of youths looking for some easy money. Other songs focus on those things that make life worthwhile, including a paean to America’s favorite beverage, coffee.

This is Ruane’s fourth recording (the first being Feast or Famine’s record Brecon Beacon, produced in the 1980s on Philo Record’s Fretless label), but it is his first solo one and is primarily of his own compositions.

The CD showcases Ruane’s strong vocal presence and tasteful guitar and mandolin playing along with supporting fiddle, guitar, bass, piano and vocal harmonies from a number of talented guest musicians, including Jennifer Kimball (formerly of The Story), Kerrville New Folk winner Patti Casey, Pete Sutherland (formerly of Metamora), Louise Taylor, Rachel Bissex, Moira Smiley, Michael Chorney, Ron Rost, Michael Corn, Mitch Barron, Viveka Fox, Peter Engisch, Susan Reit, Beth Duquette and Su White.

Things That Strangers Say  has a clean, articulate sound. The mix allows all the instruments and vocals to work well as an ensemble, but remain individually present and distinct. The CD was completed in part due to a generous grant awarded by The Vermont Arts Endowment Fund.

It is available on the web at cdbaby.com, and from amazon.com, cdnow.com cduniverse.com and Barnes and Noble (online or ordered at a store).  It is also available directly from the artist (see ordering information) as well as from a number of stores in Vermont that carry independent releases.

Please click on the Listen link to hear some samples. Click on the Lyrics link to check out the words.

Here's the complete track listing.

All songs are written by Richard Ruane, copyright Okey Dokey Folkie Music (BMI), all rights reserved, except for Crazy Man Michael by Richard Thompson and Dave Swarbrick Warlock Music, Ltd. (PRS). All rights for the United States and Canada controlled and administered by Pubco (BMI).

1. Don’t You Trust Me (2:20)

RR – vocals, guitar. Rachel Bissex – vocals. Mitch Barron – bass.

2. Old Lovers (3:10)

RR – vocals, guitar. Louise Taylor – vocals. Mitch Barron – bass.

3. Milk, No Sugar (3:44)

RR – vocals, mandolin. Moira Smiley – vocals. Michael Corn – guitar. Ron Rost – bass.

4. A Heart That’s Open Wide (3:34)

RR – vocals, guitar. Pete Sutherland – fiddle. Mitch Barron – bass.

5. Light of the World (3:12)

RR – vocals, guitar. Jennifer Kimball – vocals. Mitch Barron – bass.

6. Joy That Carries Me (3:45)

RR – vocals, guitar. Moira Smiley – vocals. Su White – vocals. Beth Duquette – vocals. Pete Sutherland – fiddle. Peter Engisch – piano. Mitch Barron – bass.

7. Rapid City (2:48)

RR – vocals, guitar.

8. Boston (4:13)

RR – vocals, guitar. Patti Casey – vocals. Viveka Fox – fiddle. Mitch Barron – bass.

9. Bartender (4:57)

RR – vocals, mandolin. Michael Chorney – vocals. Michael Corn – guitar. Peter Engisch – piano. Ron Rost – bass.

10. Behind the Houses (3:45)

RR – vocals, mandolin. Olaf Fub – electric guitars. Mitch Barron – bass.

11. George (4:19)

RR – vocals, guitar, mandolin. Michael Chorney – vocals. Pete Sutherland – fiddle. Mitch Barron – bass.

12. Not That Man (3:23)

RR – vocals, guitar. Mitch Barron – bass.

13. Dublin (3:49)

RR – vocals, mandolin, guitar, banjo. Susan Reit – recorder. Mitch Barron – bass.

14. Crazy Man Michael (3:35)

by Richard Thompson and Dave Swarbrick

RR – vocals, mandolin. Patti Casey – vocals. Viveka Fox – fiddle. Mitch Barron – bass.

15. Playing the Label in Waltz Time (0:20)

RR – Thorens TD 280 turntable

16. Well-Meaning Folks With Guitars (2:45)

RR – vocals, guitar.