SOUNDTRACK OF THE SUMMER: A break favorite of ours from early on; and we were left dumb-struck when we finally got to witness this group live -- TWO BROTHERS -- playing as a full band. We only hope we've done this the justice it deserves. Aaron's lead vocal knocks this one out of the park! WE'LL GET BY: This is our favorite party song by Jerry Diaz, a great friend of our band and undisputed leader of the Texas trop-rock movement. We have been honored to appear with Jerry and Hanna’s Reef at a number of events over the years. Some of our favorite gig memories and images are from Jerry’s awesome “Pardi Gras” event every January in New Orleans (if you haven’t been there, book it now!). Jerry and Jake trade vocals on this cut. Here’s to you, brother Jerry, for your music, your spirit, and your philanthropy. To the rest of you, raise ‘em high! THE CHA CHA BAND: This Don Middlebrook song has been on our 'road playlist' for years, and we loved the chance to record it with Don and Howie trading vocals. Also on our road playlist is Don's awesome "Boat Drink Radio" - give it - and Don - a heavy listen! LITTLE BLUE BOAT: We all love Scott’s music – a perfect blend of New England and the tropics, kind of like Scott himself. This song was suggested to us by a number of our New England ‘PHriends’ as a regional favorite, and it recalls some great memories for us of our travels along the eastern seaboard. With guest artist/producer Bill Payne in the studio, the Hammond B3 was irresistible, and Billy gave this just the right touch of gospel infusion. We were thrilled when Scott agreed to sing this one with Jake, and we love the result. TWO THINGS TO DO WHEN IT RAINS: We were first introduced to Troy Allan by our friend Sheila Chimento at the Margaritaville Café in New Orleans. Troy’s music and songwriting was great, and this clever song immediately became a favorite in our ‘on-the-road’ playlist. Our last - and fondest - memory of Troy was when we ran into him amongst 50,000+ people on the beach at the Gulf Shores Benefit Concert in July of 2010. We had just finished our set at Lulu’s up the road, and Troy had likewise finished a performance. He was looking and feeling great, and his smile and spirit were infectious as we hugged, danced, sang, and celebrated a beautiful day. As fellow musicians do, we promised to catch up again “down the road”. Four months later, Troy passed away far too early after a courageous battle. But until we meet again, we catch up on stage with the best gift a songwriter can give to a band. We miss you, Troy - sail on, brother... ONE DAY: Before there was ‘The Boat Drunks’, there was ‘St. Somewhere’, from Knoxville, TN. When we started this band, St. Somewhere loomed large - we loved their material, their energy, and we played their songs on our breaks to keep the mood going. The reggae-infused “One Day” was our hands-down favorite, and this project gave us the excuse to finally record it. It wouldn’t be “One Day” without Matt Hall’s soulful vocals, and he was gracious enough to take a break from law school to record it with us, along with John Patti on steel pans. UNA MAS CERVEZA: We’ve been aware of this song since the start, and it was a regular feature in our early pre-show music playlists. That’s right, we’re not from Texas – but Tommy is totally Texas, and his annual “Texas Music Family Gathering” is legendary for featuring the performances, artists, and camaraderie that makes Texas music such a special part of our lives. LIVIN' IN LIMBO: We always look forward to crossing paths out on the proud highway with our friend Brent Burns. Songwriter? Singer? Comedian? Yeah, all of that, and a good friend to boot. How does a full band cover Brent? We heard this one, and the verse seemed to scream for a Cuban tumbao-type groove. One cowbell later – voilà! We welcome back our own Mike Miller to share lead vocals with Brent on this great song, and Hanna’s Reef pan player Mark Mireles joined us as well! NEW ORLEANS: No introduction is needed for Jim Morris and the Big Bamboo Band. We first met Jim and the band at our first appearance at MOTM in 2004, when we played ahead of them on the stage at the Casa Marina in Key West, and - as always - they played a great show. Jim has probably the most loyal fan base out there, and when the concept for this record came up, we were admittedly a little nervous that we might offend some of Jim’s “Boca Nut” fans! But Jim immediately agreed to lend his vocals, along with John Patti on pans and our friend Dr. Steve Hawk, an accomplished trumpet player who agreed to make it "Nawlins" on the flügelhorn. We chose this song because (1st) we love New Orleans, (B) this is not one of Jim’s ‘must-gig’ songs, and (3) we love New Orleans. BLACKBEARD'S NAVY: Choosing a single James 'Sunny Jim' White song is - difficult. We see Sunny Jim a lot out on the circuit and he's always very gracious with our requests to sit in on guitar, vocals, percussion, pans - whatever is there, he can play it. We chose this song (amongst so many) because who amongst us hasn't been a part of Blackbeard's navy in our youth? TANGY MARGARITAS: About 3 years ago, we played a show with the incredibly talented Nadirah Shakoor in southern Illinois. On a break, Nadirah asked Jake "Who wrote ' Tangy Margaritas'?" Jake responded that he had. Nadirah then offered, "I like that song, I want to put it on my next album." Fast-forward to the present. Totally unexpected this spring, we received a text from her stating, "I hear the boys are in the studio. Let me know if I can help. I'd love to." And, boy, did she help. TM takes on a whole new feel and vibe, the feel and vibe that Jake was hoping to capture when he wrote it! 157 RIVERSIDE AVENUE: It has become a Boat Drunks tradition to end our shows with a song from that "other band from Champaign" -- REO Speedwagon. So what better way to close this album than with an REO classic? And we enlisted two heavyweights to help rock this cover -- the original lead singer for REO, Terry Luttrell, and Bill Payne who picks up the piano and breaks it over his knee with his solo (and finishes the solo with his foot - literally!).