We’ve updated our Terms of Use to reflect our new entity name and address. You can review the changes here.
We’ve updated our Terms of Use. You can review the changes here.

Beauty In The Backseat

by Ken Sharp

/
1.
Rock Show 05:01
“Rock Show” v1: blastin’ tunes, makin’ time burning rubber down highway 9 avoiding traffic, door to door big-time dreams and power chords pre-chorus: it’s all right we got it under control one more rehearsal, then it’s on with the show curtain call, now we’re ready to roll chorus: gonna put on a rock show, rock show it’s the glorious sound and it’s all going down at our rock show, rock show where the music is loud and you’re a part of the crowd got your tickets in hand, all the boys in the band they wanna thank you, thank you for coming to our...rock show v2: step right up, we’re on real soon get those axes all in tune, drag those amps onto the stage test those mics, now we’re ready to play chorus 2: gonna put on a rock show, rock show double time to the beat, grab a front row seat at the rock show hear the crowd scream along “give us one more song” got your tickets in hand, all the boys in the band they wanna thank you, thank you for coming to our...rock show bridge: rock show, rock show somebody help me find my way to the stage v3: I got you and you got me we’re in this together, most definitely we got static, we got noise you’re rippin’ it up like one of the boys outro: gonna put on a rock show just for you critics gonna rave, we’re front page news c-c-c-c-c-c-coming to a town near you where practice makes perfect
2.
“Mona Lisa Smile” v1: she’s got the lord and she wore the good book out striking all the chords, ain’t no crucible of doubt chorus: she’s got a mona lisa smile, mona smile she’s got a mona lisa, mona lisa smile, that lights up the world v2: she wears her hands me downs when she works the midnight shift and when no one is around, polishes her silver crucifix bridge: mona lisa, I wanna see you smile, smile…
3.
“Lemons to Lemonade” v1: i remember, good times, when you didn’t feel so bad now I’m here to be your fixer and turn that sad to glad whenever you call me, I’ll be around, whenever you need me chorus: i’ll hit the hotline to your heart, connect me right away those backstabbers don’t matter, yeah that’s right we’re gonna chase those bums away i will lift you up and with a little luck, you can turn, lemons to lemonade v2: when you’ve been sold out, tested and you could really use a friend when you need some protection and a gentle helping hand whenever you call me, i’ll be around, whenever you need me bridge: lemons to lemonade, lemons to lemonade
4.
“No One Seems To Stay Together Anymore” v1: here’s your car keys and your suitcase i watch you leaving, leaving, and then you slam the door swore the love we had wasn’t all that bad chorus: no one seems to stay together no one seems to stay together anymore, anymore no one seems to stay together anymore v2: now you’re back out on the highway 1000 reasons, seasons, divided we shall fall swore the love we had wasn’t all that bad bridge: what will your friends say? would some of them tell you you were better off this way? it’s a shame, what a shame, it’s a shame
5.
Closer 04:03
“Closer” v1: hurry hurry, save me from the big sleep nothing extraordinary’s only skin deep Chorus: and every day, we get a little closer in a million ways tomorrow’s gonna be a great day, bringing us closer v2: pour your sweetness lay your hands on me buzzing around your hive just like a king bee bridge: now and then, like a little child i feel so insecure (now & then) like a ray of light you came and opened up the door opened up the door, opened up the door
6.
“24 Hours A Day” chorus: 24 hours a day, i’m gonna work so hard to get you back 24 hours a day, i’m gonna get my life back on track and i’m gonna work so hard, to get back on track, to win you back 24 hours and hours, hours and hours, hours and hours a day v1: gonna flush my pills, try and fix the things that tore us in two ‘cause every song I sing, every little thing reminds me of you v2: since you’ve been gone I’ve been feeling so stupid can’t get it out of my head running through all the mistakes that I made gonna turn my attention instead bridge: workin’ so hard, workin so, working so hard workin’ so hard, workin’ so, workin’ so hard
7.
“Pull The Strings” v1: i found you in the attic, i named you Charlie G Dad says he’s a dummy but to me he’s as real as can be v2: i can be cool and charming, with him upon my knee i sit in the basement and practice from 7-3 chorus: i’m beggin’ you, pull the strings, come pull the strings let me entertain you, pull the strings, watch me come alive v3: i just turned 47 and i still live at home my friends call me crazy but with Charlie i’m never alone v 4: he is the best companion, I take him everywhere when charlie’s around he’s the life of the party I swear bridge: who’s the dummy, is it him or is it me? who’s the dummy, tell me Charlie G
8.
“The Day That David Bowie Died” v1: i still remember when you fell down on earth and became the star of my whole universe chorus: and i won’t forget, i’ll still regret the day that david bowie died, the day that david bowie died v2: you were the dandy, so cool and so flash you were a star in every photograph bridge: we are the rejects, the bastards and whores the gum on your shoe, the dirt in your pores v3: you were the stardust who swept back the hurt now all I have left is your face on this t-shirt
9.
“The Hardest Part” v1: long ago and far away, she’s haunting all my yesterdays we were both so happy then, what happened to our happy ending Pre-chorus 1: it’s curtain call, pull done the blinds There’s only one thing on my mind and that’s… chorus: the hardest part of letting you go, The hardest part, not letting it show can’t afford to let you in one final time ‘cause if I do I might regret it down the line, the things I’d find, the hardest part… v2: sometimes you gotta save yourself and move along to something else but part of me goes back in time, when I was yours and you were mine pre-chorus 2: one more drink ‘til closing time with only one thing on my mind and that’s… bridge: the hardest part of letting go is what could be, you’ll never know
10.
Jet Fighter 01:00
“Jet Fighter” v1: jet fighter, sent from above speeding down fast for your love chorus: the sky is looking clear below you the tower says it’s safe to land look for the exit signs and give me your hands your hands… give me your hands…
11.
“Ring On Your Finger” v1: i saw your picture on the six o’clock news it’s been such a long time, is that really you? they closed off the highway, the airport’s on watch The constable’s grinnin’ and thinks you’ll finally get caught I guess you did it again chorus: that ring on your finger once so shiny and bright is now sitting in a pawn shop on a Saturday night and the promise that it held seems like some kind of ruse and the life we had planned is now totally screwed I guess you did it again… v2: we had some good times, we tore up the town but you let the hustle drag everyone down you ran with the wrong crowd, so easy to see you shot for the moon and forgot about me I guess you did it again… outro: but I’ll keep waiting, waiting, waiting, waiting, waiting, waiting for you
12.
Listen To Me 03:42
“Listen To Me” V1: whether you’re black or white, whether you’re rich or poor come sing along, come on, let me hear you roar v2: we got to find some commonality, across this killing floor come join along, come on, let me hear you roar Chorus: listen to me, brother, listen to me, sister we’re one big family in this great big world so if you wanna make a difference then you gotta believe a million tiny steps is all we need v3: gotta fight the complications, if you wanna change the world come sing along, come on, together we are strong bridge: over and over, we keep on, making the same mistakes gotta get it right, right v4: whether you’re black or white, whether you’re weak or strong come join along, come on, together we are one
13.
Sinking 04:45
“Sinking” v1: it’s closing time, shut it down and let it roll now I’m resigned to pull the plug and watch you go but I just gotta know chorus: when did the ship start sinking? when did the crack appear that took us down and down when did the ship start sinking? made me the last soul around v2: it’s too late now, the winter winds they blow so cold no more time to bail you out, the waters rise and down you go but I just gotta know chorus 2: when did the ship start sinking? i let your faith in me just drag you down and down the moment the ship started sinking, made me the last soul around bridge: you know that it's too late, it's too late, it's too late, you know it's too late chorus 3: when did the ship start sinking? cue up the violins you’re going down and down why did rthe shop start sinking? when did the ship start sinking I saw the ocean swallow you and drag you down and down when did the ship start sinking? made me the last soul around soul around around, made me the last living soul, soul around
14.
“I Wanna Be David Cassidy” v1: i joined your fan club for $1.49 i played your records and sang along with every line on the cover of a Tiger Beat you’ll have ‘em dancing in the street chorus: i wanna be David Cassidy and be your number one crush i wanna be David Cassidy and ride on that Partridge Family bus v2: saw you in concert, in your crushed red velvet suit i bought three t-shirts, one in red and two in blue on the cover of a Tiger Beat, you’re the face i always see bridge: everybody’s gonna notice me with my feathered back hair, the girls are gonna get excited if I act a little bit like him chorus: i wanna be David Cassidy and be your number one crush i wanna be David Cassidy and ride on that Partridge Family bus i wanna be David Cassidy, watch all the girls make a fuss i wanna be David Cassidy and ride on that Partridge Family bus
15.
“Philly Kind Of Night” chorus: she’s got a supersonic soul my baby she don’t give a damn about rock and roll she don’t give a damn about it and she keeps me up at night, a physical attraction of the chemical kind it’s gonna be a Philly kind of night…a Philly kind of night v1: can i be the light that shines through your darkest night? stick with me I’m your anchor, I gave you my heart on loan permanent loan v2: somewhere off the dial, she could make the Mona Lisa smile let me be your shelter, I’ll be your long lost home, lost home bridge: a Philly kind of night, a Philly kind of night a Philly kind of night, a Philly kind of night outro: i give you sweet mother lovin’ jams, satisfaction guaranteed better pump that bass into outer space and watch it drop you to your knees i give you sweet mother lovin’ jams, that’s the new reality put your four on the floor, 'til your feet are sore, make you never wanna leave sweet mother lovin' jams, sweet mother lovin' jams
16.
Miracle 04:55
”Miracle” v1:1001 regrets about it, how can i take back the things i’ve done? too much time to think about it and hide the smoking gun chorus: i’m gonna pray for a miracle try to win you back with a beautiful melody something sweet, not too cynical, a little bit of soul with a three-part harmony, harmony v2: headed on a road to nowhere, checking out the sights on highway 10 it’s gonna be a bumpy ride where excuses are paper thin bridge: ooh, i can’t blow it, blow it come and let me change your mind baby come and let me change your mind, change your mind bridge 2: i know wherever you are, i'll go whatever you do, i'm gonna make it up to you i'm gonna make you love me, got to make you love me gonna make you love me, got to make you love me, love me again outro: i'm gonna pray, pray, pray, for a great big miracle

about

Sharp’s new album, "Beauty In the Back Seat," sheds the dark, musical blood on the tracks vibe of his previous release, "New Mourning," and draws not only from the power pop well but deep from his Philly roots, delivering a fresh blast of infectious soul-pop.

Produced by Sharp and Fernando Perdomo (Todd Rundgren, Jakob Dylan, Beck), the record showcases mighty musical contributions from Rock & Roll Hall of Famers John Oates (background vocals on “Philly Kind of Night”) and Ace Frehley (guitar solo on “Rock Show"), and Utopia’s Kasim Sulton of Utopia (background vocals on “Mona Lisa Smile”).

“Being a Philly boy with my ear permanently glued to the radio dial, the sound of Philadelphia etched its indelible mark on my musical DNA. Being able to work in the studio with John Oates, someone whose music was the soundtrack of my youth, was a supersonic blessing of brotherly love! Another full circle moment for me, being a huge fan of KISS since I was a kid, I was thrilled that Ace Frehley laid down a solo on the opening track, titled appropriately enough, ‘Rock Show.’”

The 16-track album’s musical terrain is stuffed with a myriad of lyrical themes, a quirky story of an adult in his mid ‘40s who can’t survive without his ventriloquist dummy by his side (“Pull The Strings”), the death of David Bowie (“The Day That David Bowie Died”), the transformative power of loss (“Sinking), the intoxicating joy of getting your band on the concert stage (“Rock Show”) and a plea for unity in a world torn apart by social and political tumult (“Listen To Me”).

"Beauty In the Back Seat" is Sharp’s fifth album. His music has garnered raves from USA Today, Mojo, The Huffington Post, Music Connection and Goldmine and has received airplay on Sirius XM’s “Little Steven’s Underground Garage.” He’s also a seasoned live performer who’s recently landed high profile gigs opening for John Waite, David Cassidy and The Babys and also headlined The Troubadour in Hollywood, California in the fall of 2016.

credits

released August 30, 2018

ROCK SHOW
(Sharp)
Ken Sharp: lead and background vocals, piano, Wurlitzer
electric piano, electric guitar, lead guitar, handclaps
Ace Frehley: outro guitar solo, lead guitar, electric guitar
Fernando Perdomo: drums, bass, electric guitar, lead guitar,
Moog, tambourine, handclaps
Tia Simone & Laura Marion: background vocals

MONA LISA SMILE
(Sharp)
Ken Sharp: lead and background vocals, electric guitar,
lead guitar, acoustic guitar, Wurlitzer electric piano,
piano, handclaps
Fernando Perdomo: drums, bass, electric guitar,
lead guitar, Moog, congas, tambourine, handclaps
Kasim Sulton: background vocals

LEMONS TO LEMONADE
(Sharp)
Ken Sharp: lead and background vocals, piano, Wurlitzer electric
piano, electric guitar, Coral sitar, handclaps
Fernando Perdomo: drums, bass, organ, Moog,
mellotron strings, glockenspiel, handclaps,tambourine

NO ONE SEEMS TO STAY
TOGETHER ANYMORE
(Sharp)
Ken Sharp: lead and background vocals, electric guitar,
lead guitar, acoustic guitar, piano, ukulele, vibes,
finger cymbals, handclaps
Fernando Perdomo: drums, bass, Moog, congas,
tambourine, handclaps

CLOSER
(Sharp)
Ken Sharp: lead and background vocals, electric
guitar, lead guitar, bass, Wurlitzer electric piano,
sleigh bells, handclaps
Fernando Perdomo: drums, electric guitar, organ,
Moog, clavinet, mellotron, strings, vibes, bass (in bridge),
tambourine, maracas, claves, finger cymbals, sleigh
bells, handclaps

24 HOURS A DAY
(Sharp)
Ken Sharp: lead and background vocals, electric guitar,
acoustic guitar, Wurlitzer electric piano, handclaps
Fernando Perdomo: drums, bass, electric guitar, lead guitar,
Moog, background vocals, tambourine, handclaps

PULL THE STRINGS
(Sharp)
Ken Sharp: lead and background vocals, piano, electric
guitar, lead guitar, acoustic guitar, vibes, handclaps
Fernando Perdomo: drums, bass, lead guitar, tambourine,
crotales, handclaps
Rob Bonfiglio: background vocals

THE DAY THAT DAVID BOWIE DIED
(Sharp)
Ken Sharp: lead and background vocals, piano, electric guitar,
lead guitar solo # 1, acoustic guitar, organ, sleighbells
Fernando Perdomo: drums, bass, lead guitar solo # 2,
organ, tambourine, maracas
Rob Bonfiglio: background vocals, mellotron, tubular bells
Ruti Celli: cello

THE HARDEST PART
(Sharp)
Ken Sharp: lead and background vocals, 12-string electric guitar,
12-string acoustic guitar, lead guitar, Baritone guitar, ukulele
Fernando Perdomo: bass, drums, organ, Baritone guitar, tambourine
Rob Bonfiglio: background vocals

JETFIGHTER
(Sharp)
Ken Sharp: lead and background vocals, ukulele,
acoustic guitar, electric guitar
Fernando Perdomo: glockenspiel

RING ON YOUR FINGER
(Sharp)
Ken Sharp: lead and background vocals, Wurlitzer electric piano,
electric guitar, lead guitar, Coral sitar, handclaps
Fernando Perdomo: drums, bass, guitar solo, Moog,
tambourine, handclaps, claves

LISTEN TO ME
(Sharp)
Ken Sharp: lead and background vocals, Wurlitzer electric piano,
piano, electric guitar, Coral sitar, handclaps, finger cymbals
Fernando Perdomo: drums, bass, Moog, tambourine, handclaps

SINKING
(Sharp)
Ken Sharp: lead and background vocals, acoustic guitar,
12-string acoustic guitar, electric guitar, lead guitar,
wah-wah guitar, Wurlitzer electric piano, piano
Fernando Perdomo: drums, bass, organ, strings,
Moog, tambourine
Rob Bonfiglio: background vocals

I WANNA BE DAVID CASSIDY
(Sharp)
Ken Sharp:lead and background vocals, 12-string electric guitar,
electric guitar, acoustic guitar, piano, bell tree, handclaps
Fernando Perdomo: drums, bass, electric guitar, handclaps, tambourine
Rob Bonfiglio: harpsichord, background vocals

PHILLY KIND OF NIGHT
(Sharp)
Ken Sharp: lead and background vocals, electric guitar,
lead guitar, electric 12-string, Wurlitzer electric piano,
piano, handclaps
John Oates: background vocals
Fernando Perdomo: bass, drums, Moog, piano, strings, tambourine, maracas, handclaps
Kaitlin Wolfberg: violin

MIRACLE
(Sharp)
Ken Sharp: lead and background vocals, piano,
electric guitar, lead guitar, 12-string electric guitar, vibes, mellotron, finger cymbals, handclaps
Fernando Perdomo: drums, bass, organ, Moog, strings,
wah-wah clavinet, glockenspiel, tambourine,
consuela, congas, claves, handclaps
Rob Bonfiglio: background vocals
Marshall Crenshaw: tambourine

Produced by Fernando Perdomo and Ken Sharp

Track 14 Produced by Ken Sharp and Fernando Perdomo

Tracks 1-7, 9-13,15-16 recorded at Reseda Ranch
Studios, Reseda , CA

Tracks 8 & 14 recorded at Reseda Ranch Studios,
Reseda, CA and The Manor, Toluca Lake, CA

Track 1 guitar solo recorded at Space Ace Studios, San Diego, CA
All songs written by Ken Sharp © Pop Toons Inc. BMI 2018

All songs recorded at Reseda Ranch Studios, Reseda CA

Mixed at Reseda Ranch Studios except “Rock Show,” which was mixed at Abbey Road Studios, London, England.

Mastered by Zach Ziskin

To Fernando Perdomo, there’s not enough words in the dictionary to express my profound appreciation for
your spectacular contribution to my ongoing musical journey. And there’s still more to come…

To my Philly soul brother, Rob Bonfiglio, I’m fortunate to have
such a gifted artist as a part of my musical team.

To John Oates, heartfelt thanks and brotherly love for honoring me by singing on my album and throwing down some deep Philly Soul.

To Ace Frehley, my childhood hero, I’m eternally blessed to have you on my record—you rock!

To Kasim Sulton, Utopian wishes of gratitude for bestowing your vocal magic on my album.

Special thanks: Fernando Perdomo, Rob Bonfiglio, Ritchie Rubini, John Oates, Ace Frehley, Marshall Crenshaw, Kasim Sulton, Kaitlin Wolfberg, Ruti Celli, Prescott Niles, Carol Sharp, Margie, Tim & Samantha Adamsky, Carol Paula Sharp, Jim Sharp, Jim Bullotta, Chris and Lynda Royer, Susan Katila, Rachael Gordon, Mike & Ellen Rinaldi, Daniel Siwek, Lee Shai Siwek, John Sellards, Chrissy Sellards, Bernie Hogya, Howie Edelson, Le Sheppard, Louis Hirshorn, Cyndi Trissel, Mark London, Rodney Bingenheimer, Cindy Kona, Mark Perkins, Paul & Joan Gansky, Alex Castino, Ann Rinaldi, Chezzare Monroe & Suzette Flores, Jesse David Corti, Michael McCartney, Jill Puich, Guy Pooles, Nanci & Lenny Ruest, Kirk Smith, Martha Hicks, Herman, Chachi, the Jeep, the Zeep, Clarice (“Miss Mae”) and Baby Jean.

A&R counsel: Mike Rinaldi

Legal & Management Representation: Chris Royer (croyer@krupnicklaw.com)

Design: John Sellards and Bernie Hogya

Web Design: Jim Bullotta

www.ken-sharp.com

Dedicated to my Mom who never told me to turn it down.

license

all rights reserved

tags

about

Ken Sharp Los Angeles, California

contact / help

Contact Ken Sharp

Streaming and
Download help

Report this album or account

If you like Ken Sharp, you may also like: