THE "HEY BIRTHDAY BOY" PROJECT

Hi. Spaff here. Back in May, 2007, I invited any band interested to perform/record "Hey Birthday Boy," an ultra-simple birthday song I wrote for Robert Lund's then-upcoming birthday.

The idea was (and remains) to collect as many versions of "Hey Birthday Boy" (and its transgendered twin, "Hey Birthday Girl") as possible, slap them onto a CD, and send copies of the CD to all the participants - as well as to funny music DJs like Dr. Demento, Captain Wayne, and DJ Particle. And then, who knows? - maybe one of these recordings will become THE fave b-day tune for generations to come.

My original plan was to have the CD out by that July, but since (1) new recordings keep coming in, (2) a few committed bands haven't sent me their versions yet, and (3) I'm a procrastinator, the CD pressing has kept getting pushed back. However, it will happen. I swear it will happen.

What this means is that there's still time for YOU - or any musicians you know - to get in on the project.


THE LYRICS

We celebrate your birthday
Even if you don't
Be glad you're getting older
'Cause when you're dead you won't!
So happy happy birthday
From everyone you know
Now we will light the candles
And birth - day - boy - you - blow!


THE MUSIC

Here is a karaoke version of the song, courtesy of Karl Brown:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=XaYlt5P14vs


HOW TO PARTICIPATE

1) Check out the demo and lyrics above, then record your version of the song. Put your unique musical stamp on it. Make it your own. Be the cake.

2) Optional: While you're at it, make a second recording, substituting "girl" for "boy" in the last line. I'll include both versions on the CD.

3) Send it to me. I'd prefer MP3s via email (spaff at spaff dot com), but I'm flexible. If you need a mailing address, let me know.


THE PARTICIPANTS SO FAR

  • Phil Alexander (with Nonie, Richard, Edmund and Cecilia Alexander)
  • Rob Balder
  • Below Average Dave
  • Karl Brown [Hear his karaoke versions on YouTube]
  • The Charnstars
  • Rick Cormier
  • Rick Duncan
  • Floatation Device
  • Steve Goodie
  • Bob Guest
  • Eric Haines [Hear it on MySpace Music]
  • Carl Hatmaker [Hear it on GarageBand.com]
  • Insane Ian f/ Michael C. Stettes
  • Robert Lund
  • Merry & Pippin (with Roslyn Cossins)
  • Odd Austin [Hear it on the Atari single]
  • Odd Austin f/ Insane Ian
  • Project Sisyphus
  • Dee Range & the Red Neck Mothers
  • Kristof Robertson
  • Art Paul Schlosser [Hear it on the CD Songs I Recorded on the Phone]
  • Tom Smith
  • Soggy Potato Chips [Hear it on the CD I Accidentally the Entire Album]
  • Spookster & the Scaremenots
  • Sudden Death [Hear it on the CD Fatal Error]
  • TV's Kyle
  • The Chris Waffle Experience
  • Jake Waters [Hear it on MySpace Music]

    I have also received commitments from:

  • Max DeGroot
  • the great Luke Ski
  • Worm Quartet
  • Voiceroy


    THANK YOU

    ...to everyone who has contributed, especially for your patience. I promise that the CD is still going to happen. On the bright side, the delay is making the collection better. Or at least larger.

    xoxox
    Spaff