THUNDERBIRD is the very first collection of guitar-based instrumental music by the Wisconsin-based composer-producer Mike Starling.
"The sound is definitely rootsy and homey, giving the tape an unfinished, spare quality, which works in its favor," wrote Ted Johnson in his review for LAX magazine. "A note on the tape cover says this is 'late-night listening music.' To me it sounds like the background music for some rustic weirded-out documentary; jangly and melodic but funky at unexpected moments."
"The sound is definitely rootsy and homey, giving the tape an unfinished, spare quality, which works in its favor," wrote Ted Johnson in his review for LAX magazine. "A note on the tape cover says this is 'late-night listening music.' To me it sounds like the background music for some rustic weirded-out documentary; jangly and melodic but funky at unexpected moments."
Originally released on cassette in 1992, Thunderbird: The Underdubs Vol. 1 is the first release in Starling's 4-Track Cassette Reclamation Series launched in 2023. Recorded with then-brand new consumer four-track cassette technology, the sound is an early example of the "lo-fi" DIY music aesthetic, with the performer and his six-string at the recording controls adding occasional touches of bass, keys, harmonica, homemade hand percussion and early drum machine loops to these 16 concise guitar compositions/improvisations:
For a full list of music credits, tap any of the song titles above.
- Ocho
- Stopped Dead in My Tracks
- Outside My Window
- Candy Gets the Root
- Rutabaga Breakdown
- All the Wrong Spaces/Swampwater
- A Fistful of Lasagna
- Annie's Fanny
- Wilbur's Groove
- Learning to Solder
- Drowned
- G-Man Blues
- Radio Badlands
- Bassically
- Corn on Yer Cob
- Up Nort
For a full list of music credits, tap any of the song titles above.
Mike Starling's original music is heard on numerous recordings and soundtracks, and his stories and photos have been featured in books, films, mags and other media.
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This is the Thunderbird music project page on the official website of the writer, artist and musician Mike Starling. Thunderbid album cover photography/design by Starling. Music performed, recorded and mixed by Starling in the Attic at 908 Vine, La Crosse, Wisconsin USA. Published by Bean Hoy Music (BMI). Website developed and managed by Nine Volt Media. ©MMXX-MMXXIII. All rights reserved.
