This is the 1st album created by Strike Iron. The cover art work was created by the well known Nigerian artist Lemi Ghariokwu who is renowned for creating many of the cover images for Fela Kuti. Also there is a photo montage of the recording process along with lyrics on the insert.
Includes unlimited streaming of Millions of Voices
via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
ships out within 7 days
edition of 300
$35USDor more
Compact Disc (CD) + Digital Album
This is the 1st album created by Strike Iron. The cover art work was created by the well known Nigerian artist Lemi Ghariokwu who is renowned for creating many of the cover images for Fela Kuti. Also there is a photo montage of the recording process along with lyrics on the insert.
Includes unlimited streaming of Millions of Voices
via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
ships out within 7 days
$15USDor more
about
When iron is heated it can be molded into anything we want with patience, skill, and timing. Some might see the raw materials and turn them into weapons or profit like our current government has done with our country, it's people and resources. We, the majority, not the 1 %, can take that sword, heat it up and turn it into something beautiful, something that can and should benefit everyone, not as a weapon but as a treaty for all living kind. Living kind includes all humans, animals, and plants. In order to protect our future we have to protect animals and our environment. Right now more than then iron is crazy hot and needs to be molded into something else.
lyrics
Strike Iron When It Is Hot
Shave a lion’s head,
take its food away,
see what happens in a day.
The antelope,
the middle class,
don’t slave as the prey.
Everything they say,
everything they do,
is just a part of the game.
The strong
The weak
Shave a lion’s head,
trim its nails down,
see what happens in a month.
The antelope,
the middle class,
live with just enough.
The fears they sell,
the camouflage,
just a part of the game.
The strong get stronger
The weak get weaker
If we know that the lion will starve from hunger,
then why do we sacrifice?
Every time we fall into their traps,
we sell our president, our banks
and our sacred paradise because,
every lie they tell,
every law they pass,
is just a part of the game.
The lion gets stronger
The antelope get weaker
We can drink from the creek of ignorance,
and let the water dissipate.
We can blame the rain for not falling down,
it’s up to us to store our share but not too much.
We must take the lead and walk our own trail,
or we will continue to search with thirst.
To quench, to suffer,
to steal from our neighbors,
the lion has led us astray,
the lion has led us astray.
Bailout your bank but lose your house to foreclosure,
and build up your credit card debt.
Go ahead and buy yourself another plastic cup,
the lion has trapped its prey,
the lion has led us astray.
Shave a lion’s head,
don’t run away,
don’t act like the prey.
The antelope,
the middle class,
don’t slave as the prey.
Everything they say,
everything they do is just a part of the game.
The antelope grows stronger
The lion must suffer
Gather our heard,
the mountain is just in sight.
Why don’t we travel in the dark of the night?
We must Strike Iron
Local business grows stronger
The lion gets weaker
The antelope will thunder
Our government must answer
Strike Iron
credits
from Millions of Voices,
released November 20, 2020
Michael Mark Bello: lead vocals, tenor saxophone, keyboards, lead drum, shells, bells, metal bottle, railroad ties, water offering dripping, bowed bells, sound effects conception
Kim Agnew: Chekere, Percussion, Vocals
Chris Brown: Trumpet, Flugelhorn
Patrick Byers: Baritone Saxophone
Patrick Cress: Baritone Saxophone
Kelsey Howard: Trombone
Liz Larson: Trombone
Tom Lattanand: Guitar
Adam Lowdermilk: Bass
Graham Roggli: Drum Kit
Jesse Weber: Conga, Percussion, Vocals
Michael Wynar: Guitar
All songs and lyrics written and arranged by Michael Mark Bello (BMI)
Published by Skabo Publishing
Produced by Michael Mark Bello and Patrick Byers
Recorded and Mixed by Scott McDowell
Mastered by Piper Payne
Recorded at Prairie Sun Studios, Cotati, CA
Executive Producers: Rebecca Thornborrow and Mark Bello
Cover Art: Ghariokwu Lemi
Graphic Design: Annette White
Studio Photography: Adrian Bello
Back Cover Photo: Cary Newman
supported by 4 fans who also own “Strike Iron When It Is Hot”
I can't speak to the lyrics, but I really like this manifestation of electronic lounge music and North African drums and vocals.
It's good late night chill music, not downtempo but energetic in a laid back way musically. Gaelan D'costa
