Seconds Before Landing - The Great Deception (2013)

The genre of progressive rock has a proud history, and many would agree that Pink Floyd is the band that helped break it into the mainstream. Fans can re-discover that feeling. To be honest, I was thoroughly surprised by this album.

"Seconds Before Landing", the ambient rock collective, formed by musician and composer John Crispino, has released its first full length album. The 14 track concept album, entitled "The Great Deception" features original music from Crispino, with a number of guest talents, from notable musical followings. "King Crimsons" Trey Gunn appears and plays Warr Guitar on several tracks. Also appearing is legendary bassist, Tim Bogert, from Beck Bogert & Appice, Cactus, and Vanilla Fudge.

Seconds Before Landing
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Track Listing:

[02:24] 01. What Could It Be ?

This is the opening track of "The Great Deception" and sets the tone for the rest of the album. Mastered by: "Andy Jackson" of "Pink Floyd" fame.
lyrics
radio voice : headline edition, july 8, 1947. The army air forces have announced, that a flying disc, has been found, and is now in possession of the army. army officers say the "missile", found some time last week, has been inspected at roswell, new mexico, and sent to wright field, ohio, for further inspection……. (second voice)……. there is, something out there, that um, was close enough to be observed, and uh, what can it be ???

[05:55] 02. 'Welcome, to the Future'

"Welcome, To The Future", is a song with apocalyptic overtones. The timeline could be in the not too distant future….A time when the "New World Order", is redesigning the world, and how we live in it….. if we are allowed to live in it at all….."Trey Gunn" of "King Crimson" fame appears on this track with me, and does a "brilliant job" creating the atmosphere with his multi layered Warr Guitar parts. Mastered by: "Andy Jackson" of "Pink Floyd" fame.
lyrics
(mechanical female voice) _ Day by day, you sat back and watched as your liberty's were taken away…… You remained silent, except for when you spoke to criticize, those who were trying to make you aware……Little by little, you have lost, "all" that was familiar to you…..Because of your lethargy, you no longer live the freedoms you enjoyed….. Now, survival is all you care about….Welcome, to the future. Complacency, was your downfall. Now, you are paying the price. You are overwhelmed with fear….And now, panic is beginning to set in….. Blame only yourself….Blame only yourself…..Welcome, to the future. (john's ending voice) "You are now slaves of the system"!!!! " The signs were around you, but you failed to prepare" !!! "Bow Down To Your Leaders" !!!!!!! "Welcome To Your Future" !!!!! "Welcome, To The Future" !!!!! hahahaha……….

[06:17] 03. Solitary Man

Continuing the theme, this is the story of a man coming to terms, existing in a world that has basically been annihilated .Mastered by: "Andy Jackson" of "Pink Floyd" fame.
lyrics
Another day is night. I miss the morning light. The singing of the birds have gone. Grab my things and try and move along. I walk for miles it seems. Between the thorns and screams. I travel till my body falls, and question why I do this thing at all….. I crave the human touch. It doesn't seem like much. To hear the sound of a voice again. Or find a face that I can call friend…..(Chorus) I'm a solitary man…… Dear God its dark out here. Just smells and sounds of fear….The distant screaming in my head. I think the lucky ones are dead. My clothes are wet and cold. These boots are worn and old. The sound of weapons in the air. My constant fight is with despair. Oh Jesus Jesus please. I'm down on bended knees. Just waiting now to see the Son. Waiting now to see the Son. (Repeat chorus)…

[04:18] 04. Instructions

This song gives you step by step "instructions" on what to do when "they" arrive. Mastered by: "Andy Jackson" of "Pink Floyd" fame.
lyrics
Keep your head down low. Make your body small. Keep your voices down. Or they'll find us all. Do not believe the skies. Its just a demon plan. So keep your weapons tight. Its time to make a stand. Its Armageddon time. The people have amassed. The antichrist is here. It's time to face your past.

[04:14] 05. Alice Springs

The title "Alice Springs" sounds lovely. You may think the music sounds that way as well. However, "Alice Springs" is not a woman. It's a location. And from that location, drones are launched, killing thousands of innocent people worldwide. Spy satellites monitor every inch of the globe 24/7, and if "they" want to, they can listen to every word you say. Ahhhhh yes.. "Alice Springs". Mastered by: "Andy Jackson" of "Pink Floyd" fame.
lyrics
Good Morning Alice Springs. Did you listen to the things. That I said last night. And if what I said was wrong. Can we still just get along. I hate It when you're angry. (bridge) Your brothers blood cries out for me. Raytheon cant you see ? Raytheon cant you see ? So tell me Alice Springs. Do you really do the things. That I hear about you. While your staring at the skies. Listening for lies. Remember the children. (bridge) Your brothers blood cries out for me. Raytheon cant you see ? Raytheon cant you see ?

[06:02] 06. Innocent

Nothing angers me more, than violence and cruelty in the name of religion……. Each and every day, someone is being killed because the other persons religion says its the right thing to do……Its nothing new though, and it will more than likely continue until the end of time….. This song is about an individual from the past, named Pope Innocent. He was one of the best at being cruel. "I have amassed, so many ways, of which I can impale"…….. Mastered by: "Andy Jackson" of "Pink Floyd" fame.
lyrics
I am the Pope, thats "Innocent". I treat my children well. You must believe in mother church. Or I will bring you hell……. I've very little patience. Very little patience with thee…(repeat twice) Perhaps you'll ride…..My Judas chair. Or rest on beds of nails…… I have amassed, so many ways. Of which I can impale……. I've very little patience. Very little patience with thee (repeat twice) (after acoustic solo) I've very little patience…..No more, no more patience from me…..I have, very little patience….No more, No more patience from me…….

[05:23] 07. They're All Around You

"They're All Around You" is a song I was fortunate to have Rock Legend "Tim Bogert" play bass for me. He simply "cooks" The song itself is about "what is around you" pretty much 24/7. Bounce if you want. Just don't forget the message ….. Mastered by : "Andy Jackson" of "Pink Floyd" fame.
lyrics
They're in your mouth. They're on the news. They're in your car. They'll help you snooze…(they're all around you)…….They're in your house. They're on your phone. They're always there. You're not alone. ….(they're all around you)……"Get Ready"…….They're in your hair. They're in the skies. They're in the drops thats in you eyes……(they're all around you)……They're in your child. They're in your dad. They're in the meds that make you mad…..(they're all around you)…….They want your guns. They'll take your life. They'll steal your home. They'll fuck your wife…..(they're all around you)……They'll break your heart. They'll hurt your soul. They'll take your god. They're in control……(they're all around you)……..

[04:58] 08. I'm All Alone

"I'm All Alone" is a track of off the album "The Great Deception" by "Seconds Before Landing". The theme of the song takes place in a post apocalyptic world, where one individual does his best to hold on during his time of loneliness and isolation. Mastered by: "Andy Jackson" of "Pink Floyd" fame.
lyrics
My head is pounding, I hope no one can hear. I cool my face on the wall. I hear the voices in the distance I fear…..Is this the fate I befall ? I catch a glimpse of the blood in my eyes. My mouth is dry, and I'm cold. I squeeze her chain, in the palm of my hand. She died before she was old……I'm by myself, and they close from behind. My legs can't make it much more. I slide the chamber, there's only one left. Can't even settle the score.

[06:15] 09. Elmendorf

"Elmendorf" is a real place, located in the wilds of Alaska. Many people say that one of the largest FEMA camps in the world is found there. Mastered by: "Andy Jackson" of "Pink Floyd" fame.
lyrics
(speaking) Plane coming in from Elmendorf…. Sulli, you and Cheeks go down and pick this one up……yeah, they're coming in right now……try and bring me back a little red head this time, will ya guys ? (vocal) Hey old man, stand to the right. Remember you don't have a dog in this fight. And you young lady, stand to the left. We'll treat you well, if you serve our soldiers best, yeah ! (animated voice) The plane will be landing in ten minutes….Once the plane stops, you should rise from your seats, and begin entering the aisle in an orderly fashion….Failure to comply, will result in immediate disciplinary action….Once on the ground, you are to follow the yellow line, that leads to the warehouse……Stay within the lines, and the dogs will not harm you. Step outside of the lines, and the dogs will behave in the way they were trained….There will be absolutely "no talking"…..This concludes our message…..(vocal) Now form a line. Count 1-2-3….. And stop your cryin', cause this the way it be. All canes and chairs, move over there. Cause you aint goin', anywhere……..(animated voice)……If you have been given a blue mark on your hand, please move to the white building that is straight ahead…..If you have been given a red mark on your hand, please follow the administrator to the grey building, where you will be permitted to shower….Failure to comply, will result in immediate disciplinary action…..This message has been completed. (vocal) Prepare them all, to meet their maker !!!!

[06:13] 10. Down on Me

This song has a great deal of personal meaning to me. I suppose you can call it, one of those life changing events that can happen to a person……. I want to give a special thanks to bass player J.D. Garrison, for creating a monster of a part for me. Your talent is amazing…… I would also like to thank "Lior" for playing the perfect trumpet part for me at the end. When I asked for "dark and sad" you gave me "dark and sad". Thank you both ! Mastered by : "Andy Jackson" of "Pink Floyd" fame.
lyrics
It's fallin' down on me. Burning my skin. It's fallin' down on me. And now my sickness begins. I never heard, about the Moon Dust. Too young to know, about the Blue Fly. Only what I seen with my eyes. What did you know what did you wonder ? Or were you simply torn asunder ? Did you hide and wait alone ? Till they arrived to take you home. Did they arrive to take you home ?

[04:51] 11. Right Before Your Eyes

H.A.A.R.P. stands for "High Frequency Active Auroral Research Program, and is located in Alaska. It is an ionospheric research program, jointly funded by the United States Air Force, The United States Navy, The University Of Alaska, and the Defense Advanced Research Project Agency. They are capable of doing "interesting" things in the skies above you. I highly suggest that if you do see something "curious" in the sky, you think twice before you jump to conclusions as to what it may be……. I was fortunate to have the lovely and talented Vanessa Campagna sing with me on this, and as always, the track was Mastered by : "Andy Jackson" of "Pink Floyd" fame.
lyrics
You made the mountains, fall to the sea. Control our minds, with the right, frequencies……Make me see Krishna…..Make me see Allah……Make me see Buddha…..Make me see Mohammed……Make me see Jesus, Jesus, Jesus…..

[05:18] 12. My Time to Go

This track was written specifically for someone we lost during the recording of this album…… I had the music prepared, with an idea for lyrics, but once this person passed, this seemed a way to honor her memory. So, I rewrote the lyrics, and contacted Kati O'Toole about singing it for me, and fortunately she said yes…… As you will hear, she does a wonderful job.

The same can be said for Guy Bar Tor on bass, and guitar slinger Steve Schuffert. Absolutely wonderful players……Thank you all for your contributions ! Mastered by "Andy Jackson" of "Pink Floyd" fame.
lyrics
Where did I go, and what do I see ? This feeling of cold, thats inside of me….And who is this man, that's holding my arm ? I'm hearing His voice, He means me no harm…..I'm hearing His voice, He means me no harm…. I'm losing my breath, He's taking my soul….Completely surrendered, I give up control….I'm seeing your tears, and feeling your woe, He's taking me now, it's my time to go……..I don't want to leave, my family and friends….Please know how i love you, from now until then….You've nothing to fear….I'm safe and I'm warm….I'll see you again. Be happy don't mourn.

[05:32] 13. Mikey Get Your Accordion

This was the very first song I wrote for the project. I put the basics together, and then for some reason, I set it aside…… It had meaning to me, so I'm not sure why I did that….. Anyway, maybe 3 weeks after I had the track, I was killing time watching videos online…… I came across this amazing young guitarist from Perugia, Italy…… He was playing some David Gilmour stuff, and he blew me away……. I have a motto that is this : "you get 100% of what you never ask for"….. So, with that in mind, I tracked this guy down, and within a couple of days we were talking. A week after that, we were recording together, and the end result, is this fantastic solo he plays for me on this track. Thank you again Michele for the wonderful part ! And thank you too Vanessa Campagna, for the lovely voice at the end. Mastered by: "Andy Jackson" of "Pink Floyd" fame.
lyrics
Mikey get your accordion and play. Don't cry, be a man, do what I say. It's more about me, than you. Do what I tell you to………mikey…….. Mikey boy wont you make me proud today. Stand straight, no tears, now begin to play. Its all about me, and not you. Do what I tell you too……mikey……Dont Cry…Don't Cry… Don't Cry… Don't Cry (repeat twice). Mikey get your accordion and play. Don't cry be a man, do what I say…its all about me, and not you. do what i tell you too…… mikey…. Don't Cry… Don't Cry… Don't Cry… Don't Cry……Mikey get your accordion and play….(repeat 4 times)…….

[00:40] 14. Message in a Field

In 1974, Dr Carl Sagan sent a message into outer space, explaining many of the things about we humans. On August 14th, 2001, a crop circle appeared next to Chibolton Radio Telescope in England. What we have recorded, is the message that was received at that time…… Please watch the video link for more information……. www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9oJtzrdSeE
lyrics
Beware the bearers of false gifts, and broken promises….. Much pain, still time….. There "is" good out there…… We oppse deception…… Conduit closing.



THE BAND:

John Crispino - Composer, drums, percussion,vocals, midi keys, effects
Trey Gunn, Warr Guitar, Tim Bogert - Bass
Maurice Witkowski - Acoustic and rhythm guitar
Ebow on "Alice Springs" and "all guitar parts" on "They're All Around You"
Steve Schuffert - Lead Guitar on, "Solitary Man", "Instructions", "I'm All Alone", "Elmendorf", "My Time To Go", and acoustic on "Message In A Field"
J.D. Garrison - Bass guitar
Guy Bar Tor - Bass on "My Time To Go", "Alice Springs"
Asaf Rodeh - Front end guitar on "Elmendorf"
Kati O'Toole - Lead vocal on "My Time To Go"
Vanessa Campagna & Carrie Marie Jackson - Female background vocals
Lior, Trumpet. Jamie Peck - Piano on "Alice Springs", and last but certainly not least
Michele Cricco - Lead and rhythm guitars on "Mikey Get Your Accordion"

Album Mastered by 2 time Grammy Nominee, and "Pink Floyd" engineer, Andy Jackson.