The Truth Is Stranger Than Fiction

Description

Now available in digital format only.

Doug’s fourth solo album. More up tempo than any since his first. More experimentation with synthesized sounds (it was the 1980s). Edgy, like Bluer…, but with better production values. This was the first album not to include song notes in the original packaging.

Total playing time – 52:47

Basics

Produced by Michael G. Kuzma and Doug Howell. Music, lyrics, lead vocals, arrangements by Doug Howell. Recorded at Solid Sound, Ann Arbor MI, 1985–86. EDN 106, Released 1986. Publishing later assigned to Creative Measures. Digitized from master tapes in 2006 at Sonic Landscapes, Jackson, MI and released on CD. CD remastered in Dec 2007.

Playlist

See each song for lyrics and notes.

• The Truth Is Stranger Than Fiction
• Blair
• Hollywood
• Can’t Feel It Anymore
• Interlude No. 1
• According to Your Word
• Keep On
• Where Could She Be?
• Liar
• Oh, September
• Dweller by the Dark Stream
• Interlude No. 2
• Let Go

Notes

Truth is the only album that did not include song notes with the original release. It’s the hardest album to understand, the hardest to explain, and contains the edgiest music and lyrics. We were purposely trying to hearken back to Bluer days: more rocky and more raw. I think we succeeded for the most part, but at the same time, it wasn’t really possible to return to the Bluer days. Time and technology were marching on.

It’s easy to hear that this was recorded at the beginning of the computer music sequencing era. Even though we’d used synthesizers from the very first album, this marks the first time the parts were sequenced—recorded and played back via MIDI (the Musical Instrument Digital Interface standard). I can’t even remember what equipment we used to sequence most of the drums, bass and synth parts—I think it might have been an Atari I borrowed from the studio. But in any case, the album predated my Macintosh period, which dates from 1986 to the present. Which means it was primitive in many ways, compared to the control and nuance you can achieve through modern-day music software like Digital Performer. We decided on this method (sequencing) partly to save money, and partly just to go for something different.

My producer, Mike, always pushed me vocally. But on this album he carried it to the extreme. I would do a perfectly fine track—or so I thought—and then he’d pick a fight with me, trying to get me to reach further in to deliver something farther out. On some of the tracks I ended up almost screaming. I understand why he pushed me, but I felt at the time that he was pushing me too far. I still cringe today at some points in the album, thinking we just went too far. Thankfully, there are some nice moments, too, though.

Mike pushed me in other ways on this album, too. On “Can’t Feel It Anymore,” he loved the lyrics, but didn’t think the music matched their emotional intensity, so he asked—perhaps I should say strongly suggested—that I rewrite the music to the entire song. That’s the only time I ever remember doing that, and as it turns out, I’m really glad I did. The song turned out to be one of my personal favorites.

So, whatever its imperfections and quirks, Truth still captures an essence and still communicates something. Exactly what it communicates is the subject of the rest of this article, I guess.

Shifting now from music to meaning… You’ll read song-specific notes under each title, but some overall comments are definitely called for. You’ll probably notice there is a lot going on in these songs! There is anger, confusion, passion—sometimes all at once. The main reason is that there was a colossal struggle going on in me during this period. I was finally (yes, finally, as I was already in my thirties—I am nothing if not naive) starting to come out of the closet. Yes, Virginia. That closet. The process would take another three years—another year before I’d really begin to accept who I am, and then another two years before I would make a commitment to my life partner, David. At that point, I guess you could say that I was out, although it’s really a life-long process.

Around the time Truth was released, I was in a 12-step program called Homosexuals Anonymous, and in the middle of eight years of psychoanalysis, all aimed at making me into something I wasn’t, something I thought God wanted me to be. So I hope the listener will forgive a few tortured rants and raves on this album. I actually might have had an easier time of it if I’d learned to rant and rave a bit earlier in life.

Credits

Produced by Michael G. Kuzma and Doug Howell • Compositions, arrangements, keyboards, drum programming, lead vocals by Doug Howell

To Mike Kuzma, my longtime producer and friend, without whose encouragement and generous support many songs would have gone unheard; and to the unfound friend: I dedicate this Truth.

Supporting vocals by Lonnie Hull and Doug (except “Blair,” by Shirley Stockwell and Doug; “Where Could She Be?” and “According to Your Word,” by Kathy Darlington) • Electric and acoustic guitars by Daniel Leonhardt • Bass guitar on “Blair,” “Let Go” and “Liar” by Rob Martens • Flute and recorder by Kathleen Janka McClatchey • Soprano saxophone by Louis Stockwell • Percussion by Ken Michalik

Recorded at Solid Sound, Ann Arbor, MI; December, 1985 – May, 1986 • Engineered by Rob Martens with assistance from J. Willard Spencer • Mixed by Mike Kuzma, Doug and Rob Martens • Mastered by Steve Hall, Future Disc Systems, Hollywood, CA • Photography by Mike Kuzma, front photo taken in Dawn Treader Bookshop, Ann Arbor; • back photo taken at Washtenaw Community College • Original art by Nancy Oleszkowicz • Film work by Jack Wolak • Typesetting by George Elemont and Robin Prasaquet

Thanks to Debbie Kuzma for loaning Mike to me, keeping the business going in his absence; to the folks at Solid Sound and SASI Sound Productions for the neverending supply of bagels and yogurt, and for helping me pay the rent; to Chris Ranney for technical assistance; to Carol Larsen; to Nance for helping with the pix; to my family and friends for their constant support and prayers.

Digitized from the original master tapes in July, 2005, by Sonic Landscapes, Jackson, MI. Released on CD 2006. Remastered for CD 2007.

℗ © 1986 Dweller by the Light Stream Music, assigned to Creative Measures (ASCAP) • All songs © 1986 by Dweller by the Light Stream Music, assigned to Creative Measures (ASCAP)

Note: See The Old Albums Revisited for general notes on the how’s and why’s of creating CD versions of the first five albums.

Reviews

I do look forward to purchasing one of your future albums with “Blair” included. I have been thinking about that song today—don’t remember all the lyrics—but I do remember that hearing it was what I call a time of “Fragile Moments.” —M. H., Plainfield IN

I’m up late puttering and doing quiet time at home with The Truth Is Stranger Than Fiction playing over and over. I realized when I got home tonight that this is the cassette of yours I have and hadn’t listened to in a long while. It’s really wonderful, especially “September,” which I’ll always love. The best thing is the more I know you, the more wonderful it is playing this now. It’s like “having Doug over” 🙂 and sharing my favorite thing about you – your heart and music. —A. D., Ann Arbor MI

Much gratitude is extended to you because of the moments you spent with us last night. I know that all of us are either humming or singing a tune from the large selection of songs you sang. The words are ones which will be remembered and enjoyed until we can have a copy of your new album and have repeated times of refreshment. Many singers in the Christian music field are seemingly more interested in public appeal than pleasing God. I have run into the same problems when seeking out some good music to listen to. I have a deep appreciation for those who use, not abuse, music, and allow it to be a means of communication. I valued the time you spent with us—for your music was a true expression of your heart… —G. M., Brooklyn Park MN

I have felt for quite a long time that you were just like an old friend to me so I decided to write you and communicate in the other direction. I read in your album notes you have sometimes wondered why you persist in making records when there are already so many (and there are) to choose from. And Jesus said, “But kid, I give you songs only you can sing; wonʻt I use what I have created?” I would like to affirm you in that, Doug, because Jesus uses your songs in my life in a very special way. They touch a part of me that cries to be touched. When I put your music on, itʻs comforting. I feel understood. We humans desperately need to know that weʻre not alone. And your music always, always brings me kneeling before Jesus, and remembering that all I ever do want is Him. It cuts through my rebellion, and my defenses, and my protests, and I begin to see the God who knows me, who knows me better than I know myself, and still loves me. I will never be able to grasp that. So I thank you for who you are, and for sharing that person so honestly. —C. W., Tallahassee FL