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Mountains and Cities

by My Pet Dragon

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Ethan Ross
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1.
Majestic Lovers 03:42
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You set the fire beneath me... you set it off, you set it off you know just how to release me, you get me off, you get me off Lord I want to tap into your heart lord I want to tap into your heart And the feeling that it all will be gone someday It’ll keep you in the arms of a woman so soft I think I now know why it is you pray You're wishing for something beyond beyond Majestic Lovers, come sing with me like no other You walk the wire to meet me you dance across, you dance across in you I'm lost completely, sweetly lost, completely lost Lord I want to tap into your heart lord I'm gonna tap into your heart And the feeling that it all will be gone someday It’ll keep you in the arms of a woman so soft I think I now know why it is you pray You're wishing for something beyond beyond And the feeling that it all will be gone someday It’ll keep you in the arms of a woman so soft I think I now know why it is you pray You're wishing for something beyond beyond Majestic lovers, majestic lovers, majestic lovers come sing with me like no other
2.
Moonshine 04:09
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In the dark of the night you put your hands together and you pray for the sweetest of souls who will listen to everything you say.... cuz we're both bleeding hearts what a shame we found each other too late well you're timeless like the sun, you're timeless like the moon baby Let's drink some Moonshine together may the red wine keep us alive forever I remember when you were drunk dancing under stars and you told me who you loved oh no no it broke my heart well you're timeless like the sun, you're timeless like the moon baby well maybe in the next life, maybe in the next maybe Let's drink some Moonshine together may the red wine keep us alive forever In the dark of the night you put your hands together and you pray for the sweetest of souls who will listen to everything you say oh mama, oh my my my, don't you ever go away cuz we're having a party and you are the guest of honor - stay We'll drink the Moonshine together may the red wine keep us alive forever Let's drink the moonshine together may the red wine keep us alive forever maybe in the next life I'll meet you in the moonlight meet me in the waves, meet me in the waves maybe in the next life I'll meet you in the moonlight meet me in the waves meet me in the wave
3.
Love Anthem 03:57
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We need love, we need hope to cut away all this rope we're tied and bound, told not to make a sound they want to keep, keep our feet upon the ground we need to lift up to the sun, we need to know that we are one we are one, we are one, we are one with everyone you can't dance on the backs of the poor you can't dance like that no more you can't dance on the backs of the poor you can't dance like that no more if you can hear us, we're calling out you better hear us, we're calling out Only love can save us now Only love can save us now Now all the rage inside you feel don't let 'em tell you it's not real upon this earth for once in our lives you can stay asleep or you can wake to realize you can't dance on the backs of the poor you can't dance like that no more you can't dance on the backs of the poor you can't dance like that no more we need to lift up to the sun, we need to know that we are one we are one, we are one and this is the sound of connection if you can hear us, we're calling out you better hear us, we're calling out Only love can save us now Only love can save us now Only love can save us now Only love can save us now Only love can save us now Only love can save us now Only love can save us now Only love can save us now
4.
Siren 03:58
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I get lost in the clouds when you are around your footsteps in my bedroom calm me down And the city tonight is sparkling wine and when you wear that green dress you stop time And I'm outta my mind, when you're by my side this temporary insanity is fine Oh lady you're the real thing and there's no one who deserves you... not even me Oh lady you're the real thing and there's no one who deserves you... well maybe me And I let out a sigh when I think of that night when I got wrecked off Guinness and you off wine Baby you were so kind that I had to make you mine you came out of nowhere somewhere divine And the city tonight is sparkling wine and when you wear that green dress you're stopping time Oh lady you're the real thing and there's no one who deserves you... not even me Oh lady you're the real thing and there's no one who deserves you... You're the siren in the night sending chills up my spine and I'm tripping off the songs you sing all the time You're the siren in the night sending chills up my spine and I'm tripping off the songs you sing me ooooh you're my siren in the night you're my siren ooooh you're my siren in the night you're my siren ooooh you're my siren in the night you're my siren ooooh you're my siren in the night you're my siren ooooh you're my siren in the night my lovely siren Oh lady you're the real thing and there's no one who deserves you... not even me Oh lady you're the real thing and there's no one who deserves you... well maybe me Oh lady you're the real thing and there's no one Oh lady you're the real thing and there's no one who deserves you.
5.
U R 04:03
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U R, U R the sound I hear coming, I hear you cut and slice through the air U R, U R the mystery hanging the glow up in the atmosphere U R, U R, U R, U R, U R U R, U R, U R, U R, U R U R, U R the sound I hear coming, I hear you cut and slice through the air U R, U R the mystery hanging the glow up in the atmosphere U R, U R those far away places, we talk of but never get there U R, U R the feeling that we used to get back when we had no care U R, U R, U R, U R, U R U R, U R, U R, U R, U R U R, U R U R, U R, U R You are, You are.
6.
Darling 04:32
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Man I need a melody to make me forget about time Forget about the rising seas in the land of me myself and I Forget about these zombies, forget about the suit and tie We're gonna fill our souls tonight, with music straight off the vine If you don't belong anywhere out there If you don't belong well come to me my dear Darling come see about me and I'll make sure my friends take care of you Darling come see about me Man I need a melody to make me forget about time Forget about the crows feet in the mirror dancing 'round my eyes We're gonna see a show tonight Show me yours I'll show you mine Gonna fill our souls tonight, with music straight off the vine If you don't belong anywhere out there If you don't belong well come to me my dear Darling come see about me and I'll make sure my friends take care of you Darling come see about me Don't it make you feel crazy, 'cuz you release all the love they hide, Oh Don't it make you feel looney, well they're the ones that are stuck inside, Oh Lets run away and get married, a little house in the countryside, Oh Lets run away and get married... What do you say would you be my blushing bride? Gonna fill our souls tonight with music straight off the vine Gonna fill our souls tonight so Darling won't come on by Darling come see about me I'll make sure my friends take care of you Darling come see about me Darling come see about me I'll make sure my friends take care of you Darling come see about me
7.
Crystal Ball 03:49
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Crystal Ball Words and music by Todd Michaelsen Published by Dragon's Lair (ASCAP) Oooooooooooooooo OoooooooooAaaaaaaaah Oooooooooooooooo OoooooooooAaaaaaaaah So buried beneath it You can't can't even see it You're a Chemical Demon You have lost all your reasons Its a miracle you're still Breathing Ch Ch Chemical Demon Have you lost all you Believe in? Live a Life of Deceiving You're So Buried beneath it You can't can't even see it Have you lost all your reasons? Chemical Demon No it doesn't Take a Crystal Ball, to know you're gonna throw Away it all No it doesn't Take a Crystal Ball, to know you're gonna throw Away it all Drown you sorrows in drinking Have you lost all your feeling? We can see your nose is bleeding This ain't just on the weekend You're Throwing it Away Believe it You're Throwing it away can't you see it? This is your One Chance to Be it This is your One Chance to Dream it This is your One Chance to Be it This is your One Chance to Dream DREAM DREAM DREAM No it doesn't Take a Crystal Ball (No it doesn't Take) to know you're gonna throw Away it all - (Throw it all AWAY) No it doesn't Take a Crystal Ball (No it doesn't Take) to know you're gonna throw Away it all Gonna Throw Away, Gonna Throw AWAY No it doesn't Take a Crystal Ball (No it doesn't Take) to know you're gonna throw Away it all - (Throw it all AWAY) No it doesn't Take a Crystal Ball (No it doesn't Take) to know you're gonna throw Away it all Gonna Throw AWAY You're Throwing it Away Believe it You're Throwing it away can't you see it? This is your One Chance to Be it This is your One Chance to Dream it This is your One Chance to Be it This is your One Chance to Dream DREAM DREAM DREAM
8.
Lover in Hiding 04:21
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I can see it in your eyes that you feel it too Something in the wind that is ringing true An electrical storm pass from me to you When it disappears what are we to do? So we howled at the moon and smoked a cigarette Played your favorite songs and never forget Lover in Hiding it's safe to come out You always gave more than you got out Now you're free to roam anywhere you want We all cry tears of wine to give you purple clouds I remember the last time that I drank with you We were dancing all around like a bunch of fools Screaming out with joy "baby I love you" When you leave this earth I will miss you too So we howled at the moon and smoked a cigarette Played your favorite songs and never forget How you sang along to Bob Dylan And you pointed when the words struck a chord within Lover in Hiding it's safe to come out You always gave more than you got out Now you're free to roam anywhere you want We all cry tears of wine to give you purple clouds I remember the last time that I drank with you We were dancing all around like a bunch of fools Screaming out with joy "baby I love you" When you leave this earth I will miss you too Oh what are we to do? Oh what are we to do?
9.
Flow 04:33
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Star-crossed lover, I'd pay to see you dance In another dimension You're the butter that’s dripping off my tongue You make me wonder has the world just begun What a night for a moonlit rooftop dance Come on now this could be our one last chance Let the energy go, Let the energy flow Let the energy go with the energy Come on now this could be our one last chance What a night for a moonlit rooftop dance Let the energy go, Let the energy flow Let the energy flow flow flow Right through you Back through me Oh, through you Back through me Na na na na na na.....naaaaaaa Coming from the bottom, surging up my spine I am yours and you are mine Star-crossed lover, I paid to see you dance In another dimension What a night for a moonlit rooftop dance Come on now this could be our one last chance Let the energy go, Let the energy flow Let the energy go with the energy Come on now this could be our one last chance What a night for a moonlit rooftop dance Let the energy go, Let the energy flow Let the energy flow flow flow Right through you Back through me oh oh oh oh Through you- let it flow Back through me Flow Flow Flow Flow Flow Flow Flow Flow, Flow, Flow What a night for a moonlit rooftop dance What a night for a moonlit rooftop dance Flow What a night What a night Flow What a night What a night Flow What a night! Flow What a night! Flow What a night! Flow What a night! FLOW!!!!
10.
Lightning Inside 03:58
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When I was a young boy my mother she told me: ”Son, don't you walk this world like anyone" When I was a lover my woman she told me: "Hun, don't you kiss me just like anyone" When I was a Pagan I worshipped the setting sun, so I had no need for religion and I feel, and I feel there's a lightning inside me and I feel, and I feel that my time is gonna come When I was a soldier I shot at the sun for fun until I heard the wardrums When I was a human I craved a connection and I want you to feel the words I've sung When you're one with the sound you find that your found You're one with the air and you're one with the ground and I feel, and I feel there's a lightning inside me and I feel, and I feel that my time is gonna come Do you ever get the feeling something is happening beyond explanation? Do you ever get the feeling something is happening beyond explanation? When I was a pagan.... and I feel, and I feel there's a lightning inside me and I feel, and I feel that my time is gonna come and I feel, and I feel
11.
Songbird 04:02
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You need a little love so be my bloody valentine Cupid's always drunk and never shoots in straight lines Soaring little dove flying with the airplanes Well I'm a perfect shot so now you going down in flames Bullet in the back Massive heart attack Screaming as our bodies collide She likes to be choked Secret up in smoke Celebrating being alive Oooh Songbird - Love to heal your broken wing now Oooh Songbird - I've got something to make you sing now Oooh Songbird - Gorgeous melody on a roller coaster Oooh Songbird - I hold the key, sing for me and I'll let you out Taste the killer lips pleasure with a pinch of pain Ride the killer waves right before the hurricane Center of the storm, a screaming little baby born His primal little yell, animal to the core Nails across the back Massive heart attack Screaming as our bodies collide She likes to be choked Secret up in smoke Celebrating being alive Oooh Songbird - Love to heal your broken wing now Oooh Songbird - I've got something to make you sing now Oooh Songbird - Gorgeous melody on a roller coaster Oooh Songbird - I hold the key, sing for me and I'll let you out Let you out, let you out Oooh Songbird - Love to heal your broken wing now Oooh Songbird - I've got something to make you sing now Oooh Songbird - Gorgeous melody on a roller coaster Oooh Songbird - I hold the key, sing for me and I'll let you out
12.
Mountains and Cities 06:18
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Give me your sunbeams give me your light shine it down on me I'm not afraid of bathing inside of your mystery If the mountains and cities crumble back into the oceans back into the sea If the mountains and cities crumble it wouldn't bother, no it wouldn't bother me And if the black-winged bird follows you And if the black-eyed serpent surrounds you And if the black-howl wolves circle you And if the black hole starts to swallow you Remember the light that’s shining out through your fingers down through your feet Remember the light that’s shining out through your fingers right onto me Remember the light that’s shining out through your fingers down through your feet Remember the light that’s shining out through your fingers right on back to me We hear the sirens, we see the signs that they don't see Their ice is melting faster than anyone can see If the mountains and cities crumble back into the oceans back into the sea If the mountains and cities crumble it wouldn't bother, no it wouldn't bother me And if the black-midnight cloud covers you You can’t see the path to get yourself back to you (oh no) Don’t know where you belong you need that song to find you (oh no) When you feel like the music’s gone, I’ll sing, I'll sing for you Remember the light that’s shining out through your fingers down through your feet Remember the light that’s shining out through your fingers right onto me Remember the light that’s shining out through your fingers down through your feet Remember the light that’s shining out through your fingers right on down to me Remember the light Remember the light

about

"This is big, audacious & brimming with hooks.... do not be surprised if you’re hearing more from and about My Pet Dragon, and soon."
--John Norris (Noisevox, ex-MTV News)

"The buzz about New York City-based rock band My Pet Dragon can be attributed to their anthemic songs and powerful live show. Strong pop melodies and lead singer/songwriter Todd Michaelsen's soaring vocals."
-- Filter Magazine

"If you remember a time when rock music on the radio was GOOD – My Pet Dragon is your band."
--Electric Panda

“Moonshine... this one is a must add to your end of the summer playlist."
--Music That's New To Me

"There is some of that emotional and sonic breadth of Arcade Fire at work... a chest-swelling urgency... this one has guts, sinew and songs."
--Elsewhere

"Already receiving rave reviews, Mountains and Cities is your – drive down the coast, wind blowing your hair, destination unknown – kind of album."
--Republic of Brown

"The ideal soundtrack for that cross-country, convertible drive under Augusts’ everlasting sunshine"
--The Deli NYC

“This is music to play while celebrating private victories over personal demons. This is music to play while you dance around your apartment wearing tube socks and a tank top, singing into the handle of your hair brush... It’s hard to pick out favourite tracks; every song on this album is clearly a work of art and an act of love, and every song feels like my favourite when it starts to play."
--HaveMatWillTravel

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My Pet Dragon Is:

TODD MICHAELSEN - Vocals, Rhythm & Lead Guitars, Horns, Ebows, Percussion, & Programming

REENA SHAH - Background Vocals and Percussion

RAJEEV MADDELA - Drums (Tracks 1, 2, 8, 10, 11, 12)

MARIO PADRON - Bass (Tracks 2, 6, 11, 12)

VINCENT MASCOLO - Guitars (Tracks 1, 2, 12)



Additional Musicians:

DANNY LOUIS - Mellotron (Track 5), Bass Guitar (Track 8)

ANTHONY MOLINA - Bass Guitar (Tracks 4, 9); Bass Synthesizer (Track 5)

ANTHONY RIZZO - Lead Guitar & Guitar Effects (Tracks 9, 10)

JASON MOLINA - Drums (Tracks 4, 9)

JUSTIN SMITH - Violin (Track 4)

STEPHEN GEORGE - Drums (Tracks 5, 6); Additional Keyboards, Percussion & Programming (Tracks 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10)

LOST AND FOUND CHOIR: (Track 2) Anne Robinson, Chris and Julie Bowman, Jeffrey Cameron, Jimmie Goodman, Aliza Hava, Dakota Bowman, Noah London, Roman Horst, Lyndsey Michaelsen



All songs written by Todd Michaelsen.
Published by Dragon’s Lair (ASCAP)

Produced, Mixed and Recorded by Stephen George for Gimme That Sound Productions

All tracks recorded and mixed at Gimme That Sound Studios

Additional recording Todd Michaelsen at Dragon’s Lair Studios

EXCEPT: Tracks 3, 4, 6, 7:

Recorded by Todd Michaelsen at Dragon's Lair Studios



Additional recording Stephen George at Gimme That Sound Studios

Mixed by Stephen George at Gimme That Sound Studios

Assistant Engineer Dakota Bowman

Mastering Chris Gehringer at Sterling Sound

Cover art by Shiro Akiyoshi
Layout by Gene Amoroso | bolduniverse.com

© 2011 Gimme That Sound Productions®. All rights reserved.


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Biography:

The My Pet Dragon story begins with a young Todd Michaelsen climbing into his old, beat-up Buick headed for New York City with a lyric book and Stratocaster in tow….

Todd grew up in upstate New York in a town called Granville, a small mining community on the Vermont border not too far from Saratoga. He grew up listening to his parents rock records of Springsteen, Young, Hendrix, and Dylan, but was also very influenced by 90's alt-rock. He had just quit college to expand his horizons in New York City's East Village, where he crashed on his uncle's couch for a year. After meeting artists, musicians, and DJ's, he moved to Bushwick, Brooklyn and immersed himself in the burgeoning music scene of Brooklyn. It was there he started playing with future My Pet Dragon drummer Rajeev Maddela. The two bonded over a love of rock music influenced by big, expansive artists such as the Smashing Pumpkins, Radiohead, Sigur Ros, and Bjork.

It was at Raj's loft/rehearsal space that Michaelsen met Reena Shah, an actress and classical Indian dancer from New Jersey. The two became inseparable and quickly moved in together, their blossoming romance punctuated by the harsh reality of living in a cold water flat in a rough neighborhood. A shared love of music and art got them through this stressful period. Their luck changed when they went to Mumbai to visit Reena’s relatives. It was Todd’s first trip to India and he was amazed by the experience. The couple explored Jain temples and saw live music, dance and the martial arts of Kerala. Indian culture was thriving despite intense poverty, just as they had thrived as a couple despite the hardships of their lives back home. After two months in India, Todd proposed to Reena on a beach overlooking the Arabian Sea.

After the inspiring trip, the couple returned to New York and formed My Pet Dragon, named after Todd's imaginary childhood nemesis. Todd and Reena's journey throughout India heavily influenced Todd’s songwriting—rock fans and DJs, alike, embraced their homemade debut album, First Born. A remixed version of the song “Dragon Breath” was played on BBC Radio and the album and subsequent tour received rave reviews. First Born also caught the ear of acclaimed DJ and producer Karsh Kale, who had Todd write and sing three songs on his 2006 album Broken English and appeared on Breathing Under Water, his 2007 collaboration with Anoushka Shankar. (Todd was also featured on the track 'Phoenix Rising' off of Kale's latest record "Cinema", which debuted at #1 on the iTunes World Music Charts this year). Todd and Reena worked together again on 2009’s award winning animated feature film “Sita Sings the Blues,” with Todd composing the score and original songs, and Reena voicing the title character of Sita.

All of this activity led My Pet Dragon to acclaimed producer Stephen George. George, aka Stevo, was the original drummer in the legendary band Ministry and has recorded and worked with a wide range of musicians including Iggy Pop, The Cars, and Common. Stevo was impressed by First Born and a demo of Todd’s new compositions. He offered to produce and release the next My Pet Dragon record on his newly formed label, Gimme That Sound Productions. Recorded at George’s studio, in a barn located in the Catskills, the recordings feature new friends Danny Louis (Gov't Mule), Carlos Anthony Molina (Mercury Rev), Carl Jason Molina (Hurricane Bells, Longwave), Anthony Rizzo (Little Embers, Garden Variety), as well as My Pet Dragon band members Rajeev Maddela, Mario Padron, Vincent Mascolo, and Reena Shah. The recordings were inspired by classic and contemporary artists such as Radiohead, Flaming Lips, Smashing Pumpkins, Beach Boys and Neil Young, but invoke a unique, ethereal sound driven by Todd’s frenetic guitar strum and melodic tenor voice.

Though many tracks on the record find Michaelsen playing all the instruments and performing all of the vocal parts, during the recording of the album, My Pet Dragon blossomed into a full 5 piece rock band who's combination of power, ambience, and passion set them apart right away. It seems as though Todd has finally found the right musicians he was looking for when he headed to New York City years ago. Maddela's mesmerizing drumming matches the energy of Todd's songs, voice, and guitar playing. Mario Padron's exciting performances and expansive bass playing push the band into new territory, while Vincent Mascolo's beautiful guitar playing and backup singing gives the band its shimmer and ambience. Reena Shah has now started playing keyboards while her singing, dancing, and percussion give the band a unique and soulful presence. "MPD", as their fans call them, are as excited about the new record "Mountains and Cities" as their audience is.
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Contact:
pd@gimmethatsound.com
www.gimmethatsound.com

www.mypetdragon.net

For press inquiries:
August Forte / august@novo.net
773.278.6686

credits

released August 2, 2011

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