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The Messenger

by Matt Joe Gow

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  • Streaming + Download

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  • T-Shirt/Apparel + Digital Album

    High quality band T-shirt with MJG falcon logo designed by world-renowned artist Ken Taylor (Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, The National, Queens of The Stone Age, Jack White)

    Stylish, soft and comfortable, simply message size: 2XL, XL, L, M , S or XS (kids) when you order.

    Includes unlimited streaming of The Messenger via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
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  • Full Digital Discography

    14
    releases

    Get all 14 Matt Joe Gow releases available on Bandcamp and save 15%.

    Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality downloads of The Woodshed Sessions, Closer To Tomorrow EP, Between Tonight & Tomorrow, Between Tonight & Tomorrow (Single), 'Til My Whole Heart Bursts, Sweet Collapse, Go Ahead, Celebrate, Too Far To Go, and 6 more. , and , .

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  • The Messenger (CD limited final run)
    Compact Disc (CD) + Digital Album

    There are a few key qualities that the discerning music lover scrutinises when appraising a new artist. And very few artists wield so much charisma that they can sell you just about anything before you've realised what's happened. Matt Joe Gow has the charisma to be one of those artists - but he isn't. Matt prefers to concentrate on the conviction, on writing and delivering songs that look you straight in the eye. You don't have to listen to more than thirty seconds of Matt's debut album 'The Messenger' to appreciate that. The deep quaver in his voice leaps out of opening track Come To Mama (She Say) like an arrow, both graceful and inexorable.

    Though he grew up in Dunedin, New Zealand Matt decided to heed the many recommendations he'd received to "take music more seriously", moved to Melbourne and put together a band. Fortunately (or was it something more designed?) for Matt, he crossed paths with one of only a handful of producers that truly understand such noble motivations. Nash Chambers excels at tearing the heart out of a great live band and pinning it proudly on their record sleeve - where it should be. And he has an uncanny ability to tap into the very soul of country music as he has on this album.

    Recorded at Sing Sing Studios in Melbourne the album features instrumental contributions from Jim Moginie of Midnight Oil, Bill Chambers and Catherine Britt. Recorded at Sing Sing Studios, Melbourne.

    Released December, 2009, the CD comes in cardboard sleeve with with full colour booklet and lyrics. Artwork designed by renown artist Ken Taylor.

    Includes unlimited streaming of The Messenger via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.     ... more

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1.
Come To Mama, She Say 03:13
lyrics
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Come To Mama, She Say Storm it was a blowing in
 twister was about to spin my way 
kitchen door was swinging wide
 as if to say come on inside and stay 

Come to mama babe
 Come to mama she say
 Come to mama baby

 Get yourself down to a cellar
, gals go grab yourself a fella before it's too late 
Friend you'd better run for cover
, don't be caught alone out on Lover's Lane

 Come to mama babe
 Come to mama she say 
Come to mama baby 

It's best to make the most of this 
Fate is known to twirl and twist even the face Of the first girl I kissed I can't recall, can't recall 

Preacher was reaching in, the speaker wire calling out my name 
Son we're in the final hour
, making love you ought to be ashamed 
But if that woman ever stare you down
 the way she do you'd see it ain't that plain

 Come to mama babe
 Come to mama she say
 Come to mama baby 

It's best to make the most of this 
Fate is known to twirl and twist even the face Of the first girl I kissed 
I can't recall, not at all

 Come to mama babe
 Come to mama she say
 Come to mama baby

2.
Come What May 04:20
lyrics
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Come What May Stood in the doorway all chipped of paint Throw up your hands and you turn on your heels You had the child so you gave a couple of years more But now it's time, feel it tugging at your sleeve Girl, ain't a better time You only get one shot One swing One time around Ain't a better time Your mama said 'Baby come on home' Except for the whir of the engine Gonna do it on your own New school for your boy, well thats okay The ship came and it sailed away Girl, ain't a better time You only get one shot One swing One time around Ain't a better time You pray you're right about something Give enough, things will come your way Oh let me tell you one thing With open arms, honey Come what may Honey, come what may Girl, ain't a better time You only get one shot One swing One time around Ain't a better time End of December with the year in hand Weathered the storm and you're here to stand Whatever happens at the end of the day With open arms, honey Come what may
3.
At The Bar 03:15
lyrics
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At The Bar Spent most of my life it seems In and out of bars From one side of the world to the other, child Hiding in the dark You can lose the hurt in a room of people A room of strangers at that For the singing and the pretty ladies It keeps coming back I don't wanna be at the bar no more Crying into a stranger's drink I just wanna be in your arms Want love to be the death of me Started easy on the open road I was driving with a busted light First bar with a neon sign Oh man I got to feeling right An old timer well he sidled over Said he liked his whiskey neat Said 'Son I'm gonna die in this here bar Shuffle over 'cos you're in my seat' I don't wanna be at the bar no more Crying into a stranger's drink I just wanna be in your arms Want love to be the death of me Pulled over to the side of the highway Swear I never been so low Is it the drink or the tears I cried? Either way I couldn't see the road So I'm walking to your mama's place God knows that it's the middle of the night And if I wake her and this whole damn town Too bad I'm gonna treat you right
4.
The Light 03:39
lyrics
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The Light I know you wanna be heard Don't wanna be here Don't wanna be hurt Just wanna be understood Is that too much to ask? Yeah you made some mistakes Not sure of yourself Don't wanna be left Don't need to be out in front Looking for that place When it's all on the line Held up to the light I just wanna be able to show you It'll be alright Don't you ever look back Don't you ever come clean Everything that you knew Everything that you had is gone Son, open your eyes When it's all on the line Held up to the light I just wanna be able to show you It'll be alright
5.
Land Is Burning 04:22
lyrics
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Land Is Burning If the rivers that run dry Lead you to the rusted beach That lie beneath the rising tide Let it be you who lay me down From the flaming yellow hills Through the valley of our scars I give you back that which I stole Let it be you who lay me down There was no light to begin But something stirred from within I was a victim my whole life But the land is burning now Oh the land is burning When the winds that howl and moan Call for promises long made Take the poison be it quick Let it be you who lay me down There was no light to begin But something stirred from within I was a victim my whole life But the land is burning now Oh the land is burning now Oh the land is burning now Oh the land is burning I'm crawling on my knees
6.
Things Fall Apart ft. Catherine Britt 04:13
lyrics
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Things Fall Apart Been driving from the end to the start Steady moving, going against the grain It ain't easy when its coming from the heart Hide from it but it's coming back again A fine line 'tween something that you love Something that you can't get enough Something that you lost in the dust Washed clean by the water in a flood Darling I told you from the start Darling Things fall apart I want you to know Heard you singing from the house on the hill Like a dream, except something I could feel I swear you saw me though you say that isn't true I said I love you, well love you never knew A fine line 'tween something you defend Something that we just couldn't mend Does it matter? Any roads got a bend You used to tell me every story's got an end Darling I told you from the start Darling Things fall apart I want you to know It's no reflection on yourself Darling Things fall apart There's no meaning in this I don't have the answers I guess Anymore This time's for real How were you to know? It's no reflection on yourself Darling Things fall I want you to know Darling Things fall apart
7.
Steady Life 03:36
lyrics
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Steady life Steady train passing by my window Shakes the very floor boards Ain't sleeping though it ain't the noise Somethings calling to me now Feel lost with map in hand Lonely in a crowded place Pretty Mary's leaning over the bar Raise the glass of wine in her hand Toast it to the steady life Oh babe no matter what I say I'm pining for the steady life Oh babe no matter what I say I'm pining for the steady life Seven years are gonna change a man But I don't ask you cut me slack I'm just driving down a one way street So the sooner gone sooner back Pining for the steady life Bright eyes tearing up at me Blue like the summer sky Second guessing I'm making ground There's a late change a coming in You know I miss you, can you hear me babe? I still love you That weren't the question, though not in vain You're asking for the steady life And I wanna give you what is right Oh babe no matter what I say I'm pining for the steady life Oh babe no matter what I say I'm pining for the steady life Seven years are gonna change a man But I don't ask you cut me slack I'm just driving down a one way street So the sooner gone sooner back I know it seems like I got a ways to go To catch up with you but time is slow You know I miss you can you hear me babe? I still love you And I'm pining for the steady life
8.
At The Seams 04:11
lyrics
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At The Seams Full moon is shining down Lit up like the silver screen Wrapped up in the wire People praying to a new belief This river winds around Watch the rapid jump and dance Throw a stone to the other side Barely make it half the way This blood that's in my veins Flowing like the river carved A valley into the land Heart is swelling fit to burst When this world has swallowed up Everything you ever loved Everything you ever feared Will come to greet you face to face But you and I were supposed to be something It's not just any other day that I believe Now you're seized up like a dirty old machine Got a heart falling apart here at the seams This winter opened up Eyes I thought were tight shut Put a coat on brave the wind At least you'll numb your face and hands This shelter's strong enough But is there room to move inside? The road is long and dark and wet The keys are in your hand But you and I were supposed to be something It's not just any other day that I believe Now you're seized up like a dirty old machine Got a heart falling apart here at the seams
9.
I Let You Be 03:50
lyrics
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I Let You Be Get on the train my love at once I can't take one minute more Do not stop and turn, and do not wave Do not blow me a kiss, my darling sweet Get on the train my love and ride Let it take you home into the night Do not dream of me, and do not write Do not for one second think of coming back I'm gonna walk home darling Take whatever path is given me Lead me down to hell, don't matter I let you be Get on board my love, it's time Time to close this chapter off for good I am weary from this last dance I am burdened by the sins of my whole life I'm gonna walk home darling Take whatever path is given me Lead me down to hell, don't matter I let you be
10.
Its Not Hard 03:36
lyrics
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It's Not Hard You were raised a Christian, honey I was brought up under cover of Sun and sky We would meet in early evening Just as sun was setting in the cold Holding hands We had a love so simple, honey We had a love so pure oh despite What we knew But life's about direction, darling One day moving, one day come apart In front of you It's not hard to cross the earth or the sea It's not hard to cover ground on the breeze There are things I struggle with, that is true But it's not hard to stay in love when it's with you I moved on to big things, honey Bought a house and made my money back Sold it on You went on to marry someone And I heard you had a couple kids Ran aground But life's about direction darling One day moving, one day looking back Back at you I was doing more the later I stopped moving, started turning back Back to you It's not hard to cross the earth or the sea It's not hard to cover ground on the breeze There are things I struggle with, that is true But it's not hard to stay in love when it's with you
11.
Up On The Hill 03:41
lyrics
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Up On The Hill Up on the hill, back on the land An old grey house it sits My mama don't live there no more My father left town years before Some memories ain't good But they're all that I have I went back to look for myself Sometimes a marriage breaks down Sometimes your heart just ain't there But when he packed his bags Night before Christmas Eve I grew up thinking life just wasn't fair My sister, she wanted to dance Dreamed all her life of ballet When her legs wouldn't carry It broke her pretty heart Mama she weeps to this day My father and me didn't talk Twenty odd years went by But I got to thinking I grew tired of the load Pa I forgive you now Up on the hill, back on the land An old gray house it sits My mama don't live there no more My father left town years before Some memories ain't good But they're all that I have I went back to look for myself

about

The debut album from Matt Joe Gow, produced by multi-Aria award-winner Nash Chambers, and featuring contributions from Jim Moginie of Midnight Oil, Country star Catherine Britt and iconic Australian country guitarist Bill Chambers. The record launched Matt Joe Gow on to the americana music scene where he has become a staple, and built a career based on authenticity and heartfelt songwriting.


"MJG's new album has spent more time in our CD player lately than any other. It's a great collection of songs and sounds like a long-lost classic. A really impressive record."- Kasey Chambers & Shane Nicholson.

"Ranging from apocalyptic to optimistic love, the songs... contain sharp poetry and demand attention" - Peter Dougherty, Australian Musician Magazine, Winter 2009

"Matt Joe Gow and the Dead Leaves fuse country, rock and folk to create one fantastic listen" - The Music Network, July 6th 2009

".. One thing Gow isn't short of is conviction and that's well realised on his debut, made alongside his band The Dead Leaves. It's a beautifully written and recorded
affair..." - Chris Long, The Groove Guide, July 2009

"the latter day Melbourne musician and his road-band core - bassist Kain Borlase and guitarist Andrew Pollock - strut their stuff with delicious dexterity. And in wanderlust-fuelled love tunes At The Bar, Steady Life and It's Not Hard, the singer exudes deep passion. But it's in angst anthems Things Fall Apart and At The Seams that Gow reaches his peak..." - David Dawson, Beat Magazine, 29th July 2009

"... Gow is a confident vocalist who can persuade you he has seen the things he is singing about..." - Nick Bollinger, Radio New Zealand

"Matt's voice has an engaged emotional sound and that's alot of what it's all about in my view" - Steve Young

"..Very few artists wield so much charisma that they can sell you just about anything before you've realised what's happened. Matt Joe Gow has the charisma to be one of those artists - but he isn't. Matt prefers to concentrate on the conviction....as a result, The Messenger is the sound of a unique young artist realising his vision. And I don't need to tell you what a rare and precious thing that is these days" - Martin Jones, Managing Editor, Rhythms Magazine.

"Matt Joe Gow seems to be doing something special with the whole alternative country style. The album is outstanding with high quality well written songs." - Nicky Bomba

"..A rich gathering of his musical inspirations... knows how to write a tune." 5 stars (out of 5) - Shane Gilchrist, Otago Daily Times

"It takes only a few seconds of listening before the sheer energy of Matt Joe Gow's debut, The Messenger, hits you." - Paula Yeoman, Herald On Sunday, New Zealand

credits

released December 3, 2009

Produced by Nash Chambers
Recorded at Sing Sing Studios, Melbourne
Matt Joe Gow – Vocals, Guitar, Harmonica, Percussion
Andrew Pollock – Guitar, Vocals
Kain Borlase – Bass
Chris Elliott – Drums
James van Cuylenburg - Piano
Jim Moginie – Guitar, Hammond, Mandolin
John Watson – Drums
Michel Rose – Pedal Steel
Mick Albreck – Fiddle
Bill Chambers – Lap Steel
Catherine Britt – Vocals on "At The Seams" and "Things Fall Apart"

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Matt Joe Gow Melbourne, Australia

Few artists wield so much charisma that they can sell you just about anything before you’ve realised what’s happened. Matt Joe Gow has the charisma to be one of those artists – but he isn’t.

Matt concentrates on the conviction. You don’t have to listen to more than ten seconds of Matt's award winning albums to appreciate that. Barroom Americana with confiding closeness. ... more

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