As I listen to the song Gratification by Canadian musician Paul Manchin, produced by Grammy Award Winning David Bottrill (Peter Gabriel, Smashing Pumpkins, Rush), I cannot help feel a tingle in my spine when I hear the whispering line, “Did I just die or walk into a room of stillness”. I can’t help feeling memories of my younger years seeing Live Aid in the UK, watching Bob Geldof and the Boomtown Rats. Its like a great rock alternative experience without the drugs.

The song speaks volumes about the world today. People are constantly looking for gratification, usually instant or in everything they tend to do. We are “always told to do the right thing” is a line that stands out, but does it apply to everyone? Do our politicians try to do the right thing? Does our entire society do the right thing? Or does there always have to be some personal gratification to do the right thing?

It is a song that will make you question yourself, and why we are motivated to do the right thing. It is a song that takes you on a life journey, that we should all be focused on doing what is right, as opposed to getting something out of it like instant “Gratification”.

Give it a listen to the full album and see where your mind goes. Published by “Real World Music”.

Paul Manchin is a Canadian singer-songwriter, musician and actor. Raised near Toronto, Manchin moved to New York City to pursue a career in music. He released his self-titled debut album in 1998 and was reviewed very favourably in Billboard Magazine. As a songwriter and musician, Manchin’s works explore dance, love, equality and humanity. Classically trained in vocal and piano, with some additional training in guitar and flute. Manchin currently resides in Toronto, where he continues to write and record on his own and with others.

 

 

 

About the Author

Geri Atrick is co-host of Not So Str8 Talk, a show that focuses on marginalized & 2SLGBTQ+. Geri also organizes national events around music and the arts, is deeply passionate and active in politics, and is an advocate on many social justice issues. Giver her a little wine and you will never know what she will say. Check out the show at www.str8talk.ca