Jim Ocean Music > Discography > Hard to be Real

Hard to be Real

by Celtic Elvis

Hard To Be Real is a product of the third incarnation of Jim Ocean’s musical satire group, Celtic Elvis.

It was recorded live at Strings, an invitation-only acoustic music salon near Berkeley, CA. The album features Jim Ocean (vocals, primary songwriter and lead guitarist), Randy Anger (guitar and lead vocals), Barbara Griesau (vocals), Cecelia Pierotti (violin), and Rich Wescott on (vocals and bass).

The writing is mostly satirical, some of it darkly so. Songs such as “Help Me, Help Me I think I’m Turning into My Wife” dive deep into social and interpersonal relationships. “Male Pattern Numbness” delves into male psychology and commitment issues. “Singing in the Acid Rain” shines light onto how we gloss over reality as we cope with environmental degradation.

Featuring four-part harmonies with minimal instrumentation, the album has a definite “folk” feel.

Many thanks to Joey Lent, the owner of Strings music salon and to Paul Tumolo who recorded the live event and produced the album for his Wildplum record label.

OceanSongs Discography