Album Notes

A spin of Sam Payne's "Railroad Blessing" is like walking into a party--everyone stops to look, all itching to talk to you (it's why they came, after all). It's quite a crew, too. And with a menu like this, who's gonna be first?

There's an American astronaut, fresh from five months aboard the doomed Space Station Mir. Space was great, but it's lonely up there.

There's Erik Weihenmayer, the first blind climber to summit Everest. Some think that sort of a climb is something like marriage. Other's think it's more like rehab.

Or what about that old guy in the corner? His son is suiting up for war. Dad's a patriot, but he prays that the country won't squander that young life. It's the biggest gift the old man can give, after all.

The girl by the window was just given the brush-off by a guy in the woods who used the old "I'd marry you but I've actually been raised from a baby to be a sacrifice to Mother Earth to ensure a bountiful harvest" line. She's thinking about going back to him anyway.

Those two talking in solemn tones at the table are twins. Used to hate each other. Their names are Jacob and Esau.

There's a table full of priests, frowning as they watch a rocket take off on television.

In the center of the room is a coffin, inhabited by a guy who slid so quietly out of this life that a lot of people didn't notice. Not like him to miss a gathering like this.

Here's what folks who've been to the party already are saying about it:

"Payne is one of those few musicians who can successfully combine both songwriting and stage performing. He can write poignant and meaningful lyrics, combine them with a melodic hook, and perform them in a voice that makes you want to close your eyes and drift away."
-The Spectrum


"Payne delivers his riveting folktales with passion, emotionally stirring hooks, and an almost supernatural ability to tell a story."
-The Independent

"Listening to the lyrics--that song about his grandfather; Holy Cow! Some of the best lyrics I've ever heard."
-The Glenn Beck Program