Justin Scanlon has been writing trenchant poetry on the subject of war all his life. I have no idea what kind of luck would have his work only meet a minimal audience in obscure venues like WBAI at three o’clock in the morning,. He often says, “sometimes quality gets lucky, sometimes it takes longer. And longer might be lucky too. Look at Hendrix and Cobain. How lucky do you think they really were?” Justin began collaborating with producer/musician Dominic Barone early this year. Suddenly I’m hearing the makings of that very kind of luck wrestling its way from the womb in outraged, howling, and kicking action. Like Picasso’s Guernica, these works represent a refined and uncompromising commitment to disturb and compel in equal measure. Rare is for the rare. I hope you join me in appreciation. HOLE IN CONTROL (Music:Barone/Scanlon)(Lyrics:Justin Scanlon) Nolnacs Music 2006 RED RIVERS OF STEEL GLOW WHERE THE DARKNESS HAS WON FLOW THROUGH THE FIELDS OF THE MINERS DOWN TO THE SEA OF THE GUN HOW MANY VISIONS HAVE TO GO UNSEEN? THERE'S A HOLE IN CONTROL NOT A SOUL ON YOUR SCREEN JUST A HOLE THAT'S IN CONTROL BLUE LIPS AT THE DAWN GRIN AS A JOKE GOES UNSAID BOOTS LACED IN HASTE THIS MORNING ARE STRIPPED FROM THE FEET OF THE DEAD HOW MANY VISIONS HAVE TO GO UNSEEN? WHITE BONES ON THE BEACH DRESSED IN TATTERS AND RAGS LIVE IN THE LESSON THEY TEACH DEATH IS THE WEAVER OF FLAGS HOW MANY VISIONS HAVE TO GO UNSEEN HOW MANY?