This was to be my debut album cover
August, 2017 I moved to nyc to pursue a recording deal as a singer/songwriter. I earned a living singing and playing guitar/piano in lounges, restaurants and supper clubs. I sang standards from the 30s-50s, top 40, folk/country and also some of my original songs. All the while I was writing new songs, making song demos and shopping for a deal. Due to inept management and bad timing,
I had a few good production and recording deals fall through. And, I was offered a few bad deals that I refused. (Ah, the stories I can tell…) I never did sign that major label contract, but I’ve continued writing new songs, performing and recording.
On this site are demos (see the playlists below) of some of the hundreds of songs I’ve written — and out of necessity — recorded in my home studio. These song demos are my musical legacy. It’s for the listener to decide if my music deserves its anonymity. I’m always writing and recording songs and I plan to do that until the day I disappear.
* * * * *
HERE ARE SOME RECENTLY POSTED SONG DEMOS !!!
FLY AWAY…
YOUR SECRET HEART
YOU THINK
THE KING OF BABBLE-ON
WICKED WORDS
STINK EYE
THAT MOUTH
BETTER HIM THAN ME
HOWLIN’ AT THE FACELESS MOON
DON’T BLAME IT ON ME
MR. TOGETHER’S COMIN’ APART
HAPPY TO BE
* * * * *
Please check out the comments after the playlists (and leave a comment!).
If you’d like to download some songs — for free — let me know and I’ll give you access to downloading.
* * * * *
All songs written & performed (all vocals, electric and acoustic guitars, keyboards, bass, etc.) by Allan Bullington – recorded & mixed by me in my home studio (unless otherwise noted). (I don’t use autotune, Melodyne or the like.)
ALL SONGS – © ALLAN BULLINGTON (IncaBull Music – ASCAP)
Country music legend Ronnie Milsap chose my song What I Wouldn’t Give as the winner of American Songwriter magazine’s Country Cut Contest (a three month long contest with thousands of entrants). The song has been recorded by Milsap and is due for release. Hear What I Wouldn’t Give
To send a comment – just click into the box at the bottom of the page – type your comment, etc. (If you’d prefer that your comment not be made public, just let me know.) THANK YOU to everyone on my mailing list who gives a listen and especially to those who comment.
“Sun Never Shines” — What a delight. Love the lyrics and the groove on this one is unshakeable. Strong vocal and so appreciate the arrangement and the build with the variations of the backing instruments. Just doesn’t stop, this one. Congrats and thanks. – Wayne
“Such A Mystery” is really well performed, Allan! Your voice at the beginning of the choruses is sublime. You have so many great ideas, it’s amazing!
Lorrie
Allan, there are so many things to like with this song “Such A Mystery”. It’s one of my favorites to date. Get this: a bit of the Rasberries, Roy Orbison mixed in. Great arrangement, great lyrics, great melody and a really great lead vocal. Knocked it out of the park! — Wayne
Hey Allan…..”Such A Mystery” is such a nice production….Cool song…..Good work!
Allan, Great stuff. Love My Masterpiece. Great lyrics and melody. Can’t wait to hear more.
Best,
James
Allan, You sound just great here (‘The King of Babble-On’) – so much energy and such a fine vocal! An achievement you must be very proud of. Way to go!
Lorrie
Allan, what a tremendous creation from you. (THE KING OF BABBLE-ON) When you get in the zone, and those of us who go there understand, you soar. Really really appreciate this particular one. Your voice is so right for this. Great way to end a very good year of recordings. — Wayne
“Wicked Words” — I love to hear what you do and your voice is still strong and present. Love the pacing with the key board accompaniment as well. But the message is one we all relate to. Nothing is ending but simply a snapshot at the ups and downs of love. Congrats and keep doing what you love and do so well.
WICKED WORDS — that melody is very catchy, particularly in the verses. I like the clever inserts of some unexpected minor keys along the way – I’m getting to think you have a very strong songwriting style. Arrangements seem to be your specialty!
“Pop Goes Tomorrow” — I really liked the chord changes, melody and arrangement… Beatle-esque without sounding like the Beatles, retro with a modern edge. Which seems to be your thing. And it works! – Elliot
STINK EYE — Very nice – love this – love the vocals – playing is great and the mix sounds spot on.
Wow your voice reminds me very much of McCartney, and the song style reminds me of him. AWESOME! The hook is definitely the highlight:
“If you’ve got nothing to hide
you’ve got nothing to fear.”
I was singing along immediately!
Allan, Nice work on “Howling To The Faceless Moon”. I like that unusual progression. I mostly like the message, bleak. Not really bleak but honest. Nice voice too. Beautiful harmonies, wish I could do that. Tommy
(Howlin’ At The Faceless Moon) — I like this song! Your voice is super and I like the sense of humour and wordplay you inject. The hook for the title line is very catchy, too. The bass and drums really drive the song along well and are punchy propellers. You’re very talented!
“Howlin’ At The Faceless Moon” Hey Allan! This is a fun, crazy tune. Funky sort of disco vibe. I dig it. I listened to it some six times. I am absolutely loving the vocal melody, especially the title line. Fantastic prechorus sets the hook up really well, and then the title line just kills it. I am such a fan of this song.
P.S. I love that guitar part right after the title line. Awesome. — Nicky
DON’T BLAME IT ON ME — Very Nice! Rock On! — CC
(DON’T BLAME IT ON ME) — What a great song to hear first thing in the morning. I love the tone of this recording, the melody and lyrics of course and the earnest quality of the lead vocal. Sounds like a hit. Keep’m coming!
“The Real Me” Although very much an original tune, it pays a distinct homage to the Revolver era Beatles in the reverse effects, eastern rhythms, and vocal harmonies. You put a modern spin on the tribute with delicious sounds. Very solid mix and the vocals are well done. Thanks for posting, i really enjoyed it. – Jason
Mr. Together’s Comin’ Apart ——- ANOTHER SUPER SONG, WORDS AND MUSIC. You are a bloody musical genius Mr. Bullington. — John Van Wagoner
MR. TOGETHER’S COMIN’ APART — It’s not hard to imagine this tune on a Byrds, Beach Boys or Moody Blues album. Nice writing!
Mr. Together — It’s nice to hear good music. I get a very mid 60′s vibe from the production. Byrds… Association type of feel. Nice job! -Paul Ville
“Pop Goes Tomorrow” — Beatles-eque!! Clever lyrics, with some solid points wittily made. Talent aplenty! Hats off to you!! Nice work.
BRUCE L
HAPPY TO BE — Very enjoyable! Great guitars and vocals, good variation as the song progress, love that organ. Lovely 60′s vibe, actual thee verse remind me a little of the chorus in Substitute by The Who. — Jerry B.
Hey man,nice song! (Happy To Be) — Some interesting “moments” like the accappella part.I like the lyrics and the message. Good singing.
Nice work! – Leo
“Happy To Be” has a nice sound. Guitars at the beginning remind me of Pure Prairie League, and the overall sound is much like Kasim Sulton’s solo work (Todd Rundgren’s bass player). – Mike B.
“That’s How The Story Goes” — LOVE THIS! It’s sort of James Taylor . . . – Mary
MYSTERY — This is a super pop tune. Terrific hook – it really has that infectious “Dancing In The Moonlight” vibe to it. Good stuff! – Bobby
Allan,
“Pop Goes Tomorrow” could have been on one of the later Beatle albums.
Jim
‘Down In Boystown’ — Nice tune, Allan. There was an Irish band in the 80s called ‘Microdisney’ and it reminds me a bit of them …
“The Real Me” is a great slice of psychedelia. Allan! I am a sucker for backwards guitars so I was hooked form the start. I wish you posted your songs on Soundcloud because it would be nice to hit play and hear a succession of songs. Good stuff, keep the hits coming!
BOYSTOWN is simply fantastic Allan!! I am one for sad songs. Great voice, great lyrics and great music. Thank you! ^_^
Thanks, Margaret. I’m glad you like the song
I really enjoy listening to the different kinds of music you write and sing, such a large repertoir!! Keep up the good work Allan. (‘Uneasy Street’ – I like this song!)
Yup, “Keep Me To Myself ” is another winner maestro. And “Uneasy Street” — man, that was an INSPIRED song Mr. Genius Composer. Dang, you really do turn out some great stuff Allan. Damn shame somebody in the monumental music establishment doesn’t know about YOU. Keep at it. Surely the law of averages will kick in some day soon and the RIGHT person will listen and sign you up. — John
Really really really like “A Peacock At Heart”. Reminds me of Art Garfunkel on early Simon and Garfunkel stuff – high praise indeed but deserved!
- Tommy
‘Too Much Pride’ — Great Words! LOVE this one!
‘In Some Foreign Land’ is another solid song! What I liked best about this track, besides everything, was the arrangement. Really tasteful use of electric guitar, I loved the chorus. The verse groove is totally different and makes a great juxtaposition with the choruses. Vocals are solid. Remarkable work. – Gregg
“Too Much Pride” invites you to join in and sing along. Love the harmonies and the overall vibe, Allan. It’s inspiring and you get me almost from the first bars of your music. Congrats on another beautiful gift to the world!
You are a bit of genius Allan. You make very creative and beautiful music — dang, a bummer we can’t get some pro to recognize your talent, market it and make you wealthy.
That “Howlin’…” is sweet. love the bridge homage/spin on Lennon’s classic anthem. main vocal and harmonies really make this; gives it nice texture. The lyric speaks to me. cool track.
“My Masterpiece” reminds me of early Steely Dan. LOVE IT!
Well, who am I to argue?
Anyway, the Dan is one of my top 5 favorite groups so I appreciate even being mentioned with them.
“What I Wouldn’t Give” is one of the best songs I’ve heard in some time. Also, it’s so good to hear your voice again after all this time and how you’ve matured as a songwriter and performer. Your work is truly an inspiration and I played the sample list through a couple of times to get a sense of the body of work you have here. You’re still amazing.
I really like Uneasy Street. You’ve got a cool voice and the production sounds very polished and professional throughout the whole track. That’s a catchy tune you’ve made – cool
Your Secret Heart is a really cool tune Allan! as well as XTC, a bit of Frances Dunnery and Johnny Marr in the guitar work – which is a big plus in my book!
Keep Me To Myself — I’m a huge fan of this vibe. Reminds me of the Beatles and kudos to your writing skills.
YOUR SECRET HEART — That’s a catchy song Allan. Are you an XTC fan by any chance? The guitar work on this reminds me very much of ‘Drums & Wires’
Hi Sam – thanks – yeah, I’m a bigtime XTC fan – more their later stuff though than “Drums…”.
‘Dancing In The Rain’ – It reminds of Seals & Croft but better!
Sun Never Shines is a fantastic Song! Really enjoyed it!
‘Sun Never Shines’ is a great song Allan, Dariel and I really enjoy your creativity. Sorry we don’t have the connections or resources to promote them. You’re super creative.
John & Dariel
Huge applause to you Allan! You are an amazing musician. Thank you for sharing these enjoyable moments with us. BRAVO and many many more! – Margaret
Allan,
I really enjoyed your song My Masterpiece — Profound! Made me think. Thanks!
‘My Masterpiece’ is a beautiful song! Thank you for sharing this!
“A Stranger” is a great song and great playing, Allan!
“Hold Tight” would be an amazing movie ballad! Great job!!
– Janet
Hey – your music’s good — why aren’t you famous?
Cool tune “Without Love” – your vocal sounds great and the band cooks — I like your songs.
I’m diggin’ ‘Keep Me To Myself’ and a bunch of the others on Pop-Rock – very Beatle-ly.
Your songs sound great – love your voice!
OMG! I LOVE your songs – “Amazing” is all i can say about those songs!!
Love you – Janet
Allan,
I have always loved your music and can not figure out why you are not famous as you should be.
Love you! Janet
Janet, thanks. Sweet of you to say that. Hey, as the poet said…
“Alas! it is delusion all—
The future cheats us from afar,
Nor can we be what we recall,
Nor dare we think on what we are.”
– Lord Byron
Good job on this web site — Rock On!
HiYa Allan……Site looks real cool amigo….Proud to have been a small spoke in your very musical wheel…
Allan: I am enjoying your website. It’s great to see you and Sylvia.
Allan, congrats on the music website; amazing music & photos/history. Glad to see TTNN website looking good also.
I really like your site Allan! I’m having fun looking around it.
Allan,
I like the site! The song, “GOTTA FIND OUT” is really good!