Search - P.J. O'Connell :: Dream Life

Singer/songwriter (and frontman for Durham, NC?s immortal Flying Pigs) P.J. O?Connell?s debut solo release is now available on Sonic Trout! A followup to the Pigs' critically acclaimed 1997 career retrospective, "Desi", O?Connell?s "Dream Life" contains 13 new songs performed by an interesting array of musicians from North Carolina, including Terry Anderson & Jack Cornell from the Woods, guitarist Mike Krause, pedal steel virtuoso Clyde Mattocks,and Flying Pigs alumni Billy McCarthy & R.T. Truesdale, together with producer Wes Lachot. Some may notice a darker tone on some of the eleven originals; sadly, O?Connell?s baby daughter Elsbeth was terminally ill during the recording of "Dream Life", and her struggles and strength were a presence throughout, especially on the ethereal instumental that bears her name. The album is also haunted by the spirit of the great Gram Parker, who is the subject of the loping elegy "New Orleans." A native New Englander, O?Connell has since relocated to Cape Cod, Massachusetts, home of Sonic Trout and residence of labelmates Chandler Travis and the Incredible Casuals; in recent weeks, he has been recording new material with Chandler and members of the legendary NRBQ in Brattleboro, Vermont.