Tilt-A-Whirl

by the Silent Boys

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about

In “Tilt-A-Whirl” falling in love is the thrill of an amusement park ride, an exhilarating rush that leaves you feeling dizzy at times. If you can picture a young couple dragging their feet along the sand, twirling and kicking up sparks of glowing phosphorus at night, you will enter the early memory that inspired the lyric: “Could this be a dream that lasts forever?”

The Silent Boys were once a constant part of the Richmond, Virginia alternative music scene, playing the local club circuit from the mid-‘80s until 1991. Dietz reformed the group in 1999 after the release of several Silent Boys songs on various indie record labels. Since then, he has continued to write infectious songs with a nod to the guitar pop greats of the ’80s—The Feelies, REM, The Smiths, The Go-Between etc. with a sound, as one writer noted, comprised of "Ultra-melodic lead guitar, strumming acoustic, snappy drums, and expressive bass-lines (that) propel finely crafted pop songs, brimming with lyrical optimism."

Although the line-up has shifted over the years, The Silent Boys currently consist of founder Wallace Dietz, longtime lead guitarist John Suchocki, drummer John Morand, and bassist Michael Click. Their new album, also titled Tilt-A-Whirl, may be their most mature work to date, integrating some new and different influences while still retaining a vintage sound.

The passion that gives purpose to the Silent Boys is similar to the spark between the couple depicted in “Tilt-A-Whirl.” A true story of steadfast pursuit, the song illustrates early moments between Dietz and his wife-to-be, who has designed many of The Silent Boys' album covers. Dietz celebrates his once girlfriend, who, with no formal training, has recently transformed herself into an artist, her every painting revealing an intimacy with color.

As Dietz reflects, “Our universe is still expanding… if you keep learning and exploring, and share those experiences with each other, the thrill ride is just beginning.”

lyrics

Tilt-A-Whirl

Could this be the dream that lasts forever?
Are you my wish that’s coming true?
Could this be the dream that lasts forever?
Did my universe just contract and expand?

On a tilt-a-whirl of thoughts
Up and down, I spin around
Will this be the way things go forever

Could this be the dream that lasts forever?
Are your light step and tone for my amusement?
Could this be the dream that lasts forever?

I hear a pop then a fizz then clinking glasses.
On a tilt-a-whirl of thoughts
Up and down, I spin around
Will this be the way things go forever

Can you hear a tune in the spray of water droplets?
Toss another coin into the fountain
We fan the fire of each other’s hidden talents
An unforeseen road with colorful side streets

Could this be the dream that lasts forever?
Your eyes become a spiral of stars
Could this be the dream that lasts forever?
Our lips meet to create a phosphorus glow

On a tilt-a-whirl of thoughts
Up and down, I spin around
Will this be the way things go forever

Can you hear a tune in the spray of water droplets?
Toss another coin into the fountain
We fan the fire of each other’s hidden talents
An unforeseen road with colorful side streets

credits

released February 21, 2020

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about

the Silent Boys Richmond, Virginia

The Silent Boys is an indie-pop band that has been silently playing and recording music for the past three decades.

Prior to their debut "Beauty Tips" CD, the Silent Boys released songs on various compilations including: Will There be Time for Tea (Morgan Leah), Seven Summers (Kindercore/Tweenet), and You Thought It Was the End of the World When the Rain Ruined Your Hair (Firestation Tower). ... more

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