I Laughed

From Patricka

I Laughed is Patrick Aei's twenty-first album recorded in November 2011. This is the first of a trilogy of poetry albums; I Lied and I Wish follow.

Shortly after Nostalgia/Nostalgia Patrick had doubts as to whether or not he could record a new album. He did, indeed, record the Five Minute EP, but during a quick session in tribute to Arto Lindsay. Lindsay is again referenced with his initials used for "AL." Aei complained that he sometimes did not feel like listening to music, and had spent most of his time working on college material and poetry. Inspired by Chromeo, Arto Lindsay, and Genesis, Aei began leisurely experimenting with a drum machine. At first, Patrick attempted to record vocals with these parts, but all attempts failed. In mid November, he recorded the guitar part for "First Laugh," and attached the drum machine part. I Laughed was born, and "AL" was recorded during the same session. "Last Laugh" exploits Genesis' progressive style, and brings back the stereo effects of Disarming and After Twelve.

It is noteworthy that the guitar rig used for the album was half digital, with a one-tube amp. Patrick has utilized more digital output since Guitar Noise.

The poetry's origins lie with Patrick's move away from lyrics to being a dedicated poet. "Looks Lik" was written when Aei was still in highschool, with a reference to 3:15: the time Patrick got out of school each day. "The Journey" was the first of many recent poems for Aei; the styling is highly sexual.

"I Laughed is the album that jump started me back into making music again when I thought my creativity was dry."

Released 2/10/12

"It's a short album, but when all three of the Poetry albums are out, it makes for a unique experience."

Track List

1. First Laugh

2. Living

3. AL

4. The Journey

5. Last Laugh

6. Looks Lik

"In First Laugh, you can hear me quote other guitarists. David Gilmour, Steve Hackett, and even Tony Levin. I didn't intend for any of those styles to come out, but when I listened back, I caught each allusion to those guys."

"Last Laugh is probably my first real attempt at being Progressive. The Genesis influence was there, and probably some Rush and King Crimson. I really played on the idea of a guitar being both a single instrument and full orchestra."

"AL is what E-X would have sounded like with drums. However, I was playing off the drums rather than off another guitar part."

"After hearing Last Laugh a while after recording it, I realized I had finally done something bigger than what I believed my boundaries allowed me."

"Al is probably one of my best solo moments."