And then, from out of left field, comes this one.

Matthew sometimes lives in a world of his own creation, far from the reality of icy streets and sour economies. There he dwells among a different culture of people, a different species entirely. On occasion he brings something back from these trips (nothing he has to sneak past customs agents), usually as a song or a story.

This tune is one of those souvenirs, featuring a Navajo flute Matthew received as a gift as well as some of the lowest vocals his voice can produce. Enjoy!

Meditation from an Aliverian Refugee - 4.1MB MP3

If you recently read this post on Matthew’s blog, this is the song he was talking about. Here’s Matthew’s story behind “You’re All I Need”:

I got many suggestions from people that I should do another Christmas song, but one suggestion was that I write a blues number for all the people who are feeling the economic weight on their shoulders this year. Believe me, I can sympathize- I’m already broke most of the time, and the pressure to buy a bunch of stuff for everyone because it’s Christmas never, ever feels good. You either have to tell everyone you’re broke or everyone assumes you’re a cheap bastard.

While writing lyrics I imagined what it must be like for a single parent right now, having to explain to his little daughter that they can barely afford to keep the house they live in. Presents and toys will have to happen next year, hopefully.

When I got to the last verse of the song, I actually started crying. I honestly don’t know if I could say that kind of thing to my children, if I had any. I would just be glad that I had my family, that would be present enough for me. That would be all I’d need.

For me, this is just a song. What broke me down is that, for many people this year, it’s reality.

You’re All I Need - 5.4MB MP3

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As part of Matthew’s 2007 spring tour he stopped off for a house concert in Ohio. This was six months before the release of Goodbye Planet Earth and nearly a year and a half after the release of Beer & Coffee. It was a tiny gathering in a tiny town that created one of the best intimate concert recordings Matthew’s ever captured.

Matthew Ebel Live at the Duick House - 71 MB MP3

(Also available as individual tracks.) - 85 MB ZIP

Since Matthew has lived so far from his family for the past six years, the Christmas season has been particularly hard on him. Every year it’s a choice between long, crowded flights or spending the holiday season alone.

Originally recorded live around Christmas 2004, Matthew has re-recorded a tune that captures his need to be with his family. Even if it takes a long, long time to get there.

Lost on Block Island - 4.8MB MP3

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A little spoken introduction to Matthew’s latest song. Had to be moved to its own post since it was apparently confusing both Wordpress and Feedburner.

Occasionally Matthew plays for a crowd that’s not entirely human. One recent show was earlier this year in Jacksonville, FL at Megaplex 2008. The event organizers didn’t realize that the hotel had placed an anniversary party in the ballroom next door, so the two parties actually managed to spill into each other a little!

Matthew Ebel Live at Megaplex 2008 - 85.4 MB MP3

(Also available as individual tracks.) - 85 MB ZIP

They Got The Money - 4.5MB MP3

Another new song inspired by recent economic events, this one features a spoken intro from Matthew himself:
EDIT: Audio file has been moved to its own post since it apparently was screwing up the feed. You can hear the intro here.

(Even if you’re not a Member, you can still hear the intro. Take a listen!)

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A lighthearted tune inspired by recent economic events.

Matthew Ebel:
When I saw the Dow fall about 22 million points in one day, I had this image of bankers tossing themselves from their windows in New York. I imagined a song where a young man like me takes a stroll through the park, marveling at the beautiful leaves or raindrops that drift gracefully to the ground. Only instead of raindrops, it’s guys and girls with briefcases. I wonder what kind of umbrella you’d need for that kind of fallout…

It’s Raining Bankers - 4.5MB MP3

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This is the first studio track available at Matthew Ebel dot net!

Matthew Ebel:
I wrote this one over the summer of 2008 while living on Block Island, RI. All I could think of was getting back to the mainland to be with someone special, but I still had a blast on the island regardless. This song’s a tale of both the beauty and the bad of Block Island, of wanting to stay but wanting to hurry home.

Lost on Block Island - 5.2MB MP3

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First Chapman House Concert with
Tom Acousti & Matthew Ebel
Originally uploaded by CC Chapman.

Here’s a concert Matthew performed right before heading off to Block Island in spring 2008. This was a small invitation-only concert over at C.C. Chapman’s house.

Matthew Ebel Live at CC Chapman’s - 80MB MP3

(Also available as individual tracks.) - 80MB ZIP