As 2010 winds down, so does the convention lineup. I’m working very hard on the new album, rehearsing with a drummer for live shows we’ll book in 2011, and trying to keep my subscribers as happy as possible. One thing they keep asking for is another UStream concert, so I’m only too happy to deliver!

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Matthew Ebel Live via UStream, December 2010 – 88.4 MB MP3
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(Also available as individual tracks.) – 88.5 MB ZIP
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Christmas is a time to get closer to the ones we love: friends, family, robots, and space sharks. For the spacefaring Captain Ebel, this Christmas is like any other day- struggling to keep his stomach and spaceship full of fuel. That is, until a 200-foot-long space shark named Mr. Bruce hires his crew to ship some goods from a distant planet. Everything seems to be going well until Captain Ebel discovers what’s inside the crates.

The High Orbit Holiday Special is a full episode of Matthew’s not-quite-dead-yet podcast, High Orbit, complete with 5 new recordings of classic Christmas favorites and brand new original music. Yes, even robot first officer Prodo-1 sings! All 5 songs are included as part of the show and as uninterrupted, talk-free singles.

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The High Orbit Holiday Special – 68.7MB MP3
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(Also available as individual tracks.) – 103.6 MB ZIP
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Lyrics available at www.matthewebel.com/music

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.

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You’re All I Need – 5.4MB MP3
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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.

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Lost on Block Island – 4.8MB MP3
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