More than just a song title, the writing process for this song has proven to be endless. We talk about its origins in the early 90s and how the song is still evolving and spreading out years after it was first released. We also get into the recording process, the role of Tarot in the lyric writing, and endless variations on a theme. Songs featured Elephants of Scotland “Endless (pt. 2)” from Execute and Breathe [2014] Mahout “The Lighthouse (An Endless Variation)” – podcast exclusive Adam Rabin “A Tapir in Prague (An Endless Variation)” Adam Rabin “Endless (pt. 2) [Demo]”.

What started out as a two-fer quickly becomes a three-fer. So, it’s Triple Shot Tuesday and here’s a set from Mailbox. We discuss the nature of the brain and instinctive Ginsburgian writing; our different approaches to writing lyrics; the stupid kids party known as poetry slams; songwriting in front of an audience; unique vocal deliveries; and the parallel Universe of animals.

Adam talks about his first ever espresso. Greg talks about the time somebody buried his hair. Other topics include musically interpreting the stages of the coffee rush, creating your own light, finding the perfect caffeine balance, times when Adam ruined Greg’s lyrics, and being either pandering or self-indulgent. Songs featured: Mailbox “I’m Jitter Boy” from How It Is Nowadays [2003] and Neb Crabula “Choices” [podcast exclusive!]

The guys get heavy on this one. For real. Greg and Adam talk about why this song wasn’t on the 4th Elephants of Scotland album, and – for that matter – why there hasn’t been a 4th album yet. They also get into it about which songs work better with the band vs. solo; why solo albums happen; embracing the wrong notes; the power of saying goodbye; and moving on from grief and loss. Songs featured: Adam Rabin “Trains That Never Come” from The Badger Flies at Dawn [2018] and Greg Skillman “My Train Song” (podcast exclusive!)

Greg and Adam go back to the first CD they worked on together from 1996 and discuss songwriting as therapy; the dangers of taking pride in your work; the parallels with EoS’ “Mousetrap”; the Zen of the selfish moment; anxiety as a muse; and The Meat Puppets. Songs featured: Mailbox “My Head” from Chameleon In A Kaleidoscope [1996] and a demo of “My Head” from 1994.

Greg and Adam discuss finding a writing partner you can trust and be open with; broadcasting your desires through your art; synergy vs. compromise during collaboration; the first time Greg heard what Adam did with his lyrics; and do songs really need choruses and bridges? Songs featured: Elephants of Scotland “Full Power [Live]” and Adam Rabin “Full Power”

Greg and Adam discuss the do’s and don’ts of using dreams as a tool for writing; surrealism vs. just random nonsense; singing meat bags; collaborating with introverts vs. extroverts; why pirates like Argentina; and the proper footwear for summertime in Vermont. Songs featured: “Whale Helmet” and “Telepottamus” from Mahout’s Bottomless Soup album [2004].

Adam Rabin and Greg Skillman have been writing songs together for almost 30 years and there’s even a chance you may have heard one of them. In “Whale Helmet,” the songwriting team discuss tracks from their catalog and their creative processes, inspirations, and philosophies. This is all done with the irreverent and left-field humor that helps define their work.