By Cynthia Gross
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New Jersey-based artist Allan Corby’s latest single, “Love Is a Merry-Go-Round,” is a charming gem that captures the ups and downs of romantic relationships across the passage of time to a delightful effect. The song is framed from the perspective of a mature narrator who reflects on how love is a force of nature, one of the few things that holds on and never lets us go.
“The inspiration for my tune and much of my music starts with sound explorations on guitar, putting various notes together by ear,” Corby explains. “In this case, it came to me after taking my daughter to the Central Park merry-go-round. The song is inspired by life’s joys and sadness and its ups and downs.”
Allan Corby’s experience as a veteran of the music scene comes to bear in “Love Is a Merry-Go-Round.” His favorite memories include meeting Elton John at an event in the 70’s while DJing and attending an afterparty with Ike and Tina Turner.
The guitar was Corby’s first love, which he picked up at age 13. Later, in the late 60’s, he built a career in radio, including an original segment “Mr. Guitarman.” Corby landed a record deal in 1972 and produced tracks for Polygram/Mercury. He opened for rock legends The Doobie Brothers and ZZ Top before taking a 40-year hiatus from the music industry.
With his timeless compositions that transcend the decades, Corby has been welcomed back into the music scene with open arms. “Love Is a Merry-Go-Round” is a magical track, conjuring memories of times when life felt simpler. The song is produced by fingerstyle extraordinaire Lance Allen, who is also Corby’s guitar instructor.
“There she is / I imagine once more / In my arms / At my door / With eyes half-closed / I dream of how / I love her still,” Corby sings in the first verse of the song, against the backdrop of whimsical fingerstyle guitar, bass, and drums. Innocence and nostalgia are at the forefront of the composition, evident of the merry-go-round setting that inspired the track, where joy was abundant and Corby was able to pause momentarily from the present to reflect on the past.
Allan Corby’s “Love Is a Merry-Go-Round” is a perfect companion for both lovers and those who think on their former flames with warmth and fondness, even if only due to the time and space in between. The song effectively captures the journey of life, replete with highs and lows, ultimately culminating in our shared experience as human beings.
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Cynthia Gross is a freelance writer and award-winning spiritual pop artist based in Maryland. With more than a decade of experience as an executive ghostwriter, she understands the power of each individual’s voice to create positive, meaningful change.
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Alchemical Records is a Washington, D.C. based music publication. We cover the Washington, D.C., Baltimore and Richmond, VA metro area music scenes, including band interviews, articles about your favorite musicians, new music and concert dates.
