Text @ Tammy Camp TropRockin.com. Album Cover @ Tiki Thom Starkey
Tiki Thom Starkey’s Trop Rock CD: Someday, Someway, Somehow

 Tiki Thom Starkey: Someday, Someway, Somehow

Tiki Thom Starkey kicked off 2014 with a new Trop Rock CD titled “Someday, Someway, Somehow.”

The title track is the classic Trop Rock theme of escaping from reality to paradise.  How do you get from watching your beach themed screen saver to a life in paradise?  Thom doesn’t give us the answer in this song, but he does give us the assurance that we can get there someday, someway, somehow.  He paints the picture of a tropical heaven and throws in a little gumption with lyrics such as “I hate to say that I don’t give a damn, but I don’t and I won’t until I get a tan.”  That’s my kind of philosophy.

“When the Snow Flies” is a fun, upbeat song with a similiar theme as the title track but from the perspective of all those snowbirds who “fly away” when the snow starts falling.  A lively song reminiscent of the popular country gospel sounds of the 70’s. It’s a unique combination of Trop Rock lyrics and a spirited song you might here at the Grand ‘Ole Oprey.  I think snowbirds are going to love this song.

Changing gears, “My Little Tiki Bar” sounds like a classic Hawaiian song.  Inspired by his own backyard Tiki Bar in Maine, which is undoubtedly pretty chilly right now, but a great Trop Rock music venue in the summer.  I immediately envision slow dancing hula girls and Tiki torches on the beach with Diamond Head looming in the background.  Some Hawaiian songs come off as unauthentic and a bit cheeky.  Not this tune.  It’s a real effort at capturing the spirit of an older Hawaiian sound.  The message is really about creating your own tropical escape, even if it is in your backyard and comes with fake palm trees.  Paradise is where you make it.

“Key West Attitude” is the rock hit of the album. It’s the song with the most energy. The most gusto. The most tropical swagger. Trop Rock meets Surf Rock for an exciting blend. This song is written by Fred Quistgard of The Calypso Cowboys and now has a Tiki Thom spin. If you love a trip to Key West, Jimmy Buffett songs and The Beach Boys, this one is for you. Clap along and yell out “Key West” like a background singer.  This one is a lot of fun.

One of my favorite songs on the album is “Just an Old Pirate.”  An Irish ballad about Joe, an aging pirate who questions the choices he made.  The melody is beautiful and soulful.  You’ll want to sway back and forth with your arms stretched around friends as you listen to the old pirate talk of his regrets.

In the same vein, Thom gives us another ballad titled “Sailor’s Prayer.”  This one is a spiritual nautical ballad.  Thom sings “I will hold the course and do the best I can” as the sailor talks to God, expressing gratitude for guiding him through the rough waters overnight.  Possibly, a metaphor for life.  The song doesn’t have to be about sailing, but appreciation for God’s hand in getting through each day of life.  I think it’s up to you, the listener, to interpret how it best fits into your life.  For me, I’ve experienced sailing situations that scared the wits out of me, but that was years ago and I can apply this song to my every day life.  I will point out though…. seeing the morning light after a night of heavy seas, high winds, and equipment failures is truly a Godsend.  I completely appreciate this song.

With a rich, warm and slightly country voice, Tiki Thom delivers a well rounded Trop Rock CD.  Click here to listen to the entire “Someday, Someway, Somehow” Trop Rock CD and check out his website to add this CD to your collection:  Tiki Thom Starkey

If you enjoyed this article, please share it with your friends!

Sharing is Appreciated!