I'm Pissed

Hey there, Zoo Freaks, it's the Zoo Crew drifting through the ethereal sounds at THE ZOO, where the vibes are as free as the wind in the willows. We're laying down the groove with "I'm Pissed" by Michael Stanley from his poignant album "Tough Room." This track carries that raw, honest energy that speaks to the soul's frustrations, like a gentle storm clearing the air. Let's share some heartfelt trivia and tales about this song, gathered from cherished interviews and those lingering social echoes that keep the music's spirit soaring.

Michael Stanley's "Tough Room," released in 2021, stands as his final masterpiece, a 15-track journey clocking in at 77 minutes, mostly recorded in his cozy Cleveland home studio. It's a blend of earnest life reflections and wry humor, with "I'm Pissed" emerging as a chugging rocker anthem for that everyman hollering 'Get off my lawn!' As described in reviews, it's an aging man's humorous take on life's little aggravations, fitting perfectly into the album's grown-up rock 'n' roll vibe. Stanley collaborated with longtime engineer Bill Szymczyk, who noted the album was pretty rocked out, with tracks like this one showcasing textured arrangements spotlighting guitarist Danny Powers and backing vocalist Jennifer Lee.

In a touching interview with Cleveland Magazine, guitarist Danny Powers recalled a lawn chat where Stanley revealed his Stage 4 lung cancer diagnosis in September 2020, saying, 'I've been diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer,' and asking for help to finish the record. Powers shared how sessions happened 2-3 times a week, with Stanley engineering, even as his health faded. He emphasized Stanley's resilience: 'He didn’t want people blubbering and feeling sorry for him because, I’ll tell you, he wasn’t feeling sorry for himself.' The album avoided themes of mortality, as Stanley's daughter Anna Sary explained: 'He really felt strongly that he did not want to say any formal goodbyes to his loved ones. I don’t think he wanted to say that in this album.' Instead, it's upbeat, a last big hurrah for fans.

Trivia flows like a river: "Tough Room" was dedicated to Stanley's late manager Mike Belkin, who passed in 2019. Delays came from Stanley's 2017 quadruple-bypass surgery, basement flood, and the pandemic, with mixing done remotely in North Carolina. Szymczyk, in a cleveland.com piece, praised songs reflecting political times, like 'The Iron Range' addressing race relations with lines such as 'Such a sad situation/a millimeter of skin/Can change your reservation/Where somebody loses again and again.' For "I'm Pissed," it's part of the rockers alongside ballads like 'You’re the One,' capturing humor amid chaos. Szymczyk brought the finished album to Stanley in February 2021, sharing a beer and playing a few tracks before Stanley faded, commenting 'great job' in a subdued mood.

Anna Sary shared a family moment on Easter Sunday, playing the album while packaging copies: 'I said, ‘Y’know, what? We’re all here. We should put this on.’ It was the first time we actually listened to it. It was really nice. Bittersweet is the best way to describe it.' She saw it as a gift for grieving fans. Sessions had whimsical interruptions from Stanley's rescue dog, Stevie Ray Dog, howling from the stairs. Though social media posts on this specific track are sparse in recent years, fans have echoed appreciation for the album's release six weeks after Stanley's passing on March 5, 2021, at age 72, after battling lung cancer.

Szymczyk reflected on the closing track 'Passing Tones': 'It was the last one he sent me, and I think that probably is the only one where he’s coming to grips with what reality is.' Other songs like 'Whole Lotta Hectic' drew from a Cam Newton quote after a wild game: 'Yeah, there was a whole lot of hectic goin’ on there,' inspiring Stanley years earlier. The album's cover photo, taken by wife Ilsa Glanzberg at The Broad museum pre-pandemic, adds a personal touch. "I'm Pissed" embodies Stanley's knack for blending frustration with melody, a testament to his enduring style.

Now, let's wander into how Michael Stanley got his start, drawing from his rich bio. Born Michael Stanley Gee on March 25, 1948, in Cleveland, he grew up with a love for music and sports. Graduating from Rocky River High School in 1966, he headed to Hiram College on a baseball scholarship, earning a bachelor's degree in 1970. During college, he dove into the scene with a band initially called the Tree Stumps, evolving into Silk, which released their album "Smooth As Raw Silk" on ABC Records in 1969. That early taste of recording set the foundation for his musical path.

After college, while working as a regional manager for a record store chain, Stanley released his debut solo album, "Michael Stanley," on Tumbleweed Records in 1973. It was a peaceful pursuit, blending his heartland rock sensibilities. By 1974, he formed the Michael Stanley Band (MSB) with singer-songwriter Jonah Koslen, bassist Daniel Pecchio from Glass Harp, and drummer Tommy Dobeck from Circus. The band grew, becoming a seven-piece by 1982, nicknamed MSB by fans, and setting attendance records at Cleveland venues like the Richfield Coliseum and Blossom Music Center.

Stanley's brand of heartland rock resonated deeply in the Midwest during the 1970s and 1980s, with hits like "He Can't Love You" from 1981's "Heartland." He also became a beloved radio and TV personality in Cleveland, hosting shows that connected with folks on a soul level. Over the years, he released numerous albums, both with MSB and solo, evolving his sound while staying true to his roots. Even after MSB disbanded in 1987, Stanley continued with Michael Stanley and the Resonators, keeping the music alive until his final days.

For all you Zoo Freaks seeking more harmony, visit Michael Stanley's official website at http://michaelstanley.com, where you'll find links to "Tough Room" and his legacy. There are no active official social media accounts, but connect with fellow fans through the lyrics fan site at https://www.angelfire.com/oh5/davepo35/MSpage/songlist.html, listing "I'm Pissed" and the album tracks.

And don't forget our own sanctuary – keep the peace flowing at THE ZOO, where every spin is a journey. Michael Stanley's story is one of perseverance and passion, from college jams to heartfelt anthems like "I'm Pissed." Though his physical presence left us, his music remains a guiding light, reminding us to embrace life's twists with humor and grace. Peace, love, and endless grooves, Zoo Freaks – until the next cosmic turn!