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The Story
of....The Picker, the Princess, & the Swedish Steed
Once upon a time, (the summer of
1978) Tom met Ellen. Several days later Tom met Fred, Red Fred
that is, Ellen's trusty 1968 Volvo 142, shown in his later
years on the label of this CD.
Previously, following
Fred's second encounter with an unmatched bumper, Ellen's
parents, long time Volvo owners, reached the conclusion that it would
be a sounder investment to "deed ole' Fred" to their daughter rather
than fund his restoration. Besides, "damsel in distress", you know it
could be the means by which she'd meet a suitable young beau
off in that sleepy little college town of Corvallis, Oregon.
Thus entering on the
scene was not-so-young Tom, innocent of Volvos but with an interest in
things mechanical (as many guitar players seem to be) and with a keen
eye for a pretty damsel in distress, especially one with a
beautiful voice.
A year and a half later
ole Red Fred became the unofficial dowry. By 1984 Tom has become so
experienced in the workings of the likes of Fred, a small
business called Demarest's Corner Garage appears in the
neighborhood to service the numerous Old Volvos which can be
found in many college towns. Out of the chaos and cacophony
which is inherent to an automotive repair shop, a song arises
and is soon heard at the local coffee houses.
Well, the garage is now
an espresso bar called Sam's Station, a wonderful improvement
to our neighborhood. The only Volvos in our lives now are our
own. But the song lives on and if you've ever had the pleasure an old
Volvo in your life, you can relate!
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