When I spoke with Chris Stamey way back for Caropop Ep. 30, he shared a sheet music collection called Marvelous Melodies Songbook, New Songs Vol. III. Several of those songs appear on his wonderful new album, Anything Is Possible (out July 11), as do the Brian Wilson-evoking “I’d Be Lost Without You,” the Wilson-covering “Don’t Talk (Put Your Head on My Shoulder)” and the optimistic, guitar-driven title track. Stamey has a well-thought-out reason for every musical choice he makes. Here we dig into one of my favorite subjects, chord changes, and discuss writing songs in one's head, on an instrument or on paper. He also reflects on the impact of playing with the Big Star Quintet and the reunited dB’s. What’s the connection between “getting the notes in the right place” and creating magic? (Photo by John Gessner.)
