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Doug Ray, otherwise known as Toothpick (a nickname given to him by his high school sports team for being the skinniest guy on the team), is about to release his debut solo record, 'Time Travelin' Couch,' produced by Production team Pop Rox (Carole King, Michael Tolcher).
In a crowded field of singer/songwriters, Toothpick separates himself from the pack by infusing his original style of rap and freestyle with traditional story telling. Time Travelin' Couch' blends musical genres, incorporating old school hip-hop, simple melodies and driving beats. Ray explains, “The album is interesting because it breaks down a lot of the barriers between rock, rap, funk, blues, and folk” Ray said. “There was no blueprint when we made the record, so it feels very open.”
The album kicks off with the title tune “Time Traveling Couch,” a feel good outlet for Toothpick's imagination to let loose. “High Life” is another catchy tune that brings to mind wasted days of youth. Yet, while Ray can pull you in with his upbeat funky sound and whimsical lyrics, underneath there is greater depth. He dissects the thought process of someone who feels trapped in “Scars for Entertainment” and discuses our culture's obsession with using pills as answers on “Green Monster.” In talking about his inspiration for “Green Monster,” Ray notes, “Instead of appreciating the eccentricities in people's personalities, we choose to overmedicate people and try to make them fit the norm.” And of course, stirring quite a bit of controversy and interest in the album is the song “Super Size Me” which was featured in the award winning Morgan Spurlock documentary of the same name and has just been released on DVD.
Toothpick cites a range of musical influences from Cat Stevens and Soul Coughing to A Tribe Called Quest & The Roots.
Toothpick - author of the theme song from the cult film 'Supersize Me,' says hello to all of you crazy motherf*&#ers checking out CleveRock Music Portal while signing autographs @ Feeling Better Than Everfine 2004.
