We Don't Talk Anymore

“We Don’t Talk Anymore” is a song about a couple who grow apart due to leading busy, over-scheduled lives filled with endless distractions that take away from simple connection. The narrator longs for a return to that feeling of closeness with the one he loves, imagining a way for them to try and recapture that mutual affection and attention they used to give to each other.

Keel said, “It was the dream of a lifetime to sit down and write with Tim. I consider him to be one of the most unique, genuine, and enduring icons in American songwriting. At the start of a writing session at Tim’s house, my wife Jenny shared a wry thought she had about being so busy these days that it seems as if couples like us have to ‘schedule our love’ to be able to devote time to each other. That idea struck Tim and me, and we spun it into the hook phrase ‘we don’t talk anymore’.

We used a car ride as the stage for the story, where the narrator hopes to take his partner away from their uptight, fast-paced, daily grind and drive slowly along quiet country backroads where they can reconnect and focus on each other again. It occurs to me that the subject applies to so many types of relationships, not just romantic ones. I’ve had grandmothers tell me they don’t have long, easy-going conversations much anymore with their grandchildren like they used to when the kids were younger and they visited more and talked almost every day. Same with siblings, friends, and so on. Things change, and the bustle of life starts to erode closeness, if we allow it.”

About the songwriting process: Larry says that Tim has taught him one of the most valuable aspects of telling a story that is put to music; you can casually say something in so many different ways, but digging deep and crystalizing the words to achieve a very specific vision in a few powerful words is one of the most satisfying feelings imaginable for the creative act. In Larry’s opinion, Tim O’Brien turns a phrase like no other.

About the thematic approach to the song: It’s an edgy subject, ‘we don’t talk anymore’.. but the ride through the country helps release the tension, trying to set the stage for a relaxed, loving connection to return.

About the musical style of the song: The track begins with a moderate bluegrass rhythm and with each verse and chorus the beat builds through the use of syncopation, creating a Latin feel as if matching the yearning to recapture the passion and romance reflected in the lyrics. Justin Doyle on bass and Winston Mitchell on mandolin lend excellent rhythmic support to the music.

About Tim’s featured role in the recording: Tim’s fiddle mastery conjures passion and drama, using long draws on the bow and sultry melodic accents. His low tenor harmony on the chorus echoes the emotional longing to return to closeness with his beloved.

About the recording process: Praises to studio engineer James Mclaughlin of Mountainside Studio for his editing expertise and outstanding recording quality in the mixing and mastering of the track.

Tim’s thoughts about Larry and this song: “I’ve been a Larry Keel fan for years… Our song “We Don’t Talk Anymore” is about keepin’ it real which is what Larry does twenty-four seven.”