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Jeff Elbel (or as he became known as Cornerstone, “The Ubiquitous Jeff Elbel”) and Ping recorded The Eleventh Hour Songbook as a way of providing new music to their loyal Cornerstone following.  At times hilarious, the disc stays close to home, with Elbel’s songs taken from his life around him.

 “Engine of Destruction” is, oddly enough, about the pitfalls of being a parent to small children.  “Bark Along With Cody,” a depiction of Elbel’s neighbor’s dog, will make you laugh out loud with its description of how the animal has unknowingly participated in several Marathon Records’ projects.  “All in All” and “Time to Leave” show a Beatles influence.

Maintaining the tongue in cheek aspect to the songs is “Muffin,” a cynical tale of a pregnant woman that redeems itself in the last verse.  Oddly, it evokes the Desi Arnaz song “You’re Having My Baby” from the I Love Lucy show!  “Soul Destroyer” and “All in the Family” reveal that Elbel’s vocals would not be out of place on most 70’s rock albums.

“Goodnight Rabbit” seemingly inspired by Bugs Bunny cartoons, is a tribute to the husband and wife relationship.  “Time to Leave” is a concert closer.  For those looking for songs in the mode of No Outle_, “Getting Ahead of Myself” will fit that bill nicely.

The bonus to all of this is revealed at the end of the disc: an audio commentary by Elbel that explains the process that went into the record and its songs.  This is not to be missed, and reveals some of the ways in which a record is formed.  The Eleventh Hour Songbook is a good way to tide fans over who are eagerly awaiting Meet Your Maker, the long-promised Ping project.

Brian A. Smith
8 August 2004 

(3 ½ of 5)