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The bands

2004

Belvedere the Lion Tamer

Belvedere the Lion Tamer was a five-piece band formed in 2004, with David on vocals. We recorded a demo and started working on a self-titled album that, like plenty of ambitious band projects, never quite made it to the finish line. It was never completed or released. The band name, however, had a much more memorable beginning. A couple of the guys found a strange wooden bust sitting in someone’s garbage at the curb and, naturally, decided to bring it home. They named him Belvedere the Lion Tamer. Before long, he was our mascot, coming along to shows, and eventually we named the whole band after him. A few months later, Belvedere was hanging out in my bedroom when I noticed a bee flying around. Then I watched another bee emerge from a tiny hole that looked like it had been drilled into his wooden head. I freaked out, convinced there might be a nest inside him, and immediately carried him outside. My mom made me get rid of him. That was the end of Belvedere the Lion Tamer — the wooden guy, anyway. The band kept the name.

Band recordings

Recordings from across the bands, including released music, demos, and unfinished or unreleased projects.

Belvedere the Lion Tamer — Demo original cover
2004 · Demo · Digital

Demo

About the recording & credits

Recorded in my childhood bedroom, this was my first attempt at multitrack-recording a full band myself. We recorded the instruments individually into MultitrackStudio Lite on my eMachines PC, using a Maya 10/10 interface and a Yamaha mixing board my parents bought me. Short on mic stands, I duct-taped microphones to objects around the room—including a basketball hoop on my closet door—to record the drums.

Credits: David Triggiano — recording and engineering; Maya 10/10, eMachines PC, MultitrackStudio Lite, Yamaha mixing board.

Belvedere the Lion Tamer · 8 tracks

Listen to demo on Dropbox ↗

Click a song title to view its lyrics.

  1. 01Introduction
  2. 02
    Song A
    “Song A” There is no looking back now Everything in this town is so rhythmic It’s about time to get over it I’m sorry I have to put it this way, But I think it’s already been said before Sometimes things have to adjust “Things have been getting way too emotional” That’s what everyone tells me Then why do you say the things I say Only in a diverse way Times are changing and so is the melody I guess you’d better follow it You don’t want to be caught on the outside Of something that is in So in ten years we can watch this all on television We can call it “I love the decade that killed music” Hey, I think that has a ring to it, What do you think? Yeah, well your opinion never mattered to me anyway. I’m not here expecting to write something original I’m just here expecting to right something immoral Hey look, I can scream too Now show me something to brag about
  3. 03
    Song B
    Song B I gave a lot up for you But I still wouldn't change a thing Oh I once I knew happiness I knew all about security and it's positives I knew exactly what those happy songs were about And how the writers felt (i think you should try it sometime) In you I found what I was missing And I adored you for it But all good things come to an end Much like every great feeling dulls away You turned your back on me for him Like I turned my back on her for you And for far too long I knew pain I knew all about resentment and it's... I still think you're beautiful do you love me too? tell me that you do. I lost a friend And I despised you for it do you even care (i think i know you better now)
  4. 04
    Song C
    song C Low the light bulb simmers it's tiring looking straight at it we all need more energy sometimes right now i need you turn on the heater it's way too hot in here and i need some rest replace my bed with some needles and i'll be fine you know how i hate them but hey, anything is more comforting then you are what's your face look like again? i can't remember anymore it changes so often i think my phone is ringing oh nevermind, that's just my ears doesn't matter anyways i'm fine by myself and i wonder how it would be like if i didn't know you because i never knew what the word content meant but i think i just may have figured it out complain how i never treated you all right you don't care what i want but hey, nothing is more amazing then crushing my heart what does his face look like then? i think i remember this time but it's not anything i care to oh no my phone is ringing well nevermind, i know it's not you the stars and ceiling were always my only friends even if they only glow when it's dark i enjoy the nightlife or at least in my own way i watch my fan spinning or is it in still motion as my world begins to rotate i wish i could tell reality is so underrated and i know nothing you look so familiar have we met before? so what is your name again? it seems to have slipped my mind was this a hallucination there goes my phone again oh my god i think i'm dying and i couldn't care less
  5. 05Screaming to the Northern Lights (Cover)
  6. 06STW Remix
  7. 07
    Just Because Belvy Is Gone Does Not Mean We Can't Keep These Darn Cats Under Control
    just because belvy is gone does not mean we can't keep these darn cats under control you spell love with a 'u' because that's all you care about you're such a little kid at least they know better but there's something about your subtle smile that keeps dragging me in maybe i should just be selfish like you i think i'll spell it with an 'i' because i need to learn how to live but it's a good thing my car has safety locks because we wouldn't want you to get hurt, now would we? don't worry, i'll pull my seat up further because i can see how you need some more room are you comfortable now? my god, this is gonna be a very long trip put your seatbelt on and please leave the window open for me it's a little chilly out and i love the breeze hey, you are really swell i don't care what anyone says because no matter what i'll always tell them this... "well, she is pretty plain, except she makes great coffee you should really give it a try it's very hard to find a good cup of coffee these days she's a real catch" one man's trash is another man's treasure
  8. 08Ms Cleo Calls Charlie

Band Members

  • David — Vocals
  • Dan — Guitar
  • Greg — Guitar
  • Kevin — Bass
  • Jack — Drums
Belvedere the Lion Tamer — Self-Titled original cover
2004 · Unfinished LP · Unreleased

Self-Titled

About the recording & credits

Recorded in my childhood bedroom with an upgraded MOTU UltraLite interface and Cakewalk SONAR. Many songs were written as we recorded them: Jack would improvise drums until I signaled him to wrap up; Dan then wrote guitar parts around the drums while I helped shape the production. I typically added vocals, Greg added guitar, and bass came last. As the band began to dissolve, some songs never received bass parts, and the album remained unfinished.

Credits: David Triggiano — vocals, recording and production; Jack — drums; Dan — guitar and songwriting; Greg — guitar; Kevin — bass where recorded. Unfinished and unreleased.

Belvedere the Lion Tamer · 13 tracks

Listen to unfinished album on Dropbox ↗

Click a song title to view its lyrics.

  1. 01And Now a Word From Our Sponsors
  2. 02
    Gayterdaid, It's the Thirst Quencher
    just like one of those old fashioned car sets this relationship is going down the tubes my car would never stay on the track can you remember the smell that resonated? that burning scent hey, can you pass me a little more of that cancer? i think the slow decaying of my lungs just might do it for me but i hope you know you were my champion and i was the boy who never lost seems very hard to make two opposing puzzle pieces fit but baby, you're my lincoln log those things can never go outta style i need something to spice up my life now cuz i'm pretty sure you're not the sweet that i need i'm grabbing my crown and grazing my thrown this chair is made for two and that person, i hope is not you because all my horses and all my men could never put our relationship back together again what you want is what i wanted what you are is what i wanted your burning senses away with your death sticks i always put it right back on and started over again
  3. 03
    Chicken McTaTa
    there are plenty more mannerisms in the sea it tingles when you realize something is missing it takes a little time for these things to set in and i'm starving for an addiction to rid my mind of it my dear, would you please hand me that bottle of habits hopefully i'll pick a good one because i've never been so, never been so hooked check my lips i think you might have a bite it's kinda funny how no one knows whats running through my head but honey, you are all i have and this is one for your scrapbook put it next to that picture that you have of us but make sure, make sure it's not overlooked just because there have been a dozen before doesn't mean every one doesn't have a special meaning i'm really no good at these things but these days, no one really is and everything is so superficial
  4. 04
    Just Get Me the New Kenny G CD
    just get me the new kenny G cd if running your mouth were an olympic game you'd be a gold medal winner but you know what, i'm sick of hearing it as corvo says you're a blab and i'm sure you're lips are getting tired so what if i'm gonna miss it doesn't mean you have the right to judge i've never held anything against you like i held onto you take a picture baby it lasts longer cuz even though you won't admit it right now you'll be at my door step in no time i'll leave the key under the mat come on in don't bother knocking you never cared before anyway i have something to tell you
  5. 05We Now Return To
  6. 06
    The Adventures of Dot Dot Dot
    adventures of dot dot dot no one knows what this means but i don't even care there is only 1 of what you ask well it doesn't matter it's just another number wouldn't you think it was something special yeah so would i but why are we wasting our lives counting things on our fingers, it serves no purpose oh no, here comes another anniversary time to buy another gift what day is it on? jeeze i can't remember well i'm sorry sweetie i promise i'll make it up to you next year i know exactly what you'd like maybe some candy, a nice ring for your finger and hey, if that ring don't shine i guess it's a little too late to fix that because your momma isn't here and i like to think that's a good thing i wouldn't want to pick up where your father left off just another nice guy who gets stepped all over by another potential girl
  7. 07
    Just Because Belvy Is Gone Does Not Mean We Can't Keep These Darn Cats Under Control
    just because belvy is gone does not mean we can't keep these darn cats under control you spell love with a 'u' because that's all you care about you're such a little kid at least they know better but there's something about your subtle smile that keeps dragging me in maybe i should just be selfish like you i think i'll spell it with an 'i' because i need to learn how to live but it's a good thing my car has safety locks because we wouldn't want you to get hurt, now would we? don't worry, i'll pull my seat up further because i can see how you need some more room are you comfortable now? my god, this is gonna be a very long trip put your seatbelt on and please leave the window open for me it's a little chilly out and i love the breeze hey, you are really swell i don't care what anyone says because no matter what i'll always tell them this... "well, she is pretty plain, except she makes great coffee you should really give it a try it's very hard to find a good cup of coffee these days she's a real catch" one man's trash is another man's treasure
  8. 08
    1 TBA Song
    you were two weeks from self inflicted despair i'm sorry that i wasn't there but hey, i bet you liked it that way this silence is singing me sweet songs but i could never write such beauty as you naturally possess too bad you're not quick to share i miss the way you used twirl your hair and i never cried like that but i will make you a promise to form this elaborate plan that you will never understand i'll lock it up with a password that can only be retrieved by my insanity but i wont tell anyone, not you i've completely lost it now don't tell me that what's the combo?
  9. 09
    Song A
    “Song A” There is no looking back now Everything in this town is so rhythmic It’s about time to get over it I’m sorry I have to put it this way, But I think it’s already been said before Sometimes things have to adjust “Things have been getting way too emotional” That’s what everyone tells me Then why do you say the things I say Only in a diverse way Times are changing and so is the melody I guess you’d better follow it You don’t want to be caught on the outside Of something that is in So in ten years we can watch this all on television We can call it “I love the decade that killed music” Hey, I think that has a ring to it, What do you think? Yeah, well your opinion never mattered to me anyway. I’m not here expecting to write something original I’m just here expecting to right something immoral Hey look, I can scream too Now show me something to brag about
  10. 10
    Song B
    Song B I gave a lot up for you But I still wouldn't change a thing Oh I once I knew happiness I knew all about security and it's positives I knew exactly what those happy songs were about And how the writers felt (i think you should try it sometime) In you I found what I was missing And I adored you for it But all good things come to an end Much like every great feeling dulls away You turned your back on me for him Like I turned my back on her for you And for far too long I knew pain I knew all about resentment and it's... I still think you're beautiful do you love me too? tell me that you do. I lost a friend And I despised you for it do you even care (i think i know you better now)
  11. 11
    Song C
    song C Low the light bulb simmers it's tiring looking straight at it we all need more energy sometimes right now i need you turn on the heater it's way too hot in here and i need some rest replace my bed with some needles and i'll be fine you know how i hate them but hey, anything is more comforting then you are what's your face look like again? i can't remember anymore it changes so often i think my phone is ringing oh nevermind, that's just my ears doesn't matter anyways i'm fine by myself and i wonder how it would be like if i didn't know you because i never knew what the word content meant but i think i just may have figured it out complain how i never treated you all right you don't care what i want but hey, nothing is more amazing then crushing my heart what does his face look like then? i think i remember this time but it's not anything i care to oh no my phone is ringing well nevermind, i know it's not you the stars and ceiling were always my only friends even if they only glow when it's dark i enjoy the nightlife or at least in my own way i watch my fan spinning or is it in still motion as my world begins to rotate i wish i could tell reality is so underrated and i know nothing you look so familiar have we met before? so what is your name again? it seems to have slipped my mind was this a hallucination there goes my phone again oh my god i think i'm dying and i couldn't care less
  12. 12
    I Gotta Finish the Job
    Wait here, she said. It's really cold outside, I need to grab my NJ hoodie what are you thinking? that won't warm you in this cold hearted scene you can wear my puffy jacket and you can wear my fitted hat but baby this has gone to hell this place is a warzone civil wars with camoflauge each side wears a different color flag that rests safely in their pockets he's waving it in the air does that mean he gives up? the music has become monotonous and matches the surroundings no i am not a part of the scene and anyone who says they are is a complete idiot "hey girls, i'm really ugly but i have a cool furry hood and i wear girls pants" i don't listen to music but i dress like i do wanna make out sometime? i think your cute i'm in a band let's go this goes out to my bros and hoes better not talk smack or ill break your nose mess wit my crew, and ill kill you you know my area code its 73 true
  13. 13
    Power Ballad
    the power ballad it's time to rewrite one of those world famous tunes you hear these days the one where everything seems so down you throw a few minor chords in and some depressing lyrics and it's an instant hit i swear i heard your band the other day but hey, it was just like attack of the clones on the airwaves here i am contradicting myself but i never said i was any different oh hey, let me add some strange instrument now we can call ourselves experimental i know i'm just like everyone else but at least i'm not hiding behind the scene just do me a favor before you're quick to judge next time stop and think just because that guy isn't wearing the right hoodie does not mean he doesn't know good music music is opinionated and it should be nothing more then pleasant to the ears

Band Members

  • David — Vocals
  • Dan — Guitar
  • Greg — Guitar
  • Kevin — Bass
  • Jack — Drums
BELVEDERE THE LION TAMER LIVE AT THE STONE PONY 2005
2005 · Live Album · Unreleased

Live at the Stone Pony

Belvedere the Lion Tamer · 6 tracks · Early 2005 · The Break Contest / Skate and Surf Battle of the Bands

Listen to live album on Dropbox ↗

Click a song title to view its lyrics.

  1. 01
    Song A
    “Song A” There is no looking back now Everything in this town is so rhythmic It’s about time to get over it I’m sorry I have to put it this way, But I think it’s already been said before Sometimes things have to adjust “Things have been getting way too emotional” That’s what everyone tells me Then why do you say the things I say Only in a diverse way Times are changing and so is the melody I guess you’d better follow it You don’t want to be caught on the outside Of something that is in So in ten years we can watch this all on television We can call it “I love the decade that killed music” Hey, I think that has a ring to it, What do you think? Yeah, well your opinion never mattered to me anyway. I’m not here expecting to write something original I’m just here expecting to right something immoral Hey look, I can scream too Now show me something to brag about
  2. 02
    Song B
    Song B I gave a lot up for you But I still wouldn't change a thing Oh I once I knew happiness I knew all about security and it's positives I knew exactly what those happy songs were about And how the writers felt (i think you should try it sometime) In you I found what I was missing And I adored you for it But all good things come to an end Much like every great feeling dulls away You turned your back on me for him Like I turned my back on her for you And for far too long I knew pain I knew all about resentment and it's... I still think you're beautiful do you love me too? tell me that you do. I lost a friend And I despised you for it do you even care (i think i know you better now)
  3. 03
    Just Because Belvy Is Gone Does Not Mean We Can't Keep These Darn Cats Under Control
    just because belvy is gone does not mean we can't keep these darn cats under control you spell love with a 'u' because that's all you care about you're such a little kid at least they know better but there's something about your subtle smile that keeps dragging me in maybe i should just be selfish like you i think i'll spell it with an 'i' because i need to learn how to live but it's a good thing my car has safety locks because we wouldn't want you to get hurt, now would we? don't worry, i'll pull my seat up further because i can see how you need some more room are you comfortable now? my god, this is gonna be a very long trip put your seatbelt on and please leave the window open for me it's a little chilly out and i love the breeze hey, you are really swell i don't care what anyone says because no matter what i'll always tell them this... "well, she is pretty plain, except she makes great coffee you should really give it a try it's very hard to find a good cup of coffee these days she's a real catch" one man's trash is another man's treasure
  4. 04Screaming to the Northern Lights (Cover)
  5. 05
    Song C (Part 1)
    song C Low the light bulb simmers it's tiring looking straight at it we all need more energy sometimes right now i need you turn on the heater it's way too hot in here and i need some rest replace my bed with some needles and i'll be fine you know how i hate them but hey, anything is more comforting then you are what's your face look like again? i can't remember anymore it changes so often i think my phone is ringing oh nevermind, that's just my ears doesn't matter anyways i'm fine by myself and i wonder how it would be like if i didn't know you because i never knew what the word content meant but i think i just may have figured it out complain how i never treated you all right you don't care what i want but hey, nothing is more amazing then crushing my heart what does his face look like then? i think i remember this time but it's not anything i care to oh no my phone is ringing well nevermind, i know it's not you the stars and ceiling were always my only friends even if they only glow when it's dark i enjoy the nightlife or at least in my own way i watch my fan spinning or is it in still motion as my world begins to rotate i wish i could tell reality is so underrated and i know nothing you look so familiar have we met before? so what is your name again? it seems to have slipped my mind was this a hallucination there goes my phone again oh my god i think i'm dying and i couldn't care less
  6. 06
    Song C (Part 2)
    song C Low the light bulb simmers it's tiring looking straight at it we all need more energy sometimes right now i need you turn on the heater it's way too hot in here and i need some rest replace my bed with some needles and i'll be fine you know how i hate them but hey, anything is more comforting then you are what's your face look like again? i can't remember anymore it changes so often i think my phone is ringing oh nevermind, that's just my ears doesn't matter anyways i'm fine by myself and i wonder how it would be like if i didn't know you because i never knew what the word content meant but i think i just may have figured it out complain how i never treated you all right you don't care what i want but hey, nothing is more amazing then crushing my heart what does his face look like then? i think i remember this time but it's not anything i care to oh no my phone is ringing well nevermind, i know it's not you the stars and ceiling were always my only friends even if they only glow when it's dark i enjoy the nightlife or at least in my own way i watch my fan spinning or is it in still motion as my world begins to rotate i wish i could tell reality is so underrated and i know nothing you look so familiar have we met before? so what is your name again? it seems to have slipped my mind was this a hallucination there goes my phone again oh my god i think i'm dying and i couldn't care less

Show History

This is a partial history of live performances, compiled from surviving flyers, tickets, and personal recollections. Additional shows took place during this period.

Early 2005
The Break Contest · Skate and Surf Battle of the Bands
The Stone Pony · Asbury Park, NJ
February 20, 2005
Talent Show
Middletown High School North · Middletown, NJ

Practice at Jack’s House — December 2004

Original photographs from a Belvedere the Lion Tamer band practice at Jack’s house, including our wooden mascot, Belvedere.

Belvedere the Lion Tamer, practice at Jack’s house, December 2004 — archival photograph 1
Belvedere the Lion Tamer, practice at Jack’s house, December 2004 — archival photograph 2
Belvedere the Lion Tamer, practice at Jack’s house, December 2004 — archival photograph 3
Belvedere the Lion Tamer, practice at Jack’s house, December 2004 — archival photograph 4
Belvedere the Lion Tamer, practice at Jack’s house, December 2004 — archival photograph 5
Belvedere the Lion Tamer, practice at Jack’s house, December 2004 — archival photograph 6
Belvedere the Lion Tamer, practice at Jack’s house, December 2004 — archival photograph 7
Belvedere the Lion Tamer, practice at Jack’s house, December 2004 — archival photograph 8
Belvedere the Lion Tamer, practice at Jack’s house, December 2004 — archival photograph 9
Belvedere the Lion Tamer, practice at Jack’s house, December 2004 — archival photograph 10

Recording in My Childhood Bedroom — January 2005

Early photographs of Belvedere the Lion Tamer in David’s childhood bedroom, where the band recorded its first demo and worked on its unfinished self-titled album.

Belvedere the Lion Tamer in David’s childhood bedroom, January 2005 — archival photograph 1
Belvedere the Lion Tamer in David’s childhood bedroom, January 2005 — archival photograph 2
Belvedere the Lion Tamer in David’s childhood bedroom, January 2005 — archival photograph 3
Belvedere the Lion Tamer in David’s childhood bedroom, January 2005 — archival photograph 4
Belvedere the Lion Tamer in David’s childhood bedroom, January 2005 — archival photograph 5
Belvedere the Lion Tamer in David’s childhood bedroom, January 2005 — archival photograph 6
Belvedere the Lion Tamer in David’s childhood bedroom, January 2005 — archival photograph 7
Belvedere the Lion Tamer in David’s childhood bedroom, January 2005 — archival photograph 8
Belvedere the Lion Tamer in David’s childhood bedroom, January 2005 — archival photograph 9

Middletown High School North Show — February 20, 2005

Belvedere the Lion Tamer at Middletown High School North talent show, February 20, 2005 — photograph 1
Belvedere the Lion Tamer at Middletown High School North talent show, February 20, 2005 — photograph 2
Belvedere the Lion Tamer at Middletown High School North talent show, February 20, 2005 — photograph 3
Belvedere the Lion Tamer at Middletown High School North talent show, February 20, 2005 — photograph 4
Belvedere the Lion Tamer at Middletown High School North talent show, February 20, 2005 — photograph 5
Belvedere the Lion Tamer at Middletown High School North talent show, February 20, 2005 — photograph 6