Doves with Claws

Tracklist
1. All Across America 03:04
2. Lay Me Down Easy 03:53
3. Mississippi Levee 02:48
4. Living In A Rich Man’s World 03:55
5. Walking Like Rain 04:44
6. Circle Time 02:54
7. Joshua Tree 04:02
8. Seven Strong Women 03:08
9. Old Ways 03:27
10. Lay Hatred Down (Honoring Leonard Peltier) 03:26

credits

All Across America Music Video

Larry Long’s official music video for “All Across America” is a heartfelt visual journey that complements the song’s themes of love, longing, and the complexities of modern relationships. The video features “Lucille,” a 1951 Chevy Styleline Deluxe, which serves as a nostalgic symbol of American culture and personal connection. Through its storytelling, the video captures the essence of the song’s lyrics, portraying the emotional highs and lows experienced across the country. The collaboration between director Buddy Cohen and editor Noah Barron-Cohen brings a cinematic quality to the piece, enhancing the song’s narrative. Overall, the music video offers a poignant visual representation of “All Across America,” inviting viewers to reflect on the universal themes of love and human connection.​

Clemency for Leonard Peltier – Lay Hatred Down Music Video

Larry Long’s music video for “Lay Hatred Down” serves as a poignant visual and musical tribute to Leonard Peltier, an Indigenous activist who spent over four decades imprisoned under controversial circumstances. The video intertwines archival footage from AIM Photographer Dick Bancroft’s collection, and current day videography from Dodging Bullets’ director Bob Trench, uniting intimate portraits, and scenes together from Peltier’s life to convey the deep emotional and political resonance of his case.​

The song itself is a soulful call for justice and reconciliation, blending folk and Indigenous musical elements to underscore the themes of healing and resistance. Long’s performance is both tender and impassioned, capturing the enduring spirit of Peltier’s supporters and the broader struggle for Indigenous rights.​

This music asw ell a the spoken words by Larry Leventhal and Larry Long not only honors Peltier’s legacy but also serves as a powerful reminder of the systemic injustices faced by Indigenous communities. It stands as a testament to the enduring fight for justice and the importance of amplifying Indigenous voices in the pursuit of truth and reconciliation

Review

Larry Long’s Don’t Stand Still is an album that pulses with energy, urgency, and a sense of both personal and collective movement. True to its title, the album is a call to embrace change, to keep moving forward, and to challenge the inertia that can hold us back. With its mix of folk, Americana, and rock influences, Long brings listeners on a journey of reflection, growth, and transformation.

Themes of Movement and Transformation

At its heart, Don’t Stand Still is a motivational album, encouraging listeners to step beyond the status quo and take action. Long uses his storytelling skills to weave songs that highlight both the individual and collective aspects of movement—whether it’s the personal growth required to face life’s challenges or the societal shifts needed to bring about change. Each track serves as a reminder that growth often comes through discomfort and that staying still in the face of adversity is never the answer.

The lyrics throughout the album express a powerful call to action, urging listeners to embrace uncertainty and take bold steps forward. From personal stories of overcoming obstacles to broader social commentary, Long captures the courage it takes to move forward and the resilience needed to navigate the complexities of life.

Musical Composition and Arrangement

Musically, Don’t Stand Still offers a vibrant and diverse range of sounds. The album blends folk sensibilities with the energy of rock, building a soundscape that feels both grounded and dynamic. Long’s vocals, as always, are front and center, delivering each lyric with passion and conviction. His voice carries a sense of urgency and strength, lending an emotional depth to the music that enhances its call for action.

The arrangements are full of life, with crisp acoustic guitars, steady percussion, and occasional bursts of electric instrumentation. This mix of acoustic warmth and rock-driven energy provides a solid foundation for the album’s themes, making each track feel alive with possibility. Whether it’s the driving rhythm of a high-energy anthem or the reflective mood of a more introspective ballad, the arrangements are always intentional, supporting the emotional weight of the lyrics.

Emotional Resonance and Impact

The emotional core of Don’t Stand Still is undeniable. Long’s ability to connect with listeners on an emotional level makes this album a powerful experience. Each song resonates with themes of resilience, hope, and the importance of moving forward, no matter the challenges. Long crafts songs that speak directly to the listener’s heart, invoking both personal introspection and a broader sense of social responsibility.

The album’s emotional range ensures that it doesn’t feel one-dimensional. It moves from uplifting anthems to quieter moments of reflection, giving listeners both the motivation to act and the space to process. This balance of energy and introspection makes Don’t Stand Still an album that is both inspiring and thought-provoking.

Final Thoughts

Don’t Stand Still is an album that challenges its listeners to embrace change, to step forward with confidence, and to not be content with simply standing still. Larry Long’s songwriting continues to inspire and engage, creating music that encourages personal growth and social change. With its mix of powerful storytelling, heartfelt performances, and infectious energy, Don’t Stand Still is an album for anyone ready to move forward, face challenges head-on, and make a difference.