My name is Franklin Bruno. I write songs, and perform and record them
with the Human Hearts and in other configurations.

Some free music can be found below (scroll past the news).

I also write poems and criticism. I don't know much html.

  • NEWS:

    May. 10, 2012:

    The Human Hearts (full band incarnation) will be playing at Piano's,
    185 Ludlow, Manhattan, 10 p.m. on Thurs, May 10.
    Come early to see the great Pete Galub, and stick around for the Bischoffs,
    whose David Heatley is responsible for the swank e-poster.

    Piano's flyer


  • Here's a home recording of a new song. I don't think it requires much explanation.

    "Free to Organize"

    The words and chords are here. If you find any reason to learn and play it,
    please feel free to write new verses, and send them along if you do.

    Creative Commons License

  • MUSIC:

    The mp3s on this page are free for download. For a discography-in-progress, go here.

    THE HUMAN HEARTS is my current band.

    Cheap Sunglasses (v/a Another, Shrimper, forthcoming 2012)
    Stammheim (Civics, Tight Ship, 2007)

    NOTHING PAINTED BLUE is my old band.

    One Who Fell (Taste the Flavor, Shrimper, 2005)
    Push My Swing (A Baby, a Blanket, a Packet of Seeds, 1990; vinyl rip)

    FRANKLIN BRUNO, as noted, is my name.

    Tired Of The West (A Cat may Look at a Queen, Absolutely Kosher, 2002)
    Just Because It's Dying (Kiss without Makeup, Absolutely Kosher, 2000)

    JENNY TOOMEY has been known to record my songs.

    Unionbusting (Tempting, Misra, 2003)
    Keeping The Weekend Free (Liqorice, Listening Cap, 4AD, 1995)

    THE EXTRA LENS is an occasional collaboration with John Darnielle.

    How I Left The Ministry (Undercard, Merge, 2010; I wrote this)
    The River Song (Martial Arts Weekend, Absolutely Kosher, 2001; John wrote this)

  • I have also written songs for cartoons.
    I play piano and arrange obscure vaudeville songs (1870s-1910s) for my partner "Poor Baby Bree".
    I tweet, mostly about the last movie I saw, as @humanfranklin.

    Inquiries: fjbruno at mac dot com.