Post your April songs here

[McAllister]

Let's hear 'em.

M

[Pancho Ballard]

Aaarrgghhhh!

I've not finished it...

It would help if I could play lead.

[Pancho Ballard]

Not sure I've met all of the requirements :Confused:

I started to write a one chord song but more seemed to find their way into the structure. It's not I-IV-V though, so that's one thing I've done right.

I decided that one way it could be a blues song would be for it to be a social commentary although it's turned out quite right-wing and I'm quite left-wing :icon_eek:

Also, the guitar solo was going to be played by someone else who never got back to me, so you're stuck with my cack-handed 'train of thought' placeholder!

Overall though, I enjoyed the challenge of writing it regardless of whether I met the requirements or not. I hope you do too.

[Pancho Ballard]

Recently there have been various threads about dynamics, loudness and the misuse of L2; this track is a perfect example of L2 misuse. Oops...

[LouMan]

Not sure I've met all of the requirements :Confused:

I started to write a one chord song but more seemed to find their way into the structure. It's not I-IV-V though, so that's one thing I've done right.

I decided that one way it could be a blues song would be for it to be a social commentary although it's turned out quite right-wing and I'm quite left-wing :icon_eek:

Also, the guitar solo was going to be played by someone else who never got back to me, so you're stuck with my cack-handed 'train of thought' placeholder!

Overall though, I enjoyed the challenge of writing it regardless of whether I met the requirements or not. I hope you do too.

Cool tune. It justs oozes vibe. Nice drum sounds. I love all the stuff that you've got going on in the background too. I think the solo is fine- it's got kind of a Neil Youngish attitude to it.

Nice job. I'm hoping to submit my tune some time next week hopefully.

[mingus]

Cool tune. I like where the chord progression goes -- it's unexpected and very cool. The guitar solo is interesting too, sort of a Velvet Underground meets Revolution #9 thing. It's just weird enough to be very hip. Nice job.

I couldn't participate this month due to being out of town at a guitar show and CAPE duties. Now that both of those are behind me, I'm looking forward to participating in the May challenge.

[Webs]

.

[Grapestomper]

Pancho... Nice work!

I'll try to make a more useful comment later. I'm a bit fried right now...


Here's mine for the month.

Just a sketch, since my gf is visiting, and I'm not about to waste a bunch of time endlessly tracking and editing. Priorities, blah blah blah..

I'm curious if this meets the criteria. The main chords are A, E, and B, which would be I IV V in E. Thing is that its in A. I think I'm doing something modal... actually I have no clue what I'm doing.

If anyone else does, please let me know!

Also, this is my new, old guitar! What do you think of the tone?
M

[Grapestomper]

Last edited by Webs : Today at 09:40 PM. Reason: perspective.

Oh, come on Websy! I was diggin' that!

I wanna hear the music, too.
M

[Webs]

Oh, come on Websy! I was diggin' that!

I wanna hear the music, too.
M

Thanks Mike, that was kind of you.
I really struggled with this one.
How does one make a blues that doesn't sound like a blues but still sounds like a blues?
Then I got some 'grand idea' that ok... well, if I don't add any music, I'll have easily sidestepped the "no I-IV-V's" requirement.
I'll have also easily avoided sounding like the blues.
I had no problem finding my blues (thanks McAllister, buddy, for suggesting we go look for blues! ; ).
It just happened in lyric.

I'll put the lyrics back up in case anyone is at all curious in what the heck I wrote, and I appreciate your encouragement for the music. I hope to share that.

Here were the lyrics:

I'm a slave to you but you're not here.
I'm a slave to you baby, but you're not here.
I repeat myself, I repeat myself
You're American art form in every sense and
I'm a slave to you baby, but you're not here.

These bonds have cut, so far, they're a part of me,
These bonds have cut me, and torn me apart
I'm a slave to you baby, but you're not here?

I'm a part of you baby, but you're not here.
I'm apart from you baby, and you're not here?
I defeat myself, when you're not here.
I can't be my 'self', when you're not near.
The delta of me to you has me blue

I'm a slave to you baby, but you're not here.
I'm a slave to you baby, but you're not here.
I repeat myself

I'm a slave to you baby, but you're not here.
I'm a slave to you baby, but you're not here.
I'm a slave to you baby, but you're not

[Grapestomper]

Cool, Webs. Nice to see it back.

Yeah, this was a hard challenge! When I first started working on it, I was stumped. As I said above, I'm don't quite know whether or not I met the challenge... both because I don't quite understand what I'm doing in terms of music theory, and also because I don't have a sense of whether or not it comes off as "blues".


As to your song:

If you had a pair of balls like unto a big brass monkey, you could do it as a gravely-voiced a-capella, accompanied only by a tapping shoe...

Personally, I could never pull it off, but...

might be cool,
M

[mingus]

As to your song:

If you had a pair of balls like unto a big brass monkey, you could do it as a gravely-voiced a-capella, accompanied only by a tapping shoe...

Personally, I could never pull it off, but...

might be cool,
M


Hmmm. Asps, very dangerous -- YOU go first! :lol:

[mingus]

Nice work there Grapestomper. This blues but not blues assignment is really tough. Kudos for being able to come up with a song with a real roots kinda sound to it.

[Pancho Ballard]

Nice song Grapestomper. To an Englishman it sounds even more authentic knowing that you recorded it in the Santa Cruz Mountains, probably out on the porch as the eagle soared above you.

I think we've both failed though. Yours for being too bluesy and mine for not being bluesy enough. Blame McAllister for making it too hard...

[Pancho Ballard]

By the way, I like your guitar sound. It sounds earthy and raw without sounding cheap.

[Webs]

Cool, Webs. Nice to see it back.

Yeah, this was a hard challenge! When I first started working on it, I was stumped. As I said above, I'm don't quite know whether or not I met the challenge... both because I don't quite understand what I'm doing in terms of music theory, and also because I don't have a sense of whether or not it comes off as "blues".


As to your song:

If you had a pair of balls like unto a big brass monkey, you could do it as a gravely-voiced a-capella, accompanied only by a tapping shoe...

Personally, I could never pull it off, but...

might be cool,
M


I'm not sure about whether I could pull it off either, but what you suggested (I'm talking about the a capella thing, not the monkey balls thing... :lol: ) is exactly what I intended before I realized my blues had caught up to me to the degree that maybe I needed to step back for a minute. (I don't blame Mr. McA for asking people to go find their blues, and we go way back so he knows I'm just speaking in jest for hopefully comedic effect.) I hid behind the idea of a blues without sound, but I also think that was a beautiful accident of an idea. Any advice on the gravely voice thing? Preferably a way to make it achievable but still be reversable? Your commentary has emboldened me, and now that I know my blues (in the context of my lyrics) have become an understandable historic mark with future possiblity (long story), well, I'm back.

And I'm honored to know at least one person thought it might be fun to hear music behind those lyrics.

Thanks for the encouragement.

[Grapestomper]

Any advice on the gravely voice thing? Preferably a way to make it achievable but still be reversible?


The traditional recipe is cigarettes and whisky, but that takes years, and is anything but reversible.

Maybe first thing in the morning with a froggy throat.

Or kidnap Tom Waits.

Suggestions...
M

[Webs]

The traditional recipe is cigarettes and whisky, but that takes years, and is anything but reversible.

Maybe first thing in the morning with a froggy throat.

Or kidnap Tom Waits.

Suggestions...
M


:lol:

I'm betting Tom is booked consistently for these types of things. I guess I'll try the morning thing. You realize my mileage will definitely vary for this type of recording, right? Are you still sure you want to hear it?

[Grapestomper]

My girlfriend Lisbeth has this good suggestion:

Go to a football game and scream yourself horse. Then come back and do the recording.

(Of course, she's Scottish, so by "football" she means soccer, but you get the idea...)


And hell yeah, I'd love to hear it. Worst case it sucks, but anytime you reach, you gotta learn something. In my imagination, it could come out pretty cool!

M

[Webs]

Ok, news at 11. It might take up to a week, or possibly more which sounds funny, but I just moved recently and I don't even have studio monitors hooked up yet so I can't even hear the great stuff you folks have posted. I just don't have any sound in my place. Yep, I know, just hook 'em up, right, but there's a lot going on.
Plus now I have to go find a football match (the real kind... you know, soccer) where I can go scream my lungs out.

Mike, if I'm going to do this, what soccer team does Lisbeth prefer I scream for or against?

And how ironic it just occurred to me that I'd get some kooky idea to post a soundless song when I myself am without sound?

[Grapestomper]

She says "Any team with a Scot in the line up."

But the true answer is always "Motherwell"

M

[Webs]

So now I know what I'll be doing May 13.

[Webs]

Wow, ok, I got some speakers finally set up and Grapestomper and Pancho Ballard, GREAT job. I dug them both for very different reasons and I think they both fit the bill. Kudos.

[McAllister]

Once again, time has seemed to run on without me. Life seems to be extraordinarily complex lately. Know what I mean?

Anyway, Grapestomper, I really dig Powder Blue. It's reminding me of something, but I can't pin down exactly what. It's a good reflection, though. You nailed the challenge. Definitely a blues/not blues song. Very, very cool. I especially like the rhythm and rhyme structure of the lyric.

Pancho Ballard: Good song. It doesn't quite sound like a blues to me; if I heard a nip of it on the radio I wouldn't think "Aha, a blues!" The solo is a little wonky (you know this), but you could make it lest wonky by turning it up. Then it'll sound like it was wonky ON PURPOSE! All in all a great contribution. Thanks. Good form, too.

Webs: Well, as far as the challenge goes, you failed miserably on the musical portion, but you nailed a great lyric. Plus you get style points for NOT having music. I, too, would really like to hear it sung, though. But I'm glad you reconsidered and left the lyric up - it really is sharp, esp. the last line.

OK, so where is my song? It's coming. The other night I had myself some good Belgian ale, set up a mic, and did a pass of mine. So it's ready to go, I just have to do the transfer dance to get it to an mp3. Someday, I swear, I'll be able to do this shit myself.

M

[McAllister]

... what am I, like, only 6 days late this time?
Anyway, here it is.
Called "Match On Fire".

right on

M

[LouMan]

... what am I, like, only 6 days late this time?
Anyway, here it is.
Called "Match On Fire".

right on

M

I like it. It's totally blues but not blues.

I'm still hoping to submit mine. I only have a couple of tweaks to make but I don't have any time to make them.

Lou

[LouMan]

Ah fuck it.

If I don't post this now, it'll be June by the time I get to it.

Disclaimer:
This is a rough mix that I intended to tweak before posting. The guitar solo/noodling is just a place holder (which is why it's mixed so low).

Enjoy...

http://www.saltysidedown.com/junk/lou/New_Kind_of_Blue4.mp3

Lou

[Grapestomper]

LouMan,

I really like this. Great work.

I think you get to be my favorite this round.

M

[leester]

Nice work guys. Powder Blue :Coolio:

Swamped all month and had no time to work on this, but I lost plenty of sleep over it. (seriously)

I started thinking of tunes that might fit these rules. While not completely valid, The Beatles "Yer Blues" is definitely a blues tune... that breaks all the blues rules.

That was my "aha" moment and I quit being cynical. Too bad it was too late to do anything with it.

I'd like to hear them lyrics put to music as well. Whazzup wit dat? I got some growl. :Roll eyes:

lees

[Grapestomper]

I started thinking of tunes that might fit these rules. While not completely valid, The Beatles "Yer Blues" is definitely a blues tune... that breaks all the blues rules.


It occurred to me at one point that Led Zeppelin's "Since I've been loving you" fits all the requirements quite nicely.


So: Beatles, Zeppelin... How high can the bar be? Right?

:Uh oh:





Thanks for listening, Lees,
M

[McAllister]

LouMan - nice job. Very Blues/Not Blues. You hit the target admirably.

I think we've created (or at least entitled) a new genre.

M

[mingus]

It occurred to me at one point that Led Zeppelin's "Since I've been loving you" fits all the requirements quite nicely.


So: Beatles, Zeppelin... How high can the bar be? Right?


Steely Dan's "Chain Lightning" seems to fit the bill too.

[mingus]

Oh, and good work there LouMan!

[Grapestomper]

Hey Webs, old bean,

Any luck?

Didja make it out to a game on Sunday?

Jus' wonderin'
M

[Webs]

Hey Webs, old bean,

Any luck?

Didja make it out to a game on Sunday?


Howdy,

Nope, didn't get to a game on Sunday, but I did try a few takes. I don't think I do a very good Tom Waits impression, but I am working up a different approach on it. News at 11.

[Webs]

So that McAllister doesn't have to worry about being 6 days late, I clearly, deliberately, and intentionally waited until being 22 days late for this month. :lol:

Ok, no, seriously, I am very late on this one. Shout-outs go to Grapestomper and McAllister for kind encouragement on a tune that was like sailing a boat through a hurricane... between moving, not having the modest home studio unpacked and set up, the overall change in life, then the crazy idea to do my own private little mini-CaPE asking a few friends to contribute parts (they haven't had time yet, but if they do, I'll post the results) it has been an interesting 4-6 weeks.

So, as we near May, here's my April song.

[McAllister]

Nice song, Webs.
The thing that leaps out at me is the "I repeat myself" line. It's so odd, but works so well. And the last line/falloff, of course.

And what's 22 days among players?


M

[Webs]

And what's 22 days among players?
M


... one heck of a delay?

[Grapestomper]

Webs,

Nice! I like this a lot. I think this treatment works better than the a-capella idea.

The interaction of the vocal and the piano kept reminding me (in a good way) of Randy Newman. The "I repeat myself" line in particular.






Maybe I'll have to revisit my no-show on the February challenge, just so I'm not beaten in the "lateness wars".

:Coolio:
M

[Webs]

I'll be later than you dammit!!!!!

[mingus]

Yeah, but has anyone started their May songs yet??? Hmmm?? Whadya think, September?

Cool song Webs.

[Webs]

Yeah, but has anyone started their May songs yet??? Hmmm?? Whadya think, September?

Cool song Webs.

I have a November timeline for mine.

[Webs]

No, I think I'll post a May song.
It's probably going to suck.

Yay, suckage.

(are You with me?)

(little laugh to myself.)

[mingus]

Yay, suckage.

(are You with me?)

(little laugh to myself.)

Um, no. As a rule, I'm always with myself.

[Webs]

mingus, you have a good sense of humour.

Dig it.

[Webs]

May I introduce a very good friend of mine, Lyle Long, who I have had the great fortune to share a band, a lyric sheet, and a stage with. Someone who was kind enough to contribute some playing to my simple, humble April song.
I left his tracks very hot, and very panned to the right speaker because he needs to stand out. You'll hear him. And you'll stand up and take notice. He rocks.

[Webs]

Webs,

The interaction of the vocal and the piano kept reminding me (in a good way) of Randy Newman. The "I repeat myself" line in particular.
M

Fuck, well there's quite a compliment. No (in a good way) necessary. Thanks.

I'd repeat myself again, but it just wouldn't be funny anymore. :grin: