The song is about a recursive process of practicing and returning again and again. Through practice and concentration, time seems to slow down to the point where intentional action becomes easier and thus more natural. I think of the example…
10 years ago (April 3rd, 2008) I joined alonetone. Here is a rerecorded version of the first song I ever posted to alonetone. The song is "Girl is On My Mind" by The Black Keys
Inspired by a large stone I saw in the Ortspark in Munich, which somebody had carefully engraved with the name Mabel.
No loops used this time, all virtual instruments played by me. Cymbal, guitar, acoustic guitar, violin.
A thoughtfully constructed and genuinely performed song, Steve. I particularly appreciate that way the violin and acoustic guitar interweave throughout. Nice job!
I'm glad that my recent run of Beck songs resonates with you, Steve! There's a therapeutic quality to them and I think that aspect manifests in the way I translate Beck's vocals. It's a nice bonus that it's somehow enjoyable for others, such as you, to listen to.
As my old Algebra teacher used to say: Keep It Simple, Stupid! I've found that some of the best songs are the most simple. Glad to hear that this approach has translated well to your ears, Steve. Thanks, as always, for listening.
Indeed, the chord changes were sometimes a bit tricky, but I think I managed to practice them well enough to get a finished product out there without too much trouble. Thanks, as always, for the kind feedback, Steve!
Love the funky bass in this one, Steve! My only "complaint" (if you want to call it that) is that I wish it were a little longer. That said, what you've made here sticks in the listener's mind far longer than its 1 and half minute run time might suggest, so I can see how one could argue the length is perfect.
Spot on insights, Steve! I think the author of the song was drawing on Thomas Mann's "Magic Mountain," particularly its meditation on the subjective nature of time. For example, time sometimes can seem to stand still when spending time with those we hold most dear.
Vs and Js
are difficult
Don't you know
who's W?
Can't you see?
I'm in the dark
Palindrome
Misses the Mark
CHORUS:
Lost in translation
from a different nation
So confused at the station
when you're on vacation
Now you're in a…
Thanks for listening and for your feedback, @TheProods. Calling this a Peanut Butter Cup is a good summation of my collaborations with DoktorDoktor. From a distance you might think we wouldn't be compatible, but, once you get past any initial reservations, you realize we make a surprisingly good combination, haha!
Thanks, Steve! It's been really therapeutic to play around with these Sea Change songs and it's cool you're enjoying listening to that catharsis (not everyone would be so keen on listening to the more emotional stuff, so I appreciate you taking the time to listen!)
You me and infinity
Time slows down and then we see
Hands of God and synecdoche
No ground
Rendezvous and longing stares
Apocalyptic, no more pairs
Epileptic swirling flares
Deconstruct us
Doctors of divinity
Lives within you and me…
Cyborgs conquer the planet, crushing resistance and enslaving the human race. The cello represents the people who ignore the destruction and carry on as normal, like the orchestra playing on the deck of the Titanic as it went down.
I really like the mix of sounds you have going on here, Steve! The highest complement I know to pay is to say that it reminds me of a mix of AC Newman's "Town Halo" and Buckethead's best album, "Population Override" (which also tells a sci-fi story across several instrumentals). That said, you obviously have your own muse and it's one I appreciate.
Cool experimental sounds you have here, Steve! I really appreciate how you never rest on your laurels by relying on a formula. Instead you push your sounds in new and exciting ways--it's quite inspirational. So what's this one about? Does h/phones suggest we should be listening to this with headphones to get the desired effect? I can def see how this would be even more impactful w/ headphones!
Yes! Brings back a lot of childhood memories of playing video games late into the night. I'm not afraid to admit I rocked out to video game songs when I was a young kid. Eventually I discovered guitar based music when I was 12 and went down that rabbit hole, but I still get big time nostalgia when I hear stuff like this.
As a side note, I hear echoes of Anamanaguchi in what you have here, so you might check them out for similar vibes (if you're looking for further inspiration in this direction).
Thanks for listening to my Beck covers, Steve! I've been listening to a lot of his Sea Change album lately and I've set up a goal of learning the whole album. I've been pretty busy lately and so recording them has been a slower process than I had initially hoped, but I'm glad you have enjoyed the few songs I've posted so far! Thanks, as always, for your encouraging words!
That beer on the table yours or mine?
I only left the room for a short time.
If you've gone and switched them I'm gonna be sad,
Cos that beer was the best one that I ever had.
Don't drink my beer, you hear?
I'm counting to 4 just to make…
Fun song, Steve--found myself doing some air guitar on this one! Would love to see the lyrics displayed somewhere because it was harder to make out some words and I'm always interested in lyrical content whenever you step outside the instrumental realm. Looking forward to more songs!
Thanks for the kind words, Steve! These last three songs ("Golden Age," "Memory Lame," and "Therefore I Am") are all different kinds of songs for me and I wasn't sure how they'd be received, so I'm glad you liked them!
Comments on Tom's stuff
Very cool track :)
Very nice cover. I like it sung in the deeper voice register. Sounds very sincere. Nice guitar play
I like it :)
Nice rendition :)
Nice acoustic sound. I like the vox
I like the dour strumming and the dark vox
Very nice! You capture the emotion of this song and it comes across so well Tom.
Thanks, Steve! It was fun trying to make the two guitars work and I'm glad the enjoyment extended beyond just me.
Great song and performance Tom. Vocals good and enjoyed the two guitars : )
@theproods I'm very glad to hear that you're out there supporting some of the artists who inspired me so much!
I purchase the songs you sing.
Glad you enjoyed it, Steve! I had some fun with this one. ;)
Nice acoustic cover, your voice and guitar strips the song back and gives it some soul!
Melancholic but engaging and beautiful at the same time
...you pretty much just described my life @fudetusk
Thanks @fudgetusk! By the way, that gum you like is going to come back in style.
@fudgetusk: Thanks for the kind words!
@fudgetusk Thanks for the kind feedback; I've really enjoyed my ten years here and I'm hoping for at least ten more!
Thanks, Steve! Atmosphere and emotion are definitely what I'm going for here!
Impressive cover Tom! Great atmosphere and emotion shows through here. Very nice!
Comments made by Tom
A thoughtfully constructed and genuinely performed song, Steve. I particularly appreciate that way the violin and acoustic guitar interweave throughout. Nice job!
I'm glad that my recent run of Beck songs resonates with you, Steve! There's a therapeutic quality to them and I think that aspect manifests in the way I translate Beck's vocals. It's a nice bonus that it's somehow enjoyable for others, such as you, to listen to.
As my old Algebra teacher used to say: Keep It Simple, Stupid! I've found that some of the best songs are the most simple. Glad to hear that this approach has translated well to your ears, Steve. Thanks, as always, for listening.
Indeed, the chord changes were sometimes a bit tricky, but I think I managed to practice them well enough to get a finished product out there without too much trouble. Thanks, as always, for the kind feedback, Steve!
Love the funky bass in this one, Steve! My only "complaint" (if you want to call it that) is that I wish it were a little longer. That said, what you've made here sticks in the listener's mind far longer than its 1 and half minute run time might suggest, so I can see how one could argue the length is perfect.
Spot on insights, Steve! I think the author of the song was drawing on Thomas Mann's "Magic Mountain," particularly its meditation on the subjective nature of time. For example, time sometimes can seem to stand still when spending time with those we hold most dear.
Thanks for the comments, Guest. A log cabin sounds lovely - I hope it is everything you hope it is.
Thanks for listening and for your feedback, @TheProods. Calling this a Peanut Butter Cup is a good summation of my collaborations with DoktorDoktor. From a distance you might think we wouldn't be compatible, but, once you get past any initial reservations, you realize we make a surprisingly good combination, haha!
Aptly titled--I definitely was stomping along to the rhythm of this song. You mix a nice contrast of styles here. Well done, Steve!
Thanks for listening so closely, Steve! I was definitely going for something more emotional here, so it's cool that you caught that.
A really cool contrast between crunchy verses and catchy choruses, Steve! Big thumbs up!
Thanks, Steve! It's been really therapeutic to play around with these Sea Change songs and it's cool you're enjoying listening to that catharsis (not everyone would be so keen on listening to the more emotional stuff, so I appreciate you taking the time to listen!)
Thanks @theProods! This was a fun collab with Dokdoktor, so I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Amazing stuff, Steve! You have a real knack for combining catchy beats with creative soundscapes. Looking forward to hearing more!
I really like the mix of sounds you have going on here, Steve! The highest complement I know to pay is to say that it reminds me of a mix of AC Newman's "Town Halo" and Buckethead's best album, "Population Override" (which also tells a sci-fi story across several instrumentals). That said, you obviously have your own muse and it's one I appreciate.
Cool experimental sounds you have here, Steve! I really appreciate how you never rest on your laurels by relying on a formula. Instead you push your sounds in new and exciting ways--it's quite inspirational. So what's this one about? Does h/phones suggest we should be listening to this with headphones to get the desired effect? I can def see how this would be even more impactful w/ headphones!
Yes! Brings back a lot of childhood memories of playing video games late into the night. I'm not afraid to admit I rocked out to video game songs when I was a young kid. Eventually I discovered guitar based music when I was 12 and went down that rabbit hole, but I still get big time nostalgia when I hear stuff like this. As a side note, I hear echoes of Anamanaguchi in what you have here, so you might check them out for similar vibes (if you're looking for further inspiration in this direction).
Thanks for listening to my Beck covers, Steve! I've been listening to a lot of his Sea Change album lately and I've set up a goal of learning the whole album. I've been pretty busy lately and so recording them has been a slower process than I had initially hoped, but I'm glad you have enjoyed the few songs I've posted so far! Thanks, as always, for your encouraging words!
Fun song, Steve--found myself doing some air guitar on this one! Would love to see the lyrics displayed somewhere because it was harder to make out some words and I'm always interested in lyrical content whenever you step outside the instrumental realm. Looking forward to more songs!
Thanks for the kind words, Steve! These last three songs ("Golden Age," "Memory Lame," and "Therefore I Am") are all different kinds of songs for me and I wasn't sure how they'd be received, so I'm glad you liked them!