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
Synths are meant to represent the fast beating heart of the technological city, with its busy trains and industrious people. The breathing is life, and the cheerful keyboard is supposed to be the fun and excitement of life in a city with a flourishing…
I've been pondering which part of this song to single out as my favorite, but what I think like more than anything is how well it all combines to be more than the sum of its parts. Great job, Steve!
@sistersavage Thanks so much! I was kind of going for the sort of song you might listen to on your headphones in the dark -- so I'm glad it was received that way.
Thanks for the kind feedback, Steve! I enjoyed playing around with lyrics to this one to suit the sentiments that were floating around in my head at the time, so I'm glad that it turned out suiting me 'cause that is what I was going for!
Thanks for the kind words, Steve! I'm glad you appreciated the backing vocals at the end of the song--I was trying to replicate a tension of ideas (and impulses) so I wasn't exactly sure how that part was going to be received. It's cool that you noted that part and thought it enhanced the song (which is what I was going for!)
It was tricky to figure out how I wanted to strum it because the Dawes version has several layers and that forced me to do my own direct version, which, to my surprise, ended up sounding better to your ears. High praise--thanks, Steve!
He can't play nicely or share his toys
He always takes from the other boys
Got no time for music or vids
Doesn't act like the other kids
Does Donald
Don't let Donald play
He's gonna spoil your day
Believe his words if you must
But only…
A nice Talking Heads-esque biting commentary on The Donald. I consider myself a guitarist first and so my ear is always initially drawn in that direction and I like what you have going on here on that instrument. I also think the drums, vocals, and bass are nicely intertwined and complement each other well. Another fav, Steve!
Thanks so much, Steve! The chorus was particularly tricky to pull off, but I'm reasonably happy with the way it turned out and I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks, as always, for all the kind words, Steve! I'm not a 100, though sometimes I feel that way, haha! I've spend the last two decades almost constantly listening to and learning about music. I don't have much of a "life" outside of school and music and so that's probably why my musical interests seems so varied.
Thanks, as always, for the encouragement, Steve! I thought about making this song longer, but I decided to take a page out of one of your books (cuz you are versatile enough to have many metaphorical books) by going with something short, sweet, and straight to the point. That said, next time I suspect I'll do something longer.
A distress call from space is picked up, and then a race to rescue the crew ensues. I have attempted to contrast the peace of space with the urgency and determination of the rescue mission, and it's eventual success.
This is really awesome - my only complaint is that I wished I had heard it sooner! It would fit perfectly between Jeff Beck's "My Thing" and "So What" songs off his 2003 album, Jeff (which is his best album, imo). Excellent work, Steve!
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
I've been pondering which part of this song to single out as my favorite, but what I think like more than anything is how well it all combines to be more than the sum of its parts. Great job, Steve!
@sistersavage Thanks so much! I was kind of going for the sort of song you might listen to on your headphones in the dark -- so I'm glad it was received that way.
Thanks for the kind feedback, Steve! This one was a bit of challenge as the chords are a bit obscure, but it was a fun one to record nonetheless.
Thanks again for offering the opportunity to collab on this song with you, Steve!
Fun stuff, Steve! This one really has an inspiring edge to it, kinda like a "We Will Rock You" by Queen.
Thanks for the kind feedback, Steve! I enjoyed playing around with lyrics to this one to suit the sentiments that were floating around in my head at the time, so I'm glad that it turned out suiting me 'cause that is what I was going for!
This is astonishingly good! I think you are being too humble in saying you *just* patch a few sounds together.
Thanks for the kind words, Steve! I'm glad you appreciated the backing vocals at the end of the song--I was trying to replicate a tension of ideas (and impulses) so I wasn't exactly sure how that part was going to be received. It's cool that you noted that part and thought it enhanced the song (which is what I was going for!)
Flawless -- you're really starting to hit your groove with songwriting, Steve!
It was tricky to figure out how I wanted to strum it because the Dawes version has several layers and that forced me to do my own direct version, which, to my surprise, ended up sounding better to your ears. High praise--thanks, Steve!
A nice Talking Heads-esque biting commentary on The Donald. I consider myself a guitarist first and so my ear is always initially drawn in that direction and I like what you have going on here on that instrument. I also think the drums, vocals, and bass are nicely intertwined and complement each other well. Another fav, Steve!
Thanks so much, Steve! The chorus was particularly tricky to pull off, but I'm reasonably happy with the way it turned out and I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks, Bookey! Every passing year I grow in my appreciation for Elliott Smith. I recorded another song of his recently, so check it out if you like.
Thanks, as always, for all the kind words, Steve! I'm not a 100, though sometimes I feel that way, haha! I've spend the last two decades almost constantly listening to and learning about music. I don't have much of a "life" outside of school and music and so that's probably why my musical interests seems so varied.
Thanks @GregConnor!
Thanks, as always, for the encouragement, Steve! I thought about making this song longer, but I decided to take a page out of one of your books (cuz you are versatile enough to have many metaphorical books) by going with something short, sweet, and straight to the point. That said, next time I suspect I'll do something longer.
It's really impressive how you have so much going on here and yet it all fits together nicely. Def another one of yours that is a fav of mine!
Glad you loved it, Steve! I about strained my vocal chords singing it, but it was definitely worth it to do justice to such a classic.
Thanks, Proods! I actually tried to play and sing this one in a more understated way so I'm glad it still turned out good.
This is really awesome - my only complaint is that I wished I had heard it sooner! It would fit perfectly between Jeff Beck's "My Thing" and "So What" songs off his 2003 album, Jeff (which is his best album, imo). Excellent work, Steve!