Thanks, Steve! I tried to go real lo fi on this one -- no overdubs. I figured I was due for some optimism in my song choices after recording all of Beck's Sea Change.
I felt downright awful as I was recording this song, "Already Dead," and "Side of the Road," so maybe my state of mind and body at the time added an additional charge to these songs? Either way, I'm glad you enjoyed them and I appreciate your ongoing encouragement, Steve!
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!
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!
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!
I had a fun time recording it, so I’m glad you enjoyed it, Steve! And you should def try a Chili Peppers-esque song when you get the time. I’d be very interested to hear your take on a song in that style.
Indeed this song was surprisingly challenging to sing and play because that famous riff requires a bit of a stretch and on top of that I tended to play it too fast (a common problem I have). But I'm glad it turned out okay even though it was something I probably recorded a little too hastily. All that said, many thanks for listening to my stuff, Steve!
@TheProods Even though I sometimes like experimenting with different sounds, I inevitably come back to the stripped down sound. Thanks for encouragement!
Love it! You're getting better and better with every song. The charging riff you have here reminds me a bit of the last few minutes of the song "Buckethead's TV Show" by Buckethead. (The downside to listening to as much music as I do is that everything reminds me of something else, haha).
You quite skillfully merge different kinds of styles in this song. If I might offer a suggestion: it would have been nice if your vocals were a little higher in the mix near the beginning of the song -- I was trying to catch the lyrics but they were obscured by the music. Other than that one very minor critique, this is one of your strongest songs, Steve!
One of my originals :-) Everything that you can hear is just me, apart from the drums. I did quite a few layers of guitar work. I used my electric 6 string Fender guitar for creating a bass type of sound. I also used that one for the solo ( I…
Thanks for unearthing and commenting on this older song, Steve! I don't think anyone had listened to it until you so it's nice that it finally got an audience.
Comments on Tom's stuff
Live and natural sounds. Great singing with some very high notes in there. Well done!
Thanks, Steve! I tried to go real lo fi on this one -- no overdubs. I figured I was due for some optimism in my song choices after recording all of Beck's Sea Change.
Like it. Nice and clear sound and a charming view of the future!
Another good choice.
I felt downright awful as I was recording this song, "Already Dead," and "Side of the Road," so maybe my state of mind and body at the time added an additional charge to these songs? Either way, I'm glad you enjoyed them and I appreciate your ongoing encouragement, Steve!
Simple but effective lyrics. Good song that you express very well Tom.
This is cool. Chords are nice and I wish I could sing this high!
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.
Another new one on me. Your voice suits the Beck songs very well. Good job!
Nice song Tom!
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.
Simple but beautiful song. Nice version Tom!
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!
Nice tune. Chord changes sound tricky. Good sound Tom. I think you made a great job here.
Soulful performance, and good use of your vocal range Tom.
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.
Beautiful song Tom. It gave me a feeling of introspection. I get what the guest was saying. Very nicely done!
Thanks for the comments, Guest. A log cabin sounds lovely - I hope it is everything you hope it is.
Very nice. Building myself a log cabin so that I can stay there.
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!
Comments made by Tom
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!
Thanks, Steve! And I'm looking forward to hearing more of your stuff -- long or short, it's always fun and interesting.
I had a fun time recording it, so I’m glad you enjoyed it, Steve! And you should def try a Chili Peppers-esque song when you get the time. I’d be very interested to hear your take on a song in that style.
Cool stuff, Steve! I really like how you have an interplay between playful and profound moods.
Indeed this song was surprisingly challenging to sing and play because that famous riff requires a bit of a stretch and on top of that I tended to play it too fast (a common problem I have). But I'm glad it turned out okay even though it was something I probably recorded a little too hastily. All that said, many thanks for listening to my stuff, Steve!
@TheProods Even though I sometimes like experimenting with different sounds, I inevitably come back to the stripped down sound. Thanks for encouragement!
Love it! You're getting better and better with every song. The charging riff you have here reminds me a bit of the last few minutes of the song "Buckethead's TV Show" by Buckethead. (The downside to listening to as much music as I do is that everything reminds me of something else, haha).
You quite skillfully merge different kinds of styles in this song. If I might offer a suggestion: it would have been nice if your vocals were a little higher in the mix near the beginning of the song -- I was trying to catch the lyrics but they were obscured by the music. Other than that one very minor critique, this is one of your strongest songs, Steve!
I like everything about this song. Well done, Anna!
Thanks for unearthing and commenting on this older song, Steve! I don't think anyone had listened to it until you so it's nice that it finally got an audience.
This was a fun one to sing. I'm glad you liked it, Steve!