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!
Nice job Tom. I haven't heard this song before, but I can sense the emotions you convey in the lyrics. The quick chord changes sound tricky. Well done!
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!)
Lovely tone, a nice depth created, and great vocals add up to a really good sound here Tom. Like the way you have added an extra dimension with accompanying vocals. Well done!
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!
This sounds tricky to strum and sing at the same time. I like the rhythm you give it, and vocals are good too. I had a look at Dawes playing it, and I was a bit underwhelmed to be honest. I prefer your version Tom, more direct and effective I reckon. Good job!
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.
I haven't heard this song. It sounds great though. You always surprise me with the range and amount of material you work with. I don't know how you have experienced so much music. Are you a hundred years old?
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.
@kavin -- thanks for the feedback! I improvised this with my brother several years ago so I wish I could still remember how I played it. But I'm glad that you and others are enjoying it!
@GeneEricMann Thanks for your kind words, in particular with regards to my vocals. I know I'm not a gifted singer, but what I lack in skill, I try to make up for in sincerity.
@justinotterguy: Thanks! I think it turned out pretty well. I suggest you check out Low's version, which inspired my version: http://youtu.be/Qy_bQq2sAoA
I don't resonate with the lyrics as much right now, but I anticipated this shift when I called it "the blues" instead of its actual title "street of dreams." So that title change may be why you haven't heard the original.
Oh ...and thanks for your kind words of encouragement, Ken!
Thanks, Ken -- I know my voice is not everyone's "cup of tea" so I appreciate it -- high praise coming from another musician such as yourself!
At some point I would like to do something studio proper, but that might not be for another few more years as I will probably be pretty busy with school for at least a little while longer. There’s a nice studio in town that is relatively cheap, it’s just a matter of me sitting down and putting together some songs worthy of investing that kind of energy into it. I suppose if I were collaborating with someone it would kind of force me to take it more seriously, but either way it’s on my list of things to do, for sure!
@thetworegs: Thanks! This one is one of the few I have recorded that turned out better than I could have hoped. Glad to hear that someone else enjoyed it.
Thanks Ken! I felt a little unsure whether to post this one as I could never get the guitar to not sound horribly out-of-tune. Nice to know that my singing sort of cancelled out the less than perfect guitar tone...
I'm more musician than lyricist, just so you know, but I'm def looking forward to hearing whatever you got for me to sing over. I'll give it my best shot!
I must have been replying to your comment about “Cinnamon Girl” at the same time you were commenting on this song.
I can’t remember which audio recorder I used for this particular song.
Most of the time I just have a cheap 20 dollar USB mic plugged straight into my desktop because I can manipulate the mix between voice and guitar easier by moving the mic closer or farther from my guitar (very lo-fi, I know!) However, I tend to record my electric guitar stuff on a Tascam DR-05, mostly because all my gear is in the living room and I’m too lazy to move it to the bedroom, where my computer is….
I will edit whatever recording I use with Audacity. Do you have any particular recording preferences, Ken, or is it completely dependent on song?
Ken, I agree that we seem to follow a similar muse and thus our favorites tend to mirror each other. I would love to hear your version of "Cinnamon Girl." It could be fun to one day jam to your version! Maybe even a collab w/ each of us trading solos/vox? :)
A true lover of the art of music takes the time to not only work on their own art, but support the music of other artists. I respect and admire the time you've invested in listening and commenting on so much music here. Additionally, I'm very honored that you would devote time to listening to anything I post here. Thanks again, Ken!
Oh, wow...I don't get much feedback these days, so your kind words are much appreciated, Ken! I hope you keep creating and posting your music as well - I'm really enjoying it. :)
@fallingupart: Ahh, I need to enunciate better. The last verse is supposed to go "But the fire came to rest/In your white velvet breast/So I somehow know/That it's safe."
Also, the other verse you mention goes "I forgot all my songs/The words now are wrong." Thanks for lending another ear so I can clarify the words better.
@VishnuExpress (BabaPrince Joseph): I didn't write this particular song, but when I sing it I am thinking of the concept of "Monkey Mind" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mind_monkey in addition to the concept of "Getting the Monkey Off Your Back." No literal monkeys were harmed in the making of this song. ;)
Comments on Tom's stuff
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.
Moody and deep, enjoy the guitar tone and your expressive vocals Tom.
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!
Lovely vocals. Great expression in your voice, this number suits you well, good work Tom!
Nice job Tom. I haven't heard this song before, but I can sense the emotions you convey in the lyrics. The quick chord changes sound tricky. Well done!
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!)
Lovely tone, a nice depth created, and great vocals add up to a really good sound here Tom. Like the way you have added an extra dimension with accompanying vocals. Well done!
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!
This sounds tricky to strum and sing at the same time. I like the rhythm you give it, and vocals are good too. I had a look at Dawes playing it, and I was a bit underwhelmed to be honest. I prefer your version Tom, more direct and effective I reckon. Good job!
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!
Multi layered this time Tom.like the extra guitar coming in. It sounds great. Not easy song to carry off but you have done a very good job. Super!
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.
I haven't heard this song. It sounds great though. You always surprise me with the range and amount of material you work with. I don't know how you have experienced so much music. Are you a hundred years old?
Lovely version. Emotional and well expressed and executed. Cool!
This is a new one for me. Nice melody, played and sung very well as usual.
Stretching out those vocal chords again Tom. Very good!
Yes to ES always
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.
Comments made by Tom
@tdg7 -- thank you for the kind words! I recommend, if you have the desire, to go check out J. Tillman's version; it is far superior to mine.
@kavin -- thanks for the feedback! I improvised this with my brother several years ago so I wish I could still remember how I played it. But I'm glad that you and others are enjoying it!
@GeneEricMann Thanks for your kind words, in particular with regards to my vocals. I know I'm not a gifted singer, but what I lack in skill, I try to make up for in sincerity.
@justinotterguy: Thanks! I think it turned out pretty well. I suggest you check out Low's version, which inspired my version: http://youtu.be/Qy_bQq2sAoA
@TheRoseSerumSextet: Thank you for the kind words. Not many are brave enough to listen to my more improvisational stuff, so I do appreciate it!
@nazarevox: Thank you for listening and the encouraging feedback, Marcelo!
Thanks Ken! I was inspired by Madi Diaz's version. So if you like this version you might check out her version because it's pretty rad.
I don't resonate with the lyrics as much right now, but I anticipated this shift when I called it "the blues" instead of its actual title "street of dreams." So that title change may be why you haven't heard the original. Oh ...and thanks for your kind words of encouragement, Ken!
Thanks Ken!
Thanks, Ken -- I know my voice is not everyone's "cup of tea" so I appreciate it -- high praise coming from another musician such as yourself! At some point I would like to do something studio proper, but that might not be for another few more years as I will probably be pretty busy with school for at least a little while longer. There’s a nice studio in town that is relatively cheap, it’s just a matter of me sitting down and putting together some songs worthy of investing that kind of energy into it. I suppose if I were collaborating with someone it would kind of force me to take it more seriously, but either way it’s on my list of things to do, for sure!
@thetworegs: Thanks! This one is one of the few I have recorded that turned out better than I could have hoped. Glad to hear that someone else enjoyed it.
Thanks Ken! I felt a little unsure whether to post this one as I could never get the guitar to not sound horribly out-of-tune. Nice to know that my singing sort of cancelled out the less than perfect guitar tone...
I'm more musician than lyricist, just so you know, but I'm def looking forward to hearing whatever you got for me to sing over. I'll give it my best shot!
I must have been replying to your comment about “Cinnamon Girl” at the same time you were commenting on this song. I can’t remember which audio recorder I used for this particular song. Most of the time I just have a cheap 20 dollar USB mic plugged straight into my desktop because I can manipulate the mix between voice and guitar easier by moving the mic closer or farther from my guitar (very lo-fi, I know!) However, I tend to record my electric guitar stuff on a Tascam DR-05, mostly because all my gear is in the living room and I’m too lazy to move it to the bedroom, where my computer is…. I will edit whatever recording I use with Audacity. Do you have any particular recording preferences, Ken, or is it completely dependent on song?
Ken, I agree that we seem to follow a similar muse and thus our favorites tend to mirror each other. I would love to hear your version of "Cinnamon Girl." It could be fun to one day jam to your version! Maybe even a collab w/ each of us trading solos/vox? :)
A true lover of the art of music takes the time to not only work on their own art, but support the music of other artists. I respect and admire the time you've invested in listening and commenting on so much music here. Additionally, I'm very honored that you would devote time to listening to anything I post here. Thanks again, Ken!
Oh, wow...I don't get much feedback these days, so your kind words are much appreciated, Ken! I hope you keep creating and posting your music as well - I'm really enjoying it. :)
@KnD thanks for your enthusiasm and encouragement! The song is directed at a very important woman in my life. I hope she likes it. :)
@fallingupart: Ahh, I need to enunciate better. The last verse is supposed to go "But the fire came to rest/In your white velvet breast/So I somehow know/That it's safe." Also, the other verse you mention goes "I forgot all my songs/The words now are wrong." Thanks for lending another ear so I can clarify the words better.
@VishnuExpress (BabaPrince Joseph): I didn't write this particular song, but when I sing it I am thinking of the concept of "Monkey Mind" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mind_monkey in addition to the concept of "Getting the Monkey Off Your Back." No literal monkeys were harmed in the making of this song. ;)