Where it all began.
THE PERFECT CRIME
When you told me you'd be leaving
Without even telling him goodbye
I couldn't stop smiling all that evening
The closest I've been to being high
Now you've got my poor mind racing
Trying to keep…
Just a little instrumental.
HYGGE
/ˈh(y)o͞oɡə,ˈho͝oɡə/
noun: hygge
A quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being (regarded as a defining characteristic of Danish culture).
Not sure how I got here... but yeah, this is WAY cool. And yes, I can hear those piano runs... I THINK I'd have recognised them if you hadn't said... but it saves me wondering later (when we're trying to decide what to watch) why I'm suggesting Thomas Crown Affair!
There's a line in an Indigo Girls song that says, "If you need to know that you weathered the storm of cruel mortality, a hundred years later I'm sitting here living proof." For me, ever since hearing the words "cruel mortality," they have always…
Just a little instrumental.
HYGGE
/ˈh(y)o͞oɡə,ˈho͝oɡə/
noun: hygge
A quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being (regarded as a defining characteristic of Danish culture).
The seeds of this song were sown years ago. If only those who left knew what they were headed for.
BACK TO SHORE
The sky was so high when you set out from shore
The sun at your back, you were longing for more
When it started to pour…
There's a line in an Indigo Girls song that says, "If you need to know that you weathered the storm of cruel mortality, a hundred years later I'm sitting here living proof." For me, ever since hearing the words "cruel mortality," they have always…
Well, this song showed up right at the end of the recording session, and it reminded me of why I do this - and it was just what I needed.
THANKS FOR COMING
I agreed to meet
I smile and take a seat
To hear you say how I could be a star…
This is my favorite track on the album, for a couple reasons. One, I know it wasn’t “planned.” I like that. I like imagining you channeling it. Two, the guitars. That nylon-stringed guitar adds a lovely texture. Three, your voice is superb on this. Perfect album closer. This album is certainly one to be proud of, my friend. Looking forward to seeing you in Portsmouth.
Of all the souvenirs, photos, baseball memorabilia, and musical instruments in my study, the item I value the most is one small 3x5 of my sister and me.
3x5 OF ME AND YOU
I sit with my belongings around me on the shelf
Pictures of my heroes…
The last of the original 29 Navajo Code Talkers died not long ago. Go look them up if you don't know the story. These were some of the finest men to ever serve.
CODE TALKER
Boys were dying across the ocean
Words were stolen, and codes…
This one, too. I listened to the album over at RPM but came over here to seek out my favorites so I could comment on the individuals. This guitar work is my favorite, both the tone and how it complements the vocal line.
There's a line in an Indigo Girls song that says, "If you need to know that you weathered the storm of cruel mortality, a hundred years later I'm sitting here living proof." For me, ever since hearing the words "cruel mortality," they have always…
There's a line in an Indigo Girls song that says, "If you need to know that you weathered the storm of cruel mortality, a hundred years later I'm sitting here living proof." For me, ever since hearing the words "cruel mortality," they have always…
Welcome to my RPM album. The line "You might not get what you want - You'll get what you deserve" came to me without me truly understanding it.
By the time I finished recording the album, it all made sense.
WHAT YOU DESERVE
Is this what…
There's a line in an Indigo Girls song that says, "If you need to know that you weathered the storm of cruel mortality, a hundred years later I'm sitting here living proof." For me, ever since hearing the words "cruel mortality," they have always…
Well EVERY album needs a love song!
CAN'T GET ENOUGH OF YOU
Doctor says my numbers aren't where they're suppose to be
Gotta change my eating habits and work out more than once a week
I know I tend to get addicted to things that make me…
Sometimes we don't resist the brightest flame until it's too late.
ACETYLENE
Baby, you burn - I never learn until I'm on fire
A dangerous game - the hottest flame I've ever seen
I can't look away from your blinding display, drawn by desire…
Well, this song showed up right at the end of the recording session, and it reminded me of why I do this - and it was just what I needed.
THANKS FOR COMING
I agreed to meet
I smile and take a seat
To hear you say how I could be a star…
I've had this album playing through my house all morning. An absolute triumph, Keith. Magnificent performances, and the writing absolutely shines. Serious kudos!
Sometimes we don't resist the brightest flame until it's too late.
ACETYLENE
Baby, you burn - I never learn until I'm on fire
A dangerous game - the hottest flame I've ever seen
I can't look away from your blinding display, drawn by desire…
The last of the original 29 Navajo Code Talkers died not long ago. Go look them up if you don't know the story. These were some of the finest men to ever serve.
CODE TALKER
Boys were dying across the ocean
Words were stolen, and codes…
This is just another middle of the road pile of trot, this time about the amazing instant classics I write, but am so protective of that I daren't let any of you hear. No one will ever hear them. Sorry, but I'm afraid this shite will just have…
Thank you for being you
No one else would do
Thank you for being you
You're all I ask for
Too many nights alone
tonight I'm coming home
open up the wine cos I'm
gonna be with the one who's shown
Me the ways of old
Women into wives…
Keith Landry used his considerable vocal talents on this song, and he made a decent song sound great. I added one or two harmonies, but the lead vocals are his. I think he did a great job. What do you think?
ER
This one started as a the title line while driving in my car. All I had was the line and it's melody. I built the song around that about 6 months later. The lyrics are self explanatory.
As good an album closer as you will ever hear. Great big picture stuff here, Gary... Thanks for sharing the uncertainty through this perfectly crafted song.
A brief glimpse, but that's all. Inspired by last April. It's for everyone, but no one in particular. Yes, this one gives more than a passing nod to Ham and Evans. Thanks gents!
...And that guitar solo starting at 2:08 is about as ass-kicking as you will ever hear. If it doesn't put you in a good mood, find a bridge and jump off, for there truly is no hope for you any longer.
A brief glimpse, but that's all. Inspired by last April. It's for everyone, but no one in particular. Yes, this one gives more than a passing nod to Ham and Evans. Thanks gents!
Sassy Nation version!
Sister Savage and Mr Sandbags collaborated on the original of this wonderful heartbreaker of a song. I've been playing it on the guitar the last few days and it always seemed to come out with a grittier tone, so i asked…
Lyrics influenced by a conversation with a friend whose daughter was in a really bad way. Kind of set the mood for large parts of the challenge for me this year.
New version uploaded 12 Dec 2010.
Man... As the playlist runs down into the 2010 RPM submission, I realize that I need to hit the stop button or I'll be up all night listening to Strummindude's incredible music... I'LL BE BACK!!!
To conclude the album, here is the title track in a full band setting, featuring the great Rob Wirensjo on a riveting piano and also Hank Johnzon doing a jazzy pedal. The arrangement is a little reminiscent of turn of the 19th century can-can…
Soooooooooo good, Jana. Really a brilliant album. I will be playing this beautiful song over and over in the coming days. Anyone who listens to this album and doesn't come away with a smile (especially after hearing this sweet closing track) needs to get their heads checked... or kicked... their choice. Just outstanding, Jana, truly outstanding!
The Cacaphony of the Kaleidoscopy, and a nod to 70's progressive rock. Brace yourself - this is a long one!
Falling Is Never
(Lyrics by Aaron Strebs, Music by Jana Persson)
Years between life, between panic, a lie
between she who would…
Oh, now this track is just amazing... And I love the fact that you've taken the 8:48 to say what really needs saying lyrically and musically... And that guitar at around 2:20... Wow. I wish more artists would be more willing to return to a time when eight minutes of great music can be so damn good, and should NEVER be cut short if the song tells the artist that it NEEDS to be just that long.
A couple of ornate melodies on a string that Will worked really hard to decorate with words. Since the song has basically two different melodic themes, the idea is to portray a relationship from two perspectives.
Over You
(Words by Will Gough…
Jana, this is one hell of an album whether or not it was produced under the time constraint of RPM (and the fact that it was makes it all the more impressive).
Well done!
A funky track, featuring Amanda Persson, the 15 yo Daughter of Strummindude, on lead vocals. Amanda is currently competing in the 2011 Swedish Idol finals. (Oct 2011)
Take Me Dancing
(Words & Music by Jana Persson)
Take me up
Take…
This track is just incredible... Put together a music video and this will be HUGE in the states... And what a voice on that kid of yours!... I have a feeling it won't be very long until we'll all be saying, "and I heard her when she was only fifteen."
Top notch songwriting, arranging, performance... Just first rate all the way you two!
Comments on Keith Landry's stuff
cool chordscheme enjoyed! KC
Liking this one! reminds me of a little ditty we did a few years back called Leaf Hate: https://themaadmen.bandcamp.com/track/leaf-hate
Love it!
Not sure how I got here... but yeah, this is WAY cool. And yes, I can hear those piano runs... I THINK I'd have recognised them if you hadn't said... but it saves me wondering later (when we're trying to decide what to watch) why I'm suggesting Thomas Crown Affair!
THIS KILLS ME
beautiful
You are a great lyricist
I really love this
This is my favorite track on the album, for a couple reasons. One, I know it wasn’t “planned.” I like that. I like imagining you channeling it. Two, the guitars. That nylon-stringed guitar adds a lovely texture. Three, your voice is superb on this. Perfect album closer. This album is certainly one to be proud of, my friend. Looking forward to seeing you in Portsmouth.
Here’s to sisters. Most boys who have one become better men.
This one, too. I listened to the album over at RPM but came over here to seek out my favorites so I could comment on the individuals. This guitar work is my favorite, both the tone and how it complements the vocal line.
Also, love the whistling. Axl Rose, eat your heart out
Your guitar tone on this one is delicious
Theme song for our shared insanity :)
This is incredible Keith, cheers
You went over and above! Nice!
Great songwriting! Really digging the album!
I've had this album playing through my house all morning. An absolute triumph, Keith. Magnificent performances, and the writing absolutely shines. Serious kudos!
Very beautiful melody - music box perfection. Every song on this album is *so* strong. Love the build at .48 also.
Absolutely loving the open air feel to the guitar line from the get go .
Comments made by Keith Landry
Absurdly catchy track... I need more bah bah bah bah's in my day.
Very nice!
Damn good track. Just back for another listen. Damn good.
Great groove!
Now this I really like!
Great buildup to this song... Outstanding arrangement!
Really liking these stripped-down acoustic tracks. Well done!
Oooooh... This is good! Outstanding musicianship!
Happy to contribute ER!
Such a good track!
As good an album closer as you will ever hear. Great big picture stuff here, Gary... Thanks for sharing the uncertainty through this perfectly crafted song.
...And that guitar solo starting at 2:08 is about as ass-kicking as you will ever hear. If it doesn't put you in a good mood, find a bridge and jump off, for there truly is no hope for you any longer.
...And this one is absurdly good.
Ridiculously good track. Good to have more stuff from Gary up on alonetone... Now I need to go back and listen to some of the old stuff, too.
Love the cover!!! Loved the original... Much love all around!
Man... As the playlist runs down into the 2010 RPM submission, I realize that I need to hit the stop button or I'll be up all night listening to Strummindude's incredible music... I'LL BE BACK!!!
Soooooooooo good, Jana. Really a brilliant album. I will be playing this beautiful song over and over in the coming days. Anyone who listens to this album and doesn't come away with a smile (especially after hearing this sweet closing track) needs to get their heads checked... or kicked... their choice. Just outstanding, Jana, truly outstanding!
Oh, now this track is just amazing... And I love the fact that you've taken the 8:48 to say what really needs saying lyrically and musically... And that guitar at around 2:20... Wow. I wish more artists would be more willing to return to a time when eight minutes of great music can be so damn good, and should NEVER be cut short if the song tells the artist that it NEEDS to be just that long.
Jana, this is one hell of an album whether or not it was produced under the time constraint of RPM (and the fact that it was makes it all the more impressive). Well done!
This track is just incredible... Put together a music video and this will be HUGE in the states... And what a voice on that kid of yours!... I have a feeling it won't be very long until we'll all be saying, "and I heard her when she was only fifteen." Top notch songwriting, arranging, performance... Just first rate all the way you two!