This year will be my fifth year coaching one of my daughters in tee ball, and although I played ball competitively into my thirties, coaching the kids is easily the most fun I've ever had on the diamond.
A song for my daughter.
My blue-eyed girl
Living in your blue-sky world
I'll do my best to keep the clouds away
Life is better on a sunny day
Smooth the road out where you go
Let your light shine and watch you grow
This year will be my fifth year coaching one of my daughters in tee ball, and although I played ball competitively into my thirties, coaching the kids is easily the most fun I've ever had on the diamond.
Believe it or not, this track was written as a pretty tame little song... Then I put new strings on the guitar and it simply refused to be played slow. Enjoy it for the drive and energy. Listen to the lyrics. For whatever reason, I hope you…
Some girls have had it far too rough for their very few years.
How old were you when you'd seen enough
How old were you when your hide got tough
Your wounds have scarred
Sometimes they still sting
Close your eyes and hear her sing
A quick little tune written in appreciation of a small expression of contentedness.
I can see in that little smile
You're living for the moment
Every once in a little while I catch it
No one else could match it
You're more than meets the eye
Believe it or not, this track was written as a pretty tame little song... Then I put new strings on the guitar and it simply refused to be played slow. Enjoy it for the drive and energy. Listen to the lyrics. For whatever reason, I hope you…
Believe it or not, this track was written as a pretty tame little song... Then I put new strings on the guitar and it simply refused to be played slow. Enjoy it for the drive and energy. Listen to the lyrics. For whatever reason, I hope you…
My response to John Denver's "Rocky Mountain High."
The first time I dropped my lowest string
Was for Rocky Mountain High
Last night I caught a flight
To see the fire in the sky
Where John found twenty-seven
Now I'm turning thirty-five…
"You gotta put your pencil to the paper. Don't bother with the intricate chords. Hell it doesn't matter if the damned thing doesn't rhyme. Write it down. Run it through. Make some noise." These were actually the first words I wrote when…
Thank God!... Something up-beat. One of my colleagues has THE party of the year on Labor Day weekend every year, and I play around the bonfire from dusk until everyone is unconscious... and the ladies like to dance.
I've been listening to several of your songs, and I very much like what I've been hearing. You play and sing very well. Will be back to listen to more later.
ER
"The pictures that she paints while you're keeping time might just make you think again if you don't believe in the divine." Simply, it's a delicate little song appreciating the talents behind a beautifully written and performed song with the…
Three years ago, I brought my two youngest up to the summit of a local mountain (actually, we went up Shelving Rock Mountain, but that song wouldn't be as good). Have a listen to see how that hike went.
Thank God!... Something up-beat. One of my colleagues has THE party of the year on Labor Day weekend every year, and I play around the bonfire from dusk until everyone is unconscious... and the ladies like to dance.
This year will be my fifth year coaching one of my daughters in tee ball, and although I played ball competitively into my thirties, coaching the kids is easily the most fun I've ever had on the diamond.
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
Very cute and fun song...I too have coached my daughter in softball. Some great memories.
Were you Joni Mitchell in another life?
really nice lyrics and great voice!
awesome track!
wow man. Just great! Instant fav!!!
Very nice, pleasant like being touched by a beam of warm sunlight
Good tune,
Great vocals! :)
Mighty fine track :) w;-)
Awwww. RPM is so wonderful. (: This should be it's theme song!
I've been listening to several of your songs, and I very much like what I've been hearing. You play and sing very well. Will be back to listen to more later. ER
Very nice. Your guitar work is excellent. Love the chords.
Very nice! Love the harmonies!
Very nice laid back acoustic songwriter album. Makes me wanna do something like this next year RPM.
Loving this.
Lovely guitar tone, and then that wonderful soulful vox swoops in! Beautiful!
A very nice collection of songs
Great song and a great sentiment too.
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!