If I told you how well I know you
Would you tell me it's not true
Have you got yourself believing
No one could know you like I do
I know it's been a long time coming
So many others you thought would treat you right
But I'm gonna show you…
Raised on vinyl and a needle that rides
To a paper circle at the end of both sides
Between the speakers, cover in hand
Sit in silence after Jungleland
I will not trade one bit of my soul for their pieces of gold
I've seen a world they'll…
Raised on vinyl and a needle that rides
To a paper circle at the end of both sides
Between the speakers, cover in hand
Sit in silence after Jungleland
I will not trade one bit of my soul for their pieces of gold
I've seen a world they'll…
Raised on vinyl and a needle that rides
To a paper circle at the end of both sides
Between the speakers, cover in hand
Sit in silence after Jungleland
I will not trade one bit of my soul for their pieces of gold
I've seen a world they'll…
Loved this when I first heard it two weeks ago. Still a firm favourite for me. I love the whole album, but I think this and the closer, The Final Few Minutes, are my favourites. I guess they both speak directly to me.
In the final few minutes
That I'll be around
Will you waltz with me in it
Would you turn me down
Would you turn me down
As the time's running out
And I make my advance
Would there be any doubt
If I take the chance
Can I have one…
The vastness of the ocean
A darkness in the sky
A lifetime of emotion
How hard you've had to try
To navigate the currents
And the demons in the deep
You have to stay awake
'Cuz they might take you in your sleep
You wish that you could…
Heard something crawling in the walls this morning
Later on, I heard that fateful snap
The little critter never had a warning
I'll have to head on down to face the guilt that's waiting
When I check the trap
A pair of trees I planted in…
I saw the title when you uploaded a couple of weeks back... LOVE the title... and it doesn't disappoint (slightly different song than I'd have written with the same title, though!)
I suppose it could be worse
I know I'm lucky I'm all right
But I can tell that you've been cursed
And it keeps me up at night
So few are born to come in first
So many born into a fight
If the roles had been reversed
Would they still believe…
Some say, "It's the price you gotta pay"
Some say, "You gotta learn to walk away"
But I'm still standing in the light
And I won't go down without a fight
Some say, "True love is just a lie"
Some say, "You'll give it up before you die…
I should've paid attention
When my buddy mentioned
The state of all the guys you'd left behind
You looked so young and wild
With that come-and-get-it smile
You'd taken over something in my mind
When we were together
I should've seen the…
In the final few minutes
That I'll be around
Will you waltz with me in it
Would you turn me down
Would you turn me down
As the time's running out
And I make my advance
Would there be any doubt
If I take the chance
Can I have one…
A beautiful closer to an awesome, complex RPM album. So lovely to hear new stuff from you. I agree with will of the sun, this *could* be your last, but I'd love to hear that lighter, more optimistic side of you in your final few moments! What a year it's been.
The vastness of the ocean
A darkness in the sky
A lifetime of emotion
How hard you've had to try
To navigate the currents
And the demons in the deep
You have to stay awake
'Cuz they might take you in your sleep
You wish that you could…
Heard something crawling in the walls this morning
Later on, I heard that fateful snap
The little critter never had a warning
I'll have to head on down to face the guilt that's waiting
When I check the trap
A pair of trees I planted in…
I suppose it could be worse
I know I'm lucky I'm all right
But I can tell that you've been cursed
And it keeps me up at night
So few are born to come in first
So many born into a fight
If the roles had been reversed
Would they still believe…
If I told you how well I know you
Would you tell me it's not true
Have you got yourself believing
No one could know you like I do
I know it's been a long time coming
So many others you thought would treat you right
But I'm gonna show you…
Everybody's looking for a savior
To tell them how to live before they die
As if they can't control their own behavior
Or trust what they can see with their own eyes
Mindlessly believing what you tell 'em
When everything you tell 'em is a…
Raised on vinyl and a needle that rides
To a paper circle at the end of both sides
Between the speakers, cover in hand
Sit in silence after Jungleland
I will not trade one bit of my soul for their pieces of gold
I've seen a world they'll…
Fantastic song. I came here from the RPM Challenge 2022. I really love your musical sensibility. Well done. I am looking forward to checking out the other tracks in the album.
I suppose it could be worse
I know I'm lucky I'm all right
But I can tell that you've been cursed
And it keeps me up at night
So few are born to come in first
So many born into a fight
If the roles had been reversed
Would they still believe…
Raised on vinyl and a needle that rides
To a paper circle at the end of both sides
Between the speakers, cover in hand
Sit in silence after Jungleland
I will not trade one bit of my soul for their pieces of gold
I've seen a world they'll…
In the final few minutes
That I'll be around
Will you waltz with me in it
Would you turn me down
Would you turn me down
As the time's running out
And I make my advance
Would there be any doubt
If I take the chance
Can I have one…
Quite a challenging album, an emotional rollercoaster; everything from an air of pessimism, to poignancy, to heartfelt. As usual, you have a great way of painting pictures and telling stories through your lyrics. I know you mentioned that you would be proud if this was to be you last album (I'm paraphrasing), and I would agree because it's a great album. However, at times the album is quite dark, which is a bit of a departure from the optimism I'm used to hearing. Hope you continue with your music.
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!
Next stop, Nashville.
Time to Let Go (Song for Ramona)
(Music by Jana Persson, Lyrics by Jana Persson and Will Gough)
Feel the hurt
Feel the pain
Aching heart
Not again
All the pleas
On my knees
Where's the cure for emotions like…
The window to the world opening. Have a listen, if you will!
Kaleidoscopy Overture
(Words & Music by Jana Persson)
Who will get it if they want?
You will
Who'll prevail as is their wont?
You will
Who will have a look
In my kaleidoscope…
"I Was Born"
Lyrics and Music by Daniel Parkhill
Greetings to my only friend, sacrifical lamb.
Ask me where my mind has been, ask me where I stand.
Guess it isn't real, guess it doesn't matter much.
Ash to ash and dust to dust, etcetera and such…
"Fail"
Lyrics by Daniel Parkhill, Music by Daniel Parkhill and Keith Landry
There's a price to pay to be the boy who popped out from a storybook
And every single day I find the jury's giving me the alibis.
So let me tell you:
I'm so-so tall…
A song about the five stages of grieving, as devised by the (late) Elizabeth Kubler-Ross. Unfortunately knowing these stages does not help you get over them.
You've been managing expectations
Consultations end in tears
Even if you're optimistic…
Oooh... It's been a while since I heard this all-time-great... This is the best thing about RPM... I'm reminded of the incredible talent that I haven't listened to for so long!
All right... Last comment about this masterpiece... A full day of any songwriting course should revolve around this song... I'll shut up now and just listen to the perfection.
Just back to listen to this outstanding song... I'm so partial to the quickly played piano... and then the harmonica that comes in... Just outstanding!
Final version
it needs a fiddle but it has a mandolin, a chicken banjo and some excellent backing vocalists
my third demo for RPM 2011
The cat's in the window and
the rabbit's in the hutch
goat's in the meadow just
a-chewin on the…
This celtic folk piece is a collaboration with lyricist Donna Devine.
This is Donna's explanation:
===============================
Background: In earlier centuries, young men were captured by "press gangs" - often literally torn away from…
Vocals: Eric Savoie
Acoustic Guitar: Dan Clancy
Electric Guitars: Bobby Clohessy
Bass: Trevor Tillotson
Drums: Gerald Langenfeld
Composed by Steffen Offermann & Eric Savoie
Arranged & mixed by Steffen Offermann
Vocals: Tricia Dovidio
Lyrics: Bob Beckley
Composed, arranged & mixed by Steffen Offermann
This one was tricky to do because the piano does not play at a fixed tempo, and it was an online collaboration (like all my collaborations).
A pop/rock tune in the veins of the 80s. At least that was the goal.
UPDATE: This is the Jan 2017 version!
Lyrics: Casia
Vocals: Jessica Rasche
Solo Guitar: Bobby Clohessy
Bass: Jean Lui Toudou
Drums: Jay Carros
Composed, arranged…
Comments on Keith Landry's stuff
Someone needs to give this a full band treatment. You have a serious pop vibe working here.
Excellent polished sound here, Keith.
really nice man, keep up the good work
Loved this when I first heard it two weeks ago. Still a firm favourite for me. I love the whole album, but I think this and the closer, The Final Few Minutes, are my favourites. I guess they both speak directly to me.
LOVE this one... love it to bits.
Oh huge sound again - love it. Fabulous song.
I saw the title when you uploaded a couple of weeks back... LOVE the title... and it doesn't disappoint (slightly different song than I'd have written with the same title, though!)
Massive stereo! Gorgeous sound... loads of space for the message in the middle.
Oh yeah. Love that "All I am..."
This brought a smile - I've been here. This is probably my favourite.
A beautiful closer to an awesome, complex RPM album. So lovely to hear new stuff from you. I agree with will of the sun, this *could* be your last, but I'd love to hear that lighter, more optimistic side of you in your final few moments! What a year it's been.
Great to hear so many elements in this album - wonderful layering throughout, and the electric guitar in this track is so perfectly placed.
Great song writing - great arrangement.
Great moody vibe - love the depth added by the bvox towards the end.
This is a gem. Ah, lovely stuff!
Love the overlays at the end - that works beautifully in pulling out the hook!
Fantastic song. I came here from the RPM Challenge 2022. I really love your musical sensibility. Well done. I am looking forward to checking out the other tracks in the album.
I love all the guitar layering you're doing on this and other tunes on the album. Creates great depth.
Digging this, love the flange on the guitar.
Quite a challenging album, an emotional rollercoaster; everything from an air of pessimism, to poignancy, to heartfelt. As usual, you have a great way of painting pictures and telling stories through your lyrics. I know you mentioned that you would be proud if this was to be you last album (I'm paraphrasing), and I would agree because it's a great album. However, at times the album is quite dark, which is a bit of a departure from the optimism I'm used to hearing. Hope you continue with your music.
Comments made by Keith Landry
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!
Such a professionally produced piece of excellence!
Faved at 0:15... Great track, Jana!
Great opening track... Faved at 0:12!
Hey Daniel! Good to hear this one in its completed form! Thanks for letting me come along for the ride! Keith
Oooh... It's been a while since I heard this all-time-great... This is the best thing about RPM... I'm reminded of the incredible talent that I haven't listened to for so long!
You really MUST post the lyrics to this!!!
All right... Last comment about this masterpiece... A full day of any songwriting course should revolve around this song... I'll shut up now and just listen to the perfection.
Where's the "all-time-fave" button? We really need to have that installed.
...And back for this all-time-favorite!
Just back to listen to this outstanding song... I'm so partial to the quickly played piano... and then the harmonica that comes in... Just outstanding!
Listening to this track right now with my daughter... Outstanding track!!! She says "it's silly, I like it, it makes me giggle!"
Looooove the celtic music! And again with the incredible vocals!
Another outstanding acoustic guitar track! This might be the best track here, Steffen!
Another fine mellow track. Where are you finding all these incredible vocalists!
Excellent track! Love that vocal from Jessica. Outstanding production quality on this one all around... Really tight arrangement and performance.