Another song from the archive... Written about a friend who somehow seemed to come out of her general sad manner... Thoughts go back to a lunar eclipse when the girl I was standing next to to watch it (way back in college) disappeared from sight…
The first recorded version of this song, this little folk song was originally written fifteen or so years ago with just the four chord rhythm guitar and single vocal. The song became what it is today when I needed to write additional verses for…
Another oldie but goodie (again, apologies for the few seconds of silence it takes to get to the intro). This song is the first that I really tried to record properly, written around Christmastime four or five years ago with my seventh grade…
After writing this song about our newly adopted dog, I asked Kavin if he like to play some slide guitar, knowing that he would come up with something terrific... I just had no idea how terrific.
Bandit rides in the back of my truck
A big…
Another song from the archive... Written about a friend who somehow seemed to come out of her general sad manner... Thoughts go back to a lunar eclipse when the girl I was standing next to to watch it (way back in college) disappeared from sight…
Another song from the archive... Written about a friend who somehow seemed to come out of her general sad manner... Thoughts go back to a lunar eclipse when the girl I was standing next to to watch it (way back in college) disappeared from sight…
Another song from the archive... Written about a friend who somehow seemed to come out of her general sad manner... Thoughts go back to a lunar eclipse when the girl I was standing next to to watch it (way back in college) disappeared from sight…
After listening to Brian's beautiful guitar piece "Mellow," Brian was kind enough to allow me to sing along...
Never saw you coming
Down my lonely road
I never saw you coming
Can't be sure you'll never go
I know you'll be leaving
But I keep believing…
Another song from the archive... Written about a friend who somehow seemed to come out of her general sad manner... Thoughts go back to a lunar eclipse when the girl I was standing next to to watch it (way back in college) disappeared from sight…
Another song from the archive... Written about a friend who somehow seemed to come out of her general sad manner... Thoughts go back to a lunar eclipse when the girl I was standing next to to watch it (way back in college) disappeared from sight…
Another song from the archive... Written about a friend who somehow seemed to come out of her general sad manner... Thoughts go back to a lunar eclipse when the girl I was standing next to to watch it (way back in college) disappeared from sight…
Another song from the archive... Written about a friend who somehow seemed to come out of her general sad manner... Thoughts go back to a lunar eclipse when the girl I was standing next to to watch it (way back in college) disappeared from sight…
Another song from the archive... Written about a friend who somehow seemed to come out of her general sad manner... Thoughts go back to a lunar eclipse when the girl I was standing next to to watch it (way back in college) disappeared from sight…
this is very nice,, listening to you,, i am struck by the thought that id love to hear this live,, it's the sort of piece that no matter how good the recording is it must pale compared to a live hearing,,, who ever gets to hear you practice and such is very lucky
After writing this song about our newly adopted dog, I asked Kavin if he like to play some slide guitar, knowing that he would come up with something terrific... I just had no idea how terrific.
Bandit rides in the back of my truck
A big…
After writing this song about our newly adopted dog, I asked Kavin if he like to play some slide guitar, knowing that he would come up with something terrific... I just had no idea how terrific.
Bandit rides in the back of my truck
A big…
"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…
All right, so one of those silly songs needed to find its way onto the album. In an effort to teach the students on my middle school team about rhythm in poetry, I wrote this little bit of foolishness about a fictional character (so yes, you…
Just updating all the songs from "Keeping Constant Motion" with versions that have the vocals a bit more up front... Just had to favorite this one. Of all the songs I've ever written, this one and "Amy Pond" are the most requested... Just goes to show that silliness in songwriting often speaks to people more than seriousness.
After writing this song about our newly adopted dog, I asked Kavin if he like to play some slide guitar, knowing that he would come up with something terrific... I just had no idea how terrific.
Bandit rides in the back of my truck
A big…
DREAMS OF THE OCEAN
Your kids'll be waking up in the morning
Just a couple of hours after mine have gone to bed
I've got the coffee warming
While dreams of the ocean are in your daughters' heads
I taught them all 'bout it late last evening…
After writing this song about our newly adopted dog, I asked Kavin if he like to play some slide guitar, knowing that he would come up with something terrific... I just had no idea how terrific.
Bandit rides in the back of my truck
A big…
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
thank you so much Keith for your awsem comment the other day! Inge
Great songwriting again...and Ashley's beautiful voice is a wonderful addition.
Beautiful song all the way around.
Great song and collab. All but one of my dogs are rescue dogs, good man! I really dig your voice, Keith.
I finally have some time to do some Alonetone listening. Glad I didn't miss this one.
Yes, I agree with the others. Very nice!
yes, great lyrics. I agree with Richard, this would have a good feel as a live performance.
What a great collaboration! Just a beautiful song.
nice sweet song Keith!
Gorgeous song Keith!
Awesome back story - you cannot hide your romantic side, and I'm glad you don't try. :-) Lovely song, Keith. Very sweet.
What an interesting story, I wonder if the lady in question would recognise herself now. And a great song too.
this is very nice,, listening to you,, i am struck by the thought that id love to hear this live,, it's the sort of piece that no matter how good the recording is it must pale compared to a live hearing,,, who ever gets to hear you practice and such is very lucky
Thanks for the kind words!
One, two, three, four, yeah .... I love it when you guys do that! Oh yes, this is a great track. Kavin's spot on too!
All right... So I closed the album with the fun songs (note to self... next time START the album with the fun songs).
Just updating all the songs from "Keeping Constant Motion" with versions that have the vocals a bit more up front... Just had to favorite this one. Of all the songs I've ever written, this one and "Amy Pond" are the most requested... Just goes to show that silliness in songwriting often speaks to people more than seriousness.
You and Kavin nail this one! Thanks for the comments!
I like this song a lot. Love the concept, your vocals, etc etc. And I'm green with envy that I didn't think of it! Well done. ER
How can I not fave a song about pick-up trucks, kids climbing on the dog, and leaving Memphis. And with slide guitar to boot.
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.