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Description:
There is an old saying that applies to at least a few of the newsrooms where I have worked: "If it bleeds, it leads." Too often, TV news is about death. Almost always, it is about fear. And always, always, it is about money. This song could have been titled "Confessions of a Former TV Reporter." Or, "Selling the News."
Artwork: Crime Scene Live Shot
East St. Louis, Illinois
1999
featured on
songs from the american plain
now available
the lost records™
Lyrics:
IN BETWEEN
Somebody's dead
Please stay tuned
Somebody's dying
Please watch the news
Don't go away!
Stay right there!
While you're watching
Here's something for your hair
Buy something for your hair
24 hours
7 days a week
People are dying
Don't you want to take a peek?
Please stay tuned!
Right where you are!
And while you're watching
Buy a car
Won't you buy a car
Somebody bleeds
Somebody leads
And somebody's selling
In between
Somebody bleeds
Somebody leads
And somebody's selling
In between
In between
In between
Hardware:
1970 Alvarez Guitar
Worn-out Martin Classic strings
Boss BR-8 Digital Recording Studio
Shure SM57, SM58 mics
G5
Software:
GB
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Again &mdash 07/10/05 - 04:24:14 PM
Tom, you keep doing it, creating music and words that
just floor me. This is such a wonderful song, from the
thoughtful and catchy lyrics to the brilliant guitar playing
to your splendid singing and harmonies to the gorgeous
arrangement and professional production.
I had no idea you worked as a t.v. journalist. Never would
have guessed. That just adds such an interesting layer to
what I've gotten to know about you.
Never doubt that your songs could change hearts and
minds with the best of them, Tom. More people need to
hear this and your other music. [ Reply to This ]
Again &mdash 07/10/05 - 05:30:31 PM
Thanks, Peter. You know, you are often among the first to comment on my
songs, and I believe you were the 1st one to become a "fan" on my artist
page. You have been a big supporter, not only for me, but for many others at
this site, and I want you to know how much I appreciate it.
---
. [ Reply to This ]
My sentiments, exactly &mdash 07/10/05 - 05:22:19 PM
You know...I've always found the irony of 'the evening
news' to be...just what you've said.
And you say it so well, too. And sing it so well (wonderful
harmonies!). In fact, you play it (the guitar) so well, that I
think I'll just have to give you 10's across the board...
Sincerely...I'm so glad that you have shared your music
here at MJ, Tom.
Please keep doing so...
[ Reply to This ]
My sentiments, exactly &mdash 07/10/05 - 05:38:14 PM
I hate to revisit a controversial subject ( see "What's Wrong with This World"),
but I have always found journalism and business to be an uncomfortable fit.
News coverage is often excellent, but it is the packaging and promotion that
can be disturbing at times. The selling of the news. It used to be that TV
newsrooms were not expected to make a profit, they fulfilled a (now defunct)
FCC requirement for public service programming each week. Those days are
over. Newsrooms are under pressure to turn a profit...
Okay, don't get me started. Thanks for the comments, Cat, and for the
generous
score. I really appreciate your kind words.
---
. [ Reply to This ]
So much music... &mdash 07/10/05 - 05:57:20 PM
... pouring out of you. And it's all so rich. This, like
everything you do, is so well conceived. If only I could
think of a piece of obscure English vocabulary to describe
it with. I really like the frantic guitar modern-pace-of-life
against the arching reflective vocals. And actually I DO
need to buy something for my hair now you mention it... [ Reply to This ]
So much music... &mdash 07/10/05 - 07:01:17 PM
Thanks, Wm. Glad you like the frantic guitar, You know, a mandolin would go
well with this...also, I've been meaning to talk to you about your hair.
---
. [ Reply to This ]
! &mdash 07/10/05 - 07:16:20 PM
! &mdash 07/10/05 - 08:46:17 PM
I don't give 10's &mdash 07/10/05 - 08:32:03 PM
across the board. It's hard to think a song deserves that
kind of rating. So, some will certainly quibble with me. I
gave you 10's. Why? For the reasons already stated
about this song. And as a sort of "lifetime" achievement
recognition. I echo pgreeensotne's comments.
By the way, although I do follow the news of the day, my
wife and I gave up watching TV for a number of reasons.
High on the list is the way news is skewed and the stories
and "take" most often are to the negative side. It appeals
to the voyeuristic part of us that is best not nutured and
tends to give one a warped view of life.
Jack [ Reply to This ]
I don't give 10's &mdash 07/10/05 - 08:54:52 PM
Thanks, Jack. Back in the days when I was a reporter I might have argued with
you about the negative, 'warped' view of TV news. I always used to argue that
news is by definition what is different, unusual, and so, often negative.
However, I do understand the decision to "blow up your TV." Since I left daily
news 5 years ago, I am surprised at how little time I spend watching it
anymore. Only occasionally to see my friends who are still there!
As for the 10s and the "lifetime achievement" award, thanks. (But don't you
have to be nearly dead to win one of those???)
---
. [ Reply to This ]
Excellent &mdash 07/10/05 - 08:53:45 PM
excellent songwriting... blows me away. That's some fine guitar playing and singing Tom! I fully agree with the sentiment and I never watch TV news anymore. In fact the bottom-line, commercial aspect of TV and radio has annoyed me to the point where I almost never turn them on anymore.
Your performance and production here are amazing! [ Reply to This ]
Excellent &mdash 07/10/05 - 09:20:27 PM
You are on FIRE! &mdash 07/10/05 - 09:25:54 PM
(would you like to buy something to put yourself out?)
Tom, you're some kind of hit machine and I'm so impressed with your ability to say so much with so few lyrics and such (deceptively) simple songs. You could teach Raymond Carver a thing or two.
You're really excellent with harmony and I've been wondering for a while if you write and sing the parts separately, or if you use a technological assist. (Please don't feel obligated to answer this if you feel it reveals too much of the man behind the curtain). I'd love to know if you have a way of deciding where to go with the harmony (as far as choosing thirds or fourths), or if you just "hear" what needs to be sung.
That opening line is terrific, "Somebody's dead..." What a hook.
I do love the harmony (and the humming and the third voice on the left channel) but, if you're in the mood for playing with this any more, I think you could fine tune the volume of the harmony on the chorus. The first two lines of the chorus seem the tiniest bit loud to me, but not by much.
P.S. I love your new profile pic in the bright blue jacket. [ Reply to This ]
You are on FIRE! &mdash 07/10/05 - 09:46:18 PM
Thanks, Lisa, I always enjoy reading your comments. As for the 'fire,' I'm a
little embarrassed to be honest. For some reason I seem to be cranking songs
out, almost like someone handing out gifts and getting rid of junk before he
dies. (Maybe that's why Dadai offered the lifetime achievement award. Do you
guys know something I don't?) Songwriting seems to come and go for me. I
went 10 years without picking up a guitar. So, I guess I'll go with this 'hot
streak' now.
I will have to Google Ray Carver. Dunno who he is.
The harmony question is a good one. This is how I do it: I compose the lyrics
first, usually at the guitar. It doesn't seem to work if I sit down and try to
write them. Then I sing the main vocal. Then I experiment with harmonies. I
know what 3rds and 4ths are, but I don't think in those terms. I just keep
trying different harmonies until something sounds right.
Now, as for the humming and the vocal levels in the chorus -- you have very
good ears, Lisa. You and Peter both. There are some problems with the vocals
in terms of recording. But, I'm afraid I often adopt this attitude after I have
finished a song: "Close enough for jazz!" I guess if I ever got serious I would
have to basically re-record almost everything I have done here, and ask
pgreenstone to be my producer.
Re: the opening line: sometimes you get lucky. And lucky is better than good.
Can I think up any more cliches? Thanks again ledebutant.
---
. [ Reply to This ]
You are on FIRE! &mdash 07/10/05 - 10:37:32 PM
Oh, you mean that Raymond Carver? It's all coming back to
me.
Well, no it's not, but I did
find a
biographical sketch from a University of Hartford professor. From that bio:
The writer who once described himself as "a cigarette with a body
attached to it" died on 2 August, two months past his fiftieth birthday. Two
years earlier novelist Robert Stone had called Carver "the best American
short-story writer since Hemingway."
You know what jumps out at me?
"Died two months past his 50th birthday." I don't like where all this is
heading: death, news, lifetime achievement awards, 50th birthdays, cigarettes
with bodies
attached...
--- . [ Reply to This ]
You are on FIRE! &mdash 07/10/05 - 11:27:04 PM
Well, I thought I was talking about Carver in terms of minimalism, which John Barth defined as the idea "...that artistic effect may be enhanced by a radical economy of artistic means, even where such parsimony compromises other values: completeness, for example, or richness or precision of statement."
But, now that you mention it...I have recently been having funny dreams featuring a man in a blue jacket with 50 lit cigarettes hanging from his cold, dead lips and in the background I can hear jingling sounds and can see the disembodied heads of Marx and Lenin dancing...and one is holding an EMMY and the other is holding a PEABODY and Louis Armstrong is there shouting, "It's good enough for jazz."
I'd keep writing quickly if I were you, sir. The portents are portenteous.
(Have I mentioned that you crack me up?)
[ Reply to This ]
You are on FIRE! &mdash 07/10/05 - 11:41:13 PM
Not a stalker! &mdash 07/11/05 - 12:27:32 AM
I do give good Google, but I'll fess to clicking through on the "Homepage" link you provided in your profile.
(BTW, Marx and Lenin (Engels was absent) told me to slap you five on the the E and P.A. )
[ Reply to This ]
Not a stalker! &mdash 07/11/05 - 06:32:04 AM
My website? Did I mention something about an Emmy and a Peabody on my
website? I'm surprised, because awards really mean nothing to me. Nothing at
all. However, I would like to take this time to thank the members of the
academy, and all the little people...
---
. [ Reply to This ]
love the discription too &mdash 07/10/05 - 09:43:30 PM
Love how it's coming from your experiences as a newsguy.
It makes the tune so real !
Nice, like that added touch of cello and stuff at the end too.
Cool fingerpickin as well.
Thanks for sharing [ Reply to This ]
love the discription too &mdash 07/10/05 - 09:57:38 PM
Thanks for that fingerpicking compliment, Bill. Glad you liked this song.
---
. [ Reply to This ]
news &mdash 07/10/05 - 09:52:00 PM
I agree that this is a great song. Tom, Have you seen frontline? it's a comedy done on this topic about 10 years ago. Not sure if it went international. http://www.users.bigpond.com/ewert/frontline/soundclips.htm
Anyway great songwriting. I would like to have heard a different arrangement tho. Harmonies are good but how bout some strings or something. Also there is a resonance in the Guitar which a bit of eq would fix. [ Reply to This ]
news &mdash 07/10/05 - 10:01:11 PM
Good ears, rex. There is some 'booming' in the guitar. But you know me,
"close enough for jazz!" Wait, did I already say that?
I have not seen Frontline, but will check out that link. Thanks for listening
and for your comments.
---
. [ Reply to This ]
Have to say... &mdash 07/10/05 - 10:26:37 PM
...I got shivery and a little choked up listening to
this. Man, I sound like a cheeseball! (Don't get me
wrong, this song is anything but cheesy.) You turn
out some great ones, sure, but this is one of your
best yet. Oh, I hardly ever vote all tens, but I think
I'm gonna have to. This one really got me from all
directions. I think the melody, as well as the
lyrics, are extremely strong. [ Reply to This ]
Have to say... &mdash 07/10/05 - 10:43:04 PM
Thanks, Eric. At one point, I thought about sending this to you. (Remember
that collaboration we've been talking about?) I thought maybe you could do
something with this, Stun it up a bit with newsclips or musical theme songs
from old movies or giggling children. But I wasn't sure if you would be
interested, and then I thought, "Close enough for jazz!" and posted it.
I am glad you liked this piece and I appreciate the comments. We will do
something soon, before my 5oth birthday preferably. It's a small window,
---
. [ Reply to This ]
Have to say... &mdash 07/11/05 - 08:13:58 AM
Thanks for thinking of me... this one is good as is! I was recording some
things this past weekend that may be the start of a collab... I'll keep you
posted! [ Reply to This ]
This has a lot of meaning for me... &mdash 07/10/05 - 10:54:04 PM
I'm also a "recovering" journalist (newspaper, not TV), but
this could easily describe what is happening there too. There
are many reasons I got out, this is one of them. As a friend
(also a recovering journailist said) we didn't leave journalism,
it left us.
Your song would still have been incredible without the
personal identification. Thanks for creating and posting this
one. [ Reply to This ]
This has a lot of meaning for me... &mdash 07/11/05 - 07:02:30 AM
My name is Joseph, I am a...journalist. You're right about who left who,
jgurner. Or, I guess maybe something took journalism away from us. Thanks
for your comments and good luck in your continuing recovery. Don't relapse!
---
. [ Reply to This ]
i really empathise with your lyrics &mdash 07/10/05 - 10:57:25 PM
wonderful vocals with the country-like guitar arrpegio
creats a beautiful flow which attracts the attention for the
empathetic content (lyric) to enlighten heartless people in
the modern world! [ Reply to This ]
i really empathise with your lyrics &mdash 07/11/05 - 07:04:22 AM
Thanks for listening haribo. I'm wondering what this song would sound like
with your melodica?
---
. [ Reply to This ]
This just in... &mdash 07/10/05 - 11:51:15 PM
Masterful, Tom. This is so poignant. I sent it to a friend
whose brother just got out of TV news reporting.
Great song, just really so well done. [ Reply to This ]
This just in... &mdash 07/11/05 - 07:06:49 AM
I have several friends who have left TV news. Not one of them misses it. It can
be a tough business. Thanks for listening and sending this out, Joanna.
---
. [ Reply to This ]
That's The News &mdash 07/11/05 - 01:11:14 AM
This reminded me of a song by the great Merle Haggard
which was titled That's the News. You didn't have quite
the same approach but similar. Here is a sample verse of
Haggard's:
That's the news, that's the news.
That's the ever-lovin', blessed, headline news.
Politicians do all the talkin': soldiers pay the dues.
Suddenly the war is over, that's the news.
Of course you had your experience as a news reporter to
draw upon and were coming at it from that angle. I know
exactly what you mean though about the advertising
being a jolting contrast when there is serious news on
right before or after. I think the same kind of thing
happens when they go from a sad depressing story but
then have to put in their little humorous story right at the
end of the telecast. I guess to cheer us up and raise
ratings.
As to your song, I loved the fast nylon picking and your
vocal and harmonies were outstanding as always. The
lyrics were very droll and ironic and once again sparked
pictures and thoughts in my head that you didn't imagine
when you wrote it. For instance the lines about people
dying 24 hrs a day , 7 days a week is something I have
thought about a lot. Mainly why some deaths are
considered such horrible tragedies and others are
ignored. Why is killing children in the US such a horrible
crime but our bombs and bullets killing them elsewhere in
the world is noble and patriotic. And then why does the
news place such emphasis on death and crime stories
while the real news such as our esteemed government
looting billions of our dollars or why we keep saying we
are supporting democracy around the globe when we
aren't a democracy ourselves either in design or practice.
Ah well, you see, you got me started again. Stop that! [ Reply to This ]
That's The News &mdash 07/11/05 - 01:27:30 AM
Well said, Bronco. Don't get me started either. My head will spin around and
just pop off at this point. [ Reply to This ]
That's The News &mdash 07/11/05 - 07:28:00 AM
Thanks for those thoughtful comments, Tom. I feel like I have been
complaining a lot lately (in songs). And I hate to
point a finger at all the Usual Suspects, but I believe that when it comes to
news, often consultants are to blame. You will appreciate this analogy,
bronco: for the same reason I object to religion using fear to attract believers,
I object to consultants promoting fear as a way to attract viewers. Instead of
news being what people need to know, it has become what people want to
see.
Back to the song - glad you liked it. Always happy to be compared with Merle.
Used to perform his Okie from Muskogee in college.
Thanks, Tom.
---
. [ Reply to This ]
That's The News &mdash 07/12/05 - 05:08:05 PM
Yes, I've done Okie a few times myself. Merle has come a long way when you
contrast the lyrics of that song with "That's the News" [ Reply to This ]
Excellent &mdash 07/11/05 - 03:31:03 AM
I'm reminded of the Smothers Brothers when I hear this. :)
Your lyrics, singing, harmonies and harmonies are excellent
here.
And to add to the compendium of songs about TV news we
seem to be collecting here, there's the Mothers' "Touble
Every Day" which describes Zappa's feelings watching the
1965 Watts riot, in which he castigates the news coverage,
among other things - http://www.lyricsfreak.com/f/frank-
zappa/57119.html. [ Reply to This ]
Excellent &mdash 07/11/05 - 07:33:39 AM
Thanks, Mungo. It would be fun to hear Tom and Dick sing this...
---
. [ Reply to This ]
Bloody Marvellous! truely, no pun intended - this time - &mdash 07/11/05 - 06:40:05 AM
I am so moved by this - love the lyrics (in that bittersweet moved kinda way), adore the guitar and the 'shaky-things' are good too - since i came to mj, i listen to NOTHING else so have downloaded this, it's on the ipod and i'm singing along already - thank you x [ Reply to This ]
Bloody Marvellous! truely, no pun intended - this time - &mdash 07/11/05 - 07:35:57 AM
By 'shaky things,' you must mean my vocals!
Thanks for those kind words, caroline. I am glad you were moved by this
song.
---
. [ Reply to This ]
:) &mdash 07/11/05 - 06:46:14 AM
24 hours
7 days a week
People are listening to your songs.
Don't you want to take a listen?
Please stay tuned!
thanks for sharing:)
- Hawks [ Reply to This ]
:) &mdash 07/11/05 - 07:38:00 AM
Jemimah, sounds like you have a future in the news business! Thanks for
listening.
---
. [ Reply to This ]
Surreality of the News &mdash 07/11/05 - 08:46:29 AM
When I was volunteering at Ground Zero the week following
Sept 11 2001, I spoke to the local TV broadcasters several
times asking for items we needed, and it was so surreal
because they were like plastic dolls, hairsprayed and face
paint beyond human recognition, and I smudged with dust
and no doubt looked a wildly exhausted. An assistant would
give me a pre-interview, tell me what I was allowed to say,
and then the "face" would interview me on camera. I would
say whatever I wanted to anyway, and the "face" would never
change expressions, never deviate from the pre-ordained
script. All very strange. [ Reply to This ]
Surreality of the News &mdash 07/11/05 - 08:54:45 AM
It can be surreal at times, Tobin. Remind me to tell you, when you have some
time, the story of the election night I stuck my thumb in Bill Clinton's ear on
live television. Talk about surreal. A low point in my journalistic career, but
memorable.
---
. [ Reply to This ]
I don't normal check out Folks tunes, but &mdash 07/11/05 - 06:52:39 PM
I love the sarcastic message - smart, on the money
statement. How did your strings hold up to the picking? [ Reply to This ]
I don't normal check out Folks tunes, but &mdash 07/11/05 - 09:41:58 PM
Thanks meatsoda. The strings need to be changed, but it's one of my least
favortite things in the universe to do.
---
. [ Reply to This ]
Very nice &mdash 07/11/05 - 07:53:46 PM
Right on the Money &mdash 07/11/05 - 09:22:13 PM
Another topical folky gem Mr Atwood. Love the Leonard
Cohenesque guitar work, as usual superb vocals and
harmonies. You're definitely one of my favourites here. [ Reply to This ]
Right on the Money &mdash 07/11/05 - 09:50:03 PM
Thanks, breezer. And rovert10, always glad when Australians peddling songs
featuring naked nuns and such stop by. Great stuff. Thanks.
---
. [ Reply to This ]
Excellent! &mdash 07/11/05 - 09:59:38 PM
Great Folk composition. Love the guitar and vocal
harmonies. Also really liked the fills withe the bells and
shaker. Minimal but exactly where they needed to be. [ Reply to This ]
Excellent! &mdash 07/11/05 - 10:15:03 PM
Your song &mdash 07/12/05 - 10:35:03 AM
hits me like a ton of bricks. Since I'm employed in the media, this song is especially poignant. More and more, it's a struggle to keep listening to what's happening in the world at the pace in which is expected. I identify so strongly with this song, Tom. I used to be able to gloss over the death and destruction. Your song confirms what I have realized for a quite while, that glossing over is not an option. But checking out isn't an option either. So I'm just faaaading oooout.
Awesome guitar, vocal and songwriting work
The guitar is superb. [ Reply to This ]
Your song &mdash 07/12/05 - 11:15:53 AM
I had a feeling you might identify with this, Tom. However, don't get me
wrong. I am not suggesting you or anyone else should drop out of the news
business. In fact, I stayed for 20 years (+) convinced that I could make it
better. In fact, it won't get better if good people drop out. My time just came,
and now I can be one of those annoying people on the outside looking in and
criticizing.
So, don't check out. Don't fade out. Keep cartooning (until that big recording
contract comes along...)
Thanks for listening & for your comments, alley-oop.
---
. [ Reply to This ]
Clever and folksy &mdash 07/13/05 - 01:18:15 PM
The guitar could be louder, especially in the beginning. I
like when the light hmm'ing chorus comes in. I would use
these soft voices more throughout the song as filler and
counterpoint. With better balancing of voices and
instrumentation, this could be a really cool track. Almost
begs for some actual radio, TV snippets or static in the
background, a la Beatles or Pink Floyd.
A serious message delivered in a whimsical, lighthearted
fashion.
-RCS [ Reply to This ]
Clever and folksy &mdash 07/13/05 - 11:04:35 PM
Thanks, Rich. I almost sent this to Stun Nutz with your suggestion in mind--
to add news clips, anchor chit chat, etc. Maybe some future remix?
---
. [ Reply to This ]
Clever and folksy &mdash 07/14/05 - 03:26:31 PM
Yep, a future remix. How about the subtle locomotive sound of a tornado and
a light chorus of emergency sirens?
Of course, then you run the risk of over producing. I am thinking of John
McCutcheon's simple yet effective style...single guitar and voice. John writes
similarly biting lyrics that swipe at our cultural failings.
By the way, great picking. [ Reply to This ]
Here's 2 ya &mdash 07/14/05 - 12:25:35 AM
You see when you have the voice, not only do others hear
it... but they can see what you are saying.
Your soft tones, made me not laugh at this comical view
but actual think. the mental picture of every commercial
in america buy buy buy. nice song lyrics glad I found you
on the site [ Reply to This ]
Here's 2 ya &mdash 07/14/05 - 03:56:42 PM
Thanks Mr Osborne. Glad to meet you. I will be sure and check out some of
your material.
---
. [ Reply to This ]
moving and sad... &mdash 07/14/05 - 09:36:15 PM
The reason I can't stand to watch the news or television in
general...
When I do hear a snippet, I am appalled at the tabloid
selling of death. The commercials are comical and
ridiculous!
Great song. I enjoyed the lyrics paired with the upbeat
folk style music.
Well done! [ Reply to This ]
moving and sad... &mdash 07/14/05 - 09:46:58 PM
Thanks, listen. The "selling of death" is a bizarre concept. I can remember
covering stories where someone may have died, or been hurt, thinking, "What
a great story!" The greater the tragedy the greater the story. I remember
being aware even at the time of how bizarre and unreal that feeling can be for
a reporter: people are dead...great story!
Pardon me for reminiscing and rambling. Thanks for listening, listen.
---
. [ Reply to This ]
Very, very nice &mdash 07/16/05 - 01:43:33 AM
Fantastic stuff. Beautifully recorded, played and sung.
What more can I say? [ Reply to This ]
Very, very nice &mdash 07/16/05 - 04:22:07 PM
Thanks, Nolan. I'm not so sure this is 'beautifully recorded,' but I do
appreciate the sentiment, and the comments. [ Reply to This ]
Very, very nice &mdash 07/17/05 - 02:58:07 AM
Don't sell yourself short. It's lovely and clear, and with just the right amount
of reverb. Sounds good to me. [ Reply to This ]
| |
just floor me. This is such a wonderful song, from the
thoughtful and catchy lyrics to the brilliant guitar playing
to your splendid singing and harmonies to the gorgeous
arrangement and professional production.
I had no idea you worked as a t.v. journalist. Never would
have guessed. That just adds such an interesting layer to
what I've gotten to know about you.
Never doubt that your songs could change hearts and
minds with the best of them, Tom. More people need to
hear this and your other music.
[ Reply to This ]