...for mentioning Iceland!
Seriously, though, this song is excellent.
So smooth and relaxing. Love the sweeping synths in the
background.
Great vocals as well!

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Thanks, Einarus. I'm saving up these points to buy a house.

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this is one of the very first songs I listened to on MacJams.
In fact, I think the original version I listened to is no
longer on your song page. Was it replaced by what is now
the 'old version'? I remember being struck by the dark
beauty of this song, it gave me a first glimpse of the talent
here. And you have continued to improve it with each new
version. This one has an ocean-wave, New Age feel to the
guitars and backing instrumental. Lush, lovely, dense.

Downloaded. 9-9-8-9

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Thanks, Tom. Yeah, there was a first version of the song that was really a rough
recording. I hope I have maintained the qualities while improving the faults. I
could easily overdo it with this.

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Nothing is wrong with this song. Just perfect. I really like
your voice Peter, not because it reminds me of anyone but
because it is you. Swirling aural landscape is dreamy and
riveting at the same time.

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Thanks, Bronco. I do like sounding like me. Complimentary comparisons can
be nice but it's great to be heard as just me.

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phase in and out like sheets of northern lights. Very fitting soundtrack to the one amazing aurora display I've seen. This sounds great, and I especially like the writing and production. You have a really good singing voice.

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Thanks, PV. I'm glad the music makes the link for you. The only times I have
gotten to see the aurora have been on nightime flights across the northern
atlantic. An amazing sight from up there. I only wish they had bigger windows
on the planes.

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You have a realy talent for painting a very vivid picture with
both words and music. Enjoyed it very much as usual.

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Thanks, jgurner.

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I hadn't heard your previous version(s) but this is a truly impressive song with a wonderful soundscape and great production values. Your lyrics and voice are great and I particularly love that melody/ chord change around '.... and Greenland is under its glow'
A definite download for my ipod


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Thanks, Philonnie. I appreciate the listen and the nice comments. The main
difference between this one and the previous is the quality of the vocal
recording. I did a number of other enhancements, too, but my new preamp
really makes a difference compared to the cruddy one I was using before that
was intended only for electric guitar. I've been doing a lot of rerecording this
past week.

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...prob'ly a different version....Greenland 18.9.2...but this
is a low number on my download list, and I listened to it
twice in the office today...

Peter, I really loved the rough, sort of filtered sound to
some of those earlier vocals...this still retains a
compelling vocal quality, but with much more presence,
and you seem to be doing something else in the effects
and mix department, too...

On my system, at the beginning of the song there are
spots where the mix seems to me to be "finding itself",
but then it seems to be big, spacious, full and yet still
keeps that otherworldly quality...

I seem very frequently (read: almost always) vote contrary
to the prevailing pattern: I think the songwriting here is
first-rate, and the production still needs a tweak, even
though it's plainly moving in the right direction...And I
think everything you do, including especially this and my
favorite "Stars" are up there in the creativity and originality
realm. At this point, I figure you're getting the c&o vote
once you touch pen to paper or plug in the mic...

With this one, I find myself curious in a way that I seldom
am about some aspects of how you did it...Can you say
what mic you use on your vocal, and what sort of guitar or
guitars you use? And anything else you'd care to say about
how you approach production. Even though I say I hear a
mix that needs tweaking at the beginning, I also think it's
a mix on the way to awesome, and your productions have
a signature sound that stands out without being gimmicky
or getting "samey".

Really great songwriting, Peter. It does bring back for me
my one and only transatlantic over-and-back and the
views of arctic landscapes below. No aurora for me.
Though of course this is not a song about geography per
se, nor about atmospheric phenomena...Very lyrical, and
very melodic...

I don't usually do this thing that folks do, but what the
heck:

9 8 9 9 d/l fav'd

Ed

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Thanks, Ejh, for listening and for the comments. I think you may be right
about the beginning. I was blending between an affected and non-affected
vocal track and wasn't quite satisfied with the transition. One of those cases
where I'd been working on it too much to tell anything anymore. There's
probably a couple more similar places where the mix of levels could use some
adjusting.

As far as what my process is, well, I don't think I have time to get too much
into it right now but here's some info. My instruments include a Taylor
acoustic guitar, usually with medium Elixor or Marshal strings (lately I've been
using both a mic and the internal and recording them to separate tracks
simultaneously to get full sound), a Westbury electric guitar with two
humbuckers that I got ages ago used from a schoolmate (I run it through a
Line6 POD for effects and amp simulation, though I also sometimes go clean
and use the GB effects), and a simple bambu flute I bought many years ago
from a woman at the outdoor market in Santa Fe (I mic it near the whistle).

As I said in the song description I just recently got a new mic preamp/
compressor which has greatly improved the audio quality of my mic
recordings. I use an Audio Technica MB4000C condenser mic that I'm quite
happy with. I really haven't tried many mics so I can't compare too much. I
usually set my pop filter about two or three inches from the mic and sing
right up against it. The room I record in is just a standard spare bedroom
with a high ceiling and carpet. No booth or insulation on the walls.

I mix with Sony pro headphones and also play back through my Altec Lancing
computer speakers with sub. I do a lot of exporting to iTunes to listen with
EQ so that I'm sure to leave the proper headroom. I wish we could preview
with playback EQ in GB.

There's a lot of things that I do differently depending on the situation and
what I've learned to do recently. Always learning.

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Peter, thanks for the informative reply. Took me a few days, but I came back and
read it. I really appreciate it.

I've been thinking of saving for a Taylor because, not only are they excellent
acoustic guitars that are very playable, but they seem to do a phenomenal job
on the internal pickup and attendant circuitry....

This is very helpful information. Always learning here too.

Ed

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Peter this is astounding! I love the vocals, the
instrumentation and the song. This is the second MJ song
that has brought me to tears (not sure why). The lyrics
also gel - sorry I'm just lost for words at the beauty of this
piece.

The bar has just been raised again MacJammers!!

9 9 9 9 Fav D/L - so close to giving a 10, but I have this
rule . . . . . . .

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Thanks, jiguma. It's really satisfying knowing that my music can have that kind
of effect. Some music does that to me every time I hear it.

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PG- One of the first songs I heard on MJ was "Irene". I was
blown away by the quality of that song and the many
others I discovered shortly thereafter.

What's amazing is your attention to detail and your
ongoing pursuit of perfection. Everytime you improve a
song it's always worth the time to listen.

So thanks for showing me (and others) what is best about
MacJams... oh yeah, and for the great music, too!

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Thanks, AC. Irene is different from the others in that it was recorded back in
2001 at my friend's home studio with all of his fancy equipment and his
knowledge of Digital Performer. We never actually got to finish that song, as
you can hear in the ending that just sort of trails off.

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Yes, I too was blown away by Irene when I first heard it,
making me an instant fan, and it remains my favorite of
Peter's, due to whatever subjective power it has over me.
This new mix of Somewhere is great for your voice, Peter, a
voice that is distinctive and amazing, so compelling, smart,
independent without being off-putting, emotional without
outwardly emoting, holding so many things back yet is
transparent and giving. One of my favorite voices ever. And
the way you highlight it on this track, as delicate background
memories float in the cold night air, is superb.

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Thank you, Tobin. Very kind words.

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I do remember your first version of this song, so long ago.
I liked it very much then, but like THIS improved version
even better!

You've tightened things up considerably, and the
production values are now very high quality.

You weave a beautiful tapestry, with many colorful layers,
all blended together into a pleasant wash of sound.

Your voice is excellent, and the effects you use are subtle
and very tasteful.

My only minor wish is for a slightly more elongated,
deliberate ending.

Great job!

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Thanks, Cameron. With each revision I've refined the little details more and
more, sometimes to the point that I start confusing myself as to what I'm
hearing. hehe. As far as the ending goes, I felt this was one of those songs
where a fade was the right way to go out, letting the electric piano linger just a
little longer. It seemed to fit the concept. I appreciate your comment though.
Thanks again.

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Actually, on further thought to what you said about the ending I can imagine a
nice way to give it more of an end that wouldn't interfere with what I was going
for and would be an improvement. Well any more changes from this point on
will only appear on the CD whenever I finally do that.

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Peter, this song is one of my fav's on the MJ's site. It's
great to see you remixing and rerecording these songs.
This is excellent--as I expected it would be.
Just a great song....great voice, wonderful lyrics.

Thank you! :)


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Thanks, Cat. I'm glad I finally got the equipment I needed and redid these
because even just having the vocals recorded right improves the overall tonal
balance of the music. It's finally sounding right on my stereo and not just in my
headphones. I'm happy that the difference is apparent to you and others here
and not just me.

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i think it can be difficult to find well-written songs on
macjams, so im glad i came across this piece. i love the line
"and we lean in and greenland is under its glow..." just rolls
off the tongue pleasantly.

im also a fan of the whole "writing a moment" thing, which is
what you seem to have done here...captured an experience
with beautiful music and words that help us as listeners
visualize the aurora borealis for ourselves.

really great work. thanks for sharing.

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Thanks, ScooterDMan. The lyrics for this came to me more easily than usual
when I thought of that flight and the aurora and what had been on my mind. It
was all there for me.

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This one's totally new to me. I love it. I think it's time to
compile your stuff onto a disk and put it on my favorites
shelf. You're a great writer. Thanks for this.

Kris

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Thanks, hammhock. Eventually I'll put together a CD.

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This has such a good feeling to it...almost reminds me of
Peter Gabriel but not really its too original, just gorgeous,
great job!!!

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Iceland is green and Greenland is icy. Just so you know.

Lets do a metal version.

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song. You really have a nice John Lennon type voice that
sounds quite radio friendlly. But if i remember right you can
do different voices, so I really can't bag you in one type of
vocal style. That is a sign of a great artist that can adapt to
different musical situationss.

Nice production.
I really like the whole tune. You would make a good musical
star, you have a hip way of getting your musical message
out.

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Excellent! Excellent! production. This is a very nice piece Peter.

I don't feel so badly that my music hasn't made the number one position on the boards anymore...

Congrads!

Cydniko

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Excellent! Excellent! production. I REALLY lke this one. This is a very nice piece Peter - send out to press...

I don't feel so badly that my music hasn't made the number one position on the boards anymore ; - )

Congrads!

Cydniko

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Atmospheric and beautiful, and now sounding incredibly
slick and professional too. A delight to listen to.

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Just a general thank you to everyone who took the time to
comment on this song. Often it's hard to attention to new
versions of songs, but this and my other recent reworks have
done better that I would have expected. Thank you all.

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awesome vocals again...your voice reminds me a bit of Seal...very captivating...your depiction of Greenland transcends time and physical boundaries

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i totally ,totally love this song. i love the story it tells.
the journey it reflects. your voice works sowell in this
emotion, something gentle, and regretful. the solar
wind blows

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I'm really blown away... this is everything I love about music... your
choices are great... so effective... You had me flying, and the etherial
pulsing you used to move the song, instead of drums, so right

thanx for this

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I have been watching the northern lights since I was a small child. I never
grow tired of it's almost silent movement. When it's -40, and there is no
wind you can hear them swishing if it's a particularly brilliant display.
Kinda like holding up a sea shell and hearing the ocean. This is so well
recorded and mixed and performed!! I am blown away.....

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I have been watching the northern lights since I was a small child. I never
grow tired of it's almost silent movement. When it's -40, and there is no
wind you can hear them swishing if it's a particularly brilliant display.
Kinda like holding up a sea shell and hearing the ocean. This is so well
recorded and mixed and performed!! I am blown away.....

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I was struck on this listen by the very subtle bell/electric piano tones
under the extended instrumental break. The vocal production is sharper
on this version as well.

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Thanks, Mungo, AND ALL YOU FOLKS ABOVE THAT I DIDN'T GET TO. It's always
nice to get a fresh comment on a tune from a while back.

---
<b><a href="http://www.simig.com/records/artists/peter/peter.htm">My debut album, "Something", available on CD here</a></b>

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Excellent Vocal, Excellent Guitar Work, Excellent Song.
Indeed one of the bests i've heard it here, not just 9-9-9-9 .. really deserves : 10s to all

Thanks for such a master piece, willing to have new tune maybe kind of this .. i got many ideas from this piece here sir Peter !

Take Care
==============
Yeman Auf Al-Rawi

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This has always been my favorite song of yours. i think it's brilliant!
- pete

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