Sydney Weekend

jiguma

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Description

Written after last weekend in Sydney seeing old friends, new friends and family. 20 years seems like a long time to take to get back together with friends, even though they live on another continent. Somehow things seem to click straight back into place, and it's like you only saw them a few weeks ago. Guess that's a sign!

Guitars, bass, drums and vocals. Play it LOUD!

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Lyrics

Sydney Weekend
© Neil Porter 2005

Caught an early plane in soft morning light
Touchdown 8 am and Sydney’s shining bright
Caught a cab in to Waterloo
Mr Tran dropped us off at the corner
We were happy to be with you

Treffpunkt Town Hall stairs, mid-day crowds about
Darling Harbour fair hadn’t planned to wear you out
Long lunch in the winter sun
They’re sailing out on the harbour
Taking me back to Eden

We’ll be there
On that you can depend
It’s been good
To meet again
Good friends

INST

We’ll be there
On that you can depend
It’s been good
To meet again
Good friends

Blue pagoda roof cruising city park
It’s been 20 years but there’s still the same old spark
You’ve been living over there
She’s wearing Lolita glasses
It just seems like yesterday

You went your way I went mine
Things don’t change after such a long, long time
I’ve got sand in my shoes
We’ve got nothing left to prove
We’re still searching for the truth

We’ll be there
On that you can depend
It’s been good
To meet again
Old friends

Evening plane sparkling Sydney lights
Home again reflection comes in sight
We talk about missing clues
The Thin Man makes the news
Look out for Wollombi blues

We’ll be there
On that you can depend
It’s been good
To meet again
Old friends

Song Stats

Hits: 2487
Comments: 46
Fans: 5
Plays: 268
Downloads: 124
Votes: 24
Uploaded: Aug 21, 2005 - 09:13:37 PM
Last Updated: Jan 20, 2006 - 12:17:14 AM Last Played: Aug 28, 2009 - 03:30:40 PM

Song License

Creative Commons License:
Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike

Song Actions

Hardware:

Seagull S6
Yamaha PSR300
Fender Precision Bass
Shure DM-10000 mic
Behringer UB802 preamp/mixer
iMac G4

Software:

GarageBand 2

Comments

thetiler	thetiler said 1558 days ago (August 21st, 2005)
	Nice vocal, cool sound Nice voice feel. I like that discription as well. It deveopes quite nicely there when it opens up 1/4 of the way through. Like the new agish-Island sound. Your voice sounds has a very nice texture to it. Good going Check out my latest song called I't Been A While

jiguma	jiguma said 1558 days ago (August 21st, 2005)
	Nice vocal, cool sound Thanks Bill, Always appreciate your comments and support. This was certainly a special weekend for us, and although the lyrics are a bit odd at times, I hope they get the idea across. That island feel seems to something I can't get away from - maybe it's a style creeping in! Thanks again Bill Check out my latest song called Lost In Translation (w Mike Watkins)

	said 1558 days ago (August 21st, 2005)
	Treffpunkt Sidney Hey J, I liked the "odd" lyrics and the vocal feel. I like the bass line a lot, but I think it needs a more "beefy" sound. Guitar parts fit nicely and have a perfect sound for this. Sehr gutes Lied. Cheers

jiguma	jiguma said 1557 days ago (August 21st, 2005)
	Treffpunkt Sidney Vielen Dank katchoolik. I agree about the bass sound - it kind of flattened itself between GB and iTunes. Will have a serious look at sorting that one out. Glad you liked the song. The "new" friends were on a visit from Germany - I think they enjoyed our 20 degree winter a lot!! Tschus! Neil Check out my latest song called Lost In Translation (w Mike Watkins)

jgurner

jgurner said 1557 days ago (August 21st, 2005)

Good times
This one struck a chord with me not only because it's a great
tune, but also because I just recently got together with some
of my old college buddies, some I haven't seen in way too
long. I love the nice breezy feel of this one. This could be the
soundtrack for sitting around with friends in a nice, sunny
outdoor cafe sharing a few cold ones and reliving old times.
Good stuff.

Check out my latest song called Bourbon Street Dawn

jiguma	jiguma said 1557 days ago (August 21st, 2005)
	Good times Glad you liked it Joseph, and glad it created the intended vibe for you. Thanks for taking the time to listen and comment - much appreciated! Neil Check out my latest song called Lost In Translation (w Mike Watkins)

bronco	bronco said 1557 days ago (August 21st, 2005)
	Very Smooth Everything really stays in the groove here and you sound polished and smooth. Wouldn't be surprised to hear it on the radio on the way home tomorrow. Check out my latest song called Strange Feeling

jiguma	jiguma said 1557 days ago (August 21st, 2005)
	Very Smooth Thanks Tom, I'm pretty happy with the way this one came out. I really appreciate such positive comments - thanks for listening! Neil Check out my latest song called Lost In Translation (w Mike Watkins)

Macaudion

Macaudion said 1557 days ago (August 22nd, 2005)

Sweet, sweet and more sweet!
Tasty, Tasty, Tasty...

As I'm listening and trying to idendifiy the sound, I realize
that I can't and that it's a sound that's all yours, Jiguma! I
like that more than anything. This is definitly a special
treat. Those who are the absolute closest to me, accept
that nothing mattters, but that we care the same today as
we did yesterday. I felt that in this tune. Very well
conveyed.

I like the sense of melting sound goin on here... Soft,
sweet and yummy and again, 'deeply cool'

Very nice lyrics, g'tar, bass, sweet, sweet vocals and some
cool steppin! drums work.

I'm sure glad you're here at MJs!

Cydniko

Check out my latest song called 123 iGetU

jiguma	jiguma said 1557 days ago (August 22nd, 2005)
	Sweet, sweet and more sweet! Thanks so much for your comments Cyd - I'm really glad the mood got through to you and that you enjoy my music. I really appreciate the support I get from you here at MJ. What a great place this is! Thanks again for visiting and commenting. Neil Check out my latest song called Lost In Translation (w Mike Watkins)

_nderscore	_nderscore said 1557 days ago (August 22nd, 2005)
	relaxed excellent production & performance. it boggles my mind how some people can put a song together like this so quickly. like your friendships, it feels totally natural & relaxed. i really enjoyed the snare drum hits Check out my latest song called glyd

jiguma

jiguma said 1557 days ago (August 22nd, 2005)

relaxed
Thanks _nderscore,
I did the chord structure the week before the weekend in question and then
just looked for images from the weekend for lyrics because it was such a
blast. The melody kind of fell into place during a long drive I had to do for
work. I really like to work quick - sometimes it leaves rough edges, but I
usually stay excited about each song during the whole process rather than
getting bored with it.
I really appreciate you dropping in to listen on this one and making a
comment. The snare bits were fun!
Cheers,
Neil

Check out my latest song called Lost In Translation (w Mike Watkins)

stevel	stevel said 1557 days ago (August 22nd, 2005)
	Great uplifting funky tune This has a real swing to it, marvellous guitar parts and a really interesting vocal sound (did you use an effect on the voice? Almost sounds like a subtle vocoder sound in places) This has a real sunshine feel to it...which I need to cling to as the summer fades from our shores over here Nice one Steve Check out my latest song called Electricity

jiguma

jiguma said 1557 days ago (August 22nd, 2005)

Great uplifting funky tune
Very wierd - just about to answer and your photo came up as a Mystery
MacJammer! Thanks for the kind words Steve - don't forget its winter over
here (23 degrees last weekend!) - things might hot up a bit in my summer
posts. The vocals are just me in GB, no effects. The strange modulation
comes from the close harmonies I think. I appreciate you dropping by and
making a comment. Have a good holiday.
Neil

Check out my latest song called Lost In Translation (w Mike Watkins)

jiguma	jiguma said 1557 days ago (August 22nd, 2005)
	Great uplifting funky tune Used a slightly tweaked "Pop Vocal" setting in GB - maybe that had something to do with it too. Neil Check out my latest song called Lost In Translation (w Mike Watkins)

jiguma	jiguma said 1551 days ago (August 28th, 2005)
	Great uplifting funky tune Oh yeah, and the auto tune slider in GB Check out my latest song called Lost In Translation (w Mike Watkins)

Cori Ander

Cori Ander said 1557 days ago (August 22nd, 2005)

Really cool and interesting music!
A really cool and musically interesting song! Lots of
originality! Again a song I want to listen to over and over.
And so well performed! You are a very blessed songwriter!
Seems you have done this very fast, yet it is a very complete
full-ripe composition and production! (dled and unusually hi
rates from an enthusiastic fan of yours)!

Check out my latest song called Guitar test — Martin CSN (Gerry Tolman Tribute)

jiguma	jiguma said 1557 days ago (August 22nd, 2005)
	Really cool and interesting music! Thanks Curry, I'm really pleased that you like this style that I seem to be developing so much. I can assure you that the respect and enjoyment is returned in kind. Always appreciate your comments and support - loving this site! Cheers, Neil Check out my latest song called Lost In Translation (w Mike Watkins)

Cori Ander	Cori Ander said 1557 days ago (August 22nd, 2005)
	Really cool and interesting music! Thank you Niel! I read some comments above and want to agree that this song has lots of weather. Pleasant weahter! Listening to your songs allways make me long to visit Australia! Check out my latest song called Guitar test — Martin CSN (Gerry Tolman Tribute)

jiguma	jiguma said 1557 days ago (August 22nd, 2005)
	Really cool and interesting music! Make sure you drop in and visit if you do! Check out my latest song called Lost In Translation (w Mike Watkins)

	Anonymous said 1557 days ago (August 22nd, 2005)
	nice tune although it`s not my usual taste, a very nice tune.

jiguma	jiguma said 1557 days ago (August 22nd, 2005)
	nice tune Thanks for stopping to comment git. Neil Check out my latest song called Lost In Translation (w Mike Watkins)

Ed Hannifin

Ed Hannifin said 1557 days ago (August 22nd, 2005)

This is another one...
...where the bass and the very interesting drum part lock
up nicely...

Very dense lyrically...the sort of song that grows on
you...reminiscent of Bruce Cockburn's loping musical
travelogues...impressionistic...Got a touch of the Ray
Davies 'Waterloo Sunset' there, too...

I really like the doubled vocals, which suit the piece...

I'm also impressed that you turned this out so quickly....

Good song. We're just waking up over here, but I'll have to
come back later and play it LOUD...

Ed

Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)

jiguma

jiguma said 1557 days ago (August 22nd, 2005)

This is another one...
Thanks for listening and leaving a comment Ed. Bruce Cockburn and Ray
Davies are certainly among my influences, and I'm pleased that resonated in
there for you. As I said further up the page, I like to do these quickly because
it maintains my interest - I suspect my wife would like me to be more
reflective and less obsessed, but I have a lot of musical catch-up to do after a
virtual drought of 20 years or more. I have one I'm working on that I wrote
nearly 30 years ago, and am wondering if it will ever get finished - so they're
not ALL done fast.

Really appreciate your comments Ed, playing it loud (to get the bass) will
hopefully be worth it.

Cheers,
Neil

Check out my latest song called Lost In Translation (w Mike Watkins)

snowdragon

snowdragon said 1557 days ago (August 22nd, 2005)

Excellent,
Excellent tune, Neil.

What I found especially fascinating, particularly given my
North American orientation, was the referencing of Sydney
landmarks, moods and areas. There are a ton of
(relatively) similar songs about New York, LA, Chicago,
even Toronto and Montreal, but when we think of Oz, it
tends to be Tie Me Kangaroo Down Sport or jolly swagmen
camped by a billabong.

Really neat to get a feel of "Australian Urban."

Check out my latest song called The Wolf 7

jiguma

jiguma said 1557 days ago (August 22nd, 2005)

Excellent,
Thanks snow, appreciate the visit and the comment. Have to ask whether the
lack of a comment about the vocal level is because it was OK or because
you're being polite?

Despite the distance, and because of music, film and TV, we also get lots of
referencing of North American places. Although we haven't lived in Sydney
for 28 years, our daughter does, and we are now "seeing" more when we visit.
If you want to hear an Australian singer who does this Australian urban
referencing very well, have a listen to Paul Kelly who does it really well.

http://www.paulkelly.com.au/

Always appreciate your comments snow. Thanks,
Neil

Check out my latest song called Lost In Translation (w Mike Watkins)

thoddi

thoddi said 1557 days ago (August 22nd, 2005)

Strange brew
Very interesting and fun sounds in this one Jiguma. Cool repeating guitar chords going through the song. The tuning effect on the vocals makes them sound very machine like.

Nice laidback and smooth tune, something I would like to listen to from the radio in my car.

You sure have the key to make those good songs.
Must have been a good week-end meeting up with old friends.

Thoddi

Check out my latest song called Don't tell me what I can't w/KTB and Ingve

jiguma

jiguma said 1557 days ago (August 22nd, 2005)

Strange brew
Thanks for the nice comment Thor. The strange vocals must be down mainly
to the fact that the harmonies are very close together. I like to use two string
chords in normal tuning with drone strings (usually the D and top E or A and
B) to develop patterns - must try something different one day.
Really glad you liked it, always appreciate your comments,
Neil

Check out my latest song called Lost In Translation (w Mike Watkins)

	said 1557 days ago (August 22nd, 2005)
	I love when songs... have true meaning! Must of had a good time recording this. Just think of all the memories this will evoke in your future! I enjoyed listening to this. Maybe it will help me sleep better tonight! Good job and really enjoyed the vocals!

jiguma

jiguma said 1557 days ago (August 22nd, 2005)

I love when songs...
Appreciate the comments Mhz! Yes, I really enjoyed doing the vocal bits
because they just felt right (despite the odd bum note). I really like writing
lyrics from reality because I'm not much good in the imagination department
- I especially like descriptions of places - there's so much to say about them
and so many ways of saying it.
Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Neil

Check out my latest song called Lost In Translation (w Mike Watkins)

Peter Greenstone

Peter Greenstone said 1556 days ago (August 23rd, 2005)

almost missed this
I like the soft vocals and the interesting harmonies on the
chorus. It's got a nice, catchy melody and rhythm. Makes
me feel warm (even though it was written in the dead of your
winter). Really well rounded arrangement. Drums got just
the right feel. There was maybe a moment early on when I
thought the vocals were getting a little buried in the music.

Check out my latest song called From Nothing

jiguma	jiguma said 1556 days ago (August 23rd, 2005)
	almost missed this Thanks Peter, Vocals of mine tend to do that. Still working on keeping them up in the mix, but I have to say I prefer the sound of instruments to my voice much of the time. Glad you stopped to listen, appreciate your comments. Cheers, Neil Check out my latest song called Lost In Translation (w Mike Watkins)

Tadashi Togawa	Tadashi Togawa said 1556 days ago (August 23rd, 2005)
	Fresh wind Sound of fresh wind of Sydney bay. Composition with transparent feeling. Adult holiday. Check out my latest song called Mexican taste

jiguma	jiguma said 1556 days ago (August 23rd, 2005)
	Fresh wind Thanks once again Tadashi. I love reading your comments and really appreciate your visit. Cheers, Neil Check out my latest song called Lost In Translation (w Mike Watkins)

birdland	birdland said 1556 days ago (August 23rd, 2005)
	Sydney Very nicely structured tune that, great feel & singing. Check out my latest song called Lunes al reves

jiguma	jiguma said 1556 days ago (August 23rd, 2005)
	Sydney Thanks for dropping by and having a listen birdland - much appreciated! Glad you liked it. Neil Check out my latest song called Lost In Translation (w Mike Watkins)

alanfraser	alanfraser said 1554 days ago (August 25th, 2005)
	Very pleasant It's been forty years but I was floating through memories of my old home while I was listening. I still am, for that matter! Thanks. Check out my latest song called It's For You w/Mystery Lady

jiguma	jiguma said 1554 days ago (August 25th, 2005)
	Very pleasant Thanks Alan, Old home in Sydney? Glad you stopped to listen - appreciate it. Cheers, Neil Check out my latest song called Lost In Translation (w Mike Watkins)

	said 1553 days ago (August 26th, 2005)
	Great song! A kind of Simon and gartfunkel type of sound. I love it. Your sound drums up a sunny day on the Harbour

jiguma	jiguma said 1553 days ago (August 26th, 2005)
	Great song! Thanks Garnimoa, Glad you liked it and appreciate your visit and comment. Simon & Garfunkelish eh - thank you! Neil Check out my latest song called Lost In Translation (w Mike Watkins)

DD SOT	DD SOT said 1553 days ago (August 26th, 2005)
	Yeah Sydney love the town myself, been there all my life. good song, but the auto tune or vocal sound is weird. I would work on the vocal sound abit and make it sit better with the song. great instrumentation though Check out my latest song called UFO Paranoia

jiguma

jiguma said 1552 days ago (August 27th, 2005)

Yeah Sydney
Thanks for listening and commenting Darren. I am very aware of some vocal
glitches, maybe they were too much for the autotune and became more
obvious than they already were. I plan to put up a remix of this at some
stage and would be very interested in your thoughts on how to improve the
vocal sound. I've listened to a few of your songs from your homepage and
am impressed - look forward to seeing them here on MJ.

Where in Sydney are you from?

Cheers,
Neil

Check out my latest song called Lost In Translation (w Mike Watkins)

	Thequalitykiller said 1552 days ago (August 26th, 2005)
	asdfarha this song is really fantastic, i love the musicianship and the talent of the band. this truelly is good music, also it is very original. this might be one of my favorite songs along with a couple others on here. very great super duper work guys. keep up the fantastic super great work and im sure you'll go far Check out my latest song called Brand New No Seatbelt

jiguma

jiguma said 1552 days ago (August 27th, 2005)

asdfarha

Welcome to MacJams!!

Thanks tqk - really glad you liked the song - it's just me here with my guitars
and bass. Haven't had a band for a long, long while, but have been able to
get back to music through MacJams.

You'll find lots of fantastic music on this site - try pgreenstone, cori anders
and tadashi togawa just for starters!

Thanks for the comment and for listening!
Neil

Check out my latest song called Lost In Translation (w Mike Watkins)

perceptualvortex	perceptualvortex said 1551 days ago (August 28th, 2005)
	Rolls along Finger snappin road song, with the wind and passing scenery. I love the smooth grooviness going on. Very cool. Check out my latest song called Machine Man (w Beastie Boys)

jiguma	jiguma said 1551 days ago (August 28th, 2005)
	Rolls along Thanks pv - always appreciate you taking the time to listen and make a comment. Now . . I just need to get another good idea! Cheers, Neil Check out my latest song called Lost In Translation (w Mike Watkins)

Fan List

Artist Info

Name: Neil Porter

My old bio page looked pretty out of date, so it’s time for a new one: For the full story, see my interview in the MacJammer Blog "The Jiguma Is Up" by Tobin Mueller. I started to learn guitar when I was about 10 – but didn’t last long be... [see more]

Check out some of my other songs:

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More songs in Acoustic Rock:

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