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Description:
Started out as a melodic, quiet little song which kind of developed a mind of it’s own.
Based on some thoughts about the last year of my dad’s life (in ’95). The “Ode” – in the chorus – by Arthur O'Shaughnessy (1844–1881) was a poem he knew by heart, and it seemed appropriate to use it as the chorus here. He had had some bad experiences in WW2, including being shipwrecked in the North Sea. “Black Jack” was a figure of legend (I’m not sure whether this was Northumberland legend or my dad’s own personal legend – he spoke as if it was a cultural thing although I’ve been unable to Google it) who appeared in the days before one’s death. As I get older, I appreciate the fear and confusion my father experienced more.
Musically, I had a ball doing the midi drums for this – I’ve always played air drums, so this was a lot of fun for me – and the bass line was also rather enjoyable to play. I enjoy finding voices I didn’t know I had.
Song art - Delacroix's "The Shipwreck of Don Juan" at http://www.vam.ac.uk/images/image/5454-popup.html
Play it loud!!!!!!!
Lyrics:
Too Many Ghosts
© 2006 Neil Porter
There are times I sift through memories
There are some I fear, so I put them to one side
I put them down and leave them there
I shut the drawer and leave them there
The world is full of mysteries
There are some to fear, but no need to run and hide
Some deep unspoken mysteries
Just close the door and leave them there
We are the music-makers,
And we are the dreamers of dreams,
Wandering by lone sea-breakers,
And sitting by desolate streams;
World-losers and world-forsakers,
On whom the pale moon gleams:
We are the movers and shakers
Of the world forever, it seems.
My photo box is tempting me
The moments there are etched into my mind
I take good care of thoughts from there
Feels safe here in my easy chair
I’ve seen too many yesterdays
Too many ghosts that live inside my head
I think about my younger days
The good times and those younger days
We are the music-makers,
And we are the dreamers of dreams,
Wandering by lone sea-breakers,
And sitting by desolate streams;
World-losers and world-forsakers,
On whom the pale moon gleams:
We are the movers and shakers
Of the world forever, it seems.
INSTRUMENTAL – on the verse (x2)
We are the music-makers,
And we are the dreamers of dreams,
Wandering by lone sea-breakers,
And sitting by desolate streams;
World-losers and world-forsakers,
On whom the pale moon gleams:
We are the movers and shakers
Of the world forever, it seems.
I saw Black Jack just yesterday
He was standing there in a corner of my room
“It’s time to come away” he said
I follow and he leads me there
It’s time to go away from here
I follow and he leads me there
Hardware:
'71 Fender Precision Bass
Seagull S6 acoustic guitar
Yamaha PSR300 midi keyboard
Rode NT3 mic
Behringer UB802 mixer/pre-amp
iMac G4
Software:
Logic Express
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tempo. For &mdash 04/15/06 - 07:50:59 AM
Cool! I like the chord progression, it has a lot of forward momentum, especially at this tempo. For some reason this brings to mind The Blue Aeroplanes and I Am Kloot... maybe it's the lyrics. Excellent. [ Reply to This ]
tempo. For &mdash 04/15/06 - 02:54:20 PM
Thanks for dropping in John. I tend to go for slightly offbeat chord
sequences, and this is no exception. Must check out the Blue Aeroplanes -
haven't heard of them.
Cheers,
Neil
---
<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/19541"> Ship Of Fools </a> & <a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/19298"> Unobtainable Remedy w Nolan</a> [ Reply to This ]
Moved... &mdash 04/15/06 - 08:03:32 AM
I got really moved of this one. Not only emotionally moved, which I often
get when you sing about family and actual life, but also in my mind ...
Was moved for a while to another place, another space.
Your music is truely special. The rest of the world should hear it ! ...
(remember me as one who recognized you even before you got world
famous ;-)
/Johannes "Curry" Cori Ander
[ Reply to This ]
Moved... &mdash 04/15/06 - 03:00:33 PM
Thanks as always for your very kind comments Johannes - I always appreciate
them very much. I suspect this is probably my best so far in terms of
production, although as usual, there are bits I'd like to have done better. I
wouldn't hold your breath waiting for my world tour of Sweden, but I'm
thinking about a CD once I finish with my day job :) Glad it moved you.
Best wishes to you and your family Curry.
Neil
---
<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/19541"> Ship Of Fools </a> & <a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/19298"> Unobtainable Remedy w Nolan</a> [ Reply to This ]
Movement &mdash 04/15/06 - 09:59:29 AM
Both comments above have hinted at the mysterious quality of movement in your song. This piece is tranporational, transcendant. It is a very good song. I mean the song-writing is especially solid. I really like the poem as the chorus. Very original and utterly fitting.
Of course, with any piece of art such as this, it ends up asking more questions than provides answers about the mysteries of the universe. And that is also the way it's supposed to be.
My ears did long to hear some increased variation to the singing, especially at the end. The range of the vocal line ins't a big one, which is fine, but to add colour and even more dynamicism, if your voice can handle it, taking the chorus up an octave at the end would have been really great. Or, add a female voice an octave above yours to sing along with you for the final choruses. Just a thought.
Great song. [ Reply to This ]
Movement &mdash 04/15/06 - 03:27:05 PM
Thanks for listening Charlie, and for the thoughtful comment. That harmony
idea for the final chorus may have happened if I'd let it run a bit longer before
uploading. Originally, this was going to be my first song without harmonies,
and the second voice went in late in the process - a lot of my songs
sometimes suffer from having maybe one more harmony than they really
need, so I'd decided to keep this simple. I'll play around with the top
harmony on the last chorus in the next version - not sure about an octave,
but there's room for a third upper harmony for sure. I'm especiall glad you
liked the "Ode" - it always seems to me to be a very deep and mysterious
piece.
Cheers,
Neil
---
<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/19541"> Ship Of Fools </a> & <a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/19298"> Unobtainable Remedy w Nolan</a> [ Reply to This ]
No one... &mdash 04/15/06 - 10:33:13 AM
...will ever mistake you for everyone else... You have a distinctive voice, a
distinctive way of thinking of melody and harmony and rhythm...a very
distinctive sound and approach on the bass...
Even so, this one has moments when it reminds me just a little of
moments that I love in the music of Bruce Cockburn...
This is a moving, complicated song... Lyrically dense... Good on every
level...
Ed [ Reply to This ]
No one... &mdash 04/15/06 - 05:46:58 PM
Hi Ed, thanks for taking the time to listen. I'm glad you liked it - any mention
of Bruce Cockburn regarding my music is a big compliment indeed. I owe
something to Andy Irvine (from Planxty) who I saw and chatted with maybe 2
years ago in a local town hall where he was playing to less than 100 people.
He has a style where his melodies work in counterpoint to what he's playing
on bazouki, and I've been trying to do that since to varying degrees. Main
difference is I can play another counterpoint on bass, which I love. Not sure if
I've used "counterpoint" in the technical meaning of the word here, but I hope
you get what I mean.
Anyway, pardon the diversion - cheers, Neil
---
<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/19541"> Ship Of Fools </a> & <a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/19298"> Unobtainable Remedy w Nolan</a> [ Reply to This ]
Superb in every way! &mdash 04/15/06 - 12:12:57 PM
Neil, this is an amazing piece of work. I love the guitar and bass
throughout, and your vox and harmonies are in top form. The mix is as it
should be. No kidding? You really played all the drum parts on your keys?
An instant fave. Yes, we are, indeed, the "music makers."
"Oliver wants more!" [ Reply to This ]
Superb in every way! &mdash 04/15/06 - 05:58:05 PM
Thanks Mike! The drums are midi, but I tend to pencil rather than play them
on the keyboard. I usually start with a midi drum loop which kind of fits and
then go to town with the pencil tool and a really good drum soundfont. I
guess the many years I had playing with good drummers has helped work out
where to put cymbals, snare hits etc, although I must admit that tom-toms
have me perplexed - must discuss with a drummer sometime.
Congrats on th new bass.
Neil
---
<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/19541"> Ship Of Fools </a> & <a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/19298"> Unobtainable Remedy w Nolan</a> [ Reply to This ]
You have &mdash 04/15/06 - 12:29:47 PM
such a cool, unique style. Great job with the songwriting. The sound pieces--your voice, the guitar, bass and drums--are each sweet, but they combine into a really catchy groove. This could've easily been on one of the vinyls I used to listen to. [ Reply to This ]
You have &mdash 04/15/06 - 06:09:02 PM
Thanks David for the very kind comment. I think I asked you about drums
some time ago - never did get to DoD, but am finding midi to be very
rewarding. It sort of feels like I'm playing rather than just cut and pasting.
GB/LE/MJ are all amazing!
Neil
---
<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/19541"> Ship Of Fools </a> & <a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/19298"> Unobtainable Remedy w Nolan</a> [ Reply to This ]
You have &mdash 04/15/06 - 09:02:01 PM
Yes, I'm enjoying making MIDI drums, and other instrument these days
also; it's cool to have that kind of control. Maybe it's too bad I sold my
Roland electronic drums--that would've been a fun way to make MIDI drum
tracks! Someday I'll actually post a song with more of my own MIDI
instruments, but I'm not there yet. The drums you've made here really fit
the song perfectly.
---
<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/20001">Ruins of Earth</a> [ Reply to This ]
You have &mdash 04/16/06 - 06:02:03 PM
kevmikwa is using electronic drums to good effect
---
<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/19541"> Ship Of Fools </a> & <a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/19990"> Too Many Ghosts</a> [ Reply to This ]
It melts at room temperature, but it's good that way... &mdash 04/15/06 - 01:02:15 PM
You already know what I think about this, but it is nice to hear and to
have, the final production - And I'll say it again, this one is surely my
fav of yours it's verrrrrrrrrry cool and I could listen to it for a
lonnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnng lonnnnnnnnnnnng time - It is, 'european
chocolate', candy sweet...
Maybe I've mentioned this before, but before Macjams, and the likes of
people like yourself, I had never, ever listened to lyrics... - And now,
after listening to pieces likes this, it makes it not even imaginable, that
I could know, just how much I've missed out on in my life - Thank you
for bringing me around, Neil...
Truly - Dion [ Reply to This ]
It melts at room temperature, but it's good that way... &mdash 04/15/06 - 01:06:36 PM
I keep forgetting to let you see the smile that the title, "Rodent Logic" brings
to my face... ;- )
---
On through [ Reply to This ]
It melts at room temperature, but it's good that way... &mdash 04/15/06 - 09:31:21 PM
Hey Dion (or is it "Mr Cydniko" now you're on the road to being famous?),
thanks for your visit, and thanks for lending an ear when I was trying to
figure what to do with the solo.
I was really happy with the way the lyrics worked - I've been wanting to use
the "Ode" for some time now, and the rest worked out well. "Rodent Logic" is
the working title for all the songs I've done since I bought my Rode NT3 mic
and started using Logic - seemed obvious to me : )
As always, thenks for your support, really happy that you liked it.
Cheers,
Neil
---
<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/19541"> Ship Of Fools </a> & <a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/19990"> Too Many Ghosts</a> [ Reply to This ]
Ghosts of memories &mdash 04/15/06 - 03:22:25 PM
I've been recently going through some of my father's things as I
prepare to start work on the reissue of his book which he and I had
discussed before his death a few years back. Everything is packed full
of memories. That's what really hit me about this song. It really hit a
chord. Those memories tucked away in the drawers and the cabinets
and the boxes in the closet are almost too much to take at times. This
is a beautiful song, Neil, not just in its construction and performance,
but in the way it makes me feel.
And your story of Black Jack reminds me of something my dad told me
as a kid. There's a Southern U.S. folk legend about the screech owl. If
you hear it outside your window, it's a harbinger of death and sorrow.
Naturally, not too long after that, what did I hear one warm spring
night, a screech owl in the tree in our back yard. I spent many a
sleepless night after that waiting for the grim reaper to show up at any
second.
Thanks for sharing, Neil. It's a sheer pleasure listening. [ Reply to This ]
Ghosts of memories &mdash 04/15/06 - 10:08:00 PM
Thanks for the listen and the comment Joseph - it seems we may have more
in common than the confusion regarding our MJ names.
To me it's just such a shame that we don't begin to understand so many
things (child rearing, relationships, getting old to name a few) until it's
sometimes too late. There are a whole lot of things I wish I'd done or said
when dad was ill, but which I was too young to understand what I should say/
do or why at the time. Now that's possibly one of the worst sentences I've
written, but hopefully you get the idea.
Peace,
Neil
---
<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/19541"> Ship Of Fools </a> & <a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/19990"> Too Many Ghosts</a> [ Reply to This ]
A darker tide &mdash 04/15/06 - 04:34:00 PM
I remember having a conversation in the chat window ages ago about a
song you were trying to write about your father. I don't know whether
this is the same song or not, but it's certainly got that punch which can
only be got from working with real feelings.
I love the way your songs manage to get the rhythm and the melody to
tumble over one another in such a way that they just blend together
and you can hardly tell which is which. This is darker than many of
your other songs but it still has that twinkling, rolling energy. Very
nicely done, Neil. [ Reply to This ]
A darker tide &mdash 04/16/06 - 02:53:05 AM
Thanks for the comment Rebsie. The idea for this started when we chatted,
but this has taken on a very different feel to what was originally intended - I
think I was thinking about jigs and reels at that stage! The feelings in this are
strong, that's for sure.
It's really interesting playing all the parts, as I find there is a common purpose
in the playing compared to when other people are involved (although I enjoy
that a lot also). I come from a musical background which required me to
anchor things with congas rather than drums, which has given me added
focus on rhythm in my bass (and guitar) playing.
Cheers,
Neil
---
<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/19541"> Ship Of Fools </a> & <a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/19990"> Too Many Ghosts</a> [ Reply to This ]
nice pickin' &mdash 04/15/06 - 07:41:55 PM
from a low-ender :)
reminds me of of the Mark-Almond John Mayall days. [ Reply to This ]
nice pickin' &mdash 04/16/06 - 03:06:17 AM
Voice loud enough Craig? : )
Cheers,
Neil
---
<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/19541"> Ship Of Fools </a> & <a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/19990"> Too Many Ghosts</a> [ Reply to This ]
Very good! &mdash 04/16/06 - 12:33:06 AM
I like this songs very. You have a very good tempo. Good gutairs.
Very good!!
[ Reply to This ]
Very good! &mdash 04/16/06 - 05:44:21 AM
Thanks for your comment Mackie, and thanks for writing it in English - you
may remember that my Swedish is a bit "funny" : )
Neil
---
<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/19541"> Ship Of Fools </a> & <a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/19990"> Too Many Ghosts</a> [ Reply to This ]
Great song &mdash 04/16/06 - 06:27:26 AM
This really builds throughout, and you carry your nice vocals throughout. The mix is clean and well balanced, just a great piece of work. I really dig the poetry as well. Thanks for this.
. - Harold
PS: I downloaded this to play it, for some reason the song "Pops" in at the beginning [ Reply to This ]
Great song &mdash 04/16/06 - 04:54:51 PM
Hi Harold,
Thanks for downloading and for commenting - not sure why it would be
popping. Perhaps a second try at downloading might solve the problem - I
haven't noticed this.
Cheers,
Neil
---
<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/19541"> Ship Of Fools </a> & <a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/19990"> Too Many Ghosts</a> [ Reply to This ]
ship shape &mdash 04/16/06 - 10:05:35 AM
Great mix and wonderful guitar sound - a kinda see what jmt means
about the blue aeroplanes, but it also reminded me a little of Live.
It's great to hear such a mature piece of work, which gets in your head
without being obviously 'catchy'.
Great stuff.
[ Reply to This ]
ship shape &mdash 04/16/06 - 04:59:29 PM
Thanks echo - I guess when one reaches a certain age, your music gets
"mature", and I take it as a compliment that you used that word. I've played
this guitar style on my 12 string Maton most of my life, but only went to 6
string about 10 months ago - the transition gave me some interesting
sounds I was previously unaware of. I really must check Blue Aeroplanes!
Cheers,
Neil
---
<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/19541"> Ship Of Fools </a> & <a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/19990"> Too Many Ghosts</a> [ Reply to This ]
wow &mdash 04/16/06 - 01:48:14 PM
jiguma, this is choice. the progression is very original and your vocal
weaves the excellent lyrical content perfectly. this kept me involved
from the git go. the mix was nicely balanced and the backing tracks all
sounds like they were played in real time? ah, just read below
(DoD)...excellent job. This is a fav. You have a great voice and I enjoy
your songwriting. [ Reply to This ]
wow &mdash 04/16/06 - 06:23:42 PM
Thanks for the kind comments John. Bottom line for me is that I'm really
enjoying the new found outlet that MJ and Logic Express have given me, and
really pleased that other people enjoy it too. Now that I've started using midi
drums, I can't really ever see me going back to any sort of drum loops (except
some percussion loops, some of which are amazingly good). I still find the
occasional instrumental loop useful though. For years I played around with
unusual chord progressions, but never did anything with them - I thought I'd
lost them, but they are filtering back in bits and bobs, whhich I'm really happy
about. I'm also getting happier withh my production skills as I go on.
Cheers,
Neil
---
<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/19541"> Ship Of Fools </a> & <a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/19990"> Too Many Ghosts</a> [ Reply to This ]
I picked up my guitar... &mdash 04/17/06 - 10:08:58 AM
.. and jammed along. Nice piece againg Neil:) Your special choices of chordprogression is a trademark for you, and a challenge for me to follow while jamming along;)
Great drum programming. You've made a well balanced mix.
The lyrics about your toughts and fears is well written, and I guess most people will relate to them. [ Reply to This ]
I picked up my guitar... &mdash 04/17/06 - 05:36:23 PM
Hey Thor! Good to see you leave a comment - how's KONTRABEAT going? I
just use those chords to confuse you! This one is special for me - partly for
the lyrical content, but also for the way it developed from nothing much into
one of my favourites (of mine). Glad you dropped in to have a listen,
Takk,
Neil
---
<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/19541"> Ship Of Fools </a> & <a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/19990"> Too Many Ghosts</a> [ Reply to This ]
Nice Progression &mdash 04/17/06 - 03:36:52 PM
Really liked the lyrics and progression to this composition. The acoustics are right on especially where they dual and the progression and bass match well. I still think of my father too. Thanks for reminding me to do so again.
Regards,
John [ Reply to This ]
Nice Progression &mdash 04/17/06 - 05:40:17 PM
Thanks for listening John - I'm on never-ending search for interesting chord
progressions (preferably in one of the few keys I can sing in!). Next step is to
explore different tunings a bit more. Pleased that the lyrics connected with
you.
Cheers,
Neil
---
<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/19541"> Ship Of Fools </a> & <a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/19990"> Too Many Ghosts</a> [ Reply to This ]
Stop it! &mdash 04/17/06 - 03:50:48 PM
Neil, I'm afraid you're showing up all us live drummers with your work. With your MIDI pencil (and your fine drum soundfont) you've managed to achieve a very full, dynamic, human drum part with excellent variations and accents. You really do think like a drummer - I'll attribute that to your bass background.
I really like the hi-hat grabs during some of your ride parts (1.02 and 1.09, for example). I like the fade on the verse - really original. If I was going to pick a nit, I would say that there are a couple of spots in the song where the guitars are pushing against the drums ever so slightly - leading them just a smidge. In the final tally, it's just the effect of the song breathing - it only becomes noticable against the mechanical coldness of your DAW's metronome. The tempo variation at the very beginning of the song is much harder to spot because there aren't any drums around to provide a frame of reference.
You asked me about whether a drummer could pull off what you've written live. The only part that would present a challenge is where you have 8 sixteenth notes on a ride bell while the rhythm continues on hats and snare (like at 1.51). The tempo is slow enough that it's no problem for most drummers to play one-handed sixteens. The problem is the lone hit where the drummer would be required to hit (1) closed hats, (2) snare and (3) a cymbal bell simultaneously. Three sticks is one too many (for humans, anyway). But it happens so infrequently that it simply doesn't affect the "believability" of your drums.
Great stuff, brother! Keep it coming. [ Reply to This ]
Stop it! &mdash 04/17/06 - 05:06:48 PM
Thanks for the detailed comment Mike, I really appreciate you taking time to
have a listen from a drummer's point of view. I know what you mean about
those few spots where I get ahead of myself - I heard it too, but short of re-
recording it all, couldn't see a way around it at the time. After doing some
more drum pencilling over Easter, I realised I can (of course) simply move the
offending drum/hi-hat hits to fit my rhythm (rather than me having to fit the
rhythm the machine dictates). I'll play around with this a bit and see what
happens.
Thanks for listening so closely that you could pick out the bits where three
arms were required : ) This is the sort of thing I need to know so I can get
the drumming as "real" as possible.
I'm really happy with how natural the drum soundfont (nskit7) sounds.
Take care - hope fatherhood is agreeing with you.
Neil
---
<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/19541"> Ship Of Fools </a> & <a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/19990"> Too Many Ghosts</a> [ Reply to This ]
Stop it! &mdash 04/18/06 - 08:13:33 AM
>After doing some more drum pencilling over
>Easter, I realised I can (of course) simply
>move the offending drum/hi-hat hits to fit
>my rhythm (rather than me having to fit the
>rhythm the machine dictates).
Yup, that's what I do when someone sends me a song that's "breathing" so much it's hyperventilating: I just tweak the drums to fit the performance. My best example - the 3rd verse of "Black and Blue" (http://www.macjams.com/song/17729) by bizarre. I don't think of the speed-ups and slow-downs as a bad thing - people are just feeling the song and being moved ... how can that be a bad thing?
>This is the sort of thing I need to know
>so I can get the drumming as "real" as
>possible.
Most pro rhythm tracks are not performed in one go. Overdubs happen - and they're actually more prevalent than one might think. I would consider your sixteenth-note bell figure in "Ghosts" an accent, and it's likely that it would have been recorded its own track. It actually reminds me of a similar part in Aerosmith's "Walk This Way" that was definitely recorded in multiple passes. So even though your current drum track might have a spot or two that a drummer couldn't pull off live, it's still as "real" a drum RECORDING as anything out there - well done.
>Take care - hope fatherhood is agreeing
>with you.
I appreciate that, thanks. Sleep? Who needs it? [ Reply to This ]
Power and beauty. &mdash 04/18/06 - 05:21:47 AM
I felt power from this song.
And, there is beauty, too.
It is a wonderful song.
[ Reply to This ]
Power and beauty. &mdash 04/19/06 - 03:55:41 AM
Thank you Tadashi-san! I always appeciate your comments.
Neil
---
<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/19541"> Ship Of Fools </a> & <a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/19990"> Too Many Ghosts</a> [ Reply to This ]
Bass &mdash 04/18/06 - 12:55:52 PM
Bass &mdash 04/21/06 - 01:53:10 AM
Thanks Graham - I think the bass on Ghosts either appeals or not, and after
hearing it on
a few systems, am beginning to think that how much you like it might depend
on how you have your system set up. It sounds good to me on headphones,
my work car, and on my NAD system at home, but sounds a bit average on my
daughter's Bose theatre sound set up (and, strangely enough in my new
Subaru), where it seems very boomy. I appreciate all comments, but am
especially pleased when I get a positive one regarding my bass playing.
Glad you left this one.
Neil
---
<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/19541"> Ship Of Fools </a> & <a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/19990"> Too Many Ghosts</a> [ Reply to This ]
I am honored that you came by and &mdash 04/18/06 - 06:15:16 PM
left a comment on my paltry piece compared to this.
You have a great voice, you sound 25 and you have the stylings of an old
old soul.
Im truly blown away Neil, downloading. right. now. [ Reply to This ]
I am honored that you came by and &mdash 04/21/06 - 01:44:59 AM
Hi Jason, glad you visited for a listen. "Sound 25" eh ......... where do I send that
money again? Really glad you liked this - a pleasure to welcome you to the
site.
Neil
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<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/19541"> Ship Of Fools </a> & <a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/19990"> Too Many Ghosts</a> [ Reply to This ]
Wow Man! &mdash 04/18/06 - 07:01:50 PM
Got a great "thump" to it. Full bodied!
Keep making music, keep making music, keep making music, ... [ Reply to This ]
Wow Man! &mdash 04/21/06 - 01:37:09 AM
Thanks Doug - I love these short, sweet comments!!
: )
Neil
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<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/19541"> Ship Of Fools </a> & <a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/19990"> Too Many Ghosts</a> [ Reply to This ]
If &mdash 04/18/06 - 07:54:59 PM
my ears could smile:) Wonderful writing and playing. Work to aspire to. Bravo! [ Reply to This ]
If &mdash 04/21/06 - 01:35:03 AM
Smiling ears - I'd like to see that!
Cheers,
Neil
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<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/19541"> Ship Of Fools </a> & <a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/19990"> Too Many Ghosts</a> [ Reply to This ]
You just keep coming out with them! &mdash 04/18/06 - 09:27:56 PM
Nice one Neil. Got that Jiguma sound I love.
Funny about the "air drums": I'm always getting in trouble for that
business. I play guitar but I rarely play air guitar. If I'm feeling a song
the hands just take off! Love it.
Fantastic acoustic sound. Awesome bass and drums. Love it mate. [ Reply to This ]
You just keep coming out with them! &mdash 04/21/06 - 01:39:22 AM
Glad you liked it Nolan! Air drums rule!
Neil
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<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/19541"> Ship Of Fools </a> & <a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/19990"> Too Many Ghosts</a> [ Reply to This ]
Fabulous &mdash 04/19/06 - 06:57:39 AM
So good. Great groove, greater lyrics, wonderful guitar textures, fantastic
bass playing. My ears still want the harmony line vocals to line up more
precisely, to be tighter throughout (unless there is a specific reason to
not), especially at "good care" and "wandering by lone (second time)" and
a few "s" word endings; plus there are times the snare is not spot on
rhythmically and that bugs my ears too, making me think it is not a real
player but MIDI. The first note seems to be cut into a bit, and I'd rather
have a second of silence than that; and I'd prefer no fade, or a fade only
after the last lyrics is song, a faded instrumental, cuz it cheats my ears in
a way I don't think you intend. However, I say all this only becuz this is a
fabulous song and I want the track to be just as perfect. Fabulous song. [ Reply to This ]
Fabulous &mdash 04/19/06 - 04:32:21 PM
Thanks Tobin for listening so closely. Really pleased that you liked it, and
really appreciative of your thoughtful comments. As you are probably aware,
tightness has never been my forte (although I'm trying harder these days),
especially where vocals are concerned. Usually I do tracks with only one or
two (max three) takes - in this case, the harmony vocal was done as an
afterthought in one take while waiting for my coffee to brew. I think the bass
was first take (maybe second). The reason for this is that I've found on a few
occasions that the more I try to perfect a song, the more "flat" it becomes.
Doing it with quick takes seems to give a more "live" feel, which is really what
I like most about the songs of mine which have "worked" for me.
The fade was connected to the lyrics here - "“It’s time to come away” he said
I follow and he leads me there
It’s time to go away from here
I follow and he leads me there", and I kind of liked that.
Having said all that, I'm thinking of tidying up enough songs for a CD in the
second half of this year, and your comments will definitely form a basis for
the "clean-up" of this song. The snare problem is the first thing on the list
of improvements to the next version.
Again, I really appreciate the honesty and insight in your comments.
Cheers, Neil
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<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/19541"> Ship Of Fools </a> & <a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/19990"> Too Many Ghosts</a> [ Reply to This ]
Cool stuff &mdash 04/19/06 - 09:44:52 AM
Excellent song writing, good playing and singing. Great stuff all around.
(But as a bass player I think your bottom line could use a little
improvement.) [ Reply to This ]
Cool stuff &mdash 04/20/06 - 02:26:02 AM
Thanks Vic, really interested in hearing some more detail regarding any
suggestions you might have regarding the bass, I'm pretty keen to get the
bottom end as good as I can. Maybe an email?
Glad you stopped by, appreciate the comment.
Neil
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<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/19541"> Ship Of Fools </a> & <a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/19990"> Too Many Ghosts</a> [ Reply to This ]
aww jiggyneil.... &mdash 04/19/06 - 04:51:17 PM
... my dad knew this poem by heart too - i use the opening line as one of my ichat messages - thank you for bringing him back to me so vividly - he will have been gone a year next month!! your tune and lyrics are lovely so i did enjoy my visit in a bitter sweet way - this is the last thing i am listening too before going to sleep - i know it'll be rolling around in my head as i close my eyes - xo | |
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