talking in regard about the song, it pains me that mainstream radio will
never get to hear this. it's not only a pair up of two of brilliant
performers, but the song's content/message is so powerful and
poignant, that is should be "blowing up" the charts.

i guess Clay, Ashlee, and 50 Cent are just creating more important
music. sorry... sarcasm.

simply brilliant, gents. thank you.

[ Reply to This ]

Thanks Boris, it started out as a simple chord sequence and turned into a
monster. I'm really pleased how this ended up both musically and lyrically,
and Fran's guitars were just perfect.
50 Cent - what's that????
: )
Neil

---
<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/22690"> Coastal Daze </a> & <a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/22219"> Angel Eyes</a>

[ Reply to This ]

Im traveling through another country that was sesnslessly bombed by the west. Listen Neil, there is a story about how the beatles met bob dylan during the latters meteoric rise. they lavished praise on him which was answerd by silence. breaking it, john lennon asked: well what do you think of our music? to which dylan replied: well, your music isnt about anything. The beatles next album was rubber soul.

[ Reply to This ]

Laos eh - still haven't been there even though it's so (relatively) close. We
seem to bomb lots of places don't we!? Thanks for the comment - Rubber
Soul was exceptional.
Enjoy your travels! What a buzz, someone's listened to our song in Laos :)
Neil

---
<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/22690"> Coastal Daze </a> & <a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/23350"> Blown Away w ziti</a>

[ Reply to This ]

You've painted a powerful picture here. THe lyrics speak for themselves. You backed them with a straight forward melody. I loved how you created so much tension and release with the chord progression in the chorus and the back and forth between the major and minor key.
You also did a great job building up the song gradually with the orchestration and instrumentation. It takes the listener on a ride from start to finish!
Thanks for putting your heart into this one!

Mike T.

[ Reply to This ]

Appreciate your comments Mike. Interesting what you say about major/
minor keys and such - I'm very much self taught and really don't have much
theory in my background at all. Like you, I'm a bass player, and I dabble in
guitar, keys and drums. One thing I love about MJ i that I can ask someone
like Fran to play guitars for me. This started life as a collection of chords
without lyrics which came to me after the conversation described in the intro
- the dynamics of the song reflect my increasing anger and sadness as I
realised what it was that I was writing. Fran was able to reflect the feel I was
after without much discussion between us. This will be a special song for me
for a while I suspect.
Thanks for listening Mike,
Neil

---
<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/22690"> Coastal Daze </a> & <a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/23350"> Blown Away w ziti</a>

[ Reply to This ]

...for caring enough to spend the time to do something to express your
feelings about this situation. I've been having nightmares the last few
nights related to the situation in Lebanon and the reason is what you
express so well in your introduction to the song, that the people under
the bombs are us, they're just like us, they wonder why the dryer eats
their socks, they floss even though it's a pain in the butt, they laugh
when their children do silly things. It could be any one of us and it's
important to care the way you do.

This is a wonderful song all around, not just the message. I wouldn't
change a thing.

[ Reply to This ]

thanks ledeb! Neil has written a powerful song. Plus it rocks, I think!. He is
a remarkably original bass player. And his timing is very hip. As with
Einarus's tunes, I just seem to hear the parts right away with neils
songs...then i just gotta figure out how to play them....

So< thanks to Neil for this gret song and letting me play on it!

z

[ Reply to This ]

Thanks for the comment Lisa. The indelible image for me is of a school being
evacuated in Beirut - mainly primary aged kids from the looks of
them - and one of the older girls comes down the stairs and when she
reaches the ground she is so totally frightened that she can't move. What
right does anyone have to cause a child to get like that?
I've just been visiting my daughter and granddaughter in Sydney which really
only reinforced Zeinab's plight for me. You're absolutely right Lisa, that's us
under the bombs, hiding in bomb shelters and fearful of suicide bombers. It
would be really nice to think that we had evolved beyond this sort of
behaviour.
Fran's comment about my "hip" timing is amusing considering I've been laid
up with a hip injury for a few days - I don't think he knew about that :)
Always appreciate your comments Lisa.
Cheers,
Neil

---
<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/22690"> Coastal Daze </a> & <a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/23350"> Blown Away w ziti</a>

[ Reply to This ]

Neil, you and Fran carry a universal message of anger against the
senselessness of war, with a 50 megaton payload of music and verse.
When the political message is delivered the way you have done so here,
there's no need to be apologetic about the content, it is very well
thought out, written and performed. As far as critique, my only
concern is that this song is a slow-builder, it starts out somewhat
inoccuously, and I wasn't sure it was going to have much impact at
first, but I slowly got sucked in, and by the second chorus, I realized
this was a very powerful song. I hope people just stop, sit down and
listen to this all the way through, because it takes time to build. Some
people will see the subject material, listen to the first few lines, and
skip to something else... it doesn't have an instant "hook", but if you
stick with it, its quite a powerful song. Great great work you two!
Faved this one, I have!
ttfn,
Drakonis

[ Reply to This ]

Thanks for the positive comments Drak - I'm kind of hoping that ziti's name
in the title might give people a bit of a hint that it might develop into
something. I felt it was important for people to be able to hear the lyrics at
least once without the heavy stuff impinging on the message getting through.
I've always liked a song that builds up from very little into a screamer, and am
pleased that this one seems to have achieved that. Thanks for stopping by
for a listen.
Cheers,
Neil

---
<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/22690"> Coastal Daze </a> & <a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/23350"> Blown Away w ziti</a>

[ Reply to This ]

Great track Neil, as usual you manage to cut to heart of the matter
without coming across as preachy or didactic. Yes the situation in
Lebanon is extremely depressing as is the ambivalent response of most of
the major world powers.
We can only hope that the aggressive fools on both sides of this conflict
will come to a sensible permanent ceasefire this week - the rest of the
world should really be applying the necessary pressure for this to happen.
Anyway this is a powerful track!
Steve

[ Reply to This ]

Thanks for taking the time to listen Steve - I wouldn't hold my breath on a
sensible permanent ceasefire if I were you!
Peace,
Neil

---
<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/22690"> Coastal Daze </a> & <a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/23350"> Blown Away w ziti</a>

[ Reply to This ]

Impressive. The tragedy animates to the creativity and in this point they
have obtained with enormous force and intensity to it. Thanks for this.

[ Reply to This ]

Juan Carlos, thank you for listening and leaving a comment. No matter where
we are in the world, we are all effected by this. Peace/Paz!
Neil

---
<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/22690"> Coastal Daze </a> & <a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/23350"> Blown Away w ziti</a>

[ Reply to This ]

Peace/paz, friend

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There is a wick in your song.
Aspect of size of the earth.
The guitar is a spokesman.
It sings with you.

[ Reply to This ]

Thanks for listening and leaving a comment Tadashi - I always appreciate
hearing what you have to say.
Neil

---
<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/22690"> Coastal Daze </a> & <a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/23350"> Blown Away w ziti</a>

[ Reply to This ]

sober and somber... the musical build and changes are so effective...
very intuitive writing...you've usually got to put on some mileage
before you can produce something this mature... Z's work here is the
right frosting... this is not a nit, but did you consider taking the drums
out of the 1/2 time feel, as Fran riffs his way out... something to
capture that feel of escilation, and drive it home

hi marks from me

[ Reply to This ]

Thanks for listening Scott - this is the second colab I've done with Fran, and
is a really good example of how he can lift a song. On our previous colab I
initially wrote and uploaded the song without even thinking of Fran, and the
difference made was incredible. This time I did have him in the back of my
mind when the song started to take shape, so i left the appropriate spaces
open for him. Once again his exceptional guitar playing made a huge
difference to this song.
I hadn't thought of the drum option you mentioned, but you're right, it would
have been an interesting option. I've used that before in final solos - the
tambourine goes a little way towards that end.
Cheers, Neil

---
<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/22690"> Coastal Daze </a> & <a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/23350"> Blown Away w ziti</a>

[ Reply to This ]

of modern folk....the reporting through music of events of
importance.....thanks for using music to help enlighten and push peace in
the direction of need.......bravo........powerful music....

[ Reply to This ]

Cheers Mcboy - peace sure could use some pushing at the moment!
Neil

---
<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/22690"> Coastal Daze </a> & <a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/23350"> Blown Away w ziti</a>

[ Reply to This ]

Just a few comments. Really well done here. Fantastic playing, singing
and lyricism. My normal comment of constantsy doesn't apply as much
here because you've built it nice and slowly. Really like the swells Ziti
and the drums are sounding heaps better Neil! And although I still
don't like fade outs, you've given this one a decent time.

These days armies should only be used for peace keeping in places like
East Timor or Humanitarian aid. I completely agree with your
statement about Hezbollah too.

Shame such a great piece of music is associated with this kind of stuff
really.

[ Reply to This ]

Thanks Bryan - I've used Drums on Demand on this one (to try it out as much
as anything). I have another one in the works with a revised midi kit which I'll
be interested to hear your comments on. I was at uni through the early 70s
and unfortunately, none of this is new - if it's not Lebanon it's Vietnam or as
Rene mentioned above, Laos. It seems we (as a race) just can't live peacefully
together. I'm hoping you and your age-peers (not to mention my daughter,
son-in-law and granddaughter) get to see world peace. Cheers, Neil

---
<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/22690"> Coastal Daze </a> & <a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/23350"> Blown Away w ziti</a>

[ Reply to This ]

I lived across the hall from two mathematicians at UW-Madison in the
80s who, 20 years ago, returned to Lebanon when they, too, thought
things were safer. A few weeks later, one Saturday morning their son
was blown to bits by terrorists while riding his bike in front of an
embassy in Beirut. It was his first ride on his new birthday bicycle, age
10.

Things only get worse, and, I believe, will continue to get worse until
the Muslim world rises up in Reformation against religions and political
fear mongers, gangster dictators in the making all, who provoke for
political gain. It may well be that there is nothing the non-muslim
world can do about it, one way or the other. Turn our backs, and they
may continue fundamentalist hegemony until everyone human being in
the region become "believers" (Afghanistan under the Taliban writ
large). Fight back and we prove their points and make them stronger.
Intervene on behalf of moderation, as Clinton and others did, and
discover that you are hated even more for being weak. As your song
suggests, there are no answers that can be imposed from the outside,
without sufficient Arab changes.

I have a very hard time condemning Israel for "over-response" since I
cannot imagine not wanting to "over" respond myself if my country's
very existence were being continually threatened or my family was
forever and always condemned by terrorists who make it a point to
ravage civilians and sabotage political solutions. If Hezbellah and
Hamas (and their backers) threw all their weapons in the sea today,
there would be peace tomorrow. If Israel threw all its weapons in the
sea today, they would be slaughter tomorrow.

Even many of these children's mothers, who presumably hear them
better than any (as your song implores), applaud when their children
strap on bombs to themselves. As has been said, Arab mothers and
fathers must love their own children more than they hate Israel before
grief can become a catalyst for peace.

Thank you for singing. And thank you for continuing to collaborate,
ziti.

[ Reply to This ]

Tobin, a difficult comment to respond to here. I'm with you most of the way,
although I'd disagree with your generalisation about Arab mothers and
fathers - all the ones I've met are just like you or me. They have hopes and
intense love for their children just like we do. I'm glad you responded as you
did because it has given me a little more of a concept of what living there as
"the odd ones out" might be like.
Bottom line for me is that there are many innocents being killed on either
side of the border - Hezbollah are clearly undesirables, but I'd like to think
both sides had more compassion for the innocent bystander.
As always, I really appreciate you listening and leaving a comment Tobin.
Peace, Neil

---
<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/22690"> Coastal Daze </a> & <a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/23350"> Blown Away w ziti</a>

[ Reply to This ]

Thanks for the kind-minded response. You are a wonderful soul and I love
your music, all aspects. I don't mean to generalize, only specify that certain
parents need to love their own children more than they hate "outsiders,"
which is clearly not the case when mothers applaud suicide terrorist sons.
And without those specific sons, this current conflict would not be
happening. Social violence like this is not just about war and long-standing
hatreds and dispossession, but about adolescent males and what they
embrace to find meaning. If young men suddenly behaved like middle-aged
men or women, war as we know it would end. Also, it is not only about
rejecting the West or the USA or killing Jews, but it is about holding onto a
changing face of Islam; these sons are fighting for something much deeper
than we acknowledge, even as their way of fighting destroys what they want
to glorify. Yes, I grieve and feel compassion. Your songs speak truth and
speak it well. The answers are, still, blowing in the wind. Its just that the wind
is getting stronger.

[ Reply to This ]

Your emphatic Plea of Rational Passion is the more piercing for its
logical and palpable reasonings. "No one hears the Children."

The Cold Calculus of Politicians.

There was, once, a time that this country would have sent the 101st
Airbourne to eat the combatants alive for such supercillious
callousness.

Now, we send Condi Rice over for tea parties. The Shame is unbarable.

The Song resonates, deeply. Mr. Z and you, clearly, shared the same
wavelength. SCORE: Politicians, 10; Humans with Brain/Heart, 0.

Best Regards,
rtc


[ Reply to This ]

Thanks for the comment Coop. Humans with brain/heart can only sit back
and watch sometimes unfortunately. The song is a drop in the ocean of anti-
war feeling around the place - maybe one day politicians will look past their
own pecuniary interests and put on their hats of compassion - but don't hold
your breath!
Neil

---
<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/22690"> Coastal Daze </a> & <a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/23350"> Blown Away w ziti</a>

[ Reply to This ]

Nice music here, boys.
Not particularly fond of political rants. We are all manipulated one way or another. I try not to get involved in politics or religion on my music sites. It's all negative energy in the end. I agree w/Fran's assessment more closely than Neil's. But, as usual, fine musical collab.

[ Reply to This ]

Cheers James, I don't really see this as a political song (although it seems to
have headed in that direction) but more of a song about amazement and
compassion, anger and sadness. It's hard to write passionate music about
something that doesn't stir up emotions - I don't really see it as negative
energy. Anyway, glad to see you have a listen and leave a comment - glad
you liked our little tune. Thanks, Neil

---
<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/22690"> Coastal Daze </a> & <a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/23350"> Blown Away w ziti</a>

[ Reply to This ]

Such a gorgeous song. Obviously, the content is heavy and thought-
provoking. Technically, I think the vocals could use a little work? Not to
nit-pick, because it's so damn pretty. But, just maybe a little effect.

I am so sorry for your friend's family. I hope they will remain safe and that
the atrocities "over there" will soon end.

Great guitar solo by the way!

[ Reply to This ]

Nice to see a new face (for me anyway) commenting Stacey. I should point
out that I'm relatively new to singing, and have only been doing it for just
over 12 months, so nits re vocals are kind of anticipated. I used to use lots of
fx on my vox but decided a little while ago to actually try to improve my basic
voice - I think I've had some success (for proof, have a listen to some of my
earlier songs) but still have a long way to go. Fran's guitar work is always
good, and I'd recommend you listen to some of his tunes on his MJ page
("ziti").
Appreciate your comments and thanks for listening.
Neil

---
<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/22690"> Coastal Daze </a> & <a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/23350"> Blown Away w ziti</a>

[ Reply to This ]

I just listened to this mix...downloaded from the site, and it is the best
sounding mp3! It comes really close to the GB file....great job mixing
my man!!!

[ Reply to This ]

Cheers Fran - glad you like it.
Neil

---
<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/22690"> Coastal Daze </a> & <a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/23350"> Blown Away w ziti</a>

[ Reply to This ]

Neil, you always manage to touch me so deep with your big-hearted music. This one is no exception. Not only touching with your composition and performance this time (which again is stunning), but also with the theme and lyrics of the song. Yes I'm angry. How can such a stupid lie they call 'religion' (on both sides) give anyone the right to kill thousands of people. Will we never ever learn from history? If there's one thing we SHOULD fight, it's religion that too often leads to extremism and complete insanity.

(angry) Walter

[ Reply to This ]

Walter, I'm glad the song touched you. I think there are people whose
dedication to religion becomes fanatical who are very dangerous indeed
(regardless of the religion), but I also know many religious people (of varying
faiths) whose engagement with religion is a very significant positive
experience for themselves and others with whom they live. I'm not a religious
person, but don't have problems with moderate practitioners of any faith. My
knowledge of Middle East history is limited, but I suspect there are many
more factors in the current crisis than religion. Anyway, this is about the
music - I really didn't want this to become too political. Bottom line is that
innocent lives are being taken. This should NEVER be an option!
Thanks for your comments Walter, I'm really glad you liked the song.
Neil

---
<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/22690"> Coastal Daze </a> & <a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/23350"> Blown Away w ziti</a>

[ Reply to This ]

Hate and fear are feelings connected to war. Jealousy, envy and bitterness is in there as well.
I don't really think anyone on any side in any war really thinks of him/her self as evil. I think they believe what they do is the only right thing to do. And this is connected to what you say: ''I can%u2019t see, how this can ever heal'', and why it wont heal until we get a common understanding about that we all need to focus on the positive energies in life, and not the feelings dragging us down and bring out hate and his siblings. All we need is love.

Thank you for doing this song to keep focus on this important matter.
Musically - great job from both of you!

[ Reply to This ]

Thanks for leaving a comment Thor - I've always been a bit of a pessimist,
but it's hard not to these days. Lets hope things get better some day soon.
Neil

---
<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/22690"> Coastal Daze </a> & <a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/23350"> Blown Away w ziti</a>

[ Reply to This ]

Your song really hits home right now. I like the thoughtful simplicity of your lyrics. Ziti's guitar really makes this a full, rich production. Nice work.

[ Reply to This ]

Thanks for listening Stan.
Peace,
Neil

---
<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/22690"> Coastal Daze </a> & <a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/23350"> Blown Away w ziti</a>

[ Reply to This ]

Zetes, your guitar playing is perfect for this. The escalating violence in
the mideast is awful and saddening, and this song is an excellent
response... in the tradition of modern folk, as Mcboy says. So many
people are callous to collateral damage, and quick to justify collective
punishment. I hope this helps open some of their eyes.

[ Reply to This ]

"Collateral damage" has got to be the worst phrase of the century (this and
last) - there are lots of other ways to describe it, but "heartless slaughter of
innocents" comes close.
Peace David,
Neil

---
<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/22690"> Coastal Daze </a> & <a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/23350"> Blown Away w ziti</a>

[ Reply to This ]

It's one of the many modern euphemisms used to disguise the evil being done. I agree, you're phrasing is much more honest.

---
Check out the <a href="http://www.thelostrecords.com/forh-artist.html">Fists of Righteous Harmony CD!</a>

[ Reply to This ]

I do belive music is a real language to tell people
who "want to " listen more about facts and reality
I couldnt through songs .. its more than to express
livin in westren baghdad ..after long time cryin and
whinin about this darn world and wars I reached
to a point ..those poeple want "want to " listen need
clues ...words of healin ...beside indicate errors
and knowin who is who ... thats why i reformoed my
band and named it" Brotherhood " .. something need
to be learnd to others ... and shared ... I found myself
enjoyin this song specialy the lead ..very tastey dunno
why I brought up D Gilmour flvour on my mind listein to
this song .... well done ... thank you

[ Reply to This ]

Really glad you liked the song Feter - it sounds like you might know a lot
more about what's happening than the rest of us. Ziti's guitar does remind
me a bit of David Gilmour too now I think about it.
Take care,
Peace,
Neil

---
<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/22690"> Coastal Daze </a> & <a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/23350"> Blown Away w ziti</a>

[ Reply to This ]

Super work here guys, hard as it is to give praise for the nice song and great guitar work by Ziti, the message is clear and a hard pill to swallow. And then a question, how can anyone step in without exerting more physical force and damage? The Book teaches that there will never be peace in this region - but it looks like the disease is spread throughout humanity.

Tough, tough subject. Great song.

. - Harold


[ Reply to This ]

Thanks for listening Harold - don't worry, I got your message. I'm glad the
song got the message across to you.
Peace.
Neil

---
<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/22690"> Coastal Daze </a> & <a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/23350"> Blown Away w ziti</a>

[ Reply to This ]

Graet track.Love the guitar work.Good production and the lyrics help put
the message across albeit a sad one .Great job guys.Peace.

[ Reply to This ]

Hi Joseph, good to see another Melbournite on MJ (I'm almost one - I live near
Merimbula). I have a new one nearly finished about David Hicks which might
interest you - stay tuned.
Peace,
Neil

---
<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/22690"> Coastal Daze </a> & <a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/23350"> Blown Away w ziti</a>

[ Reply to This ]