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Keywords:
christmas (148), peace on earth (2), goodwill to all (1), string quartet (3)
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Description:
This track came from a (for me) complex guitar sequence that I've been battling to learn for a week or two - and the realisation that it was perfect for a "Christmas" song (jiguma style). Lyrics appeared (as they do) and I set about recording it. The string quartet is by Alfalpha - I am very pleased to have someone with Alf's skills living just up the road. You can expect more Alf/Jig songs in the near future.
There is one acoustic guitar track, one lead vocal track and one harmony vocal track. The Japanese percussion is made up of standard GB loops, sliced and edited. I've kept compression to a minimum and have slight reverb on the whole track. The strings are 2 violins, a viola and a cello from JP4 - courtesy of Alf.
I hope you all have a happy Christmas and a joyous 2007 ....................... oh yeah, and world peace!
Neil
Lyrics:
If God Is Love
© Neil Porter 2006
Jesus Christ was born on Christmas Day
A day in late December
Jesus was a man of peace they say
That I do remember
I’d like to see a happy Christmas
I’d love to see a peaceful year
To see a safe and happy Christmas
A time of peace and joy and cheer
If I was a man inclined to pray
What would I be saying?
“Peace on earth forever from this day”
That’s what I’d be praying
Will we see a happy Christmas,
Or just another day of tears?
I’d really like to see this Christmas
Bring joy and hope and ease our fears
When I was young they told me “God is love”
And that he came from “up above”
I wonder what he sees up there
Sometimes he doesn’t seem to care
If Jesus Christ returned to earth today
What would he be thinking?
Would he turn his back and walk away?
Watch his land of birth just sinking
If he was coming home this Christmas
If he was coming home this year
Do you think he’d see a happy Christmas?
A time of peace and joy and cheer
Hardware:
Seagull S6 acoustic guitar
Rode NT3 mic
Behringer UB802 mixer/preamp
iMac G4
Alf's keyboard and iBook
Software:
Logic Express 7.1 (Neil)
Garageband 2 (Alf)
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I wouldn't expect... &mdash 12/17/06 - 09:04:39 PM
anything less... Neil, this hits me as an honest heart felt song. Questions... in the form of a song that any person would, and probably should, ask that cares about what goes on in this world. The simplicity of the well produced music just reinforces its sincerity. Cheers and best wishes during this Christmas season. Fav'd and DL'ed. [ Reply to This ]
Thanks Jack ..... &mdash 12/17/06 - 10:15:24 PM
... for the kind words. I hadn't really planned to do a "holiday" song, but it seemed to fit the guitar part. I have to admit that I don't get how so much awful stuff seems to happen in the name of religion - of whatever flavour.
Best wishes for 2007,
Neil
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<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/27228"> If God Is Love - with Alfalpha</a> [ Reply to This ]
a new addition &mdash 12/17/06 - 09:34:02 PM
to the tradition of christmas songs........wonderful composition and performance...again its a heady , thinkng man's song......but valid nonetheless......bravo! [ Reply to This ]
Just thinking out loud! &mdash 12/17/06 - 10:19:26 PM
I sometimes regret that I can't write your average pop lyrics - but mostly not : ) Best wishes to you and yours this Christmas and in the new year Mcboy - thanks for listening to this and my other songs during 2006. Aja says "Hi!".
Neil
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<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/27228"> If God Is Love - with Alfalpha</a> [ Reply to This ]
a very enjoyable collab... &mdash 12/17/06 - 10:31:56 PM
...the words to this song are so appropriate for the situation/s in the world today and the music too reflects this so whimsically.
It was truly a pleasure to be part of this project.
Many Thanks Neil, I had fun working on this with you...Here's to many more projects to come! [ Reply to This ]
Pesky &mdash 12/17/06 - 10:41:27 PM
Likewise Alf - I sorted that pesky cello part out - not sure how that happened. Will have to keep following the black line : )
Neil
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<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/27228">If God Is Love (with Alfalpha)</a> [ Reply to This ]
Merry Christmas &mdash 12/17/06 - 10:48:21 PM
Neil
The quality of your production keeps getting better with each song. Simple yet powerful. I want to thank you for sharing your time and talents with me and everyone at MJ.
Happy and healthy 2007.
Ed [ Reply to This ]
Thanks Ed &mdash 12/17/06 - 10:56:27 PM
.......... for listening and leaving a note. It's been a real pleasure helping out with different people's songs this year. Yours in particular hit a chord (pardon the pun) with me. Best wishes to you and yours these holidays and also for the new year,
Peace,
Neil
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<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/27228">If God Is Love (with Alfalpha)</a> [ Reply to This ]
Thank you for this one &mdash 12/18/06 - 05:35:02 AM
What a great Christmas song...I love it you 2 have done wonderful job with this nice tune....And special you, Neil.
Merry Christmas and I hope 2007 be good for you and your family.
Take care
Kenta [ Reply to This ]
Thanks Kenta &mdash 12/18/06 - 04:03:03 PM
Really glad you liked this - thanks for your positive presence here at MJ this year. All the best for Christmas and 2007.
Peace,
Neil
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<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/27228">If God Is Love (with Alfalpha)</a> [ Reply to This ]
Very nice Neil &mdash 12/18/06 - 06:55:51 AM
I like the acoustic guitar and percussion, it kind of reminds me of XTC circa Senses Working Overtime. Nice tune overall....very good mix
Cheers
Steve [ Reply to This ]
XTC &mdash 12/18/06 - 04:06:27 PM
Never did hear much XTC (they were around in my "musical wilderness years") - must check them out. Glad you liked the tune. Have a great Xmas and all the best for 2007.
Cheers,
Neil
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<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/27228">If God Is Love (with Alfalpha)</a> [ Reply to This ]
deep &mdash 12/18/06 - 11:43:43 AM
Neil, poignant and deep message, but your voice & the instrumentation envelop it in a warm fuzzy holiday tone. Loved the overall vibe the instrumental bed developed. Your voice fits it like a glove. [ Reply to This ]
Alf sure can ...... &mdash 12/18/06 - 04:10:36 PM
..... play those strings. Alf moving to a town only 10 minutes away has opened up the use of keyboards for me. His work on the strings here really made the song so much better. Glad you enjoyed it. All the best for Christmas and the new year John.
Peace,
Neil --- If God Is Love (with Alfalpha)[ Reply to This ]
Great Song! &mdash 12/18/06 - 12:57:39 PM
And really well done...really really well done. I don't know what else to say, this is really powerful lyrically and yet really subtly done with the music. Downloaded! [ Reply to This ]
Always ......... &mdash 12/18/06 - 04:13:01 PM
Hey Buddy! &mdash 12/18/06 - 04:36:36 PM
You always know just how to awaken us all to what might be, goin on... The words to this resonated to me especially so, Neil - I'll need to scoot this one right on up to the top of my fav X-mas songs - If I were a man who might sing a Xmas song, I'd attempt to have it share the sentiments of this little ditty -
Something interesting about it was that the fact that it was kinda like watching the types of movies that I really enjoy - You know the ones - As your watching, your not sure if something was meant to be sincere, insincere, funny, good, bad truthful or not - They sometimes end up being dark, but in the end, you know that it reflected alot of what goes on all around you -
Many unanswered questions that make you grab ahold of letting go... And reminding yourself to just do what you can to affect things around you in away that brihtens the darker side of light...
Maybe it was just meant to be a simple little xmas song, and maybe I think too much... Nah...
Thanks Neil! D [ Reply to This ]
A big thank you .......... &mdash 12/18/06 - 05:33:05 PM
........... to you Mr Macca. In your brief time here at MJ - this last month or so - since you joined - recently I mean - you have been so very supportive of what I've been doing. It almost seems as though you've been here before - under a different name perhaps : )
Thanks for your kind comments and a helpful ear when I've asked. But mainly thanks for being such an important part of MJ - through your sense of fun, your great ears and your complex and interesting music (no, that was someone else).
All my very best wishes for Christmas - hope you have a happy and satisfying 2007.
Peace,
Neil --- If God Is Love (with Alfalpha)[ Reply to This ]
Wow &mdash 12/18/06 - 05:30:06 PM
The guitar is very good Neil. I love the perc. And the strings gives it a new dimension.
Great song all around! [ Reply to This ]
I practised and practiced ...... &mdash 12/19/06 - 03:47:43 AM
.... that guitar part! Thanks for noticing. Alf's strings are just wonderful - to sit and watch him manipulate the black dots was an ducation for sure. All my very best wishes for 2007 and the "silly season". Thanks for listening to this and all the others in 2006.
Neil
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<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/27228">If God Is Love (with Alfalpha)</a> [ Reply to This ]
This is really cool &mdash 12/18/06 - 08:55:58 PM
But, that's more than an understatement. Some really nice sonic elements going on. You choices for percussion are very well thought out and add greatly to the overall performance. Great job, guys!
Merry Christmas! [ Reply to This ]
I guess you'll ........ &mdash 12/19/06 - 04:15:06 PM
.. have a white christmas up there Dave! Thanks for the kind words, and for the listen. Have a great winter - I will be thinking of you in our summer heat : )
Cheers,
Neil
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<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/27228">If God Is Love (with Alfalpha)</a> [ Reply to This ]
poignant &mdash 12/19/06 - 04:00:26 AM
My favorite line, "I wonder what he sees up there, Sometimes he doesn%u2019t seem to care." This really resonates with me. Great job! [ Reply to This ]
Thanks Sergio &mdash 12/20/06 - 02:52:42 AM
I appreciate you taking time to listen and leave a comment.
Have a great 2007!
Neil
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<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/27228">If God Is Love (with Alfalpha)</a> [ Reply to This ]
ouch!! &mdash 12/19/06 - 05:01:45 AM
happy, merry, joyful and big loves to you both and your families - hugs and kisses from me and the bear xox [ Reply to This ]
Happy Cheltenham Christmas Caro &mdash 12/20/06 - 03:04:07 AM
Told you we'd do somthing together! I really enjoyed working with Alf - he's very talented (and can read the black dots too) and a barrell of laughs. Having the same birthday has been interesting - there are some scary similarities between us (and I don't just mean the beards.
I hope you and yours have a fantastic Xmas and a brilliant 2007. Thanks for listening!
Neil --- If God Is Love (with Alfalpha)[ Reply to This ]
Real Groovey !! &mdash 12/19/06 - 06:37:05 AM
such great song ....veruy creative and Unique ...
your singin is outstanding ..the indian set
behind you realy says it all ..so 60s peace feel
hmmm surely the stings set very nicely put ..
well done my friends ...just a top rated one !!
[ Reply to This ]
All the best ...... &mdash 12/21/06 - 01:03:10 AM
jiguma &mdash 12/20/06 - 01:35:56 AM
Nice track. It reminds me of some of the more pastoral works of XTC. The strings are magical and the lyrics, poinant. My favorite line is "watch his land of birth just sinking", nice. Your production is constantly improving and the levels are perfect. The orchestral sound effects and japanese instruments add a great depth to this seemingly simple track. Good work. [ Reply to This ]
Cheers Philip &mdash 12/21/06 - 01:06:20 AM
jiguma &mdash 12/20/06 - 04:30:46 AM
Awesome tune with great lyrics. I liked the Japanese percussion - it surely has a good effect.
Thank you, and happy holidays to you.
Aya
[ Reply to This ]
Thank you multi-facetted Sumo Sisters! &mdash 12/21/06 - 01:24:13 AM
Lovely Song &mdash 12/20/06 - 05:38:29 AM
Great stuff Neil, Very crisp mix. Touching lyrics poignant and thoughtful. If we need to reflect during this season your song lands us right there.
Terrific. Peace to you and yours. [ Reply to This ]
Reflection indeed &mdash 12/21/06 - 01:13:03 AM
I get a little peeved at this time of the year to look at the mess in the Middle East created by "people of faith". Just trying to touch a few nerves Will. Thanks for the comment - best wishes to you and yours (and Ruairi Egan) for the silly season and 2007.
Peace,
Neil --- If God Is Love (with Alfalpha)[ Reply to This ]
very different &mdash 12/20/06 - 05:06:08 PM
Exellent... a very different and interesting meter in the verses.. i like how that works very much... it feels like there is a turn-around at the end of each phrase... a very somber and sober look at the world for this holiday.. and rightfully so... I'm hearing you juxtisupose hope against resignation... the piece sounds a bit to realistic to hope too much, but still hope nonetheless
I have often thought that he would have the same trouble that He encountered when He came the first time... He refused to comply with the expectations of "The Messiah" so he went unrecognized by the religious... And the "Religious" of this day who claim to speak for HIm, might not even recognize HIm if he snuck in unannounced... Our failings seem so consistent and inevidable as we look back through history...
I just depressed myself... but I agree... peace [ Reply to This ]
It's pretty easy ...... &mdash 12/21/06 - 01:41:30 AM
.... to get depressed about the world situation at the moment unfortunately. Thanks for the kind words and for listening to my other tunes as well as this one Scott, and thanks for posting those beautiful songs of yours.
Peace,
Neil. --- If God Is Love (with Alfalpha)[ Reply to This ]
BUT, &mdash 12/20/06 - 06:49:41 PM
Isn't He? God being Love, that is?
Philistines come in all colors and stripes, it seems.
When He comes, I Fear He's gonna be Mad!
As You point out, our Job is to put the "Other" aside and fill Hearts with a tangible, palpable "Love".
BRAVO, Good Friend. And Merry Christmas to You.
Cooper [ Reply to This ]
May I quote ... &mdash 12/21/06 - 01:44:54 AM
... "When He comes, I Fear He's gonna be Mad!". That's so apt! As usual Coop, all the very best for the coming celebrations and hopefully a more peaceful new year (can you have a talk to George about that??). Appreciate all your comments, listens and support over 2006.
Best wishes to you and yours,
Neil --- If God Is Love (with Alfalpha)[ Reply to This ]
wow -- &mdash 12/21/06 - 02:04:45 AM
Unexpected and cool &mdash 12/21/06 - 10:56:43 AM
I'm not much for christmas tunes usually, but I like the melancholy and hope in this tune. Smooth and evocative.
-g [ Reply to This ]
Neil, &mdash 12/21/06 - 02:28:58 PM
A solid, reflective song on the holiday. A nice twist away from the overly romantic view of Christmas. Terrific arrangement and great vocal delivery. Kudos.
Have a great holiday and a wonderful 2007. [ Reply to This ]
Peace. &mdash 12/22/06 - 08:51:38 AM
I feel that this song is a prayer to peace.
The percussion instrument is effective.
The photograph is beautiful.
[ Reply to This ]
Peace ..... &mdash 12/22/06 - 05:34:51 PM
top notch &mdash 12/23/06 - 06:17:24 PM
a joyfull heartfelt song, I realy like your singing on this..excellent! [ Reply to This ]
Wonderful production &mdash 12/24/06 - 12:19:24 AM
I really like the rhythm track - very original. and everything else here is top notch - the writing, playing , singing. Thanks for this treat. [ Reply to This ]
God is indeed LOVE... &mdash 12/29/06 - 03:04:54 AM
...unfortunately HUMANS are often anything but. And therein lies the rub. But I do empathize with the honest questioning herein. And I must say that this is a very beautiful piece of work Neil. Not the usual holiday fluff (there are only a very few Christmas songs that I like). Thank you for not posting something shallow and saccharine my friend!
God rest you merry gentleman! [ Reply to This ]
Thanks Mike .... &mdash 12/29/06 - 07:52:59 AM
better late than never &mdash 12/29/06 - 03:33:50 PM
trying to catch up on tunes i missed here on MacJams... and came across this gem!
someone mentioned XTC - i agree there's a quality of that here.
i really like the use of strings to fill it out.
and the lyrics are thought provoking - hypotheticals are often interesting, but this is excellent.
thanks [ Reply to This ]
i have no idea... &mdash 12/31/06 - 09:26:04 AM
how i missed this until now - happy new year guys - a lovely project oxox [ Reply to This ]
That voice, Neil... &mdash 01/01/07 - 04:12:54 AM
is fab, reminds me quite a bit of Luke Haines from The Auteurs (one of my favourite singers). The lyric and theme of this track is excellently executed - not overly sentimental, not preachy, almost observational ('Watch his land of birth just sinking' is a killer line).
Everything, production, playing, is top notch ... what I love about this is you've taken an original perspective and really nailed it. Top marks.
Steve [ Reply to This ]
cool songmate &mdash 01/29/07 - 05:35:03 PM
nice honesty, and it's good to see someone challenging religion abit too and they're usual christmas carols... rock on [ Reply to This ]
8 ) &mdash 04/02/07 - 05:14:00 AM
This is BEAUTIFUL Neil .. What a great song I especially love the beginning & all the funny sounds ! Your Voice is GREAT here Thankyou : ) [ Reply to This ]
aww &mdash 04/27/07 - 09:30:55 PM
A Christmas song in April is just what I needed. Great song, loved the subtlety of the vocal performance. Wonderful song! [ Reply to This ]
Very Nice ! &mdash 09/15/07 - 11:37:01 AM
Mr. Neil this is very nice song, so nice to hear you in songs with Dr. Alf, this is wonderful song, from the lyrics it's very heartfelt, from the music it's very nice!
Welldone in this song ! Enjoyed
Take Care
==============
Yeman Auf Al-Rawi [ Reply to This ]
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