Lovely and powerful &mdash 01/18/07 - 05:07:52 AM
Neil, simply brill! I don't know that I"ve heard the original version of this tune, but I really, really like this. I don't know what it is about the musicians in Oz - there is a timeless quality to the music, across the board, and I really hope to one day make the trip and experience Australian dreamtime for myself. It's a real treat to sightsee the places and emotions of the continent through your eyes and ears - you are a true ambassador. Love the dreamy pace of this tune, the sweet harmonies and the sense of magic that your lyrics convey. Kudos! [ Reply to This ]
Timeless thanks &mdash 01/20/07 - 08:31:00 PM
Thanks Bing for the very nice comment. One of the things I really enjoyed about my job was the opportunities I had for cruising about the countryside (in a "work" car) and thinking about music. I also used the time for listening to new songs as I was writing them - a kind of mobile listening booth. I guess it was inevitable that out of that a song about the experience would happen.
Glad you liked this!
Peace,
Neil --- Wannado[ Reply to This ]
INSIDE THE OUTSIDE &mdash 01/18/07 - 07:48:37 AM
The Spirits of the Landscapes.
Interior.
Exterior. The tension and the resolve.
The Shadows they cast are So Well Drawn, here.
Romanticism's Transcendental Coffee Shop wrapped in Modernist Existential Questions - that You Answer! A Powerful form of the Spiritual existence. Whew!
That said - wish the Slide Gtr had stepped forward a stride ot two for the Ry Cooder fan section over here in the Balcony.
I heard the Original. Clearly, one "Never Steps into the Same River Twice."
Big.
Fabulous.
Very Best Regards,
Cooper [ Reply to This ]
I love getting your comments Coop ... &mdash 01/20/07 - 08:36:04 PM
... but sometimes it takes just a little while to figure out how to respond :) I googled "Transcendental Coffee Shop" and came up with my song - it seems that you have made the only reference to said institution on the whole of the WWW - I'm impressed! Thanks for the listen and the words I truly appreciate it!!
Neil --- Wannado[ Reply to This ]
Nice evocation.... &mdash 01/18/07 - 08:13:09 AM
...of the distilled essence of JigumaSound... The total effect is dreamy, in the sense of being in a dream... This is a very clear and uncluttered mix, and the vocal and acoustic guitar tracks are especially clear... Sounds wide open and airy...
The lyric is gentle and reflective, anchored in detail and specificity...
Nicely done...again...
Ed [ Reply to This ]
Am I hearing a dog in there?.... &mdash 01/18/07 - 08:16:18 AM
Thankd for the re-listen Ed &mdash 01/18/07 - 02:57:55 PM
No, it's the didge-dog! I was after clear and uncluttered, so am pleased you noticed. As Tobin pointed out, the didge can muddy things up a bit, but I felt it was necessary considering the nature of the lyrics.
Cheers,
Neil
---
<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/27836">Wannado</a> [ Reply to This ]
Lighter version &mdash 01/18/07 - 01:26:01 PM
A wise and wonderful tune. I always thought the opening count off in the drum track of your older version should have been edited out, and still think they should be on this version. The new percussion is a definite upgrade, as is your new EQ. I like the bold clarity of the older version, maybe just becuz it was so loud, but the shape of the bass, especially, grabbed me more in the older. In my ears, the didgeridoo just kind of muddies things when it is used. Your vocals are sweet and soft, altho you seem at times struggling to sing low enough, and the lack of precision between lead and harmony seems more obvious in this version, even tho it is the same takes (right?). And even tho I usually like the unusual, the solo instrumental section is quirky and not quite in tune, in my ears, and, I think, the slide feel could make another appearance in later chorus variations or your fade out. I like your tracks so much, tho. Such a slice of thought and peace you bring to sharing yourself here. [ Reply to This ]
Just what I was after! &mdash 01/18/07 - 03:24:06 PM
Thanks for these very useful comments Tobin. In fact, what I'm doing is trying to remix songs for a CD, and this is the first of a few "2007 remixes" which I'll be posting. I've taken on board your comments about the drum intro, and will adjust that in a CD version. It's interesting that you thought the vocals seemed less precise in this version - one of my main concerns with the original was that the harmonies were seriously out of synch with the lead, and I spent a lot of time getting them to synch better in this version - maybe I didn't need to bother :)
I really appreciate your comments as usual Tobin, and will get back to work on this to tighten it up a little more.
Cheers,
Neil
---
<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/27836">Wannado</a> [ Reply to This ]
Ahh &mdash 01/18/07 - 01:37:22 PM
This song is so relaxing... I can almost picture the beautiful Australian 'scape with all those uniquely Oz place names. Lovely songwriting, and nice hypnotically swaying pulse and mix. I think I hear Ed's dog too... unless that's the didge at the end. Cool song, Neil! [ Reply to This ]
Cheers David! &mdash 01/20/07 - 10:48:35 PM
The Oz place names are something special for sure - it's difficult to find translations for them a lot of the time, which adds to the mystery. I still don't know the actual local language meaning of jiguma, but am looking quite hard - hopefully it's not something inappropriate ;) We're immersed in the culture on a daily basis, although often quite imperceptibly so, and it really does become a part of us all, even though we have no Aboriginal blood (although my granddaughter does).
Always appreciate your comments - yep, the dog was the didge!
Peace,Neil --- Wannado[ Reply to This ]
different light, better sight &mdash 01/18/07 - 03:41:27 PM
Neil, this song takes me completely with you on these long and lonely roads of Australia. So, somehow it's a 'road song' I gues, but to me it's so much more. This is a brilliant song, my friend. Very very beautiful chorus. The line 'Sometimes a different light, can lead to better sight' is one huge rock of a oneliner! A suggestion about the arrangement: Near the end, 8 measures with just the two voices in harmony, and then pick it up again. Just an idea... Well, I think I told it a thousand times already, but that soft and friendly voice of yours always brings this spontaneous smile on my face. One day I'll come and visit you to drive on these lonely roads together :-)
- Walter [ Reply to This ]
Might see you over there first :) &mdash 01/20/07 - 10:59:06 PM
I tried the 8 bar idea you mentioned, and it works (I just cut the guitar) - will definitely look at it in the next revision. For some reason the trip I wrote this song on was especially productive musically - I literally wrote these lyrics at the breakfast table over an unusually heavy breakfast of bacon, eggs and mushrroms (and a cup or three of coffee). I was a little late for work :)
Thanks for your comments Walter, I appreciate them a lot.
Neil --- Wannado[ Reply to This ]
Nice Didge! &mdash 01/18/07 - 06:57:54 PM
The vocal harmonies draw me in to this lovely piece. The vox are mesmerizing! Thanks for posting this. Even though they are not in full synch, they have a very natural and flowing quality.
Alimar [ Reply to This ]
Thanks Al &mdash 01/21/07 - 01:43:49 AM
Appreciate you having a listen - the vocal sync is something I'm happy with here, although it's not perfect by a long shot. I appreciate that you can see past this to the song itself.
Peace,
Neil --- Wannado[ Reply to This ]
We get better as we go... &mdash 01/19/07 - 12:11:50 AM
I remember this piece, and it's nice to see it back on the charts. This is one of my favorites of yours!
You've definiely created a truly speacial piece here. You can really feel the climate of these questions that one might pose to one's self while filling out the travel log... -
Maybe it's because I'm on the road at this moment, and the typing of these words is coming from the business center of yet, another hotel... and it's the begining of the road of my travels...
There's such resonance w/ me and your music, that I'd swear you must have cameras overhead watching...
Regardless of the whys, I'm totally dign' whatcha do, my friend.
Thanks for keeping at it! Cheers! Macca [ Reply to This ]
Hi Mr M! &mdash 01/21/07 - 02:04:03 AM
Thanks Macca - I'm really glad you noticed this one my friend, because it's possibly the song which best puts into words how I feel a lot of the time (when I'm not whinging about my - or your - government). It's a lot about the realisation setting in about getting older (connected to my early "retirement") and a certain connection I have with points of place. Places are nearly as significant to me as people sometimes, and can have a really big impact on me. The resoonance you feel might have something to do with (when this was written) me wanting to be doing something other than what I was being paid to do.
Always appreciate you dropping by Mr M!
Neil --- Wannado[ Reply to This ]
insight... &mdash 01/20/07 - 07:21:33 AM
"I try to see things differently
It seems the less you look
Sometimes the more you see
Small things say so much to me
Sometimes a different light
Can lead to better sight..." So, I fill a part of my comment with your words; but these are my favorite lines in this song. Where I grew up, it didn't take you long to get out of town and into the jungle or wilderness, or on a beach that stretched for endless miles with barely a human soul to be seen. No fences, no one owned the land. Huge expanses of clear, open sky were there to gaze upon. I always used to look for the southern cross first, and then the band of the Milky Way across the northern sky and tried to pick out the dippers lying low to the north Some never realize that earth is yet here to be seen in some spots. I remember contemplating the fact that I am a mere DOT in the atom that is our solar system... Oh well, ok, I'm back now.. . - Harold
[ Reply to This ]
Thanks Harold &mdash 01/21/07 - 05:41:02 PM
Hey, if you want "a mere DOT in the atom that is our solar system..." lyrics, try "What If?". Glad this brought back some memories for you.
Cheers,
Neil --- Wannado[ Reply to This ]
Invitation &mdash 01/20/07 - 02:07:27 PM
Thank you for this songvoyage. I feel invitated to Australia while i listen to this song. Your calm voice and the nice guitarmelody is beautyfull.
[ Reply to This ]
Kaffee und Kuchen! &mdash 01/21/07 - 06:16:31 PM
Wenn du kommst, du muß bei uns besuchen. Wir haben Kaffee und Kuchen heir in Australien auch :)
Danke sehr für deine Bemerkung (sagt man dass?).
Tschues,
Neil --- Wannado[ Reply to This ]
keep dreaming &mdash 01/20/07 - 05:34:25 PM
love the subtleties in this. especially with the continual christopher cross type guitar finger picking going on the use of the conga, tambourine and other ornamental elements. become ultra important. fantastic slide work as well! [ Reply to This ]
Cheers Ray &mdash 01/21/07 - 06:20:21 PM
This is one of my favourite jiguma tracks, so I'm really pleased it works for you. Christopher Cross is a new comparison for me - appreciate it.
Peace,
Neil --- Wannado[ Reply to This ]
australia &mdash 01/20/07 - 09:11:17 PM
It has all those strange names, But it all sounds so good in this song. I didnt know that about the aboriginal people and thier customs. Sounds as if those drives were very inspiring and wow what a song. [ Reply to This ]
Haven't heard the original... &mdash 01/20/07 - 11:41:01 PM
But I don't think that I want to after listening to this! Brilliant Neil, I really enjoy the entire vibe that this song has. The harmonies are spot on, any the lyrics are great as well. It's not a wonder that I get excited everytime that you pose a song! Well done! [ Reply to This ]
Dreamy... &mdash 01/21/07 - 12:46:37 AM
Love the contemplative atmosphere of this song... It runs in the same vein as Wannado.. very refreshing and calming. I read through your lyrics as I listened to it, and really admire the lyrical depth and structure of this composition. Almost something psychological in its message ;), especially where it says:
"Who owns these hands?
Who owns the face behind the mirror?
Whose thoughts are these?
That drift around inside my head?"
I guess the psychoanalyst in you shows even in your writing, and I imagine that is a big advantage when writing meaningful songs. [ Reply to This ]
Wow &mdash 01/21/07 - 09:01:00 AM
Did you play that didgeridoo yourself? I've tried that a couple of times but have never got anything but strange puffs and sounds through it... Living where you do I guess it comes more natural to learn to play it:)
Your vocals are very good here Neil. Really, the whole production sounds incredibly good in this one. That acoustic guitars is a great treat to listen to.
Top marks!
PS! The new picture with your grandchild is nice to see. You look really proud:) [ Reply to This ]
Thanks Thor &mdash 01/23/07 - 06:33:36 AM
The didge is a number of loops I discovered somewhere - to be replaced by Jason (Didge-Ache) for the CD - if ever I can get the CD organised. I can get a decent sound out of a didge, but the circular breathing has me beat!
I really appreciate you dropping by for a listen.
Aja is such a delight - my favourite photo so far of her (not just because I'm in it).
Cheers,
Neil --- Wannado[ Reply to This ]
Thanks Thor &mdash 01/23/07 - 06:33:38 AM
The didge is a number of loops I discovered somewhere - to be replaced by Jason (Didge-Ache) for the CD - if ever I can get the CD organised. I can get a decent sound out of a didge, but the circular breathing has me beat!
I really appreciate you dropping by for a listen.
Aja is such a delight - my favourite photo so far of her (not just because I'm in it).
Cheers,
Neil --- Wannado[ Reply to This ]
hard to choose between the... &mdash 01/21/07 - 04:28:43 PM
...two mixes (seeing as I'm the proud owner of the Jiguma 'bootleg'! ;))
The addition of the didge, I think, gives an extra poignancy to the song & the drum mix, in this version, I feel, is more suitable.
The lyrics, despite having a particularly Australian context, touch universal themes...
...thank you for another rendition! [ Reply to This ]
Im here Im here! &mdash 01/21/07 - 07:19:00 PM
Pleasepleaseplease!
I wanna play on it!
I love this song in both versions and .. the new pic is wonderful:)
Contact me Neil, theres a vibe that wants on [ Reply to This ]
Meditation &mdash 01/21/07 - 08:49:19 PM
Great reflection. I remember your first version!
This is very nicely done.
Doug [ Reply to This ]
very nice &mdash 01/21/07 - 10:02:00 PM
Loved the didgeridoo, love your vocals, everything else sounds great. Very nice job on this! [ Reply to This ]
What a nice bed &mdash 01/22/07 - 10:40:34 AM
to lay some vocals on. This progression is outstanding... I especially like the extension into the "I try progression...". There is a lot going on behind the guitars. Loved it.
John [ Reply to This ]
second time around &mdash 01/22/07 - 06:32:35 PM
ah, this is not one of my habits, but I had to come back. For just a listen. One of your best songs, Neil. That chorus is a smash. Delicatesse. [ Reply to This ]
Look of India &mdash 01/23/07 - 09:13:52 AM
The tone of the guitar is beautiful as usual.
The percussion instrument in the latter half is effective.
[ Reply to This ]
Thought is just a little boat upon the sea &mdash 01/23/07 - 01:42:49 PM
Philosophical ruminations over breakfast - that's as scary as being served runny eggs : >
The melody, the imagery and the slow pacing of the vocalizations all reinforce the theme of emptiness and uncertainty. The images of boats tugging against their moorings - or fighting against the tide - is a fitting metaphor for story, perfectly encapsulating the struggle.
Although you anchor the story in Australian specifics, there's a universal element that lifts the narrative out of its time and place. Part of that is purely physical, in that most of us recognize those isolated, lonely breakfasts while on the road, and part of it is we can relate to those existential moments where unfocused thoughts drag us down.
Leaping from the mudane to the philosphical lets the song operate on multiple levels. Jumping between the present and the past adds another dimension. Does a garden retain the history of those people who have worked the land?
The song asks more questions than it answers, but that doesn't mean there's no hint of resolution. Home - and a warm embrace - offers hope.
I wouldn't worry about making the recording too perfect. That might be a distraction from the imperfections of life that is your theme. [ Reply to This ]
Superb. &mdash 01/28/07 - 07:30:46 PM
Wow Neil. Every song you post is better than the last I think. I love the vocals in this. That harmonising is what I've always wanted to hear in your work and it really lifts it when they come in. The lyrics are wonderfully put together, especially the verses that starts, "Gulaga watches out to sea". Really well done mate. [ Reply to This ]
My first listen... &mdash 01/29/07 - 08:32:21 AM
...to your stuff. It's unique (at least in my corner of the world) and exactly on the mark in all aspects. I'm really impressed with your music, jiguma.
The lyrics blow me away... [ Reply to This ]
what a wounderful song &mdash 01/30/07 - 06:52:03 AM
Beautiful melody! Great arrangement and a great singer. What more can I say? Just... I love it... Well done [ Reply to This ]
Wonderful &mdash 02/01/07 - 02:01:42 AM
Lovely song. Very relaxing.
I'm gonna take some inspiration from your lyrics and write something on the theme of "It seems the more you look
Sometimes the LESS you see".
[ Reply to This ]
What can I say. . : ) : ) : ) : ) &mdash 02/02/07 - 07:21:13 AM
. . It's just LOVELY . . .
YOU'RE VOICE IS BRILLIANT HERE . . . : ) : ) : )
AND EVERYTHING ABOUT IT . . .
THANKYOU . . . . . : ) [ Reply to This ]
I'M WITH YOU &mdash 02/08/07 - 09:16:56 AM
"what I really love: guitar, bass, drums and percussion behind three part harmonies"
*****
me, too, neil - especially when it sounds like this. the beautiful bass, sweet n steady guitar, tasteful percussion, and slidy strings on the solo is the perfect foundation for your intimate vocal. your harmony is a Thing of Beauty - gosh, what a pleasure to hear these lyrics inspired by your land's majesty - your meditation is a lovely one - thanks so much for sharing it with us all. beautiful mood - excellent song! SO glad my ear got off its behind and took a listen, anne [ Reply to This ]
Neil, &mdash 02/28/07 - 04:50:40 PM
"who owns these Hands" as soon as I heard that line I was hooked and into your narative/reflection. Great piece of writing, wonderful harmony, fitting for the mood. Nice guitar and the levels seemed right; the didge seemed right to me. Great tune; DLfav [ Reply to This ]
Great! &mdash 03/14/08 - 03:07:25 AM
Your vocals here with the music sounds sad to me. Your vocals at its best, the music ... I'm speechless (as always). What I can say more than another masterpiece from you? .. I'm sorry for being late to listen to it. This is amazing piece ... BIG KUDOS! [ Reply to This ]
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