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Speak Truth To Power (w/ twon, Darren Chapmen, Audiocracy)


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Description
PLEASE TURN THIS TRACK UP AS FAR AS POSSIBLE for a better listening experience. As a track almost in the hard rock / progressive metal genres, it is best heard at ear splitting levels, preferably in headphones. Thanks.

This is the third completed song from our progressive rock collaborative: AUDIOCRACY. The others so far: Revolution's Son and When The Future Comes. This style is something people at Macjams haven't heard from me before, but it is something I truly dig doing, even tho I may go deaf in the process. (I wear earplugs on stage when playing this stuff live.)

This also marks the last track Suzanne played guitar on. The songwriting process began with her and I jamming. I mixed down her initial guitars just before I had a drive disaster and lost everything but the mixed draft burned to a CD (luckily). Following surgery (brain tumor), she lost lost all hearing in her left ear and normal equilibrium (especially when wearing headphones or walking down stairs), so she hung up her guitar strap. Darren Chapman came to the rescue and not only completed the rhythm guitar tracks but added some very cool lead. My son Anton (twonicus) came over to add a bass (before his right hand electrocution) and we talked about what the lyrics could be. He sang a vocal line that I later altered and then added words too. This is what we came up with together, quite a long collaborative process. I then added backing vocals and lots of layered organ and retro synths. Darren perfected his guitars and this is what we decided was the final version.

It is my own form of a rock protest song. I wished we could have had it finished to submit to the Neil Young site but, hey, life goes on in spite of everything.

On this track:
Tobin: vocals; keys; drum programming
Twøn: vocals; bass
Darren Chapman: guitars, lead gtr
Suzanne: original rhythm guitar

Other collabs with Suzanne include:
Crimson Queen
Rock The Baby with Voodoo
Looping Thru Hell

Other (softer) music writing collaborations with my son (twonicus) include:
Can't Complain
Pilgrim of the Return

AUDIOCRACY so far:
Revolution's Son
Puzzle City
Speak Truth To Power
When The Future Comes

This track has since been remastered and appears on my 2008 release, AUDIOCDRACY: Revolution's Son, available through CDBaby. Reviews are available on the MJ BLOG: Member CD Reviews.
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Lyrics
SPEAK TRUTH TO POWER

Throw from the tower all the crowns of gold.
Hour by hour we can load them up and cart them away.
Gather like flowers all the promise of Eden once told.
Speak truth to power. Speak truth to power.

Do you want, do you want to take it another day?
We can end their world tonight.
Party through the mourning.
Turn your back. Turn your back.
Turn your back and walk the other way.

Throw from the tower all the clowns of old.
Hour by hour we can load them up and cart them away.

Truth to power. Truth to power.
We won't ever need those crowns again.
We won't even need them.
Turn your back. Turn your back.
Turn your back and walk away.
Walk away.

Truth to power. Speak truth to, to power.
Do you know, do you know you don't need to be afraid.
Do you know you can turn your back and just walk away?
Walk away, walk away from power....
Walk away, walk away from fear....
Walk away, walk away for life....
Walk away, walk away.

Just turn your back and walk away.
Just turn your back and walk away.
Just turn your back and walk away.
Just turn your back and walk away.
Walk away from power.
Walk away. Walk away from power.
Walk away to freedom...

©2007 Tobin Mueller
Song Stats
Hits: 4322
Comments: 71
Fans: 44
Plays: 798
Downloads: 203
Votes: 28
Uploaded: Feb 13, 2007 - 11:39:07 AM
Last Updated: Jan 23, 2009 - 08:27:31 AM Last Played: Oct 26, 2009 - 05:48:03 PM
Song License
Creative Commons License:
Attribution-NoDerivs

Creative Commons

Song Actions
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Keywords:
progressive rock (59), art rock (32), arena rock (6), rock opera (9), father (43), son (24), Audiocracy (8), anarchy (2), metal (197), hard rock (67), revolution (23), social conscience (2), social (2), twon (8), twonicus (8), dchapman (3), tobin (69), TobinMueller (37)
Hardware:
Keyboards: Roland a90ex 88-key controller
Guitars: double-tracked Fender American Strat
Bass: Olympia 5-string bass
Mic: Røde NT1-A
Mac G5; Firebox; Mackie board
Software:
Digital Performer: recording all vocals and bass; original mix
Logic: used by Darren for his guitars
Waves: bass effects, vocal processing
Live 4: drum editing
BFD Drums: additional drumming (thanks, PIE, for the tip!)
Peak: 2-track final mastering
Comments
perceptualvortex said 1012 days ago (February 13th, 2007)
Wow
The rocking guitars and bass, layered vocals and cool organ playing all complement each other perfectly. I listened loudly in headphones and was suitably transported to a killer stage show... somewhere between Deep Purple, Yes, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Soundgarden. This is a great, powerful song, and I really enjoyed listening to it.
Check out my latest song called Machine Man (w Beastie Boys)
TobinMueller said 1012 days ago (February 13th, 2007)
B3 grit
I used a really grungy B3 setting with loads of distortion at several points in the song (like in the opening and doubling the guitar hits) and it caused problems in the mix, but I still love that grit in there. My favorite keyboard parts are the weird hits in the second stanza and then the arpeggios in the build section. Its always hard to decide what to make louder in the mix. But I love all the power. My ears have been ringing a lot this week!
Check out my latest song called Forge A New Life (MJRF)
paddler said 1012 days ago (February 13th, 2007)
Powerful!
The best part of this song for me is the crescendo building up to the riff towards the end.I imagine it must be quite hard to balance all those different tracks during mixdown - but you do a good job of making all the frequencies heard without blending in too much.Not a critisicm but I imagine it could be quite interesting to have a verse where everything is stripped but for a single vocal,drums and bass and all placed in mono - would make an excellent contrast to the glittering wide stereo of the rest of the song.How the heck do you play all this live? you must have a good monitors.Excellent lyrics - powerful voice,not 100% sure about the double ocatave at the beginning - i sometimes layer vocals that way and wonder why I did afterwards - usually end up with two versions of the song one with and one without,mm.Love the keyboards in the intro.All in all - it ROCKS! - and is indeed different to alot your other recordings.Variety is the spice of life! When you say Suzanne has hung up her guitar strap do you mean stopped playing completely,or only stopped performing live? Thanks Tobin - RG
Check out my latest song called Tiger Flame (Halloween Challenge)
TobinMueller said 1012 days ago (February 13th, 2007)
Speaking truth...
My favorite part is also the build towards the end too. And, yes, it is a bear to mix so many tracks. I think I spent 30 hours total on it, 7 just this last bit mixing and mastering. Thanks for noticing the lyrics. That doubling at the beginning, by the way, is becuz my son said he liked it better that way - it is me singing low and him high, kind of sets up the two voices that interplay throughout. About Suzanne, her gear is tucked away in the basement, never to be resurrected, she says (altho she isn't selling it or giving it away). She can't put headphones on anymore, and, she says, is happier for it. Thanks for the great comments.
Check out my latest song called Forge A New Life (MJRF)
paddler said 1012 days ago (February 13th, 2007)
p.s.
In the artwork - is that the word 'knitting' with a ball of wool draw underneath? Do they hold heavy knitting festivals in U.S?
Check out my latest song called Tiger Flame (Halloween Challenge)
TobinMueller said 1012 days ago (February 13th, 2007)
Photo
That's my son playing bass in front of the drum set at The Knitting Factor, a New York City club.
Check out my latest song called Forge A New Life (MJRF)
rtcooper said 1012 days ago (February 13th, 2007)
POWER WAGON
Takes Volume Real Well!

Big. Theatric. Production with Totally Skilled-Out Mx.



Big Job. Really Nicely Done.



Best Regards,

Cooper
Check out my latest song called Intimate Anyway
said 1012 days ago (February 13th, 2007)
"Turn your back"
Bunches of wholesome goodness wrapped in shrapnel. Cuts a very righteous groove. Nice vocals. Power sometimes needs to be unplugged.
TobinMueller said 1011 days ago (February 14th, 2007)
Turn your back...
...that's why I picked the photo I did, to illustrate that line. Anton is actually tuning his bass before the show. (He is a blur during the show, especially with the open shutter setting I use.) Love the shrapnel comment.
Check out my latest song called Forge A New Life (MJRF)
thoddi said 1012 days ago (February 13th, 2007)
yeah
Now this is more like it;)

The drum programming rocks! The kick drum has some hip features in there. There is pockets of air between the kick and the bass that gives the rest room to move.

You are the master of making powerful 'wall of sound' mixes. The mix is excellent. Everything has its place, even though the stage is packed to the limit.

The guitars has a traditional hard rocking 'in your face' approach. Very well performed.

I dig the B3 sounds. The other retro keys is not my cup of tea, but I see that they have a part to play here.

Magnificent build up around 2/3 of full length.

I really hope your son will be able to play bass guitar again.

Bravo to all involved! You can be proud of this one:)


Check out my latest song called Don't tell me what I can't w/KTB and Ingve
TobinMueller said 1011 days ago (February 14th, 2007)
Progressive Metal Funk
The initial concept for the piece was to make something in the prog metal funk category, so we tried to keep the rhythm guitar and drumming as funky as possible. Thats one of the things thats so cool about adding Darren's heavier guitars to Suzanne's funkier grooves, the mix ended up pretty cool.

Medical update on Anton's hand: They've been doing an experimental therapy on it and it is responding very well. He is playing acoustic guitar daily as therapy, about 15 minutes a day and increasing. 6 months ago he couldn't hold a spoon or type. Now the 2 most important fingers work really well and the others are all coming back. Bass is still a ways off, and playing pro bass with all its stamina rigors still further, cuz the angle of the wrist makes it something not to try for another few months, but we all hope he will be as good as new in another 6 months.

Thanks for the great comments and for collaborating with your own wonderful bass playing and guitar work on several of my songs last year.
Check out my latest song called Forge A New Life (MJRF)
peacepiano said 1012 days ago (February 13th, 2007)
Great Song
Some strong 80's Yes influence here. Total package: Loud, Solid Fun! 30 hours of mixing, worth every minute. Thanks Tobin and everyone else who helped put this together.
Check out my latest song called I Should Have Known
Reinholt56 said 1012 days ago (February 13th, 2007)
All I can say is....
Fantastamagorical!!!

Paul.
Check out my latest song called Space Soundscape #1
guitapick said 1012 days ago (February 13th, 2007)
Powerful...
...very, very powerful. I cranked 'er up and the song rips from start to finish. Kudos, Tobin. Great job.

Your son played the Knitting Factory? Nice gig. What's his band?

Sounds like the guitar's using a reverse echo/gate in sections of beginning and end? Nice touch.

I'd love to see this live. Extend the tune with off the charts keyboard and guitar solos. Sounds like both of you are up to the task, if you decided to go that way.

Don't know Suzanne...but the rhythm work's great, I do know that.
Check out my latest song called Outside the Corral
TobinMueller said 1012 days ago (February 13th, 2007)
close Knit family
Yes, my son has played at The Knitting Factory and several other hip clubs while in M-Lab (before he electrocuted his hand). He is currently lead sing for Audiocracy and is trying out for another Brooklyn band as we speak. The reverse gate effect was created by me taking Darren's solo and, in Peak/DP, reversing the actual clip while folding it over onto itself. So its not a guitar effect, but a software mixing trick. When we play it live, if the audience is into it, yes, it would extend into a self-indulgent orgy of guitar and keyboard solos, with a drum solo in there as well. I didn't play self-indulgent jazz all those years without learning something. Lastly, Suzanne is my wife, one of the best guitarists I know (in a former life). Thanks for all your questions and comments.
Check out my latest song called Forge A New Life (MJRF)
guitapick said 1012 days ago (February 13th, 2007)
Great quote:
"I didn't play self-indulgent jazz all those years without learning something."

Sorry to hear about your son's accident. I almost lost a finger once...long time rehab.

Your attention to detail is impressive. Thanks for explaining the reverse efffect. I've used a couple of units for that, in the past. Nice to know another means of achieving the effect.



---
I live between the notes
Check out my latest song called Outside the Corral
jiguma said 1012 days ago (February 13th, 2007)
Yes please!
Tobin, you sure know how to wring every bit of power aout of a song! The production here is just so clean, considering all the bits and pieces in there. What can I say? Vocals perfect in the Jon Anderson mould, excellent drums, bass, guitars, and your keys sound pretty good too :)
For me, like Thor mentioned, I'd probably prefer to have had some more lightness in the keys - especially in the end runs, but that's only because I can't really think of any other crit. This really takes me back!
Neil
Check out my latest song called Lost In Translation (w Mike Watkins)
alanfraser said 1012 days ago (February 13th, 2007)
Huge passion and power
and it's not just because it's metallic. All of you are pumping it hard and there's a great vibe that comes out of it.
Check out my latest song called It's For You w/Mystery Lady
Suzanne said 1011 days ago (February 14th, 2007)
no 1 critic
glad you liked this one. if it works for you, it must work. and thanks to darren for completing what was started over 2 years ago, darren's hits and settings are perfect, and i goosebump over the way his lead sits in an unexpected and just right manner in the mix. i'm grateful this one is finally in the can. mostly i like hearing tobin and twon losing their voices trying to outscream each other. passion they have plenty of!

---
morning girl
Check out my latest song called Rock The Baby With Voodoo (w/Tobin)
TobinMueller said 1011 days ago (February 14th, 2007)
"
ditto
Check out my latest song called Forge A New Life (MJRF)
Stun Nutz said 1012 days ago (February 13th, 2007)
Definitely intense!!
Wow... the combination of elements here makes for a very stimulating textural experience. I thought it was especially unique the way you used keyboards and all the layered vocals.... like a gospel choir! I can feel it!!!
Check out my latest song called Gossamer dissected
Scorpjammer said 1012 days ago (February 13th, 2007)
KICKIN' BUTT!!!...
..and taking names! WOW!!!!

Look out! Goliath's in the room!

Way to cut loose, all!

Tons of talent in this most impressive collab!

Bravo to all invloved!

A definite keeper.






Check out my latest song called Seaside Samba
said 1012 days ago (February 13th, 2007)
Awesome!!!
This has cool guitar elements, like Hendrix meets, Sound Garden, meets Dream Theater, meets Zappa! The whole sound is huge. I love the key and guitar hits, at first it sounded like trumpet hits! Nice effect!

I like the build up with the arpeggios on the keys. It reminds me of Dream Theater. The volume is just right. Again. One fine piece of work!
You never cease to amaze me with these collab's. Great job all around to everyone involved.


Chris
TobinMueller said 1011 days ago (February 14th, 2007)
Dreamgarden Peppers
Yes, we were going for a Dream Theater meets Red Hot Chili Peppers vibe, even tho the players in DT are mindblowing and can't be equaled, as the hipness of CP cannot. I never thought of the Soundgarden thing, thats the first band my son found before I did, I recall when he was 15 and listened to them all the time. Its cool that you hear their influence as well, since that would definitely be the Twon factor in the song. Thanks for your careful listens.
Check out my latest song called Forge A New Life (MJRF)
said 1012 days ago (February 13th, 2007)
Addictive
This is one of the few songs I have listened to recently that I was compelled to listen to a second time right away.
It took a bit for me get into the rhythm of the piece, there is a 'pull & tug' effect going on between the various instruments. The voices are aware of the meter but don't appear to be emphasizing what's going on with the instrumentation. This isn't bad - just unexpected - it made it more difficult for me to focus my attention.
The playing thoughout is monster and the production is excellent. I love the use of more than one vocal - I find the singing here enthralling. Made me wonder what Flo & Eddie/The Turtles would sound like singing metal.
There is a strong energy everywhere in here - and complements the Tony Williams/Allan Holdswoth cd I have been listening to at work recently.
TobinMueller said 1011 days ago (February 14th, 2007)
Happy Together
The 'pull & tug' effect going on between the various instruments was intentional, part of the syncopated thing I was striving for, and the sense of independence among the various instruments/vocals; thanks for noticing. I can understand your sense of not knowing where to focus, Darren had the same comment on his first listen. It gets easier with more listens, and since I listen 100s of times in the writing/mixing process, thats what I usually end up thinking everyone will do!

I loved your comment about The Turtles singing metal, big smiles from that one. Anton's favorite moment (or so he tells me) is at 1:30 ("We won't ever needs those crowns again") where I sing way low (I actually lowered my vocals one octave digitally on that line) and filter Anton's line thru a guitar amp, creating a funny little Zappa moment. Ahh, we are Happy Together, to be sure.
Check out my latest song called Forge A New Life (MJRF)
Norman Goodman said 1012 days ago (February 13th, 2007)
Lot going on here.
Excellent piece, it was a bit easier for me to absorb all the nuances on the second listen. Kind of sounds like a heavier sounding Yes - Drama meets Talk but with more drive and aggression. Excellent playing and singing all around.

Sorry to hear about your wife and son. I don`t know if the electrocution will preclude him from playing in the future... hope it doesn`t.
As for Suzanne I have made my admiration of her playing skills known on Queen Crimson.
Check out my latest song called Sailing Across a Sea of Light Pt II
Suzanne said 1011 days ago (February 14th, 2007)
Queen Crimson
thank you

---
morning girl
Check out my latest song called Rock The Baby With Voodoo (w/Tobin)
The Fritters said 1012 days ago (February 13th, 2007)
Another excellent creation!
This is reminding me of Atomic Rooster for some reason, maybe it's the distorted B3 that conjures up Vincent Crane for me. Heavy! Just the number of things going on is going to make it heavy, it's a thick mix, but it's also the playing that is just heavy! Great singing. I have to admit that I do sort of yearn for a simpler mix, but then again, I'm a simple guy. I think this could be stripped down and still be just as powerful (though that wouldn't be easy since all the parts are so excellent that it wouldn't be clear what to cut out). ~Jim
Check out my latest song called Down to the Core
Vic Holman said 1012 days ago (February 13th, 2007)
iwas looking forward...
to hearing this all day. work comes first. argh! made fo r a long day but was worth it. big power in this on everything. agreed wth a few of the other comments you want to listen twice in a row. and its free! how great is that?
Check out my latest song called November
Scott Carmichael said 1011 days ago (February 14th, 2007)
T H I S S O U N D S M A S S I V E
Hey Tobin, I wish I could have been a fly on the wall watching you mix this... I can appreciate the task you had at hand... we all have little tricks to pull something like this off... there is so much going on... I'm always tempted to carve out frequencies for each element, but here each individual element sounds full on it's own... the mix sounds absolutly great! You must have been fatiqued when this was done.

I know I said it before, but I'm amazed at how authenticly you present so many diverse genres... whatever genre you post, someone listening for the first time would think "AH yeh, that's his niche"... you are a bit of a marvel and a mavin...

You have a real fine cast to work with here... the peice is drenched in passion... it has taken 3 listens to give this a proper hearing... there is so much going on... great subtle vocal arrangments, exellent guitar work, and the drums sound superb... the organ adds such punch, It's all in knowing when not to play...

Final thoughts... You know that Jesus has had such an effect on my life (this is the last thing I would have expected) but He has... One of the temptations that he faced in the desert was "POWER" and He turned his back... He knew that He couldn't serve from a position of power... at one point half way through his ministry, the crowd plans to put him on the thrown by force, and he slips away... He tells his disciples to "get in the boat, we're out of here"... This is the biggest problem that I have with the "religious right"... walking away from power seems to be the example that has been set... yet if we look at church history... the church was a real force for good until it was sanctioned by the state... then all hell broke loose...

anyway the subject matter here is one that is close to my heart... so amen from my corner


Check out my latest song called Good Morning
TobinMueller said 1011 days ago (February 14th, 2007)
Niche itches
I love the chapter in Brothers Karamazov (The Grand Inquisitor) in which Dostoevsky depicts Christ's desert scene with new twists. The first temptation asks for miracles to obviate personal responsibility in fulfilling the needs of sustenance. (When Christ refuses to change stones into bread, the poor die, as if he is condemning them to starvation.) The second temptation asks for proof to obviate mystery and faith becuz we cannot bear to live without certainty. (Satan suggests to Christ he throw himself over from the pinnacle to force God to show Himself and prove belief, lifting a huge burden from our backs, as if not doing so is an unfair form of psychological sadism.) The third asks for political authority to obviate freedom and conscience since we are unable to moderate ourselves. (Become king and establish true justice among people, refusing to do so condemns the people to perennial injustices and disunity, placing blood directly on Christ's hands becuz of his abdication, according to the Satan in the story.) Most humans, according to the Inquisitor, are by nature incapable of handling freedom, of taking care of their basic needs, of accepting the moral responsibility of conscience, of living with differences. According to the Inquisitor, the Church/State has since removed all temptations from The People by being the conscience, source of bread and single arbiter of justice for everyone, becuz we do not want (or cannot) do any of these things ourselves. I read this book (that has tons more good stuff in it) when I was 17, during the Vietnam War, when the draft still loomed, when Watergate was welling, when all hell was breaking loose on campuses and inner cities around the country.

One of George Washington's greatest acts was walking away from the presidency; and I loved that every president (until FDR) did the same out of sheer respect for both GW and his belief in people.

I was watching a courageous Muslim woman speak yesterday, Irshad Manji, and she used the phrase "We must speak truth to power" referring to the moderates in her own religion. I felt a thrill of relevance, then realized I stole the phrase from someone else as well and am just a small time semi-retired artist singing in his home studio to an audience of a few dozen. (Singing to please myself alone, which is its own kind of walking away.) It all adds up, I tell myself.

Thanks for sharing your reactions, beliefs, thoughts. Again, I am filled with anticipation as we begin our own (slow) collaborations in this very fun prog realm...
Check out my latest song called Forge A New Life (MJRF)
Tadashi Togawa said 1011 days ago (February 14th, 2007)
SOUND TRUTH TO POWER
I was shot at this sound.

Check out my latest song called Mexican taste
dchapman said 1011 days ago (February 14th, 2007)
Finally...
I get to sound off here... been so busy...

Thanks to Tobin for allowing me to play on this crazy, busy, inventive, and very cool tune. It did indeed take me a few listens to get into the groove and where things should be. Ultimately I just embellished Suzanne's brilliant parts. I couldn't have done better with what she did... just a bit different. The texture between the two guitar tones works well.

And what a surprise it was to hear what Tobin did with the brief lead break I supplied for the begining. The reverse effect was amazing (i'll have to find out how he did it).

I'm actually gonne beg Tobin to let me create a remix of this song to create a modern prog version of this piece. We work well together on different projects but come from different eras of influence. I would love to take this production to a Dream Theater type place.... maybe!

Thanks again... To Tobin, Twon and Suzanne for creating this eclectic tune and for letting me participate on this Audiocracy project.

d.


Check out my latest song called Waiting for the Other
TobinMueller said 1010 days ago (February 15th, 2007)
Go for it!
You don't have to beg. I look forward to it! ...And thanks again for great guitar work and being such a great guy to work with. I hope we do it again and again.
Check out my latest song called Forge A New Life (MJRF)
stevel said 1010 days ago (February 15th, 2007)
Power Prog!
Not usually a big fan of prog stuff...but this has a great energy and bite to it. Sounds like you are all playing live together, lovely instrumental interplay...powerful vocal and guitar performances
Nice
Steve
Check out my latest song called Electricity
DWL said 1009 days ago (February 16th, 2007)
Unexpected!
The vocals really stand out on this. I love the layers and the harmonies. Mixing is quite exceptional. There is so much going on sonically and you've really pulled this together so well. It has a live feel to it but all the instruments seem to have their own space and although complex it's never muddy. Do you give lessons ;-)

A very fine piece of work.

Cheers

Dick
Cori Ander said 1009 days ago (February 16th, 2007)
Wow
Wow, great music.

Habitually I get suspicious when I hear screaming voices. But these ones don't deter for some reason. Maybe because the singers don't scream from hate but from something else.

The piece is musically interesting and well performed.

The message of walking away from power is basically appealing, though philosophically there would be much to say about where the borders of freedom from power goes (not to make the discussion long, but there may be powers in life that we better accept and take into consideration .. power of natures forces .. power of love .. power of our omni-loving God for us who believe in Him). But I can hear that it's not that you are thinking about here, and I am in perfect agreement with what I think I hear you takling about. I can only say YEEES, that is what we NEEED!

A remarkable production!
TobinMueller said 996 days ago (March 1st, 2007)
YEEES, that is what we NEEED!
Thanks! That is the response we were looking for, nothing intellectual/specific. Opening of a door, walking thru, is the first step. Thanks for letting yourself get carried away...!
Check out my latest song called Forge A New Life (MJRF)
ktb said 1009 days ago (February 16th, 2007)
Berlin Airlift
Tobin, first off i am awestruck by this track. I grew up in and around Boston in the 70's there was a local band I worshipped called Berlin Airlift. Hard to describe them, but it was big-dacious and bold, and most definitely kick ass. LIKE THIS! Your singing is so damn intense. Dramatic and Cutting doesn't begin to credit you.

The guitar work was stellar, as was the bass (had no idea as to the family connection, second wow).You've captured that live in the small club kinectic current, I think I'm having a heart attack (in a good way),
GOD its great to be alive feeling.
Check out my latest song called off the deck (w/Z293)
TobinMueller said 996 days ago (March 1st, 2007)
small club kinectic current
Loved your "heart attack" line. Made me laugh aloud, joyfully. Big smiles. Thanks for the comments and wonderful enthusiasm!
Check out my latest song called Forge A New Life (MJRF)
stevewhit said 1008 days ago (February 17th, 2007)
Hi Tobin
This sound great! I love that B3 sound a and it has echoes of Uriah Heep in their so that makes it a fave even more for me! I like the vocals and the overall energy that this song projects. Lyrics are good too!
Thanks for posting Tobin
Steve
Check out my latest song called schooldays
binklewis said 1008 days ago (February 17th, 2007)
cool jam!
nice mix :-) Like a previous poster said - lots of stuff going on, yet it's not lost or muddy. I'm not a big prog. rock fan, but the song is very well done! Love the guitar tracks, including that sweet solo at the beginning :-)
Check out my latest song called Sleepy Little Town
j2morrow said 1008 days ago (February 17th, 2007)
Blast off!
Wow, very different sound from you, Tobin. Gritty and powerful stuff here. I think my ears are bleeding. Really enjoyed this. Thanks so much.

Sorry to hear about Suzanne and Anton. I hope both are doing better.
Peace.
Check out my latest song called CAPTURE THE RAPTURE
TobinMueller said 996 days ago (March 1st, 2007)
I think my ears are bleeding. Really enjoyed this
Thanks for the comments. Anton (twon) has just joined a new band as lead singer (along with singing with me) and hopes to be able to play bass at old levels in another 6 months (altho the new band doesn't need one). I'm sure he'll be posting stuff here soon...
Check out my latest song called Forge A New Life (MJRF)
Monkaton said 1007 days ago (February 18th, 2007)
Sorry,
Sorry to hear about your son and Suzanne. That is terrible. I trust that she and Anton will improve and be able to resume playing.

Check out my latest song called Darkness of the Night
said 1006 days ago (February 19th, 2007)
ya know
I keep forgetn to check out your page and everytime I do I am remindded why I love your music again. THis is headed for my ipod for mabye a month or to of listening pleasure. This is why I love mj's thanks Tobin
rainfice said 1003 days ago (February 22nd, 2007)
awesome tune
powerful vocals, solid guitar parts, energetic drumming, great production (as always), all in all a great song man.
Check out my latest song called Moment
jibba1320 said 1002 days ago (February 23rd, 2007)
rockin
i was headbangin all the way through, it was like tesla meets clutch.
Check out my latest song called exploding star
echoroom said 1000 days ago (February 25th, 2007)
Wha happen?
This is NOT what I was expecting from you, tobin ... feels like coming home and finding your parents having sex on the sofa. Very different from your recent songs, but absolutely awesome - a sky-scraping rock track - fantastic mix, and love the (Cult-like) vocals.

More like this, please!

Steve
Check out my latest song called Deeper (w/t Racerat)
TobinMueller said 996 days ago (March 1st, 2007)
having sex on the sofa
Great analogy, made me smile, reread, laugh aloud, raise my eyebrows... Does that must make me one of the parents?! Actually, the song is different from anything I've ever done, altho I plan doing more. It is different than anything else so far for Audiocracy, too, with a harder rock vibe, simpler straightforward drive. I wish I could be content keeping prog as simple as this, becuz I really like the track too. Thanks for the entertaining comments.
Check out my latest song called Forge A New Life (MJRF)
eleveneyes said 983 days ago (March 14th, 2007)
Fantastamagorical!!!
I agree with Paul....Fantastamagorical pretty much sums it up!
Can't walk away from this one! Love the lyrics and message. Love all the vocal layers....something you don't hear in this genre very often.
Check out my latest song called Here With You - Better MIX
Slashh! said 983 days ago (March 14th, 2007)
Wow..
....been a while since I heard such ambitious rock. Reminds me of the band Yes. Really like the interplay of the vocals.
Check out my latest song called An Echo Never Lies (LIOLI 9 Entry)
eleveneyes said 983 days ago (March 14th, 2007)
getting addicted to this song
I couldn't walk away....just woke up and had to hear this again....and again.

The quest for power has indeed shaped our world history and has revealed the bitter lengths man will go to in order to obtain that power. Of all the evil forces the quest for power is probably the most powerful one....somewhat ironic. I see it happening with our current administration. Obtaining power and global control is numero uno on their list of objectives and it seems that they will stop at nothing to get it.

This song has materialized at a very appropriate time and most likely not by accident. Thanks Tobin and company for another bit of quality art!
Check out my latest song called Here With You - Better MIX
TobinMueller said 981 days ago (March 16th, 2007)
I couldn't walk away...
So cool, a second post. Right on with all your other words. Thanks. I love addictions... can't live without them!
Check out my latest song called Forge A New Life (MJRF)
iam0pen said 981 days ago (March 16th, 2007)
Breathing Fresh Air!!!!!
Dear Mr. Mueller,

This is Open Air Festival Ready....at parts it brought me back to the musical HAIR.....wich is my most FAVORITE movie EVER!!!!...

Now back to the song...the mixture of all instrumensts ia very well and tightly done!!! Impressed for it is rich of sounds and could easily loose balance...Here it did not! excellent song in opinion....

Enjoyed BIG TiMe!!!

o0o

(I am sorry it took so long for me to finally post a comment)
danml69 said 979 days ago (March 18th, 2007)
This song Rocks!!!
Very live sounding wall of instrumentation and vocals. I like the vocal line doubling....it was tight and well sang. The drum programing was excellent with a very live feel. The build toward the end of the song was very powerful. Nice work.
Check out my latest song called Love Eyes
tommarie said 975 days ago (March 22nd, 2007)
wow
I'm not a big Rock genre fan, but this one piece is sooooo good I'm speachless. So there. I'm a fan. Thanks.
Check out my latest song called Song for a crying saw
TobinMueller said 625 days ago (March 6th, 2008)
Cross-genre fan
Thanks so much. This is the hardest rock song we play, so if you are not a rock fan, I'm really pleased you liked it. Its the favorite among folks who don't like prog that much but are more traditional rockers. I'm glad it can go beyond that boundary too. Very appreciated and thanks for giving it a try.
Check out my latest song called Forge A New Life (MJRF)
bud said 972 days ago (March 25th, 2007)
Let me add my voice to the praises
Great tune Tobin and company. Rockin, intelligent, hotly played and sung, and well produced.
Check out my latest song called eye for you (w/particledots and michael2)
Morning Light said 969 days ago (March 28th, 2007)
INCREDIBLY ENJOYABLE
MESSAGE AND PRESENTATION :D)* Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Check out my latest song called Morning Rose
said 965 days ago (April 1st, 2007)
Wild!
Very cool !!!!
midiman said 963 days ago (April 3rd, 2007)
Turn it up!
Fantastic guitar sound (ala Trevor Rabin) Your mix is incredible- the 30 hours you spent were worth it. I like the way the vocals cut through- what Waves plug-in(s) did you use? Its nice to hear bands successfully writing and recording music in this genre. You rock!
Check out my latest song called You Changed Your Hair
TobinMueller said 962 days ago (April 4th, 2007)
Waves
I used many Waves plugins, love them. Drums and bass are compressed using Renaissance Compression. I used Waves' Stereo Imaging to limit the field of my stereo B3 organ vibrato and the increase the spacial feel of the mono guitars. Vocal Doubler (x4), Guitar Amp (on one track of Anton's voice), and Renaissance Reverb (New York Room) on some vocals. I use MOTU plugins too: all vocals compressed using their Vocal Compressor, eVerb, and others. When mastering in Peak, I use Waves' compression to boost the bass and highs, stereo limiting to compress the entire track, and 8Q EQing to tweak the EQ. Thanks for noticing.
Check out my latest song called Forge A New Life (MJRF)
Brian Weiland said 961 days ago (April 5th, 2007)
WHOOOAAAAAH!!!!!
LOVE IT!!!

My head's bangin', my lighter's up, and I'm screamin' out loud!
There is so much great stuff going on here that I don't even know if I should try, or just suffice it to say that this is stunning and of the highest level in every way. The lyrics are powerful as well, and it's a shame it didn't get onto that Neil Young site, but WOW! I feel like I've been ROCKED!

By the way, I'm sitting here in my classroom where I am a K-8 music teacher, and I just joined the site a few days ago. I have seen your name a lot and so I decided during a five minute break between classes to check out one of your tunes. I've got a big ol' set of 150W monitors sitting on my desk, and your directions said crank it up and so I did---

WHOOOOAHH!!!!! Blew me outta my seat! And doesn't it figure, the Kindergarten were a little early today, just arriving at the door actually, and they loved it, too! Needless to say, it was not the calm single file sit it a circle beginninnng to class that we have been practicing all year!
And as they were leaving at the end of class, one of them asked: "Next week can we sing that new one you were playing, Mr' Weiland?"

You said that this is not typical of your stuff, so I'll dig a little deeper, but man, that ROCKED!

~Brian Weiland
Check out my latest song called The Gentle Maiden/Planxty Fanny Powers
elektronix said 959 days ago (April 7th, 2007)
This ROCKS!!!
So many comments for this song, but anyway, I have to say: "Kudos to you!"

Straight rock goes in my legs, fantastic!

I especially love the keybord parts, in particular the arpeggios!

Outstanding mix, too...

Thanks a lot of sharing.

Happy easter!

Bernd
Check out my latest song called moonlight on my face
TobinMueller said 302 days ago (January 23rd, 2009)
Rockin' apreggios
Thanks, that arpeggio section is my favorite to play, altho just sitting back and hitting monster chords on a distorted B3 are pretty satisfying too. Thanks for rockin' with us. This is be far the most rocking tune I've ever done. We've yet again remastered the tune for the album, tho, so now it sounds even better!
Check out my latest song called Forge A New Life (MJRF)
Ibstrat said 877 days ago (June 28th, 2007)
Wow
Well,the 1st music of yours that I heard was your Monk-Type blues song.Then this! I thought I was the only one with ridiculously broad musical taste.
Really nice.
Check out my latest song called Blues in Bm
TobinMueller said 873 days ago (July 2nd, 2007)
Tip of the ice burg
There isn't enough life in a lifetime to explore everything I want to explore. Nor will my wrists hold out, I fear. But, yes, the more I hang around MJ the more I realize people often love more than one kind of music. My agent used to tell me not to even dabble in another genre if you wanted to be taken serious. But why else is playing music called "playing"?
Check out my latest song called Forge A New Life (MJRF)
romanoff said 547 days ago (May 23rd, 2008)
Very fine!
Very fine! Excellent work
Check out my latest song called summer dreams
tonestones said 29 days ago (October 23rd, 2009)
Monster!
Really big sound! I love this. My kind of music.
Check out my latest song called Damballa
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Name: Tobin Mueller
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I am a professional musician, composer, playwright and director. I lead a charmed life. I'm married to fellow MJer Suzanne and MJer Twonicus is my son. See my Spotlight Interview - Tobin Mueller: Talking With Myself in the Macjams Music Blog. You... [see more]

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Progressive rock (shortened to prog, or prog rock when differentiating from other "progressive" genres) is an ambitious, eclectic, and often grandiose style of rock music which arose in the late 1960s, reached the peak of its popularity in the early

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