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Keywords:
Jim Bouchard (28), ledebutant (43), Sweet Baby (1), collaboration (102), banjo (25), The Penguin Cafe Orchestra (1), Sufjan Stevens (1), duet (23), ooey-gooey (1), Supa-Dupa! (1), kissing in an apple tree (1), mm-bop (1), la la la (1), You've Got a Friend (1), devotion (8), love (903)
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Description:
This is a song I wrote about 18 months ago and posted here, but ended up taking down because I was always really uncomfortable with the ooey-gooeyness of it.
I wrote this song in a moment of pure love, though, and couldn't really let it go, so I went to Jim and said, HELP. He came up with a really, fun, quirky arrangement that I think has taken it out of the realm of ooey-gooey and turned it into a more light-hearted and fun song. Jim says that musically this is his tribute to Sufjan Stevens and The Penguin Cafe Orchestra.
Jim and I are also both big fans of The Weepies and I thought it might be kind of cool to ask him to sing a second part to the song, since the original was loaded with harmonies. I think this is the first time I've ever done a duet and I really love what Jim came up with, especially the really happy backing vocals on the outro. They make me giggle.
This is my second collaboration with Jim and I have to thank him from the bottom of my heart for his patience and imagination. I love working with him. Plus, he plays the banjo!
Lyrics:
Oh, my sweet little baby
when the world is driving you crazy,
just remember I'm always here
in your corner.
La la la la la la la la la la.
You've had pain so undeserved,
kept so much of you in reserve.
I want to open you,
keep you safe
and help you feel free.
Free
This is love
you can fall into.
I want to show you something new,
a life where someone loves you for you.
Oh my sweet little baby,
when the pain fills you up
and spills over
just remember I'll be here
to catch you forever.
Oh my sweet little baby
when the world is driving you crazy
just remember
I'm always here in your corner
You've had pain so undeserved
kept so much of you in reserve
I want to open you
keep you safe
and help you feel free
Forever
It's you and me
in an apple tree,
K.I.S.S.I.N.G.
K.I.S.S., K.I.S.S., K.I.S.S.I.N.G.
Oh my sweet little baby,
Oh my sweet little baby,
Oh my sweet little baby.
(la la la la la la la la la la la)
(mm-bop, mm-bop, mm-bop)
When the world is driving you crazy,
just remember I'm always here in your corner.
Hardware:
Gibson five string banjo, Epiphone bass, piano, various Macs, Rode Nt-1a
Software:
GB, Ozone 3, Jam Pack 4
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Firsties! Called it! &mdash 04/28/07 - 05:01:04 PM
Hah! &mdash 04/28/07 - 05:06:30 PM
Lovely song &mdash 04/28/07 - 05:01:47 PM
cafe heaven! &mdash 04/29/07 - 08:15:15 AM
Hee Hee &mdash 05/03/07 - 12:47:14 AM
yeah &mdash 04/28/07 - 05:22:19 PM
Those strings sounds amazing, and the drums and banjo stuff is ear candy to me.
Fab collab you two. You never disappoint Jim. You always make good music come from your instruments, and your productions is always very pro sounding.
And Lisa you're such a star... I'm a big fan of your singing:) You sound more and more confident.
Wonderful tune from you guys. [ Reply to This ]
rhyming &mdash 05/03/07 - 12:49:51 AM
Fab collab is a funny rhyme. I like it. I agree with you, Jim does get good stuff out of those instruments. Thanks for the comment, Thor. I always love knowing you've listened. [ Reply to This ]
Northern Exposure &mdash 04/28/07 - 05:46:03 PM
Do you remember "Northern Exposure" on TV? I was instantly remembered, but I don't no why! Okay, the genre would match, but I think it is something hidden in this song, which plays this string in my mind... perhaps the feel of taking something with a pitch of salt... (correct locution? My english is bahhhh...)
But nice song, anyway, your voice is marvellous and Jim: Great Banjo!
Greetings from Germany,
Bernd [ Reply to This ]
You're Right! &mdash 04/29/07 - 12:24:45 AM
I've only seen Northern Exposure once or twice and couldn't remember the theme song, but I hunted for it on iTunes and it definitely reminds me of this song! How funny! [ Reply to This ]
I used to be a big fan of that show! &mdash 04/29/07 - 08:18:02 AM
Haven't seen it in a while, but it's out on DVD and I think I will have to rent it, just to remember the theme, which I remember as liking a heck of a lot. Evidently it seeped into my unconscious and planted itself there! hehehe [ Reply to This ]
I don't think so... &mdash 05/01/07 - 11:46:01 AM
Quote:... Evidently it seeped into my unconscious and planted itself there! hehehe
I think it sounds completely different, I really don't know, what exactly remembered me. Some waggishness perhaps? But on the other hand, music is always influenced.. so perhaps you're right after all...
Anyway, I have taken a look on my old "Northern Exposure" videos again. And so by that way, you really made my day!
Greetings,
Bernd
---
...if you´re looking for a sense, search with music!... [ Reply to This ]
ooey-gooey &mdash 04/28/07 - 07:31:39 PM
is good. is there anything Jim can't do? The strings and backing synths are freakishly cool. Very sweet vocal vibe, although I'm biased on both counts. And banjo to boot...that sci fx sound at the end where it trails off is just sublime [ Reply to This ]
sci-fi sound? &mdash 04/29/07 - 08:23:43 AM
Actually it's cellos on a long extended trill and me singing "ahhhhh". No synths were involved on this song (unless you count midi sampled sounds of Chinese erhu violin, pan flutes, and other orchestral and percussion sounds). Which is not to diminish my appreciation for your compliment! [ Reply to This ]
Hmm &mdash 05/03/07 - 12:52:03 AM
I suspect that Jim can't do the splits, but that's just a guess. Based on all other evidence, I think that's about the only thing he can't do, though. He sure showed off his skills on this one, for sure! [ Reply to This ]
Upon reflection... &mdash 04/28/07 - 07:53:56 PM
...I think what I continue to love about this song is its innocent spirit. I have had cause recently to revisit and remember that wonderful innocence, and, though we sometimes, I think, short-change that part of ourselves, and misremember it as cynical adults, it has a surprising power and beauty...
Apple trees are one of my favorite things in this world; the town I live in was founded largely for the purpose of growing apples. I still remember climbing an apple tree for blossoms for my high school proms. And as I mentioned to you privately, Lisa, I recently found some pictures of people I love in apple trees and apple orchards. Apples are such a great symbol of that place where innocence meets experience.
The upshot of all that is, I love hearing the apple tree part...
I also love the key change.
I think you have made very effective use of the contrast between your sweet tones and Jim's rougher burr... Jim's production once again combines traditional elements and traditional production values with surprising bits... Jim Bouchard productions are always something to enjoy first, and then study afterwards... How'd he DO that? WHAT is he doing THERE?...How'd he think of THAT?... I mean, I've MET the guy, and he looks so NORMAL...
The outro-ing la-la's are so cool...
Anyway, I'm enjoying this a whole lot....
Ed
[ Reply to This ]
Apple Trees &mdash 05/03/07 - 01:17:11 AM
I'm so happy you continue to enjoy this song, Ed and that it came at a time that you had found those photos. I almost asked you for the use of one as song art, but then realized that you'd probably have to get Fran to scan them and didn't want to bother you to that extent.
He looks so normal...that's what they normally say about serial killers. I think that Jim is probably a serial musician, which is part of what makes him so magical.
I love those la la la's and mmm-bops at the end, too. [ Reply to This ]
cool &mdash 04/28/07 - 08:30:28 PM
Also... &mdash 05/03/07 - 01:18:59 AM
Yep &mdash 04/28/07 - 08:36:22 PM
The Jim treatment sure seems to work with your songs, Lisa! You both sound great. [ Reply to This ]
Specifically, &mdash 05/02/07 - 07:05:34 PM
Apple trees are a great place for kissing.
The banjo couldn't be cooler, and there's all these little touches in the music that go so well with your singing and upbeat vibe. I don't think I've heard you sing that low before. As ever, your voice makes for great listening. This song finally sounds fully realized. I hope that Up In The Sky finds it's way here too; and I think real instruments will make it happen.
Great work, Lisa and Jim!
---
<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/31157">One On One</a> [ Reply to This ]
Up in the Sky &mdash 05/03/07 - 01:21:27 AM
To do Up in the Sky with Jim would be a dream! I've already put the screws on him, so I'm sure one day down the road we'll do some more. We both have song piles to dig out from, first. :-)
Are apple trees better than pear trees for kissing? [ Reply to This ]
In my youth &mdash 05/03/07 - 10:34:35 AM
There was an apple orchard in my neighborhood, growing up. And while there were several pear trees around, none of them were big enough to climb. Beech trees are even better for kissing, because afterwards you can carve DT + KP 4EVR in the bark.
I hope you clear out from under your song pile and do get Jim to collab on UITS, that would be great!
---
<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/31157">One On One</a> [ Reply to This ]
:-) &mdash 04/28/07 - 10:30:36 PM
:) &mdash 05/03/07 - 01:24:01 AM
A great way to wake up...... &mdash 04/29/07 - 03:22:54 AM
This song greeted me as my first dip into todays new music on MJ's.
Wonderful. The singing and backing are excellent. Simple yet complex. You can't beat a good love song.
The Beatles have made a fortune writing about love. It's 'where it's at'.
Blown away, blown away, blown away.
Paul. [ Reply to This ]
Thanks, Paul &mdash 05/03/07 - 01:28:49 AM
I'm glad this was a good start to your day. You make a good point about The Beatles and simple love songs. I hadn't really though of it that way and I feel a little better about what I had thought were lyrics that just demonstrated me being a lazypants on the writing front. Thanks! [ Reply to This ]
a keeper &mdash 04/29/07 - 04:50:27 AM
Speed Racer's Bro. &mdash 05/03/07 - 01:26:35 AM
So, what kind of stereo have you got in that racecar of yours? I'll bet it's swanky. [ Reply to This ]
Lisa &mdash 04/29/07 - 05:13:03 AM
You have all My Respect as a Musician ... WOW this is MAGNIFICENT lalalllllllllllalllalaaa K I S S SSSSSSSSSS I N G IN AN APPLETREE LOOOOLLL
YOU ARE GREAT I must try it some time(!!) I LOVED climbing trees as a kid, me & my best girlfriend did that ALOT as 10-11 yearolds-can miss that now as I think of it.. . well it's never too late to try again (!) Have You tried ? k i s s s i n g in an appletree? WHERE do You find allthese great Lyrics Lisa - whats Your Secret : )? & Jim well I beleive You already know You are a FANTASTIC MUSICIAN
THANX BOTH : ) : ) Respectfully Lena
[ Reply to This ]
Zoi &mdash 05/03/07 - 01:30:50 AM
I'm happy you liked the song so much. I've climbed my share of apple trees in my life, but I haven't ever kissed in an apple tree. Now, that I'm thinking about it, I wonder how that would work out logistically. It's kind of strange, really. [ Reply to This ]
l o l &mdash 04/29/07 - 05:17:49 AM
Read Biba_Novas comment again HAHAHAHSHAHAAHA
(its MJ in a NutShell) tx again - off too Baptize! [ Reply to This ]
ooey gooey &mdash 04/29/07 - 04:25:33 PM
I loved it. It is no way too ooey gooey, there is just enough of a hint of darkness to keep it all real. If I may be so humble and unworthy I do have two suggestions. It seems like you miss an opportunity to let your voice soar on Free and Forever. The other is that you and jim need to figure out your harmonies. they are not really blending. Please excuse me for this most humble of lowly comments. Peace. Rene [ Reply to This ]
A song with its heart on its sleeve &mdash 04/29/07 - 04:59:55 PM
He plays the banjo indeed! That's a pretty good reason to want to work with someone.
I'm sure the moment of pure love you mention is the main reason this song is so good. You were right not to let it go. It has a directness and truth in it which buoys it up and makes you take notice of it. It feels like it's got something to say and means every word of it.
And of course the arrangement and delivery are fabulous, which also helps. The banjo, while fairly subtle in itself, makes the whole thing sound upbeat and sparkly. Your warm sweet tone of voice is the icing on Jim's lovely plump juicy cake. (And the emotional honesty is the vermicelli and little fruity-flavoured sprinkly bits.)
Nothing wrong with a bit of ooey-gooey from time to time anyway ... where would we be without it? [ Reply to This ]
...this has literally &mdash 04/29/07 - 06:18:41 PM
....brought me to tears....I really don't know what to type...
Thank you both so much...
Alf... [ Reply to This ]
Aww &mdash 04/29/07 - 09:13:54 PM
Here's a big virtual hug for you. I hope they were good tears rather than sad ones. [ Reply to This ]
all... &mdash 04/29/07 - 09:30:17 PM
...good tears:)
---
Variety is the spice of life...(we're only scratching the surface...) [ Reply to This ]
Cute, but not twee &mdash 04/29/07 - 11:24:55 PM
OOey gooey has it's place Lisa. You and Jim together are a great combination on this joy-filled little tune. The duet worked really well too. Love your voice Lisa - you add so much to lyrics (which weren't at all bad to start with).
Excellent post.
Neil [ Reply to This ]
I love this... &mdash 04/30/07 - 07:54:08 AM
What's the matter... &mdash 04/30/07 - 03:53:09 PM
with ooey-gooey? Maybe I've clung to my childlike naivete' for far too long, but I still love Disney songs sung by mermaids, and I still love happy-dappy songs like this that simply talk of love as the shelter from the storm. There's a bit of Bill Frisell and Wayne Horvitz in this, quirky and instrumentally eclectic while still proving accessible and endearing. You guys are a dynamic duo - keep 'em coming! [ Reply to This ]
busted! &mdash 04/30/07 - 07:55:38 PM
You had me at Bill Frisell, but you had to throw Wayne Horvitz in there too! All we need now is a Robin Holcomb reference. I am just pickled tink! [ Reply to This ]
VEry Gooey &mdash 04/30/07 - 08:49:12 PM
And I loved every minute of it... I dont know why but Im thinking Natalie Merchant(ten thousands maniacs) . Your voice is so right for this song/ Oh yeah great music Jim [ Reply to This ]
Love the song... &mdash 04/30/07 - 09:57:44 PM
...love the strings. The whole sound is terrific. Nicely produced and arranged. Some lovely musical touches throughout. The key change halfway through is very effective. Thoroughly enjoyable. Thanks for sharing. Peace. [ Reply to This ]
pop music &mdash 04/30/07 - 10:36:50 PM
pop music for the masses! just goes to show your production range. Well crafted! Kudos to both of you!
Hokey [ Reply to This ]
Genuine. &mdash 04/30/07 - 10:39:51 PM
I was just talking the other day about how hard it is to write a happy song and have if filled with integrity, you have both done it here...
Great song.
Nice to be able to have a genuine smile spread across my face...
Grazzi... [ Reply to This ]
it's springtime! &mdash 05/01/07 - 03:18:16 AM
Such a happy honest springtime song, a baby made out of pure love, and that shows. I have to be honest: genuinly i'm not a big fan of banjo music, but as the song gets along and after listening more than once, i really got into it. And the performance is great. So, thanks for broadening my taste :-)
Your voice - of which i've always liked the very female and fragile timbre - sounds extremely confident here. And this is fortyfied by a neat recording. It's like you're singing right into my ear. I very much like the uber-clich sentence: 'it's you and me, in an apple tree'. Haha, can there be any more spring?
- Walter [ Reply to This ]
Ok, I finally got a chance to listen to this &mdash 05/01/07 - 07:14:13 AM
carefully, and i'm far more impressed with this version of the song than I thought possible. The original version's "ooie gooieness" put me off a bit, and I mean that in the nicest way. It was a song for someone, passionately for someone, and not being that person, it didn't catch me. This version makes it for everyone. No, I don't mean that Ledeb is going to kiss everyone in an apple tree (down boys!), but the sentiment seems more universal. Maybe it's Jim's terrific music, or maybe it's Lisa's calm, rationally supportive narrator and delivery. It's almost like the song's grown up. And gone to college. [ Reply to This ]
Hi Guys! &mdash 05/01/07 - 09:18:35 AM
Thank you so much for all the comments. I am reading them all and will come back to answer them, individually. I am babysitting my 18 month old nephew for the next six weeks, which is going to partially fund a new iMac (WHEEEEEEE!)and am very pressed for time and haven't been able to sneak in here and answer them during the day as I would ususallly.
I just want you all to know that I appreciate the time people take to leave their thoughts and I'm reading, just not replying today.
Thanks again, guys! [ Reply to This ]
Pure &mdash 05/01/07 - 01:38:47 PM
Firstly, after being a bit critical of your last vocal, I'm now munching my words (and my foot) as this is just a wonderful vocal Lisa, as pure as the lyric. To me, the lyric sounds train-of -thought, like a rush of pure emotion that you've captured, love like an insect in amber.
The production is sweet, and the track has a wonderful loose quality to it.
Love the backing vox on this too - you sound great together.
More goo please - this is sweet as cotton candy and just as light , pink and fluffy.
Steve [ Reply to This ]
Great tune - but I'd expect nothing less &mdash 05/01/07 - 09:13:41 PM
from you two. Excellent on all counts - too much goodness in one package. Nice key modulation and sweet harmonies. I'm a big Sufjan fan - and it's nice to hear his influence along with the penguins. Oh - I'm also an ooey-gooey fan too. [ Reply to This ]
WOW! &mdash 05/02/07 - 02:38:04 AM
Wow Great!!! &mdash 05/02/07 - 08:12:10 PM
How did I miss this for so long. This is terrific. Your voice sounds devine, there is a nice shyness present in the vocals that create a lovely light intimacy. Your voice reminds me of many peoples each in different ways, sometimes a little of Dar Williams, sometimes Natalie Merchant and even Cait O'Riordain of the Cranberries. But of course this voice is very much your own and that's what makes it special, and beautiful.
The instrumentation is masterful, some lovely musical connections going on, everything is really in it's place and it seems complete. Without trying to sound simpering, this is georgous and a wonderful collaboration.
And definite proof that wonderful collaborations are so possible, Despite the recent hiccups in MacJamland.
Lovely forehead by the way.
[ Reply to This ]
Sweet... &mdash 05/03/07 - 01:59:51 PM
with such lightness of touch and fullness of heart. That pretty much sums up how I feel about this lovely song. Jim musical arrangement is great... perfect backdrop for the ooey-gooeyness of your words and voice. Kudos to you both. [ Reply to This ]
I'm impressed!!! But not surprised! &mdash 05/03/07 - 02:00:42 PM
Lisa,
You ALWAYS sound amazing. I just love your voice. I'm not "ooey-gooey", but I find the lyrics very sweet. Nice love song. Great Job!!
Jim,
Your banjo playing was a fun listen. I enjoyed it. Your music and production skills show the integrity of a true artist.
Congratulations to the both of you for an excellent job!!
Chris [ Reply to This ]
Very sweet &mdash 05/03/07 - 09:21:29 PM
without being saccharine. You guys make a wonderful team - have you got a band name and record deal yet?
It's a tricky thing to write a happy song without it coming out naff I've always thought (although that could be my cynical nature) but you've pulled it off here. I love the "I'm always here in your corner line".
Jim, what can I say? You have a magic touch.
More please. [ Reply to This ]
Oops &mdash 05/04/07 - 12:13:08 PM
'course I meant Dolores O'Riordan of the Cranberries not Cait, she was married to Elvis Costello and maybe Shane McGowan at some stage I think. I just realized that. Funny the lengths people go to. [ Reply to This ]
Coincidence &mdash 05/04/07 - 03:44:11 PM
You know, that's the second time in less than two weeks that someone has made a Dolores-related name error in comparing my voice to someone else's. illuminati called Hope Sandoval, Dolores Sandoval a few times until he figured it out.
(spooky music)
It's an omen of something, but what I don't know...when will the third Dolores error occur? Maybe I'm meant to write a song called The Dolores Error...actually if anyone wants to, go ahead. :-) [ Reply to This ]
Hits the spot &mdash 05/04/07 - 10:56:49 PM
You know what, I happened to listen to this song in the moment I needed it most. Whatever it did, it fixed a problem that's been sitting in my mind for sometime and I just wanted to thank you for posting it. I don't even want to try to critique it, I just wanted to acknowledge the comforting sound in my headphones as something special. So thanks for helping me find a little peace at a time of unusual chaos. [ Reply to This ]
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Ed
[ Reply to This ]