Blackbirds and Thrushes by Rebsie
Genre: Psychedelic
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Keywords:
psychedelic (78), English (32), traditional (75)
Description:
More fun exploring my native music tradition ... this song is also sometimes called Hares On The Mountain. I just let it come out however it wanted and it's ended up as a full-on acid trip thing.
My parents bought me a really beautiful electric guitar when I was 13 and this is the first time I've used it on one of my songs. Shame on me ... I had no idea it could sound so gorgeous, and I intend to make more use of it in future.
I've said before that English folk songs are nearly always about death or sex. Nobody dies in this one, so ...
What I did: vocals, piano, electric guitar, electric mandolin with lashings of string-squeak, shamanic silver branch (don't ask)
Traditional, arranged by Rebsie Fairholm © 2007
My parents bought me a really beautiful electric guitar when I was 13 and this is the first time I've used it on one of my songs. Shame on me ... I had no idea it could sound so gorgeous, and I intend to make more use of it in future.
I've said before that English folk songs are nearly always about death or sex. Nobody dies in this one, so ...
What I did: vocals, piano, electric guitar, electric mandolin with lashings of string-squeak, shamanic silver branch (don't ask)
Traditional, arranged by Rebsie Fairholm © 2007
Lyrics:
Oh Sally my dear, it's you I'd be kissingOh Sally my dear, it's you I'd be kissing
She smiled and replied you don't know what you're missing
Oh Sally my dear, I wish I could bed you
Oh Sally my dear, I wish I could bed you
She smiled and replied then you'd say I'd misled you
If all the young girls were hares on the mountain
If all the young girls were hares on the mountain
How many young men would take guns and go hunting
If young girls could sing like blackbirds and thrushes
If young girls could sing like blackbirds and thrushes
How many young men would go beating the bushes
If all the young girls were like rushes a-growing
If all the young girls were like rushes a-growing
How many young men would take scythes and go mowing
If all the young girls were fish in the water
If all the young girls were fish in the water
How many young men would undress and swim after
Hardware:
Mac G5, Rode NT1-A mic, M-Audio Keystation MIDI keyboard, Aria YS-300 electric guitar, Ashbury electric mandolin, silvery stick with bells onSoftware:
GarageBand 3, two cans of Guinness, a bottle of Swedish pear cider and some herbal refreshmentsYou must be registered and logged-in to comment.
ktb
Rebsie, how utterly delightful. Your guitar sounds spectacular. The piano work provides a nice musical carousel feel, while the progression seems to follow the english folk path. A very cool dyslexic experience. Your voice is as sweet as i've heard it. You compose music as elegant as your forum posts :-) Herbal refreshments indeed!
Rebsie
That's a lovely comment and very much appreciated! I was aiming for a kind of skewed and demented englishness.
ledebutant
Wow! I knew I loved this as soon as I saw the title.
I've been reading an insanely thick book about The Beatles this week and am on something like page nine-thousand and they're still doing the grammar school education of Paul McCartney, but it's a pleasure to read because of the immersion in the details of that place and time, but it's giving me a new perspective on this band that is so familiar.
Your song is like that, though without nine thousand pages. I think I thought of that book because the piano chords are very evocative of those boys, but it's really true, you are so well-versed in folk music and it's one of those situations where you understand the fundamentals so well you can start breaking the rules and making something new with tremendous confidence and then you show us all a new perspective.
I wish I had a silvery stick with bells on.
It sounds dumb to say, but you're really an inspiration, you do so much, play all the instruments, sing, do the production, half the time you write the lyrics, you arrange. You used to be part of one of my favorite bands, but I think you're doing well-enough on your own now, girl. ;-)
Thanks for this lovely song. I downloaded it lickety-split.
Rebsie
I'm thoroughly chuffed by all your kind words, Lisa.
It has been a revelation to me to find I can do songs on my own. As you know, it was only through the loss of a collaborator I was hugely reliant on that I discovered I could do these things. It still surprises me. It's been a great lesson in how sometimes bad things bring their own unexpected blessings.
And I'm glad all those years I spent singing yodelly-o folk songs in the privacy of my bedroom have finally paid off! :)
Peter Bauckham
and well worth the 40 minute it took to download on my dial-up. I always enjoy your traditional numbers and this is no exception. A wonderful arrangement and beautifully performed. Interesting 'wind' sounds in the background! I'll pop this on a CD so I can enjoy it on the hi-fi rather than through the not-so-good computer speakers. Thanks for sharing. Peter (Now 2.52 am)!
Rebsie
Well thank you Peter, it's a great compliment that you were prepared to stay up into the small hours to get a download, and still took the trouble to leave a comment straight afterwards! Much appreciated.
eanbardsley
Always a pleasure to hear your music. I loved this, just as I have everything you have done. Hope to hear more and more!!! You are such a great representation of your beautiful heritage!!!
Rebsie
Thank you! Well there certainly will be plenty more ... and I'm most grateful for your comments.
Epileptic Gibbon
that they got away with lines like "How many young men would go beating the bushes?". I mean, it's the sort of thing Ali G would say! Nevertheless, I think you know my feelings on this song. Psychedelic folk music, but done in your own unique style. And it's the fact that you've done this on your own that seems particularly important. In a sense it's entirely unimportant, how it sounds is what's most important. But the fact that it sounds so great is a testament to how far you've grown in confidence and ability since you started on MJ. Lovely!
Rebsie
Yeah well, you know how reliant I am on encouragement, which you've always given me in abundance.
Our ancestors seem to have gone in for a lot of bush-beating, which is probably why this country is so badly overpopulated today. I have on my song wish list another frisky one called 'Bird In The Bush' - now that's got a few hedge-related euphemisms in it.
VicDiesel
It's sunday morning, and the sun is just starting to burn off the morning fog. This song is the perfect accompaniment to this hour of the day.
In general I like this arrangement. It's a modern twist on some old music, but it preserves the spirit. It's just that fiilter sweep in a couple of places that is too much for me. You're trying to evoke the wind? It works once, but you're sticking it in too many places. Is what I think, but who am I...
Rebsie
I guessed that not everybody would like the filter sweep ... it's a bit experimental. I was trying to aim towards the spirit of the early Pink Floyd stuff where weird sweeping noises combine so beautifully with reverby guitars.
I wasn't trying to create any particular effect, just enjoying making noise for its own sake, though I think I had a mental image of the flight patterns of songbirds on acid. Or a kind of dark dream in the hedgerows.
I'm glad you enjoyed the overall sound of the song though! Thanks.
jiguma
I just wrote a long comment - relating this lovely song to Joan of Arc and Einstein's theory of relativity, but I stuffed up and it's gone to cyberspace.
In essence, what I said was that I really like this one. The Rode has allowed you to be much more upfront than in some of your other songs - it cuts right through and sits so well on the rich musical bed you made. There's so much I enjoy about your modern interpretations of traditional songs - I'm even coping with the idea of a 17th century (?) synth :)
Your voice sounds absolutely beautiful here Rebsie - childlike, pure and silky smooth (must have been the Guinness!).
Rodes Rule!
Neil
Rebsie
Thank you Neil! I enjoy doing these old songs, so I'm glad you enjoy listening to them.
As for how I got my voice to sound like that, it was another experiment ... I purposely sang it in too high a key because I like the effect it makes when I'm outside my comfortable range. I was basically just squawking at the mic, but once it's double-tracked with a bit of reverb it creates that nice childlike effect. The Rode mics are very forgiving, which is why I got one in the first place.
guitapick
...of your music, Rebsie.
Bob
Rebsie
That's good to know, Bob. Thanks very much.
DWL
runs through this. The music has a distinct edge which contrasts nicely with your voice.
Kurt Weil meets Steeleye eh?
Splendid piece of work.
Cheers
Dick
Rebsie
Hi Dick ... I'm glad you picked up on the dark undercurrent, you're right on there. This song has quite a sweet and pretty melody so I was curious to see if I could get an unsettling or nightmarish mood into it.
dreadmon
You've really come into your own, Rebsie - this is the total production, such a haunting and captivating piece that breathes with a life all its own. I love how lines from the piano and guitar rise and fall within the mix. Your voice is strong and lovely, the arrangement; wide open and dreamy.
For some reason, this song evokes images of midnight serenades, for the atmosphere you've created is intimate, moon-kissed and dripping with illuminated mist. It's a place I'll visit again and again, thanks for posting!
Rebsie
Aww, thanks Bing. I'm glad my 'what-does-this-slider-do' approach to mixing worked out OK!
Your many kind words and messages of encouragement over the last year or so have made a big contribution to my increased confidence ... I do appreciate it.
jgurner
...what is this song about again......
It's really great to hear you experimenting with different ways of presenting a traditional folk tune. It's really cool what you've come up with here. It all really fits the tenor of the song well. And you sound lovely as always.
Rebsie
Many thanks Joseph. I always think traditional songs are there to be interpreted in new ways rather than rehashed endlessly in an 'authentic' style ... so expect further wackiness.
HOKEY POKEY
I like english folk songs. This arrangement is interesting. the e-mandolin was a treat
Hokey
Rebsie
Cheers Hokey, and thanks for the interest you've been taking in my songs.
moorlandt
...this melody is fantastic, as well as the software you used :-) Wonderful sound of guitar chords near the end. And for sure... we need more songs about sex!
- Walter
Rebsie
Thank you Walter. Can't beat a nice bit of fresh software. ;)
As you can hear, I love 3/4 time signatures too!
caroline
..what a delight it has been to watch you grow to this - bloody fabulous!! big loves - you bring so many ppl so much happiness xoxoxoxox
Rebsie
Awwwwww. Well I do hope so. I try my best! xx
Nikos
You have such an enchanting voice. Really this is a very special piece of music. God bless
-Nikos-
Rebsie
Very glad you think so Nikos ... thank you!
Scott Carmichael
You've really wrapped up this song perfectly... the arrangement is musical and harkens to the period... lots of nice attention paid to the horn arrangment and the counter movement in the mandolin... I've mentioned before that celtic music has a call from the deep affect on me... You get a master class on how to make a melody work for you... And there is such latitude taken in the art of putting across the point of a song...
It's fun to be a fan from far away... but i envy Curry... getting to share a couple cans with you and maybe play a little bit into the evening...
respect and admire.... Scott
Rebsie
My arrangements are mostly made up as I go along ... and if that isn't immediately obvious then I must be doing something right!
Seriously though, I'm delighted to have such a lovely comment from you, especially now that I've heard your mandolin skills ... you're an incredible musician. I'm sorry it took me so long to discover your music, but I seem to be permanently trying to play catch-up on MacJams these days. Maybe you can come along to one of the UK MJ get-togethers which we have from time to time. :)
I try to let the song speak with its own voice, if that doesn't sound too weird ... I immerse myself in it and let it take me off in whatever direction it wants to go in. Glad the end result manages to reach out to you.
elfdaughter
I love this version of Hares - another beautiful one from you, Rebs! I've known of this song for a long time, but never heard it sung...'til now!
Rebsie
Cheers elfdaughter! I pinched the basic song idea from Shirley Collins but I'm not sure she'd recognise it the way I've mangled it! Thanks for dropping by.
ziti
so....how great is this?....pretty great i'd say....there is a special musical herb that grows in that sunlit garden, and you brew tea, huh?
this is a beautiful work...loved every magic second
deepest bows, m'lady
z
ziti
thru the phones...this REALLY is very very good rebs...very original, and very soulful in an ancient way. Touches something very deep.
best
z
Rebsie
Tea? Er ... yes, TEA, that's right. *waving away wafts of smoke*
That's a huge compliment Ziti, and has me grinning all over my face. Thank you thank you!
paddler
I had this picturebook when I was little with one section that was a magical a-z.Z was for zephyr and it had this really simple picture of some trees on a hill with weird spirals blowing from over a horizon with some random little note symbols dancing around.Well this song reminded me of that.I especially like the double tracking on the voice dont know if you do that often but its great here - reminiscent of Kate Bush.Speaking of which - never done any beating in the bushes since I was 14 and some bloke walking his dog caught me thanks to overpopulation - I was miles from anywhere or anyone or so I thought.Whoops too much information.Any chance you could inform me of the next MJ uk get together? I probably wouldn't be able to make it but it'd be nice to know just in case.Also - very admirable that you reply to all the comments - inspires me try harder,except I'm bloomin' knackered at the mo.Great song! byesy
Rebsie
I remember coming across the word 'zephyr' in A-Z things when I was a kid and wondering what the hell it meant. In the end I realised it was actually a 1960s car with big fins on the back.
The double-tracking is an experiment ... I've not really tried it before. I normally prefer my vocals to be upfront and intimate, and double-tracking kind of makes them more impersonal, but that seemed to be what the song needed here. Any Kate Bush reference, however oblique, is always welcome because I adore her!
The next MJ UK Convention is in August, I think. I'll try to find out the exact date, if there is one yet. It'd be really nice to see you there if you can make it.
Pauly-G
great track!
u are very talented! u must be hella organised to be able to lay down all those tracks and produce it all on ur own!
keep it up..ur awesome
Pauly
Rebsie
Thank you Pauly. I only wish I was organised ... it's actually more a case of trying to crystallise something out of the chaos! Cheers.
Willywagga
Little nuances of Natalie Merchant, this is stunning and airy light, which works really well with the lyric. Perfect sounding in every respect. This could easily rest with some of the songs of The Incredible String Band but It has a transcendence all of it's own, very fine indeed.
Rebsie
Very nice of you to drop by and take a listen, Willie, I appreciate that. And very glad you like it! Cheers.
What a dreamy journey through still, dark and ominous waters. The ship is elegant with silken sails and gold fittings, but the Captain is alone, humming a lost, haunting melody and turning the wheel aimlessly...
Beautiful work. It's rare when something this light and delicate can carry a depth of darkness so well, but you pull it off (seemingly) effortlessly. Thank you.
Rebsie
Thank you for your lovely comment, Rik.
I'm delighted to see that you and a few other people have been getting visual imagery from listening to this song. I love it when my stuff fires people's imaginations in that way.
perceptualvortex
I really enjoyed this one. Great job, Rebsie!
Rebsie
Cheers David. You can't beat a good old silvery stick, I always say.
HOKEY POKEY
this is an interesting track. I recently discovered your music and have listened to all you have posted. The production values have vastly improved, you must have discovered some recording secrets or have found a good producer/engineer. Or maybe your software is the secret... The music is great!
Hokey
Rebsie
Thanks Hokey. The early songs I posted here did have quite poor audio quality, and things improved hugely when I invested in better recording equipment. Plus I've gained a lot of production experience over the couple of years. I do now have a producer/engineer working on my album, so it'll be interesting to see how much of a difference that makes!
On this song most of the instruments were direct input, which makes it a lot easier to control the production values.
MissChaos
Make that a double. This is INSANELY good. Funny, it starts off exactly like my song, Structure of Stones -- the 3/4 waltz piano lick in the same key and everything! Maybe you could take a stab at recording some vocals to it...
This is amazing. Brilliant, indeed.
Rebsie
Oh my goodness, I see what you mean! I've only just heard Structure of Stones so I didn't realise I was stealing your intro ... that's quite uncanny. But certainly it sounds like it would lend itself well to vocals, so I'll see what I can do!
Thanks for your lovely lovely comment.
paul f. page
Another of your signature performances, Rebsie. This has an ethereal quality to it with the little wisps floating in the background. A very nice production all around and your vocals are, as usual, as delicate as the folk song is sweet and sad and compelling. Thank you for another great song.
Paul
pengui
This is a rather surprising and unexpected thing to stumble on. I like this song a lot.
dwwave
When I read the into I thought this should be interesting!
So glad to hear you delving into electric guitar and the
psychadelic swirls and twirls. Very Interesting and
adds to your diverse sound catalog. Impressive!
Please don't put the electric guitar away!
Rebsie
Thanks David. I certainly won't be putting the electric guitar away ... I'm enjoying it far too much!
lavalamp
Rebsie, must say I totally enjoyed this song especially the lyrics. You're a very good writer. Will surely check some more of your stuff later.
Was nice meeting your sound.
LL
Rebsie
Thanks Lavalamp ... I can't claim much of a writing credit for this one because the words and melody are public domain and all I did was arrange it, but I'm very glad you like it.
MarcSupsic
Rebsie, I like the vibe here. Very cool, especially since all the instruments are on tempo, which is sometimes hard to do when there's no drums to hide behind. You've done a cool job of evoking a mood. The flanged guitar is nice and crisp, too. Keep up the good work!
Rebsie
Thank you! I did cheat slightly to get the instruments on tempo by using a temporary drum track which I took out of the mix afterwards ... it kind of gives a song a rhythmic momentum without having any actual drums. That trick seems to work well for a lot of my stuff.
Heightened
Another excellent song. You are putting me to shame.
Heightened
dlb
WOW! this is real good, very english folk/pop style. Lovely vocal top quality song.
Rebsie
Very English is what I do best. :)
Thanks Dave.
saymme
So great to hear this once again...it probably hit me hard as I haven't commented...IT DOES - SO BEAUTIFUL . . Donno how to give tokens yet certainly aToken - MANY- for this...tx
Rebsie
Tokens or no tokens, I'm grateful for the comment Lena. Thanks a lot.
I'm speechless... Simply amazing! A true masterpiece. WOW!!
Take Care
- Yeman A. Al-Rawi
LunaTrick
First of all... I like the metre... then the accompaniment.... then the double voice takes over and it's a beautiful dream.
Listening to this again gives me lots of ideas.... wow!