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"The Fighter" by mvh9591 [Email]
Genre: Rock & Roll

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SONG STATS:
Hits: 2764
Comments: 66
Votes: 13
Plays: 766
Last Played: Oct 05, 2008 - 12:03:30 AM
Downloads: 94
Fans: 28
Uploaded: May 06, 2007 - 02:33:57 AM
Last Updated: Feb 06, 2008 - 11:23:46 PM
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Keywords:
rock (1109), pop (459), soft-rock (7), adult (20), new age (93), instrumental (418), acoustic (476), rock & roll (22), country (105), folk (361), ambient (471), folk-rock. (7)
Description:
Title: The Fighter

All Music: Michael House, Jazz House
All Lyrics & Vocals: Leon

(mvh)
I would like to dedicate this song to my parents who are both currently waging a battle against cancer. I know deep inside they both have “The Fighter” in them and thus far are handling it all very well. (It almost feels as if Leon knew and wrote this song for them)

I would like to thank Jazz for his awesome lead guitar track.

I would like to thank my friend Leon for agreeing to write and record the vocal trax for this song. Nice job Leon!

We all have a little of “The Fighter” in us that keep us going through all of life’s challenges.

I sincerely appreciate all Macjam supporters and thanks for listening,

mvh9591 : )


(Leon)
Thanks a lot to Michael for this opportunity to work with him. He pays attention to every smallest detail so I knew that this would come out as good as it could possibly be in the end. Working with him on this collaboration gave me a deeper understanding of what a professional musician is.

And yeah, I think I earned a little street creed singing a hard rock song for the first time!


mvh/Leon© copyright 2007

Lyrics:
Written by: Leon Aguila



THE FIGHTER

You've read the news that I am a fighter
You know I like to break the rules,
but you're a fool to think that I'll just surrender
In a burning heart I build the fire
They say what doesn't kill can only make you stronger

[Chorus]
Hey there, you better keep your distance
Don't poke my nerve, and draw my anger
You take the risk and take a damn chance
When I lose my cool, you'll feel the danger

You've heard the word I am the hell-raiser
If you dare to cross my path, you better say your prayer
But life has given me the worst and no better
Show me respect sooner or later

[Chorus]
Hey there, you better keep your distance
Don't poke my nerves, and draw my anger
You take the risk and take a damn chance
When I lose my cool, you'll feel the danger

You've heard the news I am damnation
I've cleared a path to destruction
I fill the air with consternation
Just like the rest in this Prozac nation

[Chorus]
Hey there, you better keep your distance
Don't poke my nerves, and draw my anger
You take the risk and take a damn chance
When I lose my cool, you'll feel the danger

(break)

Yeah... yeah...
Sleep away from all this pain
(Yeah... yeah...)
I don't know what to do
And I don't know where to go
And I think I'll waste away

Yeah...
They say my life's no good
And they say my time is through
Just get out of my way
And I feel the truth
But I can't find the way
And I don't know what happened...
Just fade...



Hardware:
Mac G4 800 Quicksilver. Washburn Guitars, (3-G5V's,1-EC29,I-G17SB), Epiphone FT-120, Ibanaz Bass Guitar, K2000, Ensoniq MR Rack, Korg 05R/W, Alesis D4, Yamaha DX7, Roland D5 Keyboards, TrapKat Drums, Yamaha MG24/14fx Mixer, Lexicon LXP-1 , Yamaha FX500, Symetrix 525, Behinger Dualfex II, Alesis 3630 Processors, Opcode Studio 4 MIDI interface, Shure SM57, Audio Technica AT4033, CAD E300 Mics, KRK Rokit5 monitors. Cerwin Vega VS8 monitors, Peavey Renoun 212 and Transformer guitar amplifiers. Vinci-Washburn VU2 Ukulele. Realistic (tape control center), Keyspan usb converter, Sony MDR-V300 and Samson RH600 Headphones.

Software:
Digital Performer 3.0, Soundtrack 1.0, Peak 4.0, Lots of software plugins.
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Wow &mdash 05/06/07 - 02:57:38 AM
This is one is too good.... LOVE it.
In my opinion you2 have a hit here.
Great COLLAB...Kudos

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Wow — &mdash 05/06/07 - 03:28:28 AM
Thank Skean,

Your commennt and vote is greatlty appreciated.

mvh : )


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this is thight &mdash 05/06/07 - 05:36:58 AM
Gosh, this sounds so pro! Thanks for letting me know about this song, Michael. Stunning performance on all levels: drums, bass, guitars (woooow!) an Leon's vocals. A song that draws you in by its dynamics and pro production qualities from the very first guitar chord until Leon's final '...fa-aaade'. Absolutley stunning guys!

- Walter

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this is thight — &mdash 05/06/07 - 05:43:25 AM
Thanks Walter, I appreciate you listening and comments.

Music is universal,

mvh : )

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this is thight — &mdash 05/06/07 - 05:45:46 AM
Me as well Walter - Thanks

jmhr

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great collab &mdash 05/06/07 - 05:57:47 AM
I love this song... Full of power... Leon vocals are great and the song kicks ass... Faved

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great collab — &mdash 05/06/07 - 06:14:55 AM
Thanks for the comments and listening Craft,

Greatly appreciated,

mvh : )

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very professional &mdash 05/06/07 - 07:03:48 AM
excellent work. full of power.

(did i hear a nod to LIOLI#3 in there?!)

thanks

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very professional — &mdash 05/06/07 - 07:12:07 AM
Thanks Smoky and yes. LIOLI 3 (The Accident) is the song remixed and with LEON on the vocals making this song shine. Now "The Fighter" and screaming.

Thanks for listening and your support,

mvh : )



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Big Sound, Bigger Attitude &mdash 05/06/07 - 07:31:16 AM
I loved this the first time around on LIOLI-3, and everything I said about your guitars, production and sound still fly, but the vocals give this piece a confident, fist-smacking swagger that really rocks.

Leon's lyrics and vocals are perfect, but the tiny touch of bewilderment at the end (I feel the truth, but I can't find the way) give the scope of the lyrics more depth and strength. Thanks to both of you for what surely will be a hit!

Your dedication speaks volumes about the only fights truly worth fighting... your parents have my hopes and prayers that they will win theirs.

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Big Sound, Bigger Attitude — &mdash 05/06/07 - 08:06:49 AM
Thanks Rik, I Pray daily for them. I'm greatful for you stopping by to listen and comment.

Thanks my man,

mvh : )

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Big Sound &mdash 05/06/07 - 07:45:15 AM
A lot going on here and all of it is working well together. I have to agree with Smokey on the professional comment. Guitars and vocals really shine. Thanks for putting this together and sharing it with us.

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Big Sound — &mdash 05/06/07 - 08:09:51 AM
Thanks Bill, Leon and I worked very hard on this one. I must have mixed it a hundred times. I'm burnt but lovin it. Appreciate the comment and listen.

mvh : )

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very cool &mdash 05/06/07 - 07:53:28 AM
The only thing I can hear That Id change,Is the snare drum.
Other than than, This is a well writen song . The production its tops!!


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very cool — &mdash 05/06/07 - 08:17:16 AM
Thanks Steve, I suppose the snare sound could be changed. I played the drums on a TrapKat using an Alesis D4 module. I have the sounds I like tweaked to my liking and I have the snare and bass drums in a separate channel for processing. I can make the snare sound more "fat" "thin" "boxie", etc... I thought it worked well in this. Matter of opinion I suppose.

I appreciate your comments and listening,

mvh : )

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Singer wasn't bad either! hehe;-) &mdash 05/06/07 - 08:25:44 AM
Michael, you are such a pro! You singlehandedly made this song sound good and made my voice come out better than I could have managed. I listened to this mix with Bose headphones and it was so clean, no stray or breaking sound at all, especially the instruments. It was really awesome working with you!

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Singer wasn't bad either! hehe;-) — &mdash 05/06/07 - 08:32:50 AM
Man LEON your the man with the voice that made this song shine. I enjoyed every listen as I mixed and mastered this one and still listen and think WOW. This is truely a "Rockin" song. Thanks to you.

mvh : )

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Rockin &mdash 05/06/07 - 08:46:10 AM
Love the power chords in this... So polished and mixed right a great production. Realy cool leading 10 thumbs up

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Rockin — &mdash 05/06/07 - 09:13:16 AM
Thanks egobandit for stopping by for a listen. I'm happy you liked it.

Oh yeah, Thanks for the 10 thumbs up. Greatly appreciated,

mvh : )

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Excellent &mdash 05/06/07 - 09:57:33 AM
This tune is exceedingly good, from music to vocals.

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Excellent — &mdash 05/06/07 - 10:04:10 AM
Thanks Mr. deputy. I am happy you enjoyed it.

Thanks for stopping by for a listen and comment,

mvh : )

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pro pro pro &mdash 05/06/07 - 12:02:49 PM
This is about as professional as one can get with this genre of music. And waaay better than most. Top drawer vocals, instrumentatiion and production. A whole lot of effort went into this and it shows. This is very radio friendly. wow


I hope your family difficulties improve, life's a bitch, it's hard, I hope a light shines for you.

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pro pro pro &mdash 05/06/07 - 09:41:22 PM
Thanks Willy, All of your kind words are greatly appreciated.

mvh : )

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pro pro pro &mdash 05/06/07 - 12:15:38 PM
This is about as professional as one can get with this genre of music. And waaay better than most. Top drawer vocals, instrumentatiion and production. A whole lot of effort went into this and it shows. This is very radio friendly. wow


I hope your family difficulties improve, life's a bitch, it's hard, I hope a light shines for you.

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Nice guitars &mdash 05/06/07 - 12:40:26 PM
Rawk!



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Nice guitars___ &mdash 05/06/07 - 10:02:45 PM
Thanks Pie. "Rawk & Rail" (lol)

Happy you enjoyed it,

mvh : )

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Big Pro Production... &mdash 05/06/07 - 01:43:09 PM
This is powerful! What a great collab. Leon's vox soars over the roaring of the guitars like a cloud of Valkyries! Great lyrics. Fabulous guitar slinging. Bravo. Kudos and Encore!

Be well!


PS: my best throughts and prayers go out to your parents and loved ones.

[ Reply to This ]
Big Pro Production... &mdash 05/06/07 - 10:06:02 PM
Thanks Michael, Your warm thoughts are greatly appreciated. Very happy you enjoyed it.

Thanks again for your comments,

mvh : )

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Wow! &mdash 05/06/07 - 01:43:22 PM
This rocks hard...great vocals reminds me of Motley Crue circa Shout at the Devil, but more sophisticated! awesome rock~!!!!

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Wow! ____ &mdash 05/06/07 - 10:11:11 PM
Tom, Your comments are very honorable. To even be compared to the big boys gives me chills. GREATLY APPRECIATED!

Thank you, Thank you, etc...


mvh : )

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Bang Your Head! &mdash 05/06/07 - 04:28:08 PM
This is a keeper! You guy's sound great! The performance is outstanding. The production work sounds like you went to a professional studio and forked out some bucks. Hats off to everyone involved. Awesome collab.

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Bang Your Head! ____ &mdash 05/06/07 - 10:20:04 PM
Thanks Chris, I used to work in several recording studios so I guess the experience is finely paying off. Like everyone here at MJ's I am just trying to do what I do best. Make music, Mix it all up and pour it out for a few comments and listens. You stopping by for a listen and leaving a comment make it all worth it for me.

Thanks much,

mvh : )

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this is KILLER! &mdash 05/06/07 - 04:42:22 PM
one the most pro sounding tracks i have heard yet here at MJ. like you posted it off you cd...
not much else to sa that hasn't been said... it's a fave and a d-load.... thanks... awesome!

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this is KILLER! &mdash 05/06/07 - 10:28:16 PM
Thanks Jason, I spent hours upon hours working on this and loven every minute of it. I must say this song went to another level with Leon. The hard work is paying off with comments like yours and we have a great song that I am proud of and happy you and everyone else enjoy.

Sharing music here is what this place is about. Appreciate your very high comments,

mvh : )

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Great Collab! &mdash 05/06/07 - 10:00:11 PM
Works really well with Leon's powerful vocals - great music bed too.
Excellent!!
Neil

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Great Collab! &mdash 05/06/07 - 10:30:50 PM
Thanks Neil for stopping by for a listen and your most excellent comment.

Happy you liked it,

mvh : )

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Killer track guys! &mdash 05/06/07 - 10:28:31 PM
Wow, damn great song! I'm speechless.... (and downloading as I type this)

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Killer track guys! &mdash 05/06/07 - 10:34:06 PM
Hey mikey_d Thanks for the most wonderful comment of all (did you say download?) Sweet - Enjoy,

mvh : )

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This song... &mdash 05/06/07 - 10:36:51 PM
...doesn't SOUND professional. It IS professional. Astounding vocals (in absolute pitch!!!) and beautifully done. The orchestration is powerful -- great lead guitar -- ... This is an astounding song that is beautifully mixed and balanced. ... I only wish it hadn't just...ended. Seems like a little play out or fade or not quite so abrupt and end might be a thought to consider. Nevertheless, you have a hit on your hands.
Paul

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This song... &mdash 05/08/07 - 11:51:25 AM
Thanks Paul for your wonderful comments. I am a hobbyist now and enjoy making and mixing music for fun. There was a time when it was work _ I'm past all that now. I'm having major fun working my son Jazz into the mix.

Appreciate your comments,

mvh : )

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My first song ever on MJ &mdash 05/07/07 - 12:08:33 AM
Eye of the Tiger-ish.
Funny how that was a tune about a fighter.
this is very pro
nice singing
80's like production
clean rock n roll with greast guitar licks and counter meoldies going on
love the jammin guitar
jd

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Thanks! &mdash 05/07/07 - 07:44:22 PM
Eye of The Tiger is one of my favorite rock songs and believe it or not I used to sing that in karaoke. Ha-ha! Maybe subconsciously I was singing this song in some similar fashion. Bon Jovi comes to mind a well when I finished singing this song. Michael's awesome arrangement certainly allowed a lot of vocal possibilities for this song.

---
The lion roars, the eagle soars.

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Rock and roll! &mdash 05/07/07 - 12:11:56 AM
Ok, I hope I'm allowed to say that you guys are probably not breaking any new ground in metal, but Hot! Damn! This sounds good. A well written sound, excellently played, and you have a production that is completely professional. At the same time a dense and heavy sound, and still the mix is completely open with everything audible. My compliments.



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Rock and roll! &mdash 05/08/07 - 11:08:48 AM
Thank you Vic, They say you can make it or break it in the mix. I'm trying so hard - sometimes my wife thinks too hard. (sorry honey) Time well spent I do believe.

Thanks for listening and your comments,

mvh : )

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Kick Ass! &mdash 05/07/07 - 02:11:39 AM
When this started, I thought the singer reminded me of someome - then I realised it was Leon! Jeez, what a great vocal - this style of song REALLY suits his voice - it feels like he's unleashed something that's been bottled up for some time.

The playing and production on this are faultless, great guitar, lovely big slabs of keyboard, and a killer chorus (and great tail-out).

Great work guys.

Steve

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Steve! &mdash 05/07/07 - 08:10:40 PM
Before this song was posted, I requested Michael to just list me as an "anonymous vocalist" as I had the feeling my lack of street cred would ruin the spirit of this song. But he would have nothing of that and insisted that my name be mentioned in the song description. I imagined I could hide under this rock disguise, but I guess you more than anybody else at Macjams would recognize my voice even if I tried hard enough.

Michael was really so good at mixing that he made me sound convincing for the vocal part. I guess Minnie Mouse could sing over this and everyone would still be gushing about the awesome guitars and all.

---
The lion roars, the eagle soars.

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Kick Ass! &mdash 05/08/07 - 11:15:40 AM
Steve, I close my eyes and listen and it sounds a bit like Billy Squire to me. I think Leon has been unleashed and I feel more will come from him in this genre in the near future.

Thank you very much for listening and comments,

mvh : )

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Hey Guys &mdash 05/07/07 - 06:42:20 AM
I've been away about 6 days... but I've had an eye out for this one... I knew it was coming... 2 of my fav's together, I was prttey sure you couldn't miss... i was right... where to start... Michael the guitars are perfect... really perfect... the soloing that slides under the vocal toward the end is textbook guitar production... I'm really struck by the mixure of pad & guitar wall right out of the box... I know I've mentioned this before, but you have one of the most polished, recording ready, testoserone soaked guitar sounds here... very Trevor Rabin... that's a glorious thing... I'm also imressed that you're working with Jazz, Its so cool when we get to work this stuff out with our kids...

& Leon, Michael made the right choice teaming up with you... Even though you have such great pitch and tone... this genre is all about attitude... and in the context of this song, you have to become an actor... All through your excellent vocal, I absolutely believe you... convincing... the harmony layers and overlapping parts are all very savy vocal production and arranging... It all arrives at the right time... really keeps the pace and provides that extra build as the song gets BIGGER...

4 thumbs up gentlemen...

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Thanks, Scott! &mdash 05/07/07 - 07:53:26 PM
Scott, who said I was just acting with this tough guy attitude? I was very inspired to write this song after decapitating my neighbor's dog. He-he! Kidding aside, I was concerned my vocals would not hold up to this song because I do not have rock cred (Just look at my song list/repertoir, full of mushy love songs.) Indeed, I had to growl and scream to sound the part, and my voice was frayed for the next few days after recording my tracks. :-) Thanks for your encouraging comments. Indeed, Mike is the bomb with his guitar dexterity and overall musical deftness.

---
The lion roars, the eagle soars.

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Hey Guys &mdash 02/06/08 - 11:31:09 PM
Wow, Thanks Scott. Greatly appreciated

mvh : )

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Listened first... &mdash 05/07/07 - 01:00:07 PM
...then read the dedication.

Hat's off to you, sir. In all possible ways.

Bob

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Listened first... &mdash 05/08/07 - 11:03:11 AM
Thanks Bob, Your fave and comments are always greatly appreciated.

mvh : )

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Torch the place &mdash 05/08/07 - 10:40:46 PM
I don't think Def Leppard you could pull this off as well. Excellent work out all around. definately created a monster. Rocked it-dugged it!

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Torch the place — &mdash 05/08/07 - 10:55:31 PM
Hey what a compliment. Del Leppard_ I'm sure they could pull off a version of it anyway.

Thank you very much for listening and the wonderful comment Vic.

mvh : )

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What a monster track! &mdash 05/09/07 - 08:56:20 AM
I've been a little busy lately with LIOLI thing so I'm slow getting to music. This song is amazing all around. Killer guitar and vox - great production. My support to you and your folks.

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TOTAL KNOCKOUT &mdash 05/10/07 - 08:57:52 AM
HOLY SMOKES.

Coop

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TOTAL KNOCKOUT____ &mdash 05/10/07 - 04:55:29 PM
RT that's one of my favorite Iron Maiden songs. (Holy Smokes) I never thought my work would ever be described that way. Greatly appreciated.

Thanks for listening and comments,

mvh : )



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The return of Arena Rock! &mdash 05/12/07 - 01:33:38 AM
This sounds like it came straight out of Rocky or Top Gun. It's got that overproduced 80s arena rock sound - That's a good thing!

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excellant!! &mdash 05/15/07 - 09:01:54 AM
one word can explain this song "excellant" very pro sounding you can feel the experience oozing from this one. overall a smashing hit love it.thanks for posting.

peace
Terry

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Pretty rockin! &mdash 05/23/07 - 04:06:23 PM
Sorry about my oversensitivity man. This is a grand jam I must say! Damn tight. Kudos my friend.

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First time singing Hard Rock? &mdash 06/12/07 - 12:15:44 PM
WOW! I was thinking how much I'd like to be able to do this while listening...then read that.

Powerful tune, Leon. Keep on fighting...

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awesome song &mdash 12/03/07 - 10:49:14 PM
Really enjoyed this. Great vocals, guitars, beat..everything! Reminded me some of the Rocky theme song....never give up! Wonderful job here guys! Downloaded and faved. Thanks!

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Wow! &mdash 01/24/08 - 07:54:44 PM
I just gave it a listen and then turned it up and listened again. I like it, has a catchy 80's feel with some updated sound,s with the crunchy guitar. Reminds me of Judas Priest maybe? Hard Rock that is memorable and rockin'. Production and sound are great also. Good job.

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hey welcome &mdash 03/04/08 - 10:23:38 PM
very cool sound

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