very good &mdash 06/06/07 - 06:01:15 AM
Your songwriting has grown to a high level Neil. You keep making songs that makes me pay attention, and keep me interested all the way. The instrumentation you put on supports the melody and lyrics perfect. This is made with an wide understanding on how the different elements work in relation to each other.
I'm very impressed with the music you make nowadays Neil.
This one was especially good. The story is in many ways something many will relate to, if we think of how our parents hooked up, only with somewhat various stories... [ Reply to This ]
and BTW &mdash 06/06/07 - 06:02:10 AM
... she looks beautiful in that picture:)
---
Imagination is more important then knowledge!
- Albert Einstein. [ Reply to This ]
Picture &mdash 06/10/07 - 10:34:40 PM
Thor, I just recently discovered a lot of photos of my mother and father and more distant relatives (back to my great, great grandmother in fact). Quite an incredible experience. Yes it's a really good photo of my Mum in her twenties.
Thanks for the comments,
Neil --- ACROSS THE WATER[ Reply to This ]
seems indeed &mdash 06/06/07 - 06:25:08 AM
A hard, large pill to swallow... Do you know him?
I think you painted quite the picture in the prose - but one of those that will draw a tear to run down the cheek, I can only imagine the difficulty you must have to share this in words and song.
Sorry, kudos on the song, performance and production - just kinda a hard stab for me to come up with something to say to releive the ache. jeepers.
. - Harold [ Reply to This ]
Cheers Harold &mdash 06/06/07 - 06:31:06 AM
I probably should clarify a little at this early stage in the song's life that my dad did stick around, and he was a good father to me (in the way of those times). Unfortunately, my mum and dad had one of those marriages which probably should have worked better for both of them. They have both been gone for many years - this song was just a little wistful guessing at what might have gone wrong - I don't really know, and there's not really anyone who can tell me. Thanks for your kind words Harold, I appreciate them.
Neil --- ACROSS THE WATER[ Reply to This ]
Powerful song &mdash 06/06/07 - 06:35:23 AM
with a strong, moving story. The imagery ("you in your lonely chair") is excellent, and the narrative approach works well. Sad, but well done. Musically, this is outstanding. The music and use of instruments is great - the guitars sit nicely in the mix, a bed of sound for the lyrics, and the keyboard sounds are excellent - especially in the break. Nothing overwhelms or dominates too much, and everything is right where it should be in the mix. Great production - crystal clear and still rich and warm. Your singing is really good. Great work. Thanks for sharing such an obviously important and personal story. Nice work. Peace. [ Reply to This ]
Cheers Dave &mdash 06/10/07 - 10:38:20 PM
Thanks for the comment on this one, and on my recent posts as well. It's a real pleasure getting your comments and knowing that the music connects with you.
Neil --- ACROSS THE WATER[ Reply to This ]
what thoddi said &mdash 06/06/07 - 07:18:24 AM
I'd second the suggestion that all the elements of your craft are breaking new ground. Especially this being an all solo effort. Of course i zero in on the organ playing which I found to be entralling (perfect B3 sound) yet the rest of it is remarkable as well. The balance and mix is what jumps out for me. Warm, soulful and engaging from the first chord. [ Reply to This ]
Keyboards &mdash 06/10/07 - 10:42:31 PM
Thanks for the visit and kind comment ktb. I'd love to be able to play keys in real time, but have to make do with correcting my sad playing with the magic pencil in Logic. I've always loved Hammonds, right from Alan Price and Brian Auger in the "good old days", and am really pleased the key track on this sounded OK to you.
Regarding the improvements in my posts, I guess it's just been a case of taking note of the advice I've got here at MJ over the past 2 years and trying to assimilate it into my songs. The fact that I'm having a ball doing so doesn't hurt at all ;)
Cheers, Neil --- ACROSS THE WATER[ Reply to This ]
Root of gentleness &mdash 06/06/07 - 09:01:41 AM
:) &mdash 06/10/07 - 10:45:52 PM
True what thoddi &mdash 06/06/07 - 09:45:09 AM
said, interesting words. Just added enough to we our appetites in wondering about the subject matter.
Thanks for sharing. Like that ending as well. Your voice is easy to listen to. Nice unique style. Love the realism in words, music really fits the mood. [ Reply to This ]
Words &mdash 06/10/07 - 10:51:41 PM
I find when I'm unable to find a lyric ("lost for words" so to speak) that going into my past or looking out the window will often bring a line or two to light. On this, I knew it was going to be about my mother when I started, but I was surprised to see where it ended up. "She was a builder's only daughter, he was a mother's only son" was the key line that came into my head, and it was originally going to be about Mum and me ("a mother's only son"). Then it dawned on me that my Dad was also "a mother's only son" and it just happened from there. Some poetic licence is invoked in these lyrics.
Thanks for listening Bill,
Neil --- ACROSS THE WATER[ Reply to This ]
ouch... &mdash 06/06/07 - 10:17:37 AM
this story kinda hurt my heart - beautifully done jiggy - ty for sharing xoxox [ Reply to This ]
Cheers from Oz Caro! &mdash 06/10/07 - 10:53:29 PM
Wonderful &mdash 06/06/07 - 11:51:48 AM
I can see why this was a difficult song for you to write. It's so hard to look back at the people we loved and who influenced us and made us the people we are today and "sum them up" in a few meaningful words and phrases. I think you did a wonderful job with this. We will never have known your mom and dad, but, through this, we've gotten a glimpse at them and and you. It's a very emotional song and a very heartfelt performance. Amazing work, Neil. Thanks for sharing this with us. [ Reply to This ]
Sharing &mdash 06/10/07 - 11:50:04 PM
Thanks for listening Joseph. It's odd that the story here seems to effect others more than me - I guess because I know the full story (well, some of it - not much really) I'm not making as many assumptions as others. Someone mentioned that as you get older you lose the childlike view of your parents and see them as real people with faults and frailties like all of us. I reached that a few years ago I think.
Cheers,
Neil --- ACROSS THE WATER[ Reply to This ]
Hey Neil &mdash 06/06/07 - 11:57:47 AM
Nice slice of music therapy. Very real. It's good to get these things out, sometimes!
Peace,
Doug [ Reply to This ]
Opened .. &mdash 06/10/07 - 11:56:05 PM
.. more dorrs than it closed I think Doug - but song writing as therapy is a much underrated technique!
Glad you dropped by.
Neil --- ACROSS THE WATER[ Reply to This ]
Moving... &mdash 06/06/07 - 12:17:03 PM
Geez Neil. This one is so good it hurts. 6 billion people...6 billion stories. Welcome to earth, huh? Conceptually magnificent. Musically superb (your sublime keyboard work was a pleasant surprize). Until now THE BIG DRY has been my favorite Jiguma tune...Keep em comin' my brutha!
Be well! [ Reply to This ]
BIG DRY &mdash 06/06/07 - 07:38:14 PM
Cheers Mike - there are a number of similarities between this and the BIG DRY, mainly in the use of the Tele. Amazing what a combination of keyboard "playing" and pencilling can come up with really - Alf has been unwell lately, so I bit the bullet and did the keys myself.
Thanks for dropping in.
Peace,
Neil --- ACROSS THE WATER[ Reply to This ]
FIVE STARS &mdash 06/06/07 - 02:15:10 PM
FIVE by FIVE.
Just a Great Song.
Sonically, I put it at High Water Mark and Tied for First Overall.
No nits. Works Great. Strong Throughout.
Really Well Done.
Coop [ Reply to This ]
Amen to thoddi's words... &mdash 06/06/07 - 03:18:22 PM
I can't agree more with his assessment on the development of your songwriting, arrangements, and recording. Top notch stuff in this tune.
The subject matter... touches close to home for me...
Your heart and feelings, once again, come through effectively without being maudlin or trite... can't say enough for the writing and how you sing this.
cheers [ Reply to This ]
beautiful and chilling &mdash 06/06/07 - 05:49:35 PM
in a good way... always interesting to grow up and lose the childlike eyes, and see ones parents as real people... great and thoughtful lyrics. And the music is delightfully wistful and well-crafted... rich warm singing. Kudos!
ttfn,
Drakonis [ Reply to This ]
This stands out... &mdash 06/06/07 - 08:23:33 PM
...as your best, tightest recording, right from the first bars...
Very clean recorded tracks of the keyboard, vocals, and acoustic guitar. Your vocal phrasing and melody writing here reminds me of Jakob Dylan a bit, and in my book that's a good thing...
This is a moving song without a hint of sappiness, and as tight in the writing as it is in the recording...
I really love the keyboard sound and playing...
A really good one, Neil...
Ed [ Reply to This ]
Thanks for the visit and comment Ed &mdash 06/06/07 - 08:45:21 PM
I always look forward to your comments (I know I've said that before), partly because of the warmth and focus with which you write, but also because your comments are a pretty good indicator for me of how the song works. From that perspective, I'm very pleased to see that you liked it. To my picky ears, there are still a few places which need tweaking, but that's always going to be the case with any song any of us produces I guess.
Thanks again Ed,
Neil --- ACROSS THE WATER[ Reply to This ]
deep as the sea &mdash 06/06/07 - 08:48:38 PM
Neil, I think you really created something wonderful here on all levels. creatively, vocally, instrumentally and emotionally. Really sets a mood into the listener like hearing a direct conversation from you. A crowning achievement in my mind. [ Reply to This ]
Love the Organ Intro &mdash 06/06/07 - 10:05:10 PM
The rest of the song ain't too shabby either. ;)
I was wondering what the arrangement would sound like if the guitars dropped backed a bit, at least in places, and the organ came forward.
Very good lyrics. As an ex-sailor though, I should point out that it may be difficult to ensure "You had a sailor%u2019s only son". [ Reply to This ]
That's what I get for cutting and pasting your lyric &mdash 06/06/07 - 10:07:19 PM
A very good point Mungo &mdash 06/07/07 - 07:46:22 AM
.. but the story is more involved, and I know that's not the case.
I'd love to have the chops on keys to feature them more in my music, but I am, after all a bass player. Maybe I should get some lessons.
Thanks for the listen,
Neil --- ACROSS THE WATER[ Reply to This ]
very touching... &mdash 06/07/07 - 04:39:21 AM
Cheers Alf!!! &mdash 06/07/07 - 04:51:45 PM
A gem &mdash 06/07/07 - 12:54:09 PM
What an excellent piece of work this is Neil. Beautiful playing, arranging and production. Your voice really draws you in to the lyric - sung with real warmth and feeling. I can understand why this was difficult to write and thank you for sharing.
Peter [ Reply to This ]
Good lyrics &mdash 06/07/07 - 01:05:16 PM
A really craftmanship job on the lyrics and music. Good song which pleases both musically and lyrically. Your quiet voice is calm and knowing as you tell a poignant tale. [ Reply to This ]
Grooooovey !! &mdash 06/07/07 - 02:07:09 PM
now this is your ever best ....warm honest
singin ....the hammond just a killer ....
the bass at the bottom .....WOW man !!
this is a perfect playin and mixin a giant
one !!
a Gem !! [ Reply to This ]
My heart feels the lyrics &mdash 06/07/07 - 11:12:17 PM
Bravo, Neil. Your music is some of my favorite listening lately. I can't get too technical about it, it's just good ( and great in the car).
Cheers,
Joe. [ Reply to This ]
Good job &mdash 06/08/07 - 04:31:46 AM
Very moving and well-written song. I know it's a personal song, but I think it would be interesting to hear a female vocal on this, at least in a backing role. What do you think?
Lyrics are outstaning, your a very goo writer.
LL [ Reply to This ]
Beautiful &mdash 06/08/07 - 09:49:11 AM
Beautiful, and impossible not to react emotionally to it. Really wonderful. May be the best song I've heard of yours, and they're all good. [ Reply to This ]
Nice one .. 1 of my favourite &mdash 06/08/07 - 11:21:45 AM
WOW .. it's so nice ..
i liked the guitar tune ..
also the beat of the drums ..
your voice is so nice .. this is my fav. one of yours ..
i hope one day i can play this style .. because it's the style that i love ..
Thanks for Posting .. i really enjoyed it ..
The lyrics are good too ..
Regardz
================
Yeman Auf Al-Rawi [ Reply to This ]
Very Nice work! &mdash 06/08/07 - 03:41:26 PM
You have turned something so sad into something of beauty through your music! [ Reply to This ]
Songs of the heart... &mdash 06/08/07 - 04:46:21 PM
...as beautiful as they are; are often the hardest to write. And hear.
But you know that...
What to say? I guess: just that you've opened a door to your life and invited us in. I understand more about you now.
You are a true artist.
The music does an excellent job of delivering the message.
Deepest respect.
[ Reply to This ]
Nice mix &mdash 06/09/07 - 09:56:39 AM
Can't say anthing more that hasn't been said above about they lyrics. I really enjoyed how you gave presence to the vocals. Nothing seems muddied in the instruments, all are easily identifiable with their lines easy to follow. Excellent mix. [ Reply to This ]
Love &mdash 06/09/07 - 02:16:42 PM
You made this with love.
As many times before I dig your personal songs as much as I ever dig a song. You are portraying family amotions with such love .. and you are also laying wise perspectives. And you do it with such love and care. A song like this inspires me to look at my own parents with a bit different perspecive. To me these family reflections constitutes a major signum of your production.
There is one small thing that kind of bothers me a little; There is one of the drums (do you call it the snare drum?) that I feel comes through too .. well I don't know .. too much, or too often, or too unnatural. Espceially on the chorus, and more marked when I listen in speakers than in headphones. Anyway I digged the song so much that I gave it straight tens anyway.
And the ORGAN, it suits so great to the "all you" fasihon! Hope to be hearing more of that in your future songs! [ Reply to This ]
Good stuff &mdash 06/09/07 - 02:27:37 PM
This is very nice, reminds me of Jules Shear. Good song writing and nice performance. [ Reply to This ]
Heartbreaking &mdash 06/10/07 - 03:25:34 AM
Neil, I could wax lyrical about your immense production skills etc, which are astonishing, but the lyric to this ... really hit me. I have a photo of my parents in my living room, showing them on their wedding day... so young and optimistic. Things, and people, don't always turn out as you expect, do they?
A fantastic simple, honest lyric, this song expresses something very deep and real in my life that I could never have expressed as well as you have.
This means a lot to me - thank you.
Steve [ Reply to This ]
SAY, &mdash 06/10/07 - 04:08:37 PM
THERE'S that Telecaster!
Touching. Tough.
Very Well Written.
Performance is So Solid.
Exceptional.
DIXIE [ Reply to This ]
Your skills deepen... &mdash 06/11/07 - 11:56:21 AM
Thank you for continuing to hone your composition, performance, and production skills and bringing the results here. As everyone has said, there is much to enjoy in this intimate, beautifully executed song. You are reaching continually greater depths in your work. It must feel great to you.
Neil, you epitomize the potential of belonging to a community such as this, both as a musician and as a citizen. [ Reply to This ]
I'm not gonna blow sunshine up your butt. &mdash 06/11/07 - 03:54:35 PM
Production is top-notch. Performance and arrangement are very good. Vocals are clear and expressive. But the lyrical subject matter kills this thing for me. I don't get along with my mom, and I can't listen to any song about a mother that has anything positive to say. I won't be listening to this again. Great song, but I can't handle it. [ Reply to This ]
Thoughtful &mdash 06/11/07 - 09:09:09 PM
Neil, this is a great tribute to your parents. The lyrics kins of got sad there at the end and I can understand how this could have been difficult to write. Great sound on those guitars. I'm definately going to have to try the stereo recording approach when I can get my hands on some decent mics. Thanks for posting! [ Reply to This ]
Great &mdash 06/11/07 - 10:38:48 PM
This is a really good song, Neil, excellent work. It shows how personal stories make for some of the best songwriting. [ Reply to This ]
what a story &mdash 06/12/07 - 07:39:51 AM
fit for a movie if u ask me......great storytelling thru music neil! [ Reply to This ]
This is what I miss... &mdash 06/12/07 - 03:02:41 PM
...when not hanging around. This is great work, and a great story. Very Pink Floyd'ish, that in a positive way. Your voice is brilliant, the guitars are too. What a song! [ Reply to This ]
Forgot &mdash 06/13/07 - 06:57:18 AM
Was laying in bed last night and had this song in my head... The keys!!! It's the keys!!! :) [ Reply to This ]
Best Work To Date &mdash 06/12/07 - 09:30:41 PM
Neil,
Your songwriting, production and performances have matured over the last year that I have been listening to your work. Heartfelt song with a great performance. Bravo!!!
Ed [ Reply to This ]
great!! &mdash 06/12/07 - 11:50:18 PM
i wish wish wish I could write lyrics like you. You have a way with words jiggy :-)
(i just called you jiggy hee hee!!!) [ Reply to This ]
Too much too do, too little time! &mdash 06/13/07 - 02:24:47 AM
I just counted 23 people who have commented above to whom I haven't responded yet, and just wanted to say I'm not sure I'll be able to get back to everyone individually. I really appreciate all the very kind comments and will try to get to your new songs as they come up on MJ.
I seem to be in something of a creative period at the moment and have most of my free time taken up with collabs and new songs of my own. I'm also trying to get a CD together (but I keep writing new songs I want to put on it!) as well as offering to help senior music students in local high schools with recording and such. Basically I'm loving the whole thing.
I especially appreciate theose who have commented on an improvement in my writing and production. It's been 2 years since I got back to music via MacJams, and without the critical support we all receive here, I'd still be battling just to tune my 12 string.
Thanks again for the comments - I'll try to do better with the replies next song!!
Cheers,
Neil [ Reply to This ]
A &mdash 06/13/07 - 02:31:18 AM
deeply personal song can be embrassing both to the songwriter and to the listener, who can feel he's ear-dropping something he shouldn't have. But such a story has something universal about it (in the sense that anyone can understand the situation and that a good line is a good line whatever the context -like the builder/sailor contrast) and the music, especially your organ work, is really great in sound and performance.
[ Reply to This ]
Very touching &mdash 06/13/07 - 05:05:26 AM
People do sit in lonely chairs don't they? That's a really moving line. A lovely song Neil.
KK [ Reply to This ]
Hi Neil &mdash 06/13/07 - 05:42:59 AM
Great sound as usual.
I don't know how I misses this tune till now . I have beeen on the run of late.
I just love the acoustic trumming and the lyric is very cool. Reminds me of a post of mine I think you've herd "Hot Stot" bout my parents meeting.
You are an insperation lattly when it comes to song writting. You have been very productive and with a high quality of song and sound producion. keep em coming...I'll be b ack.
tim
going for a swim..........black line theropy secion
podded for keeps
thanx
[ Reply to This ]
poignant &mdash 06/13/07 - 07:25:26 AM
Sad song, plaintive I suppose. We're probably around the same age ish: 46. I can relate to that urge to quantify and in some way understand our parents lives together, the difficulties, the remoteness that my father also had with his growing children, this, I'm sure was not intentional but just the way things were back then. I often wonder. I very much admired my mothers tenacity during difficult times, raising 8 children, and doing a great job of it. I only understood the complexity of parenthood when I had my own (3) it aint easy.
Your song is lovely and I'm sure if your mother was around, she would be very moved by your words.
Beautiful song, loving words. Wonderful production. I must say you get a great clarity to your work, is that all down to Logic or do you have any little secret tips.
Beautifully Done. [ Reply to This ]
Will &mdash 06/13/07 - 04:31:49 PM
The urge to quantify and understand gets stronger as we get older. I've got 10 years on you, and I can assure you it gets more and more pressing as time flies by!
The recording technique I use is simple: I always record as hot as I can without clipping; with vocals I use some compression while recording (initially so I could hear myself better), which adds some crispness; the Rode NT3 adds a warmth and clarity of it's own; I mix down my tracks in Logic (after normalising each track and removing extraneous noise) and bounce a "pre-master" track and finally; I start a new Logic project with just the premaster track, and help Ozone 3 weave it's magic as a plugin in the output channel.
Thanks for the listen and comment Will, always appreciated.
Neil --- ACROSS THE WATER[ Reply to This ]
I'm swimming in a pool of sound &mdash 06/13/07 - 04:55:43 PM
Fine mix and the execution is just as good. Solid song all around. I like the way you slide into the chords. Great vocals with a nice backing. Cool changes here and there... and those keys add a nice touch. [ Reply to This ]
First Bar... &mdash 06/15/07 - 07:59:12 AM
From the first bar I knew that this was going to be a 'great' and I was spot on.
Cheers
Len [ Reply to This ]
man, i just suck &mdash 06/15/07 - 11:02:56 PM
it's funny. but many men are like that. i think there's some Darwinian explanation for that. still, it's certainly a universal truth. and most women know this. probably evolution as well?
i love your organ
thanks [ Reply to This ]
wow &mdash 06/17/07 - 09:48:04 AM
Me and my wife listened to this and reflected with the lyrics what history you have. Your playing on this is outstanding very enjoyable and a great listen! [ Reply to This ]
wow &mdash 06/18/07 - 08:59:43 PM
i was stunned when i got to the last verse.
my mother had that same husband and that same chair.
husband's gone, but i think in her mind, she's still in that chair.
**
ok, enough about me. :)
i loved the very first chord change, and the good stuff just kept on comin. your bass shines thru so beautifully! transition after solo was pure magic. i like your use of harmony - you sound really good twinned. great vocal, neil, excellent full package of ear experience. enjoyed it - anne [ Reply to This ]
I really &mdash 06/20/07 - 04:12:23 PM
enjoyed your song man. Great job on the story telling lyrics.
Very nicely done on the bass keeping it in the pocket. [ Reply to This ]
Very odd... &mdash 06/20/07 - 07:12:48 PM
I provided a lengthy post for this piece recently, Neil, and for some reason it isn't here. I'm not sure what happened and apologize for that. I'm glad I came back to hear it again tonight! I know I was here already, because I Favorited the song... but it's weird that my comment isn't here.
I plum forgot what I wrote, so I'll be brief:
you never cease to impress me with the skill you apply to - and let's just talk production for a moment - each song you craft. the care, consideration, and self-appreciation is inspiring. Add to that your ability to create stunning music that maintains signature consistency and some of the best audio quality around here.
thanks for raising the bar and, for me anyway, making me look at both the way I record and the final results of those efforts. keep it coming! [ Reply to This ]
That's It! &mdash 06/26/07 - 12:24:30 AM
I'm just going to have a rubber stamp made that says: "Neil I think this probably your best one yet." Then I'm going to have some smaller, auxillary stamps made that say things like 'impressive,' and 'growth,' and 'professional,' 'well-written,' you get the idea. Then I can just Insta-stamp the comment that I seem to be leaving over and over again, which is...Neil, I think this is probably your best one yet and it shows impressive growth, is tremendously well-written and, overall sounds like a professional production.
Specifically on this one, I really want to praise the writing, the specifics are just wonderful and the imagery makes the song breathe. I also want to thank you for writing about something so personal. I love those types of songs and know they're not the easiest in the world to do, so thanks!
Where the hell was I, the week this was live? Under a bucket, I think. [ Reply to This ]
Pleasure and &mdash 07/01/07 - 11:10:33 AM
sadness together when I listened to this wonderfull song .
All is well done here . [ Reply to This ]
Wonderful song &mdash 07/06/07 - 09:34:49 PM
Neil-Thanks for taking time to listen to a couple of my songs.I think this is a great song-terrific lyrics interesting chord progression,you have a really cool voice.If I had heard this in the car i would have pulled over to listen to it! [ Reply to This ]
Across the Water &mdash 04/28/08 - 06:02:47 AM
What a great track! Rich arrangement, superb sound, empathetic performance. Bravo!! [ Reply to This ]
|
I'm very impressed with the music you make nowadays Neil.
This one was especially good. The story is in many ways something many will relate to, if we think of how our parents hooked up, only with somewhat various stories...
[ Reply to This ]