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Keywords:
Graffiti (1), spray paint (1), vandalism (1), protest (20), moan (1)
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Description:
I was sitting in the park at lunch time a couple of weeks ago and couldn't believe how much the place had been vandalised over the past few years. The children's play area was closed, the rubbish bins had been set alight and everywhere covered in Graffiti! So this is a bit a rant!
Thanks to Rebsie for rhyming Grass with Arse!
Lyrics:
Graffiti Artist (07 May 2007) (Capo 5) Peter Bauckham
You claim that you’re an artist
It doesn’t seem that way to me
Your idea of painting
Ain’t Picasso or Bridget Riley
You spray on the pavments and spray on the walls
Is anything sacred to you?
You just don’t give a damn
You’re gonna do what you want to
Do what you want to do
You claim that you’re a artist
You’re just the dregs of society
Your mindless vandalism
Bringing misery to so many
You spray on anything that moves, you don’t care who disaproves
And you think that it ain’t a crime
You call it a transformation
And what you do is fine
And what you do is fine
You claim that you’re an artist
And you’re just making your mark
All over town, on the streets
On the trees in the park
You scratch all over the glass, you even spray on the grass
You‘re really a pain in the arse
Have you nothing better to do?
I just don’t understand
I just don’t understand you
Hardware:
Taylor 110 acoustic, Epiphone Les Paul, Tamborine, Yamaha DGX300 keyboard, Shure and AKG mics. Boss 16 track.
Software:
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Lovely rant! &mdash 06/10/07 - 09:05:49 AM
Beautiful rock as usual Peter. We have these folks here too. The kind that symbolically (so far) urinate and defecate on everything they see and appear incapable of understanding. It's so very sad and frustrating. You speak for me as well in this one. Lovely vocal delivery. Engaging guitar riffing. Good clean (unsprayed!) mix. Thanks for sharing this man!
Be well! [ Reply to This ]
Thanks Mike &mdash 06/10/07 - 09:21:43 AM
Yeah it's become a world over problem and as you can tell it makes me mad. When I moved to Dartford, Kent nearly 20 years ago it was cleaned off within days of it appearing - now they don't seem to bother cleaning it off at all - the whole area is going downhill.
Thanks for listening Mike.
Peter [ Reply to This ]
great rant &mdash 06/10/07 - 10:41:30 AM
love the lyric to this, especially the Bridget riley rhyme! The guitar hooks on thsi are ace - sounds like a slightly folkier version of Suede! the vocal is really nice and laid back, and the mix is excellent - vox is really clear but doesn't dominate - even on my powerbook speajers , this comes through really clear. You're really growing - the production on your work just gets better!
Steve [ Reply to This ]
Cheers &mdash 06/10/07 - 10:57:03 AM
Thanks for your comments and glad you like the song. I've always liked Suede and lots of Folky stuff too, so that's great. This did start out as a rather pretty folk tune but once I started recording it changed somewhat. I'm always a little nervous about mixing my vocals too upfront so I'm glad you felt the balance worked - especially as the lyrics are important on this one.
Thanks again.
Peter [ Reply to This ]
territorial pissing &mdash 06/10/07 - 11:29:14 AM
it's everywhere. if only they could get caught and let the public spray graffitti on them. that would be art!.
More great playing and singing. Also liked the lead riff that you added. Good stuff Peter. [ Reply to This ]
If only... &mdash 06/10/07 - 01:40:50 PM
... I don't understand how nobody ever seems to get caught! Some of it must take hours. Thanks for dropping by and listening.
Peter [ Reply to This ]
nice begining &mdash 06/10/07 - 04:00:49 PM
I like it a lot. Great lyrics, excellent arrangement and melodies... The production is great and the voice is good. I really like it a lot!!! Radio ready [ Reply to This ]
Thanks &mdash 06/10/07 - 04:35:31 PM
Glad you enjoyed this - Nice that you feel it's radio ready although I don't think the BBC would play it! Thanks very much for your comments.
Peter [ Reply to This ]
Delish &mdash 06/10/07 - 06:07:47 PM
Oooh, I get a namecheck! I'm honoured.
Can't beat a good old rant set to music! In my experience it's a lot more useful than writing to your MP.
The guitars are deliciously jangly, and I love the riffing electric over on the left hand side. It's a very catchy and memorable tune but it has substance too. Nice treatment on the vocals which give them something of a 60s vibe without losing the song's modern edge.
As for that infamous rhyme ... well, it was just sitting there waiting to be shoved somewhere. ;) [ Reply to This ]
Thanks &mdash 06/10/07 - 06:40:54 PM
Rebsie - I was so taken with 'Leafblower' I nicked a bit! Glad you liked this one - I do like a good rant and what better way is there? Riffing electric guitars arn't really my forte (I'm far more of an acoustic strummer) but I was pleased with how it turned out here. Thanks for dropping by.
Peter [ Reply to This ]
I'm not sure if I've ever listened to your music before. &mdash 06/11/07 - 01:07:28 AM
I really like this. Lyrically it's thought provoking. Your voice is smooth and expressive. I'm assuming you're British because this seems to have a strong Beatles influence and even a bit of early Pink Floyd English whimsy. Good song. I'll make an effort not to overlook your music again. [ Reply to This ]
Yes &mdash 06/11/07 - 02:24:24 AM
I am British (my flag keeps disapearing). I guess there is a bit of a Beatles thing going on here especially with the keyboards and there's a bit if treatment on the vocals which does give this a bit of a 60's flavour! Anyway, thanks for listening and pleased you enjoyed it - I'll make sure I check out your stuff (there's so much here at MacJams - it's knowing where to start)!
Peter [ Reply to This ]
Nicely put together &mdash 06/11/07 - 03:27:57 AM
You have a very light touch and it works well on this. The words are much more nasty than the melody and backing suggest.
Good stuff.
Cheers
Dick
[ Reply to This ]
Thanks &mdash 06/11/07 - 03:39:27 AM
I'm not much good at ranty vocals - it doesn't suit my voice but I like 'having a bit of a moan' in my songs. So this is what happens when I put the two together..! My wife commented on this being a really pretty tune - with very acidic lyrics.
Thanks for your comments.
Peter [ Reply to This ]
Love the lyrics &mdash 06/11/07 - 06:56:57 AM
and the sentiment of the song. I've seen so much of the same thing in various places I've lived! Some very nice guitar work here. I like the riff panned over to the left. The production is very good, as ever, and your vocal sits nicely in the mix. My favorite line (apart from the genius of rhyming "grass" with "arse"!) is the line "Have you nothing better to do?", which kind of sums it all up! Very nice work. Peace. [ Reply to This ]
Cheers &mdash 06/11/07 - 07:37:46 AM
for checking this out. We've got Rebsie to thank for rhyming Grass and Arse (listen to her Leafblower song if you haven't already)! Apparently - the kids are bored and have nothing to do... I don't think I had very much growing up in the 60's and in a really rough part of the country but you wouldn't of even considered behaving like that.
So this is progress...
Peter [ Reply to This ]
Graffiti Still In Vogue? &mdash 06/11/07 - 08:42:34 AM
I thought that fad died out with punk rock?
Peter, I really like your vocal approach to these in your face lyrics. The guitar riff is so nice. Good idea to let that happen. I agree with Rebsie's comment that the vox maintain a 60's vibe while the song has a very modern edge.
Nice. [ Reply to This ]
Still &mdash 06/11/07 - 08:56:55 AM
in vogue - and growing. Even the 'classy' places in this part of the country are beginging to look quite slummy in parts. Thanks for checking this one out - glad you liked it.
Peter [ Reply to This ]
Rant and roll &mdash 06/11/07 - 01:23:08 PM
Good track Peter...I can fully empathise with the lyrics..I am fed up with the mindless vandalism that you see everywhere in England these days. Symptomatic of a society that has just stopped really caring about anything
Musically this is as accomplished as usual...nice guitar lines you have flowing there. It sounds a bit like John Hegley fronting REM perhaps?
Cheers
Steve [ Reply to This ]
Rant and Roll &mdash 06/11/07 - 05:24:50 PM
indeed - Cheers Steve for your comments - It's that REM thing again! I really like a lot of their songs - it's that jangly guitar sound I guess. Glad you like this one - I wasn't sure about posting it but then I do tend to write about things that really pee me off! Sometimes you do get the feeling that society has given up - and it keeps getting worse.
Peter [ Reply to This ]
The guitar &mdash 06/12/07 - 12:37:08 PM
Great guitar playing. Some of the best I've heard on MacJams. Those Epiphone Les Paul's really sound great. I can't tell them from the real thing at all. Plus they look great. I like the topic of the song, and the slight Belle and Sebestain feel. [ Reply to This ]
Thanks &mdash 06/12/07 - 04:06:12 PM
for those comments. I'm really happy with the Epiphone - I've never had the opportunity to play a real one but this one plays nicely and sounds pretty good to me. I'm not familiar with 'Belle and Sebastain' so I will have to have a listen. Thanks for dropping by.
Peter [ Reply to This ]
tag &mdash 06/12/07 - 07:53:24 PM
You're it.
Thanks for the rant. I feel the same way. The park across from my house is tagged all the time. I was even on the Anti-Graffitti task force last year painting over tags on my street. Maybe I'm just getting older, but this kind of "art" is usually the start of a neighborhood's downward slide.
It doesn't help that MTV, skate mags and "street art" mags glorify it to no end. (I know, I was in the trend business).
Thanks for the cool song. [ Reply to This ]
Downhill &mdash 06/13/07 - 01:59:22 AM
The part of London I grew up in is now a no-go-zone. Even where I work in Sevenoaks (one of the ten safest places in the country) there's tagging on a lot of the properties. I've noticed a trend in graffiti sprayed on vehicles - well why have it one place when you have it moved around like a mobile art exhibition!
Cheers for the comments.
Peter
[ Reply to This ]
Nice &mdash 06/13/07 - 04:34:04 AM
all my age .. i didn't like this style ..
but from you is great .. very very very clear voice
with nice background music .. and the acoustic sounds great here .. very nice one
Keep up the good work .. Enjoyed
Thanks for posting
Wish to accept me as a new friend
Regardz
================
Yeman Auf Al-Rawi [ Reply to This ]
Thank you &mdash 06/13/07 - 05:18:03 AM
I pleased you dropped by and listened - even though it's not really you sort of thing and thank you for your comments.
Peter [ Reply to This ]
GRAFFITI ARTIST &mdash 06/13/07 - 04:57:51 AM
MAN !!!!!!!! this is great sogn writing !
realy very much groovey .. Rockin folkie
the Lead line just so tastey !!
deep bow ...!! [ Reply to This ]
Hello &mdash 06/13/07 - 05:23:21 AM
I really happy that you enjoyed this Feta. Yes, I am bit of a rockin' folkie - I do enjoy a bit of a rant but don't have a rock voice so I have to do it this way really.
Thank you, Peter
BTW - Your new song is so beautiful. [ Reply to This ]
My thoughts exactly ... &mdash 06/13/07 - 05:39:28 AM
... and Amagi was pretty accurate too.
Clear as a bell production and excellent delivery Peter. Something Ray Davies might have written.
Neil [ Reply to This ]
Neil &mdash 06/13/07 - 06:26:25 AM
Thanks for listening and for your kind words. I really like Ray Davies writing so that's a great compliment. Glad you like the production too. I was pretty happy with how this one turned out.
Peter [ Reply to This ]
right on... &mdash 06/13/07 - 10:19:07 AM
Your sentiments, it seems, are shared by many. Glad you actually made a song about it. Not only is this thought-provoking, but it's also quite melodic and infectious. The only tiny suggestion I'd make is to bring up the lower frequencies. The mix sounds a bit mid/treble heavy. Needs a good, strong bass line. But that is, of course, just my opinion. I must check out more of your work. Awesome & intelligent stuff. Me likey. [ Reply to This ]
Thank you &mdash 06/13/07 - 10:44:05 AM
Glad you had a listen - I'd like to get myself a bass guitar sometime (soon I hope) - I do tend to go for the brighter side (soundwise - not lyrically...). I did cut the bass off around 50hz and apply a bit of a boost around 60hz to bring out the kick drum. I will re-master this when I can set it up through my proper hi-fi (I've got some small but nicely balanced monitor speakers and some wicked Naim amps which is somewhat more revealing than my slightly coloured sounding system in a tiny room that I used for this). Thanks again, Peter [ Reply to This ]
Hmmmmmmm &mdash 06/14/07 - 08:56:17 AM
I have mixed feelings about your message in this song . First I must tell you I loved the production and the arrangement was awesome . Your voice was perfectly mixed and it felt to be more of a lament than a rant . It was a sad song about the loss of what you felt was at one time a beautiful thing .
But your sitting in a thing called a park . It used to be trees and forest and homes for small furry animals . Fake beauty . Human constructed beauty . With all due respect who are you to judge what art is . This statement is said with no attached anger or malice take it purely as is stated . I'm a fan of art in all its forms and graffiti art included . In fact my avatar next to my name is "graffiti".It is a beautiful , well thought out work of art . Ever try spray painting its not that easy to make it look good . In fact the art work I have represented is multi layered and thought provoking . Adding beauty to a plain white brick wall where there used to be cactus and palm trees and ground squirls . If you look close the artist has painted "do you hear" at the bottom of the painting . Wonderful art work very zen like because the artist knows that this at any point may be painted over never to be seen again ......something that took hours to create . I do agree that this is far from the other "tagging" that goes on. Its still art . It still causes an emotion in you good or bad .But I feel Tagging is a destructive useless form of graffiti . These guys are usually gangsters with no creativity and will often wright over works of graffiti art.I have little respect for taggers . I thank you for giving me the opportunity to separate these two forms of street art . --------Dj French Toast
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One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain.
- Bob Marley [ Reply to This ]
Graffiti or Art? &mdash 06/14/07 - 12:43:33 PM
Thank you for your comments. Everything is subjective - I write about things that I feel strongly about and I fully appreciate that not everyone will share my point of view. I am not stating that Graffiti has no artistic merit - indeed I am sure it has probably taken someone hours to do - I have seen some amazing street art (done in chalks that wash away). However, so far as I am concerned, it stops being art when it is on someone else's property done without permission - it then becomes a crime. I quite simply do not want my property, or my local park (which actually is an uncultivated area to encourage wildflowers and wildlife) sprayed and destroyed by vandals.
Thank you for dropping by and listening.
Peter
[ Reply to This ]
thoughts from the bull... &mdash 06/14/07 - 12:55:49 PM
"a medical student is not a doctor; hence, a student of art is not an artist." - my old art professor.
i really enjoyed this inspired piece. you have the right to your feelings, but you understand folks won't always share your point of view.
i like that you transmogrified the salty emotions of frustration into such a wonderful and evocative piece of music is just great. I applaud your position and the way you chose to outlet it.
DJ French Toast's comment about the park does not regard the idea that a community of like-minded, law abiding, tax paying, and respectful individuals voted to have that park constructed.
it is a statement of unity, shared beliefs, ideals, family, and what beauty represents for that community.
I'd like to see the graffiti artist whose community supported his efforts.
art, itself, is a subjective animal. i'll take this song over a tagged mailbox, anyday.
thank you for the wonderful music and the thought provoking message you brought with it. [ Reply to This ]
Thanks &mdash 06/14/07 - 06:23:25 PM
for sharing your thoughts - I really appreicate your comments. I was in two minds as to whether to post this song as I thought it might cause offence but decided to post it in any case as it is something that I feel strongly about. The term 'Graffiti' here in the UK is used as a general term for spray paint on private/public property - without permission (a criminal offence). No distinction is made between types of graffiti - tagging or otherwise - it's all simply vandalism. Art is of course subjective - personally I don't feel 'tagging' has any artist merit and I'm perfectly happy for the train windows to be transparant glass, my trees to be uncarved and my walls to be red brick!
Thank you the taking the time to listen and I'm pleased you enjoyed it.
Peter [ Reply to This ]
Hey Peter &mdash 06/14/07 - 07:01:06 PM
I loved your song . Dont take my comments as a negative , at all . It was merely an opinion on an opinion . It made such an impact on me I felt the need to express myself in detail . Your song is true art and Im happy you posted it , it forced me and others to think about a common issue . I live in inner city Phoenix ,AZ . There is little beauty around me . Alot of old buildings and walls . Now granted what Mr . Bull said is true . The picture I took was from a community that encourages Graff artists to decorate there walls with art . Once a month the Graff artists are then made to gather and paint over there art and start again on a new piece . This allows creative works to be well thought out and planned. Also allowing for creative outlets . They also for the privelage of the use of this wall help control the other "taggers" in the area .They also help keep the rest of the neighborhood free from other crap . Trust me these guys don't want three days of painting ruined by some jerk with a marker . Working with your community means just that , these guys pay taxes along with everyone else , most of the guys are working two jobs . Community doesn't mean shun the people that aren't like you . It means you understand differences between one another and work to live together in peace and understanding . Some of the most crooked backward people Ive met owned million dollar homes . Most of these Graff artists would give you a plate to eat and the shirt off there back if you needed it . Here read this essay <a href="http://www.graffiti.org/faq/stowers.html">Graffiti art</a>
Thanx again for the wonderful song : )
Benny
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One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain.
- Bob Marley [ Reply to This ]
Hey &mdash 06/14/07 - 07:40:19 PM
I wasn't taking them negative and from your comments I don't think you have any more time for the 'taggers' than I have - and really these are the people the song is about (and general vandalism). I appreiciate you listening and for sharing your thoughts and I'm glad I posted the song. Thanks for the weblink - I'll check it out.
Peter [ Reply to This ]
markings &mdash 06/15/07 - 11:22:23 PM
this is an excellent song - i have felt this way at times. sometimes graffitti seems pretty ugly, but sometimes there is light too. i wouldn't want my property sprayed ever though. so i don't know where i stand here. i am reminded of this
K I L R O Y
W A S
H E R E
it's somehow hooked into human nature - Lascaux
thanks! [ Reply to This ]
Cheers &mdash 06/16/07 - 02:35:47 AM
Glad you liked the song - Indeed, Graffiti is as old as civilisation. It's the tagging that I object to - there's been a recent spraying the garages opposite in silver paint. I'd rather not have to see it.
Peter [ Reply to This ]
Great words here &mdash 06/16/07 - 08:05:02 AM
I was driving under a beautiful bridge (blocked-tiled), that contractors and builders with sooooo much effort and months of WORK did!
Then I see this ugly looking sprayed graffiti and wow, what a slap in the face for builders to have to see that. Maybe with all the money they put in those bridges maybe it would be a good idea to have a cameras. But then again they could destroy them as well. Unless they are pretty protected.
What an appropriate tune Peter ! [ Reply to This ]
Thanks &mdash 06/16/07 - 09:12:57 AM
for listening - I'm glad you like the song. There's so much of it - any clean wall is a blank canvas for this form of art!
Peter [ Reply to This ]
Well Done &mdash 06/18/07 - 01:32:55 AM
A well produced and performed song. Congratulations on hitting a subject that obviously hits home for a lot of people. I live in Central London and strangely there is actually not a lot of graffiti around here. Unless the council cleans it up very quickly. Or maybe the youths have just moved on to stabbing each other.
Cheers
Len [ Reply to This ]
Thanks &mdash 06/18/07 - 02:16:38 AM
I think a have hit a nerve here. It's strange, my wife works in the City and that's always fairly 'spray' free. However, if you travel into London from Dartford it's pretty appaling.
Thanks for the listen.
Peter [ Reply to This ]
interesting observation &mdash 06/18/07 - 01:16:56 PM
don't think i've heard this subject matter in a tune, before - i love to hear how ppl are inspired. the underlying guitar pattern is a GOOD one - its flavor carries thru-out the song. this has a bit of a celtic touch to my ears. not all rants have to be sung in a ranting voice - your vocal made its point quite convincingly. enjoyed your work! anne [ Reply to This ]
You know &mdash 06/18/07 - 05:50:33 PM
I'd love to be able to do a ranting voice - but when ever I try it comes out kind of folky - so this is a bit of protest. I try and write about things that, for whatever reason, make an impression on me - good or bad! Thank you for dropping by and listening.
Peter
[ Reply to This ]
Great Song &mdash 06/22/07 - 07:19:07 PM
I have not heard any of your music before, and just found it because you commented on one of my songs. So much good stuff around here! First, a story... I used to work for a large advertising agency in Stockholm, Sweden years ago, and one of our client where the bus and subway system. Target of the campaign: the "taggers". You know, some of them get so high of the colors on cans, that they get addicted to it, literally. Some graffiti can be considered real art while most is not. We are all tired of the typical "Kilroy was here" kind of things.
Now to your song.
Very well performed and produced. The song is very well written, both in melodies as well as the lyrics. I do like the guitars, both acoustic and electric. Is that an accordion hidden in there as well, on the chorus, I can't quite make it out, but it sounds great!
Peace!
[ Reply to This ]
Thanks &mdash 06/22/07 - 07:53:58 PM
Yeah, I've been listening to your music - Gosh, you've been busy.
I used to design and build speakers and this involved spraying cabinets with cellulose (don't think it's used these days) - So I can understand how you could get addicted to those fumes! I used to go from spraying to driving lesons - can't remember anything about them!
Glad you liked the song - I think there's some heavily treated piano in there just to add a bit of weight to the sound on the chorus. Funny, once it's recorded I loose track as to what I did, especially with the keyboard bits.
All the best
Peter [ Reply to This ]
Nice guitar &mdash 06/24/07 - 09:47:30 PM
and voice!
I think your lyrics sum it up nicely. I don't know anyone who has ever done this type of work. It seems that is an extremely egocentric act!
Thanks for speaking out!
Doug [ Reply to This ]
Egocentric... &mdash 06/25/07 - 02:40:25 AM
don't think I been called that before! I do like to write (or express my views) about social issues in quite a few of my songs so I guess that does make me an egocentric act.
Thanks for listening and glad you enjoyed it.
Peter [ Reply to This ]
Oops &mdash 06/25/07 - 06:30:58 AM
I meant to say the Graffiti writing is the egocentric act. Your writing is very nice!
Sorry if you misinterpreted it. I was a bit sleepy last night and might have been unclear!
Peace,
Doug
---
May your shoes bah-doo... [ Reply to This ]
That's OK &mdash 06/25/07 - 07:25:01 AM
I'm suffering from a lack of sleep myself (I was listening at 2am yesterday and up at 6am this morning). I think I'm happier with 'graffiti writing' being a egocentric act.
Thanks for putting me straight!
All the best and thanks again for listening.
Peter [ Reply to This ]
good song &mdash 06/28/07 - 06:12:35 AM
great words (spoken for us all) and expression. Good full sound too from the instruments; well played, M [ Reply to This ]
Thanks &mdash 06/28/07 - 12:54:12 PM
Glad you liked the lyrics of this one. Thanks for dropping by. Peter [ Reply to This ]
for fun &mdash 07/09/07 - 04:58:00 PM
Hey! &mdash 07/09/07 - 06:23:37 PM
Good song writing &mdash 07/23/07 - 04:40:55 PM
A very catchy guitar hook intro - it really sets the tone for the song.
You've taken on a topic with global appeal to urban dwellers. Your writing is clear - and it takes a succinct stand on the issue - challenging the listeners to agree or not. That's good song writing!
My city - New York - in the ongoing war against graffiti, now offers its citizens a reward of $500 for information about neighborhood graffiti vandals. Graffiti is one of the top complaints here regarding quality of life.
It's not that some graffiti isn't pretty or graphically stunning. There are some superior practioners. But for the most part I find it as boring as it is annoying.
[ Reply to This ]
Thanks &mdash 07/24/07 - 02:57:56 AM
for listening and for your comments. Graffiti is something that does affect quality of life for many people and whilst there are some amazing street artists, most of it where I live is pure vandalism.
Thanks again
Peter [ Reply to This ]
Graffiti &mdash 08/06/07 - 10:25:04 AM
Graffiti is an ancient and time honoured artform unlike this tune. Be lucky. [ Reply to This ]
Ancient &mdash 08/06/07 - 01:42:47 PM
it may be but time has moved on... The graffiti 'round here isn't an artform - it's yobs with a spray can.
Thanks for dropping by.
Peter [ Reply to This ]
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Be well!
[ Reply to This ]