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Description:
Well, this is just my bongos (with some echo) and my voice. It's about changes, as the title implies. Making great changes in order to feel. I happen to have nothing to say unless I feel tortured. And yet who wouldn't make a drastic change to feel ecstatic? So, I'm never content.
Lyrics:
Because of my first yearn
I've been singing for this long.
Who am I if I don't burn.
if nothing feels wrong
I have nothing to say.
Ashes where there once was
wood ablaze.
A tree that must turn human lays
to die of the pleasure.
The people are guitar strings,
at last
taut, stretched over,
gaping holes vast.
They separate the darkness
with their metallic sheen,
and when touched,
warm human song.
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Excellent! &mdash 09/15/07 - 01:37:50 PM
I think this is great! It needs nothing else. The vocals sound fantastic, espacially the "oohs". Really good writing as well. I love the line about how people are guitar strings. Excellent! [ Reply to This ]
Thanks! &mdash 09/16/07 - 12:52:54 PM
I was really surprised and happy to see that you had listened and commented. Thanks for the good words. I have missed hearing from your music.
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*estella [ Reply to This ]
!!!!!! &mdash 09/15/07 - 02:20:25 PM
ooo SISter, i salute your bravery! you make it work sans backing music with a focused intent that never veers off an invisible course.
i appreciate your beautifully relaxed vibrato - phrase endings were VERY nice thru-out. "gaping holes vast" = stellar. the ghostly harmony was the perfect thing. huevos of steel and a softly powerful creation. NICE.
anne [ Reply to This ]
Anne... &mdash 09/16/07 - 12:55:55 PM
Your comments on my singing/phrasing mean everything coming from you. Thanks!
"Huevos of Steel": I think I'll add that to my biography? LOL.
I'm glad you enjoyed it.
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*estella [ Reply to This ]
Beautiful &mdash 09/15/07 - 02:28:32 PM
The empty spaces say as much as your gorgeous lyrics and even more beautiful voice.
I especially love, "Ashes where there once was wood ablaze." [ Reply to This ]
thanks! &mdash 09/17/07 - 06:09:32 AM
I am moved by your kind compliments.
Thank you for listening. I actually respect and enjoy your songwriting very much. It's been a while since I check out your page. I will be visiting soon!
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*estella [ Reply to This ]
Metamorphoses &mdash 09/15/07 - 02:55:10 PM
Charmin singin ...and feelings ...
dunno why the bongos sound so sorrow
welldone !! [ Reply to This ]
Thank you Feter! &mdash 09/17/07 - 06:16:57 AM
I appreciate you coming to listen.
Do you say the bongos sound sorrowful? I kind of like that idea.
I was thinking, 'cause I recorded the drums first, not knowing what song I would make of them, that that this would be a cheerful piece. I guess I turned it a bit dark, but with some hope and beauty. I love the idea that my darkness could turn the feel of the drums, that the happy drums can be sorrowful, too.
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*estella [ Reply to This ]
worth the wait &mdash 09/16/07 - 02:28:02 AM
... and finally, you give us a new track, Ella. Stark and stripped, this is lyrically stunning ... the whole last stanza is ... beyond my capacity, i'm speechles, Your voice sounds more beautiful than ever... this is challenging, sweet poetry.
Art and song, baby... this is the real thing!
steve [ Reply to This ]
art and song, baby! &mdash 09/17/07 - 06:21:10 AM
That is the whole thing.
(*blush*) - too kind, Steve!
But I always look forward to hearing what you pick out of the song. I'm glad you enjoyed the last verse.
P.S. Arcade Fire put on an amazing show! You will be in for it when you go!
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*estella [ Reply to This ]
Amazing! &mdash 09/16/07 - 03:05:25 AM
With your voice I don't think you need any backing - Simply outstanding! Thank you.
Peter [ Reply to This ]
Peter &mdash 09/17/07 - 06:25:04 AM
Thanks! I really expected to get comments about how I needed this or that. I felt this could be the start of something good, but not something complete, necessarily (though I'm very proud of this, and I like it just the way it is).
Thank you for coming by to listen. I'm happy you liked it.
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*estella [ Reply to This ]
I didn't know what to expect - &mdash 09/16/07 - 10:28:00 PM
since I saw 'other' as your genre. But it really is interesting how you use those most elemental textures- voice and drums- and make such great music. I especially like the 'ooo's. That touch of harmony with the reverb turned up was excellent. [ Reply to This ]
Oos &mdash 09/17/07 - 06:30:31 AM
Thanks Maryjo,
you know, I just couldn't find a category that said, voice and drums or something to that effect. Any ideas about what category might be?
And believe it or not, There are no effects on the vocals, whatsoever. In fact (I'm ashamed to say) I didn't even bother to EQ! I basically thought this was just a quick sketch to show everybody and see what I could do with this. I'm pleasantly surprised people like it as is, so far.
I did put echoes on the bongos, however, 'cause my bongo playing leaves something to be desired! I wonder if that together with the timbre of the harmonies is what creates the reverb illusion in the vocals.
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*estella [ Reply to This ]
terribly embarrassed! &mdash 09/17/07 - 07:29:51 AM
Fabulous &mdash 09/17/07 - 02:58:33 AM
What a great track -
Fantastic voice. First song of yours I have listened to and am very impressed. Will check out your back catalogue.
Cheers,
Phil [ Reply to This ]
Thank you! &mdash 09/17/07 - 06:33:50 AM
Oh please do check out some others. I have some collabs - with APB (Alan), Musichead (Steve) and other great guys - that were a lot of fun and I'm very proud of. I would say they're very different from this, but you'd enjoy them just the same.
I'd love to return the favor soon and visit your page!
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*estella [ Reply to This ]
Sounds great... &mdash 09/17/07 - 11:11:06 AM
thanks bunches! &mdash 09/17/07 - 05:48:47 PM
I had so much fun with those drums. Actually, I'm hoping to have a song in which I use every instrument I own:
bongos
guitars
harmonica
electric piano
kazoo ;)
egg shaker
I should be a riot!
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*estella [ Reply to This ]
The drive to be alive... &mdash 09/17/07 - 11:13:13 AM
I was intoxicated by your singing and harmonies, and by the implications in the lyrics, very nice sparse piece. My only suggestion would be to have the bongos, when they first start, be low in volume and slowly grow in volume before your singing starts, not sure why, but that feels like it would sound better for the song than being suddenly startled by the bongos starting. But other than that, I sure wish I could sing that beautifully... it takes talent and courage to sing a capella, and you do very nicely at it! I wish you occasional periods of stretching to reach each goal in life, and also lots of ecstatic revelry after crossing each chasm!
ttfn,
Drakonis [ Reply to This ]
thank you! &mdash 09/17/07 - 05:51:49 PM
thanks for the good wishes. Very encouraging.
You know, I actually tried it with the drums leading up the way you described. Now I don't remember why I changed it back. Good to think about.
I'm glad you enjoyed the singing. Anne says I have huevos of steel for doing that. I'm thrilled.
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*estella [ Reply to This ]
Trop bien ! &mdash 09/17/07 - 12:32:21 PM
Glad to hear you Estella, still more glad because this new track is excellent...
I appreciate this style and you make so good music with just this beautiful voice, you don't need many musical instruments to give us a piece so pleasant to listen...
A great talent, really, and a great performance. Bravo Estella !
Marc
[ Reply to This ]
Marc &mdash 09/17/07 - 05:53:37 PM
so wonderful to hear from you. I'm happy you liked it. And honored by your kind words.
I hope you are doing well and will be giving us more music soon!
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*estella [ Reply to This ]
Glad to see &mdash 09/17/07 - 01:11:29 PM
you're not off your bongos. Really great vocals performance, with beautiful harmonies. The guitar string metaphor is stretched over the verse,but makes warm human song as well [ Reply to This ]
Ha Ha &mdash 09/17/07 - 05:58:07 PM
You're silly - "off my bongos"
Thanks for the compliments. I'm happy you came by to listen.
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*estella [ Reply to This ]
Thank you! &mdash 09/17/07 - 03:15:50 PM
Intimate and soulful. Tremendous individual expression. Very good intonation and ornamentation. Lyrics that dig deep and twist the gizzard. [ Reply to This ]
thank you thank you! &mdash 09/17/07 - 06:00:43 PM
twisting of gizzards - what more can we ask of music? That's great. I am extremely flattered. Thank you for giving this a listen.
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*estella [ Reply to This ]
Reverence &mdash 09/17/07 - 09:21:48 PM
This has real SPINE. Beautiful lyrics, direct performance; a very refreshing challenge to the reverb-saturated, pitch-corrected path that leads so many others so woefully astray...........
I'm sorry you felt tortured, Estella, but if this is what lies on the other side, well:
take THAT!
and THAT!
and here's ANOTHER!! [ Reply to This ]
Ha Ha Ha &mdash 09/18/07 - 07:31:31 PM
Thanks for your seriously nice compliments, and added torture for inspiration ;)
I'm actually very lucky and happy at the moment, which is, strangely, not as satisfying as I thought it would be. It's like: where's the terribleness I was used to? Hence, changes - we're tortured, we want to be happy; we're happy, we want to be tortured. Humans are a crazy bunch.
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*estella [ Reply to This ]
exquisite &mdash 09/17/07 - 10:24:24 PM
Thank you! &mdash 09/18/07 - 07:33:32 PM
What a name you have!
I appreciate the kudos. I'm happy you liked it so much!
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*estella [ Reply to This ]
Wonderful ! &mdash 09/18/07 - 07:29:25 AM
Wonderful Vocal, Wonderful Beats .. I've listened to this piece in the same moment you've upload it (3 days ago as i remember) but i haven't got the chance to comment ! This is really wonderful song ! Charm singin ! 1st time to hear you and will be looking for more !
Take Care
==============
Yeman Auf Al-Rawi [ Reply to This ]
Yeman &mdash 09/18/07 - 07:35:19 PM
Thank you for the compliments.
I'm in awe of your talents. Keep it going!
It was nice meeting in you chat. And thanks so much for listening to Release Me.
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*estella [ Reply to This ]
Little Drummer Girl &mdash 09/18/07 - 01:42:35 PM
First off, I have to thank you for posting another song. Second off, I have to say that you are quite a good drummer. Third off, your vocal harmonies are out of this world. Dark and exotic and really beautiful. I've already downloaded it. Forth off, the poetry is so very rich. I can see why it caused Steve speechlessness. I can't wait to see/hear what you do with the kazoo!
Bob [ Reply to This ]
don't be fooled... &mdash 09/18/07 - 07:39:35 PM
I'm not such a great drummer. The echo effects added more depth than I could play. But ooh, I like how it sounds!
Thank you, thank you for your kind words. I'm pleased you liked it.
Oh , and Ha Ha. Don't get your hopes up about the kazoo: I'm so bad at it, it would have to be a song that depicts the sad tale of a strangled duck.
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*estella [ Reply to This ]
Sad Tail Of A Strangled Duck &mdash 09/18/07 - 08:07:15 PM
Now you're finally talking some sense!
Let me know if you need some help on this Strangled Duck/kazoo song. It's right down my alley, or is that up my alley?
(Gee Bob, what kind of alley do you live in that has strangled ducks and kazoos?)
(Gosh estellie, I guess it's just a regular alley, lined with strangled ducks and kazoos..... why do you ask?)
(Jeepers Bob, I don't know... maybe because I'm scared to death?)
(Don't be afraid of a few dead ducks and a slobbery kazoo. Neither one of them can hurt you now)
(Thanks Bob. I'm no longer afraid of the ducks nor the kazoos. Could either of them hurt me before?)
(Before what?)
(Before I strangled them?)
(Willikers! I knew you had something to do with all those ducks! And that slobbery kazoo.... was that you too?)
(Yes, Bob... It was me.... and if wasn't for you and those pesky kids, I would've gotten away with it)
(Sorry estellie. If you don't wanna collaborate on a song with a kazoo, all you have to do is say so....)
(Sorry Bob. Sometimes I get a little crazy when I'm surrounded by duck carcasses.)
(Hey, your preachin' to the choir! I understand exactly)
(I knew you would. I'm emailing you the kazoo song right away)
(Cool. It will be the best song ever)
(You have a really vivid imagination, Bob)
(Thanks estellie. Coming from you, that actually means something)
(Goodbye Bob)
(Goodbye!)
[ Reply to This ]
Jiminy Cricket, Bob &mdash 09/19/07 - 07:17:46 AM
Conversations with you are so effortless - I don't even have to participate!
I'd be honored (and a little frightened) to work on a song with you! If no animals are harmed during the making of the song, mind you. I'll keep you posted on my next one. I'll send you a note.
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*estella [ Reply to This ]
Damn! &mdash 09/18/07 - 11:11:02 PM
This is very dynamic for simply you and your bongos! Once again your beautiful voice has mesmerized me. To add anything to this piece would merely subtract from it. Simply put, it's a "standalone" in it's entirety, if that makes sense? (I don't always make sense) I really enjoyed this me lady! Kudos.
Alvin [ Reply to This ]
Thanks! &mdash 09/19/07 - 07:31:17 AM
I am humbled by your comments. I'm glad you enjoyed it so much. I accept your kudos! And thanks again for listening.
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*estella [ Reply to This ]
Nice voice &mdash 09/19/07 - 12:00:56 AM
thank you &mdash 09/19/07 - 12:44:49 PM
I'm so glad you've listened to my stuff. I love the comments you made on "The End". I appreciate that.
As for the drumming, they are an illusion. The echoes make me sound like a better drummer than I am ;)
Thanks for the compliments on my voice, too.
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*estella [ Reply to This ]
stands out &mdash 09/19/07 - 07:35:42 AM
this is really good, a great example of "less is more". who would've guessed just bongos and voice would make for such a captivating song? your voice is beautiful and i like who you faded the bongos back in after their rest. nice job all around. since we're all picking favorite lines, here's mine: "who am i if i don't burn?" i really like that, you're a great writer. cheers. [ Reply to This ]
hey sergio! &mdash 09/19/07 - 12:59:25 PM
It's good to hear from you. thanks for listening.
I'm happy you think I'm a good writer, and that you liked how I structured the song. I'm glad you liked it. Hope all is well with you.
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*estella [ Reply to This ]
Like it simple &mdash 09/19/07 - 07:36:16 AM
Haven't really heard from you much since I joined this site, but it's great to hear a new one from you. Enjoyed the simplicity ans the lyrics especially.
I bet you that this was a poem before a song........right?
Dave [ Reply to This ]
You guessed it &mdash 09/19/07 - 01:03:56 PM
I usually use scribblings from my notebook to just fill in the music I've made, and then integrate the music with the content of the lyrics. The problem is, my scribblings aren't polished, so my imperfections sometimes show through. I'm pretty happy with this one, though. I think it was meant to be a song now.
I'm glad you came back after all this time I've been away. Thanks.
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*estella [ Reply to This ]
I am &mdash 09/19/07 - 04:58:47 PM
ashamed to say that this is the first I've listened to of yours' but it won't be the last. This is exceptionally exceptional.
Cheers
Len
[ Reply to This ]
thank you much! &mdash 09/21/07 - 01:37:10 PM
I enjoyed listening to your latest, too.
Really nice compliments you give. Thanks.
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*estella [ Reply to This ]
like the bongos &mdash 09/19/07 - 07:30:43 PM
So stripped down but full and deep THe lyrics are well written! Enjoyed this very much! [ Reply to This ]
thanks... &mdash 09/21/07 - 01:39:07 PM
for the all around good word about the song.
You know, looking at your avatar makes me want a nice tall glass of lemonade ;)
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*estella [ Reply to This ]
Beautiful &mdash 09/19/07 - 09:21:19 PM
I loved it. But i think i rather hear it as an accapella. No bongos for me.
Rolo. [ Reply to This ]
hmmm &mdash 09/21/07 - 01:41:29 PM
thanks for your feedback on chat the other day.
I can see how the drums can get a bit tedious. maybe I could play around with fading them in and out a little more or doing something with them for the sake of variety. Thanks!
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*estella [ Reply to This ]
wonderful &mdash 09/21/07 - 08:52:01 AM
I tend to play my gtar like a drum and this was just wonderful. Lovely voice. My little girl told me she wanted to grow up to be a "girl that plays drums." I'll let her hear this. [ Reply to This ]
me too! &mdash 09/21/07 - 01:44:09 PM
a) I also use my guitar like drums.
b) I also want to grow up and be a girl who plays drums! I wish your daughter well.
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*estella [ Reply to This ]
;-) &mdash 09/21/07 - 11:49:49 PM
yeahhh, welcome pretty voice, its good to hear soulfully.tnx Estellie
im not musician
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Schello [ Reply to This ]
'Who am I... &mdash 09/22/07 - 11:54:03 AM
...if I don't burn. If nothing feels wrong.' Great poetry as ever. And a chorus that gets in ones head instantly. But I'm with Luis (Rolo) when it comes to the bongo's. This great voice, this song... it deserves a very fine orchestration... I know you don't mind my honest thoughts;)
- walt [ Reply to This ]
Startling! &mdash 10/12/07 - 07:19:01 AM
This song has such a great stripped down feel that makes it all the more powerful than if it had been highly produced and fleshed out with lots of instruments and effects. I just love it when that harmony vocal comes in - gives me tingles down the spine!
KK [ Reply to This ]
spine tingling? &mdash 10/12/07 - 09:29:13 AM
I'm so flattered. For me that's the sign of a good song. Thanks for saying that. [ Reply to This ]
loved &mdash 10/16/07 - 05:38:34 PM
the simplicity of the music with the contrast of mind moving lyrics great harmonies and lovely jam ! [ Reply to This ]
oh yeah &mdash 10/16/07 - 05:41:32 PM
the only instrument I claim to play is the hand drums djembes mostly so that too had my prejudice ear as well any way downloaded and cherished thanx [ Reply to This ]
Mr. Toast! &mdash 10/17/07 - 06:08:59 PM
Thanks so much. "Cherish" -- what a nice word. I appreciate it. I'm a drum wanna-be. [ Reply to This ]
Depth of poetry &mdash 10/19/07 - 04:55:52 PM
bongo &mdash 12/17/07 - 05:15:20 PM
hell yes....gotta love them hand drums....cool vocal work....obviously sparse but it works well for this tune....a very brave move on your part....most haven't the guts to just let it hang out there like that....kudos to you for being so bold.....dig the harmonies btw.....off to listen to more of your work....peace [ Reply to This ]
ooh fun! &mdash 12/18/07 - 02:43:34 PM
I am definitely a fan of minimalism. I think it says much more and is much more effective...
Maybe your no world famous bongo player, but I find them to be quite effective in this piece. They are quite aesthetically pleasing int he context of the song; aesthetics being, what I believe to be the most important components of song writing and production.
The ooh's offer a wonderful accent to your verses.
I am a fan.
-Nicholas [ Reply to This ]
Vocal &mdash 12/23/07 - 08:22:23 AM
Your vocal arrangement is pleasing, with no reverb, that makes it even more astonishing, I'm going to try that, inspirational,
Thanks for sharing [ Reply to This ]
quite &mdash 12/27/07 - 03:27:06 PM
Yes, I dig this. An open weave shawl the begs to be waved and worn, waved and worn, beckoning. [ Reply to This ]
Very Nice &mdash 12/29/07 - 05:54:04 PM
I enjoyed the open vibe and your wonderful words and vocals. Thanks for sharing...
Moses [ Reply to This ]
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