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Fan List
Keywords:
north star (1), northern (2), pole star (2), dark angel (1), starlight (1), zenith (1), rg (42), rgpaddler (32), life (154), death (142)
Description:
When I first moved to the country I was constantly going out to look at the stars,cos theres no light pollution here - something I wasn't used to.I always liked the idea of something shining out in space and I had this really weird dream when I was a kid of being outside at night and gazing at a spec millions of miles away that gradually got closer and closer slowly spinning silently in amongst all the stars between the black silhouettes of trees.
It amazes me to think of all the members of the human race who from the begginning must have looked up at the night sky and wondered what the hell is going on.What the hell is going on? I dont know.
Sorry - bit of distortion I think at the end.
p.s you might have a look at my profile - given it some radical treatment
It amazes me to think of all the members of the human race who from the begginning must have looked up at the night sky and wondered what the hell is going on.What the hell is going on? I dont know.
Sorry - bit of distortion I think at the end.
p.s you might have a look at my profile - given it some radical treatment
Lyrics:
Northstar RisingPut on your shoes
Forget the rest
Follow the sun into the west
Cool in the shade
Songs in the leaves
Spin life and death on a summer breeze
Never too far never too near
Never thought I'd turn it around again
But now your here
Grasshopper jump,grasshopper sing
Dancing in a circle,dancing in a ring
Well if I could find you on the other side
I'd be clear across the water under the North Star - Rising
Deep in the night
I dont sleep
Weaving the moon around your dreams
Sweet meadows call
Golden apples fall
Here is where my heart shall rest in peace
Never get lost,never get found
Always stepping out of bounds beyond the skyline
Grasshopper jump,grasshopper sing
Dancing in a circle,dancing in a ring
But if I could find you on the other side
I'd be clear across the water under the North Star - Rising
Listen to the storm,listen to the storm
Beating on a yardsail - you know I've gotta go
Listen to your heart,Listen to your heart
Chasin' it like a late train - you've gotta be the one
Listen to the rain,listen to the rain
Beating on a yardsail - you know I've gotta go
Listen to your heart,Listen to your heart
Chasin' it like a late train - you've gotta be the one
Nothing to lose,Nothing to gain
Only wine and memories and rainy days
Are you alive,did you survive
Someone must have told you not to fade
All the good time girls and whiskey romances
Moonlight dancing running out of chances
One more road and one more disaster
Sunshine driving dont get any faster
Well if I could find you on the other side
I'd be clear across the water under the North Star - Rising
Travelling nowhere giving all my love away
I'll be clear across the water - under the North Star - Rising
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Feter
SO impressive and thoughtfull ...your singin
just perfect here .the set of the song just
wonderufull .Top Classic my friend ..realy
reminds me of those classics !!
paddler
Mr McBlues - you have been a brilliat general p.r of late - plugging peoples songs over there in the east wing.Thanks for the time and effort - where'dyou get it?!
RG
J.A.Stewart
Really like the acoustic/Rhodes mixture here.
Nice, soothing vocal mix, but I think some background harmonies would give it a more ethereal feel. Perhaps it was only me that was expecting that.
Cool coda to close it out. ;)
--- Joe
paddler
Aha! - background harmonies thats a good idea - I might try that - thanks Mr Stewart.
RG
lengold
download - grabs you from the first line. This really is a great song and your performance top notch. Very impressive.
Whenever I go into the country I also notice the stars - you never see any in London and I miss them very much.
Enjoyed this song immensely.
Cheers
Len
paddler
I imagine you are more likely to see stars of a different nature in London.I met that bloke who walked the length of Britain naked outside Scotland Yard once - Steve Gough,does he count? Cheers Len
RG
Rebsie
What great songs you write, Richard. This is superb, and you always seem to be able to come up with something different from all your other stuff, while still sounding like you.
The lyrics are excellent.
I spend a lot of time looking at the stars ... I always find them comforting. Nice just to gaze at them out of the window when lighting up a nice fat bifter. Your dream is kind of familiar to me too because I've taken many trips up to the stars in my head.
Rebsie
I went out for a walk this evening and there was a huge almost full moon rising up through the tree branches, with the Cotswold hills underneath it all spread around me. It was so beautiful it stirred something deep in my soul and made me want to strip off and go running through the woods, except ... er, I live in a suburban street, and it's bloody freezing.
paddler
Thanks Reb - great compliments.hahaha..The first time I really woke up to them was in Somerset when we er - drank some tea,and started spotting all sorts of things orbiting on different paths.You know - when everything is so quiet all you can hear is the crackling of the fire.Wonderful!
paddler
Ahahaha.Yeah I saw that full moon too - shivering in the doorway of a pub.(me I mean - not the moon)
Incidentaly - heres a great little app for mac called moondock which just shows you what phase the moon is at - good for planning 'field trips'.(just handy to know if its cloudy - I dont suggest sitting there staring at a screen instead)
http://www.versiontracker.com/dyn/moreinfo/macosx/11799
RG
I always love to see a Paddler post u are one of my fav. Artist.
I really love this one, and I like u have look up at the stars and just WONDER what is going on and I liked to look at the stars and sometimes I could see a star fall from the sky and I had heard I should make a wish when u so it.... I did that and it toke many years but my wish come true.
I have my ANGEL now and I am very happy about it and I always come to LOVE her for the rest of my life... Cheers
Very lovely played and sung Richard, you do it like a pro. Kudos.
P.S you profile is way too cool... I'll sure come back to you when I have more time .
Peace, Love & Respect
---
Kenta
paddler
funnily enough kenta you'd just announced your journey overseas when I posted this - I guess your away now,but it struck me then that I could be singing this to someone miles away.Hope it all works out.Thanks very much indeed
RG
Scott Carmichael
you've created this etherial atmosphere with your lyric... usually there will be reverbed murky keys and pads to achieve this... truely a creative wonderous song... this could be one the songs BIlbo sings before he heads out... if hobbits could sing this low... I'm on my 2nd listen and I want to hit the road... with no place to go...
the song is infectious, an downloaded
paddler
haha - great comment.Thats actually pretty high for me I think if I were a hobbit it would probably sound quite high - if your an orc.(eh?) - Is funny the whole middle earth thing - even though those massive films came out I still think of the way I saw it in the book (or at least the part of it I managed to read) and that old animation which I think they took alot from for the films.
People in UK dont generally like commercial pine plantations,but I always found em great for travelling - plenty of wood and shelter.When left to grow natively though I think alot of Brits would be amazed at how different they would have looked in this country.Glen Affric is one such place if anyone ever fancies seeing how they <i>should</i> look
Thanks Scott!
paddler
italics?
ahhh - html format
ktb
I agree with what Rebsie said. Always top shelf & unique and still a common thread like meeting old friends. The rhodes work is sonic silk.
outstanding mix and vocal effort
paddler
WOW! Thanks alot.Sonic silk - what a great description and a great name for an artist too!
John Stebbe
Simon and Garfunkel is what sprang to mind upon hearing your opening guitar riffs. Something like "Me And Julio Down By The Schoolyard."
Very tasty Rhodes/Wurly there in one of your layers. You're a real talent!
Your vocals are very appealing. Reminds me a bit of Gilbert O'Sullivan, of "Alone Again, Naturally" fame, from the early 70s. Except your vocals have more edge than his. Well-suited for acoustic rock like this.
paddler
Thanks john - I love that simon/garf song!
a real compliment - cheers
RG
I love this so perfect. Downloaded you are talented excellent song!!!!!!!
Vic Holman
real nice groove. uptempo yet a bit dreamy as well. everything very well done.
I would have to think early man must of figured the stars were campfires. and marshmellows had yet to be invented.
paddler
Thanks guys -
I was just imagining a marshmallow looking up at a marshmallow sky wondering whether or not man should be invented.
(!!)
RG
Pete_NB
Great song here, from the soft vocals, groovin' guitar and tasty instrumental break at the end.
Very enjoyable!
paddler
Cheers Pete - Your grin is unstoppable!
RG
VicDiesel
This song has a great groove, and the lyrics are interesting and not all that obvious after reading your introduction. Excellent stuff, writing, playing, and production.
paddler
I'm glad the lyrics are interesting - I worry that I keep writing about the same thing - travelling!
Thanks very much,vic
Reinholt56
The profile page is very well done. Professional throughout. It kept my interest whilst awaiting your song to be downloaded.
The song is another gem. The guitar does have that Paul Simon feel but that's no bad thing. He's one of my all time favourite accoustic guitarists.
The recording is very clear and well produced. All instruments used just enough to be an all around great mix, to me.
Excellent stuff.
Take care.
Paul
paddler
thanks paul - its amazing that the internet has come on such a long way but that it can still take so long to download stuff - makes me wonder why its so quick on itunes - must be the mp4 thing or whatever it is they used.Glad there was something there to entertain anyway!
thanks
RG
davisamerica
this one makes u want to get up and go. paddler u r too cool and i always look forward to a new post...is like candy! keys on this one very nice and as always the vocal and lyrical content are outstanding. I really got to say bro. i really think u are one of the best! Very Nice!
paddler
I'm rubbish at recieving compliments.
Thanks you sir davis
dynoMYSTIC
What they all said... top notch... a favorite!
Moviz
a bit late commenting on this, (been away) and I knew I'd enjoy it before I even listened. I love your Lyrics always and the acoustic guitar and electric piano combined with your very distinctive voice, make this another great song from you. I just love your individuality, regards M
paddler
thats overwhelming that is - I never thought of my voice as very distinctive but hey - I hope so!
Thank you
SmokeyVW
wow - the positive energy in this
(i have spent many hours looking at the night sky, puts things into perspective i think)
thanks
I just stumbled upon this site and this happened to be my first download, however my family & I really enjoyed this song. Thanks for sharing!
craft
the guitar playing... Your voice sonds great too... Really cool acoustic/Rhodes mixture here. Well done
paddler
Thanks,smokey,craft - spooky.warrior welcome to mj - come back sometime!!
RG
kristyjo
multi talented. Yet, your voice is so distinctive, that I recognized it immediately. I love the Rhodes! Lyrics were otherworldly, yet familiar.
paddler
wow KristyJo - your the 2nd person to say my voice is distinctive.Careful - I might start believing it!
Thank you
RG
Jim Bouchard
This would be what Nick Drake would have sounded like if he wasn't so depressed. Maybe,Im way off base, though, this is unique and definitely a keeper. Love that end bit jam! Great stuff!
paddler
Thanks Jim.Its great you recognise a Nick Drake influence - I always used to busk his songs by way of irony;being that he never did any live performances.Yeah some of his songs are pretty depressing strange - its a fine line between whats beautiful and whats depressing.I always remember gazing at a sunset and a girl with me asking what i was looking at.'I was watching that shadow just reaching the trees' i said.'are you EVER happy?' she retorted.hahaha.Its quite funny to be misunderstood sometimes.
timothy devine
what rich sounds vocally. And the strumming acoustic guitars, nicely backed by the Rhodes style piano. Crisply baked rhythms.
Really clean recording. All the sounds are nice and up front but not competing...at all
every sound is perfect for this song and this sound. I miss this kind of music.
what a well written song lyrics and chords
and the performances are pro
the rhythm change at the end is classic n outrageous with cool piano stuff in there-using the guitar (strings) as a rhythm instrument it is...so hip and very cool
can you tell i liked it
peace
paddler
Thanks Tim! Hip and cool - its a long time since I heard anyone say that about my stuff.No need to miss it - plenty more where that came from.Such a detailed comment - bet you do some great reviews.Appreciated
RG
Diviner
and I like Cat Stevens (Yusuf Islam, not that you would need reminding) tracks. This is a really nice track. You do seem to make very pleasant songs that are very easy to listen to. Well Done Richard, I love all the elements to this track. Nice one.
Ed Hannifin
...to that early 70's vibe here...S&G, Nick Drake, Cat Stevens...the "golden years" of acoustic rhythm guitar... I'd add in Joni Mitchell, based mostly on the opening strum against the percussion...echoes of Ian Anderson in some of the vocals...Reminds me of Mary Oliver's poetry in the lyrics...
This sounds great. It's catchy and it has something to say without sounding strained, pretentious or forced...Kind of rolls right out... You never lose the groove, or burden it with too much 'extra'... Like the outro a lot... What else? Great lead vocal...
Another for the iPod...
Ed
paddler
if people are responding to an early 70's vibe - thats great! Not only is it great that people like that era but it means my kind of music could almost be classed as 'fashionable' - naaaahhhhhh.Doubt it - in my dreams maybe.I feel about as fashionable as the clothes I'm wearing (a sweatshirt that says 'I got my footy fix' - I dont even watch football!).Thanks Ed - you always give detailed comments.Joni Mitchell is such a favourite of mine.She always reminds of a certain sunlit hill in Scotland amongst the pines when I was young enough that smoking tobbacco was still a novelty.Very much appreciated
RG
racerat
Kind of soft and warm like listening to early Crosby, Stills and Nash on a rainy Sunday morning. I love your meandering acoustic and fender rhodes things. They are just so cozy. More importantly, I'm glad you got over your playing around with the "no Download button" idea. The little vamp/ reprise at the end is totally cool. What did you do the percussion with? Sounds like guitar case bongo.
Philip
The Orbiting
I know we're supposed to say something intelligent, but I'm sitting here on the sofa tapping my feet and grinning and that's not conducive to intelligent comment, sadly.
I love the rhythm guitar and I'm very impressed with your perfect time! I just love your voice, Richard.
thetiler
you have that vocal gift! Cool resonation in your voice. That is the makings of a great song and you really build from there. Love the short effective organ sounds.
You have a very nice catchy easy listening sound. That to my knowledge has a very distinct Paddler style!
Way to go!
Simply incredible. The lyrics are a poetic work of art. I love this song!
Scott Carmichael
I won't be removing it here...but I would download any songs from icomp... they are newer mixes for the most part... minor adjustments...
a season is all... strength can come from the unexpected place
paddler
if you dont understand that last comment its because it was for dunes.Thats ok,Scott - I'm lucky if I know what day it is.Er...see? I dont know.Thanks for rolling around the dunes anyhow - found any driftwood?! Ahhhhh FIRE!
Scott Carmichael
I don't multi-task well... or at all
I'm sure glad you returned to us RG. Since your return you've cranked out one hit after another. I do believe you're getting better and better too! This is top-drawer excellent my friend. I bow to your Muses!
Be well!
Lethe (Song Of Er): http://www.macjams.com/song/37099
Cori Ander
Wow .. how can I say this now, not to sound exaggerated .. but this is true .. well .. I thought your previous post was one very fantastic, your best. But now I feel this one is the best! Strangely enough there are many of your post which I feel are the best.
This is gorgeous music! In my ears it is close to perfect productionwise, and yet so full of feel, mood and life. This puts my day in a better light. Even though it is clear outside and the sun is shining .. but this song makes the day brighter inside.
You make an album soon. And remember us who loved you already before you became world famous.
Komrade K
This could be something from that golden age of Island records at the turn of the seventies. So full of energy and drive with that great Rhodes sound and beautiful chorus. And what a crisp sumptuous, immediate production - I've been listening over speakers and this sounds fabulous.
KK
bud
really carries me away - they way the chorus shifts up floats. Excellent production - wonderfully clear and present. You've definitely moved into new level lately.
gail60
I love this song and truly enjoy your voice. You did an exceptional job throughout. Very talented indeed! Thank you for sharing this great song.
A very enjoyable tune..
. - Harold
MacFerret
TAIL (Typing As I Listen) Love this. Great lyrics and I enjoyed the performance very much. I was drawn to listen because I did a song recently called Sagittarius Rising and I was curious to find out whether there were any similarities. Answer: none!
Wow just listened to the middle 8 - that keyboard lifts it into a different dimension. Superb singing, really holds the pace and sits sweetly in the mix even though you are in the bass register for much of the song.
All topped off with a great ending.
This is one of Your best tracks WOW... : ) LOVE IT ! 10-10-10-10
Ibstrat
of popular singers like Jack Johnson,Bright Eyes,Iron & Wine etc. from stuff that my guitar students bring in.I think that your music is way beyond any of those guys.You absolutely should be a star.This is amazingly good.
DWL
Consistency and variety.
Just excellent. I missed this initially but it was worth catching it now.
Great playing, singing, arrangement.
Cheers
Dick
Scott Carmichael
I've found myslf singing this during the day going about my business... that's the kind of thing I thought you would want to know... It's just that good
Jim Bouchard
This is just super! It's always popping up on my iPod in the "recently added" playlist and standing head and shoulders above most other songs on there. Really super! I love listening to this song!
jiguma
I was sure I'd posted a comment when I faved this. Excellent post - love the words, and the groove suits my sense of rhythm. Really well recorded, like the interplay between the acoustics, and the Rhodes sounds very nice indeed. Love the flow into the chorus - did I mention the production? :)
Needless to say, I hear a fuller rhythm section, but then ..... I always do ;)
Thanks Richard - good stuff!
Neil
Shire Knights
The piano/electric keyboard interlude is awesome, then followed by the harder string strumming. I really like the bridge to the chorus. An overall really happy song that has a great vibe.
i heard that guitar, and thought of joni mitchell's cool energy. then heard the low smooth vocal, and goodbye joni.
8)
"grasshopper jump, grasshopper sing/Dancing in a circle, dancing in a ring" - delicious line. i enjoyed every scrumptious bit of this delicious ditty - THANK YOU.
anne
dajama
This is rhythmic, catchy, and very well-performed. Love the keyboards - lovely little touches providing a sweet contrast to the guitar. Great vocal performance. Great sound overall. I like this a lot. Peace.
NorthPoint
Richard, I liked this nice upbeat song very much. You have a soothing voice and everything here works perfects (vocals, guitar, rhodes, music, lyrics, production). This reminds me of a Jack Johnson song with Ian Anderson from Jethro Tull singing. It's wonderful.
Nice to meet you, and I look forward to hearing more of your songs as I get more experience with the MJ community.
Happy Holidays,
Alan
Hello Paddler,
This is another winner.... pulls me in from the first note..... Great lyrics, vocals, arrangement, and the melody is infectiously awesome!!!!!!!!
Respectfully,
Wade
droop
I'm trying to get familiar with what folks are doing. I knew right off that I wanted to go through all your songs you have posted. I like this one a lot also. You have a talent for playing that right part that just makes the song feel good (the piano in this one). I love the ending......thought you were going into another tune for a second there.
Enjoying your music, thanks.
sschedra
Richard, your impressions of nature come out real clear as do the other themes you mix together here. The tempo and style on this one are really right on. I am also impressed by the guitar and keyboards, they create just the right atmosphere. Kudos!
You are a major talent,
Stephen