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Overload: Collab w/ Echoroom by racerat [Email]

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SONG STATS:
Hits: 1207
Comments: 65
Votes: 14
Plays: 151
Last Played: Nov 19, 2008 - 01:57:01 PM
Downloads: 61
Fans: 31
Uploaded: Nov 25, 2007 - 11:20:20 PM
Last Updated: Nov 25, 2007 - 11:20:20 PM



Keywords:
overload (3)wall flower (1)stranger (5)balance (2)spotlight (1)curse (3)universe (13)serenade (3)wave (16)panic (4)peace (106)
Description:
This is a collab between me, Racerat, aka Philip VanDusen and the MacJams vocal powerhouse, Echoroom, aka Steve Craig. Steve resurrected this piece from the dustbin of unfinished sketches on my hard drive and gave it new life. Steve wrote the lyrics and sang them, I played the instruments, mixed and mastered it. The drums and tamborine are loops, but everything else is played (though I may have looped some things after I played them).

Lyrics:
Overload
Music © 2007 Philip VanDusen
Lyrics © 2007 Steve Craig


Like a wall flower in a crowded room
You're standing in these strangers shoes
When every breath feels like a curse
Collapsing private universe.

I'll tip the balance high
I'll keep you in my sight
When you Overload
I'll shoot the spotlight out
Won't serenade the doubt
When you Overload.

One day you'll feel the wave break, and
Drown this sullen times.
One day you'll drop the dead weight
Of history and lies.

I'll tip the balance high
I'll keep you in my sight
When you Overload
I'll shoot the spotlight out
Won't serenade the doubt
When you Overload.

One day you'll feel the fear break
Behind your panicked eyes.
Make your peace in this place where
There is no right
There is no why.



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what an overload &mdash 11/26/07 - 12:27:14 AM
powerful tune. Practically blinded me.

Good to see and hear you two high in the saddle again.
Must of been a passion of love to mix this. Just flat out a stunning piece Steve's vocals powerhouse indeed. And Philip you really rocked the house on everything you played.

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back in the saddle &mdash 11/27/07 - 01:15:03 AM
Hey Vic,
Yeah it always great to work with the master vocal blaster Mr. Steve. The mix did take a bit of patience and time. I guess that's why it was in the dust bin for so long. The great surrealist (he would say realist) painter Rousseau once said: "If yo don't know what is wrong with a painting face it to the wall and don't look at it for 2 weeks, then look at it. If you don't know what is wrong with it then, you never will."

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yeah &mdash 11/26/07 - 12:32:43 AM
that's the vocalist i was thinking of!!!
excellent, gentlemen

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Correction &mdash 11/27/07 - 01:21:18 AM
Allen,
I was just listening to your drivin' cut, "Buried Alive". Blew my socks off. Great stuff man. I am constantly amazed at the speed of your solo's. Can't hold a candle. Thanks for the listen!

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Hurrah! &mdash 11/26/07 - 01:00:29 AM
Terrific to hear a new one from you guys. You really do need to get a band page and just make it official, because the two of you are just a perfect duo and play off each other's strengths amazingly well.

I dig that opening piano sound a lot and the arrangement is stellar. The lyrics are nice and ambiguous, but seem to be about letting go of past bitterness, which is an excellent theme. I know Steve can't type right now, but I'm wondering if his inspiration came from a film or book. I love the line "drown this sullen times."

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Duo's &mdash 11/27/07 - 01:38:39 AM
Thanks for the listen. I just stopped by your page and listened to "Circles" and was BLOWN AWAY! You guys are an amazing duo! Maybe Steve and I can follow your lead and make it official, break out the rings and say "I Do" and set up our own page....hmmm. I think Steve and I have you beat on one thing though, by my calculation the distance between London and San Fran is 5368.6 miles.......

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- &mdash 11/26/07 - 02:19:00 AM
Very rebelious - like launching into battle knowing the bases are loaded.Speaking of which - great bass - sounds like a complete band than a duo.Blinding stuff - like lightning -

RG

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battle &mdash 11/27/07 - 01:46:00 AM
Hey Rich,
Thanks for stoppin' in. Love your new song "North Star Rising", and am always flattered when you drop by. I must say you have gotten way over the top with your MJ homepage. That art gallery flash viewer is great! You have done some very cool work. I'm blinded...like lightning!

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Now this &mdash 11/26/07 - 02:36:30 AM
is the fix I've been missing - just listened 3 times straight and still not overloaded. Doesn't get any better than this. Love the way it builds and then without you realising it's happened it's all over you. Fantastic.
Cheers
Len



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building &mdash 11/27/07 - 01:50:49 AM
Thanks Len,
Yeah, I like how it builds and then you're in it deep before you know what is happening, just like how that "overloaded" sense comes when it happens to you. I like how Steve's lyrics hint at the trauma and also at guardian angel protecting you as it overcomes you. Multiple listens? That's my man!

Philip



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Overloaded &mdash 11/26/07 - 03:01:17 AM
Can you believe Philip has pieces like this just lying around??? The song and structure were basically presented to me as is, and i sung with considerable input from Phil, who wanted a pretty raw feel to this - it certainly pushed me outta my comfort zone in the end, 'shouty' bits!

This was inspired by something my wife wrote (the 'strangers shoes' line) after having a pretty rough time at work, so it's a song of support and comfort... the 'gotta let it go' refers to a number of things that we keep attached to but drag us down.

If someone wants to sponsor me, I'll happily move to San fran and work with Philip full time!

Steve

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Partner &mdash 11/27/07 - 01:56:57 AM
Hey S,
Pleased and honored as usual to have worked with you on this. It was a long time in coming, but I think it turned out. Your lyrics and singing performance were ace as usual. And finally I got things moving enough to post you on MY page, for once! I think though with my current employment situation maybe you should sponsor ME and I can move to the UK?
Philip

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yeah &mdash 11/26/07 - 05:17:19 AM
What a great collab... Wounderful singing... Philip you are a great musian... I love it... Powerful and catchy... The song flows gently in my brain...

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--- &mdash 11/27/07 - 01:59:30 AM
Hey Craft!
Thanks for the listen. Props to another past talented collab partner!
Ciao,
P

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Such &mdash 11/26/07 - 06:23:11 AM
a good number this one and really well arranged and performed. The vocals are brilliant and the emotion just right. Now, we should hear a lot more of Philip's singing and maybe more collab's, regards M

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emotion &mdash 11/27/07 - 02:19:03 AM
Thanks for listening Moviz. The arrangement was kind-of haphazard I have to say. Kind of a layered buildup. I like to layer disparate sounding instruments that can periodically conflict with each other. Cello against distorted guitar, etc. Keeps things interesting......

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Yeah, you two make a good working unit... &mdash 11/26/07 - 07:54:31 AM
And it's funny, 'cause I consider Philip on his own to be a great singer and lyricist already, but these collabs do have some kind of neat synergy...

Great track, great vocals, great lyrics, great production... I'm sitting here waiting for something more astute to pop into my head, but really, that's about it...

Ed

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synergy &mdash 11/27/07 - 02:04:48 AM
Thanks Ed,
I love working with Steve. He's as much of a perfectionist as I am. He's never in a hurry, and l would rather get things right. He generally gives me free reign on the stuff he asks me to get involved with. (Unlike my specific direction I give him on this--then I went ahead and neglected to follow my own direction) I was originally going to make the more energetic and angst driven vocals the lead vocal, but when I heard the background vox he sent, I switched them around on him---much to his surprise, but he was very gracious about it! Hat's off to Mr. Echoroom for that....

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I hope... &mdash 11/26/07 - 08:31:06 AM
...to be there on that day, guys...

...lyrics perfect for the music...both very strong statements...

Great collaboration...

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that day &mdash 11/27/07 - 02:20:38 AM
Damn... &mdash 11/26/07 - 11:34:37 AM
...this is good!

I know you're supposed to write constructive stuff and not just gush - but really - I mean what can you say?

That bass is just amazing as well - fills your head but doesn't get in the way - overall a fantastic mix/song/lyric/vocal etc etc.

Great job both of you!

Phil

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gush &mdash 11/27/07 - 02:38:54 AM
No, gushing is OK, Phil. Really. Gush away! I'm fragile. Constructive stuff just hurts my feelings...

jus kiddin'

P

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Overload &mdash 11/26/07 - 01:41:46 PM
Impressive Rockin song my friend ..great colab
the structure is very cool sure the singin is
fabulous !! KUDOS !

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structure &mdash 11/27/07 - 02:40:48 AM
Thanks Feter. Stevie did a great job on this one...

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Blimey &mdash 11/26/07 - 02:45:19 PM
Intense and bleak and thoroughly energised. Powerful performance from Steve here too ... he is a master of those doubled-up vocals which give so much extra whoomph.

Sometimes collaborators have a really special synergy which takes the music to a new level, and it sounds to me like that's the case with you two.

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doubles &mdash 11/27/07 - 01:05:41 AM
Rebsie, Thanks for stopping by!

I know, aren't Echo's harmonies and double tracked vox just the sh*t? I get goose bumps, literally, sometimes when he sends me tracks.

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so &mdash 11/26/07 - 07:49:39 PM
good to see you guys putting out music again. this sounds great, you guys always do tremendous work together. the production is top notch, i'm looking forward to many more.

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Light &mdash 11/27/07 - 02:45:39 AM
Hey Michael. Thanks for the listen. I just was by your page and had a listen to "Temporal Light". Really cool bit of ambient trippiness that one. I have to take your lead and start sharing some of my less commercial arty ambient stuff. All this production perfectionism is beginning to get to me. That is a great piece, and I hadn't heard of Gleetchlab before. I 'll have to check it out.

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Dustbin? &mdash 11/26/07 - 08:20:26 PM
You've got to be kidding?

Guys, both of, you've really outdone yourselves with this little number.

Phil - your instrument choices are so unique and well conceived and well played. The bassline is fluid and melodic and when the strings come in, they sound so perfect together. I love your guitar in everything you do. This song is no exception. You have so many interesting and expressive voices. Your mixing skills are as good as your performance itself.

Steve - speaking of voices - Wow dude. Did you eat your wheaties or what? Those "gotta let it go's" are stunning! You really did push yourself on those. Good for you. Good for us, actually. Your harmonies always floor me. You're a really good story teller too. Sometimes I forget to mention your writing because your voice is so good.

Great work guys. Another download of one of my favorite virtual bands!

Bob

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Mr. E &mdash 11/27/07 - 01:02:14 AM
Thanks 5,

I think you are right about Steve's lyrics. His pipes get all the kudos, but his lyrics are often left in the shadow of his performance. Steve is an amazingly poetic writer with incredible subtlety and nuance. Things are often suggested or hinted and the listener can fill in the blanks bringing their own experience and baggage to complete the narrative. He has a remarkable touch. Then you get to eat his smooth harmonies for dessert!

Steve just sent me a song that been sitting in his dustbin for---get this---2 years! And you thought I was a perfectionist!

Philip

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What a great pair you guys make &mdash 11/27/07 - 07:29:14 AM
the perfect balance of raw talent - great playing - killer vocals - insightful writing - and excellent production. A very fine achievement - a wonderful song - the build is amazing.

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Kev &mdash 11/30/07 - 05:55:53 PM
Thanks man, love our LSP, "Boots and Vest" just caught it.

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Very well done &mdash 11/27/07 - 11:06:56 AM
This sounds great...very strong performances and excellent production. I can hear everything clearly and nothing sounds like it is fighting for volume. I really like the dynamics in the vocal parts. Just very well done all around.

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a bear &mdash 11/30/07 - 05:59:31 PM
Gotta say, this was a bear to mix. Lots of sonic information to try to have show through in a chaotic soundscape. Steve really stretched out on this one vocally. I think he did an amazing job.

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Quality as always &mdash 11/27/07 - 12:05:03 PM
Instrumentation is excellent and I see that a damaged wrist hasn't affected your voice Steve.

Cheers

Dick

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wristies &mdash 11/30/07 - 06:48:09 PM
Steve is still nursing the wrist. I am glad he came out of rehab to sing to this, I know everyone is wishing him a rapid recovery. RSI's are a real b*tch, I've been there, the curse of the mousing creative class. Glad you stopped in.

P.S. I just listened to "The Seduction of Corruption", how did I miss that? It;s like a modern-day Beatles "Number 9". Really cool.

Cheers,
P

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What a great collab! &mdash 11/27/07 - 01:58:48 PM
Amazing vox Steve - clear and defined, but with tons of character.

Philip, your instrumentation and production are at their usual high standard - I particularly enjoyed the simple, yet slightly quirky (in places) bass line.

A real pro post guys!

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jiggy &mdash 11/30/07 - 06:05:34 PM
Thx Jig
There are 2 basses, one holding down the, well, the bass line, and the other just doing a meandering noodle. I had fun doing it, but it was tough to figure out how to mix it. Glad you liked.

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Passion &mdash 11/27/07 - 04:01:26 PM
I can hear it in this song. The verses were well placed and it sounds (from my limited speaker utilities) like a good full sound all around. I can see this song in videos.

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passion &mdash 11/30/07 - 06:14:28 PM
Thanks, I just listened to your new one. Passion is catching I think. Video's? Hmmmm. Man, if I only had 36 hours in a day....

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Great stuff! &mdash 11/27/07 - 08:36:00 PM
Awesome production, great mix, outstanding vox.

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Mr. B &mdash 11/30/07 - 06:17:38 PM
Thanks Joe. I appreciate the listen!

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Yes! &mdash 11/28/07 - 08:54:37 PM
You guys keep bringing some exciting stuff to us here at MJ. Time passes and I catch myself saying where is Steve's and Phil's next collab?

Cool rockin' tune, the lyrics are finely crafted as are the music and vocals
I like the steady heavy beat and the cello is complimentary to the overall sound...next please!

Keep 'em coming guys!

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collabs &mdash 11/30/07 - 06:24:59 PM
Tom,
When I joined MacJams, I had no plans, or idea that I would be collab-ing with people. This place has turned out to be a very fertile creative ground for me. I am very grateful for this extremely cool community and all the people here who have brought my music out of the dusty corner it was in for 20 years. (Except for SonnyJim, who was slaving away with me on tunes in the dusty corner all that time...)

Stay tuned for a new one with Steve and also one with Paddler that is in the works....

Cheers to you,
Philip

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Cool collab &mdash 11/29/07 - 03:59:05 AM
Great music and production - powerful stuff.

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LZ &mdash 11/30/07 - 06:19:40 PM
Thx Len.
Welcome to Macjams.
Looking forward to hearing your music.

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Great tune Racerat &mdash 11/30/07 - 12:15:29 AM
Love the whole thing, straight download for me. You did a really outstanding job on the mix in this and the music couldn't fit the song any better.

Thanks for sharing this one. Be well

Ed

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LOL &mdash 11/30/07 - 06:40:48 PM
Thanks for the listen Ed.
I am digging the fact that you D/L'd it. Your personal taste being more below the Mason/Dixon it seems (?) BTW, I just listened to your tune "Between the Whiskey and the Teardrops"! Glad you posted your fav's in your profile, it gave me a place to start....Genius. I am cracking up, great lyrics. You have some great recordist chops yourself. I will have to tour your back catalogue soon.
Cheers,
P

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I'm not really here &mdash 11/30/07 - 10:07:05 AM
but since I turned off my email alerts (as part of my Macjams detoxification effort), I very nearly missed this.
Big applause to Steve for stretching his distinctive voice and estimable delivery around Phil's sweet (dare I say, 'sentimental'?) music backdrop. There's a lot of not-so-obvious tension here, and it's beautifully mixed, too.
Great!

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LTNP &mdash 11/30/07 - 06:36:15 PM
Long-Time-No-Post,

I just thought you didn't love me anymore....sniff...sniff

Anxiously awaiting the return of the Master,
P

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greatness!! &mdash 11/30/07 - 06:29:42 PM
I love the voice on echoroom. the production is top notch. Im glad you finished this sketch. Thanks for sharing!

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gone? &mdash 12/02/07 - 06:13:58 PM
What is this I hear about your departure? Another rumor I am guessing....

Thx for poppin' in!

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right then &mdash 12/01/07 - 01:31:48 AM
a collab by my favorite 2 mjammers..how cool is that! what a great tune and mix....glad i found it! Very nice interplay and really strong song all around! downloaded immediately!

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DA &mdash 12/02/07 - 06:51:51 PM
Thx, we have a couple more in the pipeline! Stay tuned.

P

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Hey! Phillip and Steve! &mdash 12/01/07 - 04:38:24 AM
Was missing your wonderful collaberation - some musicians just click and you two are awesome together. [Mikey_D , Allen, and Chris' "Spirits" came out the same way] Phillip, your music is awesome, and it just filled the Bose's!!!, and Steve's lyrics yet again [different metaphors - fresh insightful images] just open up another take on living the experience - dealing with it - resurfacing the abyssal - exhaling fear/self doubt, and breathing in acceptance/peace. Guardian Angels - I have several of them here on MJs :-)
So, glad you're both back. :-) CJ [aka. Angel]

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CJ &mdash 12/02/07 - 06:49:58 PM
Thanks so much for the praise. Steve and I do click together it seems. Working with such an amazing lyricist and singer is really an honor. I have worked with another Mj'er and singer for over 20 years, SonnyJim, way before we both came to MJ. He is featured on many of my earlier submissions. Since we have come to MJ, both of us have branched out and an now playing with a broader group of talented people. SonnyJim's stuff in collaboration with Rueffy is amazing...

Steve is still nursing his wrist, and we are all hoping he makes a speedy recovery.

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right on &mdash 12/01/07 - 09:46:15 PM
this is one very hot tune.
The vocal is so strong and soulful.
I love the cello and well the whole production,
I love the great restrained energy
The fx on the vox and harmonies are outrageous.
hat great playing thruout
the heat is intense from this cooking tune
very intense
what a great performance from all




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right on &mdash 12/02/07 - 07:00:15 PM
Hey Mr. D, Thanks for the listen. Always happy when you lend an ear and leave feedback. I am totally grooving to your new one, "Miles Down" as I type. You just made my e-mail notification list with that one. Nice!

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overload &mdash 12/02/07 - 03:06:59 PM
Subtle, intricate and edgy. A sonic treat. Steve's vocal thread the backing trax perfectly. The effects were also very cool on the backing vox.

dig this very much..thx

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Karma &mdash 12/02/07 - 07:17:03 PM
Thanks for comin' by!

Yeah, mixing those bac vox effects was a learning experience to say the least. Getting them to cut through the mix, but not "overload" the ears was touchy!

Just checked out your new one, "Jimijam" very cool. Can't wait to hear what it evolves into with some vocals.



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Great lyrics &mdash 12/02/07 - 08:01:48 PM
and great build. Something quite Bowie-ish about this.

Nice work on the cello keyboarding all the way through, kept that intensity going. Loved that shout chorus in the background.

Nice job all the way around.




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Overwhelming &mdash 12/12/07 - 09:28:23 PM
This is a great song. It's got everything - the music and the lyrics match perfectly. I guess this is the real genius of the piece - two parts of the song written completely separately and yet it sounds as if it were done in partnership. Love the drama of the music, and the progressive build-up from those opening piano notes. Add the powerful vocal performance, and the evocative, resonant lyrics, and you have something superb. This is outstanding. Kudos to you both. Nice work. Peace.

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Cool Collab &mdash 01/20/08 - 01:07:18 PM
Almost had a Jeff Tate(Queensryche) feel on those vocals, just for a moment, enjoyable listen and quality music and production.

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tx ... fav / dl !! &mdash 02/29/08 - 04:12:53 PM
Great collab, so happy to hear You two together doing MUSIC : ) : ) ! Really great You 2 hope for lots more. . . Peace God Bless You Guys

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GREAT! &mdash 03/03/08 - 03:47:57 PM
Great song Philip and Steve. Loved your music work Philip here very much and as always the best Steve for the vocals. What an amazing collaboration projects you two are doing ?! Enjoyed every song you did.

Thanks a lot for sharing ..

Take Care
- Yeman A. Al-Rawi

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