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Keywords:
walk (12), away (18)
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Description:
I've been back at work .......... and this is how I feel about it! I hadn't expected to post a new song just yet, but this arrived at an opportune time.
Cobbled together while burning the midnight oil after work, the original idea for this came about quickly, as did the lyrics - the recording, mixing and mastering seem to have taken a lifetime.
The guitars are my trusty Seagull S6 (what a great guitar that's turned out to be) and my Tele, but you can read that in the "hardware" section.
This is one that really sounds better up loud.
Lyrics:
Walk Away
© Neil Porter 11/2007
I can’t do this any more
I can’t sell my restless soul this way
Just need to mend my breaking heart
I need to walk away
I need to walk away
Walk away
Just need to mend my breaking heart
I need to walk away
I’ve been down this road so many times
It seems to have a hold on me
Just a little longer out of water
And then I’ll walk away
And then I’ll walk away
Walk away
Just a little longer out of water
And then I’ll walk away
Look at me I’m back on the road again
Same old sleepy country towns
Same old empty sky
Looking in my rear-view mirror again
Trying to catch the warning signs
That have passed me by
In my broken bower once again
I listen to my beating heart
Nothing ventured, nothing gained
I have to walk away
I have to walk away
Walk away
Nothing ventured, nothing gained
I have to walk away
If I had my time again
I might not sell my soul
I’ve got this terminal reprise
And then I’ll walk away
And then I’ll walk away
Walk away
I’ve got this terminal reprise
And then I’ll walk away
Hardware:
Fender Telecaster
Fender Precision bass
Seagull S6 (etc) acoustic
Rode NT3 mic
Yamaha PSR-300 keyboard
Behringer Eurorack UB802 preamp/mixer
Software:
Logic Express
Ozone 3
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I &mdash 11/27/07 - 04:31:52 AM
really enjoyed this song. Beautiful chords, nice change of pace in the chorus. Thank you for sharing.
Frank. [ Reply to This ]
Glad you dropped by Frank &mdash 11/28/07 - 01:42:02 AM
Especially as I got to have a listen to your latest as a result. Also pleased you liked what you heard.
Neil [ Reply to This ]
Top notch &mdash 11/27/07 - 06:04:12 AM
performance and production - and writing! The time that's been spent on the mixing and mastering has really has paid off - sounds very good indeed - No nasty limiting or compression and very nicely balanced tonally. Good luck with your CD - if this is a example, it's going to be a high quality product.
Peter [ Reply to This ]
Cheers Peter &mdash 11/28/07 - 01:47:16 AM
Unfortunately this won't be on the CD - track choices had to be made well before I even thought of this one - but I'm hoping to do at least one more CD (you get a taste for it!), and this will be on it.
I've been listening closely to Jim Bouchard's production over the past year, trying to learn about how he gets dynamics without too much compression - he's the master, and I'm feeling like I'm getting somewhere with it.
Appreciate the comment Peter,
Neil [ Reply to This ]
Well Told &mdash 11/27/07 - 07:00:30 AM
Sounds like Studio work.
Great instrumentation, used sparingly - Perfect.
Especially like the Tele and the B3.
Vocals are nicely to the front of this very clean sonic package.
Top Notch.
Coop [ Reply to This ]
Cheers Coop &mdash 11/27/07 - 03:44:12 PM
I left the vocals alone after all - sometimes you have to let go :)
Thanks for the use of your ears,
Neil [ Reply to This ]
With the wind &mdash 11/27/07 - 07:41:23 AM
Tadashi my friend &mdash 11/28/07 - 02:36:08 AM
I walk away in April next year :)
Ysaek's colab with you is beautiful - a talented girl!
Neil [ Reply to This ]
Thanks for writing this song... &mdash 11/27/07 - 07:55:59 AM
...for me... As they used to say in sermon-writing circles, "it speaks to my condition"...
This is a good time to reflect on the progression of the jiguma sound. This sounds very full, but very simple. One track of everything, but just right. This is a direction I'd like to go, so I'm listening with a focused mind and big ears.
Ed [ Reply to This ]
Good to see you here again Ed &mdash 11/28/07 - 02:43:05 AM
I still had some things I wanted to do with this, but Coop convinced me to leave things be - he's good like that!
"Speaks to my condition" - I like that ..... I feel some lyrics building around it.
Us "old guys" (well me anyway) are at an interesting time of life when we have to make the decision on when we "pull the plug" ....... or walk away. I did it and went back - a mistake of significant proportions - but not for long. Timing, as they say, is everything!
I'm finding though that more songs come to me when I'm working despite having less time, so it has it's advantages. 3 more on the boil.
If you want guidance on production, listen carefully to Jim B's work - he's a guru.
Cheers,
Neil [ Reply to This ]
All thumbs... up! &mdash 11/27/07 - 11:48:45 AM
Thanks for an anthem for us guys who have been doing whatever for a bit too long. I like the dignified resignation in your voice and as expressed in the lyrics. Beautifully performed music, man.
Superb song...
D [ Reply to This ]
I really appreciate your comment Jack &mdash 11/28/07 - 03:56:04 AM
I had an especially difficult day at work last week and that was the time (well, the 2 days it took me at home to recover at least) that I did most of the tracks for this. My heart was TOTALLY in it!
I just love doing this stuff, and resent having to go to work each day because it interferes with making music.
Always appreciate your comments - Sojourner is on my short list :)
Neil [ Reply to This ]
WALK AWAY &mdash 11/27/07 - 12:01:16 PM
the combination between the acosutic and the oragn
at the back smoothly with you singin just give this
song the right passion to its lyrics .its just so
beautiful .I can see how the tele made those cool bits here and there man ! thnx alot for sharing [ Reply to This ]
Feter my friend &mdash 11/28/07 - 03:58:53 AM
Thank you for listening and your kind comments. I always enjoy seeing your name on the page and reading what you have to say. I hope that life is going well for you.
Peace,
Neil [ Reply to This ]
Excellent &mdash 11/27/07 - 12:35:07 PM
Yeah, you're a really good song writer. This is sweet, it just carries you away on the music. [ Reply to This ]
Cheers David &mdash 11/28/07 - 05:46:24 AM
There's something about a repetitive, percussive picked acoustic that transports you away. Thanks for your kind comment.
Peace,
Neil [ Reply to This ]
I'm getting... &mdash 11/27/07 - 12:51:01 PM
...more used to the sound of your voice and the way you form melodies. I like it - it's very distinctive.
The change up for the chorus's is great.
A triumph! (which I presume isn't on the CD? - will have to wait for the next one then :-))
ATB Phil [ Reply to This ]
Phil &mdash 11/28/07 - 05:58:10 AM
I'm also coming to terms with the sound of my voice, which, not that long ago I was quite shy about. No, it's not on the CD, but I suspect that for you, there are probably some songs on there you haven't heard.
I wasn't sure if the chorus should have been developed into a straight up, separate country song, but after a few astute suggestions from Coop, it fitted much better into the vibe.
Appreciate you listening and leaving a note.
Neil [ Reply to This ]
Smooooooth.... &mdash 11/27/07 - 01:26:18 PM
Good stuff Neil. Love the intro with that "Whiter Shade Of Pale" organ styling. Nice arrangement. Solid clean vocal delivery. Strong, punchy bass supporting the flowing acoustic guitar. Very pro. Ahh....wow bro, what a chorus! This could be one of your very best tunes! Bravo!
Be well!
Lethe (Song Of Er): http://www.macjams.com/song/37099 [ Reply to This ]
LOVED .. &mdash 11/28/07 - 02:02:40 PM
...... Whiter Shade Of Pale when it came out - couldn't believe my ears at the time!
Thanks for the positives Mike - the clarity comes as much from reducing the overall gain of each instrument in the mix before applying Ozone as anything.
Glad you liked it ,
Neil [ Reply to This ]
wonderful &mdash 11/27/07 - 02:06:54 PM
.. production and playing, totally top notch. Lovely world weary vocal, neil!
s [ Reply to This ]
Cheers Steve &mdash 11/28/07 - 02:23:44 PM
It's not just the vocal that's world weary ...... :)
Thanks for dropping by for a listen - always appreciate it.
Neil [ Reply to This ]
Amen &mdash 11/27/07 - 02:07:29 PM
my friend... What Neil said!!!... this captures perfectly where I'm at right now... I walk away in my head 2 or 3 times a day... in my head...
your production and layed back, understated performance add strength and weight to the work...
excellent [ Reply to This ]
Only 2 or 3 times ... &mdash 11/28/07 - 03:27:30 PM
a day?! It crosses my mind more often than that I have to admit (although of course I'm overplaying this - there are many good bits to the job I do).
Glad you nejoyed the song Scott.
Neil [ Reply to This ]
Elevensies!! &mdash 11/27/07 - 02:08:38 PM
Neil &mdash 11/27/07 - 02:14:22 PM
When I think of your dancey beginnings here at MJ listening to this, I have to smile a little.
Clean. That's the word I think of when I hear this. It applies to so many aspect. The words are simple and uncluttered, as is the arrangement and the finger-picking pattern, even as it fills out, you never get too crazy with it. Your vocal is really nicely performed and I love it that you have allowed yourself to come through here and really dropped back the f/x or doubling on your vox (as you've been doing for a while).
The production. Frankly, it makes me eat my heart out. I've listened to opening about six times now and just marveled. It sounds fantastic. [ Reply to This ]
:) &mdash 11/29/07 - 01:30:59 AM
Thanks Lisa for your comments. If it hadn't been for those early "dancey" posts, I'd have completely missed out on the whole MJ experience - who would have thought! I think the other big change has been a growing confidence in my voice, which lets me do simpler arrangements.
One of the really good things about doing the CD is that it's meant that I've had lots of time to learn about (and experiment with) production - compression, attack, release, reverb, and the joys of Ozone have become second nature, so I can focus more on the song itself, performance, playing etc. My words of wisdom regarding production are "get the bass and drums right and the other stuff falls into place".
Thankks again for the visit - always appreciated.
Neil [ Reply to This ]
this sounds &mdash 11/27/07 - 05:00:15 PM
great, and it's a lovely song. love all of the parts and your acoustic sounds great. is that mic'd or does it plug in? nice change when it gets to the chorus, completely unexpected and that tele is really nice too. this makes me want to go pick up ozone. does it drain your CPU? i only have a mac mini and wonder whether she could handle it. great job Jiguma. [ Reply to This ]
Thanks for the listen Michael &mdash 11/29/07 - 01:45:32 AM
The guitar is a Seagull S6 with a fancy internal miking system:
"The Godin EPM Quantum II acoustic guitar system provides outstanding sound reproduction and performance.
The Quantum II is a hybrid system combining an exceptionally responsive saddle transducer and high quality electret microphone in a simple, but very effective, configuration. The microphone capsule, specifically designed for use in this application, is mounted at the end of a 6 inch flexible boom integral to the side mount electronics. Four rotary controls adjust microphone presence / phase, overall volume, and saddle transducer bass & treble. Electronics and controls are packaged in an easy to use and logical format complemented with a finely crafted pewter cover plate.
Microphone signal can be added and blended either in phase or out of phase with the saddle transducer signal. This allows the user to cancel (or notch) potentially undesirable frequencies while accentuating others. This flexibility in combining signals results in outstanding clarity and richness of tone."
I sometimes record in stereo (with a Rode NT3 in the second channel), but this one was done just using the onboard electronics described above - ie I just plugged it in. The main problem with this setup is that with brand new strings it can be a little difficult to keep under control - saves buying new strings all the time :) I really like my Seagull. It suits my playing style really well.
Ozone does use a lot of CPU power, especially if you use the reverb section (which I do). I usually record all the tracks and get a reasonable mix without Ozone, and just add it at the end, then tweaking the mix a little. My current iMac is a G4 with 512Mb RAM - at times it's a little frustrating, but I manage OK.
Thanks again for your words and interest.
Neil [ Reply to This ]
very nice.... &mdash 11/27/07 - 06:27:46 PM
Neil - You sing and play wonderfully. I really enjoyed this song alot, and I could not walk away! You are very talented. Truly great job throughout and thanks for sharing with us. [ Reply to This ]
Gail &mdash 11/30/07 - 12:33:54 AM
Couldn't &mdash 11/27/07 - 06:31:14 PM
I couldn't walk away from this one. The lyrics really struck home. Fine performance.
Thanks
Bill [ Reply to This ]
Cheers Bill &mdash 11/30/07 - 12:36:16 AM
Looking at all the posts about this song, &mdash 11/27/07 - 07:20:46 PM
I can't think of anything else to say, except I love what you've done. The lyrics say it all, loud and clear. Everyone I've ever met has said at one time or another, "I wish I could just walk away". You've capture the essence of the human condition my friend, you truly have.
A wonderful song that is flawless in it's execution. Bravo Neil
Ed [ Reply to This ]
:) &mdash 11/30/07 - 12:38:53 AM
Great comment Ed - really appreciate it, and glad it spoke to you. Seems the topic was on target for a lot of people :)
Neil [ Reply to This ]
Yes! &mdash 11/27/07 - 08:23:17 PM
It's like reading another chapter in one of my favorite books; lyrics tell the tale and the music is like a warm room on a cold day. That change with the chorus is really effective. BTW good luck with the CD, I promise you I'm buying one.
Cheers mate,
Joe [ Reply to This ]
Joe! &mdash 11/30/07 - 05:21:47 AM
Glad to be a part of a favourite book of yours - "warm room on a cold day" - I like that!
Give the CD a special play for your 8 year old Joe - thanks for the ongoing support. I really appreciate it.
Neil [ Reply to This ]
Nice Neil &mdash 11/27/07 - 10:35:43 PM
As a practicing member of the "Raspies" I think you're vocal here is top notch.
Of course, everything played here is excellent as well. I can practically sense the dust kicking up from the road.
I think us older dudes deserve the right to also take naps in the afternoon at work. That's what I keep telling them. Hasn't worked so far though. [ Reply to This ]
Hey fellow Raspie! &mdash 12/01/07 - 12:28:30 AM
I'm all for afternoon sleeps too - just woke up from one in fact - although I too have less than understanding bosses :) Glad you enjoyed the tune - your litens are always appreciated.
Neil [ Reply to This ]
Fine post &mdash 11/28/07 - 02:36:33 AM
worthy of a future CD release.Who cannot identify with the words expressed here.Love the chorus change and overall flow.Just so sweet and fresh.Much enjoyed.
Blessings, [ Reply to This ]
Cheers Daniel &mdash 12/01/07 - 04:05:02 PM
I love doing this stuff, which probably keeps it fresh - the fact that although I've played bass on and off since I was a teenager, I've only taken up the guitar (and more significantly singing) in the last 3 years. Writing is also only a recently revived option.
Thenks for your interest.
Neil [ Reply to This ]
- &mdash 11/28/07 - 03:12:13 AM
I fully empaphize with the lyrics.And - I have indeed walked away on occasions.The job that took the biscuit last time was 9 hours a day rolling up lengths of string into tiny bags.After 3 years there I thought.'NO!' and quietly dissapeared at lunchtime,bought a can of beer and lay in the sun under a tree next to an old burnt out car and thought 'YES!'
Inspiring song!
RG [ Reply to This ]
I'm guessing .... &mdash 12/01/07 - 04:09:56 PM
.... we all have a "walk away" stiry to tell. Maybe a new competition :)
Thanks for listening Richard - your new song is a ripper.
Neil [ Reply to This ]
really cool &mdash 11/28/07 - 03:42:09 AM
nice playing and a great singing... This song is deep and sad.. The lyrics say it all... Lovely melodies [ Reply to This ]
Obrigado craft! &mdash 12/01/07 - 05:42:59 PM
I really appreciate your comments - thanks for listening.
Cheers,
Neil [ Reply to This ]
Great songwriting... &mdash 11/28/07 - 03:43:33 AM
Great writing, great performance, and a great texture. What strikes me - after about a year's absence - is how complete your sound has become in that time. It's that challenge of using familiar elements with originality. You've achieved a very complete vision... big congratulations. I especially like the way your voice sits on top of it without trying hard... [ Reply to This ]
Glad you're back ..... &mdash 12/01/07 - 10:45:44 PM
...... apart from anything else, because it's good to get a "now and then" perspective on where my songs have ended up - a "before and after" comment. In the year you've been away, I've probably posted lots fewer songs, and I've had more time than before to "do music", but rather than produce more songs, I've worked hard to try to write better and produce better too. Using Logic Express and the Ozone plugin (thanks to Steve Lang for heading me in that direction) has also made a big difference, but I think the main change has been that I'm more confident in pretty much all aspects of writing, recording, playing, singing, and mixing/mastering - especially singing!
Thanks for taking the time to have a listen and leave a comment William - much appreciated.
Neil [ Reply to This ]
sounds good &mdash 11/28/07 - 06:57:15 AM
You have become a master of producing good songs and your mixing/production skills seems to be very good. This one sounds very good coming through my spekers.
I like how you open this song with the sparsely arangement, letting the B3 get noticed.
I think it wouldn't hurt if a little point of interest appeared every now and then. Could be introduced in the form of another instrument that could deliver a counter melody every now and then.
The lyrics sounds like it could be coming from me... quite familiar with what you talk about here my friend:)
[ Reply to This ]
Hi Thor &mdash 12/03/07 - 03:16:53 PM
Thanks for listening and leaving a comment. You're probably correct about some little "motif" in the song - something I'll keep in mind for the next one.
Cheers,
Neil [ Reply to This ]
another winner! &mdash 11/28/07 - 08:38:05 AM
i really like that opening pattern in the intro - and the chord change at the first verse is brilliant. i can't believe the steadiness of that left panned guitar picking - WOW. the beautiful bass line is lovely.
chorus blossoms in a happy mood - and when we come back to the verse, it sounds a teensy bit more major than before.
excellent singing, passionate playing, gorgeous lyrics.
spoken "you won't see me anymore" - a nice touch.
outro is a work of art in and of itself.
neil, nothing left to do but bow low.
i am.
anne [ Reply to This ]
Anne!! &mdash 12/04/07 - 05:26:28 AM
I LOVE getting comments from you - always so positive and supportive.
3 new ones in the pot - I really hope at least one of them needs a girlie chorus :)
Cheers,
Neil [ Reply to This ]
girlie chorus &mdash 12/04/07 - 10:07:51 AM
Make that ... &mdash 12/09/07 - 05:39:32 AM
Yeah work URGH! &mdash 11/28/07 - 02:46:45 PM
Neil - this is a really great song. I have found that your songs really grow with plays (as all the best ones do). This is straight into the ipod with the rest.
Your playing and vocals are superb.
Cheers
Len
[ Reply to This ]
Sweet &mdash 11/28/07 - 08:36:56 PM
Good luck on the new album Neil, great stuff you got here totally pro sounds!
Cheers TW [ Reply to This ]
Excellent song &mdash 11/28/07 - 10:07:31 PM
This is great... &mdash 11/29/07 - 08:13:21 AM
...just makes me look forward to your new cd that much more. If this tune isn't on there, then you'd better start thinking about making another.
Wonderful tune. [ Reply to This ]
Excellent &mdash 11/29/07 - 11:37:38 AM
Everything from the drums to guitar to your singing. I know what your saying about the feelin of you gotta but why. Excellent change Brings hope to the overall feel! Thanks for sharing! [ Reply to This ]
Beautiful &mdash 11/29/07 - 12:11:03 PM
guitar work.Production is amazing.The middle country section is great.Your voice is perfect for this.You are playing with a capo on fret 2 right? [ Reply to This ]
Correct Bob! &mdash 12/06/07 - 02:32:35 AM
I can dig it! &mdash 11/29/07 - 07:10:31 PM
As one who has returned to work after a hiatus as well, I know well the frustration of not having as much time to spend on music lately. Which is why I am so late to the party, I didnt even have a chance to listen to this song until after many days. Hard to keep up with stuff sometime, and stay creative. This is really great. It seems like you've tamed your tendency to pump up the mix to the max, and I like this volume quite a bit. The guitars really breathe nicely. Everything is supa dupa! [ Reply to This ]
Jim &mdash 12/09/07 - 12:15:04 AM
I really appreciate your comments - you are a bit of a yardstick for me when it comes to production. It's finally reac | |
Frank.
[ Reply to This ]