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Description:
It's easy to lose your way
Lyrics:
Astray
What did you think I wanted
When I said I wanted you?
Who did you think I was talking to?
You wear too many faces
You tell too many lies
You’ve made yourself look wrong in
Too many people’s eyes
Then you hit the road
You think you’re on your way
But the night is cold
And you’ve been led astray
What did you think I thought when
You said I’ve gotta move?
Who did you think you were talking to?
You leave too many traces
Believe too many lies
You’ve seen your own reflection
In too many people’s eyes
The ground beneath your feet
Will freeze and turn to stone
The circle will complete
And leave you on your own
The ground beneath your feet
Will freeze and turn to stone
The circle will complete
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Great start &mdash 01/01/08 - 06:55:39 PM
to the new year! Another excellent post. Your voice sounds excellent - nice harmonies. Very solid playing. I think that there might be too much limiting/compression somewhere as there does seem to be some pumping (especially on headphones). Tonally, it sounds very nicely balanced.
Happy 2008!
Peter [ Reply to This ]
Hi Peter and thanks &mdash 01/01/08 - 09:33:06 PM
for stopping by and commenting. I am always eager to hear what you think. Thanks for the kind words about the song. This is one that came quickly and I decided to just do it and post it rather than spend months tweaking and second-guessing myself about how it could/should sound. As always, you have a great ear for sound, and now you mention it, I too can hear the over-compressed sound you're talking about. Not quite sure exactly how I did that, but I'll try to remedy it in future mixes. Thanks again, and Happy New Year! Peace. [ Reply to This ]
gentle slope &mdash 01/01/08 - 07:51:46 PM
love the vocal and props to you on the backing parts as well. Its got a great vibe. Like the pic! Is that a road or ski slope ? :-) [ Reply to This ]
Thanks, dude &mdash 01/01/08 - 09:53:55 PM
Glad you enjoyed it. That's a picture of a path by a lake near my home. I took it back in 2002, back when I still entranced by the snow here in Minnesota. I dug it out when I was posting this song, just 'cos I thought of a path and going astray, and all that obvious stuff! Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to listen and comment. I appreciate it. Peace, and a Happy New Year. [ Reply to This ]
What a pleasant... &mdash 01/01/08 - 08:04:55 PM
... sounding song. Very warm, guitars and vocals flowing in and out with one another. The I listened the more I liked it. The lyrics seem more "sad" and yet they work well with the somewhat upbeat tune.
Kudos [ Reply to This ]
Thank you very much &mdash 01/01/08 - 11:07:54 PM
for your kind words. I'm really glad you liked the interplay between voice and guitar - I spent some time trying to get the mix right so neither one dominated. I guess the lyrics are kind of sad. This is one of those songs that's (hopefully) internally coherent, but not necessarily referring to anything "out there". I write a lot of personal songs, but this one just kind of grew out of a couple of phrases. I hope it makes some kind of sense to someone. Thanks for taking the time to comment. I really appreciate it. Peace, and a Happy New Year. [ Reply to This ]
Nice piece of songwriting. &mdash 01/01/08 - 10:11:38 PM
Love the lyrics,your harmonies and that warm gentle flow of the song.A very solid piece of production and performance.What are those suttle cowbell/block sounds I'm hearing?Well done and much enjoyed. [ Reply to This ]
Thank you, dude &mdash 01/02/08 - 06:17:52 AM
Really glad you liked the song, and thank you very much for the kind words about the songwriting. This is one that came quickly, and I tried to get it down fast before it disappeared! Not sure about the block sound - certainly nothing I added, although I wonder if it's the interchange between the effect on the guitar in the break and the drums? Either way, glad you like it. Thanks for taking the time to listen and comment. I appreciate it. Peace. [ Reply to This ]
smooth &mdash 01/01/08 - 10:13:25 PM
Wow! Really smooth on so many levels. I hear the pumping Peter is talking about, but that may be an easy settings fix on a quick re-master. The first thing that strikes me is the sweetness of the vocal tracks, crisp shiney without any sibilance. The reverb on them is perfect, lush, but not too big. The guitars are also really well recorded and placed in the mix. The overall mix is really well balanced, everything has it's place. Fav'd and D/L'd
Philip [ Reply to This ]
Thanks, Philip &mdash 01/02/08 - 06:30:32 AM
for your listen and your detailed comment. Glad you liked the sound on the vocals - I spent more time on it than usual, just because that opening line is just the main vocal track, leaving it exposed to more scrutiny than my vocals usually are! Loved your latest, by the way - a real rocker. Thanks again. I appreciate it. Peace. [ Reply to This ]
Fine song ... &mdash 01/02/08 - 12:13:35 AM
.. fine lyrics, they stand out. I too like the general smoothness and flowing/drifting, well sung.. and makes for good use of that 'ay' 'eh' quiet and soft, breathy end of chorus harmonies, gave me a sense of Blue Oyster Cult and others I thought of while listening were B. Ferry and Moody Blues, in shades of.
The chord changes are very nice too and the way the vocal carries you over from previous section to next is a large part of the smooth appeal for me.
The compression is the only small nit mix/production wise ..does sound used overall on the track and seems to worse affect the drums- otherwise it was working to even out the vocals and guitars, bass etc ie. the more constant instruments but the shorter beats coming and going rapidly are (I think) what is giving that slight pulsing effect. Shouldn't be that hard to fix. [ Reply to This ]
Thank you, brother &mdash 01/02/08 - 06:42:16 AM
for the nice words about the song in general, and the lyrics in particular. As I mentioned above, they just kind of emerged from a couple of lines, telling some kind of story I suppose. Who knows where these things come from, sometimes. The backing vocals were something new for me. I've done harmonies, but my voice is not good enough or strong enough to really execute those long "Aah..." sounds etc - or so I've always told myself. But then I decided, to hell with it, I'll give it a shot and see what happens. It took a lot of redos and dropins, but I think it just about works. Thanks for noticing, and thank you for the detailed comment. I appreciate it. Peace. [ Reply to This ]
Another winner &mdash 01/02/08 - 01:44:19 AM
I kinda hear what the guys say about the compression (good learning point for me), though I woulnt have been able to nail what it was!
Song-wise, you're really flowing and posting some great work - your vocals especially have really ramped up on the songs you've posted recently, sounds like you've had a new lease on life or something!
I really look forward to your posts and they never disappoint.
steve [ Reply to This ]
Hey, Steve &mdash 01/02/08 - 08:30:46 AM
Thanks a million for the comment. Glad you liked the song. "New lease on life"? Maybe. I certainly feel the creative juices flowing. Long may it continue - however variable the quality! The thing about the compression is a great example of what I love about this place (well, one of the things I love about this place) - I could have listened to this song a hundred times, maybe noticed something wasn't quite right, but never have been able to figure out what was wrong. The good ears of MacJammers prevail again. It's a big learning curve, but what a satisfying journey...Thanks again for taking the time. I appreciate it. Peace. [ Reply to This ]
dajama &mdash 01/02/08 - 12:29:12 PM
this is a great song. the guitars sound so nice together, and your vocal part is perfect. what did you use for your guitar set up on this one? it sounds really nice. i think we talked about this before, but I used to live in Minnesota (dad's family is all from there). it's funny you say "when you were still entranced by the snow," as I would never have written such a warm and lovely song if it was inspired by snow; it probably would have been harsh and alienating. that says to me that you're a "glass half full" kind of guy. great job. [ Reply to This ]
Hey Michael &mdash 01/02/08 - 06:08:54 PM
Thanks for your comment - delighted you like the song. The guitar setup is pretty straightforward (to say the least...) There are 4 acoustic guitar tracks on here, each recorded with a Shure SM58 wired into a Behringer UB502 mixer, on into a Behringer FCA202 Firewire interface and then into the iMac. (The guitar in question is an Alvarez my wife used to use for High School guitar lessons.) The electric is a Maya (Don't ask me - it was cheap!) and is hooked up through the same mixer and Firewire interface. I don't have an amp (it's next on the list along with near-field monitors!) so all effects are messing around in GB. Works for me. As for the snow - the picture was taken a while back. I have to say, I no longer find the snow that fascinating! Glad you stopped by. I always enjoy your comments and feedback. Peace. [ Reply to This ]
Nice overlay singing, has &mdash 01/02/08 - 04:55:45 PM
that dreamy sound. You have a radio friendly voice with good texture vocally. Like how you trill your voices in sections to give a nice pop feel. Good use of percussion, like the fact that it doesn't surpass the vocal. Like the humming sound of the voice, doesn't always go over in tunes but very effective here.
Way go go! [ Reply to This ]
Thank you, thank you &mdash 01/02/08 - 09:25:52 PM
for your very kind words about the vocal performance on this. I lack confidence in my singing and this is high praise indeed. Glad you liked the way everything was balanced. I struggle to get the balance between drums (which I love to have a real presence in a song, but don't want to overwhelm everything else) and the other instruments and vocals. I really appreciate your taking the time to stop by and comment in so much detail. Many thanks. Peace. [ Reply to This ]
Killer intro... &mdash 01/02/08 - 06:03:18 PM
Thank you, dude &mdash 01/02/08 - 09:39:17 PM
I appreciate your taking the time. I'd love to think I have the touch! I think I'd settle for not sucking too badly! Just been listening to your latest, by the way - very cool rocking tune. Nice one. Thanks again for stopping by and commenting - I appreciate it. Peace. [ Reply to This ]
Your &mdash 01/02/08 - 06:19:09 PM
voice is sounding really great these days, maybe because you've got it higher in the mix. You always do good lyrics and nice tunes and this one stands out. Cheers M [ Reply to This ]
Thank you, friend &mdash 01/02/08 - 09:42:56 PM
Glad you liked it, and happy you enjoyed the singing on this one. Maybe the vocal is higher in the mix - perhaps a sign that (on some subconscious level) I'm gaining in confidence in my voice. Maybe. Thanks for stopping by and commenting, Maurice - I appreciate it as always. Peace. [ Reply to This ]
Really like your voice here David &mdash 01/02/08 - 07:01:23 PM
Nice song - beautiful vox and good playing. Extra clear production works really well. I hear some pumping which I notice others have already commented on - probably easily fixed. This seems to be a really strong move in a positive direction for you for the new year - I hope they keep coming this good.
Cheers,
Neil [ Reply to This ]
Hey there &mdash 01/02/08 - 09:46:36 PM
Glad you liked this one. I always appreciate your comments - you have a good ear, and are kind enough to lend it! Yeah, that "pumping" is there alright. I'm really a novice at doing anything other than mixing the tracks so everything is at the right level. Everything else is mysterious and weird to me. But I'll keep at it, and hopefully reach a point where I can call myself satisfied with the results. We post and learn. Thanks again. Peace. [ Reply to This ]
Posting and learning ... &mdash 01/03/08 - 03:35:53 AM
awesome! &mdash 01/02/08 - 08:32:35 PM
Awesome tune and mix. I took a peek at your profile to check out your toy box...did you use the SM58 for the vocals on this tune? Nice sound! [ Reply to This ]
Hey, dude &mdash 01/02/08 - 09:56:04 PM
Glad you stopped by to check this one out, and flattered by your comments. Yes, that's the SM58 - the only mic I have! I use it for vocals, and acoustic guitar. I'm glad you like the sound. Welcome to the neighborhood. I look forward to hearing your stuff - do you have anything on the way? Thanks again. Peace. [ Reply to This ]
thanks.. &mdash 01/03/08 - 05:41:09 PM
..for the welcome. Yes, I'm working on a few projects to post, but I need a mic to put down the vocals. I've been considering the SM58, but also thinking about the USB Samson condensers. Probably end up with both. Funny, this was supposed to be a "cheap" way to fill some of my free time :-0 [ Reply to This ]
music has a nice uptempo feel &mdash 01/02/08 - 10:00:06 PM
really like the shiny bright guitars. vocals excellent lead and backing (very nicely done). Your on a good roll. [ Reply to This ]
Thanks, man &mdash 01/03/08 - 06:17:33 AM
I appreciate the comment. There are quite a lot of guitars on here, and I'm glad the effect ended up bright and shiny and not muddled and messy! Thanks again for taking the time. May the roll keep on rolling. Peace. [ Reply to This ]
I really &mdash 01/03/08 - 07:06:02 AM
like the way the chords in the verse are unresolved-you don't hit the G chord till the chorus.Also ending it unresolved is very cool.
Of course your vocals are excellent.Can't comment on compression etc. I don't know much about recording, but this is a great song! [ Reply to This ]
Thank you very much &mdash 01/03/08 - 03:56:51 PM
I'm happy you liked the song, and i'm intrigued by your comments about the chord progression. That's the type of thing I rarely think about consciously - I tend to just go bby ear, and by what seems to work at the time. It's fascinating for me to have someone as musical as yourself listen to this and offer such perceptive comments. I appreciate your taking the time. Peace. [ Reply to This ]
Imagery, Poetry, Emotion, Music &mdash 01/03/08 - 10:37:58 AM
Wow, I guess I have been in a cave! My first feelings are of re-discovery. That there could be such wonderful and original music just out there . . . the way music used to be . . . Your music goes beneath the surface on every level and I love the fact that you illustrate the song with photos (although the imagery in the song is plenty enough on its own). You have a unique style of painting with your songs and a presentation to match. Great stuff! [ Reply to This ]
Wow, I'm really flattered &mdash 01/03/08 - 04:08:06 PM
by your kind words. I really enjoyed your first post, and I'm delighted you found this one to your liking. I think you'll find this is a great place, filled with remarkable people, who are not only talented, but also very generous with their time, their experience, and their "ears"! It's a groovy place; glad you found us! Thanks again for taking the time to stop by and comment. I appreciate it. Peace. [ Reply to This ]
~ &mdash 01/03/08 - 11:57:27 AM
Thank you, friend &mdash 01/03/08 - 04:04:14 PM
I'm glad you liked it. Really enjoyed your last one, too. Another on the way? Hope so. Thanks for stopping by and taking the time. I appreciate it. Peace. [ Reply to This ]
wow...right then &mdash 01/03/08 - 12:55:43 PM
i loved this one....lyrics outstanding and all instruments executed and positioned very nicely. you've got a gift and my ears are grinning and thanking you. well done! [ Reply to This ]
Now that's what I call &mdash 01/03/08 - 05:02:13 PM
praise! I'm extremely happy that this song could bring such good feeling. What else could you possibly ask of music? Glad you enjoyed it. I'm still tripping over your latest. I think I'm going to try to put something on that (if you'll have me, that is...) Thank again. Your comment gave me considerable cheer. Peace. [ Reply to This ]
smoooth &mdash 01/04/08 - 01:44:05 AM
very smooth production. love the instrumental. Sometimes you swallow the ends of words a little which makes some words a little hard to pick up. Something about the bridge sounds a little weird in my headphones. kinda muddled or something. Maybe thats the compression Peter was talking about?
Otherwise a lovely rock ballad. The lyrics are very powerful. Poetry really.
Keep sending us music! [ Reply to This ]
Hey dude &mdash 01/04/08 - 06:18:01 AM
Thanks for stopping by and commenting. Glad you liked the song, and thanks for the detailed comment. I know what you mean about some of the words - something to watch in future recordings. The muddled sound you're talking about is, I think, the compression that causes that "pumping" Peter and others talk about. I'm still on that learning curve as far as mastering goes. I'll get there (he said hopefully...)! thanks again. I really enjoyed your latest. Peace. [ Reply to This ]
David! &mdash 01/04/08 - 02:10:46 PM
Glad you're back in the saddle bro.
An excellent post this. Nice concept. Clean production. Exceptionally good vocals and vocal harmonies. Three thumbs up!
Be well friend! [ Reply to This ]
Hey man &mdash 01/04/08 - 05:16:06 PM
How's it going? Long time, no hear. Glad you could stop by and take a listen here, and glad you liked my efforts. When can we expect your sabbatical to end? Congrats on the anniversary again, and Happy New Year. Peace. [ Reply to This ]
Happy New Year &mdash 01/04/08 - 02:40:09 PM
Thought it was warm and sunny down under at this time of year.
You reminds me of someone, but I just can't put my finger on it, I'll let you know when I do.
Great sound on this, too, before I forget.
Good to be back, Great to have you back.
Dave [ Reply to This ]
Thank you, man &mdash 01/07/08 - 06:17:44 AM
Glad you liked the song, and happy you think the whole thing has a good sound. I'd love to hear who you think I sound like - I've heard some interesting (and very surprising) comparisons! I'm actually in Minnesota, by the way (which explains the snow and bitter cold!) but I would love to spend the winter in the southern hemisphere, especially these days when there's a bit of a thaw, and stepping out of a car usually involves stepping into a pile of slush! Good to have you back, man. Thanks again. Peace. [ Reply to This ]
Sorry 'bout the down under &mdash 01/13/08 - 04:45:54 PM
You must be f----- cold there. Between a Petty and a Orbison. You could have been in the Traveling Wilburys, let's just say.
Dave [ Reply to This ]
excellent song &mdash 01/06/08 - 08:36:42 AM
Thank you very much &mdash 01/07/08 - 06:26:07 AM
for stopping by and commenting. Glad you like the song, and happy you think the words work. I'm looking forward to your next one. Thanks again. Peace. [ Reply to This ]
You're rapidly becoming... &mdash 01/06/08 - 01:24:04 PM
...one of my favorite MacJams songwriters...
There are so many great instrumentalists and great recordists/MIDI-ists around here, and I sometimes get hungry for people who have a great feel for the actual songwriting bit, setting a distinctive lyric against a distinctive melody...
You've got a touch of Brian Ferry in some of the cadences here, even though the main feel could be folk-rockish or pop-rockish in the mode of Crowded House...
This is the sort of tune that makes me want to run to my own guitar... I guess the word for that is 'inspiring'...
Ed [ Reply to This ]
My work here is done &mdash 01/07/08 - 06:37:59 AM
if I've managed to encourage you to run and pick up your guitar! Speaking of which...when can we expect to hear some new music from you; it's been a while, hasn't it? I'll be keeping my eyes peeled.
Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to listen here, and comment in so much detail. I'm very flattered by your kind words about my songwriting; you put me in exalted company. There are so many talented people here! One of the great things about that, I think, is that you are constantly prompted to raise the bar on your own work. I'm truly glad you enjoy some of the things I post here. My enforced absence over the late Summer and Fall seems to have led to a flood of new ideas over the past few weeks, which I'm kind of struggling to keep up with. Now, that's what I call a good complaint!
I always appreciate your comments and your support. Thanks again. Peace. [ Reply to This ]
Astray &mdash 01/06/08 - 02:46:04 PM
very nice guitar work here .your singing here
top and flavoured and just awesome .sure the
lyircs brough very nice images .I just found
this a superb fine work my friend .KUDOS !! [ Reply to This ]
Wow, Feter &mdash 01/07/08 - 06:48:14 AM
Thanks so much for your kind words. I'm delighted you found this one enjoyable. Glad you liked the words, and the guitar work. I'm especially flattered by your kind words about the singing! I appreciate your comments. Many thanks. Peace. [ Reply to This ]
Nice vocals! &mdash 01/08/08 - 12:08:32 PM
Thanks Doug &mdash 01/08/08 - 09:36:17 PM
I appreciate your kind words. Glad you liked the vocals, and the style! Not too often I get accused of having style! Cheers. Thanks again for taking the time. Peace. [ Reply to This ]
Excellent! &mdash 01/11/08 - 08:31:14 AM
This is a superb song. Great rhythm, great playing - super great lyrics supported by excellent vox. Loved it! [ Reply to This ]
Thank you, dude &mdash 01/13/08 - 09:11:20 PM
Glad you liked it. Your words flatter me. I really appreciate your taking the time to stop by, listen and comment. I really enjoyed your last one and I'm looking forward to your next piece. Cheers. Peace. [ Reply to This ]
Kudos! &mdash 01/12/08 - 09:43:58 PM
David,
This one had me at the word "What". This is haunting and captivating and just all around #1. This is the type of song that people will remember based on what was happening in their relationship at the time (I mean its that foundational and grabbing, like when the guy in the movie just got his heart smashed, this is the song I would use as he's driving home in the rain). You have a most unique and inviting style on this song. The production is also excellent! I will learn a lot from you man. Thanks for sharing this with us. [ Reply to This ]
Thank you, Stephen &mdash 01/13/08 - 09:27:05 PM
I really appreciate your taking the time to make such detailed comments (and therefore having listened so carefully - what better compliment can you give a song!) and your kind words are the kind of thing that makes the effort of creating these songs worthwhile. I truly believe that the magic of music (and certainly of any song i.e. something with words) is that it connects with the listener, and may mean something to them - perhaps even something that you may not have even conceived of when you wrote the song. That you see that universality in this means a lot. I appreciate it. Peace. [ Reply to This ]
Very nice &mdash 01/13/08 - 12:28:45 PM
I like the lyrics and they are well sung. The music is really nice and pleasant to listen to. Well done, its a lovely track. [ Reply to This ]
Thank you, dude &mdash 01/13/08 - 09:33:10 PM
I'm glad you enjoyed this. If it gives pleasure, I feel satisfied. Thanks for stopping by. Peace. [ Reply to This ]
There's that hip sound &mdash 01/17/08 - 12:43:55 AM
You move thru the chords so fluently.
Again in this tune I am imagining more vocals as i listen
You have such cool ideas with the vocals
and great vox
if only i could sing as well as u, as consistently as you do.
I'd be pro
great tune
[ Reply to This ]
Thank you, man &mdash 01/17/08 - 10:18:37 AM
You are way too kind! I just sing out an inability to not sing! I really don't think too much of my voice. But it makes me feel good, and if others enjoy it, that's a real pleasure. Glad you liked the song. Thanks for taking the time to go back and investigate this one. I appreciate it. Peace. [ Reply to This ]
Excellent lyrics! &mdash 03/06/08 - 11:00:07 PM
Loved the theme. Music was great. The vocals perfect. This one's a keeper. Thanks! [ Reply to This ]
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Happy 2008!
Peter
[ Reply to This ]