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Description:
On a Saturday night I was tinkering around on the guitar with a capo. And this song came about in a matter of 15 or 20 minutes. So I recorded the whole music bed the next morning before I forgot it. Finally got around to adding the vocals last night.
Lyrics:
Stranger In Town
I stop the car I look around
trying to figure out this town
see the policeman fast a sleep
everyones staging one act pays
chorus:
I hide my face
as the stranger in town
rumors get around
I'm the stranger in town
it's that guy with the long blonde hair
what the hell is he doing here
bartender asks "new around here"
sure woke up this sleepy little town
chorus:
I hide my face
as the stranger in town
rumors get around
I'm the stranger in town
walk along the street of dreams
do i care what everyone thinks
so I laugh at the paranoia here
after all I'm the stranger in town
chorus:
I hide my face
as the stranger in town
rumors get around
I'm the stranger in town
I'm the stranger in town
I'm the stranger in town
Hardware:
iMac, Ibanez EW acoustic, Ibanez bass, m-audio oxygen keyboard and interface, condenser mike
Software:
Logic Pro 8
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Fine song &mdash 01/19/08 - 01:50:39 PM
I like the swaying melodies, the urgent vocal delivery and the guitar breaks bridge the verse and chorus nicely.
The lyrical theme fits the music bed well, and that mandolin 'like' guitar adds a really nice layer...Alienation is a common feeling amongst us all at somepoint in time and here you present it neutrally without overburdening emotions,
Really fine song, bravo Vic!!! [ Reply to This ]
Thanks Tom &mdash 01/20/08 - 12:26:50 AM
this is one of those type of songs that came about so rapidly. I think I was just hanging on by the edge of the fretboard. When I did the vocals it was kind of cold turkey. I ran through a few practice takes then a few record runs. my voice was shot by the time I got this final version. [ Reply to This ]
Thanks Tom &mdash 01/20/08 - 12:30:35 AM
I think I was hanging by the edge of the fretboard on this one. It came about very fast. Wish I had more days like that when turning around a song [ Reply to This ]
Stranger In Town &mdash 01/19/08 - 02:26:34 PM
Excellent sound bed and songs ..I dunno with what
this song reminds me its a deep classic with the
mix of the acoustic guitar with drums and bass
power to the theme .your singing is groovey as
ever ..man this is just cool ,thnx for sharin it ! [ Reply to This ]
Thanks Feter &mdash 01/20/08 - 12:34:24 AM
This is more stripped back then what I usually do. But I wanted to give a sense of emergency. Like the records recorded back in the '60's. [ Reply to This ]
Cool! &mdash 01/19/08 - 02:36:44 PM
i think it... &mdash 01/20/08 - 12:39:18 AM
.. was a moment of inspiration that created this. who would think something like a simple capo could energize the mind. Thanks for dropping in! [ Reply to This ]
Live &mdash 01/19/08 - 02:42:49 PM
Vic - this has a real live(ly) feel to it. Great guitar and a lovely poppy feel to this. reminds me lyrically of Strange Town by the Jam. This flows really well, and feels like springtime coming.
You know, you've such a distinctive voice, i really wonder what you look like! Strange. maybe ...
steve [ Reply to This ]
spring time, I wish! &mdash 01/20/08 - 12:46:44 AM
to much snow & too cold.
True I wanted to give a live sound. So a bit stripped back. Of course I guess you could say this is a shorter story take against Paul Wellers tune. A great song writer.
Don't worry I don't look strange, I only act strange. [ Reply to This ]
I wonder &mdash 01/25/08 - 11:34:48 PM
.. what MOST Macjammers look like .... (all these icons and cartoon images ... myself included) .... [ Reply to This ]
but, &mdash 02/13/08 - 10:21:23 PM
Nice one Vic! &mdash 01/19/08 - 02:57:07 PM
Love the little turnarounds (or in some cases "big turnarounds") you use here. Does sound live in some ways - another VC classic.
Neil [ Reply to This ]
Thanks Neil &mdash 01/20/08 - 01:04:57 AM
This came about as you have "a end of the couch type of song." It came immediately and I recorded the music bed the next morning to keep the spotanaity of it in check. maybe that gives it a live feel to it. How come that doesn't come all the time I'll never know. [ Reply to This ]
Those &mdash 01/19/08 - 05:43:25 PM
quick turnaround songs always seem to come out so fresh sounding. Fab guitar work and vocals. Sounds like you spent an age on the production (but I suspect you didn't) - you've obviously mastered that Logic Pro 8 (I'm still trying to get to grips with Garageband 4)!
Peter [ Reply to This ]
Thanks Peter &mdash 01/20/08 - 01:04:53 PM
and happy birthday!
This went rather smoothly. once I did one guitar track i would just go to the next, alter the eq on the guitars onboard preamp and let it fly. So I was pretty much hearing on the spot how it was sounding in its own space. [ Reply to This ]
Thanks Peter &mdash 01/20/08 - 01:06:35 PM
and happy birthday!
This went rather smoothly. once I did one guitar track i would just go to the next, alter the eq on the guitars onboard preamp and let it fly. So I was pretty much hearing on the spot how it was sounding in its own space. [ Reply to This ]
Paranoid-ville USA! &mdash 01/19/08 - 07:09:17 PM
Wow! Nice work Vic. Really enjoyed your capo'd acoustic bro. Nice vocal work as well...Still branching out and sounding great. Very pro!
Be well! [ Reply to This ]
Hey Mike &mdash 01/20/08 - 01:10:51 PM
the story is inspired from a old Andy Griffith Show episode and from a long time ago, while on a road trip stoping off at a bar in some crossroad bar. when i walked in everyone went silent and just stared. kinda funny really [ Reply to This ]
I know what you mean.... &mdash 01/20/08 - 03:57:11 PM
Back in the days when I had my hair and used to hitch-hike around the U.S.A., I would carry a short-hair WIG. Whenever thumbing through a redneck town I would put my hair in a ponytail, flip it up over my head, and put on my wig. That way I looked like Joe normal and no one would bother me! Still had a few close calls though... [ Reply to This ]
Sounds really good... &mdash 01/19/08 - 10:31:29 PM
I love hearing a more prominent acoustic guitar in there...acoustic guitars, really...and all those Harrison/Clapton descending hook licks...
And I really love the hooky chorus...
I'm very much enjoying what I'm hearing as a pop melodic sensibility, and maybe a stretch to have the melody break a little wider than usual... sounds that way, anyway...
Only tiny crit is one I struggle with myself, which is getting that crisp acoustic sound without getting that piezo bite when the pick bites down...
I really like this one...
Ed [ Reply to This ]
Thanks Ed &mdash 01/20/08 - 01:18:43 PM
I know what you mean about the piezo attack. I haven't figured out how to get around that by recording direct. I thought about miking it but the furnace keeps coming on and it's way to cold to shut that off. [ Reply to This ]
Right with you on that, Vic... &mdash 01/20/08 - 05:47:12 PM
I've got this lovely SILENT space heater here where I play and record...very well chosen, I thought...but when it kicks in the lights dim and I THINK this is the source of my recent power supply problems on the iMac...Sort of 'instant brown out'...
I'm messing with a direct out into a Yamaha MagicStomp Acoustic...
Sometimes one just can't wait until the house is quiet...
Ed [ Reply to This ]
Legatto &mdash 01/20/08 - 12:38:44 AM
Staccato, picasso, enough beer and its all tremolo. I once had a cat named arpeggio (true)
Your at the height of your powers here, no fluff and all go. Its funny how a little thing like a capo can get the creative juices flowing. I bought this little digital recorder so I wouldn't lose any songs. unfortunately I accidentally deleted the next stairway to heaven. Im glad you were able to capture this gem before it escaped to the ether.I enjoyed the several listens.
[ Reply to This ]
capos and alternate tunings.... &mdash 01/20/08 - 09:17:56 PM
can make you hear the guitar differently. i guess it's those little things that help.
dang, to bad about losing your monster rock classic. just think of all the beginning guitarist at all the guitar shops who would of had been playing your song and ultimately driving the employees crazy! i should probably write the chords and notes down the old fashion way. but wheres a pen when you need one. [ Reply to This ]
capos and alternate tunings.... &mdash 01/20/08 - 09:18:20 PM
can make you hear the guitar differently. i guess it's those little things that help.
dang, to bad about losing your monster rock classic. just think of all the beginning guitarist at all the guitar shops who would of had been playing your song and ultimately driving the employees crazy! i should probably write the chords and notes down the old fashion way. but wheres a pen when you need one. [ Reply to This ]
capos, who knew they... &mdash 01/20/08 - 09:20:28 PM
can make you hear the guitar differently. i guess it's those little things that help.
dang, to bad about losing your monster rock classic. just think of all the beginning guitarist at all the guitar shops who would of had been playing your song and ultimately driving the employees crazy! i should probably write the chords and notes down the old fashion way. but wheres a pen when you need one. [ Reply to This ]
stuck in staccato &mdash 01/21/08 - 08:18:50 PM
yeah capos can make you hear the guitar differently. i guess it's those little things that help.
dang, to bad about losing your monster rock classic. just think of all the beginning guitarist at all the guitar shops who would of had been playing your song and ultimately driving the employees crazy! i should probably write the chords and notes down the old fashion way. but wheres a pen when you need one. [ Reply to This ]
Quite a sound you get Vic &mdash 01/20/08 - 05:30:03 AM
Love the use of the acoustic guitars and the fact you still managed to get that wonderful full Holman sound without lots of effects.
Lyrics are excellent once again and the music reflects the uneasy position of the stranger.
Nice one.
Cheers
Dick
[ Reply to This ]
Thanks Dick &mdash 01/21/08 - 08:28:28 PM
I think the real effects are in my hands. there's a plug in for a 9 volt battery.
As usual and here as well I double track every guitar. I would play one track do a slight EQ on the guitar preamp, set it opposite in panning and play and repeat. thats a big part of the overall sound [ Reply to This ]
Wonderful sounds &mdash 01/20/08 - 02:06:52 PM
Thanks Len &mdash 01/21/08 - 08:34:11 PM
the whole process of this song went down pretty fast. sure would be nice to get more of those to flow so easily. [ Reply to This ]
right then vic &mdash 01/20/08 - 03:59:04 PM
nice rocker here.. love the free flow feel and u sound great on vox... very nice from the tires up!! [ Reply to This ]
you know... &mdash 01/21/08 - 08:40:15 PM
... i suprised myself near the end of recording how well the flow and bounce went. and here it is cold with snow. maybe I'm wishing for spring already [ Reply to This ]
love &mdash 01/21/08 - 01:58:37 AM
this song, it sounds great! the guitar work is really nice. Some of the best songs happen this fast. This is one of my favourites on here!
Adam [ Reply to This ]
Thanks much Adam &mdash 01/21/08 - 08:57:29 PM
I remember reading that The Beatles use to write some of their earlier tunes at night and record them the next day. Could be something to it. Maybe the energy level and while it's still fresh helps. who knows. [ Reply to This ]
I think this.... &mdash 01/21/08 - 11:24:28 AM
....might just be your best yet.
Exactly how many albums worth of material do you intend to upload this year????? [ Reply to This ]
ha ha! &mdash 01/21/08 - 09:01:27 PM
i don't know, maybe a double album set. or just an E.P.'s worth of tunes. I think it depends how motivated I feel this year. [ Reply to This ]
BRIGHT SOUND &mdash 01/21/08 - 01:51:30 PM
Top Production Values.
Fine Vocal Capture and Placement.
Really clear and immediate Soundstage.
Delivers an electric Energy - Vocal/Guitar/Snare
appreciation and regards,
Coop
[ Reply to This ]
thanks Coop &mdash 01/21/08 - 09:06:36 PM
Hopefully I suceeded in getting a bit of a live sound out of this. Most tracks were played straight through including vocals after 4 or 5 trail runs. my voice was shot after this vocal take. [ Reply to This ]
Nice tune Vic - great hearing the acoustic &mdash 01/21/08 - 08:27:42 PM
sounds like a twelve string. In the end of the break I hear a little hint of Classical Gas - remember that one? The drums on this baby are pretty impressive too - your production has really hit a new level. [ Reply to This ]
thanks Bud &mdash 01/21/08 - 09:13:12 PM
i double all the guitars and seperate there pan fields opposite of each other. that gives it a twelve string effect and fills it out a bit better. when i do the solo parts thats where i have to hold my breath and make sure i don't hit wrong notes. now that you mention the end it has a bit of a remenisent bit of classic gas or a extended fill ala "here comes the sun" [ Reply to This ]
Here Comes the Sun &mdash 01/22/08 - 08:16:57 AM
the cool thing &mdash 01/22/08 - 09:07:19 PM
about doubling parts is that they may at times be millseconds off getting a twelve string or a slight chorusing effect. [ Reply to This ]
! &mdash 01/22/08 - 10:31:14 AM
You come up with stuff like this in 15 to 20 minutes? I'm lucky if I can come up with a new song in 15 to 20 weeks.
You really have mastered those crisp guitar sounds, which have become your trademark. As usual they all stand out individually and blend together perfectly at the same time.
The vocals are fab! [ Reply to This ]
Thanks Rebsie &mdash 01/22/08 - 08:58:14 PM
sometimes songs come in spurts, right now i have around 3 in the works or i need to start on, other times there is a struggle to come up with something. most of the time I fiddle around and don't think to hard about it. that is until I start adding the different guitar parts to it. then I have to start paying attention. [ Reply to This ]
Victory! &mdash 01/22/08 - 02:19:56 PM
Byrd-ish, totally. Not you typical rock song. Has some unusual changes.
Have to say, Vic, your are truly one of the best and most consistent on the site. Prolific.
Never disappoint.
Dave [ Reply to This ]
thanks Dave &mdash 01/22/08 - 09:04:25 PM
i resisted very hard not to go beyond just the acoustics on this. even though there are 6 or seven of them.
Thanks Dave, looking forward to your next one! [ Reply to This ]
like the &mdash 01/22/08 - 02:55:40 PM
chords and how they a picked and all the synced terrific musical works.
Nice singing as well,. [ Reply to This ]
thanks Bill &mdash 01/22/08 - 09:27:46 PM
well I'm not as great at fingerpicking as you "the master" are. I have to rely on hybrid picking. the chords and riffs pretty much came instantly. I like it when that happens. [ Reply to This ]
loving this &mdash 01/22/08 - 03:12:29 PM
i just got back into town (thus the delayed response). this is great Vic, I love the simplicity of it. i love your more layered stuff, but this just cuts to the bone. that capo'd guitar is really nice and bright sounding. this could be a lost Love song. great job. [ Reply to This ]
hey Michael &mdash 01/22/08 - 09:34:59 PM
i was kicking back and started diddling around and this came like that. i thought that was fast. Then i got to thinking how the song "help" was written in one night and John came in with it the next morning and the band recorded it that day. I thought it would be something to try that approach. but I didn't have to add vocals til several days later. [ Reply to This ]
i have a cat named MIDI &mdash 01/22/08 - 09:47:27 PM
(really, MIDI. short for Midnight...)
lots of great things happening here.
i really really like that arpeggiated thing (like at the closing)
you really captured that "live" feel.
thanks [ Reply to This ]
Thanks Bill &mdash 01/23/08 - 08:09:13 PM
I have a cat named rico, it's short for "I'll shred anything and everything"
dialing in different levels of reverb helped for some livelyness and just keeping it to acoustics probably didn't hurt either. [ Reply to This ]
Holie What the &mdash 01/23/08 - 08:04:09 PM
Outstanding first off! The best Vic ever there I said it, or until the next one. Some of the changes are very complex. Your singing is perfect in this! 10 thumbs up! [ Reply to This ]
sure is... &mdash 01/24/08 - 09:01:59 PM
....a 180 from our collab, huh?
thought I'ld throw different things out now and then.
[ Reply to This ]
Cool... &mdash 01/24/08 - 07:44:53 AM
...amazing how such wonderful music can just come out like that. Like it's just been waiting...
Love your picking on this one (and many others, for that matter)...
:) [ Reply to This ]
Thanks Bob &mdash 01/24/08 - 09:08:12 PM
the other night i started playing around with a alternate tuning. and once again something came out of it. but, I won't be able to record that for a week or two.
Sometimes little things motivate the synapses. [ Reply to This ]
Vic &mdash 01/27/08 - 09:30:50 PM
Sometimes the most spontaneous efforts yield the best results. This is great imagery Vic. The vocals are really accessible; I mean the levels are just right to understand the words easily and they still have a nearly perfect balance with the other instruments. In other words, they sound really good. Great guitar playing BTW.
Respect,
Joe [ Reply to This ]
thanks Joe &mdash 01/31/08 - 08:38:39 PM
I was "in the moment " and set aside a different song or two, in order for this to feel fresh and live.
Thanks again for the listen! [ Reply to This ]
Hey Petty.... &mdash 02/13/08 - 02:00:58 PM
Caught your half time performance @ the Super Bowl - You were awesome dude!!! : ) [and that's all I caught of the Superbowl - too busy watching "The Last Waltz" (The Band) w/ John David.] Yep, CJ's head over heels in love. : ) Stranger in town...hmmm... looks a bit familiar - maybe a bit like Kenny Wayne : ) [ Reply to This ]
darn &mdash 02/13/08 - 10:23:43 PM
You mean I missed myself?
Hey, I'm super-glad for you, that alls going good! [ Reply to This ]
Great! &mdash 03/03/08 - 08:24:00 AM
One of your very best songs Mr. Vic, this is truly amazing. It's kinda of the short piece you ever post 2:50 min. but what a great 2 minutes ... great piece by all means Mr. Vic ... Downloaded!
Take Care
- Yeman A. Al-Rawi [ Reply to This ]
thanks Yeman &mdash 03/08/08 - 11:52:58 AM
true, sometimes songs have to be short in some cases. Or I was to lazy to extend it. lol
I'm glad you appreciateed it. [ Reply to This ]
I feel like that &mdash 03/08/08 - 01:28:29 AM
I feel like the stranger in my own town every day of my life, so this song really resonates with me. Good one! Thanks for sharing!
Stacey [ Reply to This ]
thanks Stacey &mdash 03/08/08 - 11:58:15 AM
I'm sure everyone at times, feels out of place. If I'm in that situation I always think how uncomfortable I make everyone else feel with my presence. It levels the playing field. :-) [ Reply to This ]
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The lyrical theme fits the music bed well, and that mandolin 'like' guitar adds a really nice layer...Alienation is a common feeling amongst us all at somepoint in time and here you present it neutrally without overburdening emotions,
Really fine song, bravo Vic!!!
[ Reply to This ]