MacJams.com - Issyk-Kul

Issyk-Kul by lengold [Email]

Genre: Alternative Rock

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Keywords:

issyk-kul (1), kyrgyzstan (2), lake (9)

Description:

My wife and her family are always very pleased when I mention Kyrgyzstan in my songs and are convinced that I could be a star there. (I don't think so).
Anyway, this is a song about the second largest Alpine Lake in the world which is situated there. I have visited it during my holidays three times and it really is the most beautiful place I have ever seen. It is surrounded by mountains and even in the summer when temperatures can reach 36 degrees C the tops of the mountains have snowy topped peaks.
Issyk-Kul means 'the lake that never freezes' and the Mountains are part of the Tian Shan range but are also known as the Celestial Mountains. The water actually changes colour depending on the time of day and the position of the sun and it is crystal clear.
When I did a search for some facts I could not believe that someone had actually recorded the water from Issyk-Kul and posted it on The Freesound Project:
http://freesound.iua.upf.edu/samplesViewSingle.php?id=17650
so an enormous thanks to thoschi - I just had to use it.
Here is a link to a bit more on Issyk-Kul if you are interested:
http://www.fantasticasia.net/?p=136
Maybe we'll see you there one day. Hope you like it.

Lyrics:

It's Strange, Unusual
This Place Called Issyk-Kul
A Lake That Never Freezes
In Celestial

Issyk-Kul Issyk-Kul Issyk-Kul Issyk-Kul
Issyk-Kul Issyk-Kul Issyk-Kul Issyk-Kul

It's the Soul of Kyrgyz
The People Believe
From Near and Far
The Sun to Receive

Issyk-Kul Issyk-Kul Issyk-Kul Issyk-Kul
Issyk-Kul Issyk-Kul Issyk-Kul Issyk-Kul

The Pearl of Central Asia
The Water Colours Change
I Have to Go Back
It's Unusual, Strange

It's Strange, Unusual
This Place Called Issyk-Kul

Hardware:

G5 2.5DP
Technics Digital Ensemble PR300
PRS copy Guitar
Washburn Accoustic
M-Audio Keystation 49e
Sontronics STC-2
M-Audio Fast Track Pro Interface

Software:

Garageband 4
M-Tron Plug-in
Addictive Drums
Tone Heaven

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Good &mdash 02/22/08 - 03:53:53 PM

Very cool.... Oops here we go wow like this my friend I writhe when I listen... And have some beers too... Cheers.
I don't know any of the lake but I know you have done a very good song my friend.
Thanks for this one.
Cheers again and take good care of you and your wife.
---
Kenta

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Thanks &mdash 02/23/08 - 06:31:32 AM

as always Kenta - have a few beers for me and you take care of your wife too.
Cheers
Len

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Lovely &mdash 02/22/08 - 04:23:46 PM

The lake is lovely. And the song is entrancing. My daughter spent the summer nearby in Tajikistan. Surprisingly beautiful country at the top of the world!

Thanks
Bill

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Very nice &mdash 02/23/08 - 06:34:12 AM

of you to visit Bill and very pleased you liked the song. I bet your daughter had quite an adventure there. I would love to hear more. They really are fascinating countries.
Cheers
Len

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Issyk-Kul &mdash 02/22/08 - 04:35:03 PM

now this is impressive .you neevr fail to impressed me
Len .the style itself just amazing .its a true fusion
of two deffirent genere and scale .its like a gem
with multi faces .its more into Art Rock when the
guitar came in with the heavy drums .a real blast
my friend !!

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You are &mdash 02/23/08 - 06:36:45 AM

the pearl of Macjams Feter - and I thank you.
Cheers
Len

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Wow &mdash 02/22/08 - 04:39:38 PM

I like the way you play the piano and string-riffs.... Good vocals... It's great build up, with guitar sometimes... I like it... "issyk-kul" sounds great, when you sing it....

And finally, i think you are good to produce/mix... the sound of the drums are really great... Great snare sound...

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Thanks a lot &mdash 02/23/08 - 06:40:00 AM

Jakob for taking the time to listen and I am very pleased you enjoyed it. I am trying to get better at the production side of things and it's nice that you noticed.
Cheers
Len

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I like &mdash 02/22/08 - 05:41:06 PM

your venture into 'orchestral' Len..... very mysterious sounding and unusual.... the sombre sounding vocal has a hypnotic feel along with the repetition which all adds to the mood. The water at the end sounds lovely..... could almost paddle in it. Loved this, regards M

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Orchestral &mdash 02/23/08 - 07:08:22 AM

Didn't start out as orchestral Mo - it just seemed to lead me there. The Freesound Project is amazing - I just couldn't believe that they had the sound of Issyk-Kul recorded and it really did fit in perfectly.
Really pleased you liked it and thanks for commenting.
Cheers
Len

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i like lakes &mdash 02/22/08 - 06:37:18 PM

in summer of course.

really nice & enjoyable listen. Aaa, my headphones wet at the end there.
cool tune Len

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Wet behind the Ears &mdash 02/27/08 - 06:42:31 AM

I am really pleased and grateful that you listened and commented Vic - you had better go and dry out those headphones.
Cheers
Len

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Wow &mdash 02/22/08 - 06:50:46 PM

What a tribute must be a beautiful place.. You my friend have a natural knack for composition. excellent ! when the heavy hitting drums come in with the lead is my favorite almost led zep cashmire feel

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Thanks so &mdash 02/27/08 - 06:43:22 AM

much for the lovely comment Tim - it is very appreciated. I am really pleased you enjoyed it. Noticed your comment in chat yesterday about so much music to listen too, so feel honoured that you chose mine.
Cheers
Len

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yes I like this song- &mdash 02/22/08 - 06:51:34 PM

relaxing, I like the build up as well.

John

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Relaxing... &mdash 02/23/08 - 07:14:50 AM

I find the water sound very relaxing too - find myself drifting away to it. Thanks for the listen and comment John - appreciated.
Cheers
Len

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Another &mdash 02/22/08 - 08:48:12 PM

Lengold classic.I love your chord progression and choice of sounds.Guitar sounds great.Makes me want to visit this place!

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I really &mdash 02/23/08 - 07:17:40 AM

appreciate your support Mark. It would be great if you could visit there - it really is beautiful.
Cheers
Len

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right then &mdash 02/22/08 - 11:32:34 PM

too many words.... just enough music... a lengold wonder and i love this!!

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really &mdash 02/22/08 - 11:35:08 PM

love this.. no words to add..love this

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Thanks a &mdash 02/23/08 - 07:21:45 AM

million Jack - really pleased you enjoyed it.
Cheers
Len

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Doing your own thing... &mdash 02/23/08 - 04:49:07 AM

.. but building on your unique sound.... you could be a star yet Len!

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I only &mdash 02/23/08 - 07:28:32 AM

know how to do my own thing Steve. I have tried but can't really do much else.
There is a chance that some of my 'Kyrgyz' music might be played on Kyrgyz radio and there may be a newspaper article there about me. They are intrigued that a man from London could be writing songs about Kyrgyzstan. Might be interesting.
You know how much I appreciate your ongoing and helpful support.
Cheers
Len

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Woehoe! &mdash 02/24/08 - 03:55:56 AM

Coool! Make the most of it man, presidential airplane, champagne and national attention;-)
No serious, go for it, frig it, why not? Ah well, you is a grown up.....hihihihii..i didn't say growing old!

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Funhouse Harrison? &mdash 02/23/08 - 07:33:00 AM

HEar me out before you think I'm totally nuts. Ever hear George Harrison's "Be Here Now" from Living in the Material world? This reminds me of it... If you run the mood of it through a dark hall of mirrors, or maybe a meat grinder. I mean this in a GOOD way... just can't find more gentle terms. Very cool tune.

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Hello Bob &mdash 02/24/08 - 10:38:48 AM

Nice to meet you. I had, until now, never listened to that song and take it as a compliment that my song reminded you of it. Appreciated.
Cheers
Len

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good &mdash 02/23/08 - 08:09:07 AM

words and music soundz so well.. great job

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Thanks a &mdash 02/24/08 - 10:40:41 AM

lot for listening craft.
Cheers
Len

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Nice and deeper song!!! &mdash 02/23/08 - 08:14:08 AM

CharlyDeeCynthius

Song from deep inside!
I liked
CharlyDee|Cynthius|Italy

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Really pleased &mdash 02/24/08 - 10:42:28 AM

you liked this Charly and nice to meet you.
Cheers
Len

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moody &mdash 02/23/08 - 08:27:42 AM

the chord progression is excellent - it sets up a mood of longing and mystery. the build ups are great

i really like the lake waves sound effect too

thanks

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Moody &mdash 02/24/08 - 10:44:35 AM

Thanks for commenting Bill - appreciated.
Cheers
Len

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glad &mdash 04/12/08 - 02:17:10 PM

i'm very glad the rumors of your departure were incorrect...

now, where's your next tune? :-)

thanks again!

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Only just noticed this comment &mdash 04/16/08 - 04:44:42 PM

Bill and it took a bit of tracking down.
Now the answer to your question is here:
http://www.macjams.com/song/41818
No - thank you.
Cheers
Len

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dive in &mdash 02/23/08 - 09:29:57 AM

sounds like a very cool place to visit. I like the tune, especially what you've done with the orchestration parts. I can see this being expanded into something like a multi part musical. I can't offer any explanation for that thought other than the song, brings strong imagery and perhaps a deeper story line. Certainly the build in the tune, what with the drums and guitar coming in later suggests to me a rock opera :) Nice wave lapping action Len!

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Rock Opera &mdash 02/24/08 - 10:48:32 AM

I think I could write a rock opera about Kyrgyz and our adventures there. It's an interesting thought.
Can't beat a bit of wave lapping action I always say.
Thanks for your lovely comments KTB - very appreciated.
Cheers
Len

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sonically &mdash 02/23/08 - 10:17:20 AM

a delight.... vocals are rich....it does conjure images of the slavic region..baltics.....the guitar solo was evocative on its own......kool peice.....

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I am &mdash 02/24/08 - 10:50:48 AM

always very pleased to see your comments Mcboy - thanks very very much.
Cheers
Len

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It makes me wonder &mdash 02/23/08 - 01:54:42 PM

What is the world's largest alpine lake........is it Tahoe? I don't know and I'm too lazy to check.

Anyway, very cool and interesting concept. Love those drums towards the end. The water sounded great, too.
Dave

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wonder &mdash 02/24/08 - 10:53:31 AM

I don't know either and am also to lazy to look up.
Thanks for commenting Dave - always appreciated.
Cheers
Len

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Great vocal on this &mdash 02/23/08 - 02:32:52 PM

my friend. I love the harmonized singing, and you achieved a great evocative vibe with your chanting. Terrific combination of the plucked strings, and then those drums and the guitar kicking in - outstanding! (Great sound on those drums, by the way...) Pretty amazing that someone had recorded the sound of the water! It's a small world! The recording works well here - almost transports you there.

Very cool track. Sounds like a wonderful place. Nicely done. Peace.

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It's a small world... &mdash 02/24/08 - 10:56:42 AM

indeed. Thanks so much for the very complimentary comments and yes, it is a wonderful place,
Really appreciated David.
Cheers
Len

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You .. &mdash 02/23/08 - 03:03:11 PM

.. are definitely the MJ artist I could go .. "that's Len" .. a unique sound all your own .. distinctive no matter what you lend yourself too .. it has that "Len sound" ..it will be Len�%u2122 (registered trademark) :o)

Lovely piece, tranquil homage. Glad to see you dipping
into the Freesound projects archives.

Nice acoustic guitar sound, atmostpheric vocals and
sweet mix.. I was expecting a little weird electric
guitar sounds to creep in at some point in the arrangement ..ah well ..drums coming in a 2:40 are
a little 'stumbly' in spots.. I'd prefer them a bit tighter, was my only quibble this time. Any Ozone
usage this time?

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I didn't &mdash 02/24/08 - 11:07:47 AM

even think of looking on Freesound - just came up in a google search. It slotted in so perfectly.
I just 'played' the drums on the keyboard - which is what I tend to do these days. I don't have a click track or anything so can't really use loops and I am sure my timing is all over the place. But I must admit that it's not something I worry about too much. Yes, maybe they are a bit heavy for the song.
I actually liked the sound of all the tracks (unusually) so only used Ozone on the actual master track (Ozone 1) - that seemed to lift and spread it quite a bit. I am actually quite pleased with the production on this and it even sounds pretty full on the car stereo.
Thanks as always Alan for taking the time to listen so intently - I always look forward to your comments.
Cheers
Len

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downloaded &mdash 02/23/08 - 04:21:00 PM

Not bad at all , great build up .

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I am honoured &mdash 02/24/08 - 11:11:10 AM

that you downloaded this Tommy. Still loving your song and have heard it quite a few times now.
Cheers
Len

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!! &mdash 02/23/08 - 04:30:44 PM

I JUST LOVE YOUR VOICE. It makes me feel so comfortable on the one hand, cos I know it I guess. But on the other hand the lethargy oozes out in a majestic way. I truly believe your voice is in the category of Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. The music is creepy somewhere, disturbing is a better label...Ah well, just a label;-).
Awesom Len, One of my faves of yours so far! The added drums are a bonus, it made the track come to a good climax. Where are my cigs...ow they are wet....shoot
Marc

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This was &mdash 02/24/08 - 11:16:46 AM

my first outing with a new microphone and I think it has really helped.
Creepy is a good word. Really pleased you enjoyed it Marc. Been away for the weekend so will catch up with yours soon. I will try not to forget to hit the fave button.
Cheers
Len

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:-P &mdash 02/24/08 - 11:35:35 AM

Silly me!

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What a trip - I and I really mean it &mdash 02/23/08 - 10:29:59 PM

I was so transported by this song. Fantastic - original - strange - wonderful. You know - half the time I think you've made up the whole Kyrgyzstan thing and no such place exists. But now I get it. It's real - and it's a state of mind. Thanks for posting.

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What a trip &mdash 02/24/08 - 11:21:55 AM

Do you know bud, that they are probably the nicest comments I've ever had. Thanks so much.
Cheers
Len

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Very nice track &mdash 02/24/08 - 11:09:34 AM

Cool composition and mad lyrics. My wife the same about mentioning Romania (which is why there is an advert for a romania tourist website on my Bio). Interesting suject matter and its an informative track, so there's something for everybody. Nice one Len.

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Yeah I've &mdash 02/24/08 - 11:25:27 AM

noticed how clever the advertising is on here too.
Thanks for listening and commenting Keith.
Cheers
Len

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Issyk-Kool &mdash 02/24/08 - 08:17:06 PM

five_extra_arms

As always, a great amount of passion goes into your music. You are so inventive and have great instinct when composing.

Sorry I'm not around much lately, but I am trying to keep up with everyone and downloading as often as possible. This one will sound good on the ipod too.

Thanks Len.

Bob

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Issyk-Kool &mdash 02/25/08 - 01:11:40 AM

Great to hear from you Bob, you are missed. Really pleased you liked it and a special thanks for taking the time to listen.
Cheers
Len

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Hey Len! &mdash 02/25/08 - 05:16:44 AM

When you're a big star in Kyrgyzstan can I be your roadie? Looks fantastic and the sounds you've made in response to Issyk-Kul make it even more attractive.

Seriously good post Len - I like everything about it. Beautifully recorded - the drums through the solo are a standout. There's a sense of becoming overwhelmed by the fx - not a bad thing. It would have been interesting to use the water sounds as part of the rhythm section, but that's just me :)

Congratulations, your wife's parents will love this!

Neil

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Hey Neil &mdash 02/25/08 - 05:32:09 AM

Thanks very much for your very complimentary comments. It would be a dream come true to hear my stuff on the radio.
Using the water sounds as a rhythm sounds like a fantastic idea - but I wouldn't know where to start to actually do it - but I will investigate.
Big thanks again Neil - appreciated.
Cheers
Len

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great &mdash 02/25/08 - 09:43:43 AM

smokey bacon jnr

The beginning reminded me of a Holst part-song I heard once. Love it when the drums kick in. Is Borat from round those parts?

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Haven't seen &mdash 02/25/08 - 10:54:00 AM

you around much lately - good to see you.

Thanks for commenting, really pleased you liked it.
Borat is allegedly from Kazakhstan (which I have visited because they have an English embassy there) and is one of the neighbouring countries. It is actually quite a rich country in comparison because they have some oil and is very much on the up and up. I love that film - has me in stitches, but really couldn't be further from the truth.
Thanks again.
Cheers
Len

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tardy... &mdash 02/25/08 - 11:31:45 AM

smokey bacon jnr

I'm a bit of a tardy member of MJs I know!! I tend to come and go - selfishly when I have a new song uploaded. I will check out some of your other recent stuff. I'm having a MJ binge drinking session at the mo...

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Wow &mdash 02/25/08 - 11:03:08 AM

What an interesting place, when I get time I'll have to check more about it!

Thanks for sharing! Nice Tune!

Great Pic as well!

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Really appreciate &mdash 02/25/08 - 01:14:39 PM

you listening Bill and thanks for the comment.
Cheers
Len

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awesome &mdash 02/25/08 - 04:21:03 PM

Love the information/background... and love the Asian-plains-style mystery you weave in the music. Your voice is hypnotic here, and the descriptive lyrics wash around in my head until the colors are a blur. The guitar work is wonderful (loved the electric guitar doing the repeat-bend thing that sounded almost like a bird/animal call), and to find a recording of the lapping water from that very place... how serendipitous is that? There are natural places in this world that can really get ahold of us and call us back. This place sounds supremely beautiful!

By the way, the answer to your question "cost me an armenia leg": http://goasia.about.com/od/countriesaz/a/lake_sevan.htm

ttfn,
Drakonis

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Well that's &mdash 02/25/08 - 06:15:09 PM

a little bit of a coincidence because on our way to Kyrgyz the plane refuels at Yerevan, we are not allowed off though, I think it's too dangerous. That lake sounds pretty wonderful too. Thanks for the information - I think I will look into it further.
Serendipitous describes it perfectly.
I am also so pleased that you picked up on the guitar trying to sound like a bird call - it was the intention after hearing the birds in the water recording.
Really appreciate your nice comments Drakonis - thank you.
Cheers
Len

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I really &mdash 02/25/08 - 04:57:23 PM

enjoyed this Len, good vocals and I love your guitar sound, great drums and I like the chord progression, another wonderful song Len! Thanks!

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Thanks so &mdash 02/25/08 - 06:22:10 PM

much for listening Bob and I am very pleased that you liked it. Funnily enough it came quite easily and I didn't try to force anything - tried to keep it natural sounding.
Thanks again.
Cheers
Len

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I agree w/ Steve &mdash 02/25/08 - 06:20:06 PM

its always just you and what a fantastic place to be, always an adventure, this is epic in its scope, familiar sounds of the the motherland mixed with a theatrical broadway feel, what a delight LG! Loving that left ear complimentary vocal!

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Thanks for &mdash 02/25/08 - 06:28:46 PM

the lovely comments Tom and I really appreciate all the support you have given. The work you are doing with Mcboy at the moment is fantastic - really love it.
Cheers
Len

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This makes me smile! &mdash 02/25/08 - 11:00:26 PM

I like the development/drama!

Unusual sounding place.

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Very pleased &mdash 02/26/08 - 12:54:01 AM

I made you smile Doug. Thanks for listening and commenting - appreciated.
Cheers
Len

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hehe &mdash 02/26/08 - 08:22:19 AM

This is pretty good. A great tribute. I have only been on the air base there (during the winter) and the cold there is unbelievable. I did get a chance to enjoy the view of the mountains from there and also got a few "Red Army" hats from one of the shops there. It would be a nice place to visit if it didn't get so cold.

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It's a &mdash 02/26/08 - 11:29:31 AM

complete change in the summer - can actually get too hot at times. Interesting, I have seen the planes but never a US soldier they/(you?) must be very segregated from the towns.
Thanks for the listen/comment.
Cheers
Len

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very cool &mdash 02/26/08 - 12:35:02 PM

love the eerie, kind of paranoid vibe of this. Well done Len. Great arrangement.

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Thanks very &mdash 02/26/08 - 03:26:21 PM

much for listening and commenting - appreciated.
Cheers
Len

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Great &mdash 02/27/08 - 11:10:33 AM

Great tune LG

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Thanks a &mdash 02/28/08 - 01:09:02 AM

lot - very nice of you to comment.
Cheers
Len

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Hello Len! &mdash 02/28/08 - 12:48:00 PM

Sorry for delay,just got back from work...yesterday couldn't post a comment as the internet war freezing none-stop...So I thought I do it now.

I loved the lyrics and the song is great.It is unusual and beautiful....Very pLeased it is about our lake!

Thank you,that is veryyyyyyyy nice of you to mention KG in your songs!!!!

Very Good Job!

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Really pleased &mdash 02/28/08 - 02:49:42 PM

you like it Becca, thanks for letting me know. Does it make you feel homesick?
Love
Len

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Wish... &mdash 02/28/08 - 07:39:17 PM

...I could be there now...nice description...words and music...inspiring...

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Yeah, so &mdash 02/29/08 - 03:40:24 AM

do I Bob. Thanks for listening and commenting, very pleased you liked it.
Cheers
Len

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