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Description:
This song began life, a while back, as an instrumental very generously posted by michael2 for open collaboration under the title What Will You Do? Blaky Smith and I both did versions and I was so saucy as to even steal michael's title because it was really a great hook, I thought.
I was pretty happy with my version, but anyone can see by looking back at the songs I've posted, Jim Bouchard has a history of taking my music into his Bouchardian Laboratory of Goodness(tm) and making it miles better; what he did this time is no exception. I think this ended up even more wonderful than usual because he was working with Michael's music rather than one of my wacky loopositions. This may be some of my favorite of Jim's bluesy guitar playing ever.
This is one of those times when I really don't know how I got so lucky. Originally working with michael's amazing music and then having Jim play so many new parts and add so much to it, is just beyond my ability to fathom. Thank you so much, both of you!
Cowbell lovers should be pleased. Also, stick around for the end, this is one of my favorite outros I've ever been part of. If I weren't already married to the outro from Saturnine, I'd marry this one with its great big wonderful jungle drums.
I did say this to Dion in the comments of the last version, but these lyrics are all in fun. I don't have it in me to turn anyone away who is hurting, no matter what has happened between us in the past. I could never do that. It was fun to be a tough guy in the song, though. ;-)
Lyrics:
Keep your stormy Monday.
I don't want your rainy days.
You never knew I was there.
Carry your umbrella
all you thought I was good for,
you never knew I was there.
But, oh, what will you do,
when you need someone to hold you?
I'm here to tell you you, baby,
find someone else's shoulder to cry on
(what will you do) (it won't be mine) (what will you do)
The sky's gone and cleared up now
without you in my life, boy.
Hardly remember you were there.
You wasted my time
said if I waited you'd be mine
but you never, never, never knew I was there
But, oh, what will you do,
when you need someone to hold you?
I'm here to tell you you, baby,
find someone else's shoulder to cry on.
Was an old man
lived in the woods
found a young girl
thought she looked good
took her inside
showed her the world
promised her diamonds
then downgraded to pearls
she got wise
ran far away
now he's alone
and that's how he'll stay
Keep your stormy Monday.
I don't want your rainy days.
You never knew I was there.
Hardware:
Maybe Jim will weigh in here. I'm thinking he pulled out the telecaster on this one, but I'll let him say what all he played.
Software:
Logic Pro 8, EZ Drummer, Ozone, Bias Repli-Q
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I'm I first &mdash 03/18/08 - 03:00:41 PM
Kenta &mdash 03/18/08 - 03:02:58 PM
Hehehe &mdash 03/18/08 - 03:10:35 PM
The God for that... By the way I have to agree with you the mix is delicious.
All sounds (instruments) and your voice in this so good song sounds all pro too me.. Kudos.. I really love this one I'm listen twice now and wow.
Now I've vote and d-loaded the song thanks for sharing.
Take care
--
Kenta [ Reply to This ]
As to what I used &mdash 03/18/08 - 03:35:15 PM
I did use the Fender...it's actually an Esquire, but that's close enough to a tele to be the same thing especially since the neck pickup has been added, and it looks just like the picture Lisa used. It's the favorite guitar I've owned and the one I use most of the time now when playing electric. I played it clean into my Peavey Delta Blues amp with the amp's tremelo thrumming. It's mic'ed with a cheap Nady ribbon mic and goes into an ART Tube PAC preamp into the Tascam US-122 into the computer. I use the same preamp to go direct with my Epiphone P-bass clone for the bass guitar part. The drums are indeed EZ Drummer but with a fair bit of Logic's Ultrabeat for the assorted percussion. I did use a keyboard to add some orchestral parts for the outro, I think, but there was a lot of pencilling done on this. Once I hit on the parts I needed to play, the whole thing got pretty groovy! It was fun to do and though I meant to keep it simpler, I guess I got a little carried away! [ Reply to This ]
Crystal &mdash 03/18/08 - 03:58:41 PM
Although your performance and Jim's spectacular instrumental work are what carry this song, what stands out for me is the absolute clarity of the mix. This is a great sounding song.
I love the instrumentation, which is very dynamic and creative. The sounds that were chosen were used in ways that work perfectly to create the unique atmosphere of the track. The guitar work is especially high-level, which is no surprise, considering Jim's formidable talent.
Your vocals keep getting better and better, Lisa. I think you did a wonderful job of allowing the mood of the track, the lyrical content, and your delivery to have great continuity. This song is excellent in every way. Congratulations to the two of you, and to Michael2 for his original idea. [ Reply to This ]
WWYD &mdash 03/18/08 - 04:57:30 PM
THIS IS INCREDIBLE!!! Wow you guys, this song is just basically perfect. What amazing vocals, instrumentation, mix - the whole package is sensational. Congratulations to you all - lucky us! [ Reply to This ]
well now &mdash 03/18/08 - 06:39:43 PM
oh yeah &mdash 03/18/08 - 06:41:32 PM
I loved it before &mdash 03/18/08 - 06:42:17 PM
and I love it more now. Absolutely amazing! The first thing that got my attention was how absolutely clear the mix is... and how gorgeous your voice sounds... Lisa, this is tremendous!!! Downloaded!! [ Reply to This ]
dig it &mdash 03/18/08 - 07:24:55 PM
Bouchardian Laboratory of Goodness(tm). You slay me. And what a parlor of amazing creation it is. At about the 4 minute mark theres a synth (either that or gremlin's giggling) that underscores that tremolo guitar brilliantly. What the hell is that??? its so cool. The strings are up for a grammy, and your voice is luscious. Bravo
[ Reply to This ]
gremlins giggling! &mdash 03/18/08 - 10:44:50 PM
Maybe that's what it is, but I think you're hearing one of Michael2's original synth tracks with some sort of effect added that makes it sort of martian sounding. Especially when combined with the EVOC vocoder effect on Lisa's vocal! I had some fun with little hidden surprises in this mix. Thanks a lot! [ Reply to This ]
jeez &mdash 03/18/08 - 08:01:37 PM
this turned out amazing. what an amazing job Jim did at mixing this all together. and it sounds so HUUGE. you guys and your Logic, just make me feel so small fry. really amazing work both of you. big thumbs up. [ Reply to This ]
Thanks for coming up with it in the 1st place &mdash 03/18/08 - 10:37:18 PM
I just took Lisa's vocals and dropped it into your tracks. I didn't have the drum loops you used so I had to come up with something else. Once I got the drums composed I got this T-Bone Burnett vibe and so I had to record the tremolo guitar, and then replaced the sort of snakey synth bass line with a more thumpy bass guitar part that was pretty simplified. I wanted to make it sort of primal and swampy to go along with the emotion in the lyrics and the mood of the chord changes. I worked your organ playing around the vocals and tried to give it the sound of a live band. But it all starts out with a good idea, which is what you came up with; then Lisa added a well-placed vocal that fit pretty seamlessly with your music, all I did was have fun adding the icing on the cake! [ Reply to This ]
great &mdash 03/18/08 - 09:14:23 PM
This sounds great. Everything sounds professional to me. Your voice is perfect for this. Great job everyone! [ Reply to This ]
You have &mdash 03/18/08 - 09:31:50 PM
a special voice Lisa...really neat. Not sure of the order in how all of this came about but it all seems to fit perfectly. Jim did an excellent job in production by weaving and mixing all these great sounds around your superb vocal performance.
Just a wonderful job all around
[ Reply to This ]
WWYD? &mdash 03/18/08 - 10:27:52 PM
now this is Incredible readin the process
the song went through and how many great
musician works with ...just fabulous !!!!!
you singin just cool ...and hey Jim ..Hats off !! [ Reply to This ]
The next Bond girl? &mdash 03/19/08 - 12:07:41 AM
I missed your first version when it was released so I had to go back and listen to it for comparison. I have to say both of them were really good, but I think this Jim Bouchard version brings it up to the slinky and sexy level. The added bass and strings and percussion give it a little bit of a noir, suspenseful atmosphere, a little bit James-Bondish I think 'cause the first thing I could imagine were black silhouettes posing in stilettos, pointing a gun (or maybe that was really Ledeb? :-). I've seen too many 007 movies, maybe. But yeah, Lisa, this one really showcases your voice in a different mood. Good job, all three of you. [ Reply to This ]
Great remik &mdash 03/19/08 - 12:08:27 AM
I could &mdash 03/19/08 - 02:28:07 AM
Mmm &mdash 03/19/08 - 02:52:35 AM
Mmmmm .. .. (that's the sound of me enjoying) ..
Such an ejoyable creation. An original composition loaded with musical quality. And so nicely produced. And Ledeb, you are such a great vocalist, perfect in this setting.
And the outro is simply fabolous.
With no hesitation this is a straight ten (as old Tom used to put it).
Johannes [ Reply to This ]
~ &mdash 03/19/08 - 07:31:58 AM
You people really work well together...sounds great from start to finish... [ Reply to This ]
slynx along &mdash 03/19/08 - 08:00:23 AM
wonderful music (duh, it's Michael)... wonderful singing (duh, it's Lisa)... and wonderful guitar & mixing work (duh, it's Jim!) The guitar (along with the Hammond) gives a bit of "The Ventures" feel (which is great in my book), excellent choice of mixing Lisa's singing back to a whisper near the end as the band (and giggling gremlins) slowly crescendo. Wow. I think I need to DL and listen a few thousand times. Great great job you three!
ttfn,
Drakonis [ Reply to This ]
wow &mdash 03/19/08 - 09:50:46 AM
Please, Please me. &mdash 03/19/08 - 10:09:43 AM
You three. Make an album. Please. One song is not enough. Everything is perfect but I can think of some other kinds of frosting. Ledeb... more breathy singing, more pre orgasmic delivery and some moans would be nice. Rock on. [ Reply to This ]
Fantastic collab &mdash 03/19/08 - 10:36:50 AM
can't believe an already great song could get so much better - but there you go - it's magic. [ Reply to This ]
Another gem....... &mdash 03/19/08 - 12:52:19 PM
This is yet another gem, Lisa, with a little help from your friends.
Take care.
Paul [ Reply to This ]
Here's the dirt! &mdash 03/19/08 - 02:42:54 PM
Lisa,
This is what I wanted to here. All of this has the feel I though that the previous version missed.
Very cool,
-greg
Straight 10's for one of the first times ever. All you who had a hand in this tune nailed it. [ Reply to This ]
Wowee!! &mdash 03/19/08 - 02:52:22 PM
Wow, this is fantastic! I love it.
Gorgeous vocals, fabulous production and instrumentation ... just all round a brilliant piece of work. I'm really impressed, guys. :) [ Reply to This ]
Lisa, Jim, Michael &mdash 03/19/08 - 03:59:27 PM
A simple and classic chord progression... but brought with so much gusto it gets to that other level. Splendid production quality. Ah, your singing Lisa... so charming, disarming and honest. If I weren't married, I'd fall in love again. But I'm an old man, living in the woods.. (that's a marvelous piece of lyrics BTW). Great all over.
-walt [ Reply to This ]
one of &mdash 03/19/08 - 05:39:19 PM
the most koolest tracks i've heard here ....lisa u sing just perfectly .....jim did a great job putting the touches together......topnotch !!!! [ Reply to This ]
Really nice. &mdash 03/19/08 - 08:05:57 PM
A very enjoyable listen amazing vocals well done guys its all really cool
Peace Dee. [ Reply to This ]
great mix &mdash 03/19/08 - 09:06:40 PM
i need me some logic of any volume. your vocals have really come a long way, both in production as well as power and dynamics. well done post. deserving of the massive faves and accolades. now if we could get you to do a metal number...... [ Reply to This ]
This &mdash 03/20/08 - 06:25:38 AM
really does sound amazing.I love that Tele sound and the vocals are very impressive.Let me know when the album comes out! [ Reply to This ]
Perfect song for you &mdash 03/20/08 - 02:59:13 PM
This type of bluesy song is perfect for you. Great production and music, boys.
Great stuff
Dave [ Reply to This ]
I've heard this .. &mdash 03/20/08 - 05:29:31 PM
..before .. ;o). Excellent song, with top notch mix and production (expecting no less from Jim) .. I too love that tele tone in this and the little tremeloed bits.. Lisa's voice is handled perfectly too ... reverb & effects spot on .. and a fabulous vocal performance .. I might have brought them up just a fraction in comparison to the backing .. at least in phones... too late to try my monitors.
I also liked the drums & percussion very much.
The cello sound was a little scratchy for my tastes, but I liked the use of it at the end .. was it native to Logic I wonder?
Excellent piece of music, very pro. Well done all. [ Reply to This ]
thanks! &mdash 03/20/08 - 06:57:02 PM
Just to answer your question, the cello sound is the JamPack 4 cello and not the Fitch Cello that a lot of people use, so I don't know why it would sound scratchy. That Fitch Cello takes the cake for scratchy, imho. I didn't use any special EQ on the string parts, but maybe the velocities were a bit high.
I always mix in monitors and I did go back and forth with Lisa a lot on the levels. This is mix #8. It could be that Lisa got quite sick when I was sending her mixes and was running a fever, or maybe it was that her ears were blocked, but I think we were on the fence about the vocal level. we did want it to sound really like a live band, and Lisa's not exactly got a powerful sort of voice, so it sort of ended up where it was by default. I'd tried fattening up the vocal sound before and it just sounded distorted. But by golly, I'm glad you liked it and I'll try to do better next time! [ Reply to This ]
Voco &mdash 03/20/08 - 07:28:48 PM
I wonder if the scratchy vocoder is melding with the string tone in some way and creating an all new sound.
My ears were definitely blocked when we were negotiating the final mix of this. I had actually said to Jim that I thought the vocals were barely audible on the second chorus, but then I was walking my daughter to school and felt my ears pop, came home and had a listen and realized that I was insane and gave the go ahead on this mix, but I can understand why a person might want them to have more punch, it's definitely a place where there's room for wiggling in this song.
I do so wish I had a more potent voice. Sometimes I can muster it, like when I sang Paper Cranes with The Orbiting, but for this song, it just wasn't going to happen no matter how much I threatened myself. [ Reply to This ]
Wholly smokes! &mdash 03/21/08 - 04:06:18 AM
Geez I've been gone to long &mdash 03/21/08 - 06:50:55 AM
Man I miss the great talenterations. Le sounds sexier than ever. What a welcome back to Macjams. An Esquire? Sounds crisp and cool. Hail [ Reply to This ]
Great &mdash 03/21/08 - 07:39:53 AM
Great voice Lisa &mdash 03/21/08 - 10:54:53 AM
Really lovely voice, terrific mix great sound bed. Not sure if I prefer this version or the other, but that's not so important to me. This is a great song, I feel slightly that some kind of vocal climax wouldn't go amiss, but that's just me. Really great.
[ Reply to This ]
wonderful &mdash 03/21/08 - 12:38:36 PM
This song is such a cool song from the beginning to the end. What an awesome collaberation! Really enjoyed each version I have heard. Of course Lisa's voice is fantastic on every song she sings. Seriously, great job to all! [ Reply to This ]
Wow! &mdash 03/21/08 - 08:45:15 PM
I'm impressed by all the Macjammers that have put their tag on this tune... but ultimately it's (in my flawed opinion) well put together pornography, yeah that's right in a kinda predictable sense - well produced though. Be lucky. [ Reply to This ]
Hmm... &mdash 03/21/08 - 09:09:40 PM
You with the pornography and Rene with the pre-orgasmic moaning suggestions...I don't know where people are getting sexual imagery out of this song. I'd love to hear more about that. It's a genuine question, because I really don't understand why you said what you did. I can understand why you don't think we're breaking any particularly unpredictable ground here, fair enough, but pornography? [ Reply to This ]
my own flawed opinion is: &mdash 03/22/08 - 09:25:31 AM
I think it might be the groove that some people are responding to, it is sort of slinky and some might say sexy. Some people are uncomfortable with sexuality and will call it pornography, some people are comfortable with sexuality and seek more release in it. Whatever floats your boat, I say. I'm glad a lot of people liked this but I guess some people might look at the number of fans of the song and be jealous. That's unfortunate, but unavoidable and also predictable. I don't think I should be apologizing for the people that like the song since I can't control that, all I can do is do the best I can when I'm putting together my musical offerings. Big thanks to all the people that liked this song and whatever you think about it, I had fun making it and learned some new stuff in the process. [ Reply to This ]
I can't believe I forgot to comment on this! &mdash 03/21/08 - 10:33:12 PM
This is one quality piece of work. Jim sure has softened some of the hard edges of the original. I really love the megaphone effect on the rap. Lisa's voice is as smooth and confident as I've ever heard it. I don't know what it is, but I'm feeling the UK in the 70s here. Maybe it's Lisa's accent creeping in or the white boy (and girl!) bluesy thing going on. Exceedingly pro. [ Reply to This ]
Happy Saturday Lisa &mdash 03/22/08 - 12:10:58 PM
I love your delivery... you have a significant musical thumbprint... there is a sinister innocence... i know that's a bit of a repeat, but it's the thing that makes you compelling, and unique.... I love your stuff, what you bring to the table is very consistent... we all know each other in the context of a body of work, and you are the man... ur wait... you know...
and Jim this is why I wanted to pick your brain... I haven't read the reviews here but I'd be surprised if no one mentioned the Bond Vibe... 007... this production and treatment shines.. you've given this a sense of weight and gravity... without making the production heavy... the production is transparent and light , yet delivering an urgency that the song content requires... smart stuff all around [ Reply to This ]
Pornography??? &mdash 03/22/08 - 03:00:20 PM
Your Voice &mdash 03/22/08 - 05:28:03 PM
really suits this Lisa. Such a cool song and all sounding so laid back. Great clarity in all parts.... excellent job, cheers M [ Reply to This ]
a different path... &mdash 03/22/08 - 09:26:44 PM
...this version took. Sounds great! a neat new mix, excellent guitar licks. A cool trip through the headphones. i like!! [ Reply to This ]
hmmm &mdash 03/23/08 - 09:42:26 AM
pornography huh? the funny ting is when i originally wrote the music and posted it, i likened it to a porno soundtrack as performed by AIr. i also called it sleazy; Jim and Lisa have taken it out of the realm of "sleazy" and turned it into something smart, sassy and sexy. Jim is right when he says that it is "the groove that people are responding to." it is a greasy, sensual kind of groove.
that's cool though, i don't think there is enough sexy music anymore. it's either been de-sexualized and neutered or turned into something misogynistic. weird when you consider that many people start playing in bands to meet members of the opposite gender. sex and music are tied together throughout the ages, they're both fun, and i say we all take a solemn vow to write a sexy song. maybe that should be a future challenge.
[ Reply to This ]
Check Out &mdash 03/23/08 - 11:10:00 AM
PV's "Dang You're Looking Sexy," or maybe even a little "Steve and Frances." :p
I like your idea, Michael. The Sexy Song Challenge. [ Reply to This ]
Hmm &mdash 03/23/08 - 11:11:20 AM
Hey jim &mdash 03/23/08 - 02:46:09 PM
Your guitar sets this version apart. from wht i'v herd.
You have a George Harrison approach to your arrangement.
got to give another listen...
between you and Michael(lonnonesque)2
we have nouvo beatles stuff
that is quite the praise
now where is that McCartneyesque kid who wrote that song let me go find it
GREAT COLLAB GUYS [ Reply to This ]
Great stuff. &mdash 03/23/08 - 03:26:57 PM
Nice pace to this tune. Vocals very laid back and sensitive to the lyrics. The mix is good too with some nice guitar playing! sweet! [ Reply to This ]
I like &mdash 03/23/08 - 07:54:15 PM
Great &mdash 03/24/08 - 03:47:14 AM
collab once again !
Very enjoyable Lisa, your voice is perfect on this and you really work well together. Once again a great tune...
Marc
[ Reply to This ]
Am I late? &mdash 03/24/08 - 10:02:44 PM
Sorry it took me so long to get here. Boy am I glad I did get here, though! What a great track. I loved the original version you did of this, Lisa, and I love this. The mix is outstanding, and your voice sounds great. A plethora of talented people come together and magic is made. Outstanding. Kudos once again to Michael for the original track (and the willingness to share it) to Lisa for those devilish lyrics, clever melody and dangerous delivery, and to Jim for working his sonic magic and adding such power and color. I am in awe. peace. [ Reply to This ]
Love it! But veeeeery late! sob ;) &mdash 03/26/08 - 08:16:36 PM
Lisa, you sound so good singing this one - a touch of Liz Phair (I think I've said that before), but very much a "la debutante" sound ;)
Jim's backing is really nicely done - everything in it's place and everything just right in the mix. One interesting thing I noticed (not a bad thing, just interesting) was the way you've done the bass Jim - almost like the opposite of where I'd be playing the notes. Just goes to show there are many ways to skin a cat (sorry cat-lovers). Lovely tone on the Tele/Esquire and the keys Jim.
I guess the production is OK :) - this is meant to be ironic. Production is amazing - thought I should clarify ;)
Top post!
Neil [ Reply to This ]
holy craps &mdash 03/26/08 - 08:27:46 PM
outstanding! &mdash 03/27/08 - 12:05:46 AM
Haven't heard any previous incarnations of this one (will go back and listen now), but this is just great! What a feel you've created here. Great vocals and performances all 'round. Faved! [ Reply to This ]
YUP &mdash 03/27/08 - 01:15:18 AM
Big Landscape.
Tough and Tender.
Outrageous Production Values - Studio Level.
highest regards,
rtc [ Reply to This ]
good sound &mdash 03/29/08 - 09:59:48 PM
beautiful powerfully clear intro music was really good.
nice use of reverb on the sexy vocal melody - sung with the perfect attitude. excellent bold mix! nice job, ya'll.
anne [ Reply to This ]
Another great song! &mdash 03/31/08 - 08:38:09 PM
Of course by the number of comments and faves, I guess you have already figured that out!
Excellent vocals and lyrics. And I love the bluesy guitar. (Great job Jim!) [ Reply to This ]
Ya dirty beast &mdash 04/13/08 - 02:09:43 AM
Lenny doesnt really get porno from this - this is a classic break up song. Like the nod to Stormy Monday. The mix on this is superb. A torch song for the 00's. Amy Whorehouse must be spinning in her Rehab cell. [ Reply to This ]
In My Head &mdash 04/13/08 - 12:12:36 PM
Wow, Lenny, you picked up on pretty much everything I was trying to do with this but didn't like to say (at least with my part). I was listening to AW a lot during the time I was doing this and, obviously, I don't have her pipes, but I was influenced in my delivery. Also, very cool that you got the Stormy Monday reference, too. Feeling well pleased at the moment. It's as though you know me, without knowing me. [ Reply to This ]
hey &mdash 04/17/08 - 09:25:29 PM
Finally got around to taking a listen to this... the email sat in my inbox for about a month, but I'm glad I made it over here to sneak a peak.
Great work as always. Your vocals are very intimate and work well with the song for a majority of it. I can't say that I liked the "Was an old man" part though... maybe the effect is throwing me off some, but it sounds a bit "flat" - not in a pitch manner, but in a performance manner. That's not to say I don't like the song, because I really do, it just seems like the energy comes down a notch there.
Otherwise it has a nice open feel and your vocals match that well. Jim's using a bit too much tremolo for my tastes, but I can live with it. Production is nice and punchy without getting too muddy.
Great work.
Mason [ Reply to This ]
Great! &mdash 04/20/08 - 01:56:33 AM
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