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Description:
This was written around 1970 when I was at university, playing in an acoustic band called “Marastique” on the northern beaches of Sydney. I’m not totally sure of the meaning behind the lyrics, but I think it was some “self-talk” about a relationship.
Written on my (then new) Maton 12 string acoustic, it was designed to fit the 4 voices, acoustic guitar, flute, congas, bass and electric guitar, which was our line up at the time. This version still has the Maton, but got decidedly rhythmic with the addition of bass, keys, drums, my Tele, the Seagull, and a tin whistle part. Ms Jig sings the high harmony in the outro. The drums are midi.
A little history regarding this song: it was going to be my big “coming out” as a singer, and due for it’s unveiling as our opening number when we were booked to open for Frank Zappa at Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion in the early 70s. Nothing like a baptism of fire! Unfortunately, after a sound check, and less than an hour before we were due to play, it became obvious that there had been two agents involved in procuring the opening act, and we were cancelled. This, as you might imagine, was the end of the band unfortunately – and very nearly the end of the agent too, but that’s another story!
I resurrected the song again in 1975 with the Rusty Dusty Brothers, but just as we were getting it sorted out to add to our live set, my time with RDB came to a close also. It’s been in hiding ever since ☺!
So …. it is with some trepidation that I post “Simplify” for your listening pleasure.
Lyrics:
Simplify (Copyright 2008 Neil Porter)
Simplify
Words give meaning to your thoughts
You've said it now
Say you've changed your mind again
No difference made
This can hardly be your problem
Take a look around you
Open up your eyes
See the world around you turn to dust
Even though you see it
Comes as no surprise
You put your faith in something
You can't trust
Simplify
Words give meaning to your thoughts
You've said it now
Say you've changed your mind again
No difference made
This can hardly be your problem
Hey hey hey
It's not really what it seems
It's a figment of your dreams
It's not your problem
Follow through
It's the least that you can do
It keeps their eyes from you
When you're among them
Simplify
Words give meaning to your thoughts
You've said it now
Say you've changed your mind again
No difference made
This can hardly be your problem
Hardware:
Maton 12 string Acoustic
Seagull 6 string acoustic
Fender Telecaster
Yamaha PSR300 midi keyboard
Cheap Irish tin whistle
Rode NT3 mic
Behringer UB802 mixer/preamp
iMac G4
Software:
Logic Express
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Firsties! &mdash 04/03/08 - 06:55:05 AM
Now that was quick Ed &mdash 04/03/08 - 06:56:33 AM
aaaarghtyhghghg;lasdhfk &mdash 04/03/08 - 05:00:26 PM
Are you sure... &mdash 04/06/08 - 09:16:48 AM
No &mdash 04/06/08 - 11:15:28 PM
Because that was the sound of you sticking a shiv in me to slow me down from getting here for firsties. He TOTALLY did that Neil which I think should nullify it. [ Reply to This ]
Settle down .. &mdash 04/07/08 - 04:46:09 AM
country style? &mdash 04/03/08 - 07:12:25 AM
Cheers Harold &mdash 04/03/08 - 05:28:45 PM
The original was sounding really nice at rehearsals - just acoustic sounds mainly (with a very gentle electric guitar lead) - but that was like 38 years ago!
Glad you enjoyed it - I was looking for "folky countryfried rock" as a genre, but it doesn't appear to exist yet.
:)
Thanks,
Neil [ Reply to This ]
folky funkey &mdash 04/03/08 - 07:16:12 AM
just woke up to this....opened up my eyes...and ears.....java for the mind...hehhhe....very very nice neal......is that a penny whistle?....or a figment of dreams.......i used to have a penny whistle......uve doen a great job reviving this little gem.....many bows.... [ Reply to This ]
Thanks Mr Boy! &mdash 04/03/08 - 05:35:04 PM
This was my first ever song to see the light of day in a band context, around the same time as I wrote "Occidental Sun" - the lyrics are unchanged from the original.
The whistle is a loop I made for this version using a tin whistle I bought in Ireland in 1976 - I can play a little, but found I couldn't nail this at quite this speed, so there was some cutting and shifting involved. The alternative was using my flute, but I can't do much on that at all just yet. I like the slightly odd timing on it - that was intentional.
Always appreciate you dropping over for a listen.
Neil [ Reply to This ]
Love it &mdash 04/03/08 - 07:20:01 AM
You have always so good production on your songs... Love your CD as well.... Very nice post.
Thanks for sharing. Peace.
---
Kenta [ Reply to This ]
Kenta! &mdash 04/03/08 - 05:37:44 PM
Feel good &mdash 04/03/08 - 07:35:12 AM
The overall sound of this track is fabulous. Love the acoustic guitar and organ, the clarity. (I wrote a song that sounded much like this in 1989, kind of fun to hear.) But I think the different sort of rhythm used for the solo section, especially when it first comes in, sounds slightly out of sync, plus the sound itself is kind of synth and MIDI feeling, not as human as the other sounds, plus it doesn't fit into the reverb field as well until the end register change. Consider doing another version where you substitute the solo with another sound entirely, like a mandolin or fiddle. Great feel good groove [ Reply to This ]
Thanks for the listen Tobin &mdash 04/03/08 - 05:57:28 PM
and the suggestion.
I've been playing with this in both GB and Logic since I joined MJ, and have always found the vocals to be the stumbling point. When I finally decided to include the 12 string again it all started to fall into place. As I mentioned above, the tin whistle solo parts are actually played live then "adjusted" and made into a loop (actually 3 loops) before dropping into the song. The offbeat timing is there on purpose - it's pretty difficult to ignore it the way it is. I used the whistle because the flute player used to do something similar live and I used to love it - I'm afraid I'm a bit of a failure on flute :)
Interestingly, the version before this had a synth pad doing the organ parts and a synth flute echoing the "live" whistle - I dropped them because they sounded too out of place for the time I wrote it.
I had thought of having someone collab on this, but in the end I was happy with the end result. I'll think some more about the solo section if I re-do this for a CD in the future.
Always appreciate your listening and thoughtful comments Tobin.
Cheers,
Neil [ Reply to This ]
Nice &mdash 04/03/08 - 07:47:45 AM
Laid-back feel on this.You get some amazing guitar tones- it sounds like more than 3 guitars. Maybe some Yes influence here? I always enjoy your vocals.Great song. [ Reply to This ]
Thanks for dropping by Mark &mdash 04/03/08 - 06:39:33 PM
Earlier versions had the Seagull doubled a few times and spread around the sound stage, but when I started adding keys and especially the 12 string, only the single track of each acoustic was required (I even dropped the 12 for the first chorus. The Seagull has great on-board electronics, and almost always records really well. The Maton has no electrics and is miced using my Rode NT3 - a hit and miss affair sometimes. The Tele is played direct into the Behringer preamp then through the Lumonix LFX-1310 plugin (freeware) with some grunt from the Logic Guitar amp plugin. I'm rarely happy with my guitar sounds on the Tele, but this is one I'll keep.
Cheers,
Neil [ Reply to This ]
Seventhies! &mdash 04/03/08 - 08:31:44 AM
7thies &mdash 04/03/08 - 10:02:47 PM
nice &mdash 04/03/08 - 09:10:56 AM
for me, the penny whistle "break" is the epitome of SIMPLIFY.
i just LOVE that! ;)
yes it IS feel good, and also Sounds Good. always a pleasure to hear your vocal, neil. and your lyrics continually strive to find a solution in this messed up world - i like that. the song is full of jiguma-ish elements - it's good to hear your past. nicely done, anne
[ Reply to This ]
Hi Big Sis! &mdash 04/04/08 - 03:33:40 AM
Thanks for listening to my little old tune ("old" being the operative word).
I like the tin whistle too - it just threw everything else nicely out of kilter.
Thanks for your ongoing support - really appreciate it. Hope to have some new ones coming soon.
Cheers,
Neil [ Reply to This ]
... &mdash 04/03/08 - 09:11:43 AM
like the instrumental. vocals have a nice gritty rocky folk sound to them. nice track. [ Reply to This ]
Thanks Chance &mdash 04/07/08 - 04:50:26 AM
My mantra, musically expressed... &mdash 04/03/08 - 10:51:01 AM
Great sound, Neil! Just a beautiful melody! Really digging the guitar on this. Not unlike McB, I'm waking up to this and a cuo '0-java and, this is definitely a way to start a day, and really, it not a bad idea to start the rest of one's life. My best friend laughs at me because he has finally recognized that the fact that my life is so simple is because, it's been an ongoing effort. And that when things get a little complex between us, it's likely, not me.
I liked the way you clustered up all of goodness of this at the end
Mighty fine piece of work, my friend! Thoroughly enjoyed this!
Thanks for the free grab. Definitely a taker! Dion
[ Reply to This ]
Hi Macca! &mdash 04/06/08 - 08:04:42 PM
Thanks for listening - I was a little nervous about this one as it's been around for such a very long time. Some of the tracks (whistle and bass) were originally done in GB - that's at least 2 years ago).
Always pleased when one of my tunes hits the spot with you Dion.
Cheers,
Neil [ Reply to This ]
Killer guitars &mdash 04/03/08 - 11:10:50 AM
Great acoustic sound. I would like to here CS&N do this. I think it would have been been perfect for them.
Great job.
LL [ Reply to This ]
Cheers Dave &mdash 04/07/08 - 04:59:38 AM
I can hear Graham Nash doing the lead for sure. Thanks for the listen - appreciate you dropping by.
Neil [ Reply to This ]
Smiles &mdash 04/03/08 - 11:17:08 AM
Wow Neil... &mdash 04/03/08 - 12:15:18 PM
The odds were really stacked against this little gem, weren't they? I'm glad it finally can see the light of day and find a loving home here at MJ!
I really like the way you play the keys (?) and the psyche-lead guitar off each other. Vocals are very nice. You've really gotten quite good at harmonising with yourself.
Classic Jiguma here! Mikey likes it!
Be well friend!
[ Reply to This ]
Odds &mdash 04/07/08 - 03:07:53 AM
Definitely against this one seeing the light of day! The Zappa thing was one of my most depressing moments playing in a band - although I was kind of relieved not to have to sing in front of such a huge crowd. We didn't even get to stay behind and listen :(
Thanks for the listen Mike,
Neil [ Reply to This ]
:) &mdash 04/03/08 - 05:06:34 PM
A great song Neil,
I love the vocal harmonies and the chord progression-for some reason, the 'whistle' reminds me of Traffic ..maybe? ;)
(Might I suggest you include this in Feter's MacWoodstock line-up?)
:)
Cheers!
Alf
[ Reply to This ]
Thanks Alf &mdash 04/03/08 - 05:22:56 PM
I have acted on your advice and added it to the Woodstock MJ archive - it certainly was about right time-wise!
Thanks for the positive comments.
I've got an idea - why don't you use your avatar as a label for something ..... I don't know .... maybe ice creams? :)
See you next weekend - looking forward to it.
Cheers (Hi Jane!),
Neil [ Reply to This ]
Nice One &mdash 04/03/08 - 05:48:08 PM
Elements of Bread (remember them) and hints of CSNY and simon and garfunkel, I think the voice and lead guitar remind me of Bread most of all, man did I listen to them alot many years ago. Very nice understated song, sits very well into the genre and at the same time sounds contemporary. I like your voice alot here. We are still young right !!!!!
[ Reply to This ]
I'd never have admitted it at the time .. &mdash 04/07/08 - 05:05:17 AM
.. but I was a big fan of Bread, so I'm pleased that you heard some crumbs in there Will. It's OK, we are still young, although the number of people actually older than us seems to be getting smaller :)
Thanks for the note - good to see you back, haven't seen you for a while.
Neil [ Reply to This ]
Simplify &mdash 04/03/08 - 06:18:38 PM
very genuine ..and truley hit the sent of the time .
totaly impressed by the singing and the music setting
the Tele is a big hero here .definetly woodstock
far out man ...so thankful for sharin ' such gem ..
I truely wanted to hear from you ..so you know how
happy I m now :-) ~ [ Reply to This ]
MJ Woodstock rules! &mdash 04/07/08 - 09:06:03 PM
Song &mdash 04/03/08 - 08:43:53 PM
First class song writing and singing are always a joy to hear. The high guitar lead at the end rounds out the tune very well.
Thanks
Bill [ Reply to This ]
38 years later &mdash 04/03/08 - 09:01:01 PM
This is really nice. I pick up a bit of a CSN & Traffic style. Classic yet contemporary sound. the guitars sound fabulous, just the right amount of organ as well. I think it fits right in with the mj style woodstock.
maybe there should have been mj headbands to go around. [ Reply to This ]
Headbands .. &mdash 04/07/08 - 03:11:58 AM
.. would have worked for me :)
I'm just starting to find some sounds for the Tele that I like, and although I haven't used it here, have just rediscovered my old Boss Compression/Sustainer pedal which is giving me some nice new optios - haven't used it for over 30 years, and it still works as good as ever.
It's quite a relief to have Simplify "out in the open" - hopefully that's what's been causing my writer's block.
Cheers Vic, always a pleasure to hear from you.
Neil [ Reply to This ]
Like You Wrote it... &mdash 04/03/08 - 09:02:32 PM
...Yesterday. This one definitely withstood the test of time!
Man, you are one prolific artist, Neil.
No doubt, have the fire within.
Rock on, Big J! [ Reply to This ]
Very cool song Neil &mdash 04/03/08 - 09:46:56 PM
Love the lyrics, and you delivery works great for the song. The tin whistle worked very well in this piece as di the rest of your instrumentation. Excellent track Neil, I love it.
Ed [ Reply to This ]
Trepidation? &mdash 04/03/08 - 10:06:31 PM
No need for that! It's funny, tho, since you've complicated a song about simplifying, with a lot of musical added stuff. But it's a nice complication nonetheless. Everything works pretty well together in this. I wouldn't mind a version of this song that is more like "If God is Love" arrangement-wise; I wonder what that would sound like? Cool song, the way it is, though. [ Reply to This ]
Lovely stuff &mdash 04/03/08 - 10:14:51 PM
I'm delighted you decided to share this one with us. I love the guitar on this - great sound and lovely rhythmic playing. Need I mention that the bass is sweet? Okay, I will - the bass is sweet! Lovely playing, and i love the contrast between the lower and higher notes in there. Can't beat a cheap Irish whistle for good vibes! Vocal is very cool. Great work on the harmonies from Ms Jig, and lovely singing from yourself as always. This is great, and i love the backstory. Nicely done, my friend. What else do you have in your back pocket that we haven't heard yet? Peace. [ Reply to This ]
Lovely and &mdash 04/04/08 - 07:43:48 AM
effortless sounding Neil. Sounds so natural. I am not surprised that this has stayed in your mind for so long - glad you resurrected it.
Cheers
Len
[ Reply to This ]
Sweet Jiguma Blue Eyes - &mdash 04/04/08 - 03:26:30 PM
Great song Neil - very appropriate for the festival. really like the flowing groove and the whistle against the electric lead is cool. [ Reply to This ]
Simplify &mdash 04/04/08 - 08:02:15 PM
this is just FABULOUS! I'm always so impressed with your musical brain, and now I'm impressed all over again. this is really cool, and is going STRAIGHT to my ipod! [ Reply to This ]
Thats it &mdash 04/04/08 - 09:50:55 PM
IM breaking my guitar Thanks for this its a gift that you share something so good thanks I enjoyed it very much! [ Reply to This ]
Brilliant!! Fantastic!!! &mdash 04/05/08 - 10:47:32 AM
Simply Beautiful lovely melodic sounds here. Could listen to this over and over jiguma this is sooo very beautifully sang has me swooning
seriousely cool song. I love it. Going to download and put this on my Ipod
I love every instrument playing. sooo sweet my friend. Thank you soo much. for sharing your great work of art,
Cheers Peace Dee. [ Reply to This ]
Nothing simplified in this music.. &mdash 04/05/08 - 06:49:39 PM
You are one of the artists in this site that have a distinct style. You also have a wide range of musicianship, from rock to folk to pop. I try to listen to every instrument you play and I am truly impressed that you seem to have authority with each one of those instruments. Your voice of course is your most distinct instrument.. truly jigumistical. ;-) [ Reply to This ]
Cool tune Neil &mdash 04/05/08 - 09:40:05 PM
I really like the overall sound.
Great playing and singing.
You got the touch>
tim [ Reply to This ]
Well, this may be the "finally" version... &mdash 04/06/08 - 09:23:24 AM
...but it's still got a touch of youth to it... Well suited to the Woodstock vibe...
I like the Telecaster lines a lot, and more the more I listen more closely to them... I like the Tele playing against the pennywhistle...
I like the alternating from the doubled vocals to a single vocal, such as at the 'hey hey hey' bit...
I also think it's cool having your true love join in on the harmonies.
Listening on the good headphones, I think I'll agree with Tobin that there are points where the drums are not sounding as altogether groovin' as everything else... Not enough to put me off the song in this context, but yeah, if you're going to slate this one for the second or third or sixth CD, that would be the tidy-up spot for these ears...
Ed [ Reply to This ]
Ed &mdash 04/07/08 - 04:42:41 AM
Thanks for having a listen in these times of "listening-lag"! I'm pleased Simplify has been made public at last - it's been taking up valuable head space for many years.
I'll look at the drums if this ever gets to a CD - not sure how the next CD will work yet, but the songs are building up slowly - I can hear some things that would work.
I was really pleased with the Tele bits on this - they came out of nowhere just before the final mix.
Make sure you get to the next one - I think you'll enjoy it on a number of levels.
Cheers,
Neil [ Reply to This ]
AWESOME- &mdash 04/06/08 - 11:22:31 AM
..hearing You again & AMAZING You got to the MJWoodstock Festival its a heck of a long way ! Half way round the WORLD...!! This is sooo BEAUTIFUL Neil like silk to my ears WOW : ) FLOWERS TO YOU May Peace & Love continue following Your path ! [ Reply to This ]
This is nice &mdash 04/06/08 - 11:27:59 AM
Great Jig singing. The guitar seems too trebly at the start though, i know you have logic express, I think that has Fat EQ, but if you add a little of that you can minimize the treble. If you open up that plug in you will notice I think there are about five knobs. But pushing up with the left knob can get that acoustical guitar to be less hot. But what a neat style that we all come to know and love.
Thanks so much for sharing! [ Reply to This ]
Bill, thanks for the comment .. &mdash 04/06/08 - 07:49:26 PM
.. I knew there was something wrong with the guitar sound (mainly the 12-string) on this, but nothing I tried made it work. Because it's only miced with a single Rode NT3, and because it's a twelve string, it was always going to be difficult in such a busy mix. Unfortunately, I only have LE7, so not as many options, but soon I'll be getting Logic Studio when I should have much more tools available.
As you are probably aware, I have tried many of the suggestions/hints you've given about recording an acoustic guitar over the years, and this will be more information for the memory bank.
Thanks for listening and leaving a note - much appreciated!
Neil [ Reply to This ]
dig it &mdash 04/06/08 - 03:34:39 PM
I'd kill to be able to create the world of guitars and warmth you always instill in your tracks. The whistle almost sounds like a wood flute. Its a perfect instrument for the solo breaks. Huge props on all the vocals, the backing tracks with that incredible B3 just made my head swim. [ Reply to This ]
very csnie &mdash 04/06/08 - 10:28:11 PM
csnie?
ya you know.....cool 60's vibe, and as always sparkling flawless production. The guitar parts and bass parts are all very perfect for the song. Great work, jiggie!!!
deep bows
z [ Reply to This ]
Nice strumming &mdash 04/07/08 - 02:51:33 AM
Really nice west coast folk rock to this one...I like the acoustic guitar chord work (is it an altered tuning or capoed?)..tasty electric lead work too. I dig the organ too.
Cheers
Steve [ Reply to This ]
Cheers Steve &mdash 04/07/08 - 03:04:38 AM
To answer your questions about altered tunings and capo ...... there's a 12 string in there! No way would I attempt altered tuning on my 12, and I haven't found a capo yet that works on it. There are just lots of open strings involved (and I do mean LOTS!).
Thanks for listening and leaving a comment - always appreciated (especially positives about the guitar work from you).
Neil [ Reply to This ]
Simplify &mdash 04/08/08 - 05:29:14 AM
Great song - I like the acoustic guitar work, very good delivery :-)
Nice how the flute comes in and excellent vocals. A track with atmosphere, wonderful!! [ Reply to This ]
~ &mdash 04/08/08 - 09:07:00 AM
That's some story about your band, Neil. Disappointed, I'm sure.
Really nice tune...like the recorder. Gives it that air of innocence which isn't really there, anymore. [ Reply to This ]
awesome song &mdash 04/09/08 - 08:11:47 AM
You are such a talented guy Neil. I always enjoy listening to another cool creation of yours. This is no exception. Really like this song and catchy lyrics. Great job. Thanks for sharing it with us. [ Reply to This ]
A Long Time Comin &mdash 04/10/08 - 01:20:17 PM
But definitely worth the wait.Great big bass, fat leads and cool instrumentation - right down to the tin whistle. And Ms Jig's harmonies (where is that solo album?) add colour and light to the grindy groove. Good one. [ Reply to This ]
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