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Description:
Early one morning before breakfast I thought I’d practice one of the tunes I’ve been developing. I picked up my Epiphone and struck a chord, and straightway broke my high E string!
So I grabbed my Dean Acoustic and began noodling. Within minutes this entirely new piece came to me. I played it for about a half hour, and then decided to record it. An hour and a half later I had all the acoustic parts laid down.
The next day I bought new strings for my Epiphone (Semi-Hollow Body) and then recorded the lead solo. As I was recording, the phrase “Tunnel Vision” popped into my mind, and I knew I had the concept for a song. I sat down and wrote the lyrics in about 15 minutes. I then recorded the vocals. I did the main vocal in one take, and then the chorus vocals in another take. I spent the rest of the evening tweaking the mix.
I wish it was always this easy!
Anyway, I hope you enjoy this quiet little apologia.
Be well all!
BTW: I go on vacation May 1st, so I’m posting this tune a little earlier than I would normally.
Lyrics:
TUNNEL VISION
I.
Hello my friend.
Won’t you sit awhile?
I would like to know
what’s on your mind.
But I,
read between the lines as you speak.
And I,
insert many things you don’t believe,
at all...
II.
Pardon me friend.
There I go again!
Jumping to conclusions;
I offend.
And I,
don’t separate the sinner from the sin.
For I,
am tunnel vision’s victim once again,
my dear friend...
CHORUS:
Sometimes I see clearly.
Sometimes I am blind.
Mostly it’s this tunnel vision,
messing with my mind.
Living with myopia!
Cold and empty stare...
If it lies outside my focus,
it simply is not there!
No!
III.
How you can endure me
I don’t know!
You must be blessed
with the patience of Job.
It’s not,
something that I planned to do my friend.
But I,
am tunnel vision’s victim once again...
Mmm...mmm...
Hardware:
The usual...
Software:
The usual...
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GREAT song! &mdash 04/28/08 - 02:13:40 PM
I really like the sound of this. Stripped down but full of amazing performances throughout. love when the guitar doubles the vocal. don't add or take away anything. awesome job man. i'm jealous! [ Reply to This ]
Thanks friend... &mdash 04/28/08 - 03:06:58 PM
Don't worry. I don't intend to mess with this. I like the way it turned out. Also I have several other tunes I'm working on, so I don't have the time to go back and play with it anymore.
I really appreciate the kind review.
Take care! [ Reply to This ]
Absolutely fantastic! &mdash 04/28/08 - 02:29:38 PM
Hey Mark... &mdash 04/28/08 - 03:08:39 PM
...if you don't like the song just come right out and SAY it!!! LOL!
Thanks so much for listening and commenting friend!
Be well! [ Reply to This ]
OK OK!!!! &mdash 04/30/08 - 09:16:32 AM
I really hate this... it grates on me... the screeching guitars... the off key/tempo vocals... the absolutely horrible noisy recording...
Let's see why is it again that I faved you, this song, and downloaded it and put it in my iPod fav list... hmmm... Just can't explain that except that I'm totally pulling your leg!
I HATE THIS SONG!!! (NOT NOT NOT NOT NOT!!!!)
I can't believe you drop this bomb on us and go on vacation!? Leaving us waiting, wanting, hoping for more!!! Dang!!!
Have a great time buddy! Come back with some fresh new ideas! (as if you don't have enough already! Care to share a few!? Running a bit dry over here in Fort Collins!)
[ Reply to This ]
Hahahahahaha..... &mdash 04/30/08 - 12:01:35 PM
Killer! &mdash 04/28/08 - 02:34:15 PM
Such a wonderful acoustic song Mr. Mikey. The guitar playing, the singing and the whole performance is simply fantastic. Excellent stuff! Enjoyed every second.
Take Care
- Yeman A. Al-Rawi [ Reply to This ]
Thank you Yeman... &mdash 04/28/08 - 03:11:09 PM
That's a real compliment coming from an acoustic virtuoso like yourself. Good to have you back for awhile friend. Thanks so much for listening and commenting.
Be well! [ Reply to This ]
Nice tune &mdash 04/28/08 - 02:36:39 PM
Thanks Steve! &mdash 04/28/08 - 03:13:58 PM
Good to hear from you friend. I am rather proud of this vocal. I usually have the hardest time---even when I sing well---getting them to sound clean and clear in the mix. I learned some things this time out.
Glad you dug it.
Be well! [ Reply to This ]
15 minutes on the lyrics... &mdash 04/28/08 - 02:37:18 PM
Sorry you had to strain yourself... Jeesh... world class lyrics in 15 minutes... I'm seriously outclassed here... seriously... But then again MW is a heavyweight here it MJ!!! Glad to be a part of it! [ Reply to This ]
Glutton for punishment Mark? Ha ha... &mdash 04/28/08 - 03:17:56 PM
Hey! I'm rather sensitive about my weight you know...(Just kidding---again!).
Lyrics tend to come rather fast to me. Probably because I'm always yammering on about something.
But thanks so much for the kind and supportive comments Mark. You're a bro!
Be well! [ Reply to This ]
The chorus is pure Who - very cool &mdash 04/28/08 - 03:07:36 PM
great vocal effect. As a matter of fact this whole track is one of my faves from you. I like the stripped down approach here - the lead is sweet and just right and the lyrics are well crafted. Excellent post. [ Reply to This ]
Hi Kevin! &mdash 04/28/08 - 03:21:21 PM
Hey, good call! After I laid the acoustic guitars down and played the piece back for the first time; I got to the mid-section and thought "Hey! Pete Townsend!" Another lucky accident...
This is one of my faves to Kevin. Thanks for checking it out. I appreciate your input friend!
Be well! [ Reply to This ]
Your Best &mdash 04/28/08 - 03:22:47 PM
Without a doubt!
Talk about everything happening at once. I'd say the planets aligned when you penned this one.
Great work, Wark!
Bob [ Reply to This ]
You may be right Bob... &mdash 04/28/08 - 03:29:07 PM
...If I hadn't broken the E string on my Epi, I would not have picked up my Dean acoustic and started noodling! Kinda spooky, huh?
Thanks for listening and commenting old friend. Always a pleasure to hear you or hear from you!
Be well! [ Reply to This ]
Bob &mdash 04/28/08 - 06:11:46 PM
I just read your comment about this being Mike's best after posting mine below and I agree 100% [ Reply to This ]
Tom Wounded Is A Genius &mdash 04/28/08 - 06:31:56 PM
Tom,
I've always said you know how to pick 'em!
Sure wish we had more time to hang out in the City. It was so awesome having all of us together for a night of fresh air and laughter.
Let me know when you're in Florida. We'll make a big deal out of it!
Bob
PS Hey Mike, thanks for letting us use your song as a message board! You da man!! LOL!!
[ Reply to This ]
Hey! No prob Bob! &mdash 04/28/08 - 11:52:55 PM
Very good song Micheal &mdash 04/28/08 - 03:40:34 PM
The song is in the lyrics, and this one has some very fine lyrics. Love the guitar as far as it goes for the backing, and the lead break is cool.
But I would have liked to have heard a little more productions on it, like maybe a bass line and some sort of rhythm section. Drums or a conga or maybe even a Tambourine.
It's such a great song that to me, it just needs a little more production.
It's still going in my favorites and I'm downloading it too.
Love it Micheal, thanks for pointing me to it, it was well worth the trip.
Be well my friend and have a nice vacation.
Ed
p.s. This track as is, would be excellent if you were sending it in as a demo to sell the song to a publisher or artist.
Just thought you'd like to know that
Ed [ Reply to This ]
Thank you Ed... &mdash 04/28/08 - 04:13:21 PM
I appreciate the input. I have considered doing an alternate version...a little longer and a little more electric. But I don't know if I'll ever get to it. I'm so swamped! Lotsa irons in the fire...
As for sending it as a demo...Ha ha...I'm flattered you think it's worthy. But I don't need that kind of aggravation. I'll stick with MJ.
Glad you enjoyed this one my friend!
Be well! [ Reply to This ]
early?? morning?? &mdash 04/28/08 - 03:59:29 PM
before breakfast?? i must try it sometime - it is obviously working for you!!! lovely song - i like what the guitar is doing - i am reminded of donovan and 'a gift from a flower to a garden' - maybe that's just me - thank you for the listen xoxo [ Reply to This ]
Donavan? &mdash 04/28/08 - 04:16:47 PM
Wow, caroline; I haven't listened to him for more than 40 years---EXCEPT for "Hurdy Gurdy Man," which is one of my favorite tunes of all time.
Yup, before breakfast. While waiting for my coffeee water to boil. How about that? Ha ha...
Thanks so much for listening friend!
Be well! [ Reply to This ]
OOOOPS! &mdash 04/28/08 - 04:18:07 PM
Sweet &mdash 04/28/08 - 04:06:20 PM
Fine sounding guitars,great lyrics and vocals. Truly enjoyed every note. Thanks [ Reply to This ]
Thank you Russ! &mdash 04/28/08 - 04:24:33 PM
I really appreciate that a fine guitarist like yourself took the time to listen and comment on this little ditty of mine. So glad you enjoyed it friend!
Be well! [ Reply to This ]
Tunnel Vision &mdash 04/28/08 - 04:15:57 PM
Micheal - your stuff just gets better and better! How fortunate for us that your E string broke - talk about a silver lining! I just love your voice, and you can noodle with the best of them. Thanks! [ Reply to This ]
Noodles before breakfast? &mdash 04/28/08 - 04:27:09 PM
They are a great appetizer! Ha ha...
I've never been more grateful for a broken string....
Thanks for the kind review my friend. I'm glad you enjoyed this one.
Be well! [ Reply to This ]
Tunnel Vision. &mdash 04/28/08 - 04:21:45 PM
Hello my freind ! Michael another lovely song I told you you are Amazing !!
Love the Guitar tones wonderful sounds here. Your Voice sounds wonderful You sang beautiful Awsome in fact.!!
love the lyrics - Wow such a short time to create such 'Magical music.
Well its your gift from God Mike. What I think.
Have a great vacation when you are away, have lots of fun and come back refreshed and happy- above all.
And of course we want to hear more of your great music.
Downloading Thank you.
Peace Dee xx
[ Reply to This ]
Thank you Dee... &mdash 04/28/08 - 04:29:34 PM
You are a dear heart. I deeply appreciate how supportive you've been since my return to MJ. I'm glad to know you.
Thanks so much for the nice review.
Be well friend! [ Reply to This ]
I Love &mdash 04/28/08 - 04:21:54 PM
this Michael, your true self is in these vocals and lyrics. Love the opening vocal in the lower register and the 'openness' of the sound you've effected. Very 'natural' sounding, great track and one of the best, cheers M [ Reply to This ]
My "true self..." &mdash 04/28/08 - 04:32:52 PM
Yes, I am rather "naked" here Maurice. Perhaps I should have labelled the tune as "Explicit"? Ha ha...
The "open spaces" you speak of were achieved by doubling each track and by placement. Although there are only two acoustic guitars and one electric, I used a total of twelve tracks.
I'm glad you like this one Maurice. And thanks for recognizing me in the tune.
Be well friend! [ Reply to This ]
This is great, Mike &mdash 04/28/08 - 04:36:59 PM
Your voice is relaxed and sure, your guitar work is wonderful as always, and the lyrics are honest and fit the music just fine.:-) I'm happy to read you're sticking with this take; nothing needs to be changed at all! :-) [ Reply to This ]
Thank you Roxy. &mdash 04/28/08 - 04:44:51 PM
I'm using a different setting on my Blue Snowball USB mic now....and getting better results. I'm rather proud of this vocal.
I really enjoyed doing this one. I've listened to a good deal of this kind of music over the years. It feels nice to be able to produce a bit of it myself.
Glad you enjoyed it sis. And no, I would be making any changes to this track. However, if I can EVER find the time, I might someday do an alternate version...
Be well! [ Reply to This ]
Arrrggghhh... &mdash 04/28/08 - 04:47:05 PM
Mike - I am &mdash 04/28/08 - 04:48:20 PM
sure that this is my favourite of yours. A really great song and played and sung majestically.
Cheers
Len
[ Reply to This ]
Thanks so much Len... &mdash 04/28/08 - 04:52:37 PM
For me, it's a toss up between this one and "Sense Of Direction." (I do love to rock and roll!)
I really appreciate the vote of confidence my friend!
Be well! [ Reply to This ]
Mr. Wark &mdash 04/28/08 - 04:54:04 PM
The beat thing I've ever heard from you. Heart felt and sincere. Fantastic job. What got into you?
The best.
Dave [ Reply to This ]
What got into me? &mdash 04/28/08 - 04:58:59 PM
Why NOODLES, of course!
I dunno man. I guess I'm just lamenting being such an ass...Oh well. At least I got a decent tune out of it. Ha ha...
Thanks a lot for listening and commenting my friend!
Be well! [ Reply to This ]
The best thing &mdash 04/29/08 - 06:45:37 AM
"The best thing." NOT "The beat thing"..........think I have to take a typing course! [ Reply to This ]
Even better... &mdash 04/30/08 - 12:04:04 PM
...would be if MJ offered us all a free course in how to read "comment-shorthand"!
Ha ha... [ Reply to This ]
Actually... &mdash 04/30/08 - 12:06:36 PM
TUNNEL VISION &mdash 04/28/08 - 05:42:54 PM
WOW ...this is so so new ...how amazing pickin..
totaly one of your best .indeed ..the tulls of
the woods are all there for me ..what a master piece
thnx alot for sharin such gem !!!! [ Reply to This ]
Hello Feter! &mdash 04/29/08 - 01:08:18 AM
I thought you'd enjoy this one bro. Thanks for the kind words.
Be well my friend! [ Reply to This ]
Wow &mdash 04/28/08 - 06:10:10 PM
an instant favorite of yours. Yah my favorite from you so far man!
It has breath, great lyrics and an amazing melody in the verses.
Just right Mike [ Reply to This ]
Hi Tom... &mdash 04/29/08 - 01:14:09 AM
I remember you saying before that you prefer the simpler approach, so I'm not at all surprised that this stripped-down tuneage works for you.
It's so weird. I have several tunes in the works. I didn't plan this one. It only happened because I broke a string on my Epiphone. I wanted to record one of the others that day, but this came instead. I am grateful, but somewhat blown away. It's like I got someone else's song by accident!
Anyway, this will always be a fave of mine too Tom. Really glad you dig it!
Be well! [ Reply to This ]
Excellent song &mdash 04/28/08 - 08:31:51 PM
and brilliantly performed. The guitars sound great (love the sound on the lead - and magnificent playing!) and your vocal performance is excellent. Your voice sounds rich and expressive, and the lyrics are thought-provoking and filled with excellent lines and turns of phrase. Great track. Nicely done, my friend. Peace. [ Reply to This ]
Thank you David... &mdash 04/29/08 - 01:18:31 AM
They say to write about what you know, and I know what an ass I can be sometimes...(Can I get a witness?) I'm just being honest in these lyrics. I guess it's kind of a confession and an apology.
I don't write too many acoustic tunes because I'm just not that good a guitarist. It's easier to hide ones' mistakes when rocking out! Ha ha...
Thanks for the kind words re the vocals and the lead solo.
Be well my friend! [ Reply to This ]
Hey Micheal &mdash 04/28/08 - 10:07:54 PM
Awesome tune. I adore your voice. You are so gifted and this is another great song. You never cease to amaze me with your new adventures and I am always so happy to be able to share in listening to your music. Hey, maybe its not too bad having tunnel vision if it leads me straight to this gem. :) Thanks Micheal! [ Reply to This ]
Thank you Gail! &mdash 04/29/08 - 01:23:28 AM
Thanks a lot for the supportive comments. I count myself lucky to have you in my corner.
Ha ha...When one can't think of anything clever or newsworthy to write about, there's always ones' FLAWS!
Glad you think of it as a gem.
Be well my friend! [ Reply to This ]
Wednesday already? &mdash 04/28/08 - 11:31:37 PM
ha. I'll say it again. the best of vocals from you bro. and the finger picking is really nice and fits so well with the singing. a nice contrast and break. [ Reply to This ]
My calendar is broken! &mdash 04/29/08 - 01:27:50 AM
Thanks Vicar. Hey, I really appreciate your critique of that first mix. Also your tips on noise reduction. I applied them and it DID help.
You'll notice I took out all those silly effects on the lead solo. I even tried to imitate your style somewhat...Hope you liked it.
Anyway, it was nice to post something a tad more stripped-down than usual. Oh, and thanks for the kind words re my vocals.
Be well bro! [ Reply to This ]
Fantastic &mdash 04/28/08 - 11:36:52 PM
Mike, I love your vocal in this song... matched with your fine acoustic playing... a perfect package. This has shades of Jethro Tull's acoustic period all over it... a big compliment in my book.
Subject matter, as you might guess, I am attuned to... your lyrics are woven gems, telling the heart's struggling story. As Feter says, deep bows.
Jack [ Reply to This ]
Hello Goodwilly Jack! &mdash 04/29/08 - 01:32:34 AM
Thanks for the kind words bro. I never thought about Tull at all while working on this. But now that you mention it, I hear slight similarities to tunes like "Won'dring Aloud."
Yeah, the old inner struggle! But hey, were there no inner struggle at all we'd REALLY be screwed wouldn't we?
I thought you might indentify with this one Bro. I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for listening and commenting.
Be well! [ Reply to This ]
Thoughts from the Bull... &mdash 04/29/08 - 12:02:33 AM
michael, i'm new to your music and i'm grateful to now be aware.
i think what i find familiar about your music is your minimal approach, which i try to employ myself.
your guitar work is primary here and really well-performed, especially that lead. You give an honest vocal delivery which is terrific. the lack of heavy effects on either is refreshing!
i look forward to what you create next! thank you! [ Reply to This ]
Welcome back Boris! &mdash 04/29/08 - 01:39:41 AM
I think you may have heard some of my stuff way back in the days of yore, when I was known as AMAGI.
My tastes include classic rock, folk, folk-rock, and blues; each of which I attempt to do from time-to-time, with varying degrees of success (and failure).
I've done several tunes like this in the past, but this is probably the best one of the lot. Glad you stopped by and gave it a spin. Indeed, I'm even more glad you have returned to the MJ community!
Be well friend! [ Reply to This ]
News to me... &mdash 04/29/08 - 12:45:34 AM
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