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Alf says:
Since joining the MacJams community around 8 months ago, DavisAmerica (Jack), has struck me as a talented vocalist and songwriter. In addition to those qualities, he is also one of our most active, supportive and positive members on this site.
The original posting of ‘Mania’ (as well as the subsequent repost), bears testament to DavisAmerica’s talents and I was delighted when Jack gave me permission to ‘tinker’ with his song- around 8 months ago. (Which I guess also makes Jack one of our most patient members as well!)
There have been quite a number of ‘permutations’ of ‘Mania II’, I have ultimately decided on this version.
I’d like to say a quick ‘Thank You’ to my friend Myshkin (Ross) for his terrific suggestions with this arrangement- I’d still be sitting and staring blankly at the screen without your help!
Jack says:
Mania was posted very early in our time
here and Alfred was just amazing in his comments and support for a
"newbie" Macjammer. I was floored when he asked if he could work on
the track because I had listened to some of his work and was duly
impressed. The thing about Alfred is he works at a project until it
is done to his satisfaction .. and you can count on months of
anticipation. He was kind enough to send small "fixes" of where he was
at in the project and it kept me smiling every time I received one. I
think this tune is now just as much his as mine ... and I am very
proud of that. Alfred my friend ... thanks for the ride .. it was
"killer" !
(Artwork by Jack)
Since joining the MacJams community around 8 months ago, DavisAmerica (Jack), has struck me as a talented vocalist and songwriter. In addition to those qualities, he is also one of our most active, supportive and positive members on this site.
The original posting of ‘Mania’ (as well as the subsequent repost), bears testament to DavisAmerica’s talents and I was delighted when Jack gave me permission to ‘tinker’ with his song- around 8 months ago. (Which I guess also makes Jack one of our most patient members as well!)
There have been quite a number of ‘permutations’ of ‘Mania II’, I have ultimately decided on this version.
I’d like to say a quick ‘Thank You’ to my friend Myshkin (Ross) for his terrific suggestions with this arrangement- I’d still be sitting and staring blankly at the screen without your help!
Jack says:
Mania was posted very early in our time
here and Alfred was just amazing in his comments and support for a
"newbie" Macjammer. I was floored when he asked if he could work on
the track because I had listened to some of his work and was duly
impressed. The thing about Alfred is he works at a project until it
is done to his satisfaction .. and you can count on months of
anticipation. He was kind enough to send small "fixes" of where he was
at in the project and it kept me smiling every time I received one. I
think this tune is now just as much his as mine ... and I am very
proud of that. Alfred my friend ... thanks for the ride .. it was
"killer" !
(Artwork by Jack)
Lyrics:
goodbye... goodbye... goodbye...goodbyei know how to cry
i know we must die
i know you are gone
i don't know why
you said goodbye..goodbye
here is the noose
you are the tree
please take great care
you are holding me
you are the key
i cannot see
did you just whisper
you are leaving me
i know how to cry
i know all things die
i know you are gone
i don't know why
you said goodbye..goodbye
what can you say
i say too much
i need to breathe
it's killing me
i break the rules
you pick them up
you have been there
each time i look
i know how to cry
i know all things die
i know you are gone
i don't know why
you said goodbye...goodbye
inside the book
i think is me
i am afraid of what i see
is it a dream
i can't wake up
i cannot feel you next to me
i know how to cry......
Hardware:
iBook G4Software:
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drakonis
Excellent work from both of you, really turns up the manic-factor, Alf! But then, it is planted firmly in the creative soil of Jack's writing/singing. I'm afraid I'm reduced to Jack's almost speechless "right then..." and Jack's cool artwork too. Sigh. Wonderful collaborative effort here. I don't even mind the fade out, seems proper in this context.
ttfn,
Drakonis
alfalpha
Eduard,
There is no doubt that this is firmly planted in the creative soil of Jack's writing/singing, hence, this wee 'alf sprout' found growing quite easy- albeit the time it took to 'take root', however, alfalpha genus is quite well known as a slow growing plant.
I know well that you don't favour fade-outs, but had I taken another option- I might've taken another 8 months to 'reach maturity', so to speak.
This was a particularly enjoyable collaboration- it frightened me that Jack had no qualms in the direction I was 'growing'. No matter how many drafts & requests for his critique, he gave each draft hid lessing & left me to my own devices...brave soul that he is.
Thanks so much for the visit & listen, I always appreciate your comments- they mean a lot to me, as I know how closely you listen to everyone's music.
Regards,
Alf
jiguma
.. and a little Plant/Page and Gabriel for added value.
Great re-interpretation Alf. I know how busy you've been lately and am really glad to see you've finally been able to get this together. Great keys/strings and whatever else you're doing here - is that bass you?
What a cool song - I'm going to have to listen more to Jack's work - I'm afraid he's one MJer I feel like I haven't given enough listening time to.
This is REALLY REALLY good!
Neil
alfalpha
...Plant, Page & Gabriel?! Sounds like some kinda 'super band'!
You know how busy it's been for Jane & I over the last few months, & I really wanted to 'get my teeth' into this collab. Happily, I've had a little extra time over the last couple of weeks.
The bass is me- as much as a keyboardist can 'play' bass- (on the keyboard)
;)
Jack is certainly worth checking out & he's a nice guy to boot.
I REALLY REALLY appreciate it!
Thanks for popping over- see you next collab!
Cheers,
Alf
ktb
luv this. Very Gabriel, Murphy, like. Outstanding vocal work Highly original. The synth's sounds delicious
alfalpha
appreciate your listen to this, as well as your comments...
nice to see you visit KTB!
Cheers,
Alf
bud
I feel like I'm swimming in this song - floating on the pulse and sturdy vocals. All the percussive touches and strings are perfect. This really pulls from a lot of directions and builds a beautiful home of it's own. Fantastic collab gentlemen - one of the finest I've heard in some time. Alf - you amaze me.
alfalpha
YOU'VE always amazed me...I just wish I had more time to listen to all my favourite MacJammers- especially YOUR music- I should apologise for not being more attentive to your uploads on this site- I've been so busy with things non-musical...alas....
Jack's vocals are quite distinct & clearly, you've been listening to the rhythm of this wee 'soundscape'...well, I guess I should have made mention that Jack's original GB file was not subjected to any 'stringent grid' in his GB file...therefore, I was working with an 'ad lib' file as far as tempo & time signature goes. The result was that I edited Jack's vocals to 'fit' a tempo in 4/4, but his phrases were varying from 3/4 to 4/4 to 7/4, over some strict 4/4 beats, so I thought, 'what the hey- let him do his thing, & I'll just go with his flow' ...which resulted in a kinda 'floating pulse', as you've described so poigniantly.
Sorry, I'm raving...you are one MacJammer who really LISTENS to what is going on & I'm so delighted you've had a listen & enjoyed this collab.
Many Thanks for the listen & kind comments Bud!
I really appreciate it!
Cheers & Regards,
Alf
davisamerica
.. oh my ... this is too much ... so much work and such a great artist to work with ... am pretty speechless .. and have song on a loop ... give me a sec my friend ... is amazing
alfalpha
...stop it OK?!
;)
Fourth Window
it alot such a satisfying sound very cool and well done
chears
alfalpha
for the visit & listen- I really enjoyed this collab- Jack's original really inspired this remix...
Cheers,
Alf
davisamerica
well you certianly made this tune all yours ... i am amazed and so pleased .. you make me sound tolerable with a wonderful new soundbed .. the vox were a mess to clean up and you did a wonderful job on that and then u just pushed it all up to a new level ... neil will be so disappointed when he hears me in the raw ... so .. how about mixing everything else we do ..LOL.
man i owe u big time
Jack
alfalpha
Jack, it's YOUR tune...remember?! (haven't you read my profile?!)
I enjoyed this collab SO much- I'm looking forward to more a'muse'ments in the future with you! If you'll allow me...
PS, Don't worry about Neil- he just loves 'raw' material, especially when it's good quality.. ;)
Best Wishes & Regards,
Alf
davisamerica
... anytime .. :-]
Feter
Welcome to the Progressive rock world
whata colab ..I dunno whats left havnt done with this
song ..
Hats off guys ...whata colab ..
alfalpha
....I'm always glad to see you here!
Prog Rock? Maybe, I'm not sure, but I'm sure glad you like this!
Thanks for the lovely comment!
Best Wishes,
Alf
caroline
you've been alf'ed and davis a ... you have been!!! this is hippy/trippy and a brilliant build on a terrific foundation - bravo both of you! is there an ice-cream flavour that would go with it?? thank you for the music xoxoxox
alfalpha
Caroline likes something!
I hoped being 'alf'ed' isn't conducive to getting some kind of virus!
In any case, Jack's foundation would probably prevent any mishap!
I'm so glad you like this tune- I'm not too sure about which flavour would go with this- but I'd hope the customers would like it! :)
Many Thanks for the visit Caroline!
L.
BP
xxxxx
Alf Fantastic !!!
Couldn't get any better .
Brilliant Job.
Well done guys. I love you Alf for this too. You done a wonderful job.
I love Jack also as one of my best mates and I love to hear him sing.
DL LOL
Peace Dee xx
alfalpha
Dee,
I'm so glad you like this version. It was an absolute pleasure to work on this with Jack and he's a really nice bloke.
Many Thanks for the comment & the visit!
Cheers!
Alf
Great work - great music - great singing
alfalpha
Jeez, we're talking serious superband stuff here!
What a nice combination to be compared to...
And really nice of you to come to visit this song...
Thank You so much!
Cheers,
Alf
I've always enjoyed your work. This piece is a very nice one, great orchestration and good delivery from Sir Jack. Thanks for sharing, really good collab!
Take Care
- Yeman A. Al-Rawi
alfalpha
...to see you here Yeman!
I always appreciate your visits & comments.
Take good care of yourself my friend & keep up your wonderful music.
Best Regards,
Alf
Macaudion
This little tunage has an open welcome to a place nearest to my soul - dat be somewhere near the sweetness of darkness department...
My ears made a mess after being worked by this little tunage.
Everything is just freakn' right!
If I weren't so turned on, I'd be little green w/ the worthlessness of envey - and plus, it adds to the pleasures here to be happy for you guys for turning it out on this...
Though, a little foreplay wouldda been nice...
Congrats to both of you, heavy hitters! Macca
alfalpha
...by Jack's original, which, in turn, turned on my soul's section of the darkness department. I guess we all must have some kinda 'dark soul department'!
Dion, I love it when you visit, & your comments are just so poetic, entertaining & really appreciated!
Oh, about those ears of yours- you might invest in some earplugs (or give them a good cold shower) ;)
Thank You & Best Regards, my friend!
Alf
gail60
I have always loved this song and I really appreciate the extra work and attention that is has been given. It sounds wonderful! Awesome song!
alfalpha
Gail, what a wonderful 'surprise visit' to our wee collab page....I really enjoyed having a 'bash' with Jack's tune, I'm so glad you enjoyed it.
I really need to take some time off to listen to more of your music....
Many Thanks for the kind comments!
Cheers!
Alf
lengold
love Jacks original version of this. But I must say that this takes it to a totally new level. A truly amazing production. Love the Eastern vocal fills. just playing it for the second time and even more amazed than the first. Definite download and you have a new fan.
Cheers
Len
alfalpha
...love Jack's original version, and was delighted when he allowed me to 'put in my 2 cent's worth'.
The Eastern vocals were suggested by Ross (Myshkin), after he heard this take in on of its' earlier drafts, so I'll attribute him for that idea.
I'm so pleased you like this version, Len, & now you also have a new fan!
Cheers & Regards,
Alf
magnatone
wow you guys, this is exquisite! I love everything about this - great collab - worth the wait (in gold!)
alfalpha
...its really nice to see you here & many Thanks for the lovely comment!
Coming from you, it means a lot to me- your music skills speak for themselves & you are a very talented artist!
Cheers!
Alf
:)
Vic Holman
& mesmerizing. great team work!
alfalpha
Vic!
Great to see you here!
Regards,
Alf
apb
.. more than a touch of Peter Gabriel in this .. and my only gripe is the keyboard electric guitar sound .. if I could play that fast I would offer my services to replace it .. but .. sadly, I can't .. perhaps Pickquick (Chris) could do the honors.
Minor gripes over .. this is just (insert expletive) marvelous!! Right then .. one hat off (I've only got one!) :o)
Moviz
hear the original, but my, this hits the mark. Excellent production and feeling in this superb song.... quite a Peter Gabriel feel to it, love this, regards M
lavalamp
P.G. popped to mind right away. Funny that others mentioned that before I looked.
Brilliant job,
LL
dajama
Love this. Great vocal - what a terrific voice, and great performance. Love the musical backing - great sounds and lovely use of rhythm and beats. I like the keyboards throughout, with that lovely almost Middle Eastern feel. Very nicely done. Kudos to both of you. Awesome. Peace.
MarkHolbrook
with a heavy (=great) tune. Nicely done!
Dragonas
This is your first song that I've listened to, and I am sure glad I did.
There is a lot of great stuff here!
First impression:
Very Peter Gabriel feel (as previously commented on.)
I also picked up the Beatles and Jimmy Page vibe, all of which are my musical hero's.
Just amazing work, Alf.
guitapick
...a lot to be said for perfectionism...
...this is extreme in the extreme...the original song/lyrics and this interpretation/production. Just awesome...
Congrats to everyone involved. No brainer download...thanks. Thanks for the heads up, davis...busy is no excuse for missing this.
Peter Bauckham
really not much I can add having read the comments - it too reminds me of PG - which can only be good. I really like the bass sound - there is lots going on - I suspect more will reveal itself on future listens. The amount of time that has been spent on this has really paid off. Excellent work!
Peter
Heightened
This brings out so much in the song. Of course I love the original but this gives it a whole new feel. Fantastic collaboration - one of the best I've heard so far!
Outtaorbit
when i first heard it.... wonderful body and depth now.
hats off to both of you.
dirigent
Wow - this is so intense, an abundance of sounds, great vocals, fantastic songwriting, a pro-mix: A very cool masterpiece, what a collab!! Bravi!!!
Go_Turtle_Go
Fortunately, someone pointed me to this (ahum! ;-)). Very pro, sheez. Very very Peter Gabriel, and THAT is a compliment. His productions always had these fantasy story like qualities, and where packed with secret audio gifts . Ross and you did a terrific job, in that department. Ok, over to the vocals. Dang Jack!!! Subtle and authentic. Nuff said. DAng. What I like the most of this song, without trying to belittle the before mentioned are the lyrics ( I am a lawyer, so that always turns me on...text...). They are just perfect, a rare poetic quality and very emotional. They almost made me, well you know..I did on the inside, I can relate to them so well. Big hugs to the team for this one! a Flabbergasted Turtle
rsorensen
i love this. musically sounds like something robert plant could've done post zep., with Peter Gabriel singing. really cool ideas and sounds, and i love that slappin' bass.
rsorensen
also, just so you know, i had to make room on my 'music only' hard drive for this. damn you! haha thanks for the download.
michael2
this is so good. great production touches abound, this is truly a work of art. nothing left to say that hasn't been said, so i'll just leave it at very impressive. the time you take on your work really shows, i would never have the patience to do something of this caliber. great stuff.
***itiswotitis***
this is a great song
egobandit
A great tribute to Mr DA Excellent!
teptep
wow, once again great stunning work, and jack was great.
What would you want others, to do to this Masterpiece.....
I fail to see what else it needs, but a Masterful Mix....
All the working parts are Cool including the Vocals....
Anything add to this may hurt it, rather then help it....
I......... REALLY LIKE IT.........
Char
So personal. Still like it very much. Thank you.
davisamerica
.... a very happy new year my friend ... this tune was a 2008 high point for me ..... many thanks !
alfalpha
It's SO good to 'hear-see' from you....I'm SO busy right now, but I PROMISE, I'll be in touch with you, once our peak season for our icecream business slows a bit...I always check up on MacJams, but I don't have too much time to participate as much as I'd like to...
Best Wishes for the New Year Jack!
Cheers,
Alf
xxx
alfalpha
I forgot to mention Jack, that this was my most favourite collab in '08....despite the fact that it kinda started in 06-07....!
Much Love to you Mate!
,
Cheers,
Alf
Alimar
...to both of you! Excellent arrangement with subtle nuances, cool soundscape. Art-Rock for sure. Were the Beatles any influence?
Peace,
Alimar
alfalpha
...actually Al, I was thinking of Peter Gabriel (circa early RealWorld) when I heard Jack's original version...
...but the Beatles is pretty much fine with me!
Many Thanks for the listen!
Cheers,
Alf
davisamerica
still listening man and thank you
alfalpha
Thanks for keeping the torch alive...
All The best!
Cheers,
Alf