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Description:
This song is essentially a love letter to my wife Diana.
Heart-felt thanks to bass-player extraordinaire, part-time Goodwilly, and all around great guy Neil Porter, for contributing those gorgeous bass lines, and for invaluable help with the mix.
Be well all!
---------------------------------------------------------------------
After several listenings I found that the vox was too dry, and also needed a few volume adjustments. I also felt that the bass needed to come forward in the mix just a tad.
The REMIX can be found here:
http://www.icompositions.com/music/song.php?sid=88470
Lyrics:
NO REGRETS
I.
Seems so very long ago,
since you came into my life.
We we’re so young then.
How could we have known,
that the years
would turn out for us the way that they have?
Through all life’s ups and downs;
through the smiles and through the frowns;
I had your back, you had mine.
One day guided by the light;
another blinded by the night.
I always knew we’d come out fine.
Two hearts entwined...
II.
The winter of our years upon us...
I’m glad I won’t face them alone.
There’s a place in my heart
where it’s always springtime.
It’s where your love
has made it’s home.
Never mind what the doubters say.
There’s a light up on the road ahead.
Hand-in-hand we’ll follow close behind.
Through all the laughter and all the tears;
We’ve shared our dreams, we’ve shared our fears.
I’ve lived with you darlin’,
for all these years...
with no regrets.
...with no regrets.
I’ll always love you!
Hardware:
The usual...
Software:
The usual...
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Firsts.... &mdash 05/16/08 - 01:34:44 PM
"firsts" &mdash 05/16/08 - 02:16:33 PM
Sheesh! Now I feel like I should offer you a prize of some sort! Ha ha...
I look forward to your review bro!
Be well! [ Reply to This ]
You rock! &mdash 05/16/08 - 01:53:35 PM
I really like the slightly Celtic feel to this one. your instrumentation is great, and the lyrics are sweet. So good to hear songs dedicated to a marriage partner, in this world of broken relationships. [ Reply to This ]
Thank you Roxy... &mdash 05/16/08 - 02:20:22 PM
The "slightly Gaelic" feel---which Steve Craig also noticed (see below)---is another one of those happy accidents. I didn't notice it till you pointed it out.
Yes, there are songs a-plenty about love. A little rarer are songs about true and lasting love. It's nice to write one of these now and then.
Thanks for listening and commenting sis!
Be well! [ Reply to This ]
Supergroup! &mdash 05/16/08 - 01:55:38 PM
Mike Wark! and Jiguma! You spoil us, gents! Great track - i can hear neils' fingers in the mix - the guitars and bass sound wonderful. Nice subtle orchestration (this has a nice gaelic feel guys) and a warm, heartfelt lyric. The long instrumental section is great - lets the song breath. A winner guys! [ Reply to This ]
Hi Steve! &mdash 05/16/08 - 02:25:47 PM
I've long wanted to work with Neil. The closest I'd gotten until now was on a couple of Goodwilly tracks. I've been waiting for the right vehicle for his melodic and punchy bass. The time has come!
As noted in the Description, Neil also assisted me by pointing out glitches in the mix, which I would otherwise have missed.
At the end of the day, I have to admit that this is one of my faves. Glad you enjoyed it too my friend!
Be well! [ Reply to This ]
Nice! &mdash 05/16/08 - 01:58:37 PM
Love the opening guitar- gets a listener hooked right away I thought. I'm listening to this on the laptop at the office, so I can't really crank it up loud. Everything sounds clear at low volume and I'll listen again tonight on the good system- where I can turn up, too! So, like Jack, I'll be back later to add to my comments! [ Reply to This ]
Thanks Mikey... &mdash 05/16/08 - 02:27:36 PM
...for clocking in here. I'll look forward to your full commentary later on.
Thanks for listening.
Be well bro! [ Reply to This ]
Well.... &mdash 05/16/08 - 07:52:06 PM
it's certainly much better to listen to this on speakers that can allow me to hear the lower end of things, hehe!. Neil's bass sounds fantastic! The stereo spread sounds great on this track, Mike.
It's really nice that you can write your feelings out like this. (It's an ability I wish I had)
Again, a very nice track Mike! (and another download for me, hehe) [ Reply to This ]
Thanks Mikey! &mdash 05/16/08 - 09:43:55 PM
I also really like how this mix turned out. Glad you dug it!
You mentioned the stereo spread. Recently Neil told me about some free software by LUXONIX:
http://www.luxonix.com/home/en/products.html?id=lfx1310
This free plug-in has quite a few settings. The ones I'm getting the most use out of though are the "Panorama (PB)" and "Panorama (Mod)" settings. They function a little like a Spreader, but without the distortion. I used these on various instruments in my last three tunes. Noticeable difference in the mixes, huh?
Thanks for coming back and leaving a fuller comment bro!
Be well! [ Reply to This ]
Great tunes & song &mdash 05/16/08 - 02:09:42 PM
Hi Micheal
Great play and the singing matches exellent for this melody. I like the guitar play much but (in my opinion) you have some noise on it for a start. Think it might be distortion. A cleaner sound would fit better to the great playing on this one.
Take care & thanks for sharing.
Best regards, Claus [ Reply to This ]
Hey Claus... &mdash 05/16/08 - 02:34:08 PM
The distortion on the guitars is Chorus. Neil and I went all around on that one.
I tried a mix with the Chorus shut-off completely, but it left the rhythm guitars with too much attack (or something)....They were punching right through the singing!
I could have played around with the volume some to compensate, but the naked truth is that I LIKE the sound of a little bit of Chorus.
Finally I turned it back on but reduced the effect from 33% to 8%.
I guess less-is-more sometimes...
Anyway, I'm glad you enjoyed the tune Claus; and I appreciate the input as well!
Take care man! [ Reply to This ]
Killer! &mdash 05/16/08 - 02:13:07 PM
One of your very best picks as I guess. Great vocal delivery, fine strings and guitar work and a very tasty bass line from Mr. Neil. KUDOS for this Mr. Mikey. Great stuff!
Take Care
- Yeman A. Al-Rawi [ Reply to This ]
Thanks Yeman... &mdash 05/16/08 - 02:37:27 PM
Glad you enjoyed it.
This was, perhaps, the most difficult to sing of all the songs I've written. I had to do the vocals in separate sections because I kept going off key!
Be well friend! [ Reply to This ]
Gorgeous &mdash 05/16/08 - 02:41:59 PM
Stellar work here boys. Love the sound of the guitars and great vocal delivery. Very fine lyrics, which I can appreciate,
Great work (Doesn't sound forced)
Dave [ Reply to This ]
Thank you David... &mdash 05/16/08 - 04:01:06 PM
A tad more complex than my "CBGB Theme," to be sure! Ha ha...
Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for listening and commenting my friend!
Be well! [ Reply to This ]
NO REGRETS &mdash 05/16/08 - 03:11:04 PM
WOW ... what a band ...the bass is incredible
as the drum so so alive so real ..incredible
guitar tone I just love it ..very nice my
friend I just love it ..Thnx alot for sharin ! [ Reply to This ]
Thanks Feter! &mdash 05/16/08 - 04:07:27 PM
Glad you enjoyed the ride brother!
RE the drums...it's all in the mixing I guess. This time I couldn't find the right DoD, so I went back to the loops provided by LE7. I used 7 tracks, 2 different kinds of compression, equalization, volume control tweakage, and a little panning to get the sound I wanted. Lotsa work. Lotsa coffee too! Ha ha...
As always, I appreciate your taking the time to listen and comment.
Be well my friend!
[ Reply to This ]
classic rocker &mdash 05/16/08 - 04:13:30 PM
or.... dare I say....... classic Tull. Nice open letter to your soul mate. a passion play perhaps? (see how I twisted that around)
And a nice melodic bass line from Neil. Super bang up job, gents! [ Reply to This ]
Thanks Vicar! &mdash 05/16/08 - 04:25:51 PM
@#!!%$!!#@! Tull influence! I was aiming for a classic Dire Straits sound! (heh-heh...)
Oh well, it still came out rather nice I think. Glad you dug it friend!
Be well!
---"Twisted," eh? Hmmmnnn.....I feel the stirrings of another tune coming on! [ Reply to This ]
Very &mdash 05/16/08 - 04:15:56 PM
romantic words Michael, that your wife will surely be pleased with. Great song with excellent musical performances by all concerned, regards M [ Reply to This ]
Thanks Maurice! &mdash 05/16/08 - 04:30:11 PM
I try to write at least one tune a year for her. Our 34th wedding anniversary comes around in September, so she'll probably get two this year! Ha ha...
Thanks fo listening and commenting my friend.
Be well!
[ Reply to This ]
Thanks Mike &mdash 05/16/08 - 05:01:18 PM
It was really interesting to hear how this turned out - I worked from a filler drum track and chords - no vocals, and a collection of chords that reminded me of something I'd produce (strange changes with "no-name" chords). "It's not blues is it!" was my tongue-in-cheek statement when I first started to tackle this. Quite a challenge Mike!
The new kit track worked perfectly - you're getting really good at that Mike - and the vocals sound great (I'm sure Diana really appreciates the lyrics - well done).
Thanks again for the invite Mike - I enjoyed the challenge :)
Cheers from Oz,
Neil [ Reply to This ]
Thanks Neil... &mdash 05/16/08 - 05:37:40 PM
It was good to have Oz's very own bass-wizard on this project. I've wanted to work with you on a song for a long time. I'm glad to have found an appropriate vehicle. "Challenge"? I KNEW you'd rise to the occasion my friend! Great job!
Be well! [ Reply to This ]
Hey Mike &mdash 05/16/08 - 06:23:33 PM
What a great song - loved the guitar sound from the start - nice soloing too - Production sounds nice and clear - I'd say your best. Neil's bass line fits in seamlessly. Good bit of Moody Bluesish keyboards very effective strings.
Another excellent post.
Thanks for sharing
Peter [ Reply to This ]
Thank you Peter... &mdash 05/16/08 - 06:40:03 PM
Yeah, I'm pretty pleased with the over-all sound on this one. Probably the cleanest mix I've ever achieved.
I've already posted a slightly improved mix though, which can be found here:
http://www.icompositions.com/music/song.php?sid=88380
---I made some adjustments to the volume on the vox, and I brought the bass a tad forward. Now I think I can let this one rest in peace! Ha ha...
"Moody Blues-ish"? Close! Actually, the "orchestrated" section is a Mellotron setting called "Genesis Split." Pretty cool, huh? The lead-in to that is a synthed cello from Logic.
I agree with you re Neil's bass... Simply superb!
As always, I appreciate your listening and commenting my friend.
Be well!
[ Reply to This ]
OOOOPS! &mdash 05/17/08 - 11:12:26 PM
The correct iComp address for the final mix is:
http://www.icompositions.com/music/song.php?sid=88470 [ Reply to This ]
Wark rhymes with Rawk!. (almost) &mdash 05/16/08 - 08:42:47 PM
This is a rocking tribute to your wife.. Nothing like music as a gift of love. I can hear the great and successful effort placed in arranging this song. You and Neil have instrumental harmony. It has classic rock written all over it, sweetened and softened by the romanticism of your lyrics. [ Reply to This ]
NOT "almost"... &mdash 05/17/08 - 12:54:30 PM
Actually, Leon, you are right. WARK is supposed to be pronounced WALK which does rhyme with RAWK, but no one has ever pronounced it that way and I've learned to live with it.
Thanks for the nice review friend.
Be well! [ Reply to This ]
Wark? ... &mdash 05/20/08 - 05:12:09 AM
... how else could you pronounce that except like "walk"?
Maybe it's an accent thing ;)
Neil [ Reply to This ]
Here's how: &mdash 05/21/08 - 02:38:40 PM
All my life folks have pronounced like WAR with a K tacked on the end. [ Reply to This ]
Yep ... &mdash 05/21/08 - 06:30:58 PM
... it's an accent thing!
War with a k is how I pronounce it - I suspect anyone from these parts, like me, would see no alternative choice.
:) [ Reply to This ]
Nice one &mdash 05/16/08 - 09:01:01 PM
I can imagine this in the soundtrack to a Tarrantino movie
Well done blokes [ Reply to This ]
Thanks Bryn... &mdash 05/17/08 - 12:56:29 PM
...but I doubt Mr. Tarrantino will be giving us a call anytime soon! Ha ha...
Be well! [ Reply to This ]
I had your back, you had mine &mdash 05/16/08 - 09:11:56 PM
Never mind what the doubters say, I love the lyrics to this one. You are such the romantic. Still chasing that wife of yours and setting a good example for the rest of us.
You and Neil rock this one to pieces. Excellent song. It's right up there with my all-time favorite Kamikaze Ballerina!
Is there a prize for being 15th? [ Reply to This ]
Hey Bob... &mdash 05/17/08 - 12:59:25 PM
...thanks for the kind review.
Yup...Still chasing the wife. I'll catch her eventually!
Prize for being 15th? Of course there is bro! I will listen to your newbie!
Be well! [ Reply to This ]
Lovely song Micheal &mdash 05/17/08 - 07:09:16 AM
Love the M-Tron passage which takes the song onto an unusual and interesting path. Guitars/bass/vocals sound great.
Cheers
Len
[ Reply to This ]
Thanks Len... &mdash 05/17/08 - 01:04:56 PM
...I'm glad you like it even though it's not Polka! Ha ha...
Yeah, that "Genesis Split" setting on the ol' MTron has a really dramatic sound, doesn't it?
Be well friend!
[ Reply to This ]
had your back &mdash 05/17/08 - 01:08:47 PM
One day guided by the light;
another blinded by the night.
Ain't that true! Strong lyrics and driven music. Splendid job, men. Best regards to your wife. Man, it must have been quite a roller coaster ride. It is nice to have that feeling of "springtime in winter". Mine and I hope to have that, too! [ Reply to This ]
Thanks Richard... &mdash 05/17/08 - 06:31:03 PM
RE "hope": I'm sure you two are not trailing too far behind bro!
Anyway, thanks for the nice review!
Be well! [ Reply to This ]
Back at last... &mdash 05/17/08 - 04:46:03 PM
Mike... you're singing from your heart, not your head... although your head agrees with your heart for sure. Great song to your dear Diane. I always love your guitar work and production and do here... having Neil on board is both an anchor and icing on the cake (mixing metaphor alert!)
cheers...
Jack [ Reply to This ]
Metaphoric Euphoria &mdash 05/17/08 - 06:23:35 PM
Yes, Jack. Watch those mixed metaphors or we'll send you sailing down the road. [ Reply to This ]
Haw! &mdash 05/17/08 - 06:36:34 PM
pointed discussion &mdash 05/19/08 - 02:23:27 PM
Hah! &mdash 05/21/08 - 02:36:52 PM
Tit for tat &mdash 05/21/08 - 03:49:03 PM
Just how short are you Rich? &mdash 05/21/08 - 04:01:00 PM
Thanks Jack... &mdash 05/17/08 - 06:35:29 PM
Thus saith Mike: "No good love letter was ever written from the head!"
Thanks for coming back and commenting bro. Glad you enjoyed the tune.
Be well!
BTW: I don't mind mixed metaphors, as long as somebody else does the mixing. That's why I always keep a small sack of Pre-mixed Metaphors on hand in our pantry! You know...in case guests drop by or something... [ Reply to This ]
Very cool &mdash 05/17/08 - 06:11:33 PM
What a great combination! Love the bass on this, Neil - very melodic, and a lovely rich sound. Michael, the song is terrific. Love the direct, heartfelt lyrics, and the arrangement is really good. The instrumentation works well (including the string sounds) and the guitars sound really nice. I love the sound you get on the lead. I mean, I really love it! Great stuff. This is outstanding. Nicely done. Peace. [ Reply to This ]
Thank you David... &mdash 05/17/08 - 06:43:47 PM
I originally planned to do the bass myself. I'm glad I didn't...I just can't compete with the beauty of Neil's playing!
I've been playing with this arrangement for a couple of months. Indeed, I was gonna practice this one with a view to recording it the day I broke my e-string. I then picked up my acoustic, and wrote "Tunnel Vision" instead. The delay occasioned by that accident has proved doubly fruitful!
RE the sound on the lead. Me too! I think it's the nicest sounding lead I've ever stumbled upon. I'll have to use those settings again sometime.
Glad you enjoyed this one my friend. Thanks for the nice review.
Be well! [ Reply to This ]
~ &mdash 05/17/08 - 08:54:08 PM
Doing the right thing, here, Micheal. Your wife must be thrilled.
Nice tune...the instrumentals kick... [ Reply to This ]
Thank you Bob... &mdash 05/17/08 - 09:25:30 PM
This turned out OK, but the REMIX (see Song Description) is better.
And yes, Diane is always thrilled when I write love songs to her! Ha ha...
Be well friend! [ Reply to This ]
very cool &mdash 05/17/08 - 09:47:30 PM
Thanks Patrick... &mdash 05/17/08 - 09:55:26 PM
I appreciate the "Monterey" reference!
Thanks for giving this a spin man...
Be well! [ Reply to This ]
Wow &mdash 05/18/08 - 03:18:49 AM
This sounds great.... A good song/melody... Something i'm gonna listen to a couple of times.... Good guitar solo.... Good performance.... Thanks for sharing... [ Reply to This ]
No Regrets. &mdash 05/18/08 - 12:40:04 PM
You guys fit really well together musically and What a great voice and Wow! That guitar.What a lovely way to share your love as a celebration
with all us your friends as well on MJ. And jiguma is so talented as well.
And sang so sincerely Michael from your heart to your beautiful wife. And the lyrics are really nice as well.
Thank you for the download.
Peace Dee xx
[ Reply to This ]
Great tone &mdash 05/18/08 - 10:00:22 PM
on the guitar. Has a vintage quality to it. Vox huh? Sounds good to me. [ Reply to This ]
This has &mdash 05/20/08 - 11:09:38 AM
got shades of Moody Blues about it,I like the way it kicks off with gusto and then lays back into that lovely instrumental segue of strings ,followed by Mellotron(one of the Moodys fave instruments) ,ripping guitat solo and then back to vocals.Super.
Jarvo [ Reply to This ]
loveit &mdash 05/20/08 - 12:48:11 PM
really like that dirty guitar tone you wrangled. great chord prog, too. I'll have to check out that other (icomp) version, cuz i'd like to hear those wicked basslines bumped up. Great song. Sounds like earlier Floyd to me. [ Reply to This ]
What a nice sentiment! &mdash 05/21/08 - 12:24:36 PM
A really nice composition guys! Your singing seems to get better and better, Michael! And of course, Mr Porter's bass playing is right on. Love the popping sound that you got outta those fat strings, Neil. Diggn' the drumming and the guitar on this, too! I would consider either panning the guitar out of the same space as the voice, w/ the other guitar panned opposite side or, exchange it for something less distorting. You don't want distortion representing what you're saying, (I think) It's very prominent and it seems to get in the way of what you're saying. I really liked it when it stood alone. The instrumental part was dead on and groovn', while expounding upon the message.
Great job! Must of taken a lot of work! Thanks for sharing! You're wife must be pleased and as well, you should be too, Michael.
Macca [ Reply to This ]
Love this one Big Bro! : ) &mdash 05/21/08 - 09:06:43 PM
You are an inspiration. : ) JD wrote me a poem! In it I'm a sunbeam. : ) Now if I could just convince him to mess around with GB on my Macbook. : ) He likes it when I sing to him. (He couldn't sleep so I sang him a lullaby : ) ) I keep tellin' him I can't sing, but if he likes my singing then I'll sing just for him. : ) And maybe alone in the car as long as the windows are rolled up when I hit the stoplights. : ) [ Reply to This ]
Cool &mdash 06/07/08 - 12:58:55 PM
Really good song, as usual, Mike. The strings sound great and really work well in here, and I love the lead guitar. The bass is perfect, Neil. Well assembled and produced, and you and Diana look really sharp in that photo :) [ Reply to This ]
another... &mdash 07/29/08 - 12:19:08 PM
great tune! your songs are always amazing to my ears. this one, although beautiful and definitely a love song, almost seems like it has a bit of sadness to it. maybe sadness is the wrong word...i think it's just a minor chord feel that's doing it. don't get me wrong, i love this aspect of it! all of the love songs my wife and i feel fit us the best have exactly that feel. thank you for this excellent tune! i love it, and can't eait to show my wife.
age [ Reply to This ]
You grabbed me from the beginning. &mdash 08/20/08 - 05:00:15 PM
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