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Description:
This is a very old song written by our one-time singer, Ian Robins in 1972 – the band was Marastique, and this was one of my favourite songs that we did.
The lineup in the pic (left to right) was me (bass), Gary Fredericks (vocals, acoustic and electric guitar), Ian Robins (vocals and acoustic guitar), Graham Butchardt (vocals, congas and acoustic guitar) and (kneeling) Graham (“The Mighty Gruzbomb”) Hilzinger (vocals, flute and percussion). This is a venue we would have loved to play.
We used to play in wine bars, restaurants, cafes, surf clubs, concerts and wherever we could really – had quite a big following in the Northern Beaches area of Sydney. “On Reflection” was a song we played at every gig, and was about Ian’s desperation to leave Sydney for his dream home on the NSW north coast – knowing he’d have to leave the band and his job behind.
I’ve tried to get a reasonably accurate rendition going here, keeping as much as I could to the original arrangement. Unfortunately, Gruz’s harmony vocals were so weird that I just couldn’t get them down. Apart from that, this sounds a lot like we sounded back in the early 70s.
Ian Robins had one of the sweetest voices I’ve ever heard – I only hope I have done it justice. Ian, if you see this, please send me a note.
Lyrics:
On Reflection
© 1972 Ian Robins
Well it’s in my mind
To say something
But I don’t know where to start
They say that life’s a stage
And I’m an actor
But I don’t know which part
There is so much going on
And my life is just confusion
I just don’t know
But there is one thing that I know
And that is babe I love you
And amongst all the lies I’m living
That is the one thing that is true
And your love is like some distant shore
I see outside my porthole
I’m lost at sea
And the world is turning
Round and round
And the people are turning
Round in circles too
And there’s so much hatred and anger here
That I don’t know what it’s coming to
And I don’t know where we’re heading for
But I wish I knew
There are just so many sides to an argument
And I don’t know which side to join
Sometimes I feel like turning
And leaving
The earth alone
But I know that that’s not right
That I have to put my roots down somewhere
The question is where
Hardware:
Seagull S6 acoustic guitar
Fender Telecaster
Fender Precision Bass
Yamaha PSR300 midi keyboard
Rode NT3 mic
Behringer UB802 mixer/preamp
iMac G4
Software:
LE7
Ozone 3
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On Reflection &mdash 06/15/08 - 02:57:38 AM
Awesome like everything you do and produce my friend
this style that metled between folk and bongos beats
just what fits you ..the sound definetly (America) to
Flying Burritos ..with the flute behind ..just so
wonderful thnx alot for sharin such gem !!
I couldnt believe the quality ...!!!! [ Reply to This ]
Thanks Feter &mdash 06/15/08 - 03:11:16 AM
You sure are quick off the mark tonight.
I always appreciate your comments - how on earth do you listen to so much music?
Peace,
Neil [ Reply to This ]
Simpley !! &mdash 06/15/08 - 04:27:04 AM
A nowhere man living at MJ .. :-)
btw I m being late this man being distracted !!
[ Reply to This ]
Cool! &mdash 06/15/08 - 05:18:16 AM
I love your stuff and always will be looking forward to hear them. An amazing piece of work, great percussion and fine playing (and for sure an excellent production). Has some Bluegrass/Country taste if I'm getting it right! I love it....
Take Care
- Yeman A. Al-Rawi [ Reply to This ]
Thanks Yeman!! &mdash 06/15/08 - 06:58:53 AM
As always, great to see you dropping by for a listen and leaving a note. Hope the exams went well.
Best wishes from Australia!
Neil [ Reply to This ]
No reason.... &mdash 06/15/08 - 06:32:11 AM
that this shouldn't have been a hit for you guys. Wish you guys had a better name, "Marastique"?
This is a great tune, my friend. I could even hear a female take a stab at the vocals, not that you weren't good.
Be proud. And I'm sure Ian would love this.
Dave
[ Reply to This ]
Cheers Dave &mdash 06/15/08 - 06:48:15 AM
Marastique was the name before I joined, so I just had to wear it - kind of exotic sounding (the hippie crowd seemed to like it - great for blissing out, as was the music).
It was a really nice band to play in - very easy company.
Funny you should mention the female lead - Ian had a really high voice. I've dropped this maybe 5 frets so I could sing it.
Thanks for the visit! Like your new one btw.
Neil [ Reply to This ]
Alright &mdash 06/15/08 - 04:49:27 PM
I was worried what you'd say about the the band name. I was hoping you hadn't thought it up. Glad the hippies did.
Had a thought, but.........never mind.
Dave
[ Reply to This ]
Cool &mdash 06/15/08 - 07:30:45 AM
Like the early 70s acoustic combo sound, with the light electric lead guitar. Lyrics and vocals remind me of CSNY. Very Cool.
Thanks
Bill [ Reply to This ]
Thanks for listening Bill &mdash 06/15/08 - 07:43:24 PM
We had the vocals to do a lot of CSNY stuff, but only ever did "Love The One You're With" "Find The Cost Of Freedom" and "Ohio" from memory. Gary, our guitarist had an incredibly delicate touch - he still plays professionally in Sydney. He was probably the biggest influence on how I wanted to play lead guitar (needless to say, he's much better than me).
Cheers,
Neil [ Reply to This ]
Nice track Neil &mdash 06/15/08 - 09:55:01 AM
I can remember a little coffee house in Long Beach California call " The People of Orphelese" (not sure on the spelling here), where we used to hang out and take turns doing numbers. There was always at least one group of guys and or gals that would get up when it was their turn, with their guitar, bongo, (all rage back then) and sometime a guy with a flute. (that wasn't you guys, was it) We're talking 1967, 1968 or around there.
Anyway, this so reminds me of that place and time in my life, and that kind of music and it's wonderful to go back there in my mind. Thank you for that. This is a wonderful song and you did a great job doing it.
On a production level,my only suggestion would be to pull the bongos back a little, and bring the vox up just a tad.
Love the song Neil and your take on it. great job my friend,
Ed [ Reply to This ]
Ed, &mdash 06/15/08 - 07:47:28 PM
thanks for the listen and comment - I enjoy hearing from you, and appreciate you looking for ways the songs could be improved. On reflection (sorry), the congas could come down a bit, and I think that might solve the vox presence also. We would have played this in the early 70s over the 2 year life of the band - never made it outside of Sydney I'm afraid.
Cheers from Oz,
Neil [ Reply to This ]
I love the rhythm in this &mdash 06/15/08 - 10:28:30 AM
as well as the vocals, bass, percussion, guitars, and everything else. Great coffeehouse song Neil. You and your band rock! :-) [ Reply to This ]
reflections... &mdash 06/15/08 - 10:35:46 AM
Neil, this is a great song... and that title captures something for me... reflections of sounds/music that I can't really grab, but so reminiscent of era gone by. Guitars sparkle, percussion (bongo?) is cool. And you sing it well... you must have some fine memories (reflections) of those times back then making music with your mates...
cheers [ Reply to This ]
Thanks Jack &mdash 06/16/08 - 05:48:12 PM
This was my first "proper" band after a few half hearted attempts with other genres. I couldn't believe my luck when I was introduced to Graham B - I auditioned and was welcomed with open arms by the other guys. It kind of played havoc with my uni studies at the time, but was so much fun - they had played on a surfing film soundtrack and knew some of the top session players in Sydney. We used to jam often with the drummer who ended up in Air Supply (despite that he was a great drummer!) and Richard Lockwood from Tully (a legendary Sydney band) and a brilliant keyboard player whose name escapes me. Fantastic days for a young musician.
But I digress .....
Neil [ Reply to This ]
Just dropped in... &mdash 06/15/08 - 10:46:12 AM
to see if there was any new shows at the coffee shop. Glad I did, this is a great song and performance Neil. Thank you for sharing it. [ Reply to This ]
Hippie Neil! &mdash 06/15/08 - 12:44:08 PM
Classic sounds here my friend! I agree w/ Feter's Burrito Bros comparison. Very early-to-mid 70's this. Smooth with a bit of a lilt...Like a feather wafted along on a breeze. Mikey likey!
Be well! [ Reply to This ]
Excellent &mdash 06/15/08 - 12:45:59 PM
This is great; I love the lyrics and the laidback vibe of the song is great. Lovely guitar sound - beautiful, clear tone - and that bass is beautifully placed (and played!). Great singing; don't know of course what the original singer's vocal sounded like, but this sounds great to me. Lovely track. It's a sunny day, and this is the prefect soundtrack. Nicely done, young man. Peace.
P.S. love the new avatar pic.... [ Reply to This ]
Cheers David &mdash 06/16/08 - 06:11:03 PM
Ian had a really pure, high voice which was perfect for so much of what we did.
The new avatar is from the start of the 70s - I was probably around 20.
Thanks for listening and commenting,
Neil [ Reply to This ]
caffienated &mdash 06/15/08 - 08:11:14 PM
This absolutely sparkles Neil. Has a nice summer breeze flow to it.
I guess the best thing is that the song does not sound dated at all. very contemporary feel and sound. Everything sounds balanced though my phones. [ Reply to This ]
Thanks for visiting Vic &mdash 06/16/08 - 07:02:19 PM
I'm still waiting for my new iMac and Logic Studio - the local Apple reseller went bust after my order went in, so had to order again. Hope I can get the same quality of production as you're getting in LP8.
Cheers,
Neil [ Reply to This ]
On Reflection &mdash 06/16/08 - 04:56:26 AM
I just love listening to your singing and this is just as gorgous.
love it all. Brilliant !
Peace Dee. [ Reply to This ]
Oh, if we'd had then... &mdash 06/16/08 - 06:42:27 AM
...the capability we have now...
Back then, this many tracks and this degree of clarity would've cost more than a house...
I get a real feeling of respect and affection in this recording. It's nicely full, but again, not cramped or crowded. Every piece has its spot. I like what sounds like capoed guitar(s), and the jiguma bass has never sounded better. The song itself has a nice blend of rhythm and melody. I can see why this one would've stayed with you...
Neatly done, Neil...
Ed [ Reply to This ]
Thanks for listening Ed &mdash 06/16/08 - 06:53:39 AM
I tried to be as authentic as I could with this, just playing the tracks that we did live. My only concession to my "jiguma" sound was the two acoustic guitar tracks - capoed on 5 I think - instead of Ian's solo rhythm acoustic guitar. Also I have Gruz playing flute and shakers at the same time - he was good, but not that good ;)
Sonically, this is better than we sounded because PAs and mics were not what they are now, and there would have been pops and crackles all over the place.
It was a really nice little band, and I do hold very fond memories of the guys and the times - and especially the music. There were a lot of really good songs, and I have lyrics and chords for maybe 6 or 7 of them still.
Cheers from Oz! [ Reply to This ]
Also... &mdash 06/16/08 - 07:48:02 PM
...are you really that tall, or are you standing on a rock?
Enquiring minds want to know....\
Ed [ Reply to This ]
Ed &mdash 06/17/08 - 06:19:23 PM
Wow! &mdash 06/16/08 - 08:31:52 AM
Just when I think your tracks couldn't get any better, then WHAM here's another one! Really nice track Neil- and the mix is absolutely fantastic! [ Reply to This ]
BETTER TIMES &mdash 06/16/08 - 09:20:30 AM
Bright and well coordinated choice of instruments. Up beat.
Top Production Values. Perfect Mix.
compliments and regards,
Coop [ Reply to This ]
BETTER TIMES &mdash 06/16/08 - 09:21:35 AM
Bright and well coordinated choice of instruments. Up beat.
Top Production Values. Perfect Mix.
compliments and regards,
Coop [ Reply to This ]
Can't beat &mdash 06/16/08 - 09:41:18 AM
the 70's music from my point of view and I love this number, with it's bright and breezy melody. Love the lyrics too and I'm sure Ian will be pleased with your delightful rendition; great combination of instruments too, regards M [ Reply to This ]
Good Lord look at all the hair! &mdash 06/16/08 - 12:04:56 PM
If I had been down there in 1972, I would have only been 5 years old, but I would have definitely been a fan. It's a great song. I can only imagine the fun you guys must have had playing back in the day. I can hear your fondness for those days in this tune. It was obviously resurrected with a great deal of care. Wonderful job. Enjoyed it very much. [ Reply to This ]
Fine piece... &mdash 06/16/08 - 06:13:34 PM
...you guys must have been a great act to check out...
Thanks for posting this, Neil...the percussion's a really nice addition...keeps it rolling along very nicely, in tandem with your guitar...really nice stuff.... [ Reply to This ]
Always &mdash 06/16/08 - 06:34:27 PM
good to have something 'new' from you - lovely song, beautifully recorded and produced. Thanks for posting it.
Peter [ Reply to This ]
Keys &mdash 06/16/08 - 06:42:11 PM
I love it that you play a Seagull. There's just something poetic and appropriate about that. It sounds great capoed.
It's interesting that you didn't write this one, because you do sound vocally different, which is fascinating and makes me wonder if a singer-songwriter's sound comes in part from the type of melody he or she is prone to writing.
I can see why you wanted to record this song, it's bright and breezy and wonderful. Did you play the congas on the keyboard, because they sound real?
Whatever happened to Ian? Did he move off with his dream girl? [ Reply to This ]
Lisa! &mdash 06/16/08 - 06:52:30 PM
Thanks for dropping by! The Seagull IS appropriate for sure, and a fine guitar to boot. One day I'd like to get one of their top end models - they have a very distinctive sound which suits my style.
Congas are a modified midi loop I'm afraid, but it leads me to a story: Jan and I were going on one of our usual walks around the beach and down the riverside when I saw a pair of bongo drums lying in the sand near the water's edge - the tide was coming in so I moved them up the beach to where they'd be safe from the water. An hour later, walking back past the same spot, they were still there and I decided to take them to the police station as lost property. A month later I got a call from the police saying no-one had claimed them and asking if I wanted them! Honesty does appear to be the best policy!
Now I have a pair of quality bongo drums - expect to hear them soon (once I get my head around how to play them - not as easy as I'd thought) ;)
How are the vocals going now you have that classy preamp?
Cheers from Oz,
Neil [ Reply to This ]
Love those Maj7 chords &mdash 06/16/08 - 08:12:20 PM
They give such a dreamy atmosphere.
A very nice song overall, and you perform it well.
I just have a minor quibble with those congas. Maybe I could have used some regular drum to go with them? They sound a bit dry, don't really sit in the mix.
But that's the only thing. Strings and vocals are all great. [ Reply to This ]
Groovy Tune &mdash 06/16/08 - 09:52:31 PM
Nice laid-back acoustic piece, Neil. It has a bit of a breezy Islands tune feel to it. The flute part adds a nice texture to the whole and the chorused electric seems at times to suggest a mandolin. All in all, a quite pleasant blend. ;)
--- Joe [ Reply to This ]
Wow &mdash 06/16/08 - 11:28:50 PM
This is amazing, man. For me, it's the bass that keeps me grooving, but you can't beat that sweet guitar sound. The changes and all the playing are very nice, sort of hints of Jethro Tull in there... super good stuff, Neil. [ Reply to This ]
. &mdash 06/17/08 - 06:11:03 AM
An unusual melody against those chords, jazzy-folk, nice.
It's a catchy tune, isn't it? Thanks for sharing. Cheers,
Rich [ Reply to This ]
wow neil &mdash 06/17/08 - 07:56:56 AM
this is sweet ... love the melody and vox .. sure ian must approve .. :-]
the production is perfect and i really loved this tune neil .. most excellent by one of the best ... hats off brother! [ Reply to This ]
I have &mdash 06/17/08 - 09:15:07 AM
always been a big Jules Shear fan and this is dead-on to his writing and performance style. I love this tune, great job. [ Reply to This ]
on reflection &mdash 06/17/08 - 09:23:47 AM
Hi Neil, great folksy vibe here. The mix is really good in ear phones and your vocal does the song full justice. The live bass makes such a difference when compared to a synthesised midi bass. The Roy Wood look on your avatar is mega cool!
Thanks for posting since I've now got another free track on my iPod.
Cheers
Steve [ Reply to This ]
Hip Hoorah &mdash 06/17/08 - 12:31:27 PM
I love this! Its got those 60's chords I adore - also used in the theme tune to Barbarella.Congas great,vocals great,guitar fantastic.10's
Cheers RG [ Reply to This ]
Lovely gentle song &mdash 06/18/08 - 09:59:22 AM
Cool Tune &mdash 06/18/08 - 10:12:40 AM
nice &mdash 06/18/08 - 02:26:24 PM
hah look at that pic! the epitome of a real 70s band. love it. Really great song, Neil. The congas really give it a unique feel. Is there a mando in there? or is it just the guitar playing a mandolin type thing? Either way - very cool.
[ Reply to This ]
excellent &mdash 06/18/08 - 07:18:46 PM
great lyrics, great bass, great everything total enjoyment.. downloaded again.. thanks Neil [ Reply to This ]
I can &mdash 06/18/08 - 11:03:58 PM
see why you played this at every gig- this is a truly great song.That bass sounds wonderful and I love that guitar sound.The song has that Seals & Crofts kind of feel.I seem to remember music like this was actually played on the radio long ago.This song has a lot of emotion in it.Very cool! [ Reply to This ]
crystal clear production! &mdash 06/19/08 - 12:04:43 PM
nice percussion - the congas and shaker are perfect, great flute part (sounds real). and the vocals sound amazing. you really captured the right frequencies on your voice... very present and breathy. nice progression, got the feeling of sailing along with the breeze. thanks for sharing! [ Reply to This ]
I am sure... &mdash 06/19/08 - 05:26:23 PM
...Ian would be both perplexed as happy hearing this version (I hope he did). It has a nice melody, very well performed as always. In some ways this song brings me back in time, but it it also mixed today's world, and I could (or would) want to hear this on the radio...on my way to beach. Very good! [ Reply to This ]
great &mdash 06/19/08 - 11:12:02 PM
song and great picture! I wish I had a band photo as cool as that. Loved the feel of this. The congas really stood out for me.
It great to redo old tunes. [ Reply to This ]
Wow &mdash 06/20/08 - 03:08:26 AM
Hey Neil, this is great - like Crosby Stills & Nash hanging out on the porch. Sweet tune, great recording & playing and your voice is working really well. Excellent stuff
Phil [ Reply to This ]
Beautiful sea breeze &mdash 06/21/08 - 09:30:07 AM
Sorry I'm so late &mdash 06/22/08 - 08:11:38 AM
I am sure I heard &mdash 07/03/08 - 10:39:19 PM
this when the coffee house was open I regret not having said hello. Great song Neil. Definitely worth a favorite. Really nice work. [ Reply to This ]
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this style that metled between folk and bongos beats
just what fits you ..the sound definetly (America) to
Flying Burritos ..with the flute behind ..just so
wonderful thnx alot for sharin such gem !!
I couldnt believe the quality ...!!!!
[ Reply to This ]