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A Sight To Behold (MacJams Coffee House) by Peter Bauckham [Email]
Genre: Folk-Rock

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SONG STATS:
Hits: 510
Comments: 52
Votes:
Plays: 57
Last Played: Oct 12, 2008 - 06:46:12 PM
Downloads: 16
Fans: 26
Uploaded: Jun 25, 2008 - 05:45:31 PM
Last Updated: Jun 25, 2008 - 06:04:18 PM
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Keywords:
Corfe Castle (1), Nuts (5), May (1), Fruit (6), Grapes (1), Fire (32), Litter (2), Kings (3), Queens (1), Dorset (1)
Description:
This is an oldie - recorded a couple of years ago - this is the original 'demo' version - I was still reading the lyrics off the computer screen. I had a heavy cold at the time - so I'm sounding even more nasal than usual. Anyway, this really is a one take 'live' performance - so here it is with all its imperfections... There is a slight drop out on the singing at one point where I moved away from the mic!

The lyrics are based on a scene from an early Mike Leigh play called 'Nuts in May' - around 1976. My wife and I are huge fans of Mike Leigh's early (lighter) stuff - Nuts in May is one of our favourites. The scene is Corfe Castle in Dorset.

Hardware:
Epiphone Les Paul, Shure Mike

Software:
Boss BR1600/II and Garageband
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right then &mdash 06/25/08 - 06:21:53 PM
there's one of my favorite voices on MJ ... very nice peter .. appears i am first .. cool tune

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second listen &mdash 06/25/08 - 06:24:48 PM
love the imagery ... easy to imagine the court in it's finery .. perfect picture

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Hey Jack &mdash 06/25/08 - 06:34:21 PM
I really did have a heavy cold on this one...! I don't have many 'demo' or 'rough' tracks I would dare post - but I though this might fit in with Coffee House concept. This was this first time I ever sung and played it all the way through.

Corfe Castle is fabulous and like lots of old places you get transported back and imagine what it was like many years ago!

Thanks for listening as always.
Peter

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A Sight To behold &mdash 06/25/08 - 06:55:00 PM
Hi Pete your singing is something to behold that is for sure.
I just love one takes and it sounds superb
I love the music too.
i reckon you will have to have a cold more often :)
Great story and lyrics. You Rock !!

Peace Dee xx



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That's spooky... &mdash 06/25/08 - 07:05:28 PM
I was just listening to your latest... Thanks Dee - I'd rather note have too many colds if that's OK with you! I think I sound nasal enough at the best of times.

I'm afraid I don't end up with too many one-take recordings - this one was a fluke - I was so annoyed with myself for moving away from the mic at one point. I did manage to sort it out on the 'finished' mix where I added strings and things as well.

Peter

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A Sight To Behold &mdash 06/25/08 - 07:00:43 PM
very nice my friend ...loved the live feel here !!!
this is certainly so very great witha cup of espresso.
bravo !!!!

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Feter &mdash 06/26/08 - 04:08:19 AM
this really is a live performance (well, without a real audience or venue). I thought it seemed right for the Coffee House.

All the best
Peter

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Sight &mdash 06/25/08 - 08:13:15 PM
This is a great tune, Peter! I love the simplicity of the demo, just you and your guitar. Great lyrics and I think your voice sounds fine! My only nitpick was that the guitar was only in my left ear the whole time. Or maybe I'm going deaf. Or maybe my headphones are broken. Or maybe the sound guy at the coffeehouse was messing with me. Whatever - great addition to the MJ coffeehouse collection. Thanks!

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No it's not &mdash 06/26/08 - 03:29:43 AM
your headphones! It was a simple two track recording and, because it was a 'just a demo', I didn't play with it - the 'proper' version does have additional guitars and strings on it so it's not a problem. I think it's OK on speakers!

Thanks for listening
Peter

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Wow Peter! &mdash 06/25/08 - 09:23:27 PM
Classic P. Bauckham, eh?

This is one of my faves of yours from those CD's you sent me. Nice to hear the "live" demo version. Lovely guitar playing. lovely, mournful and pensive vocal delivery...

Very, VERY nice my friend!

Be well!

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Hi Mike &mdash 06/26/08 - 03:48:22 AM
This was one of those songs that came together very quickly and this the original version. Of course you have heard the 'final' version - this recording is the rough backing track.

Thanks for listening to this 'live' version.
Peter


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perfect song choice &mdash 06/25/08 - 10:00:57 PM
What a great "coffee house ballad", love the music, and love the lyrics. Very good guitar work, and singing with a cold, impressive!

Unfortunately the guitar is clipping (too "hot", in the red), and it was panned over to the left a little far. But that's pretty minor... I only mention it because I liked the song a bunch :-)

ttfn,
Drakonis

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Thanks &mdash 06/26/08 - 03:38:24 AM
Glad you like the song choice - of course you're right, the guitar is too far left really. I'm surprised that it's clipping as I normalised it to 0db - I'll check that out. Anyway, I'm pleased you enjoyed it!

Peter

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Love your voice on this, Peter &mdash 06/25/08 - 11:37:32 PM
Perfect for this type of submission. Yeah, maybe the guitar was too far left, but I was too much into the song to notice, and didn't pick up on it till the other guys caught it. Very nice! Enjoyed it very much. Terry

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Thanks Terry &mdash 06/26/08 - 03:52:17 AM
always good to hear from you. I listened through headphones when I was adding the audience to this and yeah the guitar is too far left really but in the context as a 'live' track I thought it was OK - even with the dropout on the vocal - I think the reverb helps.

All the best
Peter

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This is such &mdash 06/26/08 - 01:38:19 AM
a lovely song Peter. I think that it was one of your best performances too - voice sounds great.
Cheers
Len



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That's very kind Len &mdash 06/26/08 - 03:54:56 AM
It really was just a run through, and I was feeling pretty crappy at the time - not sure how I made it through to the end of the song. I do have a soft spot fot the one though.

Peter

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Great! &mdash 06/26/08 - 03:14:18 AM
What a wonderful tune? Really great. Fine guitar playing and great vocal performance, something smooth for your beautiful morning at the Coffeehouse. What are the chords played here? Loved its sound. Enjoyed it very much!

Take Care
- Yeman A. Al-Rawi

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Thanks Yeman &mdash 06/26/08 - 04:06:11 AM
Glad you enjoyed this one. As for the chords? I'll send you a note when I've worked them out! I think they're Am, G, Em, Am for the intro - Am, G, F, Em for the verse and perhaps Am, G, E, Am for the chorus?

All the best
Peter

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Cold &mdash 06/26/08 - 05:20:42 AM
or not Peter, your voice is clear as a bell as always. Nice descriptive and atmospheric song...... top lyrics and the melody fits fine with the age you describe; nice playing too, regards M

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Clear... &mdash 06/26/08 - 07:07:37 AM
...but nasal! It's funny how some songs you remember writing and recording like it was only hours ago. I suspect if I tried to re-record this it would be full of mistakes. Thanks for dropping by Maurice.

Peter

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Nice one Peter &mdash 06/26/08 - 06:34:41 AM
While there are some little nits, overall, this is pretty impressive. Good folk-rock tune - I can hear the bass and drums kicking in and dragging it along. Reminds me of The Moody Blues for some reason.
Despite the cold, your vocals sound great (I'm listening with the flu, so maybe that's the reason!).
;)
Cheers from Oz,
Neil

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Hi Neil &mdash 06/26/08 - 07:03:31 AM
Sorry to hear your not feeling too good. Yeah, I know this one is quite raw - I didn't make any attempt to polish it up really. Makes a change posting something so 'bare' for me - I do like to hide behind a mass of guitars and things really.

Wish you a speedy recovery.

Peter

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Thanks Peter &mdash 06/26/08 - 07:00:40 PM
Maybe you could do a naked set like Mike Wark?
;)

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Sweet sound &mdash 06/26/08 - 07:07:26 AM
Cold or no cold, there's a sensitivity and delicacy in your voice here, and then it soars into the louder bits. Great delivery!

I think you should try more songs with this vocal style, it really works. It brings out all the emotional subtlety in your voice.

It's a very enjoyable song too with a nice bittersweet melody.

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Thanks Rebsie &mdash 06/26/08 - 07:17:51 AM
I never really feel happy about my singing - I can always hear all the 'not quite so' bits - so thank you for your encouragement. Normally I write using my acoustic guitar - I only did this one on the electric because I couldn't be ars*d to mic it up! Unusual for me to record without a capo too!

Thanks as always for your support Rebsie.

Peter

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Take one &mdash 06/26/08 - 10:35:45 AM
I think this sounds especially good. Cold or no cold.

LL

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Thanks Dave &mdash 06/26/08 - 06:16:38 PM
I remember feeling really crappy when I recorded this. Thanks for your comments - always nice to hear from you.

Peter

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Yup this is &mdash 06/26/08 - 12:51:26 PM
Totally great Peter! I love it!!!

And gosh you can sing this good with a cold!?!? I can't sing this good on my best day!!!

Nice voice for sure!

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Mark &mdash 06/26/08 - 06:18:45 PM
you know I was in two minds as to post this or not - I really pleased I did. Thanks for supporting my music - very much appreciated.

All the best
Peter

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What a trouper &mdash 06/26/08 - 04:37:46 PM
you are , Peter, coming out to the cafe to entertain us when you have a head cold. If you hadn't told me, I wouldn't have guessed. You sound good to me! :-)

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Ah Roxylee &mdash 06/26/08 - 06:20:49 PM
I wouldn't want to let you down! I'm glad the visit to the Coffee House was worth it for you.

Peter

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I &mdash 06/26/08 - 05:03:58 PM
really love your songs Peter, always nice arrangements, good playing and you have a great voice! Even with a cold your voice still sounds great!

Good to hear the live feel on this with just you singing and playing the guitar.
A lovely song this is with great lyrics and was very much enjoyed!

I like the way you pan the instruments on your songs, always good to hear your music!

Thanks!



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Bob &mdash 06/26/08 - 06:29:01 PM
thanks for dropping by and for your comments - especially regarding panning - I do like to make use of the 'space' available - I guess I spent too long listening to those 60's records that were very stereo - I think the panning on this is perhaps a little bit severe (through headphones in any case) - but I don't intend to go 'back to mono' just yet! I used to love going a friends house and listening to my 45's in stereo on his Father's kit built hi-fi - those were the days!

Thanks again
Peter

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cool tune Peter &mdash 06/27/08 - 07:39:11 PM
I know you are a R.E.M. fan. so it goes to say that this could easily be from a R.E.M. anthology type disk.

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Thanks Vic &mdash 06/29/08 - 02:24:18 PM
It that REM thing again! Wouldn't have minded their Warners contract (well the money anyway). Thanks for dropping by and commenting.

Peter

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Tremendous song Peter &mdash 06/28/08 - 04:26:48 PM
cold or not - your voice sounds fantastic and there's nothing quite like the feeling that comes from singing and playing at the same time. Great energy and emotion.

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Thanks Bud &mdash 06/29/08 - 02:19:33 PM
It's very rare for me to play and sing at the same time - I'm afraid my guitar playing is far too haphazard for that! I have no idea how I managed to sing and play this from start to finish.

All the best
Peter

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Has a real epic feel &mdash 07/06/08 - 06:47:38 AM
as if it should be done by a prog rock band.

I thought the performance was excellent, cold or no cold.

Cheers

Dick

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Thanks &mdash 07/08/08 - 05:23:19 AM
for listening to this Dick - Glad you felt the performance was OK. I did build this one up with strings and more guitars but thought this 'live' version was more in keeping with the Coffee House concept.

Peter

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Hey Peter &mdash 07/08/08 - 12:52:49 PM
Your voice really appeals to me for some reason. I guess what you hear as nasally in your voice is really just warm and genuine tones in my ears.

I actually have never been more impressed by a performance of yours. I think the guitar has just the right embellishments and your vocal performance sounds really true and passionate.

I don't know that i've heard the other version of it...

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Thanks &mdash 07/12/08 - 01:48:23 AM
for your lovely comments - I think it's always hard to listen to your own voice without finding flaws in the performance but it's those imperfections that give it character too! I've never posted the final version of this here (with the strings etc) but I did retain this raw version as the backing.

Thanks again
Peter

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Very cool, Peter &mdash 07/11/08 - 10:35:58 PM
Love the lyrics and the brilliant imagery of times gone by you convey. I think your voice sounds good here, cold or not! And the melody is really nice. It's a testament to your talent that you can really hold your own with just you and the guitar. Sorry for the delay in getting here!Nicely done. Peace.

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Great &mdash 07/18/08 - 05:41:24 PM
This is great singing... Even though you've had the cold that day, then it's with feelings.... I don't know, but i think the sound is great, and your voice on this is good... So cold or not... This sounds like art....

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sight to behold &mdash 07/22/08 - 04:22:45 PM
sorry i'm late on this. great tune in it's purest form. really like the progression. good stuff.

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how on earth did i miss this? &mdash 08/12/08 - 04:00:06 AM
you know i love this clean and simple stuff - s'beautiful. and.. mmmmmm.. corfe castle but thats another story altogether - remind me to tell you when we meet ;) - thank you for a delicious listen peter xoxo

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Thanks Caroline... &mdash 08/12/08 - 08:38:25 AM
I always appreciate you dropping by... and now I'm intrigued!

Peter x

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Wow &mdash 08/12/08 - 03:51:03 PM
Your singing and music is awsome LOL and gorgous as well reminds me of when I used to sing with the Dave Clarke 5 also.

Peas. D-Day xxx

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You have a wonderful sense of immediacy &mdash 08/26/08 - 04:36:24 AM
and investedness, (Apparently, I'm making up words, here.) in these lyrics. You draw the listener in. What else is required of a singer but to sing to the soul, be heard and understood? Very, very nice. I listened twice.
Thank you for sharing.

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Thank you &mdash 08/27/08 - 09:49:35 AM
So pleased you popped along for a listen - I like your made up words too! Made me smile... you're very kind.

Peter

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.. : ) &mdash 09/16/08 - 06:40:54 AM
... Peter You ROCK!!!!!!!!!!! A definate fav.... W O W
Beautiful recording You dont sound nazal too me I think You sound very very wonderful.. High scores LOVE IT Courtsey to You Peter it certainly brightens my day to hear this kind of magnificent music ! have a nice week Good to see You here : ) : )
Lena : )

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Thanks &mdash 09/16/08 - 07:24:00 AM
Lena - Your lovely comments have brightened my day too! Thank you for your kind words and constant support.

Peter

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