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Keywords:
life is grand (1)
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Description:
I live in Echo Park in LA; traditionally it was a working class neighborhood, but it's really nice here so it began to gentrify. Started with musicians moving in because it was cheap and then the real estate types soon followed. One thing they didn't count on was the presence of the gangs in the neighborhood. They are pretty deeply entrenched, so I don't see them going anywhere soon. Makes for a cool mix: musicians, cute scenester girls, soccer moms, artist types, and hardcore gang members milling about with the helicopters circling overhead. over all, I like it; although sometimes I need a break, and there is no way in hell I will send my daughter to school here. anyways, this song is about waking up and starting my day here in Echo Park.
I'm still having fun with my acoustic, and I started to write this song for the Grand Ol Opry challenge, but it obviously took a different path than I was originally hoping for. Country and Folk have a huge influence on me, but so does psychedelia; so you get a little of both on this one. Wasn't really sure what category to post this under, so I went for psych. Hope you guys like.
Lyrics:
daisy chains and bullet shells
walks at sunrise and acrid smells
take the dog out
sweep the porch off
sneak a smoke in the morning
i need gasoline
i need something
i need gasoline
i need something
drive my car
to the liquor store
buy some water
I don't drink no more
all those boys in front
they got their shirts off
flashing signs to show
which crew they're with
i need gasoline
i need something
i need gasoline
i need something
to raise my sleepy head
raise my sleepy head
Delilahs open
I'll take a walk
get some sweets and coffee
and company
all these people are
all so different
they don't care about
the boys up there
i need gasoline
i need something
i need gasoline
i need something
to raise my sleepy head
raise my sleepy head
i need gasoline
i need gasoline
i need gasoline
Hardware:
intel mini mac, MXL USB mic, Kay acoustic, M-audio 49e keyboard
Software:
GB4, free Automat soft synth (highly recommended)
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HAH! &mdash 07/08/08 - 12:03:35 PM
Sweet pickin &mdash 07/08/08 - 12:07:26 PM
...and chillin' vocals Michael.
I'm really enjoying your acoustic tuneage man. Keep up the good work!
Be well friend! [ Reply to This ]
thanks Michael &mdash 07/08/08 - 12:24:02 PM
glad you like. I always liked acoustic stuff, and used to play a lot of acoustic shows; but I always brought noisemakers with me so that I wouldn't put everyone to sleep with my singer/songwriter side. this is more like I would have done at that point. so glad you liked it. [ Reply to This ]
first off &mdash 07/08/08 - 12:14:36 PM
a solid tune even if it was just guitar and vocal. but I really like the effects that give it a bit of surrealness to it.
cool lyrics of your 'hood. my area is pretty tame.
how did ya find a Kay guitar? you don't see those around anymore [ Reply to This ]
thanks Vic &mdash 07/08/08 - 12:21:44 PM
glad you liked. the Kay guitar is from Lark in the Morning (music store that caters to hippies and sells a lot of acoustic instruments from around the world). The Kay is new and cheap ($100). Nicole had given me a $100 gift certificate for my birthday, and I got the Kay. Go check out their website if you wanna drool for a few hours. It's really like porn for musicians. [ Reply to This ]
Smooth track &mdash 07/08/08 - 12:25:42 PM
nice vibe, you paint a good picture of that place with those words and the guitar back groove. [ Reply to This ]
thanks Tokai &mdash 07/08/08 - 12:30:47 PM
glad you think the music works with the words. it's a weird place here and I wrote the music first and this is what came out of my mouth. thanks for listening. [ Reply to This ]
Funny... &mdash 07/08/08 - 12:26:09 PM
Micheal, I always figured you for a singer... didn't know you had such great guitar chops! I stand in awe! [ Reply to This ]
mark &mdash 07/08/08 - 12:33:38 PM
you are way too kind. i'm really kind of "just okay" at both. know enough to make it sound better than it really is I guess. the guitar is tuned to open G, so it's super easy to do some hammer ons and stolen Jimmy Page riffs. thank you though, glad you liked. [ Reply to This ]
man &mdash 07/08/08 - 12:57:51 PM
first of all, i love these lyrics, especially the contrasts in the first verse. you added a really cool and appropriate dark ambiance throughout that I like as well. the acoustic sounds great. love how it starts to sound a little jimmy page-ish towards the end. the simple yet powerful kick is a perfect addition. awesome, awesome song michael. You're sure on fire after that little hiatus. This should replace your other one soon at the top of the fan picks no doubt ;) faved and downloaded [ Reply to This ]
hey thanks &mdash 07/08/08 - 02:14:04 PM
very kind of you. yeah Echo Park is sunny and pretty and also dark and scarey, so I felt like the noises were appropriate. that kick drum was driving me crazy, i just kept pounding on the keys and i think it's off in a couple of spots, but that's life. so glad you liked it, loved your new remix. when we going to do another song? [ Reply to This ]
Great &mdash 07/08/08 - 02:25:44 PM
song and the vocals are superb!
Love the lyrics and a nice sound from your acoustic!
Sounds like Jimmy Page playing at the end, my fav!
I really enjoyed this, Excellent! Thanks!
Bob
[ Reply to This ]
Cool &mdash 07/08/08 - 02:39:25 PM
Glad you got to know your acoustic again. Keep it up. Love this, dude.
Pro quality stuff. I'm not worthy.
Dave [ Reply to This ]
Driving &mdash 07/08/08 - 03:53:28 PM
I Need Gasoline &mdash 07/08/08 - 04:11:15 PM
This is really great Michael - thanks for the backstory on Echo Park and what it is for you - the whole mix of things, which is well expressed both in your lyrics and the feel of this tune. Great work - I always love your creative sense and look forward to each new post of yours. Thanks! [ Reply to This ]
I Need Gasoline &mdash 07/08/08 - 04:15:05 PM
Folk music speaks through your heart my friend ...
incredible perfomance ..arrangment ..back ground seet.
and lyrics ..your singing so remarkable here .I feel this is a deep song from the early 70s ..true classic
gem ..thnx alot for sharin !!!! [ Reply to This ]
Poetry &mdash 07/08/08 - 04:57:01 PM
I spent a bit of time in Silverlake/Echo Park &mdash 07/08/08 - 09:33:53 PM
back in the late eighties when my friend Andy lived there. It's a great place and I understand it's been changing but hasn't lost it's edge. This tune reminds me of the music we used to make on his back patio looking down on the chickens and goats below - and on foggy nights the glow of Dodgers Stadium shone over the hills like a mothership. Andy was a Syd Barrett fan. Excellent vibe and some really fine fingerstyling. I like the peripherals and the vocals too. This will be on repeat on the iPod tomorrow. [ Reply to This ]
Gasoline &mdash 07/08/08 - 10:27:24 PM
Wonderful back story with this. I just love it when people talk about where the song came from and what it means to them. Michael I'm totally chillin to this acoustic stuff of yours. Wonderful guitar picking and the kick drum is a perfect accompaniment. Awesome lyrics and great vocals. Thanks for sharing these tunes with us. You are a true songwriter, inspired by and in awe of all of the everyday things around you. Very cool. [ Reply to This ]
Amazing &mdash 07/09/08 - 08:55:35 AM
sound for a $100 guitar.The Ibanez Strat that I play also cost $100(in 1989)You are a terrific songwriter, and a much better guitarist than you think.You are doing a bunch of subtle stuff that few people can touch.That riff from Zep's "Friends" at the end is awesome. [ Reply to This ]
i need gasoline &mdash 07/09/08 - 11:58:31 AM
A songwriter friend of mine always used to push me to have a strong opening line. "Daisy chains and bullet shells" totally fits the bill. It sums the song up in 5 words. How the hell did you do that? It could also be the title of your collection of poetry or something. Love the song. [ Reply to This ]
Gasoline &mdash 07/09/08 - 12:27:05 PM
Great song. The lyrics are beautiful and haunting. You got a very nice sound out of that guitar! Like your vocals, man, and the sound effects are cool. [ Reply to This ]
A telling &mdash 07/09/08 - 06:10:11 PM
Story, I could not live so close to danger and have my family in danger, what a fine piece this is..a life piece... [ Reply to This ]
hmmm &mdash 07/10/08 - 07:09:16 PM
another keeper! One thing that sticks out is the pronunciation of "acrid", in which I always thought the "a" is pronounced as in "pass", and I thought maybe there was an internal rhyme with "daisy" that your were trying to make, but it doesn't seem likely listening to it again. But that's the sort of ridiculous little stuff I can pick on when nothing else sticks out as needing improvement.
I live in a similar community here in Boston, Jamaica Plain. Gangs and yuppies and guppies, musicians, artists and doctors and townies. My 10 year old goes to a public school in the neighborhood and likes it a lot. "all these people are
all so different"
I'm glad you didn't try to shoehorn this into the GOOC mold, since it's just super the way it is. I'll have to do something with that Automat! [ Reply to This ]
very cool &mdash 07/10/08 - 07:26:13 PM
Love the acoustic sound and playing on this. Great vocal, too. The image you paint of the neighborhood is vivid and alive, and the juxtaposition of all those elements is fascinating. Are all those psychedelic sounds from the keyboard through that Automat soft synth? Sounds very interesting. Great track, and lovely performance. Nicely done. Peace. [ Reply to This ]
I was looking... &mdash 07/10/08 - 09:24:59 PM
...through my extensive backlog of unlistened-to stuff, looking for something inspiring, and I did NOT think I'd get it in the form of a folk psychedelic tune called 'I Need Gasoline'...
This is great, a great tune, michael...all the way through...I'm sitting here playing along to it. I love the guitar figures, the odd background sounds, the skillfully repeating figures... The lyric line is great, and the melody is well suited to your voice and vocal and delivery...
This one is instantly a favorite among favorites... Real proof that solid, A #1 songs turn up on MacJams...
Ed [ Reply to This ]
Inner-City Americana &mdash 07/10/08 - 09:51:44 PM
Very interesting dichotomy in this song, Michael. The old traditional folk/blues musical approach used as a setting for a lyrical exposition about your inner-city neighborhood.
I guess the synth sounds represent the edgy uneasiness that comes with the territory and its mixture of human elements.
All in all, it results in a haunting song that captures a real slice of life. This is a really nice cut. ;)
--- Joe [ Reply to This ]
Awesome &mdash 07/10/08 - 10:07:27 PM
I have a break from MJ's but sneak in for some music :) just have some morning coffee :) had to have some good music.
What did I found Michael w new post... Wows
Thanks downloaded.
Take care
[ Reply to This ]
hello Mike &mdash 07/10/08 - 10:48:21 PM
great lyric and performance
love the acoustic
how appropriate
'a morning toke
with bugs bunny and a hug cup o jo'
heaven
great tune as always Mr.
I love your music
tim
[ Reply to This ]
Oh my.... &mdash 07/10/08 - 11:06:18 PM
this is up in my top 10 favorites on this site. So beautiful, wonderfully sung and played and the best part is we get a free copy of this hit. It is a hit btw and you should shop this tune, I'm gettin my free copy before you do though. Thank Thank Thank you!!!!! [ Reply to This ]
Fabulous &mdash 07/10/08 - 11:15:37 PM
I feel like Alan Lomax discovering this in the internet desert.
Excellent use of the gear you have and all the more impressive for that
As I have said before, these acoustic pieces have been some of your best
You should try shaking up in the wilderness and try do something like Bon Iver's 'for emma forever...'
If you haven't heard that record yet, drop me a line and I'll make sure you do
b [ Reply to This ]
by the way &mdash 07/10/08 - 11:17:21 PM
Great, great song Michael &mdash 07/10/08 - 11:50:28 PM
Lyrics, mood and playing are all outstanding. Jim's "acrid" leapt out at me too, but I thought it was just a US accent thing. So laid back it's horizontal - great story and overall I love it!
I'd love to hear Jim B produce this with a little more space between the instruments and maybe a little more clarity on the vocals - in his words, that would be "supa dupa"!
Very cool post, excellent all round.
Neil [ Reply to This ]
nice &mdash 07/11/08 - 12:52:50 AM
This song sounds great Michael. I love the guitar work - you sound like a pro to me. Your vox fit right in too.
Great work
[ Reply to This ]
Class........ &mdash 07/11/08 - 02:03:17 AM
Lovely stuf! &mdash 07/11/08 - 02:43:48 AM
Wonderful tune, M2 &mdash 07/11/08 - 02:52:43 AM
This is just awesome listening right now.
Thanks,
-greg
PS-is that Automat synth a safe/stable program? The warning on the current build of the synth says it's a bit temperamental. I'm curious to know what you've found using it. [ Reply to This ]
A Home Run &mdash 07/11/08 - 04:03:57 AM
Great song, Michael2. Very well done. Good lyrics, guitar, effects and singing. I liked the construction of the songs and the end guitar riff.
Good one. [ Reply to This ]
delicious.... &mdash 07/11/08 - 04:27:52 AM
i am reminded of donovan's album - a gift from a flower to a garden' hmm... i wonder if i can find a copy ... mind you ... i will be more than happy with a d/l of this so thank you for that - gorgeous voice, stunning guitar - mwah xoxox [ Reply to This ]
quiet strength &mdash 07/11/08 - 06:37:22 AM
a very strong tune... I love the "kicked back on the porch" feel of the guitar work... and the natural flow of the vocal/melody... it's a great setting for this song/content... and your subtext really comes through in abstraction, and still so clear... I love this kind of writing... [ Reply to This ]
perfect &mdash 07/11/08 - 10:03:54 AM
It's so rare for me to hear something I wouldn't want to change even a little.
I like everything about this tune: lyrics, guitar and vocals, and a great recording. [ Reply to This ]
Enough said already.... &mdash 07/12/08 - 12:16:25 AM
I'll simply chime in with... I agree with the chorus of comments above, and... this is so fine.
Jack [ Reply to This ]
cool jam &mdash 07/12/08 - 11:08:17 AM
beautiful &mdash 07/12/08 - 06:01:52 PM
Wow .... &mdash 07/12/08 - 11:14:51 PM
... I don't even know what to say ... cause I like this so much ..... you are truly gifted when it comes to creating music of all genres - there are elements here which I hear .. but being such a novice in explaining what that little sound was in the background ... it makes it hard for me to isolate but I like that little haunting floating echo bit in the background (a whole lot of sounds I'm sure) ... but they blend nicely and give it a truly amazing backdrop to the main guitar and vocal part .... very nice !!!! GREAT VOX ... especially when you hit those half notes (or whatever they are called) .... [ Reply to This ]
I love this slice of life - &mdash 07/13/08 - 11:05:59 AM
with all of the dichotomy summed up in your opening line. Lovely tune and great singing - so laid back, like you're just an observer. Vocal harmonies are set in there so nicely. Excellent all around. [ Reply to This ]
Late to the party &mdash 07/14/08 - 01:32:34 AM
Probably can't say anymore that hasn't already been said. Top notch stuff, my man! Loved it! [ Reply to This ]
~ &mdash 07/14/08 - 05:19:38 AM
Not lots i can say that hasn't been said...love the subtleties in the music...slick pickin'...great lyrics/vox...
I love the bridge...
Some tune, man... [ Reply to This ]
I Need Gasoline &mdash 07/14/08 - 08:09:21 AM
Phew !
did any one ever tell you Michael - that you have a very Sexxxxy Voice :)
I love it. LOL
Peace Dee. [ Reply to This ]
Cool Psyche-folk &mdash 07/15/08 - 05:53:00 PM
I am kinda late on this &mdash 07/17/08 - 08:55:34 PM
but I would like to say that these sets of accoustic tunes are excellent.
Keep them coming, Michael.
Also, thanks for the synth tip (I hope it works for PC).
Carlos [ Reply to This ]
...!...!>...!..!.... &mdash 07/21/08 - 07:04:26 PM
I like this song!
%u2013 Jake
Me too...! Excellent folked marsh-mellowness that will sound well coming out of broken speakers after the apocalypse has come and gone.
%u2013 Eric [ Reply to This ]
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