Touching song &mdash 08/03/08 - 08:37:57 PM
I like the lyrics, they seem real and heart felt. I think this really touches your heart which makes it an exceptional song for that reason alone. I like the spoken word and the quick (Dylanesque) phrasing of passages. It suits you voice very well. This is the first song of your I have heard. Fantastic! [ Reply to This ]
Thanks &mdash 08/03/08 - 09:05:21 PM
So much for your kind words and for the listen. I am not familiar with your music either,but I am on my way.
Thanks, Russ [ Reply to This ]
The first thing &mdash 08/03/08 - 09:09:27 PM
I noticed was the great guitar like the way you layered them! Im a sucker for that constant leading ! Sad lyrics I think everyone has memories like these! Thanks enjoyed [ Reply to This ]
Thanks &mdash 08/04/08 - 06:59:22 AM
for stopping by,and for your kind words. Very glad you enjoyed the song.
Again, thanks and be well, Russ [ Reply to This ]
I'm typing this out as I'm &mdash 08/04/08 - 04:56:10 AM
listening because you said you wanted honesty so here goes-this is my first listen -
I like the overall sound - it's clear and crisp and full - particularly the guitar and vocals - your voice reminds me a bit of John Prine and also of Loudon WainwrightIII - I remember having a record of his called Motel Blues which I almost wore out. Anyway - the balance or "mix" seems to me just right with nothing standing out more than it should. The sound is very natural which I really like - I hate over compressed sounds and irritating clicky un natural souning bass drums though I know I have been guilty of this myself! This recording has none of these things.
If it had been my recording I'd of probably added some soft vocal harmonies here and there for lift because I wouldn't have been able to resist it - but thats a matter of personal choice and is not important.
All in all - ten out of ten. Oh and I think I forgot to say I love the actual song as well.
John. [ Reply to This ]
Wow &mdash 08/04/08 - 07:07:07 AM
You are to kind sir. I am trying many tips offerd by others here at MJs. I wanted to add some harmonie and dumped every attempt, just wasent sounding right. I am so glad you liked the tune. Thanks for you encouraging words, it means allot.
Be well, Russ [ Reply to This ]
'Just Forever' &mdash 08/04/08 - 05:49:00 AM
Russ your just truly Awsome when you sing- soo natural and from your heart and soul. Your lyrics of the story are sooo sad too. I love your voice and your music. Well done my freind. You Rock!!
Thanks for the download as usual.
Peace Dee xx [ Reply to This ]
Dee &mdash 08/04/08 - 07:12:36 AM
Thank you for your input and complement's. When someone has listend to every song I have put out there and still comes back for more lol well that says something.
Thanks and be well, Russ [ Reply to This ]
Guitars....NICE &mdash 08/04/08 - 07:09:25 AM
Great sound you have achieved here. Dlyanesque. I know it's been said, but it must be said.
Bravo Brother,
LL [ Reply to This ]
That's O.K. &mdash 08/04/08 - 07:55:01 AM
quite a complement. So glad you liked the tune. Thanks for your kind words.
Be well, Russ [ Reply to This ]
From the start &mdash 08/04/08 - 07:46:19 AM
this was going to be interesting Russ. Very nice sound on the acoustics, and a really individual vocal - great words.
Some harmonies would definitely work, but to me this works as it is. Rather than harmonies, I hear a harmonica working in there - not the Dylanesque style, but maybe something more bluesy. If I had to pick a nit, it would be the "drums without bass" one. If there's a bass there, I can't make it out. It's just a personal thing (as a bass player), but it always sounds odd to me to hear a kit without a bass line.
A fine song though Russ.
Cheers,
Neil [ Reply to This ]
Sorry &mdash 08/04/08 - 08:38:33 AM
no bass. While doing this song I tried many different things and was tempted to leave the drums out. Now after reading what you said and going back for a listen with the headphones on, drums and no bass it is pretty clear there is a void. One of my problems is that I pay to much attention to certain areas and loose the big picture. Anyhow thanks for listen and advice.
Be well, Russ [ Reply to This ]
Wow man &mdash 08/04/08 - 08:31:12 AM
I like the start and the whole song BUT I have to agree with Neil about the bass thing BUT what I love this and I'm so happy I can here it so I bow deep Sir for sharing it to us all... I have to download this for later listening... I don't have a good headphones my old one crashed yesterday... So right now I listen with my stereo and it's sounds very fine so clear mixed it can be as your playing is very pro.
Take good care my friend
----
Kenta
P.S I love that lyrics it touch my heart DEEP:D [ Reply to This ]
Thank you &mdash 08/04/08 - 09:05:05 AM
Sir I am so glad you liked the tune. Like I stated above sometimes I loose the big picture,that is why I ask. So thanks for your input it means so much.
Take care, Russ [ Reply to This ]
touching &mdash 08/04/08 - 10:32:17 AM
Very heartfelt song. The playing is beautiful and very rich lyrics. Nice job. [ Reply to This ]
Thank &mdash 08/04/08 - 02:13:44 PM
You so much. Quite a bit of time and effort trying some new stuff but over all I am pleased. Thanks again for your kind words.
Be Well, Russ [ Reply to This ]
This &mdash 08/04/08 - 10:56:33 AM
is really a song from the heart.A bass would be nice but the song is so good that I hardly noticed it."Best damn treehouse on Lakeway street" is an amazingly great line. [ Reply to This ]
thanks &mdash 08/04/08 - 02:18:29 PM
for the listen and your kindness. Ya Lakeway Street, spent my first 17 years there and the summers were in the treehouse. Again thank you.
Be well, Russ [ Reply to This ]
This is just &mdash 08/04/08 - 01:26:25 PM
a very lovely song and I love the way you sing it. Very intimate performance. I wouldn't change anything.
Cheers
Len
[ Reply to This ]
Thank you. &mdash 08/04/08 - 02:23:19 PM
As I have said. I tried many different things when putting this togeather and this I thought was the best over all.
Thanks again for takeing the time for a listen and your kind words.
Thanks and be well, Russ [ Reply to This ]
dude &mdash 08/04/08 - 02:29:02 PM
this is great. sounds really nice, the guitars and vox sound perfect. you're obviously a very quick study. really smooth vocal delivery, like your voice a lot, don't think that this one needs harmonies at all. i am going to jump in on the "would be better with a bass" train though. if you had a nice bass rack, there would be no room for improvement. really great song (with great lyrics). [ Reply to This ]
Michael &mdash 08/04/08 - 08:49:46 PM
Thanks for your advice and kind words. I think you are the deciding vote for the addition of bass. I will try and see how it works out.
Again thanks for the kind words. Be well, Russ [ Reply to This ]
Mood &mdash 08/04/08 - 03:36:20 PM
Sad and mellow mood here. I like the little guitar picking on top of the strumming, works very well in a song like this. Your vocal performance is of course the best and most important part of this song. Very well sung and very enjoyable.
Thanks
Bill [ Reply to This ]
What can &mdash 08/04/08 - 09:04:21 PM
I say? I have never thought of myself as a singer, I do it because this is my music and it is important to me. So to be told by someone with such a gift and ear for music "best and most important part of the song" well, again what can I say? except thank you so much.
Be well, Russ [ Reply to This ]
Held me &mdash 08/04/08 - 05:13:47 PM
right to the end. I love your guitar playing and the song is very moving especially the way you put it across kinda half spoken half sung, making it really convincing. I don't think there's a lot for you to learn performance-wise....... this is great. Love the lyrics.. very well written and performed, Cheers M [ Reply to This ]
Sir &mdash 08/04/08 - 09:09:00 PM
I am so glad it held you to the end. I had some question about the length. Your words are to kind, I am just glad that you enjoyed what you came to hear.
Be well, Russ [ Reply to This ]
Hey Russ &mdash 08/04/08 - 07:31:31 PM
The guitar is amazing in this... Very nicely done!
one critique I could make: Your vocals seem to have not much mid/low end. You might try an EQ on them.
Loved the song for sure! [ Reply to This ]
Thank's &mdash 08/04/08 - 09:17:53 PM
for the listen and kind words. Most of all thanks for the EQ tip. That is what I am after, and will be added to the check list on the next tune. I mix with a good set of phones then double check on monitors however none of it matters if you dont know what to look for.
Thanks for stopping by and the help.
Be well, Russ [ Reply to This ]
Great job Russ &mdash 08/05/08 - 03:54:43 PM
Good lyrics that tell the story of two friends growing up as best friends. The lyrics paint the picture very well indeed, and the music is full enough to be effective, without getting in the way of the story.
Nice song my friend, I like it a lot. Kudos to you Russ.
Be well and be cool my friend,
Ed [ Reply to This ]
Thanks Ed &mdash 08/05/08 - 04:03:42 PM
for all your advice. I was thinking it went on and on without the story being told. It is nice to be able to call on someone for help,and you were there.
Thanks again and be well, Russ [ Reply to This ]
Your singing style &mdash 08/05/08 - 04:23:10 PM
suited the story telling. Very nice guitar playing. Just real natural and laid back. Reminds me of a story by Ray Bradbury-Dandelion Wine. We were all kids once. Sweet! Thanks. [ Reply to This ]
Char &mdash 08/05/08 - 04:32:48 PM
I cant thank you enough for your kind words. Ray Bradbury? have to say I am not sure who that is. A good google search later. Anyhow thanks again.
Be well, Russ [ Reply to This ]
Great Song &mdash 08/05/08 - 05:35:45 PM
Hi Russ
I'm a straight forward guy and I'll be honest.
Great song, production and melody. A small detail could be the voice. If you could make it a bit cleared (hearing the word) then I think it would be a Grand A all over. It could be because I'm from Denmark and a lot of american singers sounds to us like they have a potatoe in their mouth. No offence. It can be a charm too. Don't ever try to learn Danish it's close to being impossible to learn to speak and not at least to sing :-)
Just my opinion besides that the song is very good.
Keep up the good work & be well.
- Gamborg
[ Reply to This ]
thanks &mdash 08/05/08 - 06:17:31 PM
for the listen my friend, and dont apologize for your opinion. Sometimes my wife tells me I sound Drunk when I sing. It is something I have noticed as well. I do not enunciate well when singing. As I was telling someone not long ago I am not a singer by choice, but as it stands now this is my music and at least for now, I choose to do the vocals as well. Enough: Thanks for the listen and your kindness. By the way I am of Irish and Danish heritage. Take care cuz? lol Be well, Russ [ Reply to This ]
Re: Thanks &mdash 08/07/08 - 01:39:05 PM
Hi Russ
Danish & Irish. That's not a bad combination.
Might be the Danish language genes giving troubles. Ha. Only joking.
Seriously you should keep on singing and practicing your voice. It's like a muscle that have to be built and it takes times but practise make master. So keep it up. I struggle to built my voice 'muscle' as well.
Take Care, Gamborg [ Reply to This ]
Slice of life &mdash 08/06/08 - 09:18:34 AM
Very sweet. Wow man, this takes me back! I like the recording, very clean. Mostly it makes me want to google an old friend from back then! [ Reply to This ]
Thank &mdash 08/06/08 - 05:09:16 PM
You very much. It does make me happy folks enjoy my stuff, just as I do yours and others. Your words are kind.
As for Googleing your old friend I say go for it. My wife did that a few years ago, now you cant keep them apart.
Anyhow, Thanks again and be well, Russ
[ Reply to This ]
Thank &mdash 08/06/08 - 05:09:36 PM
You very much. It does make me happy folks enjoy my stuff, just as I do yours and others. Your words are kind.
As for Googleing your old friend I say go for it. My wife did that a few years ago, now you cant keep them apart.
Anyhow, Thanks again and be well, Russ
[ Reply to This ]
Beautiful. &mdash 08/09/08 - 11:09:03 AM
First impression is 'wow, that's a really full and warm guitar sound!'
Second impression, production seems totally pro.
Third, those lyrics and your voice singing them reach right into the heart. Very moving. Beautiful. [ Reply to This ]
I Cant &mdash 08/09/08 - 06:55:26 PM
Thank you enough. I have ask for ideas and help in the past, and just try to remember as I am writing and recording.
Thank you again, be well, Russ [ Reply to This ]
"Just Forever" &mdash 08/09/08 - 05:49:34 PM
Terrific guitar work my friend ...such spirit
this song has ...wonderfull lyrics ...just loved it
thnx alot for sharin !!!! [ Reply to This ]
Just &mdash 08/09/08 - 06:57:05 PM
so glad you are back. Thank you for the listen and kindness.
Be well, Russ [ Reply to This ]
Oh man... &mdash 08/10/08 - 08:10:21 AM
...heartbreak...so sorry for your loss...life doesn't get any easier that way, does it?
"...Best damn treehouse on Lakewood Street..."
I've still got a friend like this...since I was 4...think I'll call him today. Been too long...thanks... [ Reply to This ]
Thank you &mdash 08/10/08 - 04:02:58 PM
for stopping by and the listen. Glad this tune reminded you to phone.
Be well, Russ [ Reply to This ]
authentic &mdash 08/10/08 - 12:49:21 PM
that's the first word that springs to mind for this song - it's a compliment and i hope it makes sense to you - thank you for sharing this with us - i would be delighted to share with you the stuff that i didn;t find good but .. there wasn't anything - sorry :( [ Reply to This ]
It makes sense &mdash 08/10/08 - 04:05:47 PM
I think? Thanks for the listen I love to share. Just some simple music from a simple mind.
Be well, Russ [ Reply to This ]
almost too good to critique &mdash 08/10/08 - 08:12:51 PM
There's something here--I'm not sure what, perhaps a raw authenticity--that transcends everything else. This song is straight from the heart, so it wouldn't matter if there were any technical faults.
That said, the performance and recording are both excellent, really nothing to complain about even if I wanted to. I also don't think need it needs any harmonies or additional instruments. Anything else would detract from the song.
I know I'll feel guilty for criticizing anything in such a fine and deeply personal song, but looks like you really wanted that type of feedback, so I'll share a personal nitpick I have with a lot of the lyrics I see here: I'd like to see more subtlety. In this case, I'd like it if it weren't not blatantly obvious your friend has passed away (by altering or totally removing the second line of the song or moving that verse to much later in the song). It's a small change that might make the song more universal because with the death more ambiguous the song becomes more of an ode to friendship in general.
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