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Description:
Boy this was tough trying to decide on a song.
My goal was to cover an artist's earlier song to cover. Problem was some artists have relinquished their accounts or have been on hiatus for some time. So, I went digging into Michael 2's catalogue and chose this one to cover.
Michael 2's original: Sea-Foam Green. http://www.macjams.com/song/30905.
The big reason for choosing this was because I could relate to the lyrics... maybe not the dress up, but it got Michael the babes (clever). besides it rocks.
I stayed pretty close to the original, except added a intro, changed the rhythm to the verse and maybe changed a few chords plus adding a Asus2 chord at the end of the verse. I like sus2 chords.
Lyrics:
Sea-Foam Green: Originally written and performed by Michael 2
i was a sullen one
i was a quiet child
i could make your mom believe they were after me
i could show you just how cruel i could be
then slip away
(chorus)
i was a spaced out child of god
i was a tore back stoner boy
i was a dragged out southern girl
now i'm sea-foam green
i am sea-foam green right now
i was a wounded child
i was a brilliant child
i could pull my insides out
hang them on a pole
i could show you everything
i've become
(chorus)
i was a spaced out child of god
i was a tore back stoner boy
i was a savior wrapped in shrouds
i am sea-foam green
i am sea-foam green right now
(bridge)
and i find bits of your hair
stuck to my clothes when i go out
i could stay just as i am
i could get old and not grow up
it's all lies. all lies
i could get old and not grow up
it's all lies. all lies
i could get old and not grow up
Hardware:
iMac, Presonus Firebox interface, Taylor 410CE acoustic, Gibson SG, Epiphone DOT Deluxe, Ibanez SA, Schector bass, Digitech GNX2, m-audio keyboard, condenser mike.
Software:
Logic 8
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awesome &mdash 09/01/08 - 12:20:26 PM
We should dub this challenge 'aka the michael2 cover challenge' haha. j/k I was this close to covering one of his too, but I figured I wouldn't do it justice - unlike you - who definitely has. This is great, vic! This song suits your style very well and I can tell you relate to the lyrics because it's one of your best vocal performances. Really well done. [ Reply to This ]
agreed &mdash 09/01/08 - 01:23:02 PM
I had a feeling that a lot of Michael's songs would be covered for this event.
I probably have listened to the original a hundred times to pick up details on how Michael times his vocals. he has a tricky way of hanging back at times that really adds something special. i hope i got it close [ Reply to This ]
sea-foam green &mdash 09/01/08 - 12:43:36 PM
from envy. No seriously great choice of song and you manage to be both faithful to M2 song and to your own signature. You give it some extra drive while retaining the sensibility.
Great lyrics from Michael, by the way. [ Reply to This ]
now that I think about it... &mdash 09/01/08 - 01:44:27 PM
I should have used my sea-foam green electric on this.
I didn't want to veer off course from the original. I thought it was perfectly set up. i did change the rhythm style on the verse a little and rock it up for the chorus. Its just a cool song and Michaels lyrics resonated with me from my younger years. [ Reply to This ]
Sea-Foam Green &mdash 09/01/08 - 12:53:24 PM
Awesome cover. Sounds full and complete. Chorus drags a bit behind the instrumentation. Not sure if that is purposeful styling or a matter of latency in recording. [ Reply to This ]
Thanks Richard &mdash 09/01/08 - 02:06:46 PM
Michaels original was a cool song to start with. the vocals are intentionly laid back. hopefully not to laid back, the computer was acting up a bit yesterday when i recorded them [ Reply to This ]
Laid back &mdash 09/03/08 - 08:27:38 AM
Yes, the song does have that laid back quality, so I was reticent to say anything. I guess I get too hung up on timing in vocal work. I need to loosen up!
Again, good job. And thanks for commenting on my song w/magullo! [ Reply to This ]
What a beauty &mdash 09/01/08 - 01:14:02 PM
Smooth and slick, luxurious and dynamic. I always like what you do with double-tracked vocals, and your performance here is sublime.
It's a great song with a lovely chord structure (but then nobody here had any doubt that Michael is a master songwriter) and you've made it your own. It suits your style so well. Excellent stuff. [ Reply to This ]
Thanks Rebsie &mdash 09/01/08 - 08:38:59 PM
one of the hardest things about this competition was finding a song that I knew I could fit into. I didn't want to veer to far from Michael's original on this. I wanted to treat it as more of a alternate take. [ Reply to This ]
M2 &mdash 09/01/08 - 01:31:33 PM
Firstly, great clean production.
Secondly, your voice has never sounded better. You picked the perfect song for your pipes.
Thirdly, you didn't veer too much from the M2 version.
Lastly, stellar job. And great song, M2.
Dave [ Reply to This ]
Thanks Dave &mdash 09/01/08 - 08:44:59 PM
this is one of Michaels earliest posts after he joined. I thought it would be cool to bring some notice to how cool of a song it is, so I didn't want to veer to far from it.
I had to listen to the original a hundred times to get the vocal melody burned into my head by the I recorded my vcls. [ Reply to This ]
Sea-Foam Green &mdash 09/01/08 - 01:35:43 PM
Now this is a superise ...I dont mean the style is
out of place ..its just NEW ...U know its always
the 60s psycho from Vic ..now its the new Rockin
Mood ..Michael great tune fit right in with your
singing and guitar work and band setting ...man
YOU ROCK ...thnx alot for sharin !!!!! [ Reply to This ]
Thanks Feter &mdash 09/01/08 - 08:56:12 PM
actually it's a big tip of the hat to Michael for bringing this challenge together and have him let me do a version on a great tune of his. [ Reply to This ]
wow Vic &mdash 09/01/08 - 01:57:03 PM
you did an awesome job with this one. You really picked up on the Bowie undertone that I had in mind when I recorded this. I love how you changed up the pre-choruses, and the harmony leads are awesome (very Mick Ronson). i am honored, I gotta tell you. [ Reply to This ]
Thanks Michael &mdash 09/01/08 - 09:01:13 PM
i could see where you were going with your original. I just looked at this as a alternative take. I may have changed a chord or to in the verse and decided to add a Asus2 chord for a measure before the chorus for a impact.
a big thanks for letting me cover it. [ Reply to This ]
Point #1: &mdash 09/01/08 - 02:08:33 PM
I used to have both Knucklehead Smith and Jerry Mahoney, up 'till I was 13. Eyes moved, etc...the whole nine yards. Spent hours working on an act which I never put on the road.
So: your artwork drew me in completely. Thanks. Nice memories...
Oh yeah....the tune...
Pro, pro, pro. Great choice to put your touch to. Flows perfectly with your style. [ Reply to This ]
Thanks Bob &mdash 09/01/08 - 09:09:44 PM
some friends picked up the dummy at a antique shop for me a year ago. his eyes don't move though, not that he could actually see anything. the photo is one of a bunch I took for another side project I plan on doing.
this is one of those songs that I was thinking to myself that "I should have written that, because it fits me well. [ Reply to This ]
Very cool &mdash 09/01/08 - 04:05:57 PM
I love this. Your guitar excels as ever - lovely sounds, and great playing. I love that acoustic sound. Lovely vocal, too. Your distinctive voice suits this perfectly. I love the way you sing this. A match made in heaven. Outstanding stuff. Nicely done. Peace. [ Reply to This ]
Thanks David &mdash 09/01/08 - 09:15:37 PM
the biggest challenge of the challenge was to find the song that I could slide into easily. You and I both know that Michael comes up with great songs that are not only a great listen but fun to play as well. [ Reply to This ]
Great Job Vic!! &mdash 09/01/08 - 05:49:20 PM
Thanks Guy &mdash 09/01/08 - 09:36:31 PM
My main goal was to find early songs posted by some Mac Jammers to cover. Michaels song was a great one and I identified with it on a few levels so i couldn't pass it up for the challenge. [ Reply to This ]
Excellent Cover Vic &mdash 09/01/08 - 07:28:20 PM
You captured the spirit of Michael's song, but in your own unique way.
Very cool production and mixing on this track. Love the lead breaks and guitar riffs, very cool sound.
Great job my friend.
Be well and be cool [ Reply to This ]
Thanks Ed &mdash 09/01/08 - 09:52:37 PM
this is a song that I should have originally came up with. So I approached it as a alternative take. this is a fun challenge and hopefully there will be more like it to come. [ Reply to This ]
I Could Get Old And Not Grow Up &mdash 09/01/08 - 08:08:27 PM
Vic,
you get younger with every song you do. Man, you know how to rock! This is really a great version of a great song. Your Holman touches never seem to run dry on ideas.
Your guitars sound great and your voice is right up front where I like it. Sweet harmonies on vox and guitars. As usual, I'm in awe of your drums. You'll be my first choice for drummer when you play in my band.
Bob [ Reply to This ]
Hey Bob &mdash 09/01/08 - 10:00:25 PM
Most people don't realize but i can do heavy metal as well. but my voice doesn't match. and i can't do flying spread eagles across the room as i play the guitar between my legs, so nothing comes of it.
the drumming is just two or three fingers recorded on 3 tracks. if i was like a real drummer and threw my fingers out into the crowd, i would be in a world of hurt. [ Reply to This ]
This is....! &mdash 09/01/08 - 11:35:28 PM
Great, production, vox, instrumentality, structure, ad nausea. Wish I could play like this. Very pro, man your on a roll so rock on.
High points from me and I got to take this on home with me. [ Reply to This ]
Thanks Richard &mdash 09/02/08 - 10:31:47 PM
I'm glad you liked it. For me it's just from years and years of learning and practice. I always feel there is more to learn, [ Reply to This ]
Great Job Vic &mdash 09/02/08 - 12:48:18 AM
All the touches you added are very nice. Your vocal style almost sounds like M2 on this. Very nice sounding production indeed. Enjoyed a lot. [ Reply to This ]
Thanks Matt &mdash 09/02/08 - 10:43:40 PM
I had to listen to the original many times over to get somewhat close to Michaels vcl melody before I recorded but I am no M2 in that dept.
I really liked the original and really liked playing this song.
And jeez Matt, you did 2 entries. very good work [ Reply to This ]
Great cover Vic &mdash 09/02/08 - 01:09:06 AM
I wish I'd got myself organised for this challenge - I had very good intentions (and it wasn't even going to be a Michael2 song!).
This is a very good version - sounds like one of your own, which shows how strong your particular style is. I really like the lead bits.
Long live the sus2 chord!!
Neil [ Reply to This ]
Thanks Neil &mdash 09/02/08 - 10:56:54 PM
one reason why i chose it because it was something that could fit my style. The hard part was choosing a song. Some artists have gone and some have been on haitus. Luckily Michael has a excellent library to choose from.
I haven't had the time to submit songs for other challenges but this one i really wanted to be in a get the chance to cover a song while there was a opportunity. [ Reply to This ]
A great song &mdash 09/02/08 - 04:34:05 AM
given the old VH treatment.
A wonderful soundscape and excellent work on the vocals and guitars.
Cheers
Dick [ Reply to This ]
Thanks Dick &mdash 09/03/08 - 08:47:18 PM
it's interesting when you dig deep into someone else's composition to see how it ticks. I kept pretty close to Michael's idea and it took it as a alternative take. I didn't want to detract far off since the original is a cool tune. [ Reply to This ]
Voice &mdash 09/02/08 - 12:05:15 PM
Thanks Very Much &mdash 09/03/08 - 09:01:55 PM
the vocals came about out of necessity. hopefully they will improve to where I'm satisfied with them.
I appreciate the listen! [ Reply to This ]
there u go vic .. &mdash 09/02/08 - 12:45:38 PM
Thanks Jack &mdash 09/03/08 - 09:05:42 PM
I have worked with Michael on a few songs in the past. So it was a bit easier picking up and going with one of his great tunes.
Thanks again. [ Reply to This ]
WOW! &mdash 09/02/08 - 02:23:57 PM
Phenomenal intro - hooked me in right away. You have a great, distinctive voice and this is so well done, it does sound like you had fun doing over the original. Great guitars and drums. I love the fact that this is not easily pigeon-holed.
Fine piece of work, Vic. I am deeply impressed.
Cheers,
Jim [ Reply to This ]
Thanks Jim &mdash 09/03/08 - 09:09:16 PM
This has been a cool challenge hasn't it. I always thought that should of been one of those songs that I should of had come up with. Michael did the hard work. This has been a fun experience. [ Reply to This ]
Very VH &mdash 09/02/08 - 07:45:03 PM
Michael2 by way of Bill Nelson put through the Dukes of Stratosphear's meat grinder.........or something like that. A pretty breezy 4 minutes that I didn't even notice roll by. Solid, psychedelica (stand-up great guitar tones, too). Thanks. [ Reply to This ]
Thanks Sonny Jim &mdash 09/03/08 - 09:12:24 PM
I use to listen to Be Bop Deluxe all the time. Kind of forgotten about Bill Nelson & Co. over the years.
I really enjoyed what you did on Horizon. That was excellent [ Reply to This ]
Great choice Vic &mdash 09/03/08 - 09:26:59 AM
and excellent version. As always the guitars are brilliant and your vocals are wonderful. Brave of you to cover M2. You did a great job. This challenge is really cool. [ Reply to This ]
Thanks Kevin &mdash 09/03/08 - 09:16:54 PM
I was looking for early artist postings that a lot of people may of had missed. I thought this was a real gem of a rock tune and I I.D.ed with the lyrics from my earlier carefree years. [ Reply to This ]
Another winner! &mdash 09/03/08 - 09:26:26 PM
There is rellay nothing to add about your skills at guitar and your great vocals.
You added new colours to this one and made it even more enjoyable.I should thank you for this! [ Reply to This ]
thanks carlos &mdash 09/05/08 - 02:47:51 PM
i didn't want to defer to much. like you said add some color.
you tune for the challenge is great! [ Reply to This ]
As always &mdash 09/04/08 - 07:01:25 AM
I love the thing you do... Okay I've been listening a few times on this now... I love the lyrics and as always your mixing skills too.
Take care Bro
---
Kenta [ Reply to This ]
Thanks Kenta &mdash 09/05/08 - 02:50:06 PM
The lyrics that Michael wrote sealed the deal for me on this song to cover. i could identify with them from my earlier years. [ Reply to This ]
Very well done. &mdash 09/04/08 - 03:06:18 PM
This has to be among the very best songs on here. Thanks to both of you. [ Reply to This ]
thanks Char &mdash 09/05/08 - 02:54:05 PM
Michael is a prolific songwriter. It was a no-brainer to want to attempt to cover one of his songs.
Thanks again Char, I appreciate the listen! [ Reply to This ]
VH &mdash 09/05/08 - 12:13:59 AM
Solid mix as usual, incredible guitar tones--love the matching melody guitar lines! Who says you can't sing the hard rock ones? Not me! Well done! Driving rhythm guits, screeching lead. Bravo.
Philip [ Reply to This ]
Thanks Philip &mdash 09/05/08 - 10:23:16 PM
i stayed pretty close to the original. gave the verse a different rhythm, etc. the hardest part was memorizing the original vocal melodies and how they where laid out. M2 is a genius on that when you study what he is doing. [ Reply to This ]
TX : ) &mdash 09/05/08 - 07:08:57 AM
So Impressed by the MJCC !!! WOW! not heard so many yet(have a tendency to listen many times to the ones I really like so it isnt quick getting through the CC ! You do this brilliantly ...Michael must be Happy too ( : this is a fav- so are Rebsies, Michael2', Racerats so far they all touched me alot & Are so well done :)
Love Your voice..! Kudos & courtsey to You ! [ Reply to This ]
yes... &mdash 09/05/08 - 10:33:46 PM
... you are so right. it has been more then impressive on how everyone really got into the spirit of the challenge. it was a nice change of pace for me since I haven't learned a new song by any other artist for years. [ Reply to This ]
man &mdash 09/05/08 - 10:09:05 PM
If I dont listen fast enough ill fall right off MJ's Im glad I caught this. m2 seems to be the artist of choice. I think you cant go wrong with mikey.. I think your leading on this excels ! [ Reply to This ]
thanks Tim &mdash 09/05/08 - 10:38:10 PM
I had a pretty good feeling that M2 would be covered quite a bit. this is one of his earliest posts. some of the other artists i was thinking don't seem to be around to get they're permission. [ Reply to This ]
I &mdash 09/06/08 - 03:12:34 PM
love everything you do Vic and it's time I gave up lol, an excellent performance and a great cover from you of a wonderful song!
I had a listen to the original and you have done a superb job here, loved it all! [ Reply to This ]
Thanks Bob &mdash 09/07/08 - 08:12:17 PM
this challenge was a nice change of pace. the hardest part was deciding on doing just one song, as my time allowed. hopefully this will come up again in the not to distant future. [ Reply to This ]
Make sure... &mdash 09/08/08 - 08:29:50 PM
...that when you put out that Vic Holman double album, there are some covers in there, just as strong as this... It kind of forces you to stretch the boundaries of your natural Holmanity to encompass a wider arc of sound...
Love the spread of jangling guitars. Never heard jangling guitars from you before...
But seriously, I like the VARYING of the jangle, and the combination with the underpinning slightly distorted electric rhythm guitar(s).
Think you did some serious singing on this, too, Vic...
Ed [ Reply to This ]
Thanks Ed &mdash 09/09/08 - 10:32:37 PM
nothing like a good jangle now and then. 2 acoustic jangles and my semi-hollow body electric is the perfect set-up for maximum jangliness.
I really had to listen hard at how Michael works his lyrics, I tried to keep it close. then again I'm no M2. This was a fun song to take on. [ Reply to This ]
perfect &mdash 09/15/08 - 08:30:59 AM
I just discovered you and glad I did - love your voice and guitar work. Great cover to work with but your redering is beautiful. You have a Matthew Sweet wall of sound pop sensibility that runs through your tunes. With that sound and your Bowie-esque voice you again remind me of Adrian Belew. [ Reply to This ]
thanks again &mdash 09/15/08 - 09:16:25 PM
the original is a great song to work with. and yeah i do tend to dig building a wall of sound. It's kind of hard to let a song go to quickly. [ Reply to This ]
Dang Y'all!!!!! : ) &mdash 09/26/08 - 10:13:24 PM
Freakin' awesome song Vicar, LOVE the music, and again your lyrics kick a-- !!! : ) Well... this Lil' dragged out Southern Girl has been feeling a tad seafoam green myself as of late - lots of changes and new perspectives gained - and tonight I took a well deserved break, came to my MJ's friends for some great inspiration and now I'm feelin' like chasin' a few rainbows. : ) Seafoam Green is the default color for bleak institutions involving straight jackets is it not? - or at least it was in movies like "One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest." : ) "So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past." ( F. Scott Fitzgerald ) All is well - how 'bout you? : ) [ Reply to This ]
straight jackets &mdash 09/27/08 - 10:04:20 PM
are they in fashion yet? i know white is a spring color.
Michael 2 wrote this i covered it. my younger years pretty well went along these lines. Now a days I do just fine without the partying. [ Reply to This ]
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