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Skips A Beat (w/ Vic Holman & Jiguma) by Micheal_Wark [Email]
Genre: Folk-Rock

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SONG STATS:
Hits: 705
Comments: 81
Votes:
Plays: 109
Last Played: Nov 19, 2008 - 07:01:57 PM
Downloads: 26
Fans: 52
Uploaded: Oct 15, 2008 - 11:15:29 AM
Last Updated: Oct 16, 2008 - 01:54:34 PM
Fan List
Keywords:
love (979), heart (109), searching (9), androgyny (1), life (132)
Description:
Recently I was chatting online with fellow MJer and all around good guy Jack Hembly (davisamerica), when he suggested we might collab sometime. I was so STOKED by the prospect that, as soon as I logged off, I picked up my Epiphone and began jamming.

This arrangement came to me right “out of the blue,” and within fifteen muniutes or so I had the main guitar part recorded over a steady drum track.

I contacted Jack and said I had just the tune for a collab. He was excited and ready to roll, but soon after got the fabulous news that his sister had at last found a kidney donor. Needless to say, he was going to be busy doing other things for awhile.

So I decided to contact a few other folks. In the end, Vic Holman and Neil Porter were able to step up to the plate, and I am so glad that they did! Heartfelt thanks guys...You really deliver the goods!

The lyrics were written the very next evening during my three ten minute work breaks.

This is a simple love song, and an opportunity for us all to lighten up and forget about politics for a few minutes. I hope you all enjoy it.

Thanks again Jack for the inspiration!

Peace

THE PLAYERS:

Neil [He’s got blisters on his thumbs] Porter:
Bassman extraordinaire.

Vic [Wonderfingers] Holman:
Tasty guitar slides and licks.

Micheal [Cyber-Village Idiot] Wark:
Lyrics, music, vocals, rhythm guitars, clapping, assorted weird noises, and mixing. Also arranged drums and percussion [Apple Loops & DoD].

NOTE: The whistles, the tongue roll, and the “YEEEOW!” were obtained from http://www.soundsnap.com

Lyrics:
SKIPS A BEAT

I.
I was dreaming I was half a soul,
like the myth of androgyny.
I was searching over land and sea
for the other half of me.

1st Chorus:
I can remember when I stood there crying,
outside in the pouring rain.
I couldn’t tell then where the raindrops ended,
or my own teardrops began.

II.
When I awoke I felt the strangest sadness,
down in the depths of my soul.
Come what might I knew I’d have to find you
if I ever would be whole.

2nd Chorus:
Then one day I saw you standing there girl,
like some bright epiphany.
The loving words that you spoke so softly,
made my poor heart skip a beat.

III.
Our life together’s had it’s ups and downs
but your love I do not doubt.
I feel as though I finally have some clue
to what this life is all about.

3rd Chorus:
When it seems the days are growing darker
and the light seems to recede;
I turn my thoughts to your warm sweet love girl,
and my heart it skips a beat.


Hardware:
Mike: Epiphone Semi-Hollow Body Guitar, Snowball Blue Mic, Gray Hairs
Neil: Fender Precision Bass, Behringer UB802 mixer/preamp, Aging Fingers
Vic: Ibanez SA electric, Digitech GNX2 effect board, ibanez tube screamer, a pitted 35 year old slide, brittle bones

Software:
Mike: iMac g5, LE7, Garage Band 2, LFX-1311, and DoD Vol. 3
Neil: iMac G5, Logic Pro 8
Vic: Logic Pro 8
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first comment! &mdash 10/15/08 - 11:44:31 AM
great job folks, nice vocal melody, well recorded guitars, nice hooky slide riff and sound effects.
extended instrumental part enjoyed too.
thumbs up!

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Hey thanks friend! &mdash 10/15/08 - 01:48:12 PM
Glad we three fossils could give an old relic some enjoyment! LOL

Be well!

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Very cool &mdash 10/15/08 - 11:51:49 AM
Mr. Wark!

Excellent job by all involved!

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Thank you Mark &mdash 10/15/08 - 01:51:26 PM
Glad you enjoyed our little ditty!

Be well my friend!

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woa Michael ..... &mdash 10/15/08 - 12:04:20 PM
This is really wonderful. I was "Stoked" as well by the opportunity to work with you and this song was a major reason indeed. Vic's guitar work is just amazing and really adds the right texture here. Nel nails the bottom line down really nicely but Michael .... man, I do think this one of the BEST all round tunes I have heard of yours. Music and lyrics are spot on and the addys really take flight. THE PRODUCTION on this is the tops. Need I say it ...... KILLER TRACK and downloaded thank you very much! You rule Mr. Wark :-]

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Thanks Jack... &mdash 10/15/08 - 01:55:17 PM
I'm sure glad we had that conversation in the chat room. Without it this song simply wouldn't have come into being. I am amazed at the creative energy that we MJers share back and forth.

I appreciate the enthusiastic comment brother. Thanks again for the inspiration!

Be well!

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SKIPS A BEAT &mdash 10/15/08 - 12:16:57 PM
what an incredible collab! reminds me of frank black, who's one of my all-time favorite artists.

btw, the download counter doesn't seem to be working. i d-loaded this track, but it looks like it didn't register on the counter.

cheerz,
-=ez

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Wow... &mdash 10/15/08 - 01:58:06 PM
...Thanks EZ for the kind words.

Mr. Frank Black is a force to be reckoned with. Not sure I deserve the comparision. (In fact, pretty sure I don't!)

Thanks so much for giving this a spin.

Be well friend!

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Nice One! &mdash 10/15/08 - 12:24:10 PM
So pleased you're still here - despite your sabbatical. The mix sounds just right (so leave it alone)! And a welcome break from politics. Sorry I wasn't around to add anything. Your co-stars did a great job.

All the best
Peter

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Ha ha! &mdash 10/15/08 - 02:00:46 PM
My "sabbatical" is on "hiatus" for the time being. As the Moodies once sang: "Isn't Life Strange"?

I'm happy with the mix, so I won't be messing with it Peter. And yes, DEEP bows to Vic and Neil!

Be well my friend!

[ Reply to This ]
tasty beat and music &mdash 10/15/08 - 12:30:18 PM
foot's a'tappin, I LOVE this!!!

countryfolkaltpop!!!!

[ Reply to This ]
Thanks Eddie! &mdash 10/15/08 - 12:49:27 PM
Hey! I just checked the genres list. There IS no "countryfolkaltpop" category...

What an outrage! I am truly INCENSED! lol

Be well friend!

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Gives you &mdash 10/15/08 - 12:39:23 PM
a great big grin. What a fun song guys!! I enjoyed every note of it. I would have to agree with EEFliess .. countryfolkaltpop!!!! It made KD Lang a superstar, so get ready guy's you are about to become a house hold name, "The Blighters" ha ha ha to funny. Great song boys, hope we get another from you one day.
Peace
Guy

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Thanks Guy &mdash 10/15/08 - 02:04:04 PM
I'd love to do more collabs as a trio with Vic and Neil. But we haven't officially formed one. If we DID, I really like the name "The Blighters." Self-deprecating humor rocks! Ha ha...

Politics schmalitics! Let's all laugh and dance for awhile!

Be well my friend!

[ Reply to This ]
like on the radio &mdash 10/15/08 - 01:07:19 PM
Nice collab, guys. It has a sound bite like a radio broadcast, cool highway tune.

. - Harold

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Thank you Harold! &mdash 10/15/08 - 02:06:29 PM
Just runnin' down that dream bro!

Glad you enjoyed it!

Be well!

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Hey Mike &mdash 10/15/08 - 01:13:02 PM
You guys are great! Real personality, here.

Nice break from politics! (chuga-chuga)

Good for the heart!

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Thank you bro! &mdash 10/15/08 - 02:09:57 PM
This was a lot of fun Doug.

I'm sick of politics right now! (Everyone let's out a sigh of relief! Ha ha...)

Time for something different and love-affirming!

RE "Good for the heart": You'll be pleased to know that there's no polyunsaturated fat or trans fat in this recording! lol

Be well my friend!

[ Reply to This ]
Those are wonderful lyrics. &mdash 10/15/08 - 01:22:07 PM
Your wife must be STOKED that her husband writes about how much she means to you. Countryfolkaltpop, absolutely.
This is so perfect. Love the singing, the playing by you, Neil and Vic and the FX. Did I say it was perfect?
Serendipity. Jack inspires all of us. Thank you.

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Thanks so much Char... &mdash 10/15/08 - 02:12:44 PM
...for the nice comment.

Diana is my biggest fan, and yes, she LOVES this tune.

Eddie certainly nailed the genre! Ha ha...

I agree with you that Jack is a great inspiration. I'm not just blowing smoke. This song proves it!

Be well friend!

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The BIG 3 &mdash 10/15/08 - 01:57:45 PM
How could I not love this one? Three of my favorites join forces.

You guys need a name. (I was going to make an inappropriate joke here, regarding age.)

Great job.

LL

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Blighters &mdash 10/15/08 - 01:59:38 PM
Oh, you already have a name. Sorry.

LL

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Ha ha... &mdash 10/15/08 - 02:17:43 PM
"The Blighters" is just a pimping strategy.

But if we WERE gonna be a band, I rather like that name!

Be well my friend!

[ Reply to This ]
Thank you David! &mdash 10/15/08 - 02:15:35 PM
May your lamp never run out of lava! lol

I was very lucky to get Vic and Neil to play on this. I couldn't have pulled it off on my own.

A name? Well we're really not a band you know...

Glad you enjoyed it my friend!

Be well!

[ Reply to This ]
Great &mdash 10/15/08 - 03:21:56 PM
A really good song... The performance is great... A superb collab.... More of them, please.... Good work....

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Thanks Jakob! &mdash 10/16/08 - 01:47:43 PM
I would be happy to collab with these guys anytime!

Glad you enjoyed it friend!

Be well!

[ Reply to This ]
great jam &mdash 10/15/08 - 03:34:11 PM
Wonderful collaboration!

Love the tones throughout this piece.
It's got a little ghost riders feel to it.


[ Reply to This ]
Many thanks Pete! &mdash 10/16/08 - 01:49:06 PM
Always good to hear from you man!

Be well!

[ Reply to This ]
Very cool song gentlemen &mdash 10/15/08 - 03:38:33 PM
Nice work all of you on making Micheal shine on this one. Great vocals and cat calls Mike and you did a pretty good job arranging and mixing this. ;-)

Love it guys, ya dun good, it's a great bit of work, especially considering you're a bunch of Blighters. lol

Very cool, be well and be cool,

Ed

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Thank you Ed! &mdash 10/16/08 - 01:51:57 PM
Neil and Vic really did bring this to life, didn't they?

lol---I think my "Blighters" pimping strategy may haunt me for awhile...

Be well friend!

[ Reply to This ]
What politics?! &mdash 10/15/08 - 03:49:19 PM
This was a nice toe-tapper for a tired soul! You seem to wark together really well, guys! Thanks a lot everyone!

/Henke

[ Reply to This ]
Thanks Henke! &mdash 10/16/08 - 01:53:51 PM
"wark together" eh? lol

Glad we made your toes happy!

Be well!

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SKIPS A BEAT &mdash 10/15/08 - 03:57:13 PM
Cool rockin song my friend ...the grungie guitar
strummin is very much classic rockin sound ..Vic
touch is so great here ...solid bass of Neil !!
what a band ..Rock on !!!!!!

[ Reply to This ]
Thank you Feter! &mdash 10/16/08 - 01:57:00 PM
Not really a band my friend, just three MJ brothers havin' a good time!

Glad you enjoyed this!

Be well!

[ Reply to This ]
Heavyweight collab! &mdash 10/15/08 - 04:03:18 PM
Great work all round.

A nice loose feel a sort of psychedlic country.

Cheers

Dick


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Thanks Dick! &mdash 10/16/08 - 01:59:25 PM
"heavyweight" eh?

Well...to be quite honest we have put on a few pounds of late. And Neil is beginning to SAG rather seriously...

We appreciate the thumbs up friend!

Be well!

[ Reply to This ]
Nice one &mdash 10/15/08 - 04:58:40 PM
This is very cool. Somebody said it was a 'toe-tapper' and i couldn't agree more. Great catchy melody, lovely sound throughout, and very nicely crafted lyrics. This certainly puts a smile on the face! Great work by everyone involved - lovely bass and guitar playing and really nice vocal performance. This just rocks. Very cool. Kudos to everyone involved. Nice one! Peace.

[ Reply to This ]
Thanks so much David! &mdash 10/16/08 - 02:02:27 PM
We really appreciate the kind review.

BTW: This is probably as close as I'll ever come to singing as well as you do friend!

Be well!

[ Reply to This ]
Can you write a bad song? I don't think so... &mdash 10/15/08 - 05:01:36 PM
A bit tame for your usual fare Mike, but just as lovely
and whatya know Vic & Jig backing you up on this, very nice indeed.


[ Reply to This ]
Awwwww... &mdash 10/16/08 - 02:05:44 PM
You're too kind Tom. I'm sure I've written my fair share of stinkers. It all depends on who you ask! lol

To be sure, a break from my usual fare, but a much needed one. I can't stand feeling like I'm in rut you know...

Glad you enjoyed it old friend!

Be well!

[ Reply to This ]
Very &mdash 10/15/08 - 06:50:56 PM
good...it's a bit russian ....really with the wolf whistles and the crashing cymbals ...seriously good though AmericanaRusski folkski rock....where are my meds nurse?

No,it is,seriously now ,brilliant, loved it.

Jarvo

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I have &mdash 10/15/08 - 06:55:01 PM
to emphasise the fact that this really does have a Russian Folk song structure to it . I am not kidding.

It has an ooomph.

Chris

[ Reply to This ]
Hmmnnnn.... &mdash 10/15/08 - 09:17:19 PM
I HAVE been reading an abundance of Russian Orthodox spiritual literature of late. Perhaps it's seeping into my subconscious! lol

Anyway, glad you enjoyed it Chris!

Be well friend!

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Came up well Mike &mdash 10/15/08 - 07:20:16 PM
Needs a fatter bass though ;) I'm very disappointed that the yips and stuff aren't you Mike - a great song and general good time.
Neil

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Thank you Neil! &mdash 10/15/08 - 09:15:30 PM
Sorry Neil. I made the bass as fat as I could get away with. Any more and it begins to interfere with the clarity of the other instruments.

Anyway, this is not a heavy song, but is intended to be light in spirit. I think your playing was wonderful and gives the tune a lot of bounce. Looks like a lot of other folks think so too.

As for the whistles and yells. I can't whistle to save my life (at least, not in THAT fashion...)! However, although the whistles and the mexican tongue-roll yelp came from soundsnap (along with the "yeowww!"), the "ya-aaaaaaah...ya ha haaaaayyy" is really me!

Thanks again for joining up Neil. Without you and Vic this would have turned out to be a fairly mediocre song.

Be well!

[ Reply to This ]
:) &mdash 10/16/08 - 02:22:14 AM
Just joshing Mike :)

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Hey! &mdash 10/16/08 - 04:57:02 AM
Why you #^&$!!!$%%##@#!! blighter!

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PS: &mdash 10/16/08 - 03:09:40 PM
They really say "joshing" down under?

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the total package &mdash 10/15/08 - 10:03:18 PM
cool to hear everything in place..... and so soon!
sure is a up beat tune and thanks for letting me jump in.

country folk pop, I like that, i think it sums it up pretty well.

I used my Ibanez SA electric, Digitech GNX2 effect board, ibanez tube screamer and a pitted 35 year old slide.

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Vicar! &mdash 10/16/08 - 02:09:38 PM
Thanks so much for the great licks!

I had a good time messing with the tracks you sent friend. You always give 110%! You gave this tune a Wilbury-ish feel....

Always nice to have you on board!

Be well!

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Yeehaw - &mdash 10/16/08 - 07:05:40 AM
my thigh hurts from getting a good slapping. Excellent work boys - great collab.

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Ha ha... &mdash 10/16/08 - 02:11:40 PM
Thanks Kevin. Now my sides hurt from laughing at your comment!

Glad you enjoyed our little ditty!

Be well friend!

[ Reply to This ]
Really great &mdash 10/16/08 - 07:48:48 AM
song Micheal and wonderful performance from you all. Very enjoyable and great production.
Cheers
Len




[ Reply to This ]
Thank you much Len! &mdash 10/16/08 - 02:13:34 PM
We appreciate the big thumbs up friend!

Be well!


HEY! What don't you come out from behind that rock and give us a peek?

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Light? &mdash 10/16/08 - 08:43:27 AM
surprising that everyone thinks this is simply a fun light song. Being in a minor key (?) Gives it a melancholy feel that I love, and the 3rd chorus is just about the clearest and most succinct statement of lost youth and love mellowed by age I've heard in a long time.

All that and the fact that Vic's guitar sound somehow always vibrates deep in my soul, makes this a wonderful listen.

[ Reply to This ]
BUSTED! &mdash 10/16/08 - 02:18:53 PM
As I get older I no longer seem to experience joy and sorrow as separate entities. I think you know what I mean Bill...

Yup, been with Diane for 34 years now (as of Sept. 28th). Love does mellow and deepen simultaneously. I'm pleased your interpretation of the tune is so dead on!

RE Vic's guitar: Yeah, Vic's playing gets under one's skin after a while doesn't it? Glad to have him and Neil-Down-Under on board this time...

Be well friend!

[ Reply to This ]
Great Catchy tune &mdash 10/16/08 - 10:27:54 AM
an absolute must to go on my ipod so I can take it everywhere. The lyrics give my heart hope and the tune brings a smile to my face.

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Thank you friend! &mdash 10/16/08 - 02:21:17 PM
From here to your ipod! What a wonderful compliment that is to me. You just made my day!

Take care!

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great slide &mdash 10/16/08 - 12:47:47 PM
thanks for the heads up, micheal. love vic's guitar in this. Really brings the song to life

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Thank you Ridd! &mdash 10/16/08 - 02:25:52 PM
Man, after covering your "These Odds" I just couldn't see myself doing same-old/same-old. Then along came inspiration from Jack Hembly, some help from friends and MJ veterans Vic & Neil and awaaayyyyyyy we went...

Indeed, without Vic's leads and Neil's bouncing/chugging bass this song would not have turned out so well.

Glad you enjoyed it friend.

Take care!

[ Reply to This ]
certainly was... &mdash 10/16/08 - 01:27:35 PM
a nice stress reliever and wonderful tune! i loved it guys...what a great collaboration. all aspects of this very playful song work so so well...i'd like to hear more from this little trio! oh, and of course fav'd and downloaded!!!

age

[ Reply to This ]
Thanks a lot Age! &mdash 10/16/08 - 02:31:10 PM
I'd LOVE to do a couple more tunes as a "trio" with these guys.

Of course, we've worked together before on Goodwilly tunes, and Neil has played bass on my "No Regrets;" so this collab is not totally unprecedented.

I appreciate your kind review Age. It's always a pleasure to hear from you man.

Be well!

[ Reply to This ]
YEEEOW &mdash 10/16/08 - 03:04:30 PM
Good medicine!

You guys rock!


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sound suprises &mdash 10/16/08 - 08:40:01 PM
Always surprising us with new flavors of your musical experience. Vic's licks, the steady (aging fingers) of Neil and the sound shaping involved with the mixing, gave me some beatlesque flashbacks.

Simply flavorful.


[ Reply to This ]
I'm downloading this &mdash 10/16/08 - 10:04:15 PM
I love this peppy and wonderfully played song. You guys rock, and together, this is a great band. Mike, you composed this in 15 minutes and wrote the lyrics in 3- 10 minute work breaks?? You don't need a hiatus- you need to go to work and take breaks.

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Three of my favorite musicians- &mdash 10/17/08 - 08:07:21 AM
What a cool collab & track! Nicely done guys!

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excellent &mdash 10/17/08 - 05:20:34 PM
and from 3of my favorite MJers you guys make it sound effortless! realy enjoyed this one downloaded thanks!!

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Dark Masterpiece &mdash 10/17/08 - 07:13:39 PM
Psychedelic folk with deep roots! I'd like to hear more like this.

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Yeah! &mdash 10/18/08 - 11:16:39 AM
This rocks, guys! Thanks for the heads up, Micheal...I'm not around as much as I'd like and am really happy I caught this one...

Great stuff, guys...congrats on a great collab.

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claps &mdash 10/18/08 - 03:25:24 PM
What fun! Has a great beat and I LOVE the percussion in this. Great combination of talent for this and very well put together. Love the sound effects. Great tune, vocals, guitars. All around a fun, well put together song. Thanks!

[ Reply to This ]
Really good collab &mdash 10/18/08 - 03:27:48 PM
The music is very infectious and worth another listen time and again. Really cool track. Good lyrics and the singing goes well with the music. Nice one, it epitomizes everything that a good collab is.

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Nice Ride &mdash 10/18/08 - 07:04:11 PM
Thanks guys for the nice ride, outstanding collab.. Bravo

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Love the &mdash 10/21/08 - 03:14:31 PM
melodies in this with the descending harmonies; it really does sound live. Excellent flowing Lyrics and vocals with a very pleasant ' airy' feel about it. Great sounding collab that moves along nicely, cheers M

[ Reply to This ]
Hey Michael &mdash 10/22/08 - 07:05:40 AM
Sorry I'm a bit late on this, but glad i found it. This is a great collaboration - the funny thing is, if you hadn't said who was playing with you I would have guessed Mr's Holman and Porter - they both have such distinctive styles! Weird - that probably means I'm spending toooo long on MJ's!

Great song as well, and the rolling vocal melody works really well - a bit like Nick cave in some ways -

Enjoyed,
Phil

[ Reply to This ]
. &mdash 10/23/08 - 05:33:13 AM
A great 'Kinks' feel to this. Well done, fellas!

[ Reply to This ]
Fossil? &mdash 10/26/08 - 06:54:11 AM