Home Music Articles Forums Blog Chat More...      

No Sorrow


Get Flash to see this player.

Description
This song is thematically based on the following lines from the ancient “Delphic Maxims”:

#90:

Live without sorrow.

#’s 143-147:

As a child be well-behaved;
as a youth - self-disciplined;
as of middle-age - just;
as an old man - sensible;
on reaching the end - without sorrow.

The music is loosely inspired by the seven classic Moody Blues albums. I’ve been listening to them quite a bit lately.

Heartfelt thanks to Vic (Wonderfingers!) Holman for lending a critical ear during the mixing process.

I hope you enjoy it.
Leave a Comment
You must be registered and logged-in to comment.
Lyrics
NO SORROW

I.
When hatred and fear seem to abound,
can’t let the sadness drag you down.

Is there a way to rise above
the clouds of sorrow?

II.
Given the chance to go or stay,
would you remain or walk away?

What can one do when faced
with so much sorrow?

Chorus 1:
Billions have trod this path before you friend.
Billions will tread it when you’re gone.

Who knows if you might be
found among those lonely ones?
-------
Chorus 2:
A hundred trillion stars are shining brightly;
inducing dreams of eternity.

The gods are smiling down,
and waiting patiently.

III.
Each day is a chance to start again.
Seek out your neighbor, make a friend.

There is no need to walk
upon the paths of sorrow.

IV.
Life is an ev’r revolving door;
scene of wisdom’s unfolding score.

Embrace it and choose to live
apart from sorrow!
Song Stats
Hits: 1432
Comments: 102
Fans: 54
Plays: 150
Downloads: 53
Votes:
Uploaded: Apr 01, 2009 - 11:45:26 AM
Last Updated: Jul 25, 2009 - 01:58:06 PM Last Played: Oct 26, 2009 - 05:47:58 PM
Song License
Creative Commons License:
NoDerivs-NonCommercial

Creative Commons

Song Actions
share on facebook share on twitter download song
Hardware:
Snowball Blue Mic,
Epiphone Dot Studio Semi-Hollow Body Electric Guitar,
Dean Acoustic Guitar (Thank you my Prince! Heh-heh...),
Cort Electric Bass,
Yamaha PSR-170 Keyboard (w/ M-Audio Midi Interface).
Software:
Logic Express 7 (for recording),
Ozone 3 (for mastering),
LUXONIX LFX-1310 (for layering),
M-Audio M-Tron (String Section, Violin & oboe),
Fitch Cello,
Drums On Demand (Sabian & Paiste Cymbals).
Comments
davisamerica said 238 days ago (April 1st, 2009)
Is that
an MTron or something different ... I CANNOT get a sound as sweet as that. Michael this production is really nice and clean. Very nice acoustic work on the guitar. Well done Mr. Wark

Check out my latest song called No Son(egobandit band)
Calchas said 238 days ago (April 1st, 2009)
Hello Jack!
You called it bro. I used the M-Tron for all of the strings and the oboe. Added some reverb in both instances. The M-Tron is fairly cheap. (Bought mine thru sweetwater.com)

Glad you enjoyed the song my friend!

Be well!
Check out my latest song called IT'S NOT THE SAME
Moviz said 238 days ago (April 1st, 2009)
Philosophical lyrics
as ever Michael and the orchestration on this is fantastic with that racy rhythm.... and that guitar is fantastic; could have done with you playing some of that on my latest, cheers M
Check out my latest song called Come Back Billie
Calchas said 238 days ago (April 1st, 2009)
Thanks Maurice!
You know I'd be happy to collab with you anytime my friend.

I appreciate the kind review.

Be well!
Check out my latest song called IT'S NOT THE SAME
Richard_Schletty said 238 days ago (April 1st, 2009)
While in this orb of being, take your chances boldly, with benign purpose

Moviz (Maurice) says it well. Yes, I can hear the Moody Blues influence.

"Who knows if you might be found among those lonely ones?"

We all fear eventual anonymity is an endless sea of electrons, both organized and entropic.

You sound a little tired, my friend. But knowing what you've been through, I can understand. I just hope that is fatigue I hear, not resignation, in your voice. We need you to keep pushing Good Old Spirit.
Calchas said 238 days ago (April 1st, 2009)
Actually Rich...
...I was in a lot of physical pain when I did the vocal track. I'm feeling a lot better now. I could re-do the vox, but it was so hard to get this mix balanced that I don't want to risk f-ing it up.

Glad you enjoyed it bro!

Be well!
Check out my latest song called IT'S NOT THE SAME
Richard_Schletty said 238 days ago (April 1st, 2009)
To clarify...

Actually, I like the honesty and vulnerability of your voice here, perhaps moreso than in some other songs you have posted. Why? You are not straining as much in high register. Here, you are in more of a speak-song mode closer to your natural range. I heard that pain bleeding through a bit. Do not change out the vox track. It is better this way. The only thing I would do is fix about three flat notes I heard, so as to provide less of a distraction.

It's a good song with good words and good instrumentation. Moody + blue = bloody good.
Calchas said 237 days ago (April 2nd, 2009)
RE "To clarify":
Normally I write the music first, and this oft times gets me into a bit of a jam when it comes to vocal range. I'm not a good enough (or patient enough) musician to transpose into a lower key so I end up straining my vocal chords in some of my tunes. An occupational hazard which further documents my amateur status! lol

Be well friend!
Check out my latest song called IT'S NOT THE SAME
ramonaji said 238 days ago (April 1st, 2009)
I dig it!!!!
Very cool! I love it!!!
Check out my latest song called You Think You've Got it All?
Calchas said 238 days ago (April 1st, 2009)
Thanks Ramona!
Nice to meet you friend...

Thanks for the kind words.

Be well!
Check out my latest song called IT'S NOT THE SAME
blindsidedpoets said 238 days ago (April 1st, 2009)
NO SORROW
Great lyrics man!
The part in the middle, around 1:30 stumped me for a bit as to why I loved it... well first, the classical guitar sound, but 2 I think it may be a Deep Purple sound to it, can't place why I like it, but I like it!
Check out my latest song called Sorry (Bracelet of Hope Version)
Calchas said 238 days ago (April 1st, 2009)
Deep Purple...
The chord progression in that section is very close to their "Sweet Child In Time." It's a deliberate nod to that tune. I do this once in awhile. A couple years ago I did a rocking love song and did something similar with the Yardbirds' "For Your Love" in the mid-section. Not identical...but deliberately close.

Glad you enjoyed it friends!

Be well!
Check out my latest song called IT'S NOT THE SAME
blindsidedpoets said 237 days ago (April 2nd, 2009)
Deep Purple...
That's it! What a great salute, well done!
Check out my latest song called Sorry (Bracelet of Hope Version)
Feter said 238 days ago (April 1st, 2009)
NO SORROW
My fav ..my very first reaction is why this is not from a vinyl !??!
moody blues with a lot of acid ..the guitar work is brilliant ...
wish the rock hold such sound till now ...so glad to have your music
and classic sound my friend ...you are the best ...thnx alot for sharin
such classical gem !!!!
Calchas said 238 days ago (April 1st, 2009)
Thanks Feter...
The MB's were magic in their heyday. I wanted to get as close as I could to recapturing the sound of that era.

It's great to be back my friend. The old timers seem to have gotten better, and there's so much new blood at MJ. I'm diggin' it!

Be well!
Check out my latest song called IT'S NOT THE SAME
Char said 238 days ago (April 1st, 2009)
Holy hell!
From the opening, this is magnificent. The melody is to die for. Lyrics full of wisdom and I think you sang with emotion. The gods are smiling down on their music making genius. I like it; could you guess? Thanks, thanks so much.
Check out my latest song called Break Away (Mark Holbrook & Awigze)
Calchas said 238 days ago (April 1st, 2009)
Char...
...you sweetheart you! Thanks for the kind review. So glad you enjoyed this one.

Be well my friend!
Check out my latest song called IT'S NOT THE SAME
MarkHolbrook said 238 days ago (April 1st, 2009)
It is so good
to have you back... I'm not used to looking for Calchas... So bear with me! Excellent tunage dude!
Check out my latest song called Never Say Goodbye - Bond Challenge
Calchas said 238 days ago (April 1st, 2009)
Thanks Mark...
Micheal Wark doesn't have a lot of pizazz, and Amagi was stolen. Rather than subject MJers to a completely new name, it seemed logical to fall back on Calchas.

Glad you enjoyed the song friend!

Be well!
Check out my latest song called IT'S NOT THE SAME
Peter Bauckham said 238 days ago (April 1st, 2009)
Mike
you've really captured the Moody Blues sound on this one - I think this is one of your best tunes too. The mix is sounding pretty good to me - nice and coherent with no one instrument overpowering another.

So glad you're back here posting again!

Peter
Check out my latest song called All The Same (CBGB) (Last Chance Challenge)
Calchas said 237 days ago (April 2nd, 2009)
Thanks Peter...
Good to be back and good to hear from you bro!

The mix was difficult for me and took several days. As you know I do all of that purely by ear. Glad you like it.

So, when will we get a new PB tune?

Be well friend!
Check out my latest song called IT'S NOT THE SAME
Richard_Schletty said 238 days ago (April 1st, 2009)
Note

Mike: Sounds really good with the R&B equalization preset in iTunes. Does that mean the song was mixed too flat? I still find mastering a huge mystery.

Did you send this through Oxygen? Just curious.
Calchas said 237 days ago (April 2nd, 2009)
RE "too flat":
Darned if I know. Remember, when it comes to the tech end of production I'm a near-total ignoramus.

I did run it through an Ozone preset.
Check out my latest song called IT'S NOT THE SAME
Andy-bm said 238 days ago (April 1st, 2009)
How cool is this
Could use a roll off of the highs in my monitors to warm it up. Great song. Great melody. Awesome acoustic and electric leads, and synth sounds. I love the vocal work. Everything sounds like it belongs. Nice panning work. Do you get the idea that I like this song?
//Andy
Calchas said 237 days ago (April 2nd, 2009)
Hello Andy!
Good to meet you man. I could be wrong, but I DO suspect that you enjoyed this one. lol

Thanks for the kind review.

Be well friend!
Check out my latest song called IT'S NOT THE SAME
mike_d said 238 days ago (April 1st, 2009)
That's
one helluva mix, and song Mike. Nice one!
Check out my latest song called Broken (Ft. spitlogic & Kingbee)
Calchas said 237 days ago (April 2nd, 2009)
mojo_d
Thanks for listening Mike. Always good to hear from you bro!

Be well!
Check out my latest song called IT'S NOT THE SAME
Vic Holman said 238 days ago (April 1st, 2009)
I'll say it again
my most favorite of yours Mike.

You really outdid yourself with this song from start to finish.

A very complete and relaxed feel with this.

excellent job bro!
Check out my latest song called November
Calchas said 237 days ago (April 2nd, 2009)
Vicar!
Thanks bro. Your critical ear was invaluable to getting the mix as good as it is. I really appreciate that I can depend on you in this way. It means a lot.

Surprised (I don't know why) but gratified that this is your fave...

Be well bro!
Check out my latest song called IT'S NOT THE SAME
magnatone said 238 days ago (April 1st, 2009)
No Sorrow
Micheal - this is incredible! Moody Blues - yes, your guitars here are just incredible - one of your best EVER!
Check out my latest song called Symphonic Smackdown
Calchas said 237 days ago (April 2nd, 2009)
Thank you Karen!
Many---if not most---of us, are currently going through hard times. I wrote this with the idea of possibly putting it all in perspective, and hoping that the end result would be more comforting than unnerving...

I'm glad to know that folks find it uplifting.

Thanks for the nice review friend.

Be well!
Check out my latest song called IT'S NOT THE SAME
Dadai.2 said 237 days ago (April 2nd, 2009)
Great, great music...

Mike... just such a good tune. Your muscianship is on display, as well as your production skills. A kind of Moody Blues meets Calchas song. Great combo.

Jack
Check out my latest song called The Riverside (with Ed sloparts sitting in)
Calchas said 237 days ago (April 2nd, 2009)
Thank you Jack!
Really appreciate the kind words my Goodwilly bro.

This tune came to me almost in it's entirety one evening at work a couple weeks ago. Another fellow keeps a guitar at work and during my break I worked out all the chords. Then throughout the evening I would scribble down bits and pieces of what became the lyrics. It all came very fast.

It was recording and mixing that took several days, mainly because I've never worked with so many strings!

Glad you enjoyed it friend!

Be well!
Check out my latest song called IT'S NOT THE SAME
lavalamp said 237 days ago (April 2nd, 2009)
The "cello"
The cello or the keys are right up my alley. What you did for the drums was great. And the acoustic lead was right on. You really brought it on this one.

Bravo,

Dave
Check out my latest song called Googolplex Times Zero
Calchas said 237 days ago (April 2nd, 2009)
Thank you David!
The "cello" is the Fitch-Cello download offered here at MJ. (The string section, violin, and oboe are all the M-Tron.)

Good to hear you liked the drums. It was difficult to put together a "kit" for this one. Perhaps the hardest part of this project.

Hah! I'll have to do something completely different for my next one!

Be well friend!
Check out my latest song called IT'S NOT THE SAME
Daugrin said 237 days ago (April 2nd, 2009)
Moody Calchas
You really covered this vibe. Congrats on another superb effort. Thank you for posting your work.

Daugrin
Check out my latest song called Daphne w/ Andy Wigzell
Calchas said 237 days ago (April 2nd, 2009)
Thanks Daugrin...
Glad to see you returning for more sonic abuse! Ha ha...

Be well friend!
Check out my latest song called IT'S NOT THE SAME
dadgarus said 237 days ago (April 2nd, 2009)
Good lyrics
and good guitar solo, but it could be better.
I love the lyrics, the music is really nice but the lyrics are perfect.
I do love this tune and right now I'll be a fan.
thanx 4 sharing this tune!
Check out my latest song called I Break
Calchas said 237 days ago (April 2nd, 2009)
Hello Dadgarus
You're right. The git soloing could be better. But then, someone else would have to play it I'm afraid. I'm just an amateur doing the best I can.

Glad you enjoyed the song friend!

Be well!
Check out my latest song called IT'S NOT THE SAME
sheilad said 237 days ago (April 2nd, 2009)
Doing my best
to rise above and each day really is a chance to start again. Excellent thought provoking lyrics... fav'd & d/l to iPod
Check out my latest song called Halloween Wandering/PickQuickRecords
Calchas said 237 days ago (April 2nd, 2009)
Many thanks Sheilad...
Me too friend. I've been goin' through a lot of stuff and I'm really preaching to myself in this one. But then, most of us are experiencing difficult times to one degree or another right now. I hope this tune helps put things in perspective somewhat.

Glad you enjoyed it my friend!

Be well!
Check out my latest song called IT'S NOT THE SAME
Henke said 237 days ago (April 2nd, 2009)
I feel no sorrow
for coming to listen to this excellent track! Thanks for hinting me here, Micheal! (I had fav'd you but had forgotten to check the email checkbox - it's a bit harder to find these days :-/ ) So again, an excellent track where the two different guitars probably stands out in the most positive way to my ears. Glad to see you posting again!

Be well! Stay well!

/Henrik
Check out my latest song called Heading for Alpha Centauri (mj space race 2009)
Calchas said 236 days ago (April 3rd, 2009)
Hi Henrik!
Thank you for giving this a spin friend. Glad you enjoyed my feeble attempt at classical guitar in that first solo!

Be well!
Check out my latest song called IT'S NOT THE SAME
Outtaorbit said 236 days ago (April 3rd, 2009)
Your tunes have become
so smooth...nicely done
Check out my latest song called Sea Shell Blues and Alannah
Calchas said 236 days ago (April 3rd, 2009)
Thanks Patrick!
I appreciate the visit!

I'm still playing catch-up here and will try to get to your tunes this weekend my friend.

Be well!
Check out my latest song called IT'S NOT THE SAME
Sigmund said 236 days ago (April 3rd, 2009)
yep
as I listened the first thought that came to mind was "this reminds me of..." and then I read Richard Schletty's post, and yes it is the Moody Blues. Nice arrangement - if you listen to my stuff you'll understand me when I say I love the mix of rock guitars and strings. I enjoyed this tune - thanks for sharing your music with us.
Check out my latest song called End of a Season
Calchas said 236 days ago (April 3rd, 2009)
Thank you Sigmund!
Good to meet you. You must have joined while I was away. I will try to get to your stuff this weekend.

Thanks for the nice review friend. Glad you liked the tune.

Be well!
Check out my latest song called IT'S NOT THE SAME
teptep said 236 days ago (April 3rd, 2009)
I have one thing to say
niceness!
Check out my latest song called Happy Sad Melody
Calchas said 236 days ago (April 3rd, 2009)
Thanks bro!
Succinctness!

Be well!
Check out my latest song called IT'S NOT THE SAME
Trillian said 236 days ago (April 3rd, 2009)
Each day is a chance to start again....
Seek out your neighbor, make a friend. A wonderful song Mike. The world would be a far better place if we all practiced this principle. : )
Calchas said 236 days ago (April 3rd, 2009)
Hi Trillian...
Good to see you about again. I really appreciate the nice comment.

Take care!
Check out my latest song called IT'S NOT THE SAME
guitapick said 236 days ago (April 3rd, 2009)
Been awhile, Micheal...
...sounds great...sweet solos in the middle...you don't mention an acoustic guit in the Hardware...sure sounds like one...?
Check out my latest song called Outside the Corral
Calchas said 236 days ago (April 3rd, 2009)
Thanks Bob...
...for the nice comment. Glad you enjoyed it.

RE the acoustic guitar: My bad bro. I have made the correction!

Be well friend!
Check out my latest song called IT'S NOT THE SAME
Lennon714 said 236 days ago (April 3rd, 2009)
I'm definitely
picking up on the moody blues vibe. Very smart lyrics and subject matter! I also really like the key part that Dave (lavalamp) mentioned. Wonderful!
Check out my latest song called Anarchy, Inc.
Calchas said 235 days ago (April 4th, 2009)
Hey, thanks Eric!
I appreciate your stopping by and giving this a spin. Glad you liked it.

Be well friend!
Check out my latest song called IT'S NOT THE SAME
lengold said 235 days ago (April 4th, 2009)
Used to love
the Moody Blues back when - haven't listened to them for years. You really brought back that great warm vibe that they had. Really enjoyed this Micheal.
Cheers
Len

Check out my latest song called Dodgy Doughnut
Calchas said 235 days ago (April 4th, 2009)
Lennie!
I went for years without listening to them. Recently I corrected that mistake and now I can't get enough of those first seven albums. I think it helps to have been part of it all way back when...

Thanks for the kind review bro!

Be well!
Check out my latest song called IT'S NOT THE SAME
maxjsl37 said 235 days ago (April 4th, 2009)
Nice
Impressive song textures. Love the guitar work it fits well with song. Great work looking forward to hearing more from you.
Check out my latest song called National Bastard
Calchas said 235 days ago (April 4th, 2009)
Hi'ya John!
Thanks so much for giving me a chance. Glad you enjoyed the tuneage friend!

Be well!
Check out my latest song called IT'S NOT THE SAME
saymme said 235 days ago (April 4th, 2009)
( :
It's really wonderful hearing Your new songs , I just love this one its very beautiful . . . Great voice great playing & grand sound....tx !!!
Calchas said 235 days ago (April 4th, 2009)
Thank you Helena!
Always good to hear from you dear friend.

Glad you like the newbies.

Be well!
Check out my latest song called IT'S NOT THE SAME
PaddyNavinCaryatid said 235 days ago (April 4th, 2009)
Returm of Michael Wark
It's good to see you back. This song has everything. Great vocal performance, great melodies and that wonderful spanish guitar segment.
Got a 70's vibe going on here. Can't stop Jeff Wayne's "War of the Worlds" popping into my head as I listen.
******************
Just read the notes on the song - Moody Blues - now it makes sense.
Awesome tune man.
Faved
Downloaded
iPodded

If MJs keeps going as it is I may never have to pay for great music again!
Check out my latest song called The Last Goodbye (New Version)
Calchas said 235 days ago (April 4th, 2009)
Thanks so much Paddy!
It's great to be back. And I agree with you. The across-the-board quality of the music here at MJ has increased greatly in the past year or so. Some great new blood too!

Glad you liked the tune bro!

Rock on!
Check out my latest song called IT'S NOT THE SAME
yrp said 234 days ago (April 5th, 2009)
Glad to have you
back, mr. Wark!
The community really missed your touch of class and expertise and your refined musical and lyrical habilities.
It seem you are on full power!
Welcome back, amigo!
Check out my latest song called Light (with onesweetworld)
Calchas said 233 days ago (April 6th, 2009)
Hello Carlos!
You are too kind my friend...

RE "full power": In spite of a number of health-issues, I DO feel musically rejuvenated! Hope it lasts! Ha ha...

Be well friend!
Check out my latest song called IT'S NOT THE SAME
jiguma said 233 days ago (April 6th, 2009)
Hi Mike
Finally faved you (yet again - you're a bit like a friend who keeps changing his email address, AND his cell phone number!), and found this.

Nice sounds and nice to have you back. There are heaps of good things here, which have already been itemised above, so no point in me repeating them. I'm listening for the little things you might do to improve things - not many that are obvious on a first listen, or a second for that matter. The bit at 1:30 that Nigel mentions is very much a familiar thing, but I can't specify it (although I think it's Moody Blues). If I had to nominate a nit (and I know I don't, but will anyway) it would be the almost jerky transition between notes on the strings/M-tron.

However, an excellent post - great to have you back at MJ!!
Neil
Check out my latest song called Lost In Translation (w Mike Watkins)
Calchas said 233 days ago (April 6th, 2009)
Hi'ya Neil!
Ha ha...I'll try very hard not to change everything again...

As I mention above somewhere, the "bit at 1:30" is a nod to Deep Purple's "Sweet Child In Time." The "almost jerky transition between notes" you speak of (if I understand you correctly) was necessary in order to make that nod recognizable. (It's also inevitable due to the speed of the song!)

Anyway, thank you for the input mate. It's great to be back HOME!

Be well!
Check out my latest song called IT'S NOT THE SAME
MannequinRaces said 233 days ago (April 6th, 2009)
Nice!
Great mix and arrangement! Really nice panning and guitar/M-Tron work. Really enjoyed!
Check out my latest song called Lost At Sea
Calchas said 231 days ago (April 8th, 2009)
Thanks Adam...
Glad you enjoyed it friend.

Be well!
Check out my latest song called IT'S NOT THE SAME
VicDiesel said 233 days ago (April 6th, 2009)
With a mellotron!
I think I can hear the Moody Blues influences, and not just in the use of the mellotron. There's something about some of the vocals and harmonies. Way cool.

Ok, a few comments. The bass is too soft in quite a few places. Or maybe it's just missing some low frequencies. The stereo image on the drum is far too wide. A couple of drum breaks really bounce from one speaker to the other. The guitar solo also bounces left and right a couple of times. I don't think that contributes much.

Otherwise a very cool song.
Check out my latest song called Desert Stars
Calchas said 231 days ago (April 8th, 2009)
Thank you Vic!
Glad you dug it.

RE the bass: I AGREE. However, I already tried correcting it shortly before posting and ended up ruining the mix. Fortunately, I still had an MP3 of the first mix. (I'm really not good at this sort of thing!)

RE the panning:

1) Drums: A number of folks have told me over the years that they like my panned drum fills. I even got rebuked once for NOT panning the fills. But you may be right. I may have panned them a little too wide.

2) Lead guitar: Personally, I think this is a matter of taste. A lot of folks like the panning. As for me...well...I WAS trying to re-capture the sounds of a bygone era wherein they did this sort of thing a LOT.

To quote Mr Gump: "That's all I got to say about that..."

Thanks for listening and commenting bro!

Be well!

Check out my latest song called IT'S NOT THE SAME
DeathArrow said 231 days ago (April 8th, 2009)
lalala
very great arrangement !!!
there is a lot of instrumentation !!
also very authentic singing !! i like your vox !!
and a very cool guitar solo !! great !! (wish i could play like that)
what i would change: bring the drums a bit upfront..i can't hear them well =/

cheeers, Luke
Check out my latest song called Summer Day
Calchas said 231 days ago (April 8th, 2009)
Hey! Thanks a lot Luke...
Glad you liked it.

RE the middle guitar soloing: No one seems to have noticed yet that it's BACKWARDS. Oh well...At least folks like it. lol

Thanks for the big thumbs up man.

Hah! You and your loud drums. (Ahhh...too be young again...)

Be well bro!
Check out my latest song called IT'S NOT THE SAME
Rocha Malhada said 231 days ago (April 8th, 2009)
sweet pickin' there
and a nice blend of guitar tones, to boot.

Love your selection of chord changes to bridge

. - Harold
Check out my latest song called Kanun Oud Rock (LIOLI9)
Calchas said 231 days ago (April 8th, 2009)
Harold!
Welcome aboard buddy...

Glad you enjoyed my git-pickin'...

Be well friend!
Check out my latest song called IT'S NOT THE SAME
apb said 231 days ago (April 8th, 2009)
Lush sound
.. good performance on the vocals .. sounds like your range to me .. just the odd slightly off color note here and there .. but that nit aside, it's a good song and mix .. I'd bring the bass up a tad (perhaps just in Ozone would do it)... some of the lead licks down a bit .. so they don't swamp the vocals so much at times. I really liked the acoustic solo followed by the electric .. and the string work in the latter section of the song. Nice ethereal ending too. Excellent song.
Check out my latest song called Misplaced
Calchas said 231 days ago (April 8th, 2009)
Hi Alan...
Good to hear from you!

RE the vox. Your right bro. Sometimes I can't stay on key to save my life. lol

Too late to bring up the bass. I've already f'd up the original mix. Don't have the courage to mess with it anymore.

Glad you dug it overall.

Be well!
Check out my latest song called IT'S NOT THE SAME
dajama said 230 days ago (April 9th, 2009)
Classic
This has a really classic sound to it. I have to say, however painful the process was, your voice sounds soulful and real on this, lending real feeling to the words, and perfectly matching the mood of the music. The production is great, and I think your choice of instrumentation is spot on. NIce arrangement that keeps the ear eager throughout. I have to agree with davisamerica on the strings - they sound great, and the guitar is - as always! - splendid. Good to hear this from you. Nicely done, my friend. Peace.
Check out my latest song called Across the Wire (MJRF)
Calchas said 230 days ago (April 9th, 2009)
Hello David!
Good to see you here at MJ. You've been missed bro. Hope all is well in your life right now...

Thanks for the nice review my friend. You are much too kind...

Be well!
Check out my latest song called IT'S NOT THE SAME
Bob Rodgers said 229 days ago (April 10th, 2009)
A
great track Michael and I love everything on this, great sounds from all the instruments, especially like the acoustic guitar.
Love the arrangement and your vocals are superb, reminds me of The Moody Blues too and a great production.
Very much enjoyed!

Bob

Check out my latest song called In My Mind
Calchas said 226 days ago (April 13th, 2009)
Senor Rodgers!
Hey, thanks man! I appreciate the thumbs up on the vox especially. I don't have the range I used to back in the day and have a habit of embarrassing myself! lol

I've always loved the Moodies and am proud to have been inspired by them this time out...

Be well friend!
Check out my latest song called IT'S NOT THE SAME
aclarke said 225 days ago (April 14th, 2009)
Traces of
the Moody Blues... especially in your voice.. and then I read the notes. Great sounding song- really nice all the way around!
Check out my latest song called Ballad of The Little Tiki
Calchas said 224 days ago (April 15th, 2009)
Thank you Adam...
I appreciate your giving this a spin!

Be well friend!
Check out my latest song called IT'S NOT THE SAME
SJB said 222 days ago (April 17th, 2009)
Welcome back!
This is a great track! That lead guitar at 1.45 is such a good sound - especially how it contrasts against the sweet acoustic lead preceding it.
I'm listening on headphones and the bass, drums and stereo mix sound just fine to me.
Cheers
Steve
Check out my latest song called Short tune
Calchas said 221 days ago (April 18th, 2009)
Thank you Steve...
It's good to be back home AND to find you still here as well.

I appreciate the kind review friend. Glad you enjoyed this one.

Be well!
Check out my latest song called IT'S NOT THE SAME
DarkPlanet said 220 days ago (April 19th, 2009)
Late to the Calchas party!
Dont know where my mind has been but I am glad I am here now... I need to catch up w/ a lot of folks here.

Wow that guitar interlude is just tasty and satisfying as anything I have ever heard and the switch to electric soloing electrified my ears, good call on that.

Great rock pop song, this would be a great hit

Mike its is so good to have you back! I now know it is time to Rock n Roll again!

Thanks Mike!
Check out my latest song called Roll Your Bones
Calchas said 220 days ago (April 19th, 2009)
A "party"? Where?
!#$!!&%^!**@@! No one tells me anything anymore! lol

Glad you enjoyed it bro.

I've got three more rockers currently in development. I think my next tune might be acoustic though...Stay tuned.

Be well friend!
Check out my latest song called IT'S NOT THE SAME
mowguy3 said 219 days ago (April 20th, 2009)
No Sorrow
Went back to revisit this one,thought I had commented,I am sure I commented. Oh Well.
Love the lyrics.... A Choice, Piss on life or lift yourself up and do something about it. Vocals,mix everything works in my ears. excelent guitar work out and fits well. great track, Thanks.
Check out my latest song called A Different Shade Of Moonlight
Calchas said 219 days ago (April 20th, 2009)
Russ...
Perhaps there was a glitch and your initial comment went poof. It happens...

Anyway, it's nice to hear from you man. Glad you enjoyed this one.

Be well friend!
Check out my latest song called IT'S NOT THE SAME
John Stebbe said 217 days ago (April 22nd, 2009)
Guitar
What jumps out at me from the track is the quality of the drum track and also the acoustic guitar. Acoustic guitar sounds like the strummed acoustic guitar on "Band On The Run" by Paul McCartney and Wings.

A solid track overall. Love the elec. guitar lead lines.
Check out my latest song called NECAP Test song
Calchas said 216 days ago (April 23rd, 2009)
Thank you John!
Good to hear from you friend.

Thanks for the thumbs up on the guitars. I have inadequacy issues you know...Ha ha...

Be well!
Check out my latest song called IT'S NOT THE SAME
MarcusPerry said 216 days ago (April 23rd, 2009)
sweet!
Nice mix of electronic and organic sounds! I'm really digging it. Great work!
Check out my latest song called Not That Easy
Calchas said 216 days ago (April 23rd, 2009)
Marcus!
Hey man, thanks for listening!

And welcome to MJ! Hope you stick around friend...

Be well!
Check out my latest song called IT'S NOT THE SAME
Doadars Uncle said 212 days ago (April 27th, 2009)
Hey Mike
The theme is wonderful. I like the lyrics and vocals. I especially like the guitar parts!
Check out my latest song called Capitalist's Drag
Calchas said 212 days ago (April 27th, 2009)
Hello there Doug!
Thanks for stopping by bro. Always good to see your shiny psychedelic avatar!

Glad you enjoyed the guitars!

Be well friend!
Check out my latest song called IT'S NOT THE SAME
Doug Somers said 210 days ago (April 29th, 2009)
Calchas + Moodies Influence = Download
Great tune Mike - Just reading the lyrics made me think of classic Moody Blues, but then you started to play and it was a hell of a ride. Hot soloing there too, and the rhythm track is right on.

It's so good to have you back here.

Take care,
Doug
Check out my latest song called Desiree (MJ Space Race 2009)
Calchas said 210 days ago (April 29th, 2009)
Doug!
1st off: Welcome home. 2nd: Thanks for giving this a spin.

Those old Moody Blues albums were magical! Glad you enjoyed my feeble emulation of the Masters!

Be well friend!
Check out my latest song called IT'S NOT THE SAME
sloparts said 191 days ago (May 18th, 2009)
I can't imagine having missed this one Mike
But I guess I did, and now I'm so glad I fond it.

Great lyrics, cool production, stellar playing, and a fine strong vocal. It doesn't get any better than this Micheal

Ed
Check out my latest song called Just a little Something
Relic67 said 182 days ago (May 27th, 2009)
epic
Just catching up on my macJams songs.
Really well done epic track.
I esp. liked the acoustic followed by electric guitar solo, both sound really good.
Good singing and melody too. You're a talented dude!



Check out my latest song called Novis Libris
Laverne said 121 days ago (July 27th, 2009)
My favorite kind of rock...
I love the almost Chinese-sounding melody that comes in with the keyboard (at least I think it's a keyboard, or something synthetic-sounding). Strong message and equally strong delivery. Cool arrangement too, with that long gap in the middle. I shall remember the truly progressive atmosphere. Thanks for this song!
Check out my latest song called Hark, You're Alive!
Ren-Tin-10 said 121 days ago (July 27th, 2009)
I absolutely LOVE this!!!
The Moody Blues are probably my favorite band of all time, and you capture them so well!

Too bad you can't fave a tune 100 times!

Cheers,
Jim
Check out my latest song called Coventry Carol
Artist Info
artist photo
Name: Micheal Wark/Karmic Whale
send a note
Sabbatical shamatical! I’m finding that this hit-and-run approach is working well for me. ... [see more]

Check out some of my other songs:

Genre Info
Progressive rock (shortened to prog, or prog rock when differentiating from other "progressive" genres) is an ambitious, eclectic, and often grandiose style of rock music which arose in the late 1960s, reached the peak of its popularity in the early

More songs in Progressive Rock:

Chat