Slave Cell (collab with echoroom)

DWL

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Description

Another song from my Suite for Queen Caroline project about a London council's plans to demolish a council estate and build luxury flats.

This is a cautionary tale about what those luxury flats are actually like.

Alan Gentle, who wrote the lyrics to Big Dog, wrote these lyrics.

Steve Craig kindly agreed to bring his inestimable pipes to the chorus and bridge.

The rest is me and Garageband. I really wanted to set up a sense of isolation and industrial dehumanisation on this (that's my excuse for the nasty sounds!)

Slave Cell © 2010 Alan Gentle

Got myself a slave cell
Thirteen floors high
Kitchen bed and bathroom
Seven metres wide
Bars upon the windows
TV on the wall
Modern living making
Inmates of us all

Living in a slave cell
Rabbit in a hutch
Never see the neighbours
Close but out of touch
All the years of saving
A little every day
And all I've got's this slave cell
And a ransom to repay

Folding up the futon
Putting sheets away
Clear a space for supper
Silver foil trays
Nothing like the brochure
Advertising lies
Smiling mocked-up people
Living mocked-up lives

Living in a slave cell
Rabbit in a hutch
Never see the neighbours
Close but out of touch
All the years of saving
A little every day
A ransom for a slave cell
To pack yourself away

Bridge
Subways and studios, open office cubicles
Welcome to the world we made today
Unused entryphone, can't stand to be at home
I wonder where it was we lost our way

Verse
Flat pack aspiration
Join a better league
Everything I wanted
Nothing that I need
Last guy living here
Left a little note
You can't swing a cat
But you can swing a rope

Chorus 3
Living in a slave cell
Rabbit in a hutch
Never see the neighbours
Close but out of touch
All the years of saving
A little every day
Not a home for living
Just a place to stay

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Song Stats

Hits: 2505
Comments: 69
Fans: 41
Plays: 225
Downloads: 79

Uploaded: Feb 21, 2010 - 07:31:45 AM
Last Updated: Feb 21, 2010 - 07:31:45 AM Last Played: May 18, 2013 - 01:12:35 PM

Song License

Creative Commons License:
Attribution-NoDerivs-NonCommercial

Song Actions

Keywords:

isolation (9), loneliness (22), industrial (166), small (7), con-trick (1), sham (1), chinese take-away (1), cat and mouse (1)

Comments

Skean	Skean said 1183 days ago (February 21st, 2010)
	Great stuff Nice work guys, I just love it, and take one x of it and go.. Cheers Check out my latest song called No Fun Anymore (Macjams is dead)

DWL	DWL said 1182 days ago (February 21st, 2010)
	Thanks! Much appreciated Cheers Dick Check out my latest song called Not For The Likes of You

-A-	-A- said 1183 days ago (February 21st, 2010)
	cool nice exchange in the two vocal parts, Dick. Enjoyed! . - Harold

-A-	-A- said 1183 days ago (February 21st, 2010)
	AND that screamin lead guitar! Yes!

DWL	DWL said 1182 days ago (February 21st, 2010)
	Blimey the name changes are confusing me! Thanks Harold. I have to put a bit of screaming guitar in at some point! Cheers Dick Check out my latest song called Not For The Likes of You

kipak said 1183 days ago (February 21st, 2010)

Nice
The Good: Really liked the concept and lyrics. Very catchy melody and good imagery. Also really liked the arrangement. The switching vocals from verse and chorus is very effective counterpoint.

The Bad: I think you were off pitch in a number of places which seemed more noticeable in the starker verses. I might put a bit more reverb on the chorus parts.

Check out my latest song called Meloncholy Popstar

DWL	DWL said 1182 days ago (February 21st, 2010)
	Off key? Yep, that sounds like me :-) More reverb? Now that's an idea. It's always a pity we can't post updates here... Thanks for the listen and the comment. Cheers Dick Check out my latest song called Not For The Likes of You

davisamerica	davisamerica said 1183 days ago (February 21st, 2010)
	incredible addition to the work Mr. Langford. Check out my latest song called 12

DWL	DWL said 1182 days ago (February 21st, 2010)
	Thanks Jack always nice to get a comment from you! Cheers Dick Check out my latest song called Not For The Likes of You

Calchas	Calchas said 1183 days ago (February 21st, 2010)
	Another excellent and thought-provoking offering Dick. Great lyrics by the good Mr. Gentle, and Steve Craig is an excellent choice for co-vocalist. Music reminds me a little of some of Phil Collins' darker stuff from back in the 80's. Bravo! Be well friend!

DWL	DWL said 1182 days ago (February 21st, 2010)
	Whatever you ask Steve to do he does it so well. I'm lucking out recently on my collabs. It's got to end in tears at some point. Thanks for the liste, I appreciate the comments (and so will Alan) Cheers Dick Check out my latest song called Not For The Likes of You

Calchas	Calchas said 1182 days ago (February 21st, 2010)
	Back for another listen! "end in tears"---Ha ha...You crack me up Dick!

kingbee	kingbee said 1183 days ago (February 21st, 2010)
	High Rise Wow! Great stuff. Echrooms vox really add to this but the songs a cracker all the same. Really captures the atmosphere of an estate and living on it. Love the waling guitar at the background of the chorus. Really great track Enjoyed Cheers Check out my latest song called Home

DWL	DWL said 1182 days ago (February 21st, 2010)
	You got back OK? Thanks mate. I appreciate the comments and that you can see the relevance and pleased you heard the guitar I buried at the back :-) Cheers Dick Check out my latest song called Not For The Likes of You

hackneybloke

hackneybloke said 1183 days ago (February 21st, 2010)

slave cell (
great talent. the mix is perfect. really catchy. i was trying to imagine echoroom singing the entire track (because his voice is very commercial and poppy)...and let's face it that's what we've beein indoctrinated to expect, but this works perfectly the way it is and i love the change over from you to him - his voice kicks in somewhere else in the mix but somehow cuts in perfectly. some of the lyrics were really good...(flat-pack aspiration) some not so; the cat rope swing bit is a nice idea but it doesn't scan properly and struggles to glue itself to the music. the best thing on here for me is the instrumentation and arrangement...brilliant.... really diverse sounds and effects. poppy...but art-poppy. fab.

Check out my latest song called Every People Know w/Rok41, KTB, Scofugate & Sisters

DWL	DWL said 1182 days ago (February 21st, 2010)
	I'm not the greatest vocalist and I think the scanning is down to me rather than the words. I di consider asking Steve to do the whole thing but I thought it was unfair to take his voice and then distort it and pull it about so I was just ahppy that he did the chorus of the anguished human against my machine. Thanks! Cheers Dick Check out my latest song called Not For The Likes of You

VicDiesel	VicDiesel said 1183 days ago (February 21st, 2010)
	Reminds me of my student flat Those high rises are depressing, aren't they? Good song. I'm not wild about the effected vocals. You've been getting into synthetic stuff, I see. Sounds pretty good. Check out my latest song called Fourth Candle

DWL

DWL said 1182 days ago (February 21st, 2010)

What's worse
is that we're talking new flats. They really are so small it's frightening but people are buying them because they are often built in or near the business districts where people never really used to live and it beats a 5 hour commute.

The vocals were distirted as I wanted them detached. impersonal and mechanical. I tried to dehumanise the music as much as possible so it was all synths and heavily processed guitars.

My next song will back to using some real instruments again!

Thanks Vic.

Cheers

Dick

Check out my latest song called Not For The Likes of You

ktb

ktb said 1183 days ago (February 21st, 2010)

slave cell
nicely captured a sense of industry as it paves over another estate. The bass is of particular coolness. Super sonic deep. Your two voices play off each other nicely. You always show a deft hand at production Dick.

Kudo's to Allan on some very visual lyrics "Last guy living here, Left a little note, You can't swing a cat, But you can swing a rope" intense and dark if I'm reading it correctly. Gifted with a pen he is.

Check out my latest song called Blackwater (by Tokai)

DWL	DWL said 1182 days ago (February 21st, 2010)
	Lots of EQ on the bass. I was quite pleased how it came out! Thanks for the comments on the vocals. Sining on the same song as Steve is a bit daunting! Alan will probably drop by at some point but I'll pass your comments to him. Many thanks Cheers Dick Check out my latest song called Not For The Likes of You

DarkPlanet	DarkPlanet said 1182 days ago (February 21st, 2010)
	DWL Wow really cool post, unexpected music with cool twists!, great job everyone! Check out my latest song called Summer Glaze (With cchaplin)

DWL	DWL said 1182 days ago (February 22nd, 2010)
	Thanks I like a twist or two. Cheers Dick Check out my latest song called Not For The Likes of You

cchaplin	cchaplin said 1182 days ago (February 21st, 2010)
	Great Song ! I really like the claustrophobic effect you use on your voice as a contrast to Steve Graig's voice. I think it works really well. The song kept conjuring up images from Terry Gilliam’s "Brazil" Check out my latest song called IV

DWL	DWL said 1181 days ago (February 22nd, 2010)
	I was trying to get claustrophobic so I'm pleased you got that Chris. I hadn't thought of Brazil but I think you're right. Thanks! Cheers Dick Check out my latest song called Not For The Likes of You

Vic Holman	Vic Holman said 1182 days ago (February 21st, 2010)
	close quarters fantastic tune. it doesn't get more complete then this. lyrics paint a vivid picture. the mix of your and Steve's vocals are great, it gives it that real band flavor where you have more then one vocalist, something that i dig, awesome tormented guitar solo. Check out my latest song called Darkest Skies

DWL	DWL said 1181 days ago (February 22nd, 2010)
	Very close if you've ever been in one of these places.. Thanks Vic, I was tempted to extend the solo but I chopped it short in an attempt to show that there's no escape. Cheers Dick Check out my latest song called Not For The Likes of You

lengold

lengold said 1182 days ago (February 21st, 2010)

The music in
this place just gets better and better. I really can't believe how good this is. You kept this one to yourself.
Wonderful lyrics that illustrate the point to perfection. The two vocals compliment each other beautifully, I can't hear anything at all wrong with either if them, in fact totally the opposite. They are both spot on.
You are totally on a roll here Dick and turning out and producing/directing some amazing music. That guitar break is to die for.
I will download for sure. Thanks.
Cheers
Len

Check out my latest song called B E A U T I F U L

DWL	DWL said 1181 days ago (February 22nd, 2010)
	Thanks Len I really appreciate the comments. After last year and a loss of ideas I seem to be on a roll as you say. Not that means the ideas are any good! Thanks for the comments on the vocals. It's interesting having two different vocalists (like Vic said) Cheers Dick Check out my latest song called Not For The Likes of You

fasteddie	fasteddie said 1182 days ago (February 21st, 2010)
	You two guys put together one heck of a great tune! What do you expect when two really talented musicians get together. Outstanding production! Check out my latest song called A Friend to the End

DWL	DWL said 1179 days ago (February 25th, 2010)
	Thanks matey! Much appreciated. Cheers Dick Check out my latest song called Not For The Likes of You

scofugate	scofugate said 1182 days ago (February 21st, 2010)
	Cool! Very Very nice collab!! this is a great song man!! Well done! Check out my latest song called Prelude and Jam W/Ibstrat

DWL	DWL said 1179 days ago (February 25th, 2010)
	From Mr Cool himself that's a fine compliment! Thanks Dick Check out my latest song called Not For The Likes of You

guygrooves	guygrooves said 1182 days ago (February 21st, 2010)
	Killer song Killer solo at 3:15 Great job you guys. Peace Guy Check out my latest song called Summer Bossa with sloparts and Loob

DWL	DWL said 1177 days ago (February 27th, 2010)
	Thanks Guy Much appreciated! Cheers Dick Check out my latest song called Not For The Likes of You

Dadai.2	Dadai.2 said 1181 days ago (February 22nd, 2010)
	cool song... Dick, this gives me a bit of a Bowie vibe with the great (and different) vocal parts. Solid guitar riff highlighting the mood of the lyrics. Well done lads! Jack Check out my latest song called Never To Grow Old

DWL	DWL said 1177 days ago (February 27th, 2010)
	It's that Echoroom's fault ;-) I never really intened to be Bowie like but when I came up with the chorus I knew it should be Steve singing it! Cheers Dick Check out my latest song called Not For The Likes of You

MarkHolbrook	MarkHolbrook said 1181 days ago (February 22nd, 2010)
	This is great Dick! Love the vocal effects and work. Backing music is spot on cool man! Excellent! Check out my latest song called My 911

DWL	DWL said 1177 days ago (February 27th, 2010)
	Much appreciated thanks for the listen Cheers Dick Check out my latest song called Not For The Likes of You

Moviz

Moviz said 1181 days ago (February 22nd, 2010)

Just Terrific
great lyrics with wonderful observation of the world as it is for so many today. The performance, orchestration and arrangement are really something else.... the way you alternate the vocal sound on alternate verses and then the Bridge (there's a touch of Bowie in there)... I love songs that I can 'see' and I can see this alright, so full of mental images... I could actually see you silhouetted in that subway..... another great one Dick... top notch work from all three of you, regards M

Check out my latest song called Shine Your Light

DWL	DWL said 1177 days ago (February 27th, 2010)
	Thanks Maurice It took a while to put this one together but I think it was worth it in the end. I'm pleased it painted a picture for you, that's a great compliment. Thanks! Dick Check out my latest song called Not For The Likes of You

aggentle	aggentle said 1181 days ago (February 23rd, 2010)
	Thanks all... ... for the comments. I am the "proud" owner of one of these places though thankfully I don't have to live there. Credit to Dick for the "unused entryphone" line (and most of the bridge) and for turning out another gem. I'm the lyrical cat with the cream at the moment.

DWL	DWL said 1177 days ago (February 27th, 2010)
	I only wrote one line! Thanks for the lyrics mate! Cheers Dick Check out my latest song called Not For The Likes of You

crissew	crissew said 1179 days ago (February 24th, 2010)
	Very nice sound here The lyrics are very well done. Very unique sound, all manner of sounds and stuff going on in the backer. I thought the vocals worked well with this track. It almost sounds like you were singing from one of the cells you speak of. Very cool! Check out my latest song called Devil's Argument!!!

DWL	DWL said 1177 days ago (February 27th, 2010)
	I wanted it mechanical and not human so hopefully it worked. Thanks for the listen and the comment Cheers Dick Check out my latest song called Not For The Likes of You

Mcboy	Mcboy said 1179 days ago (February 24th, 2010)
	awesome work...great mix..and diggin the contrasting vocals....makes for such great imagery and story...many bows!! Check out my latest song called Bluesphemy (MJRF 2010)

DWL	DWL said 1177 days ago (February 27th, 2010)
	Very kind of you I'm not sure Steve could sing a bad vocal if he tried! Thanks Cheers Dick Check out my latest song called Not For The Likes of You

bud	bud said 1179 days ago (February 25th, 2010)
	Fantatstic collab everything in the right place - and I love the sound of the production. Excellent lyrics too. Check out my latest song called ditto

DWL	DWL said 1153 days ago (March 23rd, 2010)
	I am so far behind it's unreal Thanks Bud. Much appreciated Cheers Dick Check out my latest song called Not For The Likes of You

blaky smith	blaky smith said 1178 days ago (February 25th, 2010)
	Great post Dick, this piece sounds great on every way, with a perfect production. Excellent musically and a solid work on vocals with Steve. I love it... Marc Check out my latest song called Ecchymoses au jardin

DWL	DWL said 1153 days ago (March 23rd, 2010)
	Thanks Marc Sorry it's taken so long to say thanks! Cheers Dick Check out my latest song called Not For The Likes of You

woofer3	woofer3 said 1178 days ago (February 25th, 2010)
	a white album contender this is the sort of music I really like, sounds in places very like the Beatles mid period. Good song Dick outrageously attractive. Check out my latest song called burning hitler

DWL	DWL said 1153 days ago (March 23rd, 2010)
	White album? Probably more grey.... Thanks for the listen and comment John. Cheers Dick Check out my latest song called Not For The Likes of You

craft	craft said 1178 days ago (February 25th, 2010)
	great song I love those lyrics and vocals.. A fav Check out my latest song called Valarty & AJ Craft - Burn (Alternative version)

DWL	DWL said 1153 days ago (March 23rd, 2010)
	Thanks Pleased you enjoyed it Cheers Dick Check out my latest song called Not For The Likes of You

five_extra_arms

five_extra_arms said 1177 days ago (February 26th, 2010)

2 Of My Favorite Robots
Dick, you've impressed me with your showcase of electronic noises!! This is really a cool tune and a great idea to pass the mic back and forth with Steve. Both of you did a great job singing. I like the effect you used on your voice and I like how Steve voice kinda pops out all shiny and crisp and drops back to yours again.

Your blistering guitar leads are to die for man. You burned the circuitry in computer!!

Thanks for the download guys.

And not to forget - Congrats to Alan for penning this. I'm sure he's more than happy to hear his words sung by such talented artists.

Check out my latest song called Green Machine

DWL	DWL said 1153 days ago (March 23rd, 2010)
	Robots'r'us Thanks for stopping by Bob and thanks for the thoughtful comments. I'll pass them on to Alan. Cheers Dick Check out my latest song called Not For The Likes of You

paul f. page

paul f. page said 1176 days ago (February 27th, 2010)

Channeling...
Dick,
Whatever you are doing to the vocal mix carries on the Lennon sound...Coupled with poignant lyrics,a driving rhythm, and professional-sounding effects and mixing ... and you have an amazing hit on your hands. I'd say the "old rocker" is hitting his stride. Your last several numbers have been extraordinary and display a musical awareness and maturity second to none.

Check out my latest song called I Speak Of Love

Komrade K	Komrade K said 1176 days ago (February 27th, 2010)
	Delivers Excellent collab - lyrics and vocals hit the spot. This track achieves its high ambitions... KK Check out my latest song called Urra Moor/The Leckie/Reel CJ/Willafjord

Bob Rodgers	Bob Rodgers said 1173 days ago (March 2nd, 2010)
	I like the two different vocals and how they alternate between the verse and chorus, a great combination of two wonderful talents. Excellent song with some really good lyrics too. Very much enjoyed. Bob Check out my latest song called We Can't Let It Go

segiperkasa	segiperkasa said 1170 days ago (March 5th, 2010)
	really cool stuff.. ...love your arrangement and love the style of "vocals" .... full of interesting techno sound .... Check out my latest song called The Dawn of Nahdamar

ste	ste said 1166 days ago (March 10th, 2010)
	nothing like the brochure great lyrics. awesome vox. love the tune. a perfect mix, i reckon. top job Check out my latest song called friday

alexweiler	alexweiler said 1154 days ago (March 22nd, 2010)
	FInally This collab was overdue. Fascinatiing songwriting, singing (I can hear your voice, too?), and I really like your choice of instruments. Loved it. Cheers, Alex Check out my latest song called The Glitch

dave_b	dave_b said 1153 days ago (March 23rd, 2010)
	Slave Cell Cool that you gave voice to this largely unremarked upon problem of modern life. Dark minor tones, and industrial sounds evoke the mood of the lyric well. Good vocs. Dug the guitar solo! Check out my latest song called Llarions Blues

Hickling_Stan	Hickling_Stan said 1147 days ago (March 29th, 2010)
	Doors Closing Such vivid imagery. Velvet Lined slave cells. Orwell’s dystopian nightmare comes true. "Soma" gets replaced by reality TV. Marries in great with "A Good Nights Sleep". This is going to be one hell of a concept album when finished! Dick, I am so impressed with this on so many levels. Keep them coming. Cheers Mark Check out my latest song called Elective Introspective

egobandit	egobandit said 1138 days ago (April 6th, 2010)
	where Have I been, I just cant catch everything on MJ's, Mucked up lives that about sums it up, I identify. Great song downloaded for future listens! I really enjoyed the end, the bending bells greatness! Check out my latest song called walkin out my door

dirigent	dirigent said 1135 days ago (April 9th, 2010)
	Touching Excellent songwriting - fantastic lyrics, fabulous delivery. Man you know what you're doing. Intense music with a dark touch, yet most captivating. Bravo! Check out my latest song called Piglets in Wonderland

sloparts	sloparts said 1134 days ago (April 10th, 2010)
	WOW Talk about take ourselves to task. Great great work here Dick. Wonderful music and a storyline that covers all of Western civilization's ails. And to think, we did it to ourselves. Mores the pity. Love this, going on the iPod so I can listen to it in my cell, all alone. Ed Check out my latest song called Quack's Blues

falcef	falcef said 1116 days ago (April 29th, 2010)
	Slave cell Salve from Italy DWL very complete music song voice ok fusion ok beauty music bye falcef Check out my latest song called Live-Jam-in-Brentonec-01

Warren Smith

Warren Smith said 953 days ago (October 8th, 2010)

Good stuff
I notice here in New York they no longer build regular apartments (as we call "flats"). Everything currently going up is termed "luxury apartments." I think that simply means they can try to charge more for the same thing.

I've been running through your recent postings and you are (amazingly) all over the place - thematically and sonically. And this song is merely one piece of a bigger project!

I must've listened to some of these songs earlier in the year, because I felt like I was having a deja vu experience with a few of them. Or maybe you are tapping into some kind of transcendental chords that is provoking a universal response in my brain? : )

I think this is good stuff. The melodies are distinctively catchy, the guitar-playing accomplished and the sonic accompaniments are innovative. The music really seems to be pouring out of you these days!

Check out my latest song called Love Shack

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Artist Info

Name: dick langford
Location: Everywhere and nowhere baby

6 years here (at time of writing!) - it doesn't seem that long ago I wrote "5 years"... Older but no wiser. The musical projects that make up Amokopera are now complete and we're moving on to pastures new (watch this space) In the meanti... [see more]

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Genre Info

Electropop (also called Technopop) is a subgenre of synth pop music which flourished during the early 1980s, although the first recordings were made in the late 1970s. Numerous bands have carried on the electropop tradition into the 1990s and 2000s.

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