Song Of The Month Club - October 2024

BillS

@richardyot said:

@BillS said:
This is one I posted separately last month. Think it’s the first song I’ve ever written with this sort of beat / rhythm, which was good fun.

In the shadow of a war-torn dawn, he journeyed west to carry on
From fields of Poland, skies of grey, to the island’s shore a world away
A fighter pilot in the night, wings of freedom for the fight
But when the battles came to cease, he failed to find his inner peace

Oh Stan you wandered far from home
A ghost among the streets you roamed
Those winter nights, a photograph, a memory
Of a man who lost his destiny

English rose with eyes of blue, a love he thought would see him through
But with her gone his world unwound, his luck had finally run aground
He made his bed in the station’s fold, a silent sentinel in the cold
No drink, no smoke, no words to say, his life had seemed to slip away

Oh Stan, you wandered far from home
A ghost among the streets you roamed
North London’s alleys Camden’s lights
A man who lost his will to fight

As your story starts to fade, there’s those who still know your name
Stan the Polish, the story goes, weaved into every cobblestone
Forgotten few but still remembered , in those hearts is how it ended
To fight, to love, to lose, to roam, until the day you find your home

I like the contrast between the jauntiness of the tune and the sadness of the lyrics, and the story is very engaging and original. The guitar licks are great, and the whole production is extremely professional and polished.

If I was in the producer's chair I might have suggested doubling the vocals on the refrain, just to make it stand out more from the rest of the song, maybe even sing a harmony, it would also fit well with the folk-themed style.

Thanks- yes, I tried harmonies and doubling on the chorus but for whatever reason I couldn’t make it work. Should have tried harder I think because I agree that it would have been a nice extra ‘lift’

Fruitbat1919

@BillS said:
This is one I posted separately last month. Think it’s the first song I’ve ever written with this sort of beat / rhythm, which was good fun.

In the shadow of a war-torn dawn, he journeyed west to carry on
From fields of Poland, skies of grey, to the island’s shore a world away
A fighter pilot in the night, wings of freedom for the fight
But when the battles came to cease, he failed to find his inner peace

Oh Stan you wandered far from home
A ghost among the streets you roamed
Those winter nights, a photograph, a memory
Of a man who lost his destiny

English rose with eyes of blue, a love he thought would see him through
But with her gone his world unwound, his luck had finally run aground
He made his bed in the station’s fold, a silent sentinel in the cold
No drink, no smoke, no words to say, his life had seemed to slip away

Oh Stan, you wandered far from home
A ghost among the streets you roamed
North London’s alleys Camden’s lights
A man who lost his will to fight

As your story starts to fade, there’s those who still know your name
Stan the Polish, the story goes, weaved into every cobblestone
Forgotten few but still remembered , in those hearts is how it ended
To fight, to love, to lose, to roam, until the day you find your home

Like the simplicity, but the singing is the star here for me. I thought that while reading the lyrics ahead of the song, it was going to come across as forced somehow, but was pleasantly surprised at how well it all flowed.

Fruitbat1919

@DavidEnglish said:
This one is a blast from the past (roughly 30-years ago).

I improvised the music using two synthesizers: a Yamaha EX5 and a Korg Triton Pro. I also used a Lexicon PCM 80 to give the track more depth. Remastered it in 2018 and added the visuals in 2020.

It's titled Near the Taj Mahal.

Does not feel aged at all. Lovely and relaxing

Fruitbat1919

I think this may be the first time I’ve posted something in the SOTMC, even though I’ve been on this site since 2015 on and off.

The middle section came about by accidentally moving a drum section of midi on to a bass track. I then added another bass track and somehow it worked for me.

BillS

@Fruitbat1919 said:
I think this may be the first time I’ve posted something in the SOTMC, even though I’ve been on this site since 2015 on and off.

The middle section came about by accidentally moving a drum section of midi on to a bass track. I then added another bass track and somehow it worked for me.

Well, you should be posting every month on SOTMC…this is great! The bass sounds throughout and the sax are superb. Really well put together and engaging throughout. Inventive, cohesive piece of music, I really enjoyed it 👏. Also good to watch the video to get an idea of how it was done.

Fruitbat1919

@BillS said:
Well, you should be posting every month on SOTMC…this is great! The bass sounds throughout and the sax are superb. Really well put together and engaging throughout. Inventive, cohesive piece of music, I really enjoyed it 👏. Also good to watch the video to get an idea of how it was done.

Thank you. So kind of you to say

klownshed

@Fruitbat1919 said:
I think this may be the first time I’ve posted something in the SOTMC, even though I’ve been on this site since 2015 on and off.

The middle section came about by accidentally moving a drum section of midi on to a bass track. I then added another bass track and somehow it worked for me.

Good to see you post here! It has 80s kind of fusion vibes maybe that wouldn't be out of place as the soundtrack to an old cop show. :-)

Fruitbat1919

@klownshed said:
Good to see you post here! It has 80s kind of fusion vibes maybe that wouldn't be out of place as the soundtrack to an old cop show. :-)

Thanks. Yes, I can hear what you mean. Apt then me using a pic from me down the pub late 80’s !

richardyot

@Fruitbat1919 said:
I think this may be the first time I’ve posted something in the SOTMC, even though I’ve been on this site since 2015 on and off.

The middle section came about by accidentally moving a drum section of midi on to a bass track. I then added another bass track and somehow it worked for me.

Welcome to SOTMC 🤩

The middle section is pretty bonkers with the abrupt change in the bass and the appearance of the sax, but it was a fun happy accident as per your description, and definitely gives the track an unexpected twist.

It's a cool track, genre-defying and uncategorisable, which makes in interesting. There's a lot going on with all the different parts and the fun you had making it certainly shows in the finished result. 👍

Fruitbat1919

@richardyot said:
Welcome to SOTMC 🤩

The middle section is pretty bonkers with the abrupt change in the bass and the appearance of the sax, but it was a fun happy accident as per your description, and definitely gives the track an unexpected twist.

It's a cool track, genre-defying and uncategorisable, which makes in interesting. There's a lot going on with all the different parts and the fun you had making it certainly shows in the finished result. 👍

Thank you. Already half way through next months track

klownshed

@Fruitbat1919 said:

@richardyot said:
Welcome to SOTMC 🤩

The middle section is pretty bonkers with the abrupt change in the bass and the appearance of the sax, but it was a fun happy accident as per your description, and definitely gives the track an unexpected twist.

It's a cool track, genre-defying and uncategorisable, which makes in interesting. There's a lot going on with all the different parts and the fun you had making it certainly shows in the finished result. 👍

Thank you. Already half way through next months track

👍

BillS

@Fruitbat1919 said:

@richardyot said:
Welcome to SOTMC 🤩

The middle section is pretty bonkers with the abrupt change in the bass and the appearance of the sax, but it was a fun happy accident as per your description, and definitely gives the track an unexpected twist.

It's a cool track, genre-defying and uncategorisable, which makes in interesting. There's a lot going on with all the different parts and the fun you had making it certainly shows in the finished result. 👍

Thank you. Already half way through next months track

Yes, me too. It’s not easy, but it’s hugely satisfying when it comes off.

richardyot

@Fruitbat1919 said:

@richardyot said:
Welcome to SOTMC 🤩

The middle section is pretty bonkers with the abrupt change in the bass and the appearance of the sax, but it was a fun happy accident as per your description, and definitely gives the track an unexpected twist.

It's a cool track, genre-defying and uncategorisable, which makes in interesting. There's a lot going on with all the different parts and the fun you had making it certainly shows in the finished result. 👍

Thank you. Already half way through next months track

That’s the spirit 👍

JanKun

My entry for this month is a Collab with the great and too rare @tahiche. This was released at the beginning of the year but I don't think it has been shared in the SOTMC.

JanKun

@richardyot said:
My entry for the month, lyrics in the spoiler:

Watch the clouds pass overhead
The air feels ripe for rain
You watch the leaves fall to the ground
So here you are again

Sweet September rain
You’re lost and sad again
And so, you know
The past is done so let it go
Time passes slow
And everything will flow

Shimmering wet streets are quiet
No-one can see your pain
But you are hurt you can’t deny it
As you stand here in the rain

Sweet September rain
You’re lost and sad again
And so, you know
The past is done so let it go
Time passes slow
And everything will flow

Great track, songwriting and nice angle for the lyrics This f...ing time won't stop flowing...
The rhythmic guitar has a really nice jangly sound and I am especially fond of the guitar playing the melody at the very beginning. What delay did you just on this one? One the other hand I wished the final solo guitar was fatter and dirtier, sounds a bit too polished to my taste.
Anyway, great job as usual Richard!

JanKun

@klownshed said:

Lyrics:

CHANGE x 4

Give me all your spare change
Give him a career change

Now we need a sea change
Switch it up a gear change

Hold the front page
Put it up on centre stage

Now we need a sea change
Switch it up a gear change

CHANGE x 8

Last stop
All change
Keep them off the main stage

Landslide
New Page
Rip it up and
Start again

Now we need a sea change
Switch it up a gear change

Hold the front page
Put it up on centre stage

CHANGE x 5

I like everything about this track except the treatment on the vocals. I personally think you overdid it a bit to the point it is difficult to grasp the lyrics. These are great and would deserve to be more catchable for the listener. I know you don't like to hear your voice, but there might be a middle way...
Other than that it is a great track. I like the change and 2'50. You could have stayed there a bit longer and develop that a tad bit (maybe a break with the rhythm section and some of your secret feedback layers to make an unexpected bridge).
Anyway, it is a great work!

JanKun

@DavidEnglish said:
This one is a blast from the past (roughly 30-years ago).

I improvised the music using two synthesizers: a Yamaha EX5 and a Korg Triton Pro. I also used a Lexicon PCM 80 to give the track more depth. Remastered it in 2018 and added the visuals in 2020.

It's titled Near the Taj Mahal.

Great meditative track as usual, David! The soundscape keeps evolving subtly all along the track.
Any pictures of the location taken back then, or is the title only inspired by the music?

Fruitbat1919

@JanKun said:
My entry for this month is a Collab with the great and too rare @tahiche. This was released at the beginning of the year but I don't think it has been shared in the SOTMC.

The music really gels well with the reversed footage. Might be odd to say, but there is an uneasy nature about some of the music, that I quite like - best way I could think to describe it. Thanks for sharing.

BillS

@DavidEnglish said:
This one is a blast from the past (roughly 30-years ago).

I improvised the music using two synthesizers: a Yamaha EX5 and a Korg Triton Pro. I also used a Lexicon PCM 80 to give the track more depth. Remastered it in 2018 and added the visuals in 2020.

It's titled Near the Taj Mahal.

Beautiful! And of a high standard that I couldn’t have dreamt of producing 30 years ago - my first stumblings on a DAW from that time are frankly embarrassing to hear now. Your piece has stood the test of time!

richardyot

@JanKun said:
My entry for this month is a Collab with the great and too rare @tahiche. This was released at the beginning of the year but I don't think it has been shared in the SOTMC.

I remember this of course, the vocal is outstanding, really beautiful delivery.

The music is quirky and original, with a sound that is all of its own, it doesn't sound like anything I've heard before, and the arrangement is dynamic and powerful, with that contrast between the quiet intro and the louder second half. It's a great collaboration, you should do it again

klownshed

@JanKun said:
My entry for this month is a Collab with the great and too rare @tahiche. This was released at the beginning of the year but I don't think it has been shared in the SOTMC.

This is really good. I like the stutter percussion and the vocals are perfectly judged and recorded. I like the non-obvious chords too.

I like the way it builds, the overdriven guitars could be a bit fatter, but the song isn't the worse for that either. It's a good song with interesting production which elevates it and makes me want to listen again. Great stuff.

richardyot

@JanKun said:

@richardyot said:
My entry for the month, lyrics in the spoiler:

Watch the clouds pass overhead
The air feels ripe for rain
You watch the leaves fall to the ground
So here you are again

Sweet September rain
You’re lost and sad again
And so, you know
The past is done so let it go
Time passes slow
And everything will flow

Shimmering wet streets are quiet
No-one can see your pain
But you are hurt you can’t deny it
As you stand here in the rain

Sweet September rain
You’re lost and sad again
And so, you know
The past is done so let it go
Time passes slow
And everything will flow

Great track, songwriting and nice angle for the lyrics This f...ing time won't stop flowing...
The rhythmic guitar has a really nice jangly sound and I am especially fond of the guitar playing the melody at the very beginning. What delay did you just on this one? One the other hand I wished the final solo guitar was fatter and dirtier, sounds a bit too polished to my taste.
Anyway, great job as usual Richard!

Thanks! The delay on the intro lead is Other Desert Cities in reverse mode, one of my favourites

JanKun

@BillS said:
This is one I posted separately last month. Think it’s the first song I’ve ever written with this sort of beat / rhythm, which was good fun.

In the shadow of a war-torn dawn, he journeyed west to carry on
From fields of Poland, skies of grey, to the island’s shore a world away
A fighter pilot in the night, wings of freedom for the fight
But when the battles came to cease, he failed to find his inner peace

Oh Stan you wandered far from home
A ghost among the streets you roamed
Those winter nights, a photograph, a memory
Of a man who lost his destiny

English rose with eyes of blue, a love he thought would see him through
But with her gone his world unwound, his luck had finally run aground
He made his bed in the station’s fold, a silent sentinel in the cold
No drink, no smoke, no words to say, his life had seemed to slip away

Oh Stan, you wandered far from home
A ghost among the streets you roamed
North London’s alleys Camden’s lights
A man who lost his will to fight

As your story starts to fade, there’s those who still know your name
Stan the Polish, the story goes, weaved into every cobblestone
Forgotten few but still remembered , in those hearts is how it ended
To fight, to love, to lose, to roam, until the day you find your home

Good songwriting and storytelling. Nice guitar and vocals performances too. Sure you had fun in the making. Great sense of melody as usual with your tracks.
I agree with some previous comment that differentiating the chorus form the verse could make it stand out. As suggested, backing vocals or layering cheap percussive instruments. I would personally would have added some kind of honky tonk here and there.

JanKun

@Fruitbat1919 said:
I think this may be the first time I’ve posted something in the SOTMC, even though I’ve been on this site since 2015 on and off.

The middle section came about by accidentally moving a drum section of midi on to a bass track. I then added another bass track and somehow it worked for me.

It is great! I
From reading here and there on the forum, you always seemed to imply that you are a beginner, but you're clearly not. There's a lot going on in this track in terms of composition, arrangements and production! The break in the middle works well and helps keeping the track interesting. Even after getting back to the original idea, you manage to bring dynamic and variation. Certainly not the work of a beginner!
hope you'll become a regular here!

Fruitbat1919

@JanKun said:

@Fruitbat1919 said:
I think this may be the first time I’ve posted something in the SOTMC, even though I’ve been on this site since 2015 on and off.

The middle section came about by accidentally moving a drum section of midi on to a bass track. I then added another bass track and somehow it worked for me.

It is great! I
From reading here and there on the forum, you always seemed to imply that you are a beginner, but you're clearly not. There's a lot going on in this track in terms of composition, arrangements and production! The break in the middle works well and helps keeping the track interesting. Even after getting back to the original idea, you manage to bring dynamic and variation. Certainly not the work of a beginner!
hope you'll become a regular here!

Kind words. I pretty much consider myself perpetually ‘in the learning phase’, but I suppose many of us here are continually looking to learn something new - possibly? I still feel on cloud nine when I even try to take in all the wonderful tools we have in a little box. One thing that has helped me recently though is getting Logic Pro on iPad. I had spent an age trying to make other iOS tools work for me when going back to a linear timeline DAW is what I’ve really needed to start calling a few tracks ‘finished’.

BillS

@JanKun said:
My entry for this month is a Collab with the great and too rare @tahiche. This was released at the beginning of the year but I don't think it has been shared in the SOTMC.

Highly original, but for me, therein lies the problem. With the greatest respect I have to say it’s too ‘out there’ for my personal taste. I’ve listened through three times, but this particular track is not for me. Sorry - I’m sure others will vehemently disagree!

JanKun

@BillS said:

@JanKun said:
My entry for this month is a Collab with the great and too rare @tahiche. This was released at the beginning of the year but I don't think it has been shared in the SOTMC.

Highly original, but for me, therein lies the problem. With the greatest respect I have to say it’s too ‘out there’ for my personal taste. I’ve listened through three times, but this particular track is not for me. Sorry - I’m sure others will vehemently disagree!

You don't have to be sorry, Bill 😄! This track is everything but conventional !

tahiche

@BillS said:

@JanKun said:
My entry for this month is a Collab with the great and too rare @tahiche. This was released at the beginning of the year but I don't think it has been shared in the SOTMC.

Highly original, but for me, therein lies the problem. With the greatest respect I have to say it’s too ‘out there’ for my personal taste. I’ve listened through three times, but this particular track is not for me. Sorry - I’m sure others will vehemently disagree!

For all the possible million reasons for not liking a song this one is undoubtedly my favorite!. Thanks for listening @BillS 🙌

tahiche

@JanKun said:

@BillS said:
This is one I posted separately last month. Think it’s the first song I’ve ever written with this sort of beat / rhythm, which was good fun.

In the shadow of a war-torn dawn, he journeyed west to carry on
From fields of Poland, skies of grey, to the island’s shore a world away
A fighter pilot in the night, wings of freedom for the fight
But when the battles came to cease, he failed to find his inner peace

Oh Stan you wandered far from home
A ghost among the streets you roamed
Those winter nights, a photograph, a memory
Of a man who lost his destiny

English rose with eyes of blue, a love he thought would see him through
But with her gone his world unwound, his luck had finally run aground
He made his bed in the station’s fold, a silent sentinel in the cold
No drink, no smoke, no words to say, his life had seemed to slip away

Oh Stan, you wandered far from home
A ghost among the streets you roamed
North London’s alleys Camden’s lights
A man who lost his will to fight

As your story starts to fade, there’s those who still know your name
Stan the Polish, the story goes, weaved into every cobblestone
Forgotten few but still remembered , in those hearts is how it ended
To fight, to love, to lose, to roam, until the day you find your home

Good songwriting and storytelling. Nice guitar and vocals performances too. Sure you had fun in the making. Great sense of melody as usual with your tracks.
I agree with some previous comment that differentiating the chorus form the verse could make it stand out. As suggested, backing vocals or layering cheap percussive instruments. I would personally would have added some kind of honky tonk here and there.

I really like the production and mixing in @BillS track. Great example of how sometimes less is more.

BillS

@JanKun @tahiche 🙏 thank you guys, and thank you too for your kind feedback on my song.