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#1125828 03/25/17 10:19 PM
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I wrote and produced this song three years ago. I've recently re-produced the song utilizing some upgrades within my studio along with redoing and remixing a few sections. I wrote this conceptually for all those who have perhaps had a "rollercoaster ride" in life--yea me included! Though many of us have had our ups/downs, I've always believed in getting back up when getting knocked down in life. Most do not realize all of their dreams, but I say, "never give up on attaining even a small piece of your dreams;" so maybe a better formula for happiness is to keep our dreams reasonable!

Production finished with this one, but I have some new songs in the works for this summer that I hope to find "time" to get produced and posted! Cheers to all!

steady-eddie.



Just a Piece of My Dreams--music/lyrics - e.swartz

I used to say, just live for the day
Show tomorrow, no concern
But tomorrow’s here, it’s been several years
And life’s not, been so kind, you see

And when I was down, you could always be found
To comfort, and show confidence in me
But your patience grew thin, when I stumbled again
I'll never quit or give up, it's just not me

(Chorus) All I ever, really wanted, was just a piece of my dreams
But every time I start to reach
Just when I think that it’s for keeps
The walls tumble down

So I took a walk, I don’t want to talk
Don’t want to hear, you preach to me
But that’s not to say, I won’t listen, another day
Just give me some time, and let this boy unwind

(Chorus) All I ever, really wanted, was just a piece of my dreams
But every time I start to reach
Just when I think that it’s for keeps
The walls tumble down

(Sax Solo)

So I took a walk, I don’t want to talk
Don’t want to hear, you preach to me
But that’s not to say, I won’t listen, another day
Just give me some time, let this boy unwi--i—i--nd—

(Tag) - Give me some time.............

Just a Piece of My Dreams

Last edited by E Swartz; 03/27/17 09:26 PM.
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Hello Eddie,

I think you've did a real nice job here, good work.
I enjoyed the vocals as always.

Calvin


http://www.soundclick.com/bands/0/calvinstewart

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Enjoyed it Eddie. Sounds Bowie-esque to my ear.

Martin

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Calvin,

Thanks much, it's been a while since I've posted.

steady-eddie.

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Hey Martin!

Thank-ya man! I've had several reference Bowie with this song. I never listened much to Bowie, not sure why. I always liked Rocket Man however.

steady-eddie.

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Hey there Steady.......Has that America meets David Bowie feel.
Like it. Good songwriting and your performances are cool. Love the singing.
Cool sax, too!
-Tom

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well done...I wish I could sing like this

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Honestly this song gets 6 comments and mine is completely ignored?

Lol. The singing here is superb, without a doubt. But the lyrics are trite and I find emotion lacking.

I am sorry but the song I just posted is light years ahead of this in power, lyrics and intangibles.

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Originally Posted by BlakeAllyn
Honestly this song gets 6 comments and mine is completely ignored?

Lol. The singing here is superb, without a doubt. But the lyrics are trite and I find emotion lacking.

I am sorry but the song I just posted is light years ahead of this in power, lyrics and intangibles.


Blake

One of the nice things about this website is that it is generally polite. I've been on song sites where attack mode was considered "real world stuff." It is and it is not. Mainly not when applied to a song forum. I'm capable of being very rude, as are many people...but here, that is not the culture among the regulars. Please observe that. Eddie is a very pleasant personality. And offers me insightful opinions that I look forward to.

As for your songs posted...
in my raw opinion, they are sloppy and tired re-renditions of four decades old and worn out guitar strumming patterns. harmonica accompanyments and coffee house style, badly timed and pitched challenged vocals. I wasn't going to say that though, because we are all here as a bunch of ammys trying to make our lives more fullfilling....but then you were very unkind to someone whose opinion I value and look forward to....so, I assumed that you can take the raw truths that you dish out.

Art is all about presentation. Please present your opinion in a manner that is constructive but not insulting. That indicates more artful-ness than tell it like it is insults. There are lots of comment pages where you can go slam somebody. I keep one personal internet cat box where I go tell Trump haters what's wrong with there thinking...but that is the understanding there and they give it back. And nothing constructive comes of it...it's just a for the helluvit thing to go try out your verbal arguments/

If my introjection here just gets all over you...reply with whatever final insult will make you feel vindicated. I'm dropping out here. Please consider what I wrote.
Martin

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I am perfectly fine with your comments and have no problem with them at all.

I of course, disagree with your assessment, but value the insight anyway. However, it is your comments criticizing it, that actually provide me with self-assurance. You say art is all about presentation. I couldn't disagree more. Art is about expressing oneself without any filters. There are no filters in my music. I press record and literally dont do any edits. Its a spontaneous creation that never undergoes any changes.

I feel, once the artist has created with the idea of the listener is mind, he has ceased to create art. But rather, has undergone to create a product. Might as well be making toothpaste.

My pitches are poor. My guitar playing mostly rudimentary. My harmonica playing derivative and simple.(Didn't people say that about some Dylan guy?) But its real and authentic. And thus, never wrong.

Have a nice day all!

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Originally Posted by BlakeAllyn
I am perfectly fine with your comments and have no problem with them at all.

I of course, disagree with your assessment, but value the insight anyway. However, it is your comments criticizing it, that actually provide me with self-assurance. You say art is all about presentation. I couldn't disagree more. Art is about expressing oneself without any filters. There are no filters in my music. I press record and literally dont do any edits. Its a spontaneous creation that never undergoes any changes.

I feel, once the artist has created with the idea of the listener is mind, he has ceased to create art. But rather, has undergone to create a product. Might as well be making toothpaste.

My pitches are poor. My guitar playing mostly rudimentary. My harmonica playing derivative and simple.(Didn't people say that about some Dylan guy?) But its real and authentic. And thus, never wrong.

Have a nice day all!


I'll respond to that; wink

Dylan broke ground in a tumultuous time that broke from the conformity of post war America. He was as much about the era as the music. Maybe moreso. Imo he was and is a terrible singer. But he was original and fresh at the time. But just as 1-4-5 is well worn, Dylan's sound breaks no ground today like it did when it was fresh.

Regarding art. Art is art whether rooted in a direct expression of the id of the creator...or....Constructed with no other concern than the mindset of a would be listener. It's all art. It is all legitmate. To me...it only comes down to how fundamentally well it was constructed and how much it reaches someone for some reason.

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Hi Eddie -- I'll be back to comment on your song! smile Lisa

And Blake,

That was a bizarre insult against Eddie. It leaves me scratching my head.

Keep in mind that Eddie posted his song more than two days before you posted yours. People had longer to respond.

More importantly, Eddie has been around here a long time, and is very generous with his time, when it comes to commenting on other people's songs and helping them. He doesn't post a song of his own very often, so when we see that he has posted a song, many of us feel happy to repay his many favors.

Lisa

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I'll agree to disagree on the art part. I think you are describing a product whereas my description was art.


As for the Dylan part, his songs from the 60s, whenever I listen to them, sound like a breath of fresh air. They always sound new to me. I also think he is the best singer I have ever heard. Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton and George Harrison are all on record saying the same. That being said I am no Dylan, obviously, nor do I want to be.

The recent recording I posted, the ballad of abandoned love, has received high praise when played live and I was told on numerous occasions its like nothing they have have heard going on. It has made people, laugh and cry. Its made me cry. In settings where numerous people are playing I consistently stand out for the simple fact is I dont care if I sing perfect, I have no filters, its raw and sounds improvised, cause its all done on the spot. Think about that I wrote the lyrics below and the accompanying song on the spot.

You honestly think the lyrics above are more intriguing then mine below? The guy has a nice song, with beautiful vocals, but no power, IMO.

"I was looking for something in the air to help me float
A taxicab ride or someone maybe just to say go
Right on time that girl convict Nicole did arrive
Saying Steve Im surprised your still alive
I said Nicole you sure still are looking fine
Why don’t you come on back to being mine
but she was looking forceful and without fear
She said boy cut the [naughty word removed] what are you doing hear
I looked around and said honey im just doing what I do
Don’t mind me at all I just lost my tooth
Well baby I don’t mind but I still need to know
Why your trying to stay when I told you to go
Well I replied with a look so esteemed
Sometimes honey thinks aint what they seems
How dare you she said to even lecture me at all
Don’t you know you’re the one that called
Well maybe that’s true dear but theres one thing I gotta say
Is it really so special to be that way
But before she had even the chance to reply
I figured it couldn’t hurt to try out one more lie
SO I said Nicole I gotta a job that’s so well paid
In the last once alone 24 times I got a raise
Spare me Steve, you know Ive heard this al before
Im just cant listen cause Im not so young anymore
Nicole I understand but please let me explain
Don’t you remember dylan warned us bout hard rain

Or maybe girl your thinking about something I never knowed
The way the wintery cold and its winds just need to blow
Eitherway make sure honey you remember my face
Cause overtime its memory will slowly be erased
And though I tried to leave without saying good bye
I told her I loved her still and would till I die
Well that’s the last time I saw her Pretty smile
Though I replay that night in my head once in a while
Now my two feet are out there going down the street
I can help but wondering if there is another girl for me to meet
But every now and then just as the sun goes to bed
That nihilistic Nicole seems to pop into my head
Cause some say there is only one true love for us to find
Well if that’s really true, then mine left me far behind

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Hi Eddie,

This reminds me of Odessa/Trafalgar era Bee Gees, both compositionally and musically. That was their great era, imo, and you nail it with a great song and vocals. The sax certainly adds a conversational light soul jazz element that really modifies the song's overall sound from being perhaps more Baroque Pop sounding.

Enjoyed this very much. smile

Mike


Fate doesn't hang on a wrong or right choice
Fortune depends on the tone of your voice

-The Divine Comedy (Neil Hannon)
from the song "Songs of Love"
from the album "Casanova" (1996)
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Hi Again Eddie,

You've got a really lovely song here -- very pretty!
I came away singing, "just a piece of my dreams" ... the chorus really stuck with me!

Lisa

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Tom, Neil,

Wow I've been missing some action while at work! Thanks guys for your comments!

steady-eddie.

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Blake,

Thanks for stopping in. I'm sorry you're frustrated about not getting some action on your thread--you will when you've circulated yourself a little longer around here by commenting yourself. I'm thick enough skinned, so no hard feelings, after all I wrote the a song about getting knocked down in life over and over.....You are correct in the fact that my pop/rock song's theme is a little trite, but I think with popular music including country music those genres will tend to write more "simply" and about "life" subjects/scenarios that are easily relatable. I did opt for using what I thought was slightly clever by using the line and song title "Just a piece of my dreams" in which I thought seemed to indicate that this guy had reached a point that--he knows he will not attain all of his blue sky dreams, but how about at least a "piece!" Anyway, I do tend to write more simply, and with pop/country music, feel that is what most audiences like and can relate to.

I dig Dylan for sure, and what a fabulous lyricist he is. But comparing folk music to pop music is kind of like comparing apples to oranges--they're different, and have different audiences for sure, but for sure cross over. I know I like many genres of music. I will check your song out when I have some more time--l'm being summoned away for now.

steady-eddie.

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LISA, LISA, LISA!

Where have you been--thanks for checking this'n out!


Mike Z!

Always special to have your presence man! Thanks, but I'll have to look up that word you used to describe the specific type of pop music this reminded you of! Glad you liked the Sax--I should give credit here, he's special: David Swanson from northern Wisconsin---(didn't intend that to sort of rhyme)..........

steady-eddie.

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Why am I reminded of the BeeGees, but in a good way? Yeah, back when Bowie was singing with them...and when he played the sax... grin

The term "reasonable dream" sounds like an oxymoron to me, so I don't really get the concept of the lyrics but that's just me. If you're going to dream, I say, dream bodaciously.

Overall though, nice work, Eddie.

Ricki

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Ricki,

I would agree about dreaming bodaciously! I think this guy in the song certainly has huge dreams. The part of songwriting that we derive from inspiration comes from real life experience, our imagination, and from observation of our world around us. The song doesn't state to dream big or small, just keep trying, and you'll have a better chance at getting a piece of your dreams! No question there is a lot of my life's experience that inspired these lyrics. I truly can say if I hadn't have kept getting up after defeat or adverse business circumstances within my own life--I wouldn't have had to settle for an unrewarding career more than likely--and yeah my wife "preached" to me a few times years ago about letting go of my business aspirations when I was determined to start over with a new idea/dream.......

Thanks Ricki!

steady-eddie

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Eddie,

So it's not really fair. I listened to this when you first posted it, but didn't have a chance to log in and comment. So I'm a bit put out that others nailed first the Bowie sound you've created, because that's the first thing I thought as I listened. And that sax . . . incredible!

There's some chat on this thread about lyrics, sound and what constitutes "art." As to music, at least for me, it's the marriage of words and sound--lyric, melody, harmon, rhythm, beat--that all together speak more than what one or the other can do on its own. Your song is a very happy marriage. Very cool and very well done. Thanks for sharing.

All the best,

Deej

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Deej,

Thank-you much, such kind words for sure. Deej, I've been around music a long time, and have had a lot of music friends and many with different views on music/lyrics. What I've learned and observed with amateurs and the pros, is that there is just so many different "canvasses" to write both music and lyrics. I can write more sophisticated poetic lyrics and have on a some songs to a degree--but I try and write in a natural way that doesn't feel too contrived or poetic for that matter--that's what I enjoy and think allows many other's to really relate to a song. I actually think writing more simply can be more challenging at times as your more fragmented stories can be challenging to build and still have enough story. I also feel some genres lend themselves to having more story detail and writers write differently for sure--a good thing. If a song lyric starts feeling like a book, you'll lose most quickly, as a story just has to move faster with a 4 min song IMO. With Popular music and Country music, most hit songs usually seem and are pretty simple with their lyrics--but "simple" still has to be good and reach heartstrings and other's emotions, not always easy. I base my writing first on melody, then add lyrics to fit the timing of that music--typically. "Good lyrics without a good music train, sadly, won't get heard."

Thanks again!

steady-eddie

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Hey, Eddie:

Sorry to be so late. Since I never heard the first version, my "frame of reference" is only the present version... and it is a "keeper."
Loved your performance and arrangement. Sorry someone had the audacity to use your song-post to have a pity party. Nobody has to tell you how good you are and I wish you success with this one... and all your music. You are an inspiration and a great "role model" for JPF... and everyone interested in good music.

All my best... all the time... ----Dave

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Hi Dave!

Thank-you so much for the spin and the extremely kind words.

steady-eddie.

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Eddie --- Long time bro!

I totally remember this one...I remember trying to help with the timing of the line "the walls tumble down". I don't remember how the last version ended up with that but this version is perfect there....

Really nice song. Sax is great and the songs progression is really good too. Interesting and enjoyable from beginning to end.

Excellent work as usual but I think this is my favorite of yours...very cool!

My only nit is that the intro vocals seem pretty loud. They start to blend in pretty good when the acoustic comes in and are sitting perfect through the rest of the song. Harmonies sit really well throughout too. Really good mix overall.

Ricky

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Hi Ricky.

Yeah, has been awhile! I listened on Soundcloud and then listened from my music folder where I have the song on my computer. SC does boost the song probably 15 db compared to my computer's sound card, and it does sound more balanced with my mix before the SC boost--but I should allow for that and will. I also have a little more gain on this song than some of my older mixes. I do agree with you, and I'm going to turn down the vox in that opening of the song about 5 db or more. Yeah as you mentioned about the walls tumble down--originally I had "wall tumbling" which was a bit crowded--you and Colin Ward gave me good advice in shortening that line and changed it. I also replaced the sax with a different sax player from the first original song.

Thanks, and thanks for the proposed tweak that I will change and address with the studio mix. I may not change it here for now however.

steady-eddie.

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Look forward to your posts my friend! Not only do you produce some excellent work you are always helpful and honest with your responses to others!
This is a good song with a timeless feel to it.
The vocals outstanding!
One day Ed we might even write together!
All the best.
The guy from FB


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Thank-you Travis.jv@uk!

I wish I had more time to devote to music, and we shall someday make an effort to collaborate on a song.

steady-eddie.

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Now all you need is the BG teeth, Eddie.
Nice work on this.

Vic


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Originally Posted by E Swartz
I wrote and produced this song three years ago. I've recently re-produced the song utilizing some upgrades within my studio along with redoing and remixing a few sections. I wrote this conceptually for all those who have perhaps had a "rollercoaster ride" in life--yea me included! Though many of us have had our ups/downs, I've always believed in getting back up when getting knocked down in life. Most do not realize all of their dreams, but I say, "never give up on attaining even a small piece of your dreams;" so maybe a better formula for happiness is to keep our dreams reasonable!

Production finished with this one, but I have some new songs in the works for this summer that I hope to find "time" to get produced and posted! Cheers to all!

steady-eddie.



Just a Piece of My Dreams--music/lyrics - e.swartz

I used to say, just live for the day
Show tomorrow, no concern
But tomorrow’s here, it’s been several years
And life’s not, been so kind, you see

And when I was down, you could always be found
To comfort, and show confidence in me
But your patience grew thin, when I stumbled again
I'll never quit or give up, it's just not me

(Chorus) All I ever, really wanted, was just a piece of my dreams
But every time I start to reach
Just when I think that it’s for keeps
The walls tumble down

So I took a walk, I don’t want to talk
Don’t want to hear, you preach to me
But that’s not to say, I won’t listen, another day
Just give me some time, and let this boy unwind

(Chorus) All I ever, really wanted, was just a piece of my dreams
But every time I start to reach
Just when I think that it’s for keeps
The walls tumble down

(Sax Solo)

So I took a walk, I don’t want to talk
Don’t want to hear, you preach to me
But that’s not to say, I won’t listen, another day
Just give me some time, let this boy unwi--i—i--nd—

(Tag) - Give me some time.............

Just a Piece of My Dreams


Nice work, Steadward!
Kind of in that Rundgren/Bowie/Manilow vein.
Is that a live sax?

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Thanks Vic!

My teeth aren't BG-esk at all!

steady-eddie.

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Hi Kurt,

Yeah the Sax is live--track performed by Dave Swanson (Swanie) from "The "White Sidewalls" band in Wisconsin. They play a lot of 50's & early 60's Pop/Rock. Thanks for the spin and your thoughts. I haven't checked in JPF for a while and thought the song had slid into the page two abyss!

steady-eddie.

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Hi Eddie:

I'm pleased to see the number of "listens" and comments this track is garnering so early... and that is a real testament to your popularity and talent.

----Dave

Last edited by Dave Rice; 05/02/17 08:51 AM.
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Lots of talent on display here eddie. Nice tune, great arrangement and fantastic with a live sax!
Really cool production too! Im with Ricky that the vocals could sit better if lowered in the mix, but that is easily fixed.
Are you playing this live?

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Hi Kolstad.

I agree with you and have tweaked that with my master mix--part of the reason is Soundcloud's audio boosts the low mids a bit more than I like. When I listen to the MP3 on my own system it is not quite as bold with that frequency--but a good mix should transfer with most all audio systems, so perhaps a small compromise is needed there. I appreciate your thoughts and kind words.

steady-eddie.

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Sick Sax

Nice production, Eddie.
Full soundscape, sweet vocals and stellar musical performances, to boot.

You got a real gem on you hands.

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Hey Nelson,

Thank-you so much! I was surprised to see this song bumped up--any new comments I will probably thank privately. Hope everyone is having a great summer!

steady-eddie.

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Eddie--

Sounds like a blue ribbon production--It could be a movie soundtrack--Had to listen a couple of times, to let it echo in my headphones! A very nice dance melody!

Mackie

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Hi Eddie,

Nice tune. I liked the production, harmonies and sax. The Bowie-vibe that others mentioned is definitely there. On the lyrics, it seems like the song is on the fence. Each verse takes one position, then there's a 'but' and it goes in the other direction. I wonder if it'd be stronger to take one position only, or have one 'but' at the beginning but stay the course for the rest of the song. Not sure if this makes sense. Good overall just thought the lyric could be bit stronger.

..ant


My albums "Rhythms of Life" and "Out On The Road" are on Bandcamp, Spotify and Apple Music.
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Hey Ant,

I was letting this one "slide" into the JPF hidden pastures , as its been around a while, but since I've never seen you around since your recent post--I'll take exception and give you due courtesy. Thanks for the spin and comments. You are right in that the lyrics have contrasting directions, and all by design as the very "general" and fragmented story of life's up's and downs have contrasting emotions--you're up then your down.......your happy/sad. The rollercoaster of emotions in many folks life are real--that what I attempted to convey, some thoughts fiction, and some real from my own life's experience as well--sharing life's disappointments with wife who supports him, yet sometimes wanes in that support--ouch! -- been there........ I purposely keep the story vague enough so other's can identify if the "shoe fits." The song is more about life as a rollercoaster than detailed story. Having said this, I'm sure there is room for improvement with the lyrics, and I'm always open for change if I feel a necessity, so thanks for your perspective.

I think you might be surprised that young folks might like your music, maybe not the urban kids, but my daughter who is 18, likes Pop and also some Rap, she's lately been including Modern Country music, just went to a concert to see Dirk Bentley--I even bought her some fine cowboy boots! or should I say (cowgirl boots)! Regardless, you should have an audience with your music, I enjoyed it.

steady-eddie


(sent PM to Paul G) -- don't want to bump my own song again--thanks Paul!

Last edited by E Swartz; 08/07/17 03:26 PM.
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Hi Eddie

Man put the Bee Gees in a smoker and you get this... Fresh yet familiar
I like that I think I know where its going and it dont
Good tune, I would play in the car!

Cheers
Paul


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hey Eddie,nice song there!Right at first i heard "America" then i heard you,a great combo.Mike

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I really love the chording at the end of every second line...love the build through the song, the horn and the backing vocals. There's something very conversational about the write, as if you are talking to us and the emotional delivery of the vocal fits that. I really enjoyed it, great production.

Tammy


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Really like the music on this and great lyrics, nice work.

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Life Rise,

Thanks much for the kind words! Nice to make your acquaintance!

Paul/Michael/Tammy thanked PM.

steady-eddie.

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Good work all the way around-I enjoyed that!
-Mike



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Long time no see Mike,

Thank-you for the spin!

steady-eddie

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Very well done IMO. Great production!

Douglas


"Is this a practice? They are all practices." John Denver

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Skype Contact: douglas.murphy8

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