Geez, I don't know where to start - this is wonderful, Michael and Kristi.

The music sounds almost existential at the beginning, matching the lyric perfectly - and then becomes wistful at the "lingering" line. Again, perfectly matching the lyric.

What a fantastic melody throughout.....

I'll have to listen more than the twice I have so far to catch everything - not only is this a great song, it's a great arrangement as well and there are a lot of lessons in there.

Bagpipes? - Cool!

Only nit on these early listens is that, the first and last time through the chorus, it sounds like you are singing "WITH people connect".

This is seriously fantastic work you two. I'm gonna download it - will come back if anything else occurs.

Scott

holy cow you too that is wonderful !!!
haunting , beautiful, really unique, kinda eerie hauting beautiful sound ... wow do I like this

Great Great Job !!!!

sooooo cool .. you came up with a very creative, masterpiece here

Hi Mike and Kristi

Well I downloaded ThAnKs !!! Love it --- but I'll listen some more to see if anything comes for feedback : ) jm

Mike your a production monster.....

Massive production and arrangement. Lyrically, modern life writ large. Very original.

Intros are so important, if you have a good one you have sucked your audience for awhile ... and this is a great intro. The whole sound is complex and very interesting.

I think this one is great, but I am not hearing much of a "hook". Yea, I have been listening to modern country and pop stuff lately, so I am more tuned into the hook type stuff.

Nonetheless, a great enjoyable listening experience.

Kevin

I concur! Wow, I love when stuff with this much production is offered on the MP3 forum. A real treat! I also like the '60's sound...hearing that a lot these days.

Great write, Kristi!

Hey you two. Really nice work. I like the reverb giving it a Wall Of Sound type of feel. Kind of like later Beach Boys fare. The complex vocal layering really reminds me of them.

Steve

Hi you two.

Lots going on here & this could probably be discussed in depth for quite some time but I'll just say I'm, blown away by it all.
VERY UNIQUE & did I mention......C O O L

I listen to your brilliance and then think about my minor musical contributions, and sometimes wonder..Why am I posting :-)

Good work, you're a good team.

Calvin


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

Dude! Whatta demo! You put a LOT of time and work into this one. Imparted a whole, uh, LINGERING mood to the song! There were a few spots where the words had to be squeezed together to be sung, if I were to nitpick anything. And getting my mind out of the gutter here, I swear I saw the word "lingerie" a few times before I reread it!

Nice one.

Hi Scott,

Wow, thank you!

If there's a, say, wireless cell phone company called "People Connect" then we might just have an easy sell with this one, LOL!

Yes, I wanted a slightly military sound to exemplify how being downtown, in traffic, with one's briefcase, might make one feel. Bagpipes can sound like that without all the cliches associated with them. Screechy, reedy, drony, spitty, noisy, and yet, oddly melodic and compelling.

Thanks for finding so much in here to enjoy, Scott!

Mike

Wonderful to see/hear you both on deck again! And with a riveting production as always. This is simply gorgeous, really compelling music and melody, and the lyrics are excellent. Your vocals are absolutely right for this, Mike. They have an appealing raw edge to them here.

What an enjoyable listen. I love the touch of bagpipes at the end.

Donna

I love this , so wonderful, WoW. Great lyrics and even greater music and love Mikes voice.....glyn

Hi Dan,

Thank you. You are so generous with your praise, I am speechless.

Mike

Hi Joice,

I am happy knowing you're enjoying this.

Thanks, yes, if you think of anything!

Mike

wow!!!

Great production.
Had to listen more than just once.
Reminds me of Moody Blues.

A masterpiece!!!

clap... clap... clap

Ken

Hi Louis,

Thanks you, lol, sometimes it's fun being a monster, and this was one of those occasions! ...fun "going with it" and letting the words tell me where to take the music.

Mike

Hi Alador,

My attraction to Kristi's words in this one, was that I perceived some of the ambivalence towards modern life that I myself felt and still feel.

Some days, in New York and New Orleans...walking to work, I would have to "turn off" part of my brain, just to not be affected by what I saw...in terms of poverty, and addiction and whatnot...and it never occurred to me, at the time, that the price might have been, that part of me stayed "turned off" --from making such a habit of doing just that.

Mike

Kirsti & Mike,

I really like the lyric as a social comment, and the intro/outro stuff is very catchy and sounds amazing! It hooks me in and out, and I feel like listening once again just to hear that once more. You should do an instrumental or a song of that alone, it would make a classic!

Melody sits really well with me too, and "Lingering" sticks after listening.

I had a little trouble, both in context of the lyric as well as the chorus, with the couplet:

Life is at its best
When people connect

To me the chorus first melodically kicks off with "I am them, they are me", so what are these two lines.. prechorus? extended verse? c-sections but not the bridge? I had trouble making sense of them musically, and in context of the lyric they didn't really felt connected either. So that couplet are the mystery part of this, for me.

Performance wise, this is obviously a labor of love, you've put a lot of effort into this, and it sounds like it's brilliantly produced!

As the singer you sound to me like you shift between three people or 'voices'. I got a Billy Idol vibe from some lines in the verses, a crooner in others, the singer from Duran Duran was there also :-) That contributes to make this a very exciting listening experience, for sure, but it also feels a little dissapointing, like I don't get to hear the real McCoy - because Im not sure who he is and how to recognize him?

Maybe thats part of the fun, and it certainly displays complexity of the persona, but I would personally like to get more a sense of a recognizable identity that is MIKE. Especially if this is for your solo album project. I think you can do that without being one dimensional, if that's how you feel about it.

The wonderful chorus and bridge melodies almost comes as an unexpected bonus in this, as the intro/outro passages and the title is very catchy in themselves, so all in all this was a really good listening experience.

DAA DA Da, ohh need to hear that again.. Im hooked!

Michael.....very good production....very professional....this has a "Tears for Fears" vibe to it....very nice job....Bob

Hi Kevin,

Maybe there are different kinds of hooks for different kinds of songs?

I'm glad you enjoyed listening, and sure, maybe there's no obvious hook, but I think the title is one, as well as "life is at it's best when people connect" as well as intro guitar, and the tambura chord changes in the last two choruses...those are the hooks that stand out for me! Anyway, my thinking was more along the lines of "no dead spots" instead of "make hooks" --I guess I was thinking more defensively, than offensively, but at least my way allowed me to have fun and experiment!

Mike

Hi Polly,

Thanks!

I confess, my favorite composers are Burt Bacharach/Hal David, and Jimmy Webb, and more recently Scott Walker and Divine Comedy, so I'm big on Orchestral and Baroque sounding pop music, and my 'fantasy concert' would be to sing with a big orchestra behind me--but instrumentally I think Peter Gabriel has the kind of sound that I model mine on--that being to craft each instrument, 'til it sits uniquely in the mix. I also believe that the best way to work is to try to forget everything you know, before you start (composing/arranging), and then courageously proceed...this way at least keeps everything interesting and hopefully fun!

I appreciate the kind words!

Yes, Kristi's write was the inspiration for the "sound" and music, here.

Mike

HiDee Bro Mike & Mz Sunshine!

Your Hook was quite a Grabber for Yers Truly here...& I found this song Vocally-Fascinating, Lyrically-Challenging, & Production-Wise, QUITE an Undertaking!

Overall, it's REALLY Grown-On-Me. Nit-Picky-Wise, hmm:

V1: "Lining/Recognize Me" was quite a Rhyme-Stretch there...but V1, Pre & Chorus certainly had me Interested from the Get-Go.

V2: "Briefcases-in-the-Dark" didn't exactly-mesh, Image-wise. (Most Officefolks exit around 4:30-5..Daylight...tho, yeah, there are exceptions...)

V3's ALMOST a "Call to Action"...(Yet, heh, sorta LINGERS...?);-)>

By the Finish, YEAH..there IS some Optimism betwixt this Overall Ominous-Feeling..& it DOES feel like SOMETHING's Gonna HAPPEN..(Probably Something Good), but..waal..it's a Definite Maybe.

Musically, I'm enjoyably-hearing Jefferson Airplane-meets-Moody-Blues-Meet-"Jumpin' Jack Flash" in that Bagpip-y Tail...3 of My Favorite Groups--elegantly-woven. I've "Lingered" through 10-12 Listenings, (Good for a few More, too...CONGRATS!)

Good Luck with a Powerful Good'n' Gang!
Big Hugs & Best Wishes,
Stan

Hey everyone…

I am happy to hear all of your reactions and comments on our song! Mike has worked very hard. He works carefully and meticulously and it shows. His creativity allows him to hear something and find just the right musical composition to convey the feeling he hears. Then he just does it! And finds cool instruments that will do just that. He also helped with the lyric…we worked on different parts quite a bit together…

I want to say, I am thrilled with the outcome here! Thanks Mike for turning this into a wonderful song and for your dedication to excellence!

Thanks to you all for your thoughts, insights, and kind words…very much appreciated.

Kristi

Magne,

I want to address your lyrical comments…..it’s funny to hear you say that the first line of the chorus, “Life is at its best, when people connect” feels disconnected from the rest of the lyric…lol….because originally, I was in the mood to write about people connecting somehow. I had no hook. Just the feeling….connecting….connecting…The chorus was hard to write. And “life is at its best, when people connect” came out first…and I went from there…trying to represent the hope and ambivalence of the singer overall.

I thank you for your comments as they make me really think about the writing and I appreciate that…

Kristi

Stan,

I want to address your lyrical comments as well. You always have such great insights and I appreciate you taking time to offer your thoughts! Think of him holding his briefcase coming out of work in the winter months! lol OR time has elapsed from lines 1 and 2 to 3 and 4!

The whole thing IS a definite maybe…a contemplative piece really. Thanks for listening so carefully and offering your input! I like thinking about all the “ifs, ands and buts” to any creative undertaking!

Kristi

Guys, this is totally not what I expected, as far as the style of music, from looking over the lyrics first, but it works. Very 60's style...the Doors...makes me think of them...really cool guys!!!



Kimberly

Hi Steve,

Thanks! I've always looked up to Brian Wilson, and his studio work, sand box notwithstanding!

Lately, songs are taking me into more complex vocal arrangements. I never really know where they're going to go, 'til I'm in the thick of it.

Mike

Hi Calvin,

Thanks, Calvin.

Your music is every bit as good! Producing takes a while to learn; you're already a great lyricist, and a good musician, and I look forward to every new piece from you, and you & Joice Marie.

Mike

Hi Charlie,

Thanks for the praise!

Yes, I've been known to jam a few words together, from time to time, and definitely do so, going from the pre-chorus, into the chorus, in this one. It's a conscious decision on my part, though, and as long as I can sing the words without choking, I'm okay with it, and like how it makes "life is at it's best when people connect" feel like a surprise, coming in where it does.

Mike

Hey guys,

This is really fine work. I had to listen to it three times for it to sink in a bit.....not a simple song!

The lyrics capture the image of millions of people ignoring each other as they fight their way to work and back day after day, and the loneliness some of them feel even though they are surrounded by others. Reminds me of riding the subway in Rome recently.

Brian Wilson would be proud of the production and the voices. Very complex and interesting. Not extremely hooky, but I was starting to hum along with the chorus after three listens. I can appreciate the many hours you must have spent to create it.

Very cool.

Colin

Hi Donna,

Thank you for the nice comments. I was worried my vocals were too "nice" for this. In fact, I swear I hear "The Lettermen" sneaking in to my "sound!"

This was fun to create, and Kristi's words are always a feast from which to create from.

Mike

I just think this is way cool! Sounds great, feels great and works for me! Enjoyed it!

Hi Glynda,

And thanks for the "wow' ...smiling over here.

Mike

Hi Ken,

LOL ty ty...

I loved the Moody Blues; nobody could sound as passionate as Justin Hayward...

Thanks again!

Mike

I love the use of the word lingering here. It's a very cool idea. I could relate to it only too well unfortunately. I tend linger through most of my days, not quite wanting to commit to any dream or idea but unable to ignore them either. I liked the music and the layered vocals, in particular. Great job from two of Just Plain Folk's finest.

As more of a music consumer than melody writer I dig the music. I couldn't tell you about the lyric, because I think it's a bit general, etherial and basically laments the disconnect between people all stuck together...lingering. I like "Lingering" as a hook; it's solid enough. I closed my eyes and imagined hippie ninjas at a crowded beach riding sailboards and hitting each other with briefcases while cars zoom by in the background, perhaps it was PCH near Santa Monica for God's sake. Very trippy--very cool. I thirst for a bold saki and desire a longboard now. Thanks. Hell's my briefcase!? Surf's UP!

JD

Hi Magne,

I'm glad you enjoyed the song!

I think Kristi touched on your concerns with the "Life is at it's best " line.

In composing to Kristi's lyric, "Life is at its best when people connect" was always the main lyrical hook in the song, and to me, feels like it kicks off the chorus in a nice way, with the singer wanting to be more a part of his neighborhood, and perhaps more connected up to his own life. To me it has a Beatle-esq appeal.

I think there's a Billy Idol meets Nine Inch Nails thing goin' on in the outro, for sure!

Thanks again!

Mike

Hi Robert,

Thanks for the kind words!

Mike

Hi Stan,

With "lining/recognize me" --you have honed in on the two lines that both Kristi and I puzzled over for some time. I like each line in isolation, and have been influenced, of late, but lyricists who are quite facile with their near rhymes, like Taylor Swift.

You also pick up on the mixed feelings of the singer, and I appreciate that, because we were indeed going for some subtle grayish tone to the overall lyrical feel.

I love sixties and seventies music, and I am honored to be in there, in the same breath as the artists you mention.

Thank

Hi Kimberly,

I know what you mean...in fact...I'm not sure...I may have sat down with the intention of doing a "loungy jazz vocalist" type of thing with "Lingering" originally...and it just came out like this.

It was a few months ago, though, and so much has happened since then, I don't remember.

I love the Doors, and still listen to them, from time to time!

Thanks!
Mike

Hi Colin,

I appreciate that you listened a few times, and came away with those impressions, as I think that's kinda what we were hoping we were communicating with this.

Brian Wilson is someone I look up to, thanks for that comparison!

Mike

Hi Caroline,

Thanks for listening!

Mike

Hi Wendy,

Aaaah...you may "linger" through your days, but that can also mean you are "reflecting"...and this quality seems to be a part of a bigger process known as being honest with oneself...and I think this honesty is needed to be a good writer.

I think self-honesty is why some folks' songs ring true, while others' don't. Kristi seems to be revealing herself in hers, and you in yours, and neither in an obvious "confessional" way either...but both in a very beautiful way.

Mike

Hi JD aka Stuntbrain,

Thanks for making me laugh with your fun comments.

"I closed my eyes and imagined hippie ninjas at a crowded beach riding sailboards and hitting each other with briefcases while cars zoom by in the background"

--LOLOLOLOL

Thanks for the nice compliments as well!

Mike

Just revisiting.

Yeah, I certainly think this is one of your best. And I love the way everything hooks me into the song! You really must have worked hard on perfecting all of the layers.

Great job!

Hi Mike & Kristi,

This is such an awesome production. Hard to believe there's just one person in there! Very well written lyrics and just a tremendous execution of the music. Quite a complex piece. Very well done all around.

Ricki

Hi Mike and Kristi

I wanted to come back and try to fill in for my quick, greedy snatch of a download : )

Well there are a zillion plot lines that I can imagine working with this piece. Kristi - you paint terrific scenes with words. Certainly lots of Urban cable and Tv series would love an anthem such as this --- Genisis - In the Air -- was used for Miami Vice and I wanted to tune into that show Just for the song.. This could do that.... though I don't think it needs to be limited to those kind of pitches..... but the lyric does make it fit anywhere USA --- great stuff !!!

Mike YOu really make my Day with that harmony around 215 -217 ........ each time I get those oooouuuuu butterflies there......

Okay here's my big crit and you can Kos -- because it certainly does not ruin the experience and musical journey that you have created....... but at 302 -330 or so -- the back track builds and instruments added ........ I Know you are building there to get to the fade.......... but the Lyric is SO juicY toward the end and if you can find a way to make it come out a bit more...... it would be worth the trouble

This in particular....... should Not get lost --- it's a great thought and lines... : )

Though high hopes have a better view
I am stuck in this moment

Another Super Piece of work Friends !!

jm

Hi Ricki,

Thanks!

This one took longer, for various reasons, but I finally found a nice working rhythm, where the more I did, the more I could "hear" happening, and so then the production "opened up" to me and I was swamped with ideas, and it became a case of needing to say "no" to many of the things I was hearing. I'm glad you enjoyed it!!!

Mike