Who's Online
27 registered (Martin James, Colin Ward, Mike Dunbar, glynda, ben willis, niteshift, 6 invisible) and 170 anonymous users online.
Shout Box

What's Going On
Top Posters
26754
"Tampa Stan" Good
16289
Brian Austin Whitney
13618
Graham Henderson
13419
Calvin
11806
Bobbie Gallup
10861
Scott Campbell
10690
Richard G Blum
10244
Jean Bullock
10240
Kaley Willow
9175
Al David
8878
Joice Marie
8628
Kevin Emmrich
8389
Corky Bernard
8302
Tricia Baker
8202
Mike Dunbar
8076
BIG JIM MERRILEES
8058
John Voorpostel
7782
Mike Caro Substudio
7380
glynda
7355
Corey
7185
Johnny Daubert
6894
Beth G. Williams
6846
couchgrouch
6278
Ben Burton
6190
Bill Robinson
6178
Joe Wrabek
6175
Wyman Lloyd
5927
Mark Kaufman
5675
Mackie H.
5526
Linda Adams
5482
Louis
5161
Lynn Orloff
4998
Robert Pickens
4841
ben willis
4809
Derek Hines
4758
Douglas Murphy
4726
Everett Adams
4691
Janice Hopkins
4653
Colin Ward
4612
Emily Sanders
4535
Ray E. Strode
4528
Blake Hill
4430
Anthony Torres
4426
Moker Jarrett
4372
Bob Young
4285
Michael Borges
4179
bailey bridges
4172
Cindy Miller
4170
John Lawrence Schick
4147
KimberlyinNC
4109
Bob Cushing
4049
niteshift
3900
Joanne Lurgio
3817
Ricki E. Bellos
3630
DonnaMarilyn
3622
Marc Barnette
3618
Samuel Harris
3565
Tom Shea
3463
John W. Selleck
3413
Dave Rice
3388
the songcabinet
3346
Jody Whitesides
3301
Michele Howlett
3279
Bill Cooper
3275
WriterTomYeager
3262
Little_stevie_b
3262
Caroline
3258
Paul T Wentworth
3187
Kristi McKeever
3109
Dottie
3097
Michael Zaneski
3087
Greg C. Brown
3065
Michael James Moore
3027
Skip Johnson
3007
Pam Hurley
2922
John Hoffman
2918
Sharon Longworth
2889
Terry G
2809
Herbie Gaines
2799
Bill Osofsky
2782
Harriet Ames
2773
Roy Cooper
2751
Lisa Gundling
2697
MFB III
2654
Dan Windowman
2573
Nigel Quin
2558
Tom Tracy
2524
Jerry Jakala
2515
Michael LeBlanc
2505
nightengale
2499
Polly Hager
2496
Al Alvarez
2493
David Fontaine
2461
Gary Gray X
2448
Eric Thome
2401
Hummingbird
2290
Sharon I. Wells
2271
Ande Rasmussen
2263
Stan Loh
2228
Judy Hollier
2215
beechnut79
2202
Erica Ellis
2191
Sam Wilson
2177
Shayne Vaughan
2125
Idamarie Naelitz
2121
Dan Sullivan
2116
Mary Lou Sudkamp
2096
TrumanCoyote
2038
TamsNumber4
2023
Annie Tennisco
2008
Marty Helly
1997
Ria (Elizabeth)
1991
Richard Scott
1984
DukeWill
1963
Charlann Shepherd
1946
Travis david
1929
Ray Thyer
1910
Dan O'Connell
1909
Wendy D
1904
Clint Anglin
1867
Heidi Thompson
1851
Clairejeanne
1850
David Wright
1824
Cindy LaRosa
1822
Larry Williams
1719
Neil Cotton
1706
Steven August Rieck
1675
Ronald Boyt
1606
PopTodd
1605
Ashleigh Wehmeyer
1589
Linda Anthony
1549
Cal
1548
Noel Downs
1545
Jack Swain
1537
Pete Larsen
1529
Ann Tygart
1528
R. Shayne Vaughan
1512
Janice Messer
1497
Gregory Watton
1483
Kay-lynn Carew
1478
Kurt Fortmeyer
1477
Kevin Edward Rose
1449
Tom Breshers
1440
Ralph Blight
1438
Sofa King Bixby
1432
Chuck Crowe
1429
Kenneth Cade
1416
cindyrella
1406
Letha Allen
1402
Stan Simons
1384
mattbanx
1355
Rick Heenan
1346
Rick Norton
1341
Charlie Wong
1332
Randall Baker
1327
James B. Mitchell
1319
Tom Franz
1317
KevinP
1304
in2piano
1274
bholt
1265
DakLander
1243
Jeff Van Devender
1237
scottandrew
1236
RogerS
1217
Christine Ledford
1215
Lynman Bacolor
1208
Glen King
1200
joewatt
1194
IdeaGuy
1174
Gary E. Andrews
1141
Jen Shaner
1139
Michelle Chapman
1131
Jan Petter
1124
Kathy Bampfield
1120
Diane Ewing
1111
Vicarn
1079
MidniteBob
1075
BobbyJoe
1059
Vondelle
1049
Iggy
1040
Bree Griffith
1038
S.DEE
1016
Gerry
1016
Tony A
1014
Jeannette Desnoyers
989
yann
987
Tony Whitehead
986
argo
983
peaden
981
Doug/Liszt Laughing
969
Trudi Southerland
967
joro
960
Wolvman
953
PeteG
950
Clark Dickinson
950
My Stunt Brain
945
Jen Warner
931
Ian Ferrin
927
John Inglett
927
Patrick Bryant
909
Jak Kelly
906
Nelson
905
Steve West
890
krtinberg
883
Petra
874
Michael Thomas Ellis
863
Barkin' Barney
861
summeoyo
853
Curtis Cameron
845
RJC
842
unwanted_guitarist
840
Brenda152
836
Drifter
823
Jean Larson
822
johannasvision
815
Nadia
813
Susan Lainey
797
Juan
780
frahmes
779
Ms.Goody Haines
776
Christine Mascott
774
Ozone Pete
772
Steve Dockendorf
762
teletwang
762
Shirley E Matthews
760
Andrew Aversa
756
Accelerator
751
airun
737
kaboombahchuck
737
Dave Gill
735
tbryson
704
3daveyO3
701
Dixie
694
Jim Offerman
694
Joy Boy
691
Ott Lukk
690
CowboySlim
689
ant
688
Terry Moore
687
Doug Buche
686
Knute
679
Steve Vaclavik
678
Lee Arten
672
Mark Schuessler
669
Sausagelink
660
Andy K
652
Katziis
637
quality
631
thunder_road_2051
622
CG King
621
douglas
618
Diana Tyler
614
Mel
612
Richard Maclemale
607
R.T.MOORE
606
BobDobbins
601
NaomiSue
598
Doc Lovett
592
Roy M. Schnug
590
heatherdcowles
589
Shandy
587
Ria
583
TAMERA64
577
Paul H. Gaines
570
qbaum
567
leanne47960
561
JanValJohansen
559
Michael Meal
558
Michael Hollomon
556
Mikal Hartley
555
cozmicslop
553
Tink2
549
Marlene Palmer
545
nitepiano
541
Sharpe Lurker
539
TheCiscoKid
539
musica
538
Tom W.
537
Wes Tibbets
530
Sharon Irene Wells
529
Tim in Va
528
deanbell
528
Todd Strachan
528
Andy Kemp
527
RobertK
522
Roderic
514
Puddleglum
512
King Song o' Man
511
BB Wilbur
510
pRISCILLA
510
Jody K Smith
509
Perfectpitch
509
Duncan Wells
501
TerriLynnBlues
499
goodfolks
497
Doug Heard
495
Dan Tindall
489
Melissa Evans
483
Stu
481
Steve P.
479
Terrill Coggins
469
Van Borden
465
Robert D. Gann
462
KathyW
461
Moosesong
459
allenb
450
les_paul_gurl
448
trush48
448
fanito
446
Mark Cockerill
444
Aaron Johnson
442
dmk
442
Zeek
437
EaglesDreams2
436
DGR
433
Janet Snow
433
Meg Engell
432
Stephen D
431
Emmy
430
Jim Colyer
427
Doug Barnett
427
Tobias B White
426
Mike Parrish
424
Rick Maines
424
Rob L
423
arealrush
422
marquez
422
Steve Cooke
419
kit
417
Softkrome
413
nikkigal201
411
Randy P. Gendron
410
Russ Clayton
408
RRon
408
kyrksongs
407
Debra
407
VNORTH
406
eb
405
Cognac
404
Laura G.
403
Uncle Steve
403
StrCountry1
401
Pamela Bowne
401
Midnite Bob
400
9ne
399
cuebald
395
Hobart
394
bluelitenin
394
Mary Gardner
393
Davyboy49
392
Anne Meredith-Will
392
Barry Crannell
391
GT Acoustic
389
Smile
388
EdPerrone
387
GJShades
387
Brenda Lowry
387
Steve Humes
384
Ezt
382
beancounter
381
A Gun Called Maria
381
brandon kilgore
380
Marla
380
tone
378
Bob_Leslie
377
Stevens119
374
java
374
nightingale
374
Teddie Cochran Music
372
nitetrapper
371
spidey
371
coalminer
370
sweetsong
367
danny
366
Tracy Harris
362
Thetuneman
360
Jim Ryan
355
Irwin
351
Bluesriff
350
Z - man
350
Mike Siegel
350
Nathan Baker
348
John K
345
Nick Holbrook
344
Mary Lemanski
344
Jaden
341
richard murrey
341
JamesDF5
340
Ronald Boyte
340
SimpleSimon
340
TheBaz
339
leif
339
Steggy
339
lane1777
338
Kennan Zishka
336
Canadianryme
336
tonedeaf
336
Andy Dinnell
333
rickwork
332
Eddie Ray
332
Cher Klosner
332
papaG
329
Wayne Brown
328
Bob Lever
328
Johnboy
327
Helicon1
326
lucian
325
Richard Stringfellow
325
Ricky Layne
323
Kevin Miller
322
Charles Kirkland
321
Muskie
319
kc
319
TxBrownEyedBlond
318
Doug Spears
315
brokenwing
314
Z. Mulls
313
Teri Foreman-Black
313
ptondreau
313
April Johns
312
ONOFFON
311
Songwriterdemos
309
Philjo
308
Dennis H. Harbour
308
Jeff Epstein
306
CanisLupus
305
FrankWilliamson
305
Ann Feld
305
Dannyk1
304
guildslinger
304
trush
304
Latteta Theresa
301
Anna Marie
301
billrocker
301
Eric Baker
299
Pete Evanson
299
Bill Assumpcao
298
Mike Worrall
298
johnfindlay
297
ed323
297
Twisted Texan
295
abraham is burning
293
Ellen M
292
pafaustine
291
lizzorn
290
nicnac49
290
ddreuter
289
Stefan des Lauriers
288
Heather N. Orwig
286
Char
285
ktunes
283
pomeranj
280
mastrose
279
pammie
279
FixX
278
Andy-S-1407
278
Jan Johansen
277
pd
277
Dayson
277
Kaika Kale
276
Lady Fitzgerald
274
Duane O'Mac
273
Kris Karr
273
John Scott
272
Mike Claxton
272
studiojazzrockguitarX
272
December Rock Star
271
David Hooper
270
OH Napier
268
Ken
268
PrayDaily
268
FastEddie
268
Steve Altonian
266
AJ Baker
265
gkwaters
263
Natalie Brown
262
MrsStash
257
frimpy
253
Katie Powner
252
amccarthy
251
jeff
251
BitWhys
249
John Marnie
248
Pramod Ninan
247
Scoot1
247
Stag
244
Aaron
243
MHFair
243
ChrisYoung
243
Rocgae
243
ric4music
243
Ken Randall
242
cody sloan
242
Keye Kirkland
242
AutumnEyes
242
Bass2x
242
Lyndyn
242
Michael Downing
240
Redlady8029
239
kmaquilan2000
239
maccharles
238
ShimmerPuppy
238
Paul Churchfield
236
songman
236
James B.Williamson
236
Bernd Harmsen
235
Marian Longfield
235
Tom Solanto
234
AKA Wordsmith
233
Kenna
233
MaxG
232
FreewheelNat
229
CalmDog
228
Maye
228
TDBrown
228
Dak Lander
228
avweek
227
David Guy
226
Alek
225
Sk8boi
225
Jim Pirinelli
225
Vicki Shields
224
SongMom
224
songbird1
223
Ken Damkier
222
SimonRead
222
AntonyW
222
jt wojahn
222
Kitty84
221
sparty5
220
johnnie7au
219
Terry Fernihough
218
cody sloan Jr
218
Nicholaus Billings
218
Droptine
217
Gilead
217
CountrySongwriter
217
dtrain1234
216
thinkhaus
216
snail1
216
Delphia Blize
215
writie
215
paul schmid
215
tim houlihan
214
Optikal Illusion
214
loonylyricslady
214
markus-ky
214
Scott Philip Stewart
213
Folkie
212
PenniJPF
211
Michael Wind
209
bob2
208
Slimphaat
208
JTHOMP
207
Pianosam
207
tom scudiero
206
Stephen John (singch
206
Bobby Wayne
206
Jackie444
205
John Webb
204
randy
204
Diane Jessurun
204
Byron "Garknuckle"
204
PeterJ
204
ColmT
203
billdraper
202
darby
202
Kathy97
202
Kap
201
jdruss1
201
jeffok
201
Chris Maurer
201
Darius Babylon
199
EasyHero
199
bigm1978
198
reggie miles
197
Songdog
197
Martin James
196
breezy
195
pkatjjames
195
EmmitSycamore
195
sharla
194
Boaz
194
westofnashville
194
Rob T
193
ErisaRei
191
Harry J
191
Nevergoback
190
Raven
190
John Cook
189
MichSongs
188
Papos
187
Roxy Cain
186
Mick Choder
186
JMarie
186
nickdrake2001
186
Briggitta
186
Corinne
185
bm5555
185
Frank N Furter
185
matanglawin
184
BeverlyRead
184
Renikay
184
Perry Smith
183
Michele
183
Ethan
180
eyesound
178
emmalemma
177
LadyLyricist
177
Split Level
176
Alan
176
Patti Smith
175
Dennis Harbour
174
SexyRexy
174
Guitar1221
174
Nubzilla
174
RE_Goldenbird
172
splitpeasongs
171
Gerry Manning
171
anne
170
Peter Kristian
170
James M
169
Kester
169
bernie lamb
169
Barry Williams
168
Dave Derbes
167
Chris Dasch
167
vontanner
165
Karla
165
mattsurowiec
165
Alador
164
Direct Current
164
AmberBrooke
164
Jerry Stidman
164
RLD
164
rodhughey
164
theairshack
164
BonnieHickling
163
JoDell
162
cool_E
162
babyblue
162
EdThomas
161
Pop Superhero
161
flatlandsmedia
161
Ernest Whaley
160
jjlanuza
160
Country Coyote
159
Cpt.Analog
159
RecklessRodeo
159
Carlos Tabora
158
adf
158
Phil Chapman
158
Bater
157
skido85
157
Stephen Brooke
157
Lisa Butler
157
Dude McLean
156
terrorist hunter
156
JakeWhalen
156
jmsocia
156
DannyM
155
Gary Gustin
155
Howlin' Hobbit
154
Billy Darnell
153
Tom Zart
152
Bruce Goldish
152
Tom Stephens
151
songmachine
150
VDickinson
150
Aaron Corley
149
thomasongs
149
Raymond de Leur Jr
148
rjdinino
148
joshrp
148
Sparkplug Johnny
147
RonTocknell
147
Tim Perry
147
Darrell Lee
146
Brina
146
JamieMarie
146
enuf2Bonyrwayne
146
guscave
146
Marvin Adcock
146
Jennifer Schmitt
145
Flammable
145
LindaK
145
Paul Radelat
145
Nathan K
144
wienerdog
144
John Parker
142
Wayne Hamilton
142
prizmlights
141
Beth Austin
141
steve3927
140
lilgirlfaith
140
Dan Monk
140
jive4005
140
fremontjohn
140
Borderlord
139
Sammy
139
nanette
139
Gazoo101077
138
HENNIE LINTVELT
138
welee_woowoo
137
jeff2
137
HauserJustin
136
davidallentv
135
Sandy Andina
135
Tony Gunter
135
Marc Novoselec
135
rivetingriffs
134
GMG
134
ejlawrence
134
Dorsey Baker
133
Jeza
133
chpastor
133
John Crandall
132
dee
132
Chrissy
132
Mike Hansen
132
Vince
132
eharris
132
Wayne Longtin
132
Jim McGonigle
132
sabrinao
132
marvin k. perkins
131
chapman
131
Mtezzybear
131
Balentine Productions
131
Ray Withrow
131
Songpusher1
130
Just Plain Steve
130
c.c.cherrier
129
RLBerry
129
Nick Edelstein
128
Stacy
128
saitie
128
MATT STONEHAM
127
ShowTunesmith
127
merlinxwiz
126
rce_otr
126
kaleo4
126
ridenrose
125
Kenny Holcomb
125
player4
125
spiritual
125
BEN
124
Lee Smith
124
Conner
124
PCStudios
124
Jonathan DeBoe
124
Wyndham
123
Ward
123
jmartino
123
mach1mike
123
Roy Harris
123
Brian Dorn
123
robert wynn
122
neoism
121
KC_2002
121
mikeredwine
121
Diane Coffman
120
farmboy
120
relay
120
Monica L. Yasher
119
priceless
119
Miles Maxwell
119
TheDanMan
119
jennifer mangum
119
tna0708
119
Steve Robinson
119
janice green
119
SteveHVasil
118
Melody
118
Songbob
118
Christopher Allen
118
gpsongwriter
118
Cecilia
118
Robert Dean
117
CLAY
117
Pam Bowen
116
Sonny B. Bell
116
DawGe
116
Jules
116
buzzard
116
Anna/Without the Blonde
116
cliff turner
116
Jayro
116
R1NGG1T
115
k wayland
115
the_lyricwriter
115
LadyLyricist1
115
Maureen Fichten
115
biskitboy
114
Linda Whitney
114
mani
114
chazma2
114
donmartin
114
Kevin Rivers
114
intuitionartist
Page 2 of 2 <12
Topic Options
Rate This Topic
#646174 - 08/27/08 07:27 AM Re: Week 37 MP3/Lyric Pick: "The Grind" [Re: Mike Caro Substudio]
"Tampa Stan" Good
Top 10 Poster


Registered: 07/24/10
Posts: 26754
Loc: Tampa, Florida since 1973
Hiya Bro Mike!

I've arrived Late as Usual, Alas...but Listened, Penned Comments, & have scanned a few of the Critiques (Saving Harriet's for after I've posted This, so I'll perhaps not be Too-Brilliant here, but I'll at least be honest. It's all JMO, of course, as is everyone's Crit.)

Think it was Shakespeare who said "Most people live lives of quiet desperation"...(So What's Here has been Said Before.) Still, you've said it Well..or at least presented Your CASE pretty well..(Though I'll come back to debate a key line of yours later.)

The Music feels Popsy Beatles-Influenced, while Lyrics were more on the SoundGarden "Black Hole Sun" side...(As I notice Others Have Mentioned here, so I'm not alone on this "Connection" methinks.) Chorus was Distinct & Catchy & Hook was There, tho it got Equal Time with "Ball & Chain"...so ya might wanna add a last line with Hook in it to clear up Confusion.

The PreChorus' "Transparent Cage" IS quite an Image, but (to this Scuba Enthusiast) requires a TON of Visualizing & Mental-Math to figure out How Thick It Has To Be to sink a diver (with its "weight")..How would they SEAL it..too-thin, it's kickable/breakable..etc.-etc. "Transparent" is frankly kinda Distractive, JMO.

"Feels like a cage surrounding me" would suffice with way less Headscratching..perhaps?

LIKE your "Hundred miles the other way" line..THAT one's quite effective Image-Wise.

All-in-all, it's a decent angst-filled song that's not as TOTALLY-hopeless as say, Barry McGuire's "Eve of Destruction". Your last line nicely sums up all those Acne-Filled Years: "Need to get a life before it passes by, hope it's not too late."

Now, the line I wanna debate ya on:
"Living with a choice we make does not make it right".

I don't think life is made up of all "Right" or "Wrong" Choices.
Every fork in life's road leads SOMEPLACE, & True, SOME places ARE better than others. But.."Contentment" can actually end up making you FAR-Happier than "Achievement" in life, especially if, God Forbid, one's set their sights up Way-TOO-High.

I know of a local Nightclub Singer, now comfortably-retired, who shunned chances to "be a Star" in L.A.--& preferred singing over his piano..to a Tampa Crowd..for over 30 years. Came from a small W.Va Coalmining Town.. "When people ask me why I didn't try to get Further Ahead, it's because they didn't realize How Far I've Come" was a quote of his I've never forgotten. His Choice..& I think that DID make it right..for him. Pat Cole Henry..one of the Nicest, Happiest, Most-Talented Entertainers I've ever met. (Taught me a Lot!)

Good Luck with your song...tho it's too much of a "lament" for me to "enjoy" it..on a personal level.

Big Guy-Hug,
Stan
_________________________
I try to write For The Ages, yet I'm aware about the only 200-year-old Pop Songs that have survived are Nursery Rhymes....

Top
#646215 - 08/27/08 10:01 AM Re: Week 37 MP3/Lyric Pick: "The Grind" [Re: Mike Caro Substudio]
Samuel Harris
Top 100 Poster


Registered: 03/06/05
Posts: 3618
Loc: Burleson, Texas
Mike,

Maybe I should have posted this right off the bat because these suggestion are pretty simple- I just think you are using more words than you need to in this song. Let's take the first verse: You say:

I keep trying to tell myself that this is just a phase
I continue to sell myself on hopes of better days

When I think you should have said"

I tell myself that this is just a phase
I sell myself on hopes of better days

It sings more naturally and it accentuates the internal rhyme.

Here:

Under the weight I'm drowning
Transparent cage surrounding me

I like "transparent cage" but logically if you are in a transparent cage, you are looking out from it into the water and so you are not drowning! It's just a little metaphor hiccup that you can ignore but the human mind makes these little connections and you have to be aware of them.

Here you write:

I'm just a prisoner who's shackled and restrained

My lest favorite line in the song because Rock doesn't talk like that. "Shackled" connotes a specific image but what does "restrained" add except to set a a rhyme? It was this line that made me think of the word "pretentious"- and that doesn't mean I think YOU are pretentious. I have written lines that I though were great and 2 weeks later I am blushing with embarrassment because they seem contrived. Here again you have to streamline your metaphors. Are you in a transparent cage AND shackled at the same time? That's a Houdini predicament!

and in last line of the first verse you write:

A victim of the system with the lifeless and mundane

This line doesn't even make grammatical sense. A complete thought is that you are the victim of the system; but then you add "with" the lifeless and mundane. You might mean that the system is forcing you to feel like your life is "lifeless" or that the system itself is "mundane" or that your life is mundane because the system makes life tedious etc., but these two thoughts are not logically connected and certainly not grammatically connected. This may seem like I am being micro-critical but don't we have to be micro critical of the 100 or so words that end up in a 3 and a half minute song?

I want to thank you for posting this song. Every song on this forum has taught us something about the craft of songwriting and the art of talking about songwriting.
_________________________
"Imagination is more important than knowledge." - Albert Einstein

Top
#646290 - 08/27/08 02:04 PM Re: Week 37 MP3/Lyric Pick: "The Grind" [Re: Samuel Harris]
Mike Caro Substudio
Top 100 Poster


Registered: 04/24/05
Posts: 7782
Loc: NY
Originally Posted By: Samuel (joe) Harris
Mike,

Maybe I should have posted this right off the bat because these suggestion are pretty simple- I just think you are using more words than you need to in this song. Let's take the first verse: You say:

I keep trying to tell myself that this is just a phase
I continue to sell myself on hopes of better days

When I think you should have said"

I tell myself that this is just a phase
I sell myself on hopes of better days

It sings more naturally and it accentuates the internal rhyme.

Here:

Under the weight I'm drowning
Transparent cage surrounding me

I like "transparent cage" but logically if you are in a transparent cage, you are looking out from it into the water and so you are not drowning! It's just a little metaphor hiccup that you can ignore but the human mind makes these little connections and you have to be aware of them.

Here you write:

I'm just a prisoner who's shackled and restrained

My lest favorite line in the song because Rock doesn't talk like that. "Shackled" connotes a specific image but what does "restrained" add except to set a a rhyme? It was this line that made me think of the word "pretentious"- and that doesn't mean I think YOU are pretentious. I have written lines that I though were great and 2 weeks later I am blushing with embarrassment because they seem contrived. Here again you have to streamline your metaphors. Are you in a transparent cage AND shackled at the same time? That's a Houdini predicament!

and in last line of the first verse you write:

A victim of the system with the lifeless and mundane

This line doesn't even make grammatical sense. A complete thought is that you are the victim of the system; but then you add "with" the lifeless and mundane. You might mean that the system is forcing you to feel like your life is "lifeless" or that the system itself is "mundane" or that your life is mundane because the system makes life tedious etc., but these two thoughts are not logically connected and certainly not grammatically connected. This may seem like I am being micro-critical but don't we have to be micro critical of the 100 or so words that end up in a 3 and a half minute song?

I want to thank you for posting this song. Every song on this forum has taught us something about the craft of songwriting and the art of talking about songwriting.


Hi Joe, thanks again!

I understand what your saying, But honestly I would never ever ever change that opening verse melody for the one you suggested. And If I sang it for 20 people in a row 19 of them would agree. The one person would say "I don't know I like them both" \:\) I did figure out a way of making it a little smaller that works but even that was not as cool (trust me). I does not sing more naturally.. Bad suggestion in my book. The drummer, bassist, guitarist, producer & singer feel the same \:\)

Okay now what the heck does "Water" have to do with "transparent cage"? \:\) do you think every line in a song has to directly connect literally to each other?

Even Stan who I will get back to shortly is talking about "scuba diving" lol...

Oh boy, the un-plugged theory is really kicking in here \:\)
Rock doesn't talk like that? you said, So you might be suggesting (even though your not) that you have listened to more Rock than I have lol. How impossible do you think that is? \:\)
No! rock talks much worse than that! And I'm not talking about "Chicago" lol...

The trouble that your having with the lyrics is simple and clear as day to me.
Your thinking like a teacher, you talk like a teacher and write like a teacher.
Definitely not like someone who has ever been in a rock band or even is a real big fan of rock. Oh wait you are a teacher! \:\) I have great reepect for teachers by the way. But they were never in any of my countless bands \:\)

"Logically connected, grammatically correct" That's what has nothing to do with Rock. I also have respect for Country music & writers
But actually Groaning over a line & Embarrassing over lyrics is in many many Country songs to me. And I know of many who feel the same way.

Like "I'd like to check you for Ticks" this is so un-cool and lame to me. That's why it ain't Rock. In rock you didn't & don't get girls with talk like that lol.. not in the 50's, 60's 70's 80's 90's or NOW..

These lines & thoughts make me cringe.... I felt embarrassed for the singer as the words left his mouth.

Everytime you take a sip
in this smoky atmosphere
you press that bottle to your lips
and I wish I was your beer


cause id like to see you out in the moonlight
id like to kiss you way back in the sticks
id like to walk you through a field of wildflowers
and id like to check you for ticks

ill keep you safe you wait and see
the only thing allowed to crawl all over you
when we get there is me

Ands I can dig up 100 more examples, yet I can appreciate the craft & work put in.
Boy! I'm starting to think about that silly "Blue Chair" song video...

But they were hits right? so until I get mine who am I too talk lol.. that old logic keeps all these great current songs on the radio right?

Anway I'm not looking to debate with you.. I know this is how you feel & your being open & honest which I greatly admire. I know how your thinking but I think your thinking is way off base. Just wrong for this whole style and aspect of music. That makes sense to me. I'll visit your songs and in 2 seconds I'll know my thinking is 100% accurate. I don't just study songs and music history I breathe it.
Being an educated man I feel you have a hard time accepting that you could be off base in your thinking. Which is fine, being a life long music person if someone said to me the bass line your playing is all wrong. I would first feel frustrated thinking, "shoot I been playing since I could crawl how could I be this off"? lol for about 2 seconds...

Then I'll say okay cool, how about this? My versatility will pull me right through.
My "feel" my musicaliness - see that made up word lol.. That's what songs are all about being musical. Lyrics are part of it. Your thinking too much trying to use logic.. Without thinking I can leave this musical world, go find yours go right into it and kick butt in the style like it was the only kind of music I ever did. Lyrically , Musically, playing production you name it. It's what I do Joe, it's all I've ever done. \:\)

I think if my song was a lyrical disaster Harriet would have said so No? \:\)


_________________________
Thanks!
Peace Mike
Sub

Music & Video's & Photo's
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=482602

Demo/Production & Music Services
http://www.substudiomusic.com








Top
#646306 - 08/27/08 03:00 PM Re: Week 37 MP3/Lyric Pick: "The Grind" [Re: Mike Caro Substudio]
Mike Caro Substudio
Top 100 Poster


Registered: 04/24/05
Posts: 7782
Loc: NY
Hi Again Joe

Real quick... kinda lol..

This below is the first verse to one of your recent songs.

Thought I was doing all right
When I called her last night
She said that she was just fine
but couldn’t make up her mind
About leaving me for someone new
Good morning blues


Notice the even matching six words each on the first two lines.
See how you suggested I shorten my lines to be more like yours.
You want me line up "sell" right perfectly under "tell" - this thinking to me is a bit contrived lol.. But in your suggestions your trying to convert my style (in this song) into more like yours.

I have loads of songs with short concise verses, I wanted something different on this song. I had a slow moving pulse groove happening, so I wanted an opposite effect melodically. I use a lot of contrast and colors, even the influences come from all over the place.

Also some new angle and variety/originality not only in melody but in lyric. I have never heard anything quite like my opening verse "ever' and I listen to so much music part of my ears are missing.

In your song, (not trying to insult here so please understand) These words the way there sung, everything about it is kind of tired. Even if we aren't talking about (hits & commercial aspects) This is very bland. BUT I do know you can write other things less dull or typical for a fact. And I know this is based in a blues song, so these lyrics are VERY acceptable. Lyrics being acceptable for there style of music.
Now where talking.. this is the heart of the matter here.


Even when I do a blues tune I never come in with what you expect. Never "she left me etc.... I'm so sad, love this, crying that... \:\) Even though that's what the blues are all about \:\)

Anyway - I'm looking/listening at all your songs/lyrics and like I guessed before and would have won money betting on. You do not write rock songs, R&B songs or
have any link to anything in this particular world I'm coming from on this song. \:\)

Here's a quick list of some of your opening song verses, and one poem from a hundred years ago \:\) Ya see why we don't relate? \:\)

I may not love you forever
but who could last that long
and it isn't fair to love you this much
and to know that someday it will all be gone

I drive out from Amarillo
‘Til I see that grove of willows
and the old windmill that stands on Grandpa’s farm
And even though no wind is blowing
That windmill keeps on going
And scatters all the crows out of the yard

I see the moon, the moon sees me
shining down on my Christmas tree
Please light the light that shines on me
shine on the whole wide world

She keeps her saddle blanket on her trundle bed
vision on snowflakes dance in her head
Her boots and her saddle stand in the hall
Jingle bells and christmas card
hang on her wall

Thought I was doing all right
When I called her last night
She said that she was just fine
but couldn’t make up her mind
About leaving me for someone new
Good morning blues

I once knew all the birds that came
And nested in our orchard trees,
For every flower I had a name---
My friends were woodchucks, toads, and bees;
I knew where thrived in yonder glen
What plants would soothe a stone-bruised toe---
Oh, I was very learned then,
But that was very long ago.

Again I'm not here to analyze your work or too judge it. It's to make a point
for learning and understanding \:\)

Peace
Sub




_________________________
Thanks!
Peace Mike
Sub

Music & Video's & Photo's
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=482602

Demo/Production & Music Services
http://www.substudiomusic.com








Top
#646331 - 08/27/08 04:41 PM Re: Week 37 MP3/Lyric Pick: "The Grind" [Re: Mike Caro Substudio]
Kevin Emmrich Moderator
Top 20 Poster


Registered: 02/24/07
Posts: 8628
Loc: Crozet, VA
Quote:
not trying to insult here so please understand
That phrase always seems to precede an insult (LOL!). I am not sure how this turned into a critique of Joe, but actually I think Joe sings that first verse kinda well. I didn't hear anything "tired or dull" about it. Maybe the blues is not your thing.

Joe's critiques always seem to me to be intelligent and well thought out. Maybe we don't give them as much weight as Harriet's, but I have found Joe's few critiques of my stuff to always hold some important nuggets of value.

Kevin
_________________________
"Make Every Line Count"
Kevin at Soundclick and ... more Soundclick
skype: Kevin.Emmrich

Top
#646358 - 08/27/08 05:54 PM Re: Week 37 MP3/Lyric Pick: "The Grind" [Re: Kevin Emmrich]
Mike Caro Substudio
Top 100 Poster


Registered: 04/24/05
Posts: 7782
Loc: NY
Originally Posted By: Kevin Emmrich
Quote:
not trying to insult here so please understand
That phrase always seems to precede an insult (LOL!). I am not sure how this turned into a critique of Joe, but actually I think Joe sings that first verse kinda well. I didn't hear anything "tired or dull" about it. Maybe the blues is not your thing.

Joe's critiques always seem to me to be intelligent and well thought out. Maybe we don't give them as much weight as Harriet's, but I have found Joe's few critiques of my stuff to always hold some important nuggets of value.

Kevin


Hi Kev

It's always gone sound bad (don't get insulted) lol,,, your right but if you know me which I believe everyone here on a regular basis does then you know where I'm coming from. So you won't get that insulted. I hope Joe don't but he has said things to me in posts before that I could have been very insulted by. Of course I remember them but I know in my heart it was not his intention. \:\)

Kev - I come from a different perspective on many things. I don't mind someone telling me what they think is wrong with my work or what have you. But I'm a hands on kinda guy. "You gotta show me" I never drill someone on something I know nothing about. From all his work I can see where he's at just like if I took a written test and handed it to him at his university. I would fail cause I wasn't trained or educated on this subject. Music is my university! \:\) And I pound myself over it tough every single day.

The blues not being my thing has nothing to with it.. How could I be a good musician and not know about the blues?

It's about learning this thread, Joe will probably never "get it" and that's okay, the snag is that he probably won't accept that. I appreciate his honesty and opinions but they have no barring in my world at all. I know how people think very very quickly I understand them. Some one here once posted a thread what is your talent?

My gift/talent is reading people \:\) So if it's musically related it's even easier for me. \:\)

I thought at first to let his review comments kinda go more or less. If you feel my lyrics make you groan & are embarrassing then that's how you feel. But that wouldn't be me to ignore & not try to explain, that's the easy way. I usually always take the hard way!

You didn't think that verse was tired or dull, that's fine. I was only making a point.
I would rather have someone say to me "hey what are you talking about or Why did you say that" or sing that way? Then to take the approach of those particular lyrics and that melody personally.

When I get back to that MP3 board I'm gonna straighten out a few people LOL
I used to say as a reminder there " Folks we are sending each other too many flowers & candy "

And I notice we have been doing that alot again lately.. Were all friends and we pat each other on the back and that is VERY cool. Support! is #1 But we all know that's not always the best way to improve. I love you guys and I'm not gonna go the easy way out.
NIce song take care!

I like to learn & do things the NICE way. But I'm old school to and do not mind having my ass kicked all over the place musically to learn something.
Have always learned the hard way.
I would have loved it also if Harriet kicked it all over this thread, cause I would have came back every week for the rest of my life to show her how hard I work and good I could be. I've been doing that 30 years before I even got here. \:\) with no one's push but my own.

Hey Clive - is gonna kick my ass again in about 5 days or so.... Has been doing it for 28 years lol.. I LOVE it! That guy has no idea how much better he has made me become.

So in conclusion I can listen to these certain suggestions but can't give them any kind of real consideration as in my heart & mind I know they are way off. What can I say "alright your right my lyrics are an embarrassment" lol So I'm trying to explain why I felt certain suggestions are way off. And the best way sometimes is to go right into some ones catalog and show them. \:\) We are not speaking the same language.

It's like if Joe was reviewing a rap song here. Same Thing! \:\) They would perhaps go to Joe's music and say, where's he coming from? The rappers would eat it up \:\) And wouldn't listen to a word. \:\)



_________________________
Thanks!
Peace Mike
Sub

Music & Video's & Photo's
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=482602

Demo/Production & Music Services
http://www.substudiomusic.com








Top
#646363 - 08/27/08 06:14 PM Re: Week 37 MP3/Lyric Pick: "The Grind" [Re: Mike Caro Substudio]
Kevin Emmrich Moderator
Top 20 Poster


Registered: 02/24/07
Posts: 8628
Loc: Crozet, VA
Quote:
When i get back to that MP3 board I'm gonna straighten out a few people LOL
I used to say " Folks we are sending each other too many flowers & candy "

And I notice we have been doing that alot again lately.. Were all friends and we pat each on the back and that is VERY cool. Support! But we all know that's not always the best way to improve.


Unfortunately, I think I am in the opposite camp (LOL!). If I can't find something wrong, I almost feel I haven't listened hard enough and am not showing enough "respect" to the person who is offering up the song for review. I don't want to come across as too grumpy, though -- so I am trying to be more positive (even if it is killing me -- ha, ha!).

Kevin
_________________________
"Make Every Line Count"
Kevin at Soundclick and ... more Soundclick
skype: Kevin.Emmrich

Top
#646392 - 08/27/08 07:33 PM Re: Week 37 MP3/Lyric Pick: "The Grind" [Re: Kevin Emmrich]
Mike Caro Substudio
Top 100 Poster


Registered: 04/24/05
Posts: 7782
Loc: NY
Kev- I like Joe and I'm gonna do a free enhancement (if he allows me) on one of his tracks. \:\)

I understand what your saying, it's all good bro!
_________________________
Thanks!
Peace Mike
Sub

Music & Video's & Photo's
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=482602

Demo/Production & Music Services
http://www.substudiomusic.com








Top
#646455 - 08/27/08 09:13 PM Re: Week 37 MP3/Lyric Pick: "The Grind" [Re: Mike Caro Substudio]
Mark Schuessler
Serious Contributor


Registered: 09/17/07
Posts: 672
Loc: Lockport, NY, USA
Originally Posted By: Mike Caro Substudio

When i get back to that MP3 board I'm gonna straighten out a few people LOL


Me first! Be brutal. (After you take a nice LONG break after this thread, of course.)

Back When I Knew Everything

Hey, I know you're fingers are worn down to stumps trying to keep up with this thread so don't feel you have to respond to this post. I just wanted to add a couple of quick observations.

1. Everyone here knows the high level of your songwriting (& playing & producing) so we took for granted the things you do better than pretty much everyone else here and tried to find those areas that might be improved. If I had posted this song people would have been gushing over it (and not believing I wrote it!) Everyone just EXPECTS this level from you. They are comparing this song to all of your other songs (i.e. "Closer", "There's No Good In Goodbye", etc.) and so you don't get cut any slack.
2. Some of us (OK, maybe it's just me!) look at every song only thinking about the thing we have been focusing on in our own songs. I focus on the leadin to the chorus and the main hook in the chorus. Harriet keeps a much better perspective with her critiques. So do you.
3. Since I've given you "advice" on how to "fix" your hook, your freakin hook has been playing over and over in my head. SO PLEASE TAKE THE TINY HEADPHONES OFF THE MARK VOODOO DOLL!

Mark
_________________________
"In theory, theory and practice are the same. In practice, they are not."
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/pagemusic.cfm?bandID=756982

Top
#646517 - 08/27/08 11:23 PM Re: Week 37 MP3/Lyric Pick: "The Grind" [Re: Mark Schuessler]
Samuel Harris
Top 100 Poster


Registered: 03/06/05
Posts: 3618
Loc: Burleson, Texas
Sub, Woah! Slow down. I'll take some time to read through your comments later tonight. For now, just perusing the post it seems like you may have a couple of misconceptions about me. For instance, I work at a university but I don't teach. I am a television engineer at TCU in Fort Worth. I work in the College of Communications and build studios and editing systems for television production in Radio-TV-Film and Journalism and for the Jumbo Tron and instant replay in the football stadium, baseball and basketball. Also, I was in a working band for 15 years in Eugene, Oregon and while I'll admit it was a Country band, I played a lot of Eagles, James Taylor, old Rock and Roll, Beatles etc. I'm almost a generation older than you I suspect. I tuned out ACDC and some other important Rock stuff. I tuned out Disco too, so my musically genre knowledge is not extensive. I love, as my 14-year-old does, the movie "School of Rock" and the humor associated with the idea of there being a "heart and soul" of Rock music or there being some kind of purity about it is amusing. I concede that you live and breathe music and I completely respect that. I think what you are doing for you clients her on JPF's and what you have done for Brian and JPF is admirable.

I just have an opinion about this one song and that is really all I am talking about. Give me a chance to pick my favorite of yours and I'll probably have nothing but good things to say about it. I am more familiar with what you have done with your JPF clients and I have always been impressed with those colaborations. You are a complete musician and producer.

I agree with you that anyone who has the audacity to criticize a work must be willing to take criticism of his work. Obviously someone's whose own work is terrible is not going to be a credible critic of anther's. But I think all comments are useful. We can generally sort out what are thoughtful and what are trivial comments. Then we apply our artistic filters and decide if the criticism is valid or not. That is what I expect you to do and if all I did was help you think about your song and made you even more sure that you did it the way to intended, then even that is useful.

And by the way, the only songs I post on soundclick are songs in the predemo stage. The only exceptions I can think of is on couchgouch's (a cowriter) soundclick site. The mix on "How many fingers am I holding up" was done in Nashville and cost $700- and then the singer didn't do it right so I ended up doing the vocal myself. "The Shortest Verse" was mixed by a friend who knows ProTools and we brought in a pro steel guitar player. I am kind of superstitious about posting a final recording on soundclick. And they are expensive to come by because unlike you, I don't have the patience or talent to do it all myself. I love doing stuff live with good musicians around me and I detest slaving away in a studio mixing tracks. Two takes of the vocal and I am already exhausted.
_________________________
"Imagination is more important than knowledge." - Albert Einstein

Top
#646578 - 08/28/08 04:59 AM Re: Week 37 MP3/Lyric Pick: "The Grind" [Re: Samuel Harris]
niteshift
Top 100 Poster


Registered: 12/17/06
Posts: 4049
Loc: Sydney, Australia
Hey Sub,

Dang, I missed this weeks' round !

Anyways, good song. I can certainly relate to the lyrics, and the music is happening as it sould be. It works.

Flowers and candy coming you way, ;\) although, I prefer pizza and beer.

cheers, niteshift

Top
#646579 - 08/28/08 05:09 AM Re: Week 37 MP3/Lyric Pick: "The Grind" [Re: Samuel Harris]
Mike Caro Substudio
Top 100 Poster


Registered: 04/24/05
Posts: 7782
Loc: NY
Thanks Joe, especially for being understanding and not snarly like me lol...
I'm a ball of stress over here and lost another tooth last night \:\)
_________________________
Thanks!
Peace Mike
Sub

Music & Video's & Photo's
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=482602

Demo/Production & Music Services
http://www.substudiomusic.com








Top
#646581 - 08/28/08 05:18 AM Re: Week 37 MP3/Lyric Pick: "The Grind" [Re: Mike Caro Substudio]
niteshift
Top 100 Poster


Registered: 12/17/06
Posts: 4049
Loc: Sydney, Australia
PS..... here's a suggestion ?

As, sometimes, these critiques get a little long winded, how about, for the next round, adopting the standard Taxi critique ?
In that way, there is consistency, and the writer is much more able to add everything up,and siphon off what is irrelevant.

AFTER the mentor posts his/her critique, then we can go back to open format.

TAXI CUSTOM CRITIQUE


Style
__ On target for today's market in ________ genre
__ Not current sounding
__ Hard to classify

Style Comments:
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
_________________________________________

Melody
__ Good music in verses
__ Verses could be stronger
__ Good music in chorus
__ Verses/Chorus sound too similar
__ Memorable Hook
__ Hook not obvious enough

Melody Comments:
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
_________________________________________

Structure
__ Intro too long
__ Well-written structure
__ Good sectional contrast
__ Not enough sectional contrast
__ Could use a bridge

Structure Comments:
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
_________________________________________

Lyric
__ First line makes me want to hear more
__ Engaging
__ Cohesive
__ Good use of imagery
__ Rhymes well
__ Communicates emotion to listener
__ Lacks focus
__ Unique
__ Too abstract
__ I don't understand it
__ Too predictable
__ Too many cliches
__ Awkward phrasing
__ Vocal does not help to sell song
__ Vocal does help to sell song

Lyrcial Comments:
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
_________________________________________


Title
__ Good title
__ So-So title
__ Can't determine title by listening
__ Could appear in a more strategic place
__ Doesn't repeat enough
__ Repeats too often

Title Comments:
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
_________________________________________

OVERALL COMMENTS
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
_________________________________________


Now give a rating 1 to 10, 1 being the worst, 10 being the best:

__ Music
__ Lyrics
__ Marketability
__ Arrangement
__ Production
__ Engineering

NOW. Would you walk this into a label credibility on this music?

__ YES
__ NO

NOW. Give a reason why did or didn't forward (reconmmend )this:
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
_________________________________________


What do you all think ?

cheers, niteshift

Top
#646588 - 08/28/08 05:47 AM Re: Week 37 MP3/Lyric Pick: "The Grind" [Re: Mark Schuessler]
Mike Caro Substudio
Top 100 Poster


Registered: 04/24/05
Posts: 7782
Loc: NY
Originally Posted By: Mark Schuessler
Originally Posted By: Mike Caro Substudio

When i get back to that MP3 board I'm gonna straighten out a few people LOL


Me first! Be brutal. (After you take a nice LONG break after this thread, of course.)

Back When I Knew Everything

Hey, I know you're fingers are worn down to stumps trying to keep up with this thread so don't feel you have to respond to this post. I just wanted to add a couple of quick observations.

1. Everyone here knows the high level of your songwriting (& playing & producing) so we took for granted the things you do better than pretty much everyone else here and tried to find those areas that might be improved. If I had posted this song people would have been gushing over it (and not believing I wrote it!) Everyone just EXPECTS this level from you. They are comparing this song to all of your other songs (i.e. "Closer", "There's No Good In Goodbye", etc.) and so you don't get cut any slack.
2. Some of us (OK, maybe it's just me!) look at every song only thinking about the thing we have been focusing on in our own songs. I focus on the leadin to the chorus and the main hook in the chorus. Harriet keeps a much better perspective with her critiques. So do you.
3. Since I've given you "advice" on how to "fix" your hook, your freakin hook has been playing over and over in my head. SO PLEASE TAKE THE TINY HEADPHONES OFF THE MARK VOODOO DOLL!

Mark


Mark your too funny \:\)

Hey feel asleep at 7:am the mailman rang my bell at 10:am I never feel back to sleep. Then a 5 piece Rock band came in for a session. They are very funny guys.
I sang The "Ticks" song to them and they could not stop laughing, they thought I was joking. Quote - "that is the corniest [naughty word removed] I ever heard. Bad man!"

After six hours of that we started rebuilding a new computer for the studio till 3:30 am. Meanwhile I reeling all over the place lol... not funny actually but I don't care anymore.
Now it's back to here.......

Thanks for your kind words and encouragement. I listen to Stevie Wonder and surely know how far far away from great I am. No one ever has to tell me.
I have had my heart filled & crushed my whole life musically. Mostly crushed!
And I know I don't get the slack, I don't even give it to myself you have to see the faces on those who come into my little world here \:\) Ask John Daubert he knows.
And so does the "Too Little Time Band" and anyone else who walks through the door lol..

Mark - I honestly thought I was gonna get hammered through the floor on this review. I underestimated Harriet's experience and I never will again for sure \:\) I didn't think she'd get me, and she did 100% She really understands the game and she has real range. I will turn to her again in the future.

Bro - The head phones are OFF lol.. Hey Tripp makes dolls ya know!

I'll check out your tune asap, I'm trying to get Jim O's drum track done.
Maybe I should go to bed. ya think?
_________________________
Thanks!
Peace Mike
Sub

Music & Video's & Photo's
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=482602

Demo/Production & Music Services
http://www.substudiomusic.com








Top
#646595 - 08/28/08 06:14 AM Re: Week 37 MP3/Lyric Pick: "The Grind" [Re: ]
Mike Caro Substudio
Top 100 Poster


Registered: 04/24/05
Posts: 7782
Loc: NY
Hi Stan buddy - thanks for all the props \:\)

I didn't forget you and I apologize for being so brief here I am utterly wiped out \:\)

"Transparent cage" is a very cool image. It has nothing to do with water, scuba diving: How it would seal. not leak, is it kickable, breakable? lol... It's invisible and around millions of people every single day of there lives. All lines in a song do not have to directly connect.

"Feels like a cage" isn't gonna cut it \:\) thanks but...

"Black Hole Sun" & Soundgarden - Nope no one else even came close to mentioning them I did that \:\) That was part of my whole point about not being in tune and reaching for "Mamma Told me Not to Come" 1970 and Rainbows Ronnie James Dio for examples. And Of course it's a bit Beatley as "Black Whole Sun" is Beatley as well. My singer here sang with Ricky Martin in Menudo he don't know who Dio is lol...

I also mentioned the opening Creedance Chord

"Living with the choice" life is made up of LOADS of wrong & right choices. People get reminded of it more than they like to mention or think about. Lets start with just a visit to a prison and do an interview lol...

But I was also going for a riddle like effect on that line. I wanted the listener to think about it. And I wanted the girl who's being abused by her spouse who WON"T leave because she doesn't want to break up her family, for the sake of the 4 kids.
To say "I made this bed now I DON"T have to lie in it....

Good thoughts here Stan and some very positive ones. I have very positive ones too there just not really meant for this song \:\)

peace bro!
Must Sleep!


_________________________
Thanks!
Peace Mike
Sub

Music & Video's & Photo's
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=482602

Demo/Production & Music Services
http://www.substudiomusic.com








Top
#646761 - 08/28/08 03:56 PM Re: Week 37 MP3/Lyric Pick: "The Grind" [Re: Mike Caro Substudio]
Samuel Harris
Top 100 Poster


Registered: 03/06/05
Posts: 3618
Loc: Burleson, Texas
A little lunch break here so I read a few comments. Sub, just a couple of very short rebuttal's:

You say:

"Okay now what the heck does "Water" have to do with "transparent cage"?
...Because your previous line was, "Under the weight I'm DROWNING"

Do you think every line in a song has to directly connect literally to each other?

..Yes, I guess I do believe that unless I am having a conversation with my wife, then all bets are off.

"These lines & thoughts make me cringe.... I felt embarrassed for the singer as the words left his mouth.

Everytime you take a sip
in this smoky atmosphere
you press that bottle to your lips
and I wish I was your beer"

That would be Brad Paisley...I hate that song too. My idea of a good country song is "Whiskey Lullaby" which Brad Paisley did with my favorite female singer Alison Krauss.

"Without thinking I can leave this musical world, go find yours go right into it and kick butt in the style like it was the only kind of music I ever did. Lyrically , Musically, playing production you name it. It's what I do Joe, it's all I've ever done".

...Cool, would you mind playing lead guitar in my band?
_________________________
"Imagination is more important than knowledge." - Albert Einstein

Top
#646780 - 08/28/08 06:14 PM Re: Week 37 MP3/Lyric Pick: "The Grind" [Re: Samuel Harris]
Mike Caro Substudio
Top 100 Poster


Registered: 04/24/05
Posts: 7782
Loc: NY
If you believe that every line has to be directly connected to the line before or after it or actually (make any sense at all) then you do not understand anything about rock music well at least lyrics anyway. That is the simple point I've been trying to make since the very first response post. \:\) Hopefully you'll accept that \:\)

I don't feel like pasting 100,000 examples to prove my point. lol

Again if I was a disaster Harriet would have pointed it out clearly!

Lets see what did she say?

"So paying homage to a time when harmony and melody were very important apparently works well in this song because there's tremendous variation between sections, harmonically, melodically and rhythmically. There's so much craft in the putting of the words and music together, that to my mind, that simply screams "commercial." I'm not known for trying to make things "commercial.

I'm much more interested in their being good, emotionally impactful and relatable and authentic. Well, the craft in this song achieves all of what I've just listed much more easily than a song that merely has a strong hook that repeats endlessly or is upbeat or has a happy ending or any of the myriad of other things music industry personnel dream up so they can try to second guess what people want and keep their jobs.

" Does it say something authentic that people will relate to? Does it say it in a way that's visual enough for people to remain interested? Does it say it in a way that draws the listener into the experience? Or is it something "written" around a "good idea" that lies there like a lox that no one will care about? This song does so many things right."

"Everything makes sense with a story even remotely like this one"

"I keep coming back to the craft in this song. There's internal rhyming--and rhyming at the end of lines and where the musical sequences indicate a rhyme should be."

"This song has all three sections musically different. If you listen to only one thing, listen to that. What a breath of fresh air."

"I agree with Brian that it would be good for everyone on this wonderful board to say what he or she likes about a song. That's a very good learning experience. It's a muscle that really needs to be built, because if you know what's good in good writing, you can adopt those practices. To develop a lot of rules about what to avoid can cripple a writer. I think the differing opinions expressed here are all worth reading, but I think it would be especially helpful if you all said what particular thing the writer is doing which you like and which you would like to implement in a future song. There's a lot to learn about how to combine words and music in "The Grind," as well as from many other craft points I've mentioned and no doubt, some I've missed. I'm not talking about copying subject matter or musical style. I'm talking about the very thing that separates good writers from great ones and amateurs from professionals. If you can learn from someone who's doing it right, why not? If something isn't your cup of tea, then find something else to learn from. Don't force yourself if you don't like something. We all have different tastes. But something with a lot of craft, if you also like it, is the perfect thing to study."

I LOVE to read my own press clips BIG LOL I have so little of them to read, it's pathetic. Only "The wall of was" as we call it here at home

This song isn't close to my best work overall, another reason I posted it. But yet I done good \:\) And I'm pleased that my hard work hit the mark in so many ways.
Also I thought more people could pick up something useful from it here much more so than the mp3 board were many times such detail is NEVER touched upon.

This was all very cool, I have so very little to be proud about these days.

Oh yeah Joe -
I wish I could but I don't play in bands anymore. But I can be in your virtual band \:\) You can send me a song online & I will have your lead guitar back to you in 24-48 hours. That's also what I do \:\) And not too shabby for a bassist lol...
_________________________
Thanks!
Peace Mike
Sub

Music & Video's & Photo's
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=482602

Demo/Production & Music Services
http://www.substudiomusic.com








Top
#646812 - 08/28/08 07:25 PM Re: Week 37 MP3/Lyric Pick: "The Grind" [Re: niteshift]
Mike Caro Substudio
Top 100 Poster


Registered: 04/24/05
Posts: 7782
Loc: NY
Originally Posted By: niteshift
Hey Sub,

Dang, I missed this weeks' round !

Anyways, good song. I can certainly relate to the lyrics, and the music is happening as it sould be. It works.

Flowers and candy coming you way, ;\) although, I prefer pizza and beer.

cheers, niteshift


Hey Nite

Especially our pizza here!

The TAXI lay out isn't a bad thing for another thread specifically set up like that perhaps.
But definitely not for this one. This is much more detailed & insightful but most importantly learning wise it's better and I think that's the focal point.

Thanks!
_________________________
Thanks!
Peace Mike
Sub

Music & Video's & Photo's
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=482602

Demo/Production & Music Services
http://www.substudiomusic.com








Top
#646815 - 08/28/08 07:28 PM Re: Week 37 MP3/Lyric Pick: "The Grind" [Re: Jean Bullock]
Mike Caro Substudio
Top 100 Poster


Registered: 04/24/05
Posts: 7782
Loc: NY
Originally Posted By: Jean Bullock
Hi, Mike!

I would like to address the lyrics first. Except for a few lines that I think should be deleted for musical reasons, they are perfect as is. They describe very well the feelings of those who are frustrated with their situation and have been for a very long time. I can relate to this. It is exactly how I am personally feeling right now and I couldn't have said it any better. Sometimes we need songs like these. It's like talking to someone who really knows exactly how we feel. There are times when we don't want to hear that things will get better. We just need to express how we feel. Sometimes the negativity in a song like this can actually help us release the feelings that are trapped inside. Once expressed, they can actually make us feel better rather than worse. One of my favorite songs is "Break Stuff." I may not walk around saying the words that are in that song, but I sure feel like it and I feel better after the song.

Regarding the melody: I think most of it suits the song very well. I would prefer to hear the pre-chorus reduced to "Under the weight I'm drowning, Transparent cage surrounding me, " and then going directly into the chorus. Can't tell you why, I just do. I also think that the instrumental bit just before the second verse could be deleted. Again, it's just an instinctive thing.


The singing was very good and I could understand all of the words. You have a very good voice and it is well suited for this kind of music.

Production values:

I would like to hear the accompaniment a little lower in volume when the vocals are being sung.

The sibilance could use adjusting - it is very pronounced throughout the whole song. The cymbals in places also sounded very tinny. It made me wonder if perhaps the treble was up too high. It could be just me though, because I usually lower the treble and raise the bass a little when I am listening to the music on the radio, so take what I say with a grain of salt.

The reverb (I think that is what it's called) is Ok in the beginning but as it continues through the music, it becomes an irritant to me. I think just using it at the beginning and maybe at the end would be OK.

So all in all, I really liked the performance, words and music. It is solid lyric writing and composing in my opinion. If I heard it on the radio I would listen to the whole thing.

Good luck to you.




Thanks Jean!

Some are your suggestions and alternatives are VERY good. If you were here with me in the creative process I would have tried many of them out right there on the spot \:\) Definitely!

Thanks!
_________________________
Thanks!
Peace Mike
Sub

Music & Video's & Photo's
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=482602

Demo/Production & Music Services
http://www.substudiomusic.com








Top
#646819 - 08/28/08 07:36 PM Re: Week 37 MP3/Lyric Pick: "The Grind" [Re: Heidi Thompson]
Mike Caro Substudio
Top 100 Poster


Registered: 04/24/05
Posts: 7782
Loc: NY
Originally Posted By: Heidi Thompson
Hey Sub,
You've gotten an abundance of critiques so I just wanted to say that I feel the song could be wonderful with a few minor shifts.

If I had to pick one thing to change, it'd be the pre-chorus. I'd love to see it be shorter and actually lift into the chorus because it slowed down the song momentum.

The song holds much more that is right for me than what is wrong.

Heidi


Thanks Heidi

I know what you mean \:\) I tried some stuff but once I went into that dramatic rythym change I was stuck in there.

I thought about letting the last word sinking be on a separate track and overlap the chorus melody on another track, ya know..

So it would be:
Track 1- Nothing can save or stop me from sinking
Track 2- ---------------------------Can't stand the grind etc...

I've done that in the past but often try not to. Don't know why I mean who's gonna have to worry about that overlap live? Me? lol......

I still thinks it's cool as is but...
If I had to make and edit for any reason.. that would be the one I would try for sure
Excellent suggestion \:\)
_________________________
Thanks!
Peace Mike
Sub

Music & Video's & Photo's
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=482602

Demo/Production & Music Services
http://www.substudiomusic.com








Top
#646821 - 08/28/08 07:40 PM Re: Week 37 MP3/Lyric Pick: "The Grind" [Re: Scott Campbell]
Mike Caro Substudio
Top 100 Poster


Registered: 04/24/05
Posts: 7782
Loc: NY
Originally Posted By: Scott Campbell
I like the wordiness of the chorus though - shooting those words out like bullets is important to the feel here, in my opinion....

Scott


Hi Buddy

You bet they are! It's also why I didn't speed the song up, I wanted it to plot & chug along, just like The Grind does... and it would give me the space to shoot out those words. Almost very slightly like rap accept with cool melodies, lifts, drops and soul.

Thanks!
_________________________
Thanks!
Peace Mike
Sub

Music & Video's & Photo's
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=482602

Demo/Production & Music Services
http://www.substudiomusic.com








Top
#646826 - 08/28/08 07:50 PM Re: Week 37 MP3/Lyric Pick: "The Grind" [Re: GJShades]
Mike Caro Substudio
Top 100 Poster


Registered: 04/24/05
Posts: 7782
Loc: NY
Originally Posted By: GJShades
Hi Mike,
After the first listen, I sat and thought about it for a couple of minutes. And the first thing I realized was that I couldn't remember the main hook in it's entirety.
So the standard remedy (esp. in a rock song), as you know, is repetition.
Maybe you should find a place in the song where you can repeat the hook 3 or 4 times, uninterrupted.

I don't think changing the last line of the 2nd pre-chorus is a good idea. Making that one small change...with the other lines remaining the same...might be a distraction rather than a enhancement.

And listening to the last line of the pre-chorus; my mind was expecting the second phrase ("sinking slow") to be musically identical with the first phrase ("sinking low").
When they didn't match, I was mildly disappointed. The thing is...I can't explain why. It's probably just a personal preference thing; a minor unfulfilled expectation. But I thought I'd go ahead and mention it since I'm here.

One of the things that came to mind after listening several times was the matching of the music with the lyrical message.
I considered the music to be pretty much comtemporary rock.
So the question is...Will the demographic age-group most likely to dig the music be able to identify with the message?
Maybe something to consider.

But that stuff aside, I really enjoyed the song. It rocks! The Intro grabs you and says "Pay attention you don't wanna miss this!"...and the song delivers. I was particularly impressed with the vocal interpretation/delivery...very cool.

GJ



Thanks GJ - very good thoughts!

I actually left out a bridge and a solo to give you more repetition. I thought I had a little too much repetition. I think there's enough chorus here for sure. And the chorus melodies repeat within themselves.

Then I felt I had strong hooks in both my bridge and my pre-chorus. Some make it so nothing really competes with top spot in there songs accept there chorus.
Not me - Every section is hooked to the max best I can at least.

It's just a battle in my heart & mind of which can out do the other. Hope & usually it's the chorus. But like in my "Brooklyn Song" The chorus is catchy bit the verses are catchier and really hit the mark lyrically.

This one was followed the album song mentality and the all sections grow on you route. Still think the chorus is catchy.
And the things I set up "not too match up exactly" were totally intentional.

I think the age group that this would appeal to and kind of persons musical nature
this will hit the mark. But even more so for movies/TV which is excatly where it's headed for...

Thanks again \:\)
_________________________
Thanks!
Peace Mike
Sub

Music & Video's & Photo's
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=482602

Demo/Production & Music Services
http://www.substudiomusic.com








Top
#646864 - 08/28/08 09:25 PM Re: Week 37 MP3/Lyric Pick: "The Grind" [Re: Mike Caro Substudio]
Samuel Harris
Top 100 Poster


Registered: 03/06/05
Posts: 3618
Loc: Burleson, Texas
"If you believe that every line has to be directly connected to the line before or after it or actually (make any sense at all) then you do not understand anything about rock music well at least lyrics anyway. That is the simple point I've been trying to make since the very first response post. Hopefully you'll accept that"

Sub, yes I defer to your knowledge of Rock. I actually regret saying "rock doesn't talk like that". I knew better. I'm not sure weather you are advocating complete non sequitur in music though. How could we ever evaluate what is a good lyric then- if virtually anything goes? I guess for me, a great lyric is like pornography- I know it when I see it.

Sheryl Crow sounded great tonight on the on the Democratic National convention.

Nice sparring with you Sub. I'll try to pay more attention to your stuff from now on. Maybe you can help me expand my musical horizons.



_________________________
"Imagination is more important than knowledge." - Albert Einstein

Top
#646915 - 08/29/08 06:08 AM Re: Week 37 MP3/Lyric Pick: "The Grind" [Re: Samuel Harris]
Mike Caro Substudio
Top 100 Poster


Registered: 04/24/05
Posts: 7782
Loc: NY
Cool Joe! \:\)

Just wanted to say thanks again to all of you and especially to Harriet for doing this.
_________________________
Thanks!
Peace Mike
Sub

Music & Video's & Photo's
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=482602

Demo/Production & Music Services
http://www.substudiomusic.com








Top
#646920 - 08/29/08 06:32 AM Re: Week 37 MP3/Lyric Pick: "The Grind" [Re: Mike Caro Substudio]
Kevin Emmrich Moderator
Top 20 Poster


Registered: 02/24/07
Posts: 8628
Loc: Crozet, VA
Quote:
I would like to Thank all of you personally but I can't cause I'm not speaking with some of you anymore, so there!


??

Kevin
_________________________
"Make Every Line Count"
Kevin at Soundclick and ... more Soundclick
skype: Kevin.Emmrich

Top
#646922 - 08/29/08 06:48 AM Re: Week 37 MP3/Lyric Pick: "The Grind" [Re: Mike Caro Substudio]
Mike Caro Substudio
Top 100 Poster


Registered: 04/24/05
Posts: 7782
Loc: NY
Originally Posted By: Mike Caro Substudio
I would like to Thank all of you personally but I can't cause I'm not speaking with some of you anymore, so there! BIG LOL \:\)

Kidding aside I want to thank Harriet for taking time out to do these reviews.



Gotta leave in the rest dude! \:\) Other wise someone will get the wrong idea and miss the joke.
_________________________
Thanks!
Peace Mike
Sub

Music & Video's & Photo's
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=482602

Demo/Production & Music Services
http://www.substudiomusic.com








Top
#646944 - 08/29/08 08:13 AM Re: Week 37 MP3/Lyric Pick: "The Grind" [Re: Mike Caro Substudio]
Brian Austin Whitney Administrator
Bard of the Boards


Registered: 04/20/01
Posts: 16289
Loc: Indianapolis, IN USA
Nice to see some robust discussion again. Thanks Harriet and everyone for getting involved this time around. The next process will start with new entries early next week for Pat Luboff's next go round.

Brian
_________________________
Brian Austin Whitney
Founder
Just Plain Folks
jpfolkspro@aol.com
Skype: Brian Austin Whitney

"Don't sit around and wait for success to come to you... it doesn't know the way." -Brian Austin Whitney



Top
#646963 - 08/29/08 09:39 AM Re: Week 37 MP3/Lyric Pick: "The Grind" [Re: Brian Austin Whitney]
Kaley Willow
Top 10 Poster


Registered: 04/13/01
Posts: 10240
Loc: PA
I'm coming in on the tail end here...but really enjoyed my listen...and thought your lyrics were done up well...Mike... I Admit I don't know enough about many styles and genres...enough to critique..them all with confidence but I do have definite likes and dislikes. Just reading the backs and forths of this post reinforced the fact that we can't put lyrical styles into the same cookie cutter...So a very worthy thread.............

best..to you
and hope you have a feel better day,
Kaley...

Miss Willow's Fence Row (NEW CD!!)
http://cdbaby.com/cd/kwwg2
Piano Music and Demos (Many Genres)
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=8404&content=music
Children's Songs
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=6469&content=music
Andy & Friends CD
http://cdbaby.com/cd/kwwg

Top
#646995 - 08/29/08 01:09 PM Re: Week 37 MP3/Lyric Pick: "The Grind" [Re: niteshift]
Samuel Harris
Top 100 Poster


Registered: 03/06/05
Posts: 3618
Loc: Burleson, Texas
Originally Posted By: niteshift
PS..... here's a suggestion ?

As, sometimes, these critiques get a little long winded, how about, for the next round, adopting the standard Taxi critique ?
In that way, there is consistency, and the writer is much more able to add everything up,and siphon off what is irrelevant.

AFTER the mentor posts his/her critique, then we can go back to open format.

TAXI CUSTOM CRITIQUE


Style
__ On target for today's market in ________ genre
__ Not current sounding
__ Hard to classify

Style Comments:
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
_________________________________________

Melody
__ Good music in verses
__ Verses could be stronger
__ Good music in chorus
__ Verses/Chorus sound too similar
__ Memorable Hook
__ Hook not obvious enough

Melody Comments:
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
_________________________________________

Structure
__ Intro too long
__ Well-written structure
__ Good sectional contrast
__ Not enough sectional contrast
__ Could use a bridge

Structure Comments:
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
_________________________________________

Lyric
__ First line makes me want to hear more
__ Engaging
__ Cohesive
__ Good use of imagery
__ Rhymes well
__ Communicates emotion to listener
__ Lacks focus
__ Unique
__ Too abstract
__ I don't understand it
__ Too predictable
__ Too many cliches
__ Awkward phrasing
__ Vocal does not help to sell song
__ Vocal does help to sell song

Lyrcial Comments:
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
_________________________________________


Title
__ Good title
__ So-So title
__ Can't determine title by listening
__ Could appear in a more strategic place
__ Doesn't repeat enough
__ Repeats too often

Title Comments:
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
_________________________________________

OVERALL COMMENTS
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
_________________________________________


Now give a rating 1 to 10, 1 being the worst, 10 being the best:

__ Music
__ Lyrics
__ Marketability
__ Arrangement
__ Production
__ Engineering

NOW. Would you walk this into a label credibility on this music?

__ YES
__ NO

NOW. Give a reason why did or didn't forward (reconmmend )this:
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
_________________________________________


What do you all think ?

cheers, niteshift


Thanks niteshift I'm gonna print this out because it does give us a systematic way to analyze our own lyrics even if we don't apply to anyone else.

sjh
_________________________
"Imagination is more important than knowledge." - Albert Einstein

Top
#647248 - 08/30/08 09:57 AM Re: Week 37 MP3/Lyric Pick: "The Grind" [Re: Mike Caro Substudio]
Caroline
Top 100 Poster


Registered: 10/27/07
Posts: 3262
Loc: Texas
Hi Mike,
I'm late but I'm glad to see I'm not the only one!

I like the last two lines of the second verse the most. I think they really are the best of what this whole song has to give.

I couldn't get the page up to listen so I have nothing to offer about the music, but I probably wouldn't anyway. Not being able to play well enough keeps me from giving any crits, unless it's just way off.

I think your chorus could lose the last two lines and keep it's integrity.

The song doesn't progress as I'd hoped it would, but not all songs will. I was looking for something to offer some hope at the end, but it still works without that.



_________________________
Caroline


http://www.myspace.com/carolineholder
http://www.soundclick.com/carolinewroteit

Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them! (Dove Dark Chocolate)

Top
#647354 - 08/30/08 03:01 PM Re: Week 37 MP3/Lyric Pick: "The Grind" [Re: Mike Caro Substudio]
Jean Bullock
Top 10 Poster


Registered: 09/18/01
Posts: 10244
Loc: Anaheim, CA, USA
\:\)
_________________________
Please visit my facebook EZ3D PopUps for free papercraft templates. Great for beginners of all ages.

Favorite Sites:
http://facebook.com/EZ3DPopUps
http://ez3dpopups.blogspot.com/
http://harrietschock.com
http://jpfolks.com
http://phillipmartin.com



Top
#647491 - 08/31/08 12:42 AM Re: Week 37 MP3/Lyric Pick: "The Grind" [Re: Joanne Lurgio]
Mike Caro Substudio
Top 100 Poster


Registered: 04/24/05
Posts: 7782
Loc: NY
Originally Posted By: Joanne Lurgio
DOGGONITT!!! I'm Late!!! Thought Harriet's post was tonight!!
Oh well!! I have read this through a dozen times and listened just as many (with pleasure) I was having a difficult time coming up with thoughts to share, there was so much I enjoyed.

Of course .. i read Harriet's critique. Congratulations Mike.. awesome critique .. well deserved for a well crafted song.

All the best

Thank you Joanne \:\)
Joanne

_________________________
Thanks!
Peace Mike
Sub

Music & Video's & Photo's
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=482602

Demo/Production & Music Services
http://www.substudiomusic.com








Top
#647493 - 08/31/08 01:07 AM Re: Week 37 MP3/Lyric Pick: "The Grind" [Re: Mark Kaufman]
Mike Caro Substudio
Top 100 Poster


Registered: 04/24/05
Posts: 7782
Loc: NY
Thank You Mark!

Such kind words!

You know what it's like to wear a lot of hats. You also have an excellent understanding of how I operate.

Again anyone can like or dislike something, it's all subjective. Actually the whole business is too subjective for my tastes lol.
The hell with "how do they do look?" Can they sing pretty decently?" "Can they dance"?
What is there depth?? How deep are they? Or is it flash & gone?

Working very hard to achieve being well rounded! In every possible regard.
When someone hears my work in the business they always usually pick out the thing or things they personally need me for.
I don't mind that although it does interfere with my original plans usually.

I want them to think and truly believe that I had only one or two parts in what they are hearing. Mistake me over & over for only being say the writer of this song or perhaps an audio engineer or the producer.

Hard work and commitment is really what I'm getting at. I want people to think some band did this song.
I want people who don't know this kind of music not relate to it. Cause then I know I hit the mark, they shouldn't relate to it \:\)

Then I come back tomorrow and do the same thing the other way.
You can't please everyone..Well I can! And I will not stop trying lol... \:\)

Thanks bro!
_________________________
Thanks!
Peace Mike
Sub

Music & Video's & Photo's
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=482602

Demo/Production & Music Services
http://www.substudiomusic.com








Top
#647494 - 08/31/08 01:09 AM Re: Week 37 MP3/Lyric Pick: "The Grind" [Re: Wendy D]
Mike Caro Substudio
Top 100 Poster


Registered: 04/24/05
Posts: 7782
Loc: NY
Thanks Wendy & Scott
_________________________
Thanks!
Peace Mike
Sub

Music & Video's & Photo's
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=482602

Demo/Production & Music Services
http://www.substudiomusic.com








Top
#647498 - 08/31/08 01:17 AM Re: Week 37 MP3/Lyric Pick: "The Grind" [Re: Kaley Willow]
Mike Caro Substudio
Top 100 Poster


Registered: 04/24/05
Posts: 7782
Loc: NY
Originally Posted By: Kaley Willow
I'm coming in on the tail end here...but really enjoyed my listen...and thought your lyrics were done up well...Mike... I Admit I don't know enough about many styles and genres...enough to critique..them all with confidence but I do have definite likes and dislikes. Just reading the backs and forths of this post reinforced the fact that we can't put lyrical styles into the same cookie cutter...So a very worthy thread.............

best..to you
and hope you have a feel better day,
Kaley...



Thanks Kaley

You are so right you can't put lyrical or musical styles into the same cookie cutter.
But as a writer,lyrically. musically, both, as a player, as person who records or who as ever even tried to do one or all of these things....
You find what appeals to you or some good aspect. I have found many good things in styles that I normally don't care for 80% of the time.

I had a few feel better days then feel into 4 very bad ones in a row. But I'm trying \:\)
Thanks!
_________________________
Thanks!
Peace Mike
Sub

Music & Video's & Photo's
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=482602

Demo/Production & Music Services
http://www.substudiomusic.com








Top
#647501 - 08/31/08 01:31 AM Re: Week 37 MP3/Lyric Pick: "The Grind" [Re: Caroline]
Mike Caro Substudio
Top 100 Poster


Registered: 04/24/05
Posts: 7782
Loc: NY
Originally Posted By: Caroline
Hi Mike,
I'm late but I'm glad to see I'm not the only one!

I like the last two lines of the second verse the most. I think they really are the best of what this whole song has to give.

I couldn't get the page up to listen so I have nothing to offer about the music, but I probably wouldn't anyway. Not being able to play well enough keeps me from giving any crits, unless it's just way off.

I think your chorus could lose the last two lines and keep it's integrity.

The song doesn't progress as I'd hoped it would, but not all songs will. I was looking for something to offer some hope at the end, but it still works without that.



Hi Caroline & thanks!

Sorry it didn't play for you.

It's cool.. You don't have to be able to play really well to know what you like.

I like those two lines as well. even though my favorite is still
"I didn't see the signs I drove a hundred miles the other way" \:\)

But yes the person singing jumps away from talking about "I" and says hey
"All of you know what I'm talking about, you know it's not only my fault"
"I was desperate and I made this choice, I'm big enough to stay it out but that may not be the best thing to do"

Anyway -Who wants to admit they were wrong?

The hope at the end is there slightly, but i never want you "out of this mood"

In the movie "The Perfect Storm" I do not want the entire cast to die at sea. But they do, and I watch it again.
A horror movie sometimes ends without the killer being caught or monster being killed. And of course many times they do end well...

This song is like that.

I also believe in applying some rules from different styles and mixing them with others from different kinds of songs. bending, breaking, switching....
Down songs can be upbeat,, Up songs can be down beat.. We can use any instrument we want.

If you hear a love song that breaks your heart and makes you cry, does it have to turn out "hopeful" or do you go back to it for that particular in the moment emotion.

I am forever glad "Eric Carmen" remains "All By Himself" And is "Never Gonna Fall In Love Again" Those two songs kill me everytime \:\)

Thanks again to all. \:\)
_________________________
Thanks!
Peace Mike
Sub

Music & Video's & Photo's
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=482602

Demo/Production & Music Services
http://www.substudiomusic.com








Top
#648242 - 09/02/08 03:52 PM Re: Week 37 MP3/Lyric Pick: "The Grind" [Re: Mike Caro Substudio]
Mike Caro Substudio
Top 100 Poster


Registered: 04/24/05
Posts: 7782
Loc: NY
Hi

While waiting for the next entries and since this week's process is still around I've added a link to the mp3 board.
This medley shows other songs I have that use all kinds of patterns, schemes and things to get into a song. It's only intro's and verses with no choruses. Which is part of the point "hooks before the hook"

Short clips & It takes 6:30 minutes to listen to it.
http://www.jpfolks.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/ubb/showflat/Number/648092/page/1#Post648092
_________________________
Thanks!
Peace Mike
Sub

Music & Video's & Photo's
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=482602

Demo/Production & Music Services
http://www.substudiomusic.com








Top
#648365 - 09/03/08 12:19 AM Re: Week 37 MP3/Lyric Pick: "The Grind" [Re: Mike Caro Substudio]
Brian Austin Whitney Administrator
Bard of the Boards


Registered: 04/20/01
Posts: 16289
Loc: Indianapolis, IN USA
Okay.. this one is done. See you next time!

Thanks to Harriet and everyone who participated!

Brian
_________________________
Brian Austin Whitney
Founder
Just Plain Folks
jpfolkspro@aol.com
Skype: Brian Austin Whitney

"Don't sit around and wait for success to come to you... it doesn't know the way." -Brian Austin Whitney



Top
Page 2 of 2 <12


Moderator:  harriet schock, Al David, SaraLight, Mike Dunbar, Kevin Emmrich 
Hop to:
Community Partners
Support Just Plain Folks

We would like to keep the membership in Just Plain Folks FREE! Your donation helps support the many programs we offer including Road Trips and the Music Awards.


Membership
Join Just Plain Folks
to receive the free
JPNotes Newsletter!
*this is separate from
message board registration*

Newest Members
ElatteMed, former client, JessicaMaus, Alan Alan, Reuppyunoto
19784 Registered Users
Forum Stats
19784 Members
120 Forums
101402 Topics
942715 Posts

Max Online: 1456 @ 04/10/08 05:00 PM

Generated in 0.093 seconds in which 0.009 seconds were spent on a total of 12 queries. Zlib compression enabled.