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In the past I had a couple of opportunities to work together with Andrew Gold. For those of you who don’t know who Andrew was, he was a multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter who influenced much of the Los Angeles dominated pop/soft rock sound in the 70s. He performed on scores of tracks by other artists, especially Linda Ronstadt, and had his own success with hits like “Lonely Boy”, “Thank You For Being A Friend” (which became the theme song of the Golden Girls TV sitcom) and “Never Let Her Slip Away”, which in my opinion is the best ever love song written. In the 80s, Andrew had further success mostly in Europe as one half of WAX, a collaboration with 10cc’s Graham Gouldman, with huge hits like “Right Between The Eyes” and “Bridge To Your Heart”.
I sent Andrew a couple of my demo recordings and he found this song “Did You Get What You Want” promising. In 2004 he invited me over to his home studio in Studio City near L.A. We spent 4 unforgettable days (and nights) together recording this track. I learned so much from him. His sense of humor was awesome. Of course, his musical talents were too. Sadly, Andrew passed away in 2011. This video is kind of like the “making of” this song. Andrew was a great person and we became good friends. Btw, I got to sing the last "Did You Get What You Want" in the song. I hope you enjoy this video and like the song.
It's amazing what can happen when talent gets involved...and props to you for writing a fine lyric
No prosody issues here Rob LOLOL
Steve
Creators of music have a responsibility to their craft. When they have finished using all the notes and words, they must pass them down to the next generation with a simple request. “Use these to create new music.”...Steven McDonald
Hi Mike, before we started Andrew asked me what I wanted the song to sound like. I said a little bit of Andrew, a little bit of WAX and I mentioned a few others too, including ELO. I'm glad you like it. We did that song in 2004. In 2006 we worked on a couple of others. My wife wanted to do some sightseeing in L.A. while I was in the studio. On our first day she came with me and just wanted to say hello to Andrew. She quickly noticed something magical was happening and she spent the whole time with us in the studio. This guy was absolutely amazing. He was suffering from cancer but as far as I know, he died of a heart attack.
The video looks like some insight into the 'layering' or 'piecing together' that is possible in a studio. The Song itself has good Structure, 'Enough' Repetition to supply listener-relatable Structure, Enough Change to keep it interesting. I think ending about 4:40 would give you a recording about 3:40 long, The four minute version would play live, but to get radio to play it you would want a shorter version. A great memory, and shows that your creative talents have long been appreciable by other creatives whose opinions merit respect. I raise a glass to you and the late Andrew Gold.
There will always be another song to be written. Someone will write it. Why not you? www.garyeandrews.com
Andrew Gold was a Just Plain Folks member and a JPF Award winner. He performed a song from his winning album and an acoustic guitar version of Lonely Boy shortly before he unexpectedly passed away.
His music break on "You're No Good" (he arranged and played nearly every instrument on that recording) is still one of my all time favorites.
Brian Austin Whitney Founder Just Plain Folks jpfolkspro@gmail.com Skype: Brian Austin Whitney Facebook: www.facebook.com/justplainfolks
"Don't sit around and wait for success to come to you... it doesn't know the way." -Brian Austin Whitney
"It's easier to be the bigger man when you actually are..." -Brian Austin Whitney
"Sometimes all you have to do to inspire humans to greatness is to give them a reason and opportunity to do something great." -Brian Austin Whitney
Sorry, I didn't notice a few more people responded here.
Gary, yes, I had my little video camera with me in the studio. There were no smartphones back then. I had recorded about 2-3 hours during our 4-day recording session and later put together this "the making of" video. The song actually got a lot of radio airplay worldwide even though it was so long. I'm not sure if it was because of the song or because of Andrew. I had the time of my life with him. He taught me so much about songwriting, recording, mixing and producing.
Brian, I didn't know Andrew was a JPF member. Wow. My wife and I got short "private concerts" in his studio during the breaks. He would just grab a guitar or play on his piano and start singing. His album "All This And Heaven Too" is probably one of the best albums ever produced. He played most of the instruments himself on that album. The guy was absolutely amazing and just plain fun to work with.
Very kewl video!!!............. ya know, when people played their instruments?? LOL I can't talk, all I can play is guitar and a little piano, but afterall, someone has to write the song!!! (smile)
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"I have dreamed a lot of things that have come true for other people, because I didn't take the action to make them come true for me." –Brian Austin Whitney
