Crusader (Emily's Song)

[Jeff]

Okay, this is not even a rough draft. I had two hours this morning, so I thought I'd do a guitar test. Emily's song will have no synth sounds in it, so I needed to see if I could get a convincing mix using only guitar tones, drums, and vocals. I looped nine measures--the length of one trip through the verse--and sang the opening of the song. The timing is a little off, but don't mind that. I will scrap all this if the tones aren't right. I'll rerecord it if it works.

This is really just an instrumentation and tone test. Please tell me what you think.

Crusader (Emily’s Song) {Test vocal}

You should be afraid of me
I could bring such misery (Just Misery)
Just leave me alone
Just don’t leave me alone

I never said I approved of you
All the selfish things you do.
I just want to go home
I just don’t want to go home


Links:
www.savefile.com/files/3662340
And in the yahoo briefcase

Jeff...

[Jeff]

Hello Everyone,

This was my last night to really work on anything, so I picked my guitar song. I won’t downplay any of my work except to say that this is a work in progress. (I really wish I could play guitar, though.) I like this song. As it's shaping up it sounds a little like Radiohead meets Matthew Sweet. Anyway, this is supposed to be the most upbeat song on Rearview in the Rain. This song is for Emily.

www.savefile.com/files/4581683
Also in the yahoo briefcase

Crusader (test vocal)

Breathe in
Act natural
Act natural
Like no one knows
Like no one knows

Breathe out
Talk natural
Talk natural
Like no one knows
No one knows

Crusader
Crusader
You could be the one
To make it all work out

Crusader
Crusader
Baby, it’s your world
We’re living in


PS Sony Acid Pro 6.0! Just when I thought Tracktion was my recording program, Sony comes out with a truly inspiring update to the recording program I know the best. I did half of the song (the guitars) in Tracktion and the vocals and synths in Acid.

PPS The vocals have evolved. I think they are more sophisticated this way, and I like the verse melody a hell of a lot better.

PPPS I squashed the sound a little too much during mixing, but I didn't do any mastering on it. That's the step where I diagnose and correct such problems. But I'm too tired this morning. The final version will have more air.

[Jeff]

I fixed most of the compression problem. But savefile won't let me update. If you are going to listen to it, please get it from the yahoo briefcase.

Oh, I am going to put up the radio station in a moment. I have to get the house ready for the girls who are coming home tomorrow. And I like to dance while I do dishes and such.

Jeff

[Jeff]

Compression fixed version is now on savefile site: www.savefile.com/files/4581683

[mj]

I really like this song, Jeff. I thought it had a bit of a Depeche Mode Ultra vibe... but maybe I was just having a DM kind of day. Either way, great song, as per usual.

[Jeff]

Thanks, Amanda, I like this one too. I am still learning how to write songs for guitars but I'm getting better at it.

As for the DM angle, I hear a synth section that is kind of a cool off after the chorus. I put the repeated guitar line in there at the end to hint about the general feel of this part of the song. That is where I hear a little DM influence. It's the same guitar line that plays at the beginning of the song. I will flesh out a separate part for that guitar sound later on.

Anyway, I've done some image hunting tonight to find something that captures the idea of the song. I've got three. Since you've expressed some interest in the song, I am going to ask you to help me choose. I'll post them one at a time. Here's the first:

[Jeff]

The famous Delacroix. I think it's called Entry of the Crusaders into Constantinople. But I'm not sure. What I always fixate on is the compassion of the horse:

[Jeff]

This one may be my favorite. What do you think:

[sarah]

Jeff-

I can never get these to open (any of the savefiles)! Does God hate a MAC?

-Sarah

[Jeff]

Sarah,

You aren't the first to complain about the savefile site. My friend Lonnie also has trouble getting her PC to nab the files. I've never had a problem with it, except sometimes when I try to modify or delete files.

Well, I guess I do sometimes forget that it takes two clicks on two screens to start the DL; I wish it only took one.

If you want to listen to these songs, they are in the yahoo briefcase. The login is indigenet and the password I'll PM to you.

Thanks for being interested!

Jeff

[sarah]

Jeff-
In general, I don't feel that artists need outside validation of their work, but when someone creates a piece that I admire, I like to tell them so...

I listened to all of the songs in the briefcase and was continually impressed by what I heard. The overall imagery that your music brings to mind is Dave McKean, a visual artist that works with mixed media. Highlights for me:

Somewhere on Mars had nice layering, and yet you manage to maintain clarity; I really like the haunting qualities in Decision and the discordant in Sympath; I definitely was feeling Datta5 and Crusader... and I would have to agree with Amanda, methinks I heard DM. If you haven't heard their most recent album, Playing the Angel, it's well worth it.

Anyway, just the random opinions of an ignorant audience member. Do you have the lyrics posted somewhere for the other songs?

Thanks for opportunity!

Sarah

[Jeff]

Sarah,

I didn't know how to respond because you used the A-word on me. In my own estimation, I am not very talented, though I do write a lot of music. I side with Blake, who says the fool who would persist in his folly would become wise. I wish Justin and Ryan and Chris had more time to work on their music and post it here. They could show you the real stuff. But thanks so much for the kind words.

As for lyrics, I try to post them as I finish them. I am still working on Crusader. And to that end, here is an attempt to play up the DM influence in the synth line that you and Amanda heard. This is just a few bars of the break. Also, I found a new filesharing service. Tell me if this one works better for you:

www.zshare.net/audio/crusader-synth-work-mp3.html

It streams!!

[sarah]

Jeff-
I must confess that I had only one worry associated with my post: that I might have offended you by presuming to comment on your work. Thanks for alleviating my worry, and humoring me- my ignorance is a constant source of frustration.
The zshare fileserver worked well on PC, but I will have to try it on the MAC at work.

Pax,

Sarah

"O that I were a fool!" -Shakespeare, As You Like It, Act II, Scene VII

[Jeff]

Presume away! That's what the board is here for. I love it when people say something about the things I post. The worst is when you work for days thinking you have something good and it brings nothing but silence. Still, even that can be helpful.

Jeff

[mj]

Jeff, I actually like the first image you posted a bundle, but the one you deemed your favorite is nice, too. Oh, and I can't stop listening to Crusader. Great song. Truly.

[Jeff]

Okay, I'll use the first one.

I like this song, too, Amanda. I am afraid to finish it because I figure that I am probably just going to screw it up.

Jeff