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Posted By: tommyad The Waterline - 05/09/16 05:53 PM
I took some time off from posting. I have been very busy working and then spending every dime seeing the world. Back for a few weeks then gone again. I have a lot of catching up to do and look forward to going back through all the songs. There is some great stuff being put up here. It is also great to see so many newcomers. I am anxiously awaiting my 2016 Mac version. Every year it keeps getting better and opens up the floodgates to new creations. This is a simple straightforward song with a lot of little things going on in the background. Good to be posting again and hope y’all like it. Tom


https://soundcloud.com/tommyad/the-waterline


http://tommyadamsmusic.com/music


http://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=13374597




2046:Piano, Acoustic, Solo-Accompaniment CountryPopJohn Ev 120
405:Guitar, Acoustic, Strumming Ev 120
618:Fiddle, Background Allis Ev 120
877:Fiddle, Soloist CountryRob Ev 120
2533:Guitar, Acoustic, HeldChords
Royalty Free Loops, Multitrack Instrument and Song Files and Multitrack Drums from Drums on Demand and Bass on Demand


Lead Vocal, Harmony Vocal, Electric, Acoustic and Steel Guitar : Tom Adams


Recorded in Logic Pro x
Alloy2, Nectar2
Mastered with Ozone6




The Waterline


Wish I didn’t know what I had coming

I’d like to say that this time I was wrong

Any old fool could see she’ll be leaving me

Yeah she’ll be gone before too long


Staring at the peaceful waters

On the surface it looks fine

The deeper you go it’s dark and man it’s cold

Underneath the waterline


I hate to think about another sleepless night

I’d disappear now if I could

Can’t turn off my mind it’s working overtime

Lately I’m afraid she’s gone for good


Looking at the peaceful waters

On the surface it looks fine

The deeper you go it’s dark and man it’s cold

Underneath the waterline


(Instrumental Bridge)


Looking at the peaceful waters

On the surface it looks fine

The deeper you go it’s dark and man it’s cold

Underneath the waterline

©2016 Thomas Adams
Posted By: Greg Johnson Re: The Waterline - 05/09/16 05:59 PM
TOM ADAMS IS BACK IN TOWN!!!!! Welcome back Tommy, you were missed!! Great sound, great metaphor, and great execution. Mix is crisp and beautiful, and your vocal has never been better. Another in a great string of gems!! WONDERFUL!! Take care. Greg
Posted By: Greg Johnson Re: The Waterline - 05/09/16 06:00 PM
In all my excitement, I forgot to rave about how great the guitars were. They were GREAT!!! Take care. Greg
Posted By: Guitarhacker Re: The Waterline - 05/09/16 09:44 PM
Man I love this. The what the drums start it..... perfect.

Country rock at it's finest. Loved that perfectly tuned full sounding rhythm you got going there. You know for a fact that you're hearing strings in perfect tune.

That snare is killing me. It's the only nit I have. Sounds compressed or something. Open it up a bit. Maybe it's just the repetition.

Oh my, my, my.... the steel takes me back to Riders of the Purple Sage.

Already on play #3 consecutive. They just don't write stuff like this in Nashville anymore. Well, maybe they do, they just ain't letting it get to the radio.

Did I mention I love this tune? Every song you put up here is my new favorite song that I wish I had written.

Edit: So when I shut the song off..... my wife yelled up the steps.... "Who is that?" I told her.... some guy on the PG forum from Florida.... she said you sound like Kick Brooks. That's a compliment. A big one.
Posted By: Trygve Larsen Re: The Waterline - 05/09/16 10:03 PM
Really a crisp and top quality country song u have here Tom !! Enjoyed my listen...
Posted By: Carolyne Re: The Waterline - 05/09/16 11:40 PM
Wonderful writing. Absolutely wonderful. "The deeper you go, man it's cold, underneath the Waterline." Poetic and Poignant.
-Carolyne
Posted By: PeterF Re: The Waterline - 05/09/16 11:42 PM
Tom
Great song - excellent metaphors - brilliant vocals and steel playing.

Not sure if it's my set up but lost the lead guitar volume wise at the start of the solo? - the steel was good level.

Anyway a wonderful song.
Posted By: RnAM Re: The Waterline - 05/10/16 08:34 AM
good to have you back Tommy,
and you surely picked a good one for it, we love everything about it, the pedal steel guitar, the beautifully blended voices, the fiddle.
One of your best we think!
Posted By: AudioTrack Re: The Waterline - 05/10/16 08:58 AM
Tommy

Right up to your usual great standard

The melody and rhythm is just perfect.

Great arrangement. Perfect selection of tracks.

And what a great realistic theme for a song.

Country at its best.
Posted By: Charlie Fogle Re: The Waterline - 05/10/16 09:03 AM
What a peaceful, easy feeling song. This is real country rock sound. You didn't lose any of your touch during your absence. Classic Tom; great write, mix, performance and production. You set a high standard. Enjoyed this from start to finish--several times so far. One of my favorites from you.
Posted By: boehm Re: The Waterline - 05/10/16 10:53 AM
Hi Tommy,

what a great country rock song. Lyrics, vocals, harmonies, arrangement, playing and mix are your usual high standard.
And the drums just sound awesome.
Already enjoyed several listens.
Good to have you back.

Guenter
Posted By: ROG Re: The Waterline - 05/10/16 12:34 PM
Hi Tom.

Great to see you back and with SUCH a good song.

You got everything absolutely right - inspired lyrics, excellent vocals and super guitar work, especially the steel. Great production and mix too, just to finish it off.

Hey, if seeing the world brings you to the UK, give me a shout. Nowhere is far from anywhere else in England!

ROG.
Posted By: gruverider Re: The Waterline - 05/10/16 06:42 PM
Just a super job! Wonderful song and strong chorus. And the production is off the charts!

Loved it!
Posted By: David Snyder Re: The Waterline - 05/10/16 06:52 PM
Great song production and vocals. I hope you enjoyed your travels!!
Posted By: tommyad Re: The Waterline - 05/10/16 07:13 PM
Originally Posted By: Greg Johnson
TOM ADAMS IS BACK IN TOWN!!!!! Welcome back Tommy, you were missed!! Great sound, great metaphor, and great execution. Mix is crisp and beautiful, and your vocal has never been better. Another in a great string of gems!! WONDERFUL!! Take care. Greg
Thanks Greg. Your strong support and kind reviews always make me smile. Tom
Originally Posted By: Guitarhacker
Man I love this. The what the drums start it..... perfect.

Country rock at it's finest. Loved that perfectly tuned full sounding rhythm you got going there. You know for a fact that you're hearing strings in perfect tune.

That snare is killing me. It's the only nit I have. Sounds compressed or something. Open it up a bit. Maybe it's just the repetition.

Oh my, my, my.... the steel takes me back to Riders of the Purple Sage.

Already on play #3 consecutive. They just don't write stuff like this in Nashville anymore. Well, maybe they do, they just ain't letting it get to the radio.

Did I mention I love this tune? Every song you put up here is my new favorite song that I wish I had written.

Edit: So when I shut the song off..... my wife yelled up the steps.... "Who is that?" I told her.... some guy on the PG forum from Florida.... she said you sound like Kick Brooks. That's a compliment. A big one.
First of all, tell the wife thanks. When I saw NRPS live with Buddy Cage on steel I went out and made my worst trade ever a 63 Gibson ES335 for a junker steel. In the end it worked out OK but I definitely have kicked myself over the trade. I tried to push the envelope on the drum sound and it is probably too loud. The snare could be less boxy. It was done on purpose to try and give a more modern updated sound. At least that's what I intended. Thanks for the great review. Much appreciated. Tom
Posted By: rayc Re: The Waterline - 05/12/16 08:02 AM
Well written and recorded.
Ozone is a pretty good program, does it have a de esser? It may be my ears, (or the Sennheiser h/phones), tonight but there seems to be a lot of sibilance.
You playing over the top of the BIAB stuff is uniformly spot on.
Cheers
rayc
Posted By: floyd jane Re: The Waterline - 05/12/16 08:57 AM
Well, geez, Tom... you're setting that bar just a little too high, dontcha think?

Your production skills have gone through the roof.

The interplay between your Telecaster (nice picture!) and your steel is perfect. The guitar on the outro is especially nice. Your steel work throughout is a true standout. That snare is perfect.

Your vocals get better with each song. As do your harmonies (stellar!).

Nice write. You (like Bob) capture a lot in a few words.

Did I miss anything? ..likely... wouldn't want that hat to get TOO small...

floyd



(PS - thanks for noticing the signature lick in "The Heart Stops Here"... no one else seemed to catch that... smile )

Posted By: tommyad Re: The Waterline - 05/12/16 11:26 AM
Originally Posted By: Trygve Larsen
Really a crisp and top quality country song u have here Tom !! Enjoyed my listen...
T, Glad you liked it. Thanks, Tom
Originally Posted By: Carolyne
Wonderful writing. Absolutely wonderful. "The deeper you go, man it's cold, underneath the Waterline." Poetic and Poignant.
-Carolyne
What a nice thing to say. Thanks Carolyne. Tom
Originally Posted By: PeterF
Tom
Great song - excellent metaphors - brilliant vocals and steel playing.

Not sure if it's my set up but lost the lead guitar volume wise at the start of the solo? - the steel was good level.

Anyway a wonderful song.
Peter, The problem must have been at your end. Thanks for listening and commenting. Tom
Posted By: 90 dB Re: The Waterline - 05/12/16 02:00 PM
Love this one Thomas, you old metaphoric sonofagun! I'm glad you traded that 335 for a steel! grin

As always, tone to die for.


Regards,

Bob
Posted By: HearToLearn Re: The Waterline - 05/12/16 04:32 PM
This had me going back to read again what you were using. It just sounds so good. I'm a little disappointed to see I was especially impressed with YOUR parts! That means I can't use them frown That beings, said I agree with what's been said. Bottom line, great job!
Posted By: Pat Marr Re: The Waterline - 05/12/16 08:31 PM
Hey Tommy! Welcome back! I want to hear all about your travels!

Until then, let's talk about your song!

I missed the part about the tracks you played before listening, but I figured it out right away .. especially based on how well the pedal steel flowed! You are the real deal, and this is exactly how I most enjoy hearing BIAB being used: as a vehicle for combining RT and one's own playing !

Yeah as other have already commented, I love the imagery here.. really I love everything about the song... you are one more person on the forum who should be famous.

I'll echo ROG's invitation: if your travels take you through NC, you are always welcome to stop here!
Posted By: dani48 Re: The Waterline - 05/12/16 10:04 PM
Hi, Tommy !

Been away myself
so I might have
missed something
but luckily not this
gem of yours !!!:))

How I do like your
vocals, the mix is
also pro !:))

Cheers
Dani
Posted By: animarorecords Re: The Waterline - 05/13/16 03:49 AM
Hello, Tom

I listened your song for the first time.
It is wonderful to play the pedal Steel by yourself and the play is so professional. I was really amazed.
It’s great sound and great play. Mixdown is clear and beautiful, and your vocal is so nice.
Enjoyed my listen a lot.

Best Regards.

Shigeki Adachi
Posted By: tommyad Re: The Waterline - 05/13/16 06:08 PM
Originally Posted By: RnAM
good to have you back Tommy,
and you surely picked a good one for it, we love everything about it, the pedal steel guitar, the beautifully blended voices, the fiddle.
One of your best we think!
RnAM, Thanks. Much appreciated. Tom
Originally Posted By: VideoTrack
Tommy

Right up to your usual great standard

The melody and rhythm is just perfect.

Great arrangement. Perfect selection of tracks.

And what a great realistic theme for a song.

Country at its best.

Thanks a lot. Just kept it simple. Tom
Originally Posted By: Charlie Fogle
What a peaceful, easy feeling song. This is real country rock sound. You didn't lose any of your touch during your absence. Classic Tom; great write, mix, performance and production. You set a high standard. Enjoyed this from start to finish--several times so far. One of my favorites from you.
Charlie, I know you know country. So I'm very pleased you liked it. Thanks for your strong support. Tom
Posted By: 44kfl Re: The Waterline - 05/13/16 06:27 PM
Man, talk about raising the bar! this one sounds just about perfect.
The guitars are great, steel is outta site, harmonies right on. Vocals solid country. Solid writing. Pretty darned good.

Kenny
Posted By: tommyad Re: The Waterline - 05/14/16 09:34 AM
Originally Posted By: boehm
Hi Tommy,

what a great country rock song. Lyrics, vocals, harmonies, arrangement, playing and mix are your usual high standard.
And the drums just sound awesome.
Already enjoyed several listens.
Good to have you back.

Guenter
Thanks, Guenter. I appreciate your comments. Tom
Originally Posted By: ROG
Hi Tom.

Great to see you back and with SUCH a good song.

You got everything absolutely right - inspired lyrics, excellent vocals and super guitar work, especially the steel. Great production and mix too, just to finish it off.

Hey, if seeing the world brings you to the UK, give me a shout. Nowhere is far from anywhere else in England!

ROG.
ROG, Thanks for the kind words and yes the UK is on my list. Tom
Originally Posted By: gruverider
Just a super job! Wonderful song and strong chorus. And the production is off the charts!

Loved it!
Lawrence, So glad you liked it. Tom
Posted By: tommyad Re: The Waterline - 05/14/16 06:46 PM
Originally Posted By: David Snyder
Great song production and vocals. I hope you enjoyed your travels!!
Thanks David. Tom
Originally Posted By: rayc
Well written and recorded.
Ozone is a pretty good program, does it have a de esser? It may be my ears, (or the Sennheiser h/phones), tonight but there seems to be a lot of sibilance.
You playing over the top of the BIAB stuff is uniformly spot on.
Cheers
rayc
Ray, Thanks for listening. Yes ozone has a desser that I sometimes forget to engage. I'll be thinking of that more in the future. Tom
Originally Posted By: floyd jane
Well, geez, Tom... you're setting that bar just a little too high, dontcha think?

Your production skills have gone through the roof.

The interplay between your Telecaster (nice picture!) and your steel is perfect. The guitar on the outro is especially nice. Your steel work throughout is a true standout. That snare is perfect.

Your vocals get better with each song. As do your harmonies (stellar!).

Nice write. You (like Bob) capture a lot in a few words.

Did I miss anything? ..likely... wouldn't want that hat to get TOO small...

floyd



(PS - thanks for noticing the signature lick in "The Heart Stops Here"... no one else seemed to catch that... smile )

Thanks floyd. The head thing only lasts a couple of days then the hats begin to fit again. Tom
Posted By: tommyad Re: The Waterline - 05/16/16 12:08 PM
Originally Posted By: 90 dB
Love this one Thomas, you old metaphoric sonofagun! I'm glad you traded that 335 for a steel! grin

As always, tone to die for.


Regards,

Bob
Thanks Bob. In the big picture the trade worked out. The Steel kept me working for a long time. Tom
Originally Posted By: HearToLearn
This had me going back to read again what you were using. It just sounds so good. I'm a little disappointed to see I was especially impressed with YOUR parts! That means I can't use them frown That beings, said I agree with what's been said. Bottom line, great job!
HTL, Thanks for listening and commenting. I appreciate it. Tom
Posted By: Janice & Bud Re: The Waterline - 05/17/16 03:15 PM
Tom, this is a terrific over the top production. Your vocals, steel and guitar take this to a
wonderful place. I love RT's but the way you can support a song with your touch on the
strings is amazing. You have a signature sound irrespective of the genre.

The first two lines had us from the git-go. Well actually I was had by drums at the intro.
I've been struggling with drum processing ALL morning. I'm on a tottering step ladder
and I can't reach that drum bar you established.

Rog said it all "You got everything exactly right!"

And what an addition to our SoundCloud playlist.

J&B
Posted By: tommyad Re: The Waterline - 05/18/16 09:11 AM
Originally Posted By: Pat Marr
Hey Tommy! Welcome back! I want to hear all about your travels!

Until then, let's talk about your song!

I missed the part about the tracks you played before listening, but I figured it out right away .. especially based on how well the pedal steel flowed! You are the real deal, and this is exactly how I most enjoy hearing BIAB being used: as a vehicle for combining RT and one's own playing !

Yeah as other have already commented, I love the imagery here.. really I love everything about the song... you are one more person on the forum who should be famous.

I'll echo ROG's invitation: if your travels take you through NC, you are always welcome to stop here!
Hi Pat, Thanks for the nice words. As you know I have family in Raleigh and will no doubt show up some day for a visit. Tom
Originally Posted By: dani48
Hi, Tommy !

Been away myself
so I might have
missed something
but luckily not this
gem of yours !!!:))

How I do like your
vocals, the mix is
also pro !:))

Cheers
Dani
Dani, I hope you enjoyed your trip to Spain as much as I enjoyed mine. Thanks for checking in. Tom
Originally Posted By: animarorecords
Hello, Tom

I listened your song for the first time.
It is wonderful to play the pedal Steel by yourself and the play is so professional. I was really amazed.
It’s great sound and great play. Mixdown is clear and beautiful, and your vocal is so nice.
Enjoyed my listen a lot.

Best Regards.

Shigeki Adachi
Shigeki, Glad to hear from you. Thanks for the kind words. Tom
Posted By: tommyad Re: The Waterline - 05/18/16 05:43 PM
Originally Posted By: 44kfl
Man, talk about raising the bar! this one sounds just about perfect.
The guitars are great, steel is outta site, harmonies right on. Vocals solid country. Solid writing. Pretty darned good.

Kenny
Kenny, Thanks for the nod. I always look forward to what you have to say. Tom
Originally Posted By: Janice & Bud
Tom, this is a terrific over the top production. Your vocals, steel and guitar take this to a
wonderful place. I love RT's but the way you can support a song with your touch on the
strings is amazing. You have a signature sound irrespective of the genre.

The first two lines had us from the git-go. Well actually I was had by drums at the intro.
I've been struggling with drum processing ALL morning. I'm on a tottering step ladder
and I can't reach that drum bar you established.

Rog said it all "You got everything exactly right!"

And what an addition to our SoundCloud playlist.

J&B
J&B, You both know I hold your opinion in high regard. Thanks, Tom
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