Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,051
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,051 |
Hello forum friends. The story behind this song is total nonsense but the hook line (title) is based in reality. I like shopping at Grocery Outlet (a discount grocery store). I'm hopelessly addicted to finding deals. About a year ago, they were blowing out a 100 percent juice drink called "Fave" for 99 cents for a 48 oz bottle. I bought 6 cases of 8 bottles and drank it for months. The same store had a deal on Bacardi coconut rum. The fave was sweet but not overly sweet like orange or pineapple juice and the two blended together were AMAZING! It was my favorite drink for months. Obviously "Fave and coconut rum" is not catchy but I thought of "OJ and coconut rum" and it just sang well. The melody of the opening line of the chorus popped into my head and I sang it intermittently for a few weeks. It sounded Buffett to me. So, I wrote the song, doing my best to steal Jimmy's voice, persona, and make BIAB my coral reefers. I didn't realize til I recorded it that I blew the rhyme scheme (I knew Noel would catch that), and that I stole the second line (a few stolen...) from Michael Franks (sorry Michael). Also, on first listen outside the headphones, I realize it's bass deficient. Hope you enjoy. Comments encouraged! Take care. Greg https://soundcloud.com/gjohnson-2/ojsslvocdec OJ and coconut rum She was the first girl I ever loved Since I was seventeen A few stolen kisses and several near misses Some disasters in between Hard as I tried, it just didn’t work out Then I lost my house and crashed my car Got on a silver bird and headed south And ended up here in this bar OJ and coconut rum Be hell to pay when the morning comes But that’s OK, I got nowhere to run (to) And no one to ask to forgive I’ll string a hammock between two strong trees Drift away on the island breeze Dream of adventures on the seven seas Of a life I never lived I couldn’t resist the kindness in her eyes And asked her for a dance Talked for an hour and by then I knew That she was my last chance But she was young and I was turnin’ gray Kindred spirits on two paths that crossed I’ll drink a toast now to the ones that say “Better to have loved and have lost” OJ and coconut rum Know I’ll feel better when my mind gets numb For what ails me now there ain’t no cure But that bottle can help me forget Sorry if I start to bring you down But how ‘bout bringin’ me another round Some say that drinkin’ ain’t the way to go But tonite I’ll find out for sure Some say our fate is written in the stars Decided before we arrive I only know before I leave this bar I better find somebody to drive OJ…
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 20,327
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 20,327 |
Greg, even the intro has a 'palm trees swaying in the breeze' feel.
I really liked the lyrics - somber in places, and the steel in there fitted subtlety nicely too.
And a great last verse - I really got a laugh.
Another top delivery.
Trev
BIAB & RB2025 Win.(Audiophile), Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors, AKG K271 Studio H'phones
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,348
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,348 |
Hi Greg.
Great song with a super storyline.
Excellent backing track with a particularly nice stereo wash.
Vocals well up to your usual high standard.
ROG.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139 |
Very nice Greg. Buffetty, if that's a word.  Agree on the rum, but mine is a Cuba Libre these days. Regards, Bob
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,678
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,678 |
I was able to kick back and just enjoy your song this morning after you jumped out, grabbed all the nits you could find, some visible, some not and posted them in your opening comments. Cut us off at the knees, so to speak. So, relaxed and free from critique and with my first cup of coffee, I just listened. And, I was not disappointed. This is a very good write and the song fit your vocals really nice.
Your arrangement did a good job capturing the Buffett/Chesney Island rhythm. Not a nit but just sharing another 'flavor' you may want to consider in future acoustic based songs; Alternate tuned acoustic guitars such as a double dropped D or high strung or even just a capo'd 2nd acoustic works really in this type of song.
This was a fun listen to start off the day. Enjoyed it.
Last edited by Charlie Fogle; 11/18/15 01:46 AM.
BIAB 2025:RB 2025, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,369
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,369 |
Cool tune.
The first verse had me thinking Jimmy Buffett... changes in attitudes, changes in latitudes a bit.... not enough to consider infringement.... just enough to say, hey, that sounds kinda like......
Cool story in the song.
Nits... you caught a few of your own. That's a good thing. Mixing on cans.... I do it on occasion. It's always important to listen on a well balanced monitor system. I don't take the cans off and hit the monitors. I allow at a minimum, one hour or better yet, next day since the cans are like ear candy and change your perception of the monitors.
BGV are slightly off key.
The rhyme scheme didn't really catch my attention. You have a few nice lyric lines in there regardless.
All in all, a good song, well done, and enjoyable.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,335
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,335 |
Greg, This would be well received at one of the many Tiki Bars here in Florida. I enjoyed the song with some very nice lines in there. Once again a super lead vocal. The BGV were out of tune in spots. I would have used the steel a little more sparingly as fills in the choruses only as opposed to pads throughout. As I do with all your songs, I enjoyed my listen very much. Tom
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 2,888
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 2,888 |
Hi Greg,
nice lyrics. The last verse made me laugh. I like your vocals. Nice arrangement. It transports some island feeling. A very enjoyable listen. Thanks for the background story.
Guenter
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 7,975
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 7,975 |
Awesome tune Greg. Excellent story in the lyrics
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 23,264
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 23,264 |
It's all been said so all that I can add is Jimmy Buffet has some serious competition.
I got banned from Weight Watchers for dropping a bag of M&Ms on the floor. It was the best game of Hungry Hippos I've ever seen!
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,085
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,085 |
This is a great write Greg. Love the JB influence.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 532
Journeyman
|
Journeyman
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 532 |
Greg a very enjoyable listen! I liked everything that I heard so pat yourself on the back for this one...you deserve it! Sonny
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,644
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,644 |
Excellent vocal - pretty song - well written.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 4,052
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 4,052 |
A very smooth, All-American sounding song ;-) That harmonica and steel guitar complements the arrangement very nicely!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 971
Expert
|
Expert
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 971 |
I always like hearing the song's story:)
I agree about those BGV's, but you totally captured that island vibe with this solid tune, and yet it's unique somehow. Island Country?
All I know is that I like it, a lot!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,468
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,468 |
Greg,
Great job of finding that Buffett sound/feel in BIAB! From the opening bars, it's sand and sea and umbrella drinks...
"A few stolen kisses and several near misses Some disasters in between"
I like that.
"Some say that drinkin’ ain’t the way to go But tonite I’ll find out for sure"
...and that...
The mix sounds great. Always love your vocals...
Enjoyed all of my listens.
fj
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,079
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,079 |
Greg, relaxing and chillin' music. Up to your normal high standards.
good words and vocals
enjoyed Alyn
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,410
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,410 |
"Some say our fate is written in the stars Decided before we arrive I only know before I leave this bar I better find somebody to drive"
Man, that is so cool. From high philosophical musings to cold reality in four lines. Wow.
Great, as floyd, mentioned in finding the JB sound with BiaB. Wrapped up in a fine mix also.
Wonderful story with many vibrant images -- enough for several songs!
J&B
Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more. If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks! Our Videos are here on our website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,719
Expert
|
Expert
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,719 |
Hi Greg. You certainly got the JB style off to a T. The Pacific cruising sailors in the late 70's were much into music like this. Introduced me to JB's music. Lovely job. Cheers.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,051
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,051 |
Greg, even the intro has a 'palm trees swaying in the breeze' feel.
I really liked the lyrics - somber in places, and the steel in there fitted subtlety nicely too.
And a great last verse - I really got a laugh.
Another top delivery.
Trev
Thanks Trevor. Really appreciate the kind words, and your so consistent support for my songs. Means a lot to me! Take care. Greg
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2025!
We’ve expanded the Band-in-a-Box® RealTracks library with 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 449-467) across Jazz, Blues, Funk, World, Pop, Rock, Country, Americana, and Praise & Worship—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Blues & World (Sets 449–455):
These RealTracks includes “Soul Jazz” with Neil Swainson (bass), Mike Clark (drums), Charles Treadway (organ), Miles Black (piano), and Brent Mason (guitar). Enjoy “Requested ’60s” jazz, classic acoustic blues with Colin Linden, and more of our popular 2-handed piano soloing. Plus, a RealTracks first—Tango with bandoneon, recorded in Argentina!
Rock & Pop (Sets 456–461):
This collection includes Disco, slap bass ‘70s/‘80s pop, modern and ‘80s metal with Andy Wood, and a unique “Songwriter Potpourri” featuring Chinese folk instruments, piano, banjo, and more. You’ll also find a muted electric guitar style (a RealTracks first!) and “Producer Layered Guitar” styles for slick "produced" sound.
Country, Americana & Praise (Sets 462–467):
We’ve added new RealTracks across bro country, Americana, praise & worship, vintage country, and songwriter piano. Highlights include Brent Mason (electric guitar), Eddie Bayers (drums), Doug Jernigan (pedal steel), John Jarvis (piano), Glen Duncan (banjo, mandolin & fiddle), Mike Harrison (electric bass) and more—offering everything from modern sounds to heartfelt Americana styles
Check out all the 202 New RealTracks (in sets 456-467)
And, if you are looking for more, the 2025 49-PAK (for $49) includes an additional 20 RealTracks with exciting new sounds and genre-spanning styles. Enjoy RealTracks firsts like Chinese instruments (guzheng & dizi), the bandoneon in an authentic Argentine tango trio, and the classic “tic-tac” baritone guitar for vintage country.
You’ll also get slick ’80s metal guitar from Andy Wood, modern metal with guitarist Nico Santora, bass player Nick Schendzielos, and drummer Aaron Stechauner, more praise & worship, indie-folk, modern/bro country with Brent Mason, and “Songwriter Americana” with Johnny Hiland.
Plus, enjoy user-requested styles like Soul Jazz RealDrums, fast Celtic Strathspey guitar, and Chill Hop piano & drums!
The 2025 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2025 49-PAK!
Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box 2025 for Mac!
With your version 2025 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Or upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
- The 2025 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 33 new RealTracks and 65+ new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 29 new RealTracks and 45+ new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 20 new RealStyles.
- Look Ma! More MIDI 13: Country & Americana
- Instrumental Studies Set 22: 2-Hand Piano Soloing - Rhythm Changes
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 44: Jazz Piano
- Artist Performance Set 17: Songs with Vocals 7
- Playable RealTracks Set 4
- RealDrums Stems Set 7: Jazz with Mike Clark
- SynthMaster Sounds and Styles (with audio demos)
- 128 GM MIDI Patch Audio Demos.
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyles,
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster,
- Instrumental Studies Set 23: More '80s Hard Rock Soloing,
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster
- Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8
- RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®!
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Mac!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Mac!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 9 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Windows!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Windows!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 9 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: VST3 Plugin Support
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® now includes support for VST3 plugins, alongside VST and AU. Use them with MIDI or audio tracks for even more creative possibilities in your music production.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Macs®: VST3 Plugin Support
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: Using VST3 Plugins
Join the conversation on our forum.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums58
Topics84,377
Posts778,423
Members39,632
|
Most Online25,754 Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|