We also have a video for this song, link at the bottom of this post.
Black Crack in the Wall (2020, Christiane Spruit)
Wheels are turning now it's all coming to ground What we needed, we don't need it anymore
Our children playing while the dust clouds falling down burned their dreams in the backyard of the mall
Days of laughter I still hear the echo down the hall from the good old days we had before the fall
Black crack in the wall It won't happen again they call They scale the city walls burning bridges and the flames are rising tall We've seen the black crack in the wall
All the answers they are blowing in the wind All the songs we heard and all the songs we sing Words are burning we all saw the writing on the wall HISTORY repeats itself, for us all
Wow - what a tune! Enormously powerful vocals, with superb harmonies that are instantly ear-grabbing. Definitely getting a bit of a Pat Benatar vibe on this one, which is definitely a good thing in my books.
A STRONG lyric delivered with a power packed emotive vocal and supported by a great lead guitar performance. The outro is is a great example of vocals and an instrumental solo working perfectly in tandem. The entire production is nailed...everything, the band, the vocal/guitar performances and the mix.
A song that should be heard by many not just for the message but for the musicality of it also.
And that acoustic intro...yeah.
The video's sparseness helps drive the message home.
Y'all NEVER fail to deliver!
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.
Dave & Chris, another gem. I guess it is more on the rock side of the blues. I hear a little more rage in Chris vocals, definitely makes this tune more powerful. Guitar work is excellent. I like raw acoustic feel mixed in. Overall, I can only look up to you two and learn
P.S. Since you mentioned "all comments"... I liked the opening with acoustic, it felt different and good, however it felt like all instruments come in little two soon. A part of me wants to hear more of that acoustic. If it was my choice, I would let vocal and keys join the guitar and then all other instruments come at 0:27 on drum roll. Just 2 cents of opinion
Excellent tune with fresh approach! Thank you for sharing.
What a terrific song ... in every possible way. The lyric is strong. As always, Chris' voice is strong on emotion and so nice to the ear. And your guitar work, Dave, is so sweet! The tracks and mix are done so nicely. This is strong! What a great listen!
Any performer, ANY PERFORMER -- instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, whatever -- who deliberately and purposefully creates a song that addresses the terrifying presence of racism ANYWHERE on this globe, as directly, as courageously, as fiercely, and with such unapologetic righteousness as you two did in your 'buck-stops-here' song, Black Crack in the Wall, deserves a humble, grateful and respectful bow from me! In fact, I'll 'do you one better': I got your back on this .
I'm gonna give you a moment to read what I wrote so you can feel the truth, the urgency of what I wrote above...
Okay, time's up !!! And now, the 'kudos'. Thank you for your courage. Thank you for your obvious(?) concern about the rise of violent racism in this world. Thank you for not second-guessing your instincts. Thank you for joining the masses of people all over this globe who are trying to calm everybody down so we can clear our heads and start listening to our hearts. Thank you !!!
'blueattitude', you play your guitars as though someone was trying to take them away from you, but I am glad you defended yourself and held onto them . Practice pays off, right???
Ms. Spruitt, Ms. Spruitt, Ms. Spruitt...Listening to you exhorting the message behind the lyrics and the dialogue that appears in the video, caused me to think of you as a singing Joan of Arc. The emotional committment you poured into your voice was utterly striking and empowering (to me, at least). Thank you!
As of this moment, this very moment in time, I regard both of you as musical artists who clearly are not afraid to speak out on what concerns you according to the dictates of your conscience. I mean it. If I had medals on hand, I'd pin them on your breast -- uh, I mean, only on 'blueattitude's' breast, Ms. Spruitt .
God bless you, God keep you, God love you, God protect you, and thank you (yet, again) for applying your musical skills towards the solution of a seemingly insoluable social problem.
As forum members 'Bud & Janice' exclaimed, Black Crack in the Wall is "...a song that should be heard by many not just for the message, but for the musicality of it also". Hearin' ya' loud an' clear, 'Bud & Janice'!!!
With my utmost respect and deepest sincerity,
LOREN (a.k.a. 'bluage')
Last edited by bluage; 02/28/2006:41 PM.
"Music is what feelings sound like."-- borrowed from a Cakewalk Music Creator forum member, "Mamabear".
Is that a pick scrape to accompany "...history..."? If it's not then you might address the sound or the distortion of the voice. Terrific song, playing & singing. No nits other than the above. COOL.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
Love the sound from your acoustic. This is an excellent song. As always Chris has an awesome vocal and very cool lyric. Loved your guitar work on this. Took the song to another level. Well done
Wow - what a tune! Enormously powerful vocals, with superb harmonies that are instantly ear-grabbing. Definitely getting a bit of a Pat Benatar vibe on this one, which is definitely a good thing in my books.
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
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!
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
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!
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!
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!
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!
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
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