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#847825 03/28/25 06:19 PM
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Never Been So Easy


Another really quick one - just under an hour and a half. One reason it was so quick is I used the tracks that were indigenous to the style - didn't add or remove anything. Just typed in the chords (already had the pattern in my head) and pressed "Generate". Then about 10 minutes of minor touch-up (three multi-rifs). Sent it to Audacity and did a small amount of EQ-ing. Saved it and sent the WAV file to Soundcloud, mastered it and here it is. About an hour and 25 minutes all total.

It's a very simple song with a relatively basic chord pattern.

One question: On the chorus, I added a little punch to the kick drum (EQ). Too much? I kinda like it. whatcha think? Overall, the drums are perhaps a little louder than some folks might prefer. It works for me, but open to other opinions.



Co-Conspirators:

File:Never Been So Easy.SGU

Key=D , Tempo 100, Length (m:s)=2:43

Style is _DUSTY4.STY (Dusty Even-8 Country Rock Solo)

RealTracks in style: 2915:Bass, Electric CountryPopByron12-key Ev 085
RealTracks in style: 3201:Guitar, Electric, Soloist LaidBackBluesyBrent Ev 100
RealTracks in style: 840:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm PopBalladClean Ev 085 (B:strum)
RealTracks in style: 2930:Guitar, Acoustic, Rhythm FolkRock8thsBrent Ev 100
RealDrums in style:BluesRockSlowEv^3-a:SideStick , b:Snare, Ride


PS: I put two effects on the lead guitar: 1. PG Music Distortion (a small amount). 2. Cakewalk Multi-Voice/Chorus.

Last edited by Al-David; 03/28/25 06:30 PM.

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Alan - 'simple song with very basic chords, quickly done' -
sure but it bears all the hallmarks of your great skills with
chords and clever BB use! All sounds really great!
Lovely chilled track - so well done in 1 1/2 hours, inspirational !!
Thanks for posting Alan,

Best, Carl

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Originally Posted by camog
Alan - 'simple song with very basic chords, quickly done' -
sure but it bears all the hallmarks of your great skills with
chords and clever BB use! All sounds really great!
Lovely chilled track - so well done in 1 1/2 hours, inspirational !!
Thanks for posting Alan,

Best, Carl


Thank you very much, Carl. I truly appreciate all those encouraging words.

I am totally ignorant of musical theory - I don't read or write notation. I just create what my ears and gut tell me. I'm delighted it sometimes turns out reasonably good. In spite of my lack of musical knowledge, I made a very good living playing lead guitar in various country bands for over 50 years.

Thanks again.

Alan


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There's a reason that 'sweet and simple' are often found together to describe something. This is both. That koala's smile was the punctuation.

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Alan, super romp, and I think the kick sounds perfect. Really nice arrangement and mix, and the lead guitar is perfectly placed. You do WAY more in an hour and a half than I do. Good one!


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Liked it alot...for my taste, I would have asked the drummer to go a little softer, maybe switch to brushes in some areas. Really enjoyed the progression. Very encouraging to listen to what an expert can do with minimal effort...I'd love to be able to do that!!


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Alan,
This is nice and easy and I could imagine myself having this on in the background while painting. Love some of the chord changes that just drew me back into listening. Can it be relaxing and captivating at the same time? It was!
Andrew

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Alan, very pleasant to listen to. As for the drums, I think they're very good. Even when you're behind, you get your share of the spotlight.
Laurent

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That's the beauty of BIAB: sometimes an idea for the chords is enough to write a pretty good song.
The mix is good too, I wouldn't change it.
And the Coala on the dirt bike is really cute smile

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Yeah, under an hour and half is quick, but not as quick as me knowing I was gonna love this. Yep, the words "Alan has a new one" doesn't even get to the second syllable of your name before I know. Simple chord progression, huh? Simply perfect, and I really like the melody that guitar plays over them. Beautifully done, Alan.


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Alan, your lack of schoolbook theory has been replaced by a more ear pleasing understanding of real world working theory. You consistently surprise me with a few chords that I would never have thought of, but butter the bread and keep me engaged. Your bandstand experience is the real key to your ability to work quickly and efficiently. The lead guitar sounds great as does the rest. I’m from the camp of turn up the drums. That’s the result of sitting next to a rock drummer in a country band who never knew the meaning of soft. I got so used to it that it ruined me for life as well as my hearing. You are the expert of these easy listening instrumentals. Stay well, Tom

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Originally Posted by BYOBand
There's a reason that 'sweet and simple' are often found together to describe something. This is both. That koala's smile was the punctuation.


Hi Beth,

It's always nice to see a comment from you. I truly appreciate your kind and encouraging words. And I just couldn't resist the panda - pretty cool!

Thanks again,

Alanm


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Originally Posted by DC Ron
Alan, super romp, and I think the kick sounds perfect. Really nice arrangement and mix, and the lead guitar is perfectly placed. You do WAY more in an hour and a half than I do. Good one!


Good morning Ron,

Thanks for the kind comments. Really nice to hear the arrangement and mix work for you.

As far as our differing time commitments to our respective songs, you have a lyric for which you must meld with your original music. Also, you usually have two other contributors whose efforts need to be blended into the project. That's a lot of three-way input that has to be resolved to everyone's satisfaction. I just have me, BIAB , and my Stromberg Monterey Jazz guitar. So, there's just one set of ears I have to make happy. Also, I have a terminally ill wife to care for, so I have o make efficient use of the limited time I have for music, plus trying to make my publisher's cut-off date for my novels. I stay busy! The sandman and I don't spend a lot of time together. I average less than four hours sleep per night. But that's what it takes! I make the best p every minute i still have with Di. That's my real reward.

All that said, your music always ranks at or near the best on the forum.


I appreciate everything you said about my song. Best to you,

Alan


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Alan,

This is excellent (as always). You bring so much to your music. Every piece just sings. Great mix, love the drums and that 3201 RT sounds tremendous!

Loved it!

Bob

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Originally Posted by Tano Music
Liked it alot...for my taste, I would have asked the drummer to go a little softer, maybe switch to brushes in some areas. Really enjoyed the progression. Very encouraging to listen to what an expert can do with minimal effort...I'd love to be able to do that!!


Hi Tom,

I appreciate the listen and nice comments. The reason I never did a
test run with brushes is that the song is meant to convey a cool, upbeat, and satisfying feeling, rather than a calm, cerebral feeling. Perhaps, controlled joy.

I'm glad you enjoyed it, nonetheless. Thanks again for the kind visit.

Alan


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Originally Posted by Andrew Dee
Alan,
This is nice and easy and I could imagine myself having this on in the background while painting. Love some of the chord changes that just drew me back into listening. Can it be relaxing and captivating at the same time? It was!
Andrew





Hi Andrew,

That's a very nice review! And i do appreciate it very much. I've always been a fast worker concerning my original music. Chords are my forte. I experiment with them constantly.

Thank you very much for the kindness!

Alan


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Originally Posted by Al-David
[quote=Andrew Dee]I've always been a fast worker concerning my original music. Chords are my forte. I experiment with them constantly.
I'm with you on that one, Alan. I reckon 80% of the time, I'm starting with a chord progression too, and I don't mind straying outside the key.
Andrew

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Gorgeous piece, Alan. I'm amazed that you put it together so quickly!


Some favourite Waoist Adages:
#1: Play on the Way.
#13: Ask not for whom the flower blooms, it blooms for you.
#58: Bring consciousness to it.
#63: On the road to effortlessness, effort must be made.
#92: Be Love Now, the rest will come on its own.
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Alan, this is a perfect example of how sometimes a quick and dirty song sounds the best. I believe that is because one doesn't polish it so much at it becomes dull.
Excellent use of RTs
Everything sounded perfect to these old ears.
Great mix.


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What Tommy said AAA+++


Cheers
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