Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 3 1 2 3
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,698
rsdean Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,698
Hi All,

This song was written while watching a video that Joliz shot from inside a car going through a car wash. There was just something very inspiring and contemplative about this 2 minute trip.

This is called 2 Minutes In A Car Wash.

And we thought we would also include the Video.

I rolled into a car wash
In a flood of soap and rain
A self-contained storm
Where the outcome is the same

Steam on the windshield
A ghost in the glass
Held an unlit cigarette
Saw the present and the past

The radio was static
Some broken English song
The DJ said “this is Berlin”
But I knew he got it wrong

You left me in Kreuzberg
With your paintings and your gin
You said “love's a revolution”
But you never let me in

I stayed too long at Kottbusser Tor
Thinking you'd come down
In your fashion army coat
Like a queen without a crown

Neon bleeds on cobblestones
Your name in every drip
I saw your shadow on a bar stool
And a guy with a crooked lip

Now the soap’s all in the gutters
And the world comes back in grey
This city’s got a talent
For fading things away

The glass is clean on this old wreck
It’s time to retreat
And somewhere past the Fernsehturm
The silence fills your seat

BIAB Tracks:
0700: Bass, Electric, PopHalfNotes 085
3912: Guitar, Nylon, Rhythm Songwriter 085
2811: Piano, Acoustic, Rhythm 085
RealDrums: Mallets and Cajon
Other Notes:
Pre-Production: Track Editing GarageBand & Logic Pro
Izotope Ozone 10 Elements & Ozone 11
Izotope Nectar 3 Elements for Vocals
Izotope Plasma for Instrument Tracks Processing
Bob Mic: Logitech Blue Yeti
Bob Vocals: Logic Pro
Joliz Mic: Audio Technica AT2020USB+
Joliz Vocals: GarageBand
Waves: Vocal Rider
Final Track Mix & Master: Logic Pro

As always - thanks for listening!

Bob

User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,398
Veteran
Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,398
Super sweet vignette, Bob! Like how simply your vocals are placed on this one. Can hear two guitars in stereo but only one credit, was that the same RT both times? Love the warmth of the two acoustics like that. Very nice!


DC Ron
BiaB Audiophile
Presonus Studio One
ASUS I9-12900K DAW, 32 GB RAM
Presonus Faderport 16
Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,292
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,292
Bob, this was fantastic
Super spoken word song - great job on that
Great video
Super mix
Loved it.


Principal: Your child always causes trouble in school.
Me: My child causes trouble at home, do I ever call you?

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
User Showcase
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 951
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 951
Hi Bob and Joliz! I think you really caught and represented this moment - like others where we are held in a position and given rare time to contemplate some of the deeper things in life. These times can almost be like a detox. Musically, the parts that supported this two minute reprieve so well were …
- the repetitive chord progression
- Joliz’s ahhh backing
- your nearly-spoken vocals

To me, the song felt like a calming balm. Well done!

Andrew D
PS I really appreciated the spelling of ‘grey’.

User Showcase
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,032
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,032
Reminded me a bit of one of Bob Dylan's "Dream" songs, but of course, it is uniquely you. Loved the lyrics. Great job.


Windows 11, Intel Core I5 10400, 16 gig ram, Scarlett 2i2, Sony Acid Music Studio 10, BIAB 2020 UltraPlus Pak
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,698
rsdean Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,698
Ron,

Thanks so much. We appreciate that.

Yes, two guitars, but same RT, with slightly different processing on two separate tracks. You have a good ear. smile

Bob

User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 805
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 805
That was great. What a mood...I was transported to my own car-wash experiences as a kid. Loved that. You are an incredible wordsmith and songwriter. Loved the soft Ahs. I bow to you.

User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,727
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,727
The trick is to grab inspiration out of the ordinary events and make it seem extraordinary. You did that here. How many others would have written about the simple act of getting a car washed?


You can find my music at:
www.herbhartley.com
Add 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: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,143
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,143
Hi, Bob.

Love your phrasing. You know how to make a sparse arrangement seem like a symphony.


-- David Cuny

My virtual singer development blog
Vocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?

BiaB 2025 | Windows 11 | Reaper | Way too many VSTis.
User Showcase
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 1,014
L
Expert
Online Content
Expert
L
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 1,014
Another beautiful song, Robert. The last time I washed my car, I didn't see any of this. I need to change my glasses. I'll get something more poetic!
Laurent

User Showcase
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,548
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,548
This is, quite simply, extraordinary. Your lyrics are incredible. Your performance is unbelievable, your inflections on every word is beyond accurate critical description. The video is beautiful and meditative. I was going to quote from the lyrics, but every word is right on the money, so to speak - so impossible for me to highlight just one lyrics section.

One of your best yet, if not indeed your best so far, Bob and Joliz. I hesitate to say "your best", simply because your standard is always up there. But, at the same time, I'm struggling to think of another song of yours that hit me quite like this one. In any case ... hats off. Superb spoken word from Bob, beautiful, otherworldly contribution from Joliz. I can only listen in awe.

User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,698
rsdean Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,698
Mario,

Thank you from both of us - that's very kind.

Bob

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,369
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,369
Bob, enjoyed this music-picture..all the elements were very effective in getting the listener result that I think you were wanting.


Windows 11, Intel Core i5-8600T 2.3Ghz, 16 gig ram, BIAB 2025 MegaPak, SampleTank 4, Keystation49 Kybd, Neewer NW-800 mic
User Showcase
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 4,900
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 4,900
Hey, I just realized this, Bob. Whenever I see you have a new one posted here, I smile in anticipation. IMO Souncloud has better sound, but I'm diggin' your videos too. Your story telling reminds me of early Joni, and I love it. Your lryics are so poetic and engaging. Joliz adds so much goodness. Somehow you always cleverly manage to create the best melodies for each one.


Enjoy whatever happens!
marty

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@babumusic51
SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/marty-straub
Band in a Box, Reaper, Cakewalk, Ozone 12, EZDrummer
User Showcase
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 2,815
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 2,815
Hey, that's a German car wash - is Joliz from Berlin?

It's amazing what you came up with just by watching this short video.
Love it [Linked Image - Only viewable when logged in]

And finally found out that you have a YouTube page. I subscribed of course smile

User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,698
rsdean Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,698
Andrew,

That is very appreciated. Thanks so much from Joliz and I.

Bob

User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,698
rsdean Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,698
Rob,

That is very appreciated - thanks from both of us.

Bob

User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,796
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,796
Bob, you are one of the best lyricist to ever put pen to paper.

fj

User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,698
rsdean Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,698
Beth,

That is so kind of you... Thank you from both Joliz and I.

Bob

User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,698
rsdean Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,698
Herb,

Joliz & I appreciate that. Thanks so much.

Bob

Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 3 1 2 3

Link Copied to Clipboard
ChatPG

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.

PG Music News
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!

Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!

We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!

Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.

Another exciting new addition is the new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.

There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!

Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!

Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.

If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!

Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!

Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!

We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can process an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!

There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.

When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.

Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.

Happy New Year!

Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.

Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!

Season's Greetings!

Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!

The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.

Team PG

Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window

In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.

Watch the video.

You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!

Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe

This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.

Watch the video.

You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!

Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®

With your version 2026 for Windows Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 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 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK: -For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles. -For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles. -For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
  • MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
  • MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
  • Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
  • Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
  • Playable RealTracks Set 5
  • RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
  • SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
  • Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)

Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:


  • 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
  • FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
  • MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
  • MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
  • Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
  • Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
  • RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
  • SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)

Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics85,756
Posts795,858
Members39,952
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
Newest Members
Tigerlily, BB Wilbur, anonymously, TinaLBZ, Guitarzan26
39,951 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 169
DC Ron 109
Noel96 106
rsdean 105
dcuny 100
DrDan 86
Today's Birthdays
There are no members with birthdays on this day.
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5