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Waiting For Your Call Hello Forum Friends - Hope you are all well Here’s the latest from my studio of questionable choices. I attempted to write a blues song for Gerda, (of "If-it-ain't-blues-it-ain't-music" fame) But somewhere between the twelve bars and, well, me, it took a sharp left turn into "Bland Balladville". The lyrics are pure fiction, because let's face it, my real life is boring. (Or is it? Stares intensely out window). Speaking of windows - The artwork? : another dude staring out a window. Maybe I should see a therapist. Sorry for the recent song overload – I'm trying to clear out the cobwebs in my song closet.. Thanks for listening, even if it's just to laugh at my misery. Your brutally honest opinions are, as always, very welcome. Thankyou Izzy. Lyrics on Soundcloud DSPIRIT.STY (Dispirit Somber Songwriter Piano) Tempo 70 expanded to 140 in DAW POPPNOL.STY (Pop Piano Liverpool Ballad) Tempo 70 expanded to 140 in DAW Tempo 140 Key C RealDrums SongwriterSlowBrushes RealDrums NashvilleBrushesBalladpush 891 Piano - Replaced by friend 870 Guitar Electric Rhythm 1828 Guitar Acoustic rhythm 2558 Cello Background - Replaced by friend 366 Bass Electric Country Synth Strings - friend
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Hi Izzy,
I really like this. The progression is interesting; I especially like the bridge (or what I guess is the bridge). The lyrics, however fictional, certainly tap into a commonly felt experience and the 'fading against my will' says a lot. It's got a nice build but I can imagine (and in fact was hoping to feel) this developing into even more of a dramatic piece with more instrumentation and harmonies. It's already a good song (good bones so to speak) but I sense a greater potential...or maybe just a different potential.
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Hey Izzy!
Who says you need the blues when you can put out McCartney-esque ballads like this!? (Where’s that interrobang when you need it?)
I love the build up, especially into the second chorus when you change drum kits and double up on the main vocal - great stuff. I also like the delayering in the outro.
I think this one needs to go straight to the pool room!
Andrew D
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Balladville Blues. Ah, Gerda, ya gotta love it. Man, I laugh ---actually out loud-- reading your post. I really like the break with the piano and how the strings bring us back. There is Blues in there for real. All ya need is a matchbox suitcase filled with whisky at quarter to three in the morning. Yeah, get that and it's a Blues song for sure. Excellent vocal and lyrics. Love the way you built it, Izzy.
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Geez, Izzy. This BEAUTIFUL. From the subdued opening to the long last note, it's a real grabber. LOVE your vocals, and the way you punch the high notes on the chorus really encapsulates the emotion of the narrator. Super instrumental break, and the entire arrangement is spot on.
Tell Gerta you're sorry, even if you're not so much. It's the right thing to do.
DC Ron
BiaB Audiophile
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Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
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Izzy, you said "I attempted to write a blues song for Gerda, (of "If-it-ain't-blues-it-ain't-music" fame) But somewhere between the twelve bars and, well, me, it took a sharp left turn into "Bland Balladville", and I for one am glad that you did. This is a beautiful song.
Great arrangement - loved those string parts
Outstanding vocal and mix
Loved it
Whenever I get something stuck in the back of my throat, I dislodge it by drinking a beer.
It's called the Heineken Maneuver.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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Hi Izzy,
I really like this. The progression is interesting; I especially like the bridge (or what I guess is the bridge). The lyrics, however fictional, certainly tap into a commonly felt experience and the 'fading against my will' says a lot. It's got a nice build but I can imagine (and in fact was hoping to feel) this developing into even more of a dramatic piece with more instrumentation and harmonies. It's already a good song (good bones so to speak) but I sense a greater potential...or maybe just a different potential. Huge thanks, Beth! I'm glad you enjoyed the song and that the lyrics resonated with you - I was hoping to tap into that universal feeling of 'fading against my will' (aka adulting). I completely agree with you about the potential for more drama and instrumentation - I've been thinking of adding more layers, but I'm also a bit afraid of over-accessorizing and ending up with a musical equivalent of a Christmas tree that's more tinsel than tree. You've given me some great food for thought, though, and I'll definitely consider adding more harmonies and instrumentation to see if I can turn this into a full-blown epic without losing the essence of the song. Thanks again for your thoughtful feedback - it's invaluable to get insights from someone with a great ear for music! best to you Izzy
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Hey Izzy!
Who says you need the blues when you can put out McCartney-esque ballads like this!? (Where’s that interrobang when you need it?)
I love the build up, especially into the second chorus when you change drum kits and double up on the main vocal - great stuff. I also like the delayering in the outro.
I think this one needs to go straight to the pool room!
Andrew D Haha, Andrew, you're making me blush like a McCartney groupie at a Wings reunion concert! That interrobang is definitely needed - I'll make sure to add it to the list of essential songwriting tools, right after 'inspiration' and 'copious amounts of coffee'. Thanks for picking up on the production details, and I'm with you on the outro, there's something about stripping it back that just feels like the right way to wrap things up. As for the "pool room", I think you might be referencing it as praise! If not, well, I'm still sending this song to the pool room, where it'll presumably be sipping cocktails and enjoying the admiration of the other tunes. Cheers, Andrew, you've made my day! BTW This is a beautiful member of Nature's Farm. Good choice.
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Balladville Blues. Ah, Gerda, ya gotta love it. Man, I laugh ---actually out loud-- reading your post. I really like the break with the piano and how the strings bring us back. There is Blues in there for real. All ya need is a matchbox suitcase filled with whisky at quarter to three in the morning. Yeah, get that and it's a Blues song for sure. Excellent vocal and lyrics. Love the way you built it, Izzy. Marty Your words are like a shot of good whiskey, warming me from the inside out. Thanks for the laugh, it was absolutely needed. "Balladville Blues," eh? Sounds like a place I'd happily spend a Friday night! And, as you are aware, Gerda does love a good blues. You know, sometimes I think she understands the pain of a lonely harmonica better than she understands my jokes. But hey, I'm working on it! The piano break? Glad you enjoyed it. And the matchbox, suitcase, whisky... you know, you're painting a picture so vivid, I'm already mentally packing. Just need to find a blues-approved time machine so I can experience that quarter to three in the morning magic. Thanks again for the awesome feedback, Marty. You've got a great ear, a good heart, and apparently a deep understanding of the human need for a little heartbreak and a whole lot of whiskey. Cheers to that! Now, if you'll excuse me, I think I hear Gerda calling... time for another lesson in "The Devil Went Down to Georgia." Wish me luck! my best..est Izzy
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Geez, Izzy. This BEAUTIFUL. From the subdued opening to the long last note, it's a real grabber. LOVE your vocals, and the way you punch the high notes on the chorus really encapsulates the emotion of the narrator. Super instrumental break, and the entire arrangement is spot on.
Tell Gerta you're sorry, even if you're not so much. It's the right thing to do. Ron, Thanks a million for the incredibly kind words – especially about the vocals. I've been practicing projecting my inner anguish, so I'm thrilled it's translating! And the advice! You're right, of course. Gerda will get the apology, even if it's the kind that drips with insincerity, but technically gets the job done. Though, armed with your glowing review, maybe I can convince her I'm practically the next Robert Johnson! 😆 Thanks again, Ron! your feedback means the world. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a slightly awkward apology to rehearse. Wish me luck! regards Izzy
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Izzy, you said "I attempted to write a blues song for Gerda, (of "If-it-ain't-blues-it-ain't-music" fame) But somewhere between the twelve bars and, well, me, it took a sharp left turn into "Bland Balladville", and I for one am glad that you did. This is a beautiful song.
Great arrangement - loved those string parts
Outstanding vocal and mix
Loved it M: Merry A: Amiable R: Reliable I: Inspiring O: Original Your kind words are like a shot of Schnapps on a cold day – warming and full of delightful surprise! That you, a connoisseur of all things musical, enjoyed my little jaunt into "Bland Balladville" is a victory in itself. Your comment about the arrangement and mix made my day. After I show her your comments Maybe Gerda will forgive my near-total lack of blues credentials now and let me back in the house. Maybe! Best Regards Izzy.
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Enjoyed that, a bit like something from the 60's like the Kinks or Small Faces.
Nice work.
Peter
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Hi, Izzy. I like it! And I love the ending wrapping to the beginning. Cool!  Good write, production, and vocals. Nothing to nitpick on at all. Well, it would have been nice if you could have gotten a string quartet instead of the (very nicely done) synth strings.  Your friends did a great job replacing the BiaB parts, despite my quibbles. The build is super-effective. Really liked this, had a second listen. Liked the the second time, too. 
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… As for the "pool room", I think you might be referencing it as praise! If not, well, I'm still sending this song to the pool room, where it'll presumably be sipping cocktails and enjoying the admiration of the other tunes. Cheers, Andrew, you've made my day! … Izzy, Youtube: Pool room - as in ‘The Castle’ movie. Andrew
Last edited by Andrew Dee; 06/24/25 01:41 AM.
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Very nice write. A fav line of ours is: “Cold wind is howlin', clock ticks way too slow
This whiskey glass is empty, gotta let it go,” That could fit in a classic country write from the “hat act” days. We agree with Marty on it being a blues ballad. Just think about how many of Frank Sinatra’s ballad vocals would’ve fit perfectly with a blues trio band. That is a fine arrangement and the mix is excellent on our monitors. The soundstage is what we like, i.e., feels like we are sitting dead center listening to a live band. We enjoyed the session guys including your friends. The vocal is very good - out front with dynamics … the way we like them. Enjoyed it! 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.
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I'm hearing echoes of Stairway To Heaven in the chord progression.
Great lyrics that, aided by a strong vocal, provide a haunting quality. Great job.
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I loved your voice the first time I heard it, and this song is a great vehicle for it. The strings were terrific, your friend did well. Great package overall, the only song I listened to today more than once, so that's a commendation right there. One of these days I'm going to give you an OTT, Izzy styled bombast of a review, but I'm saving it for that one, amazing track that I know is lurking inside your creative heart. Well, I'm going to listen to this a third time.
Windows 11, Intel Core I5 10400, 16 gig ram, Scarlett 2i2, Sony Acid Music Studio 10, BIAB 2020 UltraPlus Pak
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𝕻𝖊𝖙𝖊𝖗𝕱 , 𝔐𝔯 𝔇𝔞𝔳𝔦𝔡𝔠 , 𝑨𝒏𝒅𝒓𝒆𝒘 (the "tell him he's dreaming" movie) , 𝕵𝖆𝖓𝖎𝖈𝖊 & 𝕭𝖚𝖉 , 𝓑𝓻𝓷𝓸 , 𝐵𝑟𝑖𝑎𝑛 (Ghostgum), 𝔅𝔬𝔟 (TuneMonger) 💚💙💜
Thank you all soooo much for your beautiful comments and appologies for this group thankyou. This last week I have been under the pump racing here there and everywhere TCB.✈ 😬
𝓑𝓾𝓼𝔂 𝓘𝔃𝔃𝔂 𝓰𝓮𝓽𝓽𝓲𝓷' 𝓓𝓲𝔃𝔃𝔂.
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Izzy,
It's official. I Am A Fan.
Loving your music. You are an Artist. We are fortunate to have some true artists here. You are one of them.
Excellent music. Write, arrangement, production, mix, vocals - good,good,good,good,good,good.
I had briefly noticed the list of BIAB RTs. Half way through I was Stunned at how well that piano RT fit your song. So I looked back to see what it was... ah - kudos to your friend.
Top-Shelf.
Not just a good song, Good Entertainment.
fj
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