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Closer Than A Tattoo Pop Rock nostalgia. RealTracks in song: 1523:Bass, Electric, PowerPop Ev 120 RealTracks in style: 1535:Piano, Acoustic, Rhythm PopPowerPushA-B Ev 120 RealTracks in style: 1526:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm PopPowerPushA-B Ev 120 RealTracks in song 2667 Pedal Steel Background Dreamy RealTracks in song: 1526:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm PopPowerPushA-B Ev 120 RealDrums in song Praise Worship Shine Closer Than A Tattoo all I have is one picture from our summer of love standing on the bridge like you`re reading scripture from the clouds above I like to think it was me put that spark in your eyes of flint pressed the shutter couldn`t breathe knowing you weren`t one to blink train clattering round the bend there`s no full stop at our story`s end a tear of candlewax hides the tree where we sheltered the sun and moon my defences stood no chance when you danced by the river said we`re never going back with our bodies and with ink we`d stitch our fate make it fact an indelible link pulling out to the chains length the best laid plans with all our strength hearts too full hearts too full for our lips to speak if I could choose choose the words a day with you to keep clearer than a picture closer than a tattoo carry my dreams from the attic to the cellar you and me girl in Kodachrome forever hearts too full hearts too full for our lips to speak if I could choose choose the words a day with you to keep clearer than a picture closer than a tattoo © Robert Cordrey Dec. 2018
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Nice write - very evocative. Solid production, well sung. Not my style of melody, but enjoyable nonetheless.
we`d stitch our fate make it fact
Great line.
-- David Cuny My virtual singer development blogVocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?BiaB 2025 | Windows 11 | Reaper | Way too many VSTis.
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The unexpected phrasing of longer lines reminds me of Grant McLennan of the Go-Betweens' solo work. Your voice becomes more certain and on task as the song progresses. "Closer than a tattoo" is a very effective image.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
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Nice one, Robert! As always a good write.
Over all the vocal sounded good, and the vocal harmonies are very effective. Nice production also, starting out with just the piano works well, and I like the way you brought in the pedal steel.
Good way to start out the new year!
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Hello Robert,
what a great song title that's a really strong picture.. And a very nice song, too. Enjoyed the listen.
Cheers,
Stefan
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Robert, interesting and fresh! Great lyrics. Interesting harmony. Almost like punk rock sections were smoothed and slowed down for this  I enjoyed it! Thank you! Misha.
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I enjoyed the lyrics & your vocal delivery of them... vivid images leading to the hook... Closer Than A Tattoo I really like that phrase.
Jim †=☮&♥
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Robert, This is a great piece... I love the feel and the dark undertones. Lots of texture and a very cool set of lyrics. I'm all in on this one.  Bob
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Nice write - very evocative. Solid production, well sung. Not my style of melody, but enjoyable nonetheless.
we`d stitch our fate make it fact
Great line.
Thanks for the positives, David. Due to the busy season I got the vocal in 3 takes ( I`m usually I`m in double figures!) so glad you approve of that. Robert
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Robert
Enjoyed the song - as always an interesting and clever lyric. Has all the hallmarks of your style and is nicely produced and written.
Peter
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Great band with lots of dynamics in the arrangement. Very clear mix and that pedal steel with it strong reverb fits perfectly. Nice photographic story.
Janne
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Robert. You got me with the title of this one and it didnt disappoint. Your lyrics are always so well thought out and crafted. Kudos on the production too.
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Robert some really really great imaginary in your lyrics. Beautiful contemplation and memories. Really enjoyed the vocals and melody. Very good song.
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Awesome tune Robert. Loved the way you started the song. Very cool when the band kicked it. Super vocal. Mix was excellent as well
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Robert,
"Closer Than A Tattoo" - One of the most intriguing titles I've ever heard!! Awesome.
And a very interesting write. Very original.
"said we`re never going back with our bodies and with ink we`d stitch our fate make it fact an indelible link"
Strong.
The BAND on this is really nice. A good mix, And your vocal is "confident". One of your best, I think.
I like it.
fj
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The unexpected phrasing of longer lines reminds me of Grant McLennan of the Go-Betweens' solo work. Your voice becomes more certain and on task as the song progresses. "Closer than a tattoo" is a very effective image.
Thank you- I`ll have to check out that singer. Nice one, Robert! As always a good write.
Over all the vocal sounded good, and the vocal harmonies are very effective. Nice production also, starting out with just the piano works well, and I like the way you brought in the pedal steel.
Good way to start out the new year! Dave, I`ve been trying different things to make mixes less muddy,so I hope its working. Originally I had the whole band in at the start- it seemed to take away from the lyrics so thanks for the nod on the just piano opening. Robert Hello Robert,
what a great song title that's a really strong picture.. And a very nice song, too. Enjoyed the listen.
Cheers,
Stefan Stefan, Thanks for your listen and comments! Robert
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Nicely done Robert!! Pretty song, and some beautiful lyrical images...reminds me a little of Leonard Cohen! Vocal is very emotive and beautiful. Like Floyd said, great title. You should listen to This Tattoo (great song by David Wilcox). Great stuff here!! Take care. Greg
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I always enjoy the listen and know that I'll like what you write
I'm a fan
you are a creative and great writer
I don't always love the phrasing but it makes it uniquely you
this is a fine write, storytelling is what we're supposed to be about
love it,
Kenny
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Robert, interesting and fresh! Great lyrics. Interesting harmony. Almost like punk rock sections were smoothed and slowed down for this  I enjoyed it! Thank you! Misha. Thanks for that, Misha! I enjoyed the lyrics & your vocal delivery of them... vivid images leading to the hook... Closer Than A Tattoo I really like that phrase. I appreciate that - no idea where that line came from, just glad I wrote it down and saved it! Robert, This is a great piece... I love the feel and the dark undertones. Lots of texture and a very cool set of lyrics. I'm all in on this one.  Bob Thank you, Bob! Robert
Enjoyed the song - as always an interesting and clever lyric. Has all the hallmarks of your style and is nicely produced and written.
Peter Peter, I`m glad you liked this. I guess I have a recognizable lyrical style... sometime I think musically I`d do better to play around with less varied styles though! Robert
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Great band with lots of dynamics in the arrangement. Very clear mix and that pedal steel with it strong reverb fits perfectly. Nice photographic story.
Janne Thank you,Janne! Robert. You got me with the title of this one and it didnt disappoint. Your lyrics are always so well thought out and crafted. Kudos on the production too. Joanne, Thanks for your listen and kind comments! Robert some really really great imaginary in your lyrics. Beautiful contemplation and memories. Really enjoyed the vocals and melody. Very good song. Its good to hear that - particularly on the lyrics; you write some cool images yourself! Awesome tune Robert. Loved the way you started the song. Very cool when the band kicked it. Super vocal. Mix was excellent as well
Thank you, Scott! Robert
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Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
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Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 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.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 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 10 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.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 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 Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 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.
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Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
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XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!
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Learn more about the Bonus PAKs!
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