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Although very busy with Spirit Level lately, I`m still writing solo songs. This one`s a folk tale about Gilbert Bland Jr., a map thief who cut priceless maps from some of the oldest books in America`s most prestigious libraries, evading capture for years... and never revealing at trial or to fascinated journalists what possessed him. The Man Who Stole The World Style is _KIRKLND.STY (Morning in Kirkland Pop Ballad) RealTracks in style: 2937:Bass, Fretless Electric Pop8thsRene Ev 085 RealTracks in style: 2194:Piano, ElectricVintage, Rhythm CoolJazzPop Ev 085 RealTracks in style: 1765:Guitar, High-Strung Acoustic, Fingerpicking Pop16ths Ev16 085 RealTracks in style: 365:Guitar, Acoustic, Fingerpicking Ev 085 RealTracks in song: 676:Guitar, Acoustic, Strumming FolkRockBritEighths Ev 085 RealTracks in song: 2364:Synth, ElectroFlutes, Rhythm Pop Ev 085 RealDrums [in Song:CongasEv16[single]: a: Congas b: CongasEv16[single] The Man Who Stole The World there are angels over the arctic sea monsters swim the margins a fire breathing horse gallops the globe on the first map he stole Mr Bland the book bandit tearing pages from the atlas of ages when the world was still young hurries them home to see pygmies at the North Pole did you find the land you`re looking for the one Capernicus unfurled do you like the poster wanting you the man who stole the world the man who stole the world from Yale to Harvard and Chicago he`s the scholar looking over his shoulder disguised as a priest cartomaniac in the stacks the librarians enemy Theatrum Orbis Terrarum the aroma of antique paper when science was an art or was it the cash gave maps such ecstasy did you find the land you`re looking for the one Magellan unfurled will you like cell waiting for you the man who stole the world the man who stole the world © Robert Cordrey Dec. 2020
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That's quite a story that I've never heard before.
Your lyrics bring it to life in a very interesting way........well done.
The band supports the vocals nicely and the melody is perfect for the tail.
Nicely done!
moto
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I never heard about that either but I love a story.
"Did you find the land you're looking for?" Great line.
Your voice reminds me of a '60's British folk singer called Donovan btw.
Vic
Last edited by vicarn; 01/23/21 10:06 AM.
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Really pretty song Robert!! You have such a way with creative, dreamy lyrics! The band works perfectly.....love the fretless!! Take care. Greg
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As a fan of you lyrics, I read them first, wondering "What is this all about?" Then I read your story of your inspiration. Fascinating!
I very much like the song. Nice folk 60s sound.
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If I could only write lyrics like you Robert! I always love the way you look back at events and people in history and craft a lovely song and paint a wonderful picture with your lyrics! Excellent work! Thanks, T
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Interesting story, excellent arrangement. Nicely sung as well. 
-- 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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Fascinating story, good song, well sung. I enjoyed it. Makes you want to know more about the perp. Well done!
Windows 11, Intel Core I5 10400, 16 gig ram, Scarlett 2i2, Sony Acid Music Studio 10, BIAB 2020 UltraPlus Pak
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Robert, A bunch of really interesting phrases in the lyric. An interesting story to put to song - and an excellent title/hook. Well done. The flute is a nice late addition... fj (You might be interested in a similar story that appeared in Smithsonian magazine about the guy who stole 8 million dollars worth of rare books and maps from the Carnegie Library. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/theft-carnegie-library-books-maps-artworks-180975506/ )
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Hi Robertkc,
Perfect symbiosis between melody and well-written lyrics. Very endearing and very philosophical melody if you think about the lyrics. The arrangement is superb. Well done.
Kindly regards
Take care of yourself
Derochette
Alias JaniJackFlash
Last edited by Derochette; 01/24/21 10:04 AM.
Kindly regards
Derochette
alias JaniJackFlash
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That's quite a story that I've never heard before.
Your lyrics bring it to life in a very interesting way........well done.
The band supports the vocals nicely and the melody is perfect for the tail.
Nicely done!
moto Thank you , Captain. Anyone wanting to know more about the elusive, aptly named Mr Bland, can find the story which inspired the song here: https://www.outsideonline.com/1843196/mr-blands-evil-plot-control-worldI never heard about that either but I love a story.
"Did you find the land you're looking for?" Great line.
Your voice reminds me of a '60's British folk singer called Donovan btw.
Vic Vic, Cool, another story song fan- thanks for your comments! Really pretty song Robert!! You have such a way with creative, dreamy lyrics! The band works perfectly.....love the fretless!! Take care. Greg Thank you, Greg. As a fan of you lyrics, I read them first, wondering "What is this all about?" Then I read your story of your inspiration. Fascinating!
I very much like the song. Nice folk 60s sound. I`m glad you liked the story and the way I made a song from it! If I could only write lyrics like you Robert! I always love the way you look back at events and people in history and craft a lovely song and paint a wonderful picture with your lyrics! Excellent work! Thanks, T Torrey, I appreciate those very kind comments. Robert
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A fascinating story beautifully translated into song, Robert. Much enjoyed.
Regards,
Leon
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An engaging essay into a very odd man.
The flutes brought Tom Rapp to mind though I don't recall any flutes on Pearls before Swine recordings.
Nice one Robert.
Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
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Hi Rob !
I did watch an episode of
a TV series where they
went thru this story I think
it may have been something
like " mysteries at the museum"
or something similar ! It
was fascinating indeed and
so is your wonderful tune
so delicately and prepared and
performed !
Gracias !
Cheers
Dani
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Being fans of history we remember the reporting on that.
This is quite a fascinating subject and one that would not be
expected to become the subject of a song. You did a remarkable
job of capturing the tale with that vivid imagery.
Janice's first comment was that she felt as though she was
floating over the maps. The groove does offer that indeed.
The flute was an excellent choice. Also the congas work very well.
Really well done and the addition of the right video track would be something to behold!
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
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Hi Robert ...
You write some of the nicest lyrics. You truly have a way with words. You turn sounds into pictures. The movie projector in my head played nonstop [*****] I listened.
I absolutely loved your musical arrangement and choice of tracks. This is truly a lovely song. How creative ... the band is magical and the vocal a soft pleasure. Thanks for a wonderful listen.
Wishing you the very best.
Alan
BIAB 2024 Ultra Plus-all StylePaks*Win11*32GB DDR5*Rhyzen 9745x*AT 2035 Mic*Peavey Nashville 112 Amp*Ibanez ART120* Acoustic/Electric/Washburn D200S Acoustic*Stromberg Monterey Jazz Guitar Loops: https://aldavidmusic.wixsite.com/bestmusicloops
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Interesting story, excellent arrangement. Nicely sung as well. Thank you, David! Fascinating story, good song, well sung. I enjoyed it. Makes you want to know more about the perp. Well done! Its strange...on the surface he`s a perfect match for his surname, making the audacious nature of his crime that much more interesting. Thanks for listening! Floyd, Thanks for that link- there are lots of good stories on the back pages- and thanks for your comments. Hi Robertkc,
Perfect symbiosis between melody and well-written lyrics. Very endearing and very philosophical melody if you think about the lyrics. The arrangement is superb. Well done.
Kindly regards
Take care of yourself
Derochette
Alias JaniJackFlash Derochette, I appreciate those generous comments and especially glad you noticed the melody. A fascinating story beautifully translated into song, Robert. Much enjoyed.
Regards,
Leon Thanks very much, Leon! Robert
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Interesting story indeed!
Very nice, Robert, love the vocals and harmonies.
Enjoyed!
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Very cool song Robert. What an interesting story. Boy are there some weird people out there. Destroying priceless works for what, Loved the acoustic framing your vocal. Beautiful song. Well done
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Simply exquisite. Lovely poetic lyrics. Vocals nailed it. The band was in the zone too. Good one.
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