|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,207
Expert
|
Expert
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,207 |
Hi Floyd, I like your song very much. I don't normally comment on songs but as you asked about the strings I will give my opinion. I saw Tommy Emanuel play live and he said that when he is playing with someone else and the other person is playing open chords he will play higher chords and vice versa so as not to conflict with one another. So, on to the strings, perhaps if you raised the strings an octave or to a higher but sympathetic key it may help (separate your singing from them). Just trying to be constructive  Regards George
Windows 11 64 bit, Biab 2026 (1237), Realband 2026 (10)
i7 Desktop Computer 16Gb Memory
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,956
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,956 |
Floyd,
This is very sweet... Love the sentiment and feel. Great job.
Bob Bob - thanks for the listen. Almost lost for words.
Even without the message, the song screams out "professional". Wonderful arrangement, great choice of RTs and the usual Radio-Ready mix.
Add in the inspired lyrics, delivered with a beautifully emotional voice and well...
I'm lost for words!
ROG.
ROG - Those are some very nice things for you to say... certainly appreciate it.. Good job Floyd.
Yeah, I can relate to that having raised 2 daughters.... Thanks Herb
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,956
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,956 |
Hey Floyd, Another outstanding job! Very well crafted and an excellent mix! Your a machine!  My beautiful wife & I will be celebrating 29 years on the 24th of this month. Well Done! Greg Thanks Greg. And Happy Anniversary! Well thank you very much Floyd! Because of this wonderful song you may have just ruined it for every married male musician in the world! My bride and I are approaching 50 years and I do have a song ready to go, thinking should I wait out the next five years before I publish it, cause hell in five years I may be in diapers unable to hold a guitar, or bite the bullet and do it now. Anyway I digress, I loved this song. Re: The you ruined it for us part of this reply, I was just kidding, well sort of. Later, Danny - LOL - Sorry, man. Unforeseen consequences... 50 - Zowie - the really big one! Congrats!... and DEFINITELY just "bite the bullet"!! Do it! Floyd,
What a sweet story and song. Love everything about it.
Also congrats on 37 years!
Josie - Thanks. Appreciate that.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,956
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,956 |
Floyd, Dude, really!!!!
That folks is how it's done!
Rob - in less than 10 words, you gave me one of the best "reviews" I've ever had. Appreciate that immensely. I think the strings sound good, the level is ok to me. I thought the effect you you were going for (Glen C orchestra, etc) was pretty much achieved... I mean short of actually having a full orchestra.  I'm liking it! Greg Greg - thanks for coming back to weigh in on the "strings issue". Floyd, That is a wonderful song; the sentiments, the vocal delivery and the arrangement are all top class. Strings are in my opinion notoriously difficult... Here is an article giving advice on Arranging for Strings which explains it better than I could. BUT the song, The Girl Next Door is still as in my first paragraph. A wonderful listen.Well done, I assume the wife is proud to be the subject of such a wonderful song. Alyn Alyn - appreciate the comments and the discussion. I'll definitely be taking a look at that article. It's a never-ending learning process.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,956
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,956 |
Hi Floyd, I like your song very much. I don't normally comment on songs but as you asked about the strings I will give my opinion. I saw Tommy Emanuel play live and he said that when he is playing with someone else and the other person is playing open chords he will play higher chords and vice versa so as not to conflict with one another. So, on to the strings, perhaps if you raised the strings an octave or to a higher but sympathetic key it may help (separate your singing from them). Just trying to be constructive Regards George George - thanks for the comments and the thoughts... I'll be working on it...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,618
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,618 |
Hey floyd, What a great image and equally great philosophy. I can see myself quoting you to my students! a raging river starts high in the hills
from a single drop of rain Right now, I'm sitting here with my fingers poised over the keyboard and they have no idea what to type. This is a bit of a nuisance because I'm so incredibly impressed with this song that I have to think of something to say that does justice to how very much I enjoyed listening to it. The ballad-meets-country-meets-folk-meets-floyd feel is EXACTLY (and I mean 100% 'exactly') perfect. The strings worked for me. In fact, when they came in, my first thoughts were, "What a very polished sound! I don't think I've heard strings in one of FJ's songs before. Really nice." Also ... ... the way you developed the hook was incredibly skilful. Once again you have taken me another couple of miles along the road to my becoming a better songwriter. Without exception, I always learn something from every song you post. Today's most important lesson was how to use AABA form to tell a story. By the way, I love the lyric variation in the repeated B and final A section! For me, and I've said it a few times on this forum, AABA always works incredibly well for an isolated moment in time. In a sense, this is the music-form/lyric equivalent of the Aristotelian unities of Time, Place and Action. Pat Pattison calls this isolated moment, the "Now" of the song. Because AABA has such a strong sense of 'the moment', when I listened to this song, the image of a father/husband talking to a friend and telling them about a cross-section of his life was incredibly vivid in my head. In this way, what was a story came across as a first-hand reflection, like it was being told by a storyteller - and a mighty fine storyteller at that! Thank goodness that even though my fingers didn't what to type, my brain got them working in the end Mega-congratulations on a brilliant song. All the best, Noel P.S. Congratulations on 37 years, too. That's something to celebrate!
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,250
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,250 |
Sorry for the late reply Floyd. Another superb song with lyrics that we can all identify with. We've been together 47 years gone September last so you're catching up fast, my friend. I dont think our daughter would like to be called a "weed" though.  I enjoyed the pace of the song and the way the backing rose and fell with instruments coming in and building to something and then falling away again. As always, you have my admiration. cheers ian
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,956
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,956 |
Hey floyd, What a great image and equally great philosophy. I can see myself quoting you to my students! a raging river starts high in the hills
from a single drop of rain Right now, I'm sitting here with my fingers poised over the keyboard and they have no idea what to type. This is a bit of a nuisance because I'm so incredibly impressed with this song that I have to think of something to say that does justice to how very much I enjoyed listening to it. The ballad-meets-country-meets-folk-meets-floyd feel is EXACTLY (and I mean 100% 'exactly') perfect. The strings worked for me. In fact, when they came in, my first thoughts were, "What a very polished sound! I don't think I've heard strings in one of FJ's songs before. Really nice." Noel - I like that you picked out those lines. I don't write those kind of "grandiose" lines often, but I like this one... (it's fun to sing, too). I'm pleased to hear that the strings worked for you. You just never know with something new like that.... I thoroughly enjoyed your critique... as always...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,956
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,956 |
Sorry for the late reply Floyd. Another superb song with lyrics that we can all identify with. We've been together 47 years gone September last so you're catching up fast, my friend. I dont think our daughter would like to be called a "weed" though. I enjoyed the pace of the song and the way the backing rose and fell with instruments coming in and building to something and then falling away again. As always, you have my admiration. cheers ian Ian - Thanks - I appreciate it. And.. you weren't exactly "late"... this had only been up a couple of days... Ya know.. it's a common expression... "the kids are growing like weeds..."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 58
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 58 |
Floyd,
I've just joined this forum (and love it!), have never heard any of your songs before, but after hitting play, it was like reading a good book that you can't put down until it's finished!
Impressive! Looking forward to hearing more of your work.
Wally G
Yamaha Montage 6 Roland J80, D50, Integra 7, BK-7m, FR-8X, 1967 Fender Jaguar, Fender Strat, Fender 1965 Twin Reverb reissue, Selmer Trumpet, Akai EWI, Studio One 4 My WEB Site: www.gontowski.com/music
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,198
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,198 |
I'm late to the party and can add nothing to what has been said about the arrangement, the dynamic mix, the vocal and the lyric. All of it is simply in a word, superb. Another clinic in the outcome of a great vocal, wonderful songwriting and the sheer power of BIAB in the right hands.
What I can add is that this one struck a great note with the two of us. I won life's lotto when Janice and I married 32 years ago.
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,427
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,427 |
Floyd, this is first class from the superb vocal through to the stunning lyrics and sentiment to the excellent engineering. A great job.
John
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,699
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,699 |
hi Floyd jane this a excellent job a keeper for sure we raised four daughters and a son totally relate to this well done eric
AMD (TM) 5950 4.9 GHz 16Core Processor 64 bit 32 bits of ram windows 10 pro 64 bit os. sound card Antelope ZenQ guitars Ibanez 2202a 1968 les Paul Custom and Cavin ae 185 Guitar boss Gt-100,GT1000 pedal Yamaha HS8 studio monitors
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,956
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,956 |
Floyd,
I've just joined this forum (and love it!), have never heard any of your songs before, but after hitting play, it was like reading a good book that you can't put down until it's finished!
Impressive! Looking forward to hearing more of your work.
Wally G Wally - Welcome to the forum. It a great place to hang out. A lot of terrific people and a lot of good music... I like the book analogy - thanks...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,956
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,956 |
I'm late to the party and can add nothing to what has been said about the arrangement, the dynamic mix, the vocal and the lyric. All of it is simply in a word, superb. Another clinic in the outcome of a great vocal, wonderful songwriting and the sheer power of BIAB in the right hands.
What I can add is that this one struck a great note with the two of us. I won life's lotto when Janice and I married 32 years ago. Hey Bud! Thanks for all those very kind words...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,956
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,956 |
Floyd, this is first class from the superb vocal through to the stunning lyrics and sentiment to the excellent engineering. A great job.
John John - That's quite nice of you to say. Appreciate it.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,956
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,956 |
hi Floyd jane this a excellent job a keeper for sure we raised four daughters and a son totally relate to this well done eric Thanks eric!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 368
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 368 |
Floyd:
I think this may be my new favorite of your songs. Nice job with lyrics, story telling and use of BIAB. 95 out of 100.
My only suggestion would be to use perfect rhymes instead of porch/door fence/friends because you use them everywhere else.
To me, the tag line would be just that much stronger with a perfect rhyme.
Otherwise, really good job.
John
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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 amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
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, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac 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 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed 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 transcribe 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, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
Holiday Weekend Hours
It's Victoria Day Long Weekend in Canada. Our Customer Service hours are:
Saturday, May 16: Closed
Sunday, May 17: Closed
Monday, May 18: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Regular hours resume Tuesday, May 19th!
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!
Don't wait - order today!
Check out all the new features in the redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.
Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!
202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac 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)
- iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
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 PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,382
Posts804,144
Members40,110
| |
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean