"I was sittin' in the bathtub, counting my toes When the radiator broke, the water all froze I got stuck in the ice, without my clothes Naked as the eyes of a clown
I was cyin' ice cubes, hoping I'd croak When the sun came out, the ice all broke I stood up and laughed Thought it was a joke That's the way that the world goes 'round"
from "That's The Way That The World Goes 'Round"
Macbook Pro 2018 2.6 GHz 6-core Intel Core i7, 16 GB RAM OS Monterey BIAB for Mac 2022
"I'm leavin' my family, I'm leavin' all my friends My body's at home but my heart's in the wind Where the clouds are like headlines on a new front page sky My tears are salt water and the moon's full and high."
James Taylor and Peter Gabriel are, to me, songwriting gods--JT for his ability to express the heaviest subjects lightly (not take them lightly, that's different), and PG for his capacity for taking the deepest subjects and making them accessible, both in pop music form. A rare art, in my estimation.
An example from Taylor's "That's Why I'm Here" on the death of an addict, speaking to other addicts or those knowledgeable of addiction:
"John's gone, found dead, he dies high, he's brown bread Later said to have drowned in his bed After the laughter, the wave of the dread It hits us like a ton of lead"
Thinking about it reminds me of my reaction to the news of Jerry Garcia's death. At first I was angry, but after reflection I simply grieved the loss of another artist whom I admired to something over which he had no power.
***
I was going to add something from PG here, but I'm going to have to do some more research. He packs much meaning into very few words, but in many cases you need the entire song for context. I'd rather pick out a verse or so.
R.
"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
In reference to Peter Gabriel, I think his song "Sledgehammer" is a pop/rock masterpiece. There's a ton of great lines and that infectious guitar riff just drives it home.
I've always had respect for Mr. Taylor and not only because of his songwriting abilities, but also love the kind of musicians he surrounds himself with, their knowledge and abilities, from which he can easily keep pace, but also I think he has the ability to FEED off of their inputs as well, both musically and lyrically.
"There's always room for the BEST."
That "pursuit of excellence" thang.
"Just yesterday morning, they let me know you were gone..."
Classic use of the "when" opening line.
Songwriters should practice the same old school journalism mantra of, "Who, What, Why, Where and When" - the hard part is knowing which one to put where IMO.
. Yellow matter custard Dripping from a dead dog's eye. Crabalocker fishwife Pornographic priestess, Boy, you been a naughty girl You let your knickers down. I am the eggman, they are the eggmen. I am the walrus, goo goo gajoob.
Flatfoot sez: Call me when 'Talent-in-a-Box' is ready to ship! -- [8{>
L.A. is a great big freeway Put a hundred down and buy a car In a week, maybe two, they'll make you a star Weeks turn into years, how quick they pass And all the stars that never were Are parking cars and pumping gas
genius...
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
I'm a Bacharach/David fan myself. A HOUSE IS NOT A HOME, THIS GUY'S IN LOVE. Great stuff!! Have you checked out Bacharach with Elvis Costello? Also, great stuff! Take care. Greg
from "Like A Lover" Originally by Dori Caymmi and Nelson Motta, but these English lyrics by Alan & Merilyn Bergman are extremely poetic. (Making sure I give credit where credit's due)
Brilliantly performed by Sergio Mendez and Brazil '66
Like a lover, the morning sun Slowly rises and kisses you awake Your smile is soft and fuzzy As you let it play upon your face Oh, how I dream I might be like the morning sun to you
Like a lover, the river wind Sighs and ripples its fingers through your hair Upon your cheek it lingers Never having known a sweeter place Oh, how I dream I might be like the river wind to you
How I envy a cup that knows your lips Let it be me, my love And a table that feels your fingertips Let it be me, let me be your love Bring an end to the endless days and nights Without you
Like a lover, the velvet moon Shares your pillow and watches while you sleep Its light arrives on tiptoe Gently taking you in its embrace Oh, how I dream I might be like the velvet moon to you
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
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.
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.
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.
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)
One of our representatives will be happy to help you over the phone. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday, and 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST Saturday. We are closed Sunday. You can also send us your questions via email.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you on our Live Chat or by email. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday; 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST (GMT -8) Saturday; Closed Sunday.
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean