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tommyad #406337 04/09/17 08:12 AM
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Happy Sunday to you, "tommyad"...

I've got the most incredulous smile laugh on my face as I scratch my head in utter amazement over the fact that I just listened to a song that included the following words: "graveyard", "tombstone", "cemetery", "die", and yet the cumulative impact of the song is as positive as the sight of the first hummingbird of Spring!!!

"tommyad", I think you've pulled-off something rare in songwriting (and performance), which is singing about a subject that most of us would consider morbid, but then somehow making it sound life-affirming.

And the title -- "The Dash" -- is as transparent as your lyrics are double-edged. It all adds up to something unexpected, which makes it all the more stunning as you lead us by the hand through some dark thickets of despair, only to deliver us into the light of life.

Lyrically speaking, this is one of THE most unique songs I've ever heard in the "User's Forums". Production-wise -- as I'm not skilled in that department -- I'll gladly agree with the opinions of those listeners who are more knowledgeable, 'cause everything sounded good to me.

Concerning your vocals, I don't know precisely how to explain this, but your singing voice is declarative, meaning that it had the effect of "leading the charge" of the music behind the lyrics. Does that make sense to you?

Most sincerely,

LOREN (a.k.a. "bluage")

P.S. I also appreciate that you explained how you recorded "the chorus and harmonies on separate tracks from the verses." Very instructive and practical.


"Music is what feelings sound like."-- borrowed from a Cakewalk Music Creator forum member, "Mamabear".
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Originally Posted By: Al-David
Hi Tommy,

Every time we think you've done your best work yet, you come along with a new one and prove us wrong.

Other than the original lyric (way cool!), what jumped out at us is the arrangement and mix - about as good as it gets. You have a special talent with the technical side that most of us would like to have.

Going to the 6-minor chord for the ending always leaves the song with a resolution that leaves the listener wanting to come back for the next some - a tasteful teaser.

I guess we better wrap this up before we bankrupt the English language of its best superlatives. This is as good as it gets outside of Nashville (maybe better than a lot of songs out of Nashville).

Wishing you the very best,

Alan & Di
Thanks for the great review, Tom
Originally Posted By: Yorkshireknight
Another great song Tom, I love this arrangement and the ending was a great touch. bravo!
Paul, Thanks for coming by. Glad you liked it. Tom

tommyad #406547 04/10/17 07:10 AM
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Really cool song Tom!! At my dad's memorial service, there was a poem read by this title with the same idea. You did a great job recreating the emotion in song form. Beautifully done!! Take care. Greg

David Snyder #406708 04/11/17 01:47 AM
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Originally Posted By: Callie - PG Music
I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this one! In fact, your entire SoundCloud playlist just became my "soundtrack" for the day!

This is today's Hot Forum Topic!

<i>So... no more songs about punctuation? What about a song about a font? Helvetica even has its own <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0847817/" target="embedded">documentary</a>!</i>
Callie, It's so great that you were listening to my playlist. Thanks for coming by. That was interesting about Helvetica. Tom
Originally Posted By: David Snyder

Awesome. My hat is off to you sir.

Stellar lyrics. GREAT concept. Brilliant.

Simply love it from start to finish.
David, many thanks. Tom

tommyad #406723 04/11/17 02:49 AM
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Tom,

This is outstanding! I've read through all the above posts and you deserve every one of the many accolades and compliments. Everything about 'The Dash' gleams.

The idea of creating a song about the hyphen between dates was really fresh to my ears. I've never heard any lyrics like these before. And such a powerfully true statement, too. To my way of thinking, this composition epitomises talent, creativity and musicianship.

Quote:
It’s the dash that counts...
What matters most is in between those years

I can't remember hearing any philosophical thought that has resonated so much with me as the above.

I'm heading back to listen again!

Regards,
Noel


MY SONGS...
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HearToLearn #406828 04/11/17 11:16 AM
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Originally Posted By: HearToLearn
Great song from a great concept! Inspiration is all around us if we keep our eyes, ears, and hearts open to it. From there, taking action is just as, if not more important. All the way around, great job!

Caaron, you are right. Inspiration is all around us. Thanks for commenting. Tom

Steve Young #407031 04/12/17 03:25 PM
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Originally Posted By: Steve Young
Tom,

Great song! Great production, and I always enjoy your vocals. Strong message, well written. One of your best!

Steve
I appreciate you stopping by. Thanks for the nice comments. Tom

bluage #407098 04/13/17 01:59 AM
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Originally Posted By: bluage
Happy Sunday to you, "tommyad"...

I've got the most incredulous smile laugh on my face as I scratch my head in utter amazement over the fact that I just listened to a song that included the following words: "graveyard", "tombstone", "cemetery", "die", and yet the cumulative impact of the song is as positive as the sight of the first hummingbird of Spring!!!

"tommyad", I think you've pulled-off something rare in songwriting (and performance), which is singing about a subject that most of us would consider morbid, but then somehow making it sound life-affirming.

And the title -- "The Dash" -- is as transparent as your lyrics are double-edged. It all adds up to something unexpected, which makes it all the more stunning as you lead us by the hand through some dark thickets of despair, only to deliver us into the light of life.

Lyrically speaking, this is one of THE most unique songs I've ever heard in the "User's Forums". Production-wise -- as I'm not skilled in that department -- I'll gladly agree with the opinions of those listeners who are more knowledgeable, 'cause everything sounded good to me.

Concerning your vocals, I don't know precisely how to explain this, but your singing voice is declarative, meaning that it had the effect of "leading the charge" of the music behind the lyrics. Does that make sense to you?

Most sincerely,

LOREN (a.k.a. "bluage")

P.S. I also appreciate that you explained how you recorded "the chorus and harmonies on separate tracks from the verses." Very instructive and practical.
LOREN, Thank you so much for your wonderful; review. Tom

Last edited by tommyad; 04/13/17 02:00 AM.
Noel96 #407101 04/13/17 02:07 AM
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Originally Posted By: Greg Johnson
Really cool song Tom!! At my dad's memorial service, there was a poem read by this title with the same idea. You did a great job recreating the emotion in song form. Beautifully done!! Take care. Greg
Greg, I was unaware of the poem. Thanks for giving it a spin. Tom
Originally Posted By: Noel96
Tom,

This is outstanding! I've read through all the above posts and you deserve every one of the many accolades and compliments. Everything about 'The Dash' gleams.

The idea of creating a song about the hyphen between dates was really fresh to my ears. I've never heard any lyrics like these before. And such a powerfully true statement, too. To my way of thinking, this composition epitomises talent, creativity and musicianship.

Quote:
It’s the dash that counts...
What matters most is in between those years

I can't remember hearing any philosophical thought that has resonated so much with me as the above.

I'm heading back to listen again!

Regards,
Noel
Noel, These philosophical songs can be a little tricky to navigate. It's possible to come off sounding like a pompous know it all. I try to avoid that at all costs. Glad you enjoyed it. Tom

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