This is an old Mott The Hoople song.... written by David Bowie. This came out my final year in high school... 1972
All the parts are Band in A Box except the guitars. I'm doing the guitar parts.
Anyone who says you can't cover a song as close to the record as possible isn't trying very hard. It took some effort but it's totally possible to do close covers with BiaB. This was originally recorded in my studio about 4 or 5 years ago.
Hoping you like it. I don't do many covers and this is the last for a very long time.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.com Add nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.
The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
Very cool. Great job. How do you get the video embedded like that? My posts just show the link.
I use the full reply vs quick reply. There's a button for "Enter a Media Tag" looks like a TV screen 5th from the left.... Copy the link from the video and enter it .... waa laa
Glad you like this.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.com Add nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.
The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
Wow! This is good! It's so close to the original that I'm going to have to go back to the original to hear for any differences. Great job!
Jeff
Thanks... yeah I wanted to get as close as I could using the default BB/RB tracks. I tried several styles and swapped the drums and bass around until I found something that worked well.... added the B3, and played the guitars myself. Mott was a simple band.... bass, drums, guitars, and keys. I believe the guitars are doubled and there's a lead.... but the BB tracks are just like they were generated.
I saw a Bowie concert where he was playing this slightly faster.
Thanks for listening.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.com Add nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.
The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
I hope those who doubt the capabilities of Biab will find & listen to this cover... You've done a swell job... I wonder how much time you have invested in creating this piece to get it so close...
I hope those who doubt the capabilities of Biab will find & listen to this cover... You've done a swell job... I wonder how much time you have invested in creating this piece to get it so close...
Good chops Herb!
I don't recall the amount of time spent on this. It was really not appreciably more than any original I work on. But yes, BiaB is certainly capable of doing some pretty close cover work.
Thanks for listening
Last edited by Guitarhacker; 03/21/1904:21 AM.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.com Add nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.
The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
Thanks for sharing I've never really listened to Mott the Hoople so this was new to me. You did a great job though - really catchy and some great progressions. I'll need to check out the original!
COOOOOOOOL!!! A friend of mine turned me onto this song in HS. I think it was on the same record as All the Way from Memphis? They had a cool sound. Ian Hunter did some really good stuff after as well. Enjoyed!! Take care. Greg
Brian Cadoret BIAB 2025 Pro build 1125e with BIAB2023 UltraPAK . Samplitude Pro X4 Suite. Mixcraft 10.5 Pro Studio Focusrite 2i2 Scarlett Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-3470 CPU @ 3.20GHz 3.20 GHz Installed RAM 8.00 GB
You did a great job on this Herb and your guitar work sounds great. However...
I have to take exception with your statement
Anyone who says you can't cover a song as close to the record as possible isn't trying very hard. It took some effort but it's totally possible to do close covers with BiaB.
DUDE! This is a very simple song, it's all strumming guitars and a basic bass. Of course this can be covered by Biab RT's and some good editing. This is straight ahead strumming guitar rock and roll. Same as a lot of folk stuff. But take a song with hooks, specific musical licks, full band rhythm punches, or a horn section. Biab cannot cover tunes like that without a ton of work and you recording a bunch of specific parts and even then the feel is wrong. Wanna try some Stones like Satisfaction or Jumpin Jack Flash or Brown Sugar? How about Santana like Black Magic Woman? The Doors, Light My Fire, LA Woman? Joe Cocker? Motown? Sam and Dave? James Brown? I could go on and on.
Yes you did a good job on this but Biab can NOT do a whole huge bunch of classic covers. And, that's ok because it's not designed for that anyway just don't tell folks it can.
You did a great job on this Herb and your guitar work sounds great. However...
I have to take exception with your statement
Anyone who says you can't cover a song as close to the record as possible isn't trying very hard. It took some effort but it's totally possible to do close covers with BiaB.
DUDE! This is a very simple song, it's all strumming guitars and a basic bass. Of course this can be covered by Biab RT's and some good editing. This is straight ahead strumming guitar rock and roll. Same as a lot of folk stuff. But take a song with hooks, specific musical licks, full band rhythm punches, or a horn section. Biab cannot cover tunes like that without a ton of work and you recording a bunch of specific parts and even then the feel is wrong. Wanna try some Stones like Satisfaction or Jumpin Jack Flash or Brown Sugar? How about Santana like Black Magic Woman? The Doors, Light My Fire, LA Woman? Joe Cocker? Motown? Sam and Dave? James Brown? I could go on and on.
Yes you did a good job on this but Biab can NOT do a whole huge bunch of classic covers. And, that's ok because it's not designed for that anyway just don't tell folks it can.
Bob
Bob... yes indeed. The easier tunes are simple to cover. And your point is well taken. And I would venture to say that even doing the simple songs in BB.... my song is a great example.... It still takes a bit of work to make it sound like the record.
I'd have to go search the hard drive on my DAW to find it, but ..... more than a few years ago I had a guy contact me to see if I could get him a reasonably close to the record version of Southern Nights. The old Glen Campbell song but by a different artist who, if I recall the details correctly, wanted a slightly different vibed version. I listened to the song he indicated on YT and was setting on the fence about whether to take the job, knowing all I had to work with was BB. I figured I'd give it a try and set about finding a style that would work. It was an enormous amount of work and I ended up having to play several of the parts with midi. I think the guitars and bass ended up live. Bass was the midi track simply because nothing I could find in BB worked with the groove the guy wanted. And the arrangement IIRC was slightly different too.
Long story short, I got an almost finished track and sent him a section to see if it worked for him. He was, apparently, pleased. He instructed me to finish the track and I ended up sending him the wave and got paid for the job. The hourly rate when calculated was pretty slim if I do say so myself but it was a fun challenge.
But you are correct. Many of the classic songs are not a simple wham bam thank you and it's done. I suspect that stuff like James Brown, with the accents and other such things would present a real challenge to anyone trying to cover them accurately by just using BB. That is but one of those times you have to think out of the box and create many of the tracks yourself and be really sharp with the audio editing.
Edit to add: I think I actually scrapped the entire project 2x and started over because the customer was not satisfied with the vibe in those earlier versions. I had given it one more third and final attempt and the guy liked it so with a bunch of wasted time behind me, I plowed forward to finish it.
Last edited by Guitarhacker; 09/24/1904:29 AM.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.com Add nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.
The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
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.
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!
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.
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)
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.
I've never really listened to Mott the Hoople so this was new to me. You did a great job though - really catchy and some great progressions. I'll need to check out the original!
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean