|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,826
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,826 |
Rust On The Rails A lifetime love of trains lead me (Bud) to attempt the writing of my first autobiographical song. It’s unconventional in many ways but, hey, it’s all about having fun. Yeah, yeah, I know if you’ve gotta explain your song you’re in trouble! But if not familiar with the verse three imagery (and interested) this 28 second video shows what I watched as a kid. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UN9GxmtfX90Thank you Janice for your support in my tedious efforts to jam four vignettes over many years into a three minute song  Thanks to floyd for the thoughtful and helpful mix counsel and to Noel for our song structure discussions. And as always to PG Music and this community. Oh, and pardon me but I couldn’t resist the SC photo of me at eight years old. We always appreciate your time to listen and comment. Vocal: Janice > Rodes NT1 > Scarlett 212 > Logic Pro X Bass: RT 518 Electric, Pop HalfNotes (multiple comps) Drums: RD Nashville EV 8ths Guitar: RT 538 Electric, Rhythm PopBelieveHeld Direct Input (multiple comps) Piano: MST 1809: Acoustic, Rhythm CountryBalladJohn Piano: MST 1887: Acoustic, Solo-acc CountryPopJohn Harmonica: RT 2857 Background CountryPopJellyRoll (multiple comps) Harmonica: RT 2854 Background CountryPopJellyRoll (multiple comps) Effects: Nectar 2, CLA Drums, CLA Bass, CLA Guitar, CLA Unplugged, Neutron 2 and Logic Pro X Grand Steinway sound Mix: Logic Pro X Mastering: Logic Channel EQ > Waves LinMB > Ozone 8 Imager > Ozone 8 Maximizer > Ozone Tonal Balance Rust On The Rails Verse 1 A child sits on a worn store bench next to his daddy he stares at the dirt path leading to the train station nearby the postmaster loads the wooden mail cart the kid waits to chase him in the hot Georgia sun Verse 2 when older the boy rides his bike down to the station sittin’ on the loading dock he eats a brown bag lunch men in fedoras ‘n mama’s with strollers wait in line the conductor’s circled by colored dots from his punch Verse 3 years later the young man visits the station house his old postmaster’s there hanging a mailbag on a crane the freight train slows down but no longer stops its hook snatches the bag, he sees little stays the same Bridge now an old man, eyes grown dim, he gazes down the line the rusting rails shimmer and taper into distant pines Turnaround Verse 4 standing in the shadow of the leaning water tank his thoughts are broken by a crow with its caw the tracks bear no train, only faded memories a station house that’s nothing but crumbling brick walls the tracks bear no train, only faded memories © 2019 Janice and Bud Merritt
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 are here on our website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,440
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,440 |
Man, this is great you guys.
The sound is incredibly rich and warm. Thoroughly professional.
Super track! Love it!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,826
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,826 |
Man, this is great you guys.
The sound is incredibly rich and warm. Thoroughly professional.
Super track! Love it!
Thank you David. 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 are here on our website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,556
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,556 |
Janice & Bud,
This is some incredible Americana... A great song, sung by a great vocalist.
The mix and instrumentation on this song is truly outstanding. So nuanced and layered with rich tones - it is the sound that I think we all have in our heads and try to achieve. Unbelievably good.
You both have raised the bar again...
Bob
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 1,944
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 1,944 |
Beautiful sounds...
Stirring some my own memories...
I enjoyed first your autobiographical musical work & ...
I love Janice's voice & delivery.
Jim
†=☮&♥
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,699
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,699 |
hi guys perfect vocal this is excellent mix so crisp clear awesome thanks 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: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,826
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,826 |
Janice & Bud,
This is some incredible Americana... A great song, sung by a great vocalist.
The mix and instrumentation on this song is truly outstanding. So nuanced and layered with rich tones - it is the sound that I think we all have in our heads and try to achieve. Unbelievably good.
You both have raised the bar again...
Bob
Hey, coming from the forum Americana Master we are even more appreciative of your comments. Thank you big time! 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 are here on our website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 1,362
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 1,362 |
What a great song, wonderful performance and flawless production. Very well done!
The lyrics reminded me about George Hunters "Train Watching":
"The beast was thundering along, hissing lots of steam
And belching black smoke, a young boy's dream.
We stood real close, with our jaws all slack,
The passing wind near knocked us back.
Golly Gee! That was some sight to behold!
I'll probably remember it when I get old."
Thanks a lot for sharing!
Will
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,922
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,922 |
Great imagery delivered by a killer voice. Really enjoyed it!
Windows 11, Intel Core I5 10400, 16 gig ram, Scarlett 2i2, Sony Acid Music Studio 10, BIAB 2020 UltraPlus Pak
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,034
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,034 |
You two are pros at not only singing and production but at setting up the perfect visuals. These lyrics are outstanding and of course Janice's vocals are fantastic.
This is better than virtually all of the music on today's commercial radio!
It takes courage for a man to admit his wife was wrong.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,826
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,826 |
Beautiful sounds...
Stirring some my own memories...
I enjoyed first your autobiographical musical work & ...
I love Janice's voice & delivery.
Thanks Jim. If we’ve stirred some memories then mission accomplished! 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 are here on our website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,170
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,170 |
It's a very clear sketch of recollections.
Almost carries the smells as well.
Excellent vocals on top of a very evocative backing.
Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 1,210
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 1,210 |
Hi Janice and Bud,
Even if I don't understand each word of this song (because I'm french), I feel all the nostalgia there's in it !
Thanks for sharing this great song. Christian
Last edited by Chris37; 05/25/19 10:43 PM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,581
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,581 |
Hi Janice and Bud,
Melancholic song, performed in an excellent way, or many ways; the clearness of the instruments, the beautiful voice, and the nice lyrics.
Makes you longing to yesterday...
Bye,
Hans
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 1,381
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 1,381 |
You'll have to forgive me for not really recognizing this "song-form". I've got nothing really to compare it to that jumps to mind more-so than 'opera'. What great little pictures laid out on the table in order, full of detail but still a little smokey.
The Band sounds right, and Janice's vocals wrap around these stellar lines punctuating the sense of loss in the telling. Unique to my ears, and a beautiful listen.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,826
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,826 |
hi guys perfect vocal this is excellent mix so crisp clear awesome thanks eric Thanks Eric and we appreciate you mentioning the mix. 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 are here on our website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,165
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,165 |
What a cool song. I can totally relate to the lyrics in this song as I grew up about a half a block from the tracks. Lots of very dangerous adventures played in those yards. Abandoned buildings, turnarounds for the old steam engines. Stirred up some very old memories.
The backtrack and instrument selection was so perfect for the song. That harmonica boy was it cool.
Janice's voice was absolutely excellent. Such feeling. Such a nice listen. Well done....
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,647
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,647 |
Janice & Bud,
The first thing that stands out is the clarity and sound - beautiful work on the mix & production.
Janice - as usual is superb, with lovely feeling in the vocal, evocative lyrics, some masterful story telling, and also a nice album cover photo.
The harmonica sounds excellent and was a great choice for the song.
Wonderful.
Peter
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,826
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,826 |
What a great song, wonderful performance and flawless production. Very well done!
The lyrics reminded me about George Hunters "Train Watching":
"The beast was thundering along, hissing lots of steam
And belching black smoke, a young boy's dream.
We stood real close, with our jaws all slack,
The passing wind near knocked us back.
Golly Gee! That was some sight to behold!
I'll probably remember it when I get old."
Thanks a lot for sharing!
Will What a thoughtful reply! We went and read that poem and several others by him. Thanks! 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 are here on our website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052 |
I have never heard any better production on this site......such a wonderful, deep soundstage!!! The harmonica sings so sweetly, but not as sweet as Janice (AMAZING VOCAL!!!!). A really nice tale of a forgotten place, like so many these days. OUTSTANDING!!!! Take care. Greg
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
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)
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
Video: New User Interface (GUI)
Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new user interface in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®! This modern GUI redesign offers a sleek new look with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, and a smoother workflow. The brand-new side toolbar puts track selection, the MultiPicker Library, and other essential tools right at your fingertips. Plus, our upgraded Multi-View lets you layer multiple windows without overlap, giving you a highly flexible workspace. Many windows—including Tracks, Piano Roll, and more—have been redesigned for improved usability and a cleaner, more intuitive interface, and more!
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,311
Posts790,849
Members39,856
| |
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean