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https://soundcloud.com/user-427542889/something-about-west-virginia

BIAB Tracks: CARRICK.STY Carrick Celtic Reel w/Guitars
1162:Bass Acoustic, Celtic Reel Ev 16 110
3240:Guitar, Nylon RumbaFlamencaFast 126ths Ev 16 120
RealDrums=BodhranCelticReel
3274:Guitar, Nylon, Rhythm CelticReelDADGAD ev16 110
3273:Guitar, 12-String Acoustic, Rhythm Celtic Reel ev 16 110

Chromatic Harmonica: Propellerhead Reason 10.0

Mixed with Reason, reaper and Audacity.

Vocals through Shure PG57, Behringer XENYX1202 mixer, Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 USB interface.
**********************************
LYRICS

She's famous for steep, wooded valleys
Mountains and cool, rushing streams
But she couldn't hold me, something just told me
To follow my dreams
Waved goodbye to my family
Who didn't quite understand
I drove away, straight to LA
To play in a band

But there's something about West Virginia
That stays with me day after day
And when night is falling I still hear her calling
Thousands of miles away


We found a record producer
Had his own label and all
Deal sweet as honey but he took our money
We took the fall
We worked with the almost-famous
Their names won't mean much to you
But there were some good guys, helping us realise
A way through

And there's something about West Virginia
That stays with me day after day
And when night is falling I still hear her calling
Thousands of miles away


One day I'm going back there
To the mountains and cool, rushing streams
Lately those steep wooded valleys
Fill my dreams
Reconnect with my family
Hope they're all doing fine
Father and mother, sister and brother
It's time..

There's something about West Virginia
That stays with me day after day
And when night is falling I still hear her calling
Thousands of miles away

___________________________________________
Music & Lyrics copyright © 2019 Brian Raynor


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Ghostgum,

Love that harmonica in the intro and those lovely harmonies in the chorus. This has such a nice John Denver type feel. And the lyrics tell a familiar, true and heartfelt story. Really pretty tune. Well, well done!

All the best,

Deej

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Good Morning, Ghostgum ...

I really enjoyed this. Such a pleasant listen! I agree with Deej about the harmonica and vocal harmony. It does have John Denver Country-Folk character about it. I also enjoy your phrasing. Thanks for a terrific listen!!! Wishing you the very best ...

Alan


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John Denver unbelievably uncanny resemblance on the style, tracks and vocals.

I honestly was set back with this one, its brilliant as John Denver was.. gosh ! you really brought it all back to me there .

Thanks.


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All three replies to my post indicate I'm channelling the late, great Mr. Denver. Hardly surprising; from 1975-80 I was playing his music almost constantly, hoping one day I might write a song of similar calibre. Who knows? Might get there one day.

Cheers,

Brian.


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Really fantastic use of the Style! Thanks for sharing.


Cheers,
Ember
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We're just a few miles from the border of that beautiful state. Nice tune and great vocal. Catchy and pleasant chorus.

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Brian,
Very nice composition both musically and lyrically. Vocal performance is A+.
Enjoyed it. The only critical opinion, I think harmonica sounds a bit thin compared to overall soundscape.

Thank you for sharing!

Misha.

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Thanks, Misha. The slightly 'thin' harmonica sound was deliberate. I wanted a distant, almost wistful sound to match the mood of the song. Guess it didn't work as well as I hoped wink


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What a tune! Really easy to take, and your vocals are stunning on this. I'm definitely getting some John Denver vibes here which is always a good thing in my books. It has a bright, happy quality to it and the instrumentation is nicely lush too.

Thanks for sharing smile


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Deryk
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Brian, everything about this song works so well.

Impressive lyrics, perfect use of harmonica in the fills, and the instrumentation throughout is excellent.

The entire production is remarkably well done. Excellent.


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Pleasant tune and lovely vocals, listened several times, put me nicely at ease. Good work as usual!


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Tuneful. You've got a nice voice, and that JD sound is there. The lyrics move the story along, and the chorus does it's job.

I think the vocals could sit better in the mix - they seem a bit too loud compared to the backing tracks.

Lovely song, it carried me away to another place.


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Originally Posted By: Al-David
Good Morning, Ghostgum ...

I really enjoyed this. Such a pleasant listen! I agree with Deej about the harmonica and vocal harmony. It does have John Denver Country-Folk character about it. I also enjoy your phrasing. Thanks for a terrific listen!!! Wishing you the very best ...

Alan


I think Alan nailed it!! Really nicely done....my new fave of yours! I'm going to have to check out those RTs! Take care. Greg

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I was born in W. Va. so I was immediately drawn in. I really like your vocals and the whole write and production was very well done. I thoroughly enjoyed my listen, Tom

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Thanks, Tom. I'm not from W.Va. (or anywhere else in the USA) so I have to rely on my imagination (and Wikipedia and Google Maps) when putting these songs together wink


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This is really good. I agree with the JD similarities. You did a really good job on the vocal and harmonies. I also liked the "thin" harmonica. I think it did capture that "distant, almost wistful sound".


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Channeling JD is always good if done well.

And this was!

Well done and the harp nailed it.

J&B


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Interesting song. Awesome vocal tracks, production and mix. Making people think of John Denver ain't a bad thing. You did good!


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Love the John Denver feel. Beautiful arrangement with the harmonica, pretty melody and with that voice actually I could listen to you sing the phone book.... Thought the vocals were a tad out front in the production.

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