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MY LAST CHRISTMAS https://soundcloud.com/user-427542889/my-last-christmas/s-E2gFVBIAB style and track info below. Music box and tubular bells: DXi Coyote WT. Vocals recorded with Shure PG 58 through Behringer XENYX QX 1202 mixer and Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 interface. Mixed with Reaper DAW. Music, lyrics and vocals by Brian Raynor. My last Christmas didn’t go well
As Christmasses go it was the one from hell
This year – to save me from pain
I think I’ll try something newShould have known right from the start My holiday plans would soon fall apart Sent the invitations in plenty of time But my favourite people politely declined Best of the bunch of those that remained I have to admit, are slightly deranged Friends you can choose – but family you can’t Even the ones who rave and who rant My last Christmas didn’t go well
As Christmasses go it was the one from hell
This year – to save me from pain
I think I’ll try something newThe guests shuffle in and so it begins My apartment is wrecked by ten-year-old twins My brother and sister just sit there and brood While their children busy devouring the food Cousin Elaine gives a detailed discourse On the state of her marriage and impending divorce I end up feeling all battered and bruised I swear next Christmas I’ll go on a cruise My last Christmas didn’t go well
As Christmasses go it was the one from hell
This year – to save me from pain
I’m gonna try something new (x2) Copyright © 2019 Brian Raynor 
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Brian,
That cruise is sounding good! This is a fun write that keeps the seasonal pain light.
Good vocals. Tubular bells fit well.
Made me think of that hilarious Seinfeld "festivus for the restofus" Christmas show.
Robert
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Brian,
Loved the song, especially your lyrics.
You've really captured the quirky side of the "family" Christmas that most of us can probably relate to.
The tubular bells are a nice touch but I think I'd prefer a more "Christmassy" band/style.
Merry Christmas,
Mike
Mike Garry BIAB 2025/RealBand (5), UltraPak, Kontakt, EZmix, Ozone 9 Elements, Audacity, MSi PC, Windows 11, 64bit, 16GB ram, CPU: Intel i7. https://soundcloud.com/user-952388172
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Thanks, Mike.
When I first wrote the lyrics I sang it to a backing track of George Michael's "Last Christmas." Did not find anything that sounded similar in my (basic) version of BIAB. I tried eight different styles before I finally settled for STZ-120.STY
I'll probably rework it when I upgrade to a more comprehensive package.
Merry Christmas to you too.
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Brian, that was a fun tune that probably happens a lot in real life! Great pre-chorus and chorus! I like the realtracks used and your input with the other instruments worked great! Good job on the vocals! Thanks, Torrey
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Great Christmas song...
Tongue planted firmly in the cheek...
While the lyrics take us to a place where we all may share a similar experience...
I like it!
Jim
†=☮&♥
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Loved those lyrics! Mainly because it was a been there - done that kind of thing. I like the style you have chosen. Your vocal was very good.
I wouldn't change to much. I would just bring up the intro lead instrument some and maybe a few other mix changes but nothing drastic.
The only change in the lyrics might be in the chorus. I would add for a change at the end of the last line. Change would rhyme with pain.
Note these are just nitpicking things and others may or may not agree with me.
I fully enjoyed this song.
Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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Thanks, Mario. I'll take those recommendations on board and make the necessary adjustments when things are not so crazy around here  (got 11 Christmas concerts coming up)
Last edited by Ghostgum; 12/01/19 11:56 AM.
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I listened and immediately heard an interpolation of Last Christmas. Very nicely done, I enjoyed it.
Windows 11, Intel Core I5 10400, 16 gig ram, Scarlett 2i2, Sony Acid Music Studio 10, BIAB 2020 UltraPlus Pak
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As I told Mike (MKG50), I wrote the lyrics last year as a parody of George Michael's song. Even though my new version is a different style and melody it I guess it should come with the disclaimer: "Warning, may contain traces of someone else's song." and here they are: Last Christmas
This year, to save me fromEverything else is my own work except that each and every individual word would have been used by somebody somewhere sometime. In fact, if I remember correctly, John Denver used the word "pain" in Country Girl in Paris. But glad you liked it anyway. Have a great Christmas.
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Interpolation is a legitimate songwriting technique. No denigration was meant. I'm sorry to be unclear.
Last edited by TuneMonger; 12/01/19 04:39 PM.
Windows 11, Intel Core I5 10400, 16 gig ram, Scarlett 2i2, Sony Acid Music Studio 10, BIAB 2020 UltraPlus Pak
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Love hearing all the holiday/Christmas songs this time of year!
Thanks for posting!
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