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What a collaboration and with BIAB too! Great lyrics. Absolutely outstanding. Wonderful and full vocals. Beautiful Great guitar playing. I love that style. Someone said Eric Claptop. Yes . I'd throw in Mick Taylor too. Great production (mix, etc.) too. Thanks a lot (head swells). Peter
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Janice, Bud and Peter,
Wonderful collaboration!
Very nice intro guitar.
Very pop with a lot of Folk feel.
Janice's Vocals are excellent as usual.
Great production.
Enjoyed my listen a lot.
Best regards.
Shigeki Adachi
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Janice, Bud and Peter
Heartfelt, poignant lyrics from Bud, superb singing from Janice (who would expect anything else) and tasteful guitar work from Peter. Great job by all.
I know Peter will particularly enjoy the Clapton comparison in the comments. In our early teens, he and I both bought our first guitars cause we dreamed of playing like EC. These days, Peter actually can. Me, I’m still strumming a few simple chords to help me write lyrics. Goes to show that dedication, hard work and perseverance pays off (and vice versa).
Regards,
Leon
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
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Ok, this song IS emotion! It's one of those songs that captures a feeling so well that you sort of lose sight that it's a song and feel like you've just witnessed something. It's a story told so unbelievably well.
To expand on that a little bit without going too far, The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald is one of those types of songs. I'm not saying this sounds like that, just the power of the writing and performance get you to that place.
You three have so expertly accomplished this through the use of a well-delivered melody and harmonies, fantastic guitar work, production, and extra attention to the details of the lyrics. Instead of using words like Mom or Dad you chose words like Mommy and Daddy. Those words I want really drive it home.
The feel has even taking on life in the cover photo. From what I've seen, a lot of your covers have a really cool blue Spectrum to them. The Earth Tones had me expecting something different, and it was delivered
I lend on the overall sobering subject matter. I commend you for bringing it into perspective for those of us who may have forgotten the fears of a child. it's especially poignant given the times were in.
I am sitting in sitting in a parking lot as I write this. And by right, I mean speak it into my phone. I'm quite certain there will be many typos and it's not overly easy for me to go back and put in correct. I'm getting better at not worrying about that and just getting the comment out. that's what's most important in a work as amazing as this is! Thank you so much for sharing this with us. It is truly top-notch in every aspect! Thanks a lot - we all appreciate that review. Peter
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Dear 'Bud', Ms. Janice and 'PeterF'... I think a song could be 'upbeat' even while it expresses sorrow, regret, anger, loss, or any other unwelcome feeling, because the act of setting to music the sentiments expressed in the lyrics is in itself an act of faith and hope. People normally don't raise their voices in song to purposefully make themselves feel bad -- they do it to release the bad feelings and free themselves from despair, as any worthwhile 'blues' song does. Thoughtful lyrics and Ms. Janice's gentle, empathetic vocal treatment of them make the song, The Way Things Are, something to take to heart. 'PeterF', I believe I have not heard you play an electric guitar in such a somber, questioning manner (to my ears, at least), but your performance cleared a quiet space for itself and deeply affected my experience of listening to the song. 'Bud', I think I would not use the word 'mixing' to describe what you do on the production end of a song -- instead, I would say that you tend to your 'sound gardens' with care, sensitivity, and love, even. If there are 'intelligent' aliens out there in the cosmos somewhere, I hope they'll detect this song, be moved by it, and come to Earth to help us fix things up  !!! LOREN
Last edited by bluage; 03/25/20 10:59 AM.
"Music is what feelings sound like."-- borrowed from a Cakewalk Music Creator forum member, "Mamabear".
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A very poignant listen. Janice's vocal very well covers the weary resignation of a parent in this world. The change of meter under the title line perfectly frames this. "Enjoy" is not a word to use, but it was a time of listening and reflecting and identifying that was much appreciated. The band softly supports and the mix sits just right. Peter leads the band here, even though I expect he came "last". Wonderfully summed up in his play.
Last edited by Tangmo; 03/25/20 03:55 PM.
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Love the "...wish on a star, ...that's just the way things are" hook Bud. One of my new fav Janice vocals and loved the guitar tone Peter used - fit like a glove.
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Dear Janice, Bud & Peter,
this is really something special !!!
Thoughtful and heartfelt lyrics - Bud: KUDOS !!!. Janice you sing these outstanding lyrics with a deep emotion without any artificial sentimentality, that is just fantastic.
I love the arrangement and the overall sound of this production - oh Bud, you always get things right!
Peter, great playing (like usual).
Like I said, "This is really something special".
Stay healthy - there's more than just a storm ahead...
All the very, very best to all of you,
Stefan Thank you Stefan. You are very generous with your comments. I (Bud) am obviously biased but I think the lack of artificial sentimentality is a hallmark of Janice’s vocals. She puts her heart into them. I much appreciate you mentioning that! 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
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Loved the intro. Love the tone of Peters guitar. Excellent vocal Janice. Professional level production. Well done Thanks Scott. Peter
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WOW!!! This is a forum Wall of Famer for sure!! Everything is beautifully done!! Everything!!! An instant classic!!! Take care. Greg
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This website forum is the hidden gem on the internet for the best, most original, and creative artists, songwriters, and their songs.
THIS song is one of the reasons why.
Nicely done. Thanks Herb. We very much appreciate that!! J&B Love your genius, Bud, and Janice's superb delivery. Excellent song with so much sadness. Peter's guitar work is superb as always. What a great song! Thanks for listening and commenting! 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
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Janice, Bud, Peter...
Superb.
Everything is just as it should be to tell your story.
A solid write. Nice progression in the lyric/story. A well-matched melody.
The BAND does its job perfectly - as does the guy who put them in place...
Peter's guitar work is wonderfully supportive.
Seems silly to even mention Janice's vocal. PERFECTION.
A crystal clear mix. Sounds SO good on my monitors!!
One to be proud of (of course, they all are...)
fj What a bright spot! We’ve only read it about a hundred times  Obviously given your vocal, writing and production chops this review is very special to us. Thanks...a bunch! 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
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This is one of your best. Bud, I really like how your crafted that first verse to lead smoothly into the chorus--that really hooked me. Thanks and we appreciate you mentioning the arrangement! 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
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Hi, Janice.Bud & Peter !:))
This tune is very, very good
in every aspect, Janice´s vocals
Bud´s mixing and Peter´s playing
not to forget those lyrics !
What a wonderful collab
I like it very much !
Cheers
Dani
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J&B,
I think this is one of your best lyrics, Bud; engaging,accurate details of a child`s view and you can just hear the mum & dad`s caring, universal response.
Wonderful warmth and phrasing in Janice`s vocal- of course!!
Robert
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Well, I bet a lot of full grown adults wonder the same stuff every day, I know I do. I appreciate that in mentioning religion you touched on the good and the bad in it. Production was first rate as usual. And that voice! I'm out of superlatives. Thanks!
Thanks for the listen and the kind remarks!
J&B
J@B + Peter, Beautiful and sad original! I jumped into listening and was pretty sure I knew it. Turns out I did not Well, just wait 100(?) years and it will become a public domain... and somebody will re arrange and re-post it here. Very well done! Great teamwork! Thank you for sharing. Misha. Thank you Misha. Glad you liked it. Cool little scenario you painted
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
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Hi Janice, Bud and Peter man this is good!! the vocal was super great changes guitar work fit perfect loved the lyrics thanks for sharing 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
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WOW!
This so worth the price of admission ... plus a fine dinner afterwards. there is so much fabulous talent on this forum. You two put out the cream of the crop entertainment in these parts ... and a lot of other parts, I would imagine.
Janice shines on this ... she always does, but this one is extra special. The harmony is beyond sweet. And Bud, you knob twisting talent is to die for.
Wishing you both everything good. take care ...
Alan Thanks a bunch Al and, man, did we ever love your repost with Di singing! 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
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All around powerhouse of a track. Thanks Ed. J&B Janice, Bud and Peter,
Wonderful collaboration!
Very nice intro guitar.
Very pop with a lot of Folk feel.
Janice's Vocals are excellent as usual.
Great production.
Enjoyed my listen a lot.
Best regards.
Shigeki Adachi Thanks for the nice comments Shigeki. They are appreciated. 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
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Dear 'Bud', Ms. Janice and 'PeterF'... I think a song could be 'upbeat' even while it expresses sorrow, regret, anger, loss, or any other unwelcome feeling, because the act of setting to music the sentiments expressed in the lyrics is in itself an act of faith and hope. People normally don't raise their voices in song to purposefully make themselves feel bad -- they do it to release the bad feelings and free themselves from despair, as any worthwhile 'blues' song does. Thoughtful lyrics and Ms. Janice's gentle, empathetic vocal treatment of them make the song, The Way Things Are, something to take to heart. 'PeterF', I believe I have not heard you play an electric guitar in such a somber, questioning manner (to my ears, at least), but your performance cleared a quiet space for itself and deeply affected my experience of listening to the song. 'Bud', I think I would not use the word 'mixing' to describe what you do on the production end of a song -- instead, I would say that you tend to your 'sound gardens' with care, sensitivity, and love, even. If there are 'intelligent' aliens out there in the cosmos somewhere, I hope they'll detect this song, be moved by it, and come to Earth to help us fix things up !!! LOREN Loren, thank you for offering us some confidence that what we are attempting is perhaps meaningful. One never knows. But reading comments like this are inspiring to say the least. The attention to detail and eloquence in your descriptions never escapes us. We deeply appreciate and cherish it. 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
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