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#610045 08/09/20 10:24 AM
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tommyad Offline OP
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This is a story from a long, long time ago and how it relates to my present day state of mind…


https://soundcloud.com/tommyad/way-back-when


http://tommyadamsmusic.com/track/2437702/way-back-when


RealTracks in song: 1758:Banjo, Rhythm, Pop16ths Ev 085
RealTracks in song: 1947:Mandolin, Rhythm PopModernGrooveAndy Ev16 075
RealTracks in song: 1761:Guitar, Acoustic, Strumming Pop16ths Ev16 085
RealTracks in song: 2446:Guitar, Baritone Electric, Background SpaghettiWestern Ev 065 Held
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Plug Ins : Nectar 2, Neutron 2, Ozone 8, Tonal Balance, Waves LinMB, Waves, L3-LL Multi Limiter, Scuffam Amps S-Gear, Waves Vocal Rider, Waves Bass Rider


Vocals, Electric Guitars(Tele & Les Paul), Tom Adams



Way Back When




I walked out of high school the day I turned sixteen

Couldn’t wait one more day if you know what I mean

I lived outside that window I was wild as the wind that blows

I emptied out my locker and then I hit the road


I still feel like I did back then way down deep inside

The only problem I have now is I am so damn tired

I try to dial it back a bit use a little common sense

Cause I felt I could do anything Way back When


My friends got jobs or dove into the academic pool

And there I was out on the street looking like a fool

So I told a little white lie about the GED

And in a while I had my University degree


I still feel like I did back then way down deep inside

The only problem I have now is I am so damn tired

I try to dial it back a bit use a little common sense

Cause I felt I could do anything Way back When

©2020 Thomas Adams

Last edited by tommyad; 08/10/20 04:01 AM.
tommyad #610123 08/10/20 03:33 AM
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Tom,

I believe ever word of it. That alone makes this an excellent write.
I'm a big fan of "short" writes that say all they need to - and this delivers.

"I lived outside that window I was wild as the wind that blows
I emptied out my locker and then I hit the road".

Nice.

Really like the pared-down opening and ending. The overall production has a really nice (and appropriate) Indie-Country sound to it.

Your usual honest vocals (you really have a great voice for this style).

Your usual clean mix. Nothing out of place.

fj

tommyad #610131 08/10/20 04:30 AM
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Hi tommyad,

Really good arrangement of the music. it sounds like something I grew up hearing on the radio (not like the mindless, formulaic dribble being played now). Also, I can identify with your lyrics. I don't want to hijack your post expanding on this... Ha Ha.

But, thanks for posting. I enjoyed the twangy guitar and your vocals fit in nicely to the vibe...

tommyad #610226 08/10/20 02:36 PM
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Tom

Wonderful song, loved the lyric and the chorus was superb, great guitars and a great vocal.

A truly excellent song all round (and floyd's review as usual is on the money).

Peter

tommyad #610248 08/10/20 09:21 PM
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You had me hooked right from that very cool opening guitar part with the downwards bend followed by the double stops, very slick.

Enjoyable story, great vocal delivery.

"I still feel like I did back then way down deep inside
The only problem I have now is I am so damn tired"

Yep! smile

Good one, Tom, enjoyed.

tommyad #610250 08/10/20 09:31 PM
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Good job! The chorus/hook says it all. We're sadly all like that when we get older, of course. But I bet you couldn't write a song like this at 16, though I may be very wrong :-)

Anyway: great, great, great job. Loved the solo, too. Also: it's all structured so well, it keeps the ear engaged throughout. I've written this after one hearing ... I want to hear it again :-)

On my second hearing now :-) Nothing more to add that I can express in words, really - just listen to the song, everybody. I defy you not to relate! :-)

Well done.

tommyad #610295 08/11/20 05:32 AM
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What a wonderful Everyman Story, Tom, and an exciting way to tell it. The best part of "way back when" is being able to say it in the here and now. The best part of your Way Back When is being able to listen to it again & again. Excuse me...


Enjoy whatever happens!
marty

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@babumusic51
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tommyad #610352 08/11/20 07:37 PM
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Cool.
The baritone steps on your lead lick on occasion and may be kinder if panned a little.
The kick is very modern sounding.
I really enjoyed when the level and density built into the solo.
STRONG vocal.
Well done.


Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
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Originally Posted By: floyd jane
Tom,

I believe ever word of it. That alone makes this an excellent write.
I'm a big fan of "short" writes that say all they need to - and this delivers.

"I lived outside that window I was wild as the wind that blows
I emptied out my locker and then I hit the road".

Nice.

Really like the pared-down opening and ending. The overall production has a really nice (and appropriate) Indie-Country sound to it.

Your usual honest vocals (you really have a great voice for this style).

Your usual clean mix. Nothing out of place.

fj
Thanks floyd. You know I always appreciate your feedback. I was watching the TV show Yellowstone and Kevin Costner says "Deep inside I still feel sixteen but in my heart I'm so tired". It was all I could think about for the next hour. It really struck a chord with me and I was hoping that all of us old guys here on this forum might relate. It's good to know that the believability came across because it's nothing but the truth, Tom

tommyad #610450 08/12/20 01:10 PM
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Hi Tom
A tight write, great vocal and guitar and a story that rings true for us all sooner of later. As a teenager my grandmother told me she still felt like a girl of eighteen inside. It was a revealing moment for me back then and one I've never forgotten.
Regards,
Leon

Bawb #610504 08/13/20 12:12 AM
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Originally Posted By: Bawb
Hi tommyad,

Really good arrangement of the music. it sounds like something I grew up hearing on the radio (not like the mindless, formulaic dribble being played now). Also, I can identify with your lyrics. I don't want to hijack your post expanding on this... Ha Ha.

But, thanks for posting. I enjoyed the twangy guitar and your vocals fit in nicely to the vibe...
Bawb, Thanks for listening and taking the time to comment,Tom

tommyad #610507 08/13/20 12:37 AM
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Tom,

I don't remember reading your bio before - no wonder all of your mixes and productions sound so dang professional. You're a pro!

As for the song, a lot of people can relate - I certainly do - and as usual, your performances are top notch.

Take care.

Scott

p.s. I do remember you guiding me through mixing and mastering:)


My stuff:
https://soundcloud.com/scott-h-olson
https://www.youtube.com/@ScottHOlson

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tommyad #610571 08/13/20 07:38 AM
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Man, can you tell a great story in short order ... but we know that from sitting around the campfire smile

It's been oft said but you are an absolute master at saying a LOT with a LITTLE.

Janice just said "I'm glad he's not too damn tired to make music!"

And this is another great "showcase on the showcase" of putting together a production with BiaB, loops and your own playing...playing that really shines on this and as always is never too little or too much.

I'll quote Janice again, "the vocals are rich," yep, and oozing soul.

Stay around Mr Adams!

J&B


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If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks!
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tommyad #610608 08/13/20 12:24 PM
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Excellent authentically expressive vocals.

Everything about this is top notch.

I had to go back and listen to that guitar solo a second time. Yeah!!!

Great song. I enjoyed this muchly much.

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"I still feel like I did back then way down deep inside
The only problem I have now is I am so damn tired
I try to dial it back a bit use a little common sense
Cause I felt I could do anything Way back When"

That is so true!

Everything I was going to say about this outstanding song already has been said. All I can add is that this is professional all the way!


My boss calls me "the computer".
Nothing to do with intelligence. I go to sleep if left unattended for 15 minutes.

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tommyad #610630 08/13/20 03:14 PM
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Tom,
Excellent playing, vocals and production!
Can totally relate to your lyrics. Pro level stuff. Thank you for sharing.

Misha.

tommyad #610664 08/14/20 03:02 AM
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Tom,

What a great song! Your vocal and production really come through here at the highest level - this sounds like a record...

Excellent!

Bob

tommyad #610686 08/14/20 07:00 AM
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Very cool story in your lyrics Tommy. Loved the twang and grit of your Tele. Well done


Scott Collingwood
https://soundcloud.com/scottt709
https://soundcloud.com/spiritlevel-ca
https://www.youtube.com/@SpiritLevel-ge3hm/
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Originally Posted By: PeterF
Tom

Wonderful song, loved the lyric and the chorus was superb, great guitars and a great vocal.

A truly excellent song all round (and floyd's review as usual is on the money).

Peter
Thanks Peter. Glad you enjoyed it, Tom
Originally Posted By: BlueAttitude
You had me hooked right from that very cool opening guitar part with the downwards bend followed by the double stops, very slick.

Enjoyable story, great vocal delivery.

"I still feel like I did back then way down deep inside
The only problem I have now is I am so damn tired"

Yep! smile

Good one, Tom, enjoyed.
Dave I’m glad you related to the lyric, Tom

BabuMusic #610774 08/15/20 01:19 AM
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Originally Posted By: musician17
Good job! The chorus/hook says it all. We're sadly all like that when we get older, of course. But I bet you couldn't write a song like this at 16, though I may be very wrong :-)

Anyway: great, great, great job. Loved the solo, too. Also: it's all structured so well, it keeps the ear engaged throughout. I've written this after one hearing ... I want to hear it again :-)

On my second hearing now :-) Nothing more to add that I can express in words, really - just listen to the song, everybody. I defy you not to relate! :-)

Well done.
Thanks so much for the great review. I appreciate your comments, Tom
Originally Posted By: BabuMusic
What a wonderful Everyman Story, Tom, and an exciting way to tell it. The best part of "way back when" is being able to say it in the here and now. The best part of your Way Back When is being able to listen to it again & again. Excuse me...
Marty, I get what you’re saying. If you’re lucky enough to grow old, you can really appreciate the past. Thanks for the kind words,Tom

Last edited by tommyad; 08/15/20 01:24 AM.
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