|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,648
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,648 |
Another of my story songs. First did this with help from my pal Mike Leblanc back in 2016 with a swing feel but decided recently to change the style and much of the lyric. Vic https://soundcloud.com/vic-arnold/aces-and-eights-1Aces And Eights or Dead Man's Hand vs2 © 2013 Vic Arnold with suggestions from Mike Leblanc V1 In the wild town of Deadwood, Jack had lost his pride. Playing at the tables ... with bad luck on his side. Bill took all his money and they all laughed in the saloon Gave him back a couple of dollars. Said ... "Jack. Don't you come back too soon" V2 Jack returned the next night ... Put aside his fear With a head full of vengeance and a belly full of beer The cards were on the table. The writing on the wall. Bill never knew what hit him ... when Jack came round to call Ch.1 Aces and eights. Called the dead man's hand Ever since that night down at Nuttal and Mann's Was it just fate or was it something more when Bill sat at the table with his back toward the door V3 They say Jack stepped up from behind, pulled out his 44 "Take that" he cried, a shot rang out and Bill slumped to the floor Now there lay Wild Bill Hickok. In a spreading pool of blood still holding in his fingers his last hand of five card stud Inst. V4 When later, Jack's arrested, found guilty of the offense He showed no remorse, said he'd do it all again So they swung him from the gallows and now he's lying still And the cards no longer shuffle for the legend of Wild Bill Ch2. Aces and eights. It's called the dead man's hand Ever since that night down at Nuttal and Mann's Was it just fate or was the whole thing planned Jack got his glory ... but he got hanged Ch1. Aces and eights. Called the dead man's hand Ever since that night down at Nuttal and Mann's Was it just fate or was there something more when Bill sat with his back toward the door Bass = 1759, Drums =Northern Rock ballad Guitars 806, 703, 2626 and 804
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 1,749
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 1,749 |
I enjoyed that.
I love story songs.
Well written, performed and mixed.
My only suggestion to make this a viable hit would be find a way to cut it back a minute or two.
I enjoyed it but, it's hard to get long songs to stick with today's short attention span audiences.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,648
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,648 |
Hi Captain.
Thanks for your comment. Glad you enjoyed it.
I realise it's long and hasn't much chance of being a hit but if I cut it down too 3 9r 4 minutes it would lose the story and that story feel.
If I speed it up it would sound weird. I am resigned to a non hit here. Having said that; I changed it once so could do it again :-)
Vic
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,647
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,647 |
Vic,
Good story telling song.
Sort of like Dylan's Lily, Rosemary and the Jack of Hearts which goes for 9 minutes and is sung pretty fast.
I especially liked the chorus. Nicely produced.
Peter
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 1,362
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 1,362 |
Well done! I like this kind of songs which is telling a story.
Keep posting, please!
Will
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 708
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 708 |
Hi Vic
Very well written and sung. Great band. Like Peter, I picked up a bit of similarity to Dylan's Lily, Rosemary and the Jack of Hearts. Much enjoyed my listen.
Regards,
Leon
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,306
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,306 |
Good old western card tale sung well, liked it a lot, a bit long but still good.
Windows 11, Intel Core I5 10400, 16 gig ram, Scarlett 2i2, Sony Acid Music Studio 10, BIAB 2020 UltraPlus Pak
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,648
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,648 |
Thanks for your input, Peter. Never heard that song before. Wow! Nine minutes! Done at my song's speed that could work out to about 18 minutes. Another three like that would make a CD.  I suppose there is a similarity being that they are both bar room songs. I see you are in Sidney. A guitarist pal of mine called John Wheals moved over there in the seventies. We lost touch. I don't suppose you ever bumped into him? Vic
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,648
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,648 |
I will, Will.
Thank you for your comment.
Vic
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,956
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,956 |
Vic,
Good BAND, good vocal, good mix.
A bit long, seems "slow" at times. I think you could take out some space.
The chorus is nice.
fj
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357 |
Good old western card tale sung well, liked it a lot, a bit long but still good. I agree with that Vicarn; though I think the length would be less commented on if you were to introduce more dynamic changes in the arrangement - not much needed, maybe a harmony on choruses,bringing the intensity up or down through instrument choices. I like story songs, so you have my attention with this style of songwriting. Robert
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,647
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,647 |
Thanks for your input, Peter. Never heard that song before. Wow! Nine minutes! Done at my song's speed that could work out to about 18 minutes. Another three like that would make a CD. I suppose there is a similarity being that they are both bar room songs. I see you are in Sidney. A guitarist pal of mine called John Wheals moved over there in the seventies. We lost touch. I don't suppose you ever bumped into him? Vic Vic Can't say I have. Peter
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,647
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,647 |
Hi Vic ...
A really good story song. They sometimes take a while to tell. reminded me a bit of Johnny Cash's version of "John Henry". It, too, was pretty long ... 8:24. Radio Disc Jockeys loved it ... they could pee, grab a sandwich & a Coke, and still have time to settle in behind the mic before the song ended!
Your voice, to my ears, has a slight tinge of Johnny Cash. And that's not a bad thing! listened all the way through and enjoyed it. Nice work!
Wishin' you the best. Be safe ...
Alan
BIAB 2024 Ultra Plus-all StylePaks*Win11*32GB DDR5*Rhyzen 9745x*AT 2035 Mic*Peavey Nashville 112 Amp*Ibanez ART120* Acoustic/Electric/Washburn D200S Acoustic*Stromberg Monterey Jazz Guitar Loops: https://aldavidmusic.wixsite.com/bestmusicloops
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,648
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,648 |
Thanks Leon.
Much appreciate your support.
Vic
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,648
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,648 |
Thanks Tunemonger.
I am considering the length of it.
Vic
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,648
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,648 |
Thank you Floyd.
There are places I could trim where there's nothing much going on and without damaging the story feel.
I have done some cutting already.
Vic
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,648
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,648 |
Hi Robert.
Thanks for the nudge. I'm working on it.
Vic
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,648
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,648 |
Thanks Al.
That's a good pitching angle: "Pee, sandwich and coke."
Vic
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 2,060
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 2,060 |
Vic,
I love the write and I love the feel of this song . . . and your vocal matches both. As usual, you do such a great job on the percussion—really carries this song along (with that bass). As others noted, length and pacing could be a commercial challenge, but that’s never been something that worries me, particularly when the story is strong enough to keep the listener engaged, as it is here. Robert has some good suggestions on ways to maybe perk things up along the way—worth exploring maybe.
Good stuff, Vic. Enjoyed the tale!
Best regards,
Deej
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,648
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,648 |
Hi Deej.
Yeah, to hell with the commercial side.
I was listening to Bob Dylan's live version of "Billy" which doesn't seem to vary all the way through.
However, I have now shortened it (about 25 secs) by cutting some of the spaces and put a couple more fills in the choruses.
It is what it is, as they say.
Thanks for having a listen.
Vic
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can transcribe an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
Holiday Weekend Hours
It's Victoria Day Long Weekend in Canada. Our Customer Service hours are:
Saturday, May 16: Closed
Sunday, May 17: Closed
Monday, May 18: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Regular hours resume Tuesday, May 19th!
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!
Don't wait - order today!
Check out all the new features in the redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.
Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!
202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac 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)
- iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
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 PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,382
Posts804,144
Members40,110
| |
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean