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Hello everyone, I was away for a while. I see a lot of songs I have to listen to. But I hope you also want to take a listen to my first new song of 2021 and also first contribute to our forum this year. The song is called LISTEN, not only because I want you to do so. It's mainly because of the story of the song: https://soundcloud.com/user-296497130/listen-240121-v18aIt is some kind of lovestory and has a bit a French setting. I used an accordeon for that. I also used a Koto, a Japanese snare instrument that one cannot use so easely in a song. But here it does and also on a solo part. I think you won't have any difficulty with the French words I used  Let me know what you think of it; what is good or what can I improve. Thanks, Hans (Birchwood) The song: Style is _NATURAL.STY (Natural 1990s Indie Folk Pop) I used: RealTracks: 3468:Bas RealTracks: 1757:Accordeon RealTracks: 3703:Guitar, Acoustic RealTracks: 3708:Guitar, Acoustic RealTracks: 2327:Koto, Synth RealTracks: 3236:Guitar, Nylon RealDrums : Congas and Shaker [Multi] Keyboard for 'house-sounds' in choruses The lyrics: Listen (c) HWBerkhout (Birchwood) 24-01-2021 She came from Paris on her own It's the place she calls home She speaks English with a French accent But whatever I say she'll understand A week ago she came to visit me And she loved to stroll near the sea "Je t'aime"! I wished to shout out loud But she puts her finger on my mouth Chorus Then she whispered in my ear: "I love your voice I want to steal that smile of yours But at the sea is more to hear than just some noise So listen Listen" =solo= Oh, she speaks English with a French accent But whatever she says, I don't understand "Je t'aime"! I only wished to shout out loud But I didn't had the nerves Chorus Then she whispered in my ear: "I love your voice" And I listened I listened "But at the sea is more to hear than just some noise" So I listened I listened Oh, we had nothing much to say now Silence can be sweet, I know how "Je t'aime" I tried to say to her, but I kept my mouth shut She went back to Paris that day "Je t'aime" she smiled and drove away Maybe one day she will call I have her picture on my wall And I listen I listen Listen...
Last edited by Birchwood; 01/27/21 02:01 AM.
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Hans,
This is excellent.
A very good write. Actually, the fact that English is not your native tongue, it is an amazing write!!
""Je t'aime"! I wished to shout out loud
But she puts her finger on my mouth"
Nice!!
"Then she whispered in my ear:
"I love your voice
I want to steal that smile of yours
But at the sea is more to hear
than just some noise
So listen
Listen""
Nice!!
Your production is your best - ever! Terrific arrangement. Great use of BIAB instruments. The koto is an inspired choice. The entirety of the production keeps the ear happy all the way through.
And a solid mix. Your vocal is (perhaps) your best. And it sits in the mix nicely.
Excellent!!
fj
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I really liked the restraint in this. You gave some details and allowed for some very effective mystery. And the arrangement and mix were so pleasing to the ear!
Maybe your best yet. Listen...
Windows 11, Intel Core I5 10400, 16 gig ram, Scarlett 2i2, Sony Acid Music Studio 10, BIAB 2020 UltraPlus Pak
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You certainly got me listening, Hans. Lovely song and great production. The Koto really suits the mood - an inspired choice indeed.
Regards,
Leon
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Hi Hans,
Very well done. You captured the "French vibe" quite good with your choice of instruments. Nice production!
Thanks for sharing and happy 2021 to you!
Will
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SOLID,
pleasant vocal.
There're, from my limited experience, two approaches to saying "Je t'aime" one has a delayed soft ah, "je tem ah" at the end and the other doesn't say any ah as in "je tem". I'm uncertain which is more "romantic".
Either way the song's a cracker . I enjoyed it - the arrangement, the story and your performance.
Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
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such an interesting and beautiful song! Its not often that I hear a song that doesn't instantly remind me of ten others, but this has a very unique and exotic sound to it. I like it a lot. Excellent choice of instruments. and the lyrics say what they must while still leaving a few holes into which my imagination can wander...
Thanks for posting
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Hi Hans,
that's very beautiful! Nice lyrics, very well-sung and another marvellous backing track. And a superb soud , too !!!.
So French that I immediately lit a Gitanes...
very good, indeed, Hans.
All the best,
Stefan
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Hi Floyd,
I was super proud reading your post!
Thanks for your very nice compliments. Especially those about the lyrics.
I was hesitant to continue making this song;
The theme was a bit 'overaged' on my age, although I liked the idea of conga's, an accordeon combined with a kind of 'House' rhythm and still associate it with France, if you know what I mean.
But on the other hand, I like challenges (in songs).
When do you come to the Netherlands again?
Hans
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Hello TuneMonger,
Thanks a lot for your comment.
It was nice you mentioned that restraint. It was on purpose, but I had a battle in myself according to it. Normally I want a story to have head and feet while here it stayed in between.
But the 'mystery' was succesful, I understand.
Thanks again,
Hans
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Hi Leon,
Floyd gave me some 'proud' feelings, but your nice comment came close to that.
It's nice to read I got you listening to Listen...
Thanks man,
Hans
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Hello Will,
You said it very nicely in your post. I really appreciate!
I was concerned the variety of instruments would be too much for some, but luckily that doesn't seems the case.
Of course a happy 2021 for you too with lots of new songs, Will!
Hans
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"Je t'aime"! I wished to shout out loud
But she puts her finger on my mouth"
floyd beat us to quoting that but it is a tremendous line in a great write.
Listen is a good title because we just did ... three times!
Everything about this is inspired -- the band, your vocal, the mix and
the creative arrangement.
Janice said she could picture the two on a sidewalk at a small French cafe.
The aura of slight mystery throughout is creative and engaging.
Excellent!!!
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 are here on our website.
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Nice imagery in those words. I like the way you tossed in a few major thirds from time to time in what I was expecting minor thirds. It kept me guessing and wondering.
The Japanese Koto was an interesting opposing point to the french accordion and the french imagery of the lyrics.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
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Beautiful song Hans. Lovely feel to song. Excellent choice of instruments.
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You placed me in a cafe in downtown Paris with this song.
Excellent choice of instrumentation combined with a super groove.
Everything about this one is top shelf, especially since English is not your native language.
This is your best to date IMHO.
I got banned from Weight Watchers for dropping a bag of M&Ms on the floor.
It was the best game of Hungry Hippos I've ever seen!
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Hans
That was very nice indeed. Excellent mix and choice of band & instruments. Good vocal and lyric.
Enjoyed.
Peter
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This is a cool song. I like the atmosphere that you created with the rhythms and instrumentation. It's quite inviting, which brings the listener in to your story.
I enjoyed this a lot!
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Hans,
I've been to Paris twice - one in the 70s and once in the 80s. You took me back there again. Thanks for the reminder of those two fabulous experiences. The koto was a big surprise but it works so nicely! I was expecting a mandola or accordion. Nice choice.
The lyric (which is wonderful), combined with the music, leaves the listener with a sense of mystique and romance. And your vocal is wonderful. That was a really nice listen. It is my favorite of all your songs I've heard. Very well, conceived, arranged and executed.
Wishing you the best. Take care ...
Alan
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Very cool!! I love the mysterious sound of the music.....fits perfectly with the story of the song!! And the solo is also a perfect addition!! Certainly one of your best, if not your best!!! Take care. Greg
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