I think there is a third approach on saying 'je t'aime'; It was demonstrated in a song from Jane Birkin and Serge Gainsbourg; 'Je t'aime, moi non plus'. That approach was not the one I had in mind, but if I sang it how you wrote it, it could have confused everyone in the forum what I was singing anyway. Now you will tell me you already have these confusions with my songs, don't you?
But thanks a lot for your compliments. I liked it, like your skills of the french language... Hans
What a nice post you wrote. Thanks for that! And one of the nice parts was what you wrote about the lyrics. It was my intention to leave room for interpretations on the who, what and why in the story and you did it. Nice!
I didn't realize the sound of an accordion makes you smoke bad cigarrettes. Sorry for that! I only wonder what you would have done if it was a citar? But thanks a lot for your nice compliments!
Actually the lyrics were not meant to make it a 'French' song. The woman in the story came from Paris to me, in the Netherlands and we wandered near the sea close to my home. But I can imagine it's more romantic to situate yourself in Paris. I think it's less chilly.
This is really beautiful! The Koto works well, as does the accordion. What I liked most, though, was the atmosphere you created here. It's as if I was somewhere by the sea, like a "fly on the wall", with both the characters of the story - and see it all unfold. Beautiful, with just a hint of sadness ... well written, well produced, well performed ... what's there more to say than "bravo"? :-)
It's a cool song. You'll find the Bardot version is closer to your pronunciation than the Birkin - but Jane was a Pom and Bridget Gallic so, probably, the more accurate use should be handed to BB.
I wonder how the pronunciation has morphed in the 45 or so years since.
Last edited by rayc; 02/03/2110:37 AM.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
Hans, This is excellent! The instrument choices are inspired. Great vocal and some fine lyrics. It certainly reminded me of my travels through France. It is a great listen, Tom
Thanks so much for your nice reply on my song! Floyd did quote those lines, but I liked it you felt the same fibe in them. I can understand Janice picture herself in one or two french cafe's, but I have to dissapoint her; She left France to visit me and I live in the Netherlands and it was close to the sea. Actually it was Zandvoort, close to Haarlem (look it up on Google Maps). Not as romantic as Paris, though ...
But for me it doesn't matter what you fantasize as long as the song does something to you and that was the case! Nice day, Hans
Guitarhacker: I like it when listeners fantasize about the lyrics or the atmosphere the song evokes. and you wrote that process in a nice way. Thanks!
Scott: That is a nice compliment you made. Appreciate that!
Mario: See what I wrote to Janice about that cafe, but I liked it that an accordion does this. I thought I got her from Paris to me (and back unfortunately). But who cares! I was thinking about your compliments about my English in the lyrics. It sounded as a big compliment, still I wondered if and what kind of mistakes I made. would you mind telling me?
Thanks for your nice words. I enjoyed reading them. It gave me a special feeling maybe it is a good song after all... I bought me a new microphone, a Neumann U87 AI (man, they are not cheap!) and this was the first song recorded with it. It was a complete different experience! And your compliments underline the correctness of my decision to buy it.
Peter, I'm glad you enjoyed Listen. When searching for inspiration for a new song I had some Blues in mind, but while experimenting with some BIAB styles, I got stuck to some tune that eventually became Listen. So nice to see how these things go. You recognize these situations?
Ezekiel, More people talked about the sphere/ atmosphere this song evokes. I hadn't expected that when making it. I had my doubts about the story, the kind of chorusses and also that Koto. There were some parts that were really out of tune and I had to cut them. But all the time I came back to my first thoughts on this song. I'm glad I listened to myself...
Alan, so nice words you wrote! Because of your precious memories I don't dare to repeat what I wrote to Janice and Bud and Mario. The Koto was a bit unexpected, but I never intended to use a mandolin or whatsoever on the solopart. It had to be something exotic. And the sound was just right in the sphere of this song. Just what you said. I hope it will not stay my best song though!
Greg, Thanks for your description of the sphere it gave and what you said about the Koto. As I wrote to Alan, I hope it won't stay my best song. I take your words as a challenge, okay?
Yeah, I like this one. Really strong production and a write that conveys an emotion deeper than the words themselves. Haunting in its way. Love that accordion. Great story—cool tune.
ery beautiful romantic composition. The atmosphere of a promenade by the sea is well reproduced by the instruments chosen. The accordion and the koto have all their charm. It's very pleasant to listen to.
Thank you all for your comments on Listen. And thanks for waiting for my reply. Took too long. I have only one excuse; we're in the middle of a snowstorm (first time in ten years) and I was a bit dissapointed by this event. I was promissed a climatechange (tropics) and not this. I froze...
Originally Posted By: Alexander Paul
So many things I enjoyed with this song! Your voice, the choice of instruments, the melodies.
Alexander: thanks for mentioning everything in the song. I thought the song was -maybe- a bit dull, but looking at the reactions it wasn't.
Originally Posted By: BlueAttitude
Your best yet I think, Hans, not only the song but also the production. Well done!
Dave: I'm sure it isn't my best song. That has to come yet, don't you think? But thanks for this huge compliment from you!
Originally Posted By: dani48
Hi, Hans ! This is a superb tune so well performed and sung and mixed too ! The orchestration is also absolutely extraordinary super !
Have you been down to Spain ? I was about to go but then I didn´t due to the lockdown !
Cheers Dani
Dani: Well thanks Dani, nice to read these words from you. No I haven't been to Spain, but to Mexico. My son has a relation with a Mexican girl, and we had to visit her family. It's getting serious I think. but the Corona meassures makes it a challenge (my wife hopes). I made some songs about Mexico and my son. You can hear how it began and devellopd till now ;-) More serious; Mexico was nice and there was no real lock down. And we didn't get infected after all!
Originally Posted By: CaptainMoto
Very romantic. If you could put that in a bottle, you could sell it as a fine perfume with powerful a aphrodisiac.
Captain: You are a true romantic, Captain. What nice words! Even my wife was impressed...
Thanks for your nice posts and words. And sory for the delay in my replies to them. As I said in a post earlier I was frozen, because we are facing an icy cold period right now. That frozen me...
Originally Posted By: musician17
This is really beautiful! The Koto works well, as does the accordion. What I liked most, though, was the atmosphere you created here. It's as if I was somewhere by the sea, like a "fly on the wall", with both the characters of the story - and see it all unfold. Beautiful, with just a hint of sadness ... well written, well produced, well performed ... what's there more to say than "bravo"? :-)
Musician: I am very happy that you liked it and especially the image you got of it. And that sea was near to where I live (not pleasant at the moment). But I like how you describe that: 'a fly on the wall'. Very nice indeed!
Originally Posted By: Robertkc
A very engaging story song,Hans- nice close and restrained vocal gives the song an intimate feel and the arrangement fits well.
Robert: It was a bit of a guess to use conga's, a Koto and an accordion together, but it turned out well and I like it a lot to read you enjoyed it, thanks!
Originally Posted By: dcuny
Excellent! Well done vocally and musically. But more importantly, it did a really good job of transporting me into the story.
David: What nice of you to write this! And I am delighted to read you have 'entered' this story and made it yours...
Ray: I couldn't import your reply here. I think it's because of video's of Jane and Brigit. But I think you are misled by those two women (UK and French). They had another pronouncation, but mine is more sexier with my dark voice and Dutch accent... The moment I wrote 'je t'aime' I had to think of that song. That's not why I used it, but it was a nice 'bridge'. And see where it leads to; your videos and discussion on how to pronounce those words. I think I was the best, don't you agree?
Thanks everyone and for those who have not yet been vaccinated, stay safe! Hans
Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new user interface in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®! This modern GUI redesign offers a sleek new look with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, and a smoother workflow. The brand-new side toolbar puts track selection, the MultiPicker Library, and other essential tools right at your fingertips. Plus, our upgraded Multi-View lets you layer multiple windows without overlap, giving you a highly flexible workspace. Many windows—including Tracks, Piano Roll, and more—have been redesigned for improved usability and a cleaner, more intuitive interface, and more!
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
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Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
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Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
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Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 60 new features in this exciting release.
Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
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Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49. Browse the full contents of each package and listen to demos here.
XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!
XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!
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Note: XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
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Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Don’t miss this chance to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box setup—at a great price!
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