Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Off-Topic
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 169
E
enjfb Offline OP
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
E
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 169
Hi Everyone,
Here is a song I wrote about war - starts as if it is a rather sentimental waltz song but then twists. Any way I hope you like it and comments would be much appreciated.

http://www.box.net/shared/2788gct0t7

Jim

Off-Topic
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
Interesting song, Jim. One always takes a bit of a chance by departing from well-established paradigms, but I think it is the very essence of creativity to do so at times.

Having said that, the pairing of elements (anti-war/love song) is not entirely out in left field. Certainly war affects humanity even at the level of individual couples.

I didn't feel like the lyrics drew me effectively from the first topic to the other. It was more of an abrupt change to my ears, and in a way I wished to continue the love story because that was more comfortable for me. The inclusion of the anti-war sentiments seemed forced... (but that may reflect my own opinions about a variety of things more than it reflects any absolute value of your approach.)

I certainly would not change this based on my or anyone elses comments... because its very difference from what I expected makes in interesting and therefore noteworthy.

On my speakers, the vocals sounded farther back in the mix than did some of the backing instruments. This made it hard for me to hear the message without listening several times.

All in all, a very lovely composition! It flowed well and was a totally pleasing-to-the-ear listening experience! I liked your choice of instruments and the chords played well together. I'm glad you continue to participate in the forum! I look forward to hearing more of your work!

Off-Topic
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,360
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,360
Hi Jim,

Thank you for sharing your song. You're relatively new to these forums and I admire you for taking the chance to showcase your work. I remember feeling very nervous about putting my first song up for critique.

Your song haunts me. Even now, while I'm typing this, it's playing in my head.

This type of groove is one of my favorites. I really like the relaxed feel of a modern waltz and you've captured it extremely well. Also, I've got to say that I envy you your excellent singing pitch. It makes me realize just how much more practice I have to do!

In relation to the music, I like the way you started with uncomplicated and easy-listening harmony. As the song progressed, I appreciated how you added tension to the harmony to accompany and match the tension build-up in the words. To my mind, this was an excellent fit from a prosody perspective: very skillfully done.

While the first verse of the lyrics worked well for me, the lyric development of moving into an anti-war theme did not. I tend to be conservative when it comes to lyrics and this handicaps me when listening to works such as this song.

The above being said, though, in my mind, as your song played, I could see a couple dancing around while bombs were dropping, sirens were screaming, and rubble was falling in a cloud of dusty concrete. I was reminded of that scene in one of the movies about the Titanic where a couple dance as the boat sinks: the pathos of bitter and sweet tangled together in one final, tragic act. Your song did this and the fact that it managed to create this kind of mood for me is a real compliment to your ability. My impression is that you are a talented guy.

I'm looking forward to hearing your next one.

All the best with your songwriting
Noel

Last edited by Noel96; 03/23/10 01:31 AM.

MY SONGS...
Audiophile BIAB 2026
Off-Topic
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,286
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,286
WOW – Don’t change a thing!

Super song, great vox, outstanding lyrics and good backing tracks.

Excellent job.


Principal: Your child always causes trouble in school.
Me: My child causes trouble at home, do I ever call you?

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Off-Topic
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,646
P
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
P
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,646
Very nice work. Thanks for sharing.

Listen To My Music
Read My Blog


My Tunes

Psalm 57:7 My heart, O God, is steadfast, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music.
Off-Topic
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 169
E
enjfb Offline OP
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
E
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 169
Hi Pat, Noel, Mario, PGFAntastic,
Sorry to be late in replying but I have been away these last few days.

Thanks for all your comments.

Pat and Noel: I think mixing love song with war song is okay and I like the twist from one to the other as the surprise gives it more of an affect. I am surprised Pat that you said the vocals sounded further back - I do not seem to hear that. In fact I the opposite - it is difficult to get it right for all speaker systems.

Mario and PgFantastic: I am pleased you liked it

Thanks again to you all for listening and commenting. It is good to have feedback.
Jim

Off-Topic
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,722
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,722
Very enjoyable.

Off-Topic
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 169
E
enjfb Offline OP
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
E
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 169
Hi Danny,
Thanks for listening and I am pleased that you enjoyed the song.
Jim

Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To

Link Copied to Clipboard
ChatPG

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.

PG Music News
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!

Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!

We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!

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 new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.

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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!

Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!

Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 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 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!

Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!

We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 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 process 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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!

There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.

When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.

Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.

Happy New Year!

Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.

Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!

Season's Greetings!

Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!

The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.

Team PG

Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window

In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.

Watch the video.

You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!

Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe

This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.

Watch the video.

You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!

Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®

With your version 2026 for Windows 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)
  • Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)

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 PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics85,740
Posts795,630
Members39,946
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
Newest Members
LaneWright55, Diddlysquat, pun61, smitoz, Jonnyfartpants
39,945 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 191
DC Ron 116
Noel96 114
rsdean 104
DrDan 103
dcuny 90
Today's Birthdays
Ariloum, colly, dedou83, jlewis67, matzemu, Mike Levin, zakbosco
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5