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Doubt's Shadow This song went thru several genre attempts before it landed as a perhaps best described rock ballad. I (Bud) wrote the lyric and Janice created the progression, melody and sang lead/BGVs. Peter provided all of the six guitar tracks and played a big part in the arrangement with many suggestions for bass and drum dynamics. We appreciate your time to listen and comment! Thanks to PG Music and Peter. Lead vocal/BGV: Rodes NT1 > Scarlett 212 > Logic Pro X > Nectar 3 Drums: RealDrums BluesRockSlowEv > Waves CLA Drums RealDrum kit audio file: additional cymbals, hihat, ride (several comped fills) > Waves CLA Drums/Nectar 3/Waves JJP Cymbals Swell percussion: free sample Bass: RT 1190 Electric, ModernRnBRock Ev 065 > Waves Bass Rider > Neutron 3 Bass: RT 1190 Held > Logic Pro X Pitch Editor (to create notes) > Waves Bass Rider > Neutron 3 Piano: MIDI SuperTracks 2839 Rhythm SoulfulPop16thsMike Ev16 065 > Logic Pro EQ > Waves CLA Unplugged Piano: RT 2808 Acoustic, Rhythm SoulfulPop16thsMike Ev16 065 Held > same as above Mastering: Logic EQ > Ozone 9 multi-band compression > Ozone 9 Imager > Ozone 9 Limiter > Ozone Tonal Balance > Logic Pro X Loudness Meter The lyric is on SC.
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
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Very sophisticated deep minor progression. Janice is channeling some Stevie here. Beautiful and powerful arrangement in the rhythm tracks, wonderfully enhanced by Peter's tasteful but heavy play. All wrapped up in a tight musical package. Really nice lyric. "Certainty" is not allowed in my world view either. There's great comfort in releasing the burden to know everything. Staying in Doubt's shadow is better than the ugly glare of "beyond a shadow of a doubt". Powerful stuff. At least that's what I hear. Sue me if I'm wrong.
Last edited by Tangmo; 07/26/21 11:48 AM.
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From the melodic guitar intro I knew it was going to be a cracker, (Australian colloquial - cracker = firework - explosive - go off with a bang).
The foreboding in the verse melody, reinforced by the lyric, is chilling.
This song comes from the dark interior of the House of Doubt's Shadow.
Peter - stunning!
Janice - stunning and darkly gorgeous.
Bud - a sullen, resentful narrative wrapped in a wonderful production - stunning.
Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
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I am seriously trying to keep my comments shorter, but you three don't make that easy! No joke. It's a struggle. That being said... Overall-everything is working in my opinion. The sound you get with the mixing and mastering, well I'm jealous. It's SO clean, yet balanced and not at all too bright. I've heard of this destination but have never been there on my own. The singing was delivered as though it lyrically and melodically was written by the same person. I'm thinking the two of you being a close couple has a lot to do with that. I will admit, I heard Janice sing and I always think "who is the world does she sound like?" I go through stylistically, and tonally fantastically accomplished singers in my vocal memories. So, that is saying a lot, considering who I'm attempting to think she sounds like. Then it came to me. She sounds like Janice! I'm simply comparing her to the great singer she is. Love that voice girl! Guitar-the "other vocal" in my opinion. That you can make all of those parts so well shows you know what needs to go where. You must being hearing A LOT in your head before you lay the track. That's gotta be cool! I get this weird feeling you have the talent to take all those parts out, only to come up with different parts that work equally as well. Really nice job! I'll touch lightly on the lyrics as not to start an argument. YOU CAN WRITE LYRICS! I don't care that it maybe takes everything within you to do them; sometimes that what music is. You may have to try like hell to solve the Rubic's cube; but you do it! Unless I've read an article that specifically mentions how tedious it was for someone to write lyrics, or any part for that matter, I would never know. The end result is all we listeners know of. BIAB-Perfectly chosen and manipulated to create that band sound I expect from you 3+  Mixing-basically addressed. I don't know much to say as I would come across as ignorant as I am on the subject. Is it enough just to say it "sounds" GREAT? Cover art-again, so cool. I never know if it's a great composite or great editing of what was an actual picture. Either way, it makes ya look! Well done. The last little thing I want to say in my, once again, short reply is somewhat weird. I love emotion in songs. I probably say that too much. This song has a unique quality to me. It's not straight up "sad." It also never goes to "happy" either. To me it feels like what a break up can feel like. Mostly sad with the occasional breath. The feeling just below hope, when it's still fresh. Thanks for taking me there. It's nice to step into that as a reminder to be grateful.
Chad (Hope that makes it easier)
TEMPO TANTRUM: What a lead singer has when they can't stay in time.
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Hi Janice & Bud,
Good new song - well played and sung.
Nice Guitar work as well.
Congratulations to you and your team.
Best Regards
Nigel
Nigel Spiers
Christchurch, New Zealand
info@nzacoustics.com
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I love the composition and arrangement of this song. It is digging deep into my soul... and it succeeds challenging me with the line "Without you I struggle to find my next step"... SoMe..Me2...
Thanks a lot for sharing! Wonderful track!
Will
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Janice, Bud & Peter,
Outrageously good... I'm lost for words here - you all really make some stunning music.
Janice is in top notch voice and form. Peter is a master at building a mood with his guitar and Bud is a songwriters songwriter and an engineering wizard.
I love everything about this song - will head back for several more listens.
Bob
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Very sophisticated deep minor progression. Janice is channeling some Stevie here. Beautiful and powerful arrangement in the rhythm tracks, wonderfully enhanced by Peter's tasteful but heavy play. All wrapped up in a tight musical package. Really nice lyric. "Certainty" is not allowed in my world view either. There's great comfort in releasing the burden to know everything. Staying in Doubt's shadow is better than the ugly glare of "beyond a shadow of a doubt". Powerful stuff. At least that's what I hear. Sue me if I'm wrong. Janice very much appreciated you mentioning her chord choice. We all appreciate your mention of the arrangement. You said, Staying in Doubt's shadow is better than the ugly glare of "beyond a shadow of a doubt". Wow. Our lyric eliciting such an eloquent statement is very meaningful. Thanks for all! 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
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Journeyman
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Hi J,B & P,
Love the lyrics, Bud. Such a strong visual image in the opening verse. Chord progression is, as Tangmo said, deep and sophisticated. Terrific solo and other guitar parts from Peter and of course it all revolves around that brilliant voice. Nice brooding cover photo, too. All up, I second my fellow Australian's description of this one as a 'cracker'.
Regards,
Leon
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Hi Janice, Bud and Peter,
I want to start with a sentence from Ray (didn't asked his permission), because I couldn't have said it better:
"This song comes from the dark interior of the House of Doubt's Shadow"
But in that house a beautiful song was made. No doubts on Janices' vocal qualities of course. and also none on the lyrics (very dark) and the band (nice chord progressions from Peter!). I loved it, maybe because I 'like' darker songs too. They say more about life.
So my offer to Janice still stands and now Bud can come too; if you want a good talk on this, I'm there and I won't give any choice at all ;-)
And seriously: it is quite different from your usual songs or singing (except about those mean men), but simply beautiful.
I enjoyed it a lot!
Hans
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Rock ballad, opera or in whatever category one places this gem, it will still shine as a REALLY GOOD SONG. Good write Bud and Janice, and, Peter, you are such a valuable talent. What a wonderful collaboration.
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From the melodic guitar intro I knew it was going to be a cracker, (Australian colloquial - cracker = firework - explosive - go off with a bang).
The foreboding in the verse melody, reinforced by the lyric, is chilling.
This song comes from the dark interior of the House of Doubt's Shadow.
Peter - stunning!
Janice - stunning and darkly gorgeous.
Bud - a sullen, resentful narrative wrapped in a wonderful production - stunning. “This song comes from the dark interior of the House of Doubt's Shadow.” Now, that is a cool way to frame the theme! Been reading Dune?  Your manifest lyric skills make your comments very special. Needless to say the three of us are appreciative of your thoughts and support. Thanks, 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
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J&B & Peter,
I enjoyed the moodiness created by the progression and Janice`s aching vocal. The guitar tracks are stellar and the whole beautifully realized in production- Bud is a master of the clear mix.
Fantastic music!
Robert
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Very sad blues rock ballad. Dark imagery full of anxiety, the slow tempo could make such a song dragging, but you have managed to keep it interesting all the way. The vocals, harmonies and Peter's guitars are the highlights. And the chord progression creates a haunting mood, there are minor chords but then some relieving major ones (safe harbor) too. This is a classic hit ballad perfectly produced, kind of a song I would buy the whole album without hearing any other tracks (in this case I know they definitely wouldn't disappoint me).
Janne
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Very nice work again by all 3 of you! Lyrics are excellent! Performances and production are stellar as always! Glad you all keep making this community the top one around IMO!! Thanks, Torrey
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very interesting moody song.
so much talent exhibited in this song.
and loved the cymbal at end. perfect.
best
om
my songs....mixed for good earbuds...(fyi..my vocs on all songs..) https://soundcloud.com/alfsongs(90 songs created useing bb/rb) (lots of tips of mine in pg tips forum.)
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I am seriously trying to keep my comments shorter, but you three don't make that easy! No joke. It's a struggle. That being said... Overall-everything is working in my opinion. The sound you get with the mixing and mastering, well I'm jealous. It's SO clean, yet balanced and not at all too bright. I've heard of this destination but have never been there on my own. The singing was delivered as though it lyrically and melodically was written by the same person. I'm thinking the two of you being a close couple has a lot to do with that. I will admit, I heard Janice sing and I always think "who is the world does she sound like?" I go through stylistically, and tonally fantastically accomplished singers in my vocal memories. So, that is saying a lot, considering who I'm attempting to think she sounds like. Then it came to me. She sounds like Janice! I'm simply comparing her to the great singer she is. Love that voice girl! Guitar-the "other vocal" in my opinion. That you can make all of those parts so well shows you know what needs to go where. You must being hearing A LOT in your head before you lay the track. That's gotta be cool! I get this weird feeling you have the talent to take all those parts out, only to come up with different parts that work equally as well. Really nice job! I'll touch lightly on the lyrics as not to start an argument. YOU CAN WRITE LYRICS! I don't care that it maybe takes everything within you to do them; sometimes that what music is. You may have to try like hell to solve the Rubic's cube; but you do it! Unless I've read an article that specifically mentions how tedious it was for someone to write lyrics, or any part for that matter, I would never know. The end result is all we listeners know of. BIAB-Perfectly chosen and manipulated to create that band sound I expect from you 3+ Mixing-basically addressed. I don't know much to say as I would come across as ignorant as I am on the subject. Is it enough just to say it "sounds" GREAT? Cover art-again, so cool. I never know if it's a great composite or great editing of what was an actual picture. Either way, it makes ya look! Well done. The last little thing I want to say in my, once again, short reply is somewhat weird. I love emotion in songs. I probably say that too much. This song has a unique quality to me. It's not straight up "sad." It also never goes to "happy" either. To me it feels like what a break up can feel like. Mostly sad with the occasional breath. The feeling just below hope, when it's still fresh. Thanks for taking me there. It's nice to step into that as a reminder to be grateful. Now you aren't referring to me having said that my attempts at songwriting are akin to experiencing a root canal are you? Janice's melody and chord development remains a mystery to Bud even with us spending nearly all of our time together for decades. I do get a snippet when I walk by and she's sitting with her old Martin box. She much appreciated your remarks! And, yes, Peter never ceases to amaze us with his ability to complement Janice's vocals with riffs and arrangement notions. Thanks for mentioning the "band" sound. That is always our objective. And thanks for the cover art comment. For this one there was no cut and pasting just converting it to B&W and some burning and dodging. We really appreciate your description of the emotion in the song. Janice is the method actor when it comes to this type of tune! Thank you!! 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
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Bud + Janice + Peter = one masterpiece after another.
Blues at its absolute best.
There is nothing else to say.
OK, a random thought;
Why does toilet paper need a commercial? Who's not buying it?
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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From the melodic guitar intro I knew it was going to be a cracker, (Australian colloquial - cracker = firework - explosive - go off with a bang).
The foreboding in the verse melody, reinforced by the lyric, is chilling.
This song comes from the dark interior of the House of Doubt's Shadow.
Peter - stunning!
Janice - stunning and darkly gorgeous.
Bud - a sullen, resentful narrative wrapped in a wonderful production - stunning. Ta Mate.....that's the best colloquial response I could think of without being silly (bonzer). Peter
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Hi Janice & Bud,
Good new song - well played and sung.
Nice Guitar work as well.
Congratulations to you and your team.
Best Regards
Nigel Thanks Nigel. It was a fun project. 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
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