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I hope your health has changed for the better, Hans.
I think the chord changes flow well and I don't mind the sitar.
The mix and lyric is good too.

Vic

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Good job by all involved.

I like your song ... despite the Sitar grin

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Hi Hans and others,

Very good music, lyrics and vocals.
Powerful song!

Anne-Marie


We are Rob Meulman and Anne-Marie Bovenkamp from The Netherlands.

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Hans,

First off, I hope you are doing better health wise, and that this is a sign we’ll hear more from you. What I like about this right off from a production standpoint is the percussion and bass, this really keep this song driving forward. Thematically, the write delivers . . . and your vocal is terrific. Always has me thinking of Al Stewart when I hear you. Good mix and production choices . . . though I’m not sure I’m sold on the sitar. I think another instrument might serve the song better . . . but that said, it works far better than I would have thought. Good stuff!

All my best to you,

Deej

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So glad you are feeling better Hans. I think the sitar was a cool add to the song. Super vocal and excellent lyric. Trying to pay attention to all the craziness in the world is tiring. Excellent backtrack and chord progressions. Well done.


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Your message speaks true and to the heart of the problems we face.

And I really like the sitar! Good job!

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Hi Steve (Bass Thumper), Marty, Tommyad, Ray and Andi,

I took a week off to recover a bit more, but then I got nervous because I had not yet responded to your kind and thoughtful responses!
And then I also saw you weren't waiting at all, but busy making new songs. So I have a lot to do.
But of course I am very happy with all your responses. No misunderstanding about that!

Originally Posted By: Bass Thumper
Hey Hans, I'm not sophisticated enough to fully appreciate the music as it is quite complex and not in my limited wheelhouse [yet?]. But man, I give you more credit than I can express for the messages in this song.

Here in the US one could argue we are the worlds leading exporter of expertise-denialism including climate denial and vaccine denial. Remember hydroxychloroquine, bleach and beams of light? Not to mention our Jan 6.

We babyboomers may have contributed a lot to progress but I'm looking forward to when Gen X takes the baton.

Keep speaking the truth brother!


Hi Steve, I didn't know my music was that sophisticated to not fit in your wheelhouse. But you did learn me how to say these things. I had to look it up on Google Translate. Thanks for that! The only 'alien' instrument I used was that sitar, I thought. All other stuff was from BiaB, my keyboard and some loops.

But you are right, we have a lot of troubles to face. And I'm not looking forward to seeing Generation X deal with that. I'm afraid it takes some kind of disaster before we're willing to learn from what goes wrong. But I enjoyed making the song and you appreciated the lyrics. Thanks for listening!

Originally Posted By: BabuMusic
Hi, Hans. You KNOW I loved the somewhat-out-of-place sitar right from the start. That's the only credit I deserve for this masterpiece. I really like how you work, how you build a song and keep changing it to make it even better. You vocals are always SO GOOD. Pneumonia has nothing on you. Well, you already know how much I love this song, and how good you are at including dynamics.


Hi Marty, well... you are a little modest about your role. But you were also fighting a blizard when I was changing the song all the time. and i'm glad you always stayed positive during that process. It is nice working with you, Marty!

Originally Posted By: tommyad
Wow! That was really something. A powerful message wrapped inside a great vocal and surrounded by a unique arrangement. My old brain had a bit of trouble trying to follow the quickly changing chord progression but you were on it the whole way. I liked the sitar for it's worldly appeal. After all it's a global problem. The drums sound great and the mix is outstanding. I loved it from start to finish, just glad I didn't have to play on it. Lol, Tom


Hi Tom, the song wasn't that complicated. I always try to make songs I can play if I was on stage. I'm not doing that anymore, but it still is my starting point. And the guitar players were having a 'lazy'job, (one or two strokes on a bar). Only that bariton had a heavy job. And the singer! ;-)
Thanks for this nice review

Originally Posted By: rayc
Nice one Hans,
a complete success...love the vocal & message.


Hi Ray, thanks for the compliments and the actions from you on the lyrics. Sorry I then changed all lyrics...

Originally Posted By: PROJECT M
Hello Hans
Really cool song
I was partly present at the creation
And you really managed to improve the song again and again and to make adjustments respectively
And that was certainly not an easy task with this song
And your idea with the sitar, which you had from the beginning, was the right idea.
Great work my friend
Many greetings
Andi ;-)


Hi Andi, sure you were partly engaged in the song. And even an important part. I met your brother because of that! I also was amazed he didn't explode on all changements I made in or according to the song. On the contrary; he told me it was a very nice thing to do.
The changements were sometimes coming in an odd way; f.i. in a dream I heard the intro of a BeeGees song again and again and then I knew I had to alter my intro. Not like that BG song, but in the build up. That's also why I changed the outro. And the Sitar... I am not fond of the sound of a sitar, but I wanted to try it. And it worked out well when trying it in BiaB. That's what I love about that program.
So, thanks for your so kind respons and cooperation for the making of the song!

Here, things are going better every day. I hope with all of you too,
Hans


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Hello Derochette, Eric (FMM), Floyd ad Dave,

Thank you for your nice comments on the song and even on the sitar (Derochette and Dave).
I'm very glad you liked it and the message!
So, no more flying this year?

Hans


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Hello J&B and David,

Thanks for your nice replies. Even though strange things have happened to at least one reply...

Originally Posted By: Janice & Bud
First, we’re sorry that you were ill and very happy that you are better and back to the forum!

This is a powerful song for your return, Hans, and we’re glad you held out for the sitar. Janice said she immediately thought of George Harrison when she heard it and of the optimism that so much of his music evoked. Hopefully such optimism will return to the world stage.

Bud said he was reminded of, "if you aren't part of the solution you are part of the problem."

Your vocals are soulful and the dynamics in the song are very effective with the lyric message. Those ominous sounding guitar chords that appear occasionally are a great bookend to the sweet, hopeful sitar.

Welcome back, John! wink

Kudos to the entire team!

J&B


Janice and Bud, thank you for caring about my health. And it was indeed something I don't want to happen again.
When I had that idea of the sitar, I said to myself: "as long as it does not sound like the one from George H."
And now you cared for the reminder of it...
But a nice thought about the optimism, because I couldn't find it in me yet. Even with the sitar.
The only joy I had was that the sitar fitted more in the song then I had expected.
And that the doubts of the others in my team disappeared. But they kept doing a great job!

And so nice of you to see John again ;-)


Originally Posted By: dcuny
Weird, my earlier post seems to have disappeared.
I'm glad you're doing better!

Good write. Cool feel for the song. Interesting backing, good vocals.

The sitar is an interesting choice for a solo, but then, when does a sitar fit into a mix? Still, it grows on me. And I think it works really nicely as a backing instrument.


Hi David, in spite of the disappearance of your first post, you managed to reach me! And that is great. I'm feeling much better, also because of that phenomenon!
And what you wrote about that sitar was precisly what worried me. I don't think I use it again this year, unless...

I wish you all a very nice day (and more),
Hans


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Hi Vic, BD Thomas, RnAM, Deej, Scott and mr. Storm,

It had taken a while, but here is my reaction to your so nice posts.
The sitar was a discussion. Do you like it or not?
I think the majority choose in favor of it. And no one jumped out of the window.
So, so that's a win for the sitar!

Originally Posted By: vicarn
I hope your health has changed for the better, Hans.
I think the chord changes flow well and I don't mind the sitar.
The mix and lyric is good too.

Vic


Hi Vic, you said you don't mind the sitar, I saw that as a win for that thing (in this song)
But at first, I feeling better every day, but it was a nasty thing. Thanks for asking.
And also thanks for your nice words!


Originally Posted By: B.D.Thomas
Good job by all involved.

I like your song ... despite the Sitar grin


Hi BD, I take your words about the sitar as a win for it. Couldn't you let Natalie play (musically) with that thing in a new song?
I think it would be a surprise in your genre, don't you?


Originally Posted By: RnAM
Hi Hans and others,

Very good music, lyrics and vocals.
Powerful song!

Anne-Marie


Hi Anne-Marie, I was afraid the vocals would be bad because of my healt issue, but they were getting better just in time.
Thanks for your compliments. You didn't say anything bad about the sitar, so I think that's a win for that thing too, doesn't it?


Originally Posted By: Deej56
Hans,

First off, I hope you are doing better health wise, and that this is a sign we’ll hear more from you. What I like about this right off from a production standpoint is the percussion and bass, this really keep this song driving forward. Thematically, the write delivers . . . and your vocal is terrific. Always has me thinking of Al Stewart when I hear you. Good mix and production choices . . . though I’m not sure I’m sold on the sitar. I think another instrument might serve the song better . . . but that said, it works far better than I would have thought. Good stuff!

All my best to you,

Deej


Hi Deej, yes, you will here some more songs from me, it's getting better. Thanks you asked.
Al Steward... well that's nice to read! I've never compared me with him, but I like the idea...
And all the other compliments are also very nice. I can't see your words as a win for the sitar, but try it in one of your songs. It would definitely fit. And I am no fan at all of that instrument. So, don't be afraid, let it make your new song, along with a Harp?

Originally Posted By: Scott C
So glad you are feeling better Hans. I think the sitar was a cool add to the song. Super vocal and excellent lyric. Trying to pay attention to all the craziness in the world is tiring. Excellent backtrack and chord progressions. Well done.


Hi Scott, thanks for your concern about my healt. But it is improving! Thanks also for the compliments on the song. And yes, I have that too, becoming tired of all those problems. But we must do something, I think...

Originally Posted By: Ezekiel's Storm
Your message speaks true and to the heart of the problems we face.

And I really like the sitar! Good job!


Ah, Ezekiel, the final post is from you and also a win for the sitar. Maybe something good comes from all the mess of today...?
Thanks for your compliments!

Wish you all a lot of creativity (and try a sitar too in a song...)
Hans


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Originally Posted By: Birchwood
Originally Posted By: B.D.Thomas
... despite the Sitar

Hi BD, I take your words about the sitar as a win for it. Couldn't you let Natalie play (musically) with that thing in a new song?
I think it would be a surprise in your genre, don't you?

Hmh, Sitar-Punk. Sounds sexy and new.
I don't like the Sitar sound, but maybe through a nasty amplifier...
grin

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Hans, et al ...

This is quite a song you folks cobbled together! Great message, great song, great enthusiasm - yeah, great in all respects! Loved the sitar. You did good by being a hardliner about that. Strong vocal, too!

Good to hear you are feeling better!

Alan


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A worthy subject and great mix, Hans.
If you were ever to change anything, have another look at the chorus to make it a little different in rhythm and sound to the verses.

Vic

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Hi BD,

Originally Posted By: B.D.Thomas
Originally Posted By: Birchwood
Originally Posted By: B.D.Thomas
... despite the Sitar

Hi BD, I take your words about the sitar as a win for it. Couldn't you let Natalie play (musically) with that thing in a new song?
I think it would be a surprise in your genre, don't you?

Hmh, Sitar-Punk. Sounds sexy and new.
I don't like the Sitar sound, but maybe through a nasty amplifier...
grin


I also didn't like the sound of a sitar, but in the capable hands of someone who uses BiaB it can prove to be a great instrument.
So... feel challenged!!!

Hans


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Hello Alan,

Originally Posted By: Al-David
Hans, et al ...

This is quite a song you folks cobbled together! Great message, great song, great enthusiasm - yeah, great in all respects! Loved the sitar. You did good by being a hardliner about that. Strong vocal, too!

Good to hear you are feeling better!

Alan


I noticed I am a hardliner on a lot of things, but still my wife and my cats love me.
And you know what, the others involved in this song also still like me. Not love...
Thanks for your very nice comment. I'm glad you are back.

Hans


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Hi Vic,

Originally Posted By: vicarn
A worthy subject and great mix, Hans.
If you were ever to change anything, have another look at the chorus to make it a little different in rhythm and sound to the verses.

Vic


You had your chance when you were on the support team ;-)
But seriously; after every chorus I have introduced all sorts of changements, even in rhythm and sound.
If I had more variations in the song I was afraid that would be feeling as too much, 'overkill'
But of course I will think of what you say, I just want to tell you what my hesitations were.

Thanks for this tip,

Hans


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