Thanks for all of the useful suggestions for this one. I think it worked out pretty well. Here's the audio if that's your preference: Spaghetti Puppets The BIAB components: RealDrum NashvilleEven8^8 a & b Cello 2456 & Strings 2457 My Bits: Bruno Royal Artist semi acoustic single coil guitar into a Marshall amp & 4 x 12 as well as an ACTONE Vox in a box. A cheap trem pedal used in some spots. Knockhofner "Beatle" bass through a BDI21 Tracked & mixed in Reaper with mostly stock plug ins with nothing on the stereo/out bus. I did use a trem plug in in some spots to get a better tempo match. Mastered, as usual, by Fran Ashcroft in 24bit
Here's the video if you're inclined to look & listen:
LYRICS I honestly didn't think I'd need them as the vocal is pretty clear and much louder than mine but - request complied with:
The Spaghetti Puppets
No, there's nothing to say, When your mind's made up, It's down to you. No, no reason to stay, For me & you
The age of entitlement, Eclipsed the age of enlightenment. The age of conspiracy, Eclipsed the age of you & me. It comes - to this. It's down to you.
No, there's nothing to do, When the time is up, It's up to you. No, you know that it's true, The truth we knew.
The age of entitlement, Eclipsed the age of enlightenment. The rage for conspiracy Eclipsed believability. It's come - to this. For all we knew.
No, there's nothing to change, When the jig is up, There are no tricks. No, now reason is gone, We cannot fix.
The age of entitlement, Eclipsed the age of enlightenment. The ageing conspiracy Eclipsed the grasp of history. It's come - to this. Nought we can do.
The age of entitlement The age of conspiracy It's come - to this.
Last edited by rayc; 07/11/2312:17 AM.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
Very well done, Ray. I reviewed some of the suggestions and, man, you have good ears --both for listening to music and others. You know, I really like this bass line. Terry Berman was such an excellent choice. The mix sounds perfect and I like how you bring things in and out --very dynamic.
Enjoy whatever happens! marty
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@babumusic51 SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/marty-straub Band in a Box, Reaper, Cakewalk, Ozone 12, EZDrummer
Very well done, Ray. I reviewed some of the suggestions and, man, you have good ears --both for listening to music and others. You know, I really like this bass line. Terry Berman was such an excellent choice. The mix sounds perfect and I like how you bring things in and out --very dynamic.
Thanks Marty, kind of you to watch/listen. Seems my last three or four songs have taken a dive in quality or coincided with a fall from grace. Terry's a great fit - I'm very pleased to have had the opportunity to work with him again. We did an album back a decade or so ago but have only knocked out a couple of tracks since then.
Last edited by rayc; 07/08/2307:41 PM.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
Hi Ray, Terry and Bandhi You have done a great job It's not easy at all to implement suggestions to a song. But I think if someone can do it, then RAY ;-) Terry does a great job I also like Bandhi's work An extremely good collaboration Many greetings Andi ;-)
Hi Ray ... This sounds really good! Seriously so! What a great vocal - perfect for your backing tracks and lyric. Terry is a perfect fit. This is my favorite of your recent posts. The in and out of the backing tracks was a good choice. I like that you're bringing the drums up a bit and giving them a touch of higher EQ. Another winner for you! Take care ... Alan
Thanks Alan, Terry has the understated style that suits this one to a T. I'm pleased you like it.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
This caught my eye because of the "spaghetti" in the title. :-) Very interesting lyric and good mix. I love the "entitlement eclipsing enlightenment" line.
The intro gave a feeling coming from a Spagetti Western Movie, I liked it immediately. And the performance of Terry was wonderful! Not only on the vocals, but the show with his eyes and his woolly hat was great! At first I thought it was you, but then realized it must be Terry.
The song is very good and well mixed too! I couldn't understand all the lyrics, but most of it I did. In spite of the song title they are dead serious. Like that a lot. But maybe you could give us the lyrics too?
And I think Floyd expressed all I wanted to say, but with fewer words (and nothing on the lyrics...)
I have to say this song just works so well. I know I couldn't have pulled this off from many different angles! It's creative, sporadic enough to really keep your interest, yet none of it is distracting. It just makes you want to listen.
Cool message and delivery.
Love the tom sounds! The fills themselves were placed really well too. The guitar and strings all soooooo good.
Oh yeah...AND...it's catchy!
Like I said, this song just works so well!
Thanks for the efforts and sharing this with us.
Chad (Hope that makes it easier)
TEMPO TANTRUM: What a lead singer has when they can't stay in time.
This caught my eye because of the "spaghetti" in the title. :-) Very interesting lyric and good mix. I love the "entitlement eclipsing enlightenment" line.
Vic
Nothing wrong with a good bit of spaghetti western trem guitar. I tried all of the Trem & baritone RTs in BIAB but none did quite what I needed so I broke out the single coil & the trem pedal.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
Hi Ray, The intro gave a feeling coming from a Spaghetti Western Movie, I liked it immediately. And the performance of Terry was wonderful! Not only on the vocals, but the show with his eyes and his woolly hat was great! At first I thought it was you, but then realized it must be Terry.
The song is very good and well mixed too! I couldn't understand all the lyrics, but most of it I did. In spite of the song title they are dead serious. Like that a lot. But maybe you could give us the lyrics too?
And I think Floyd expressed all I wanted to say, but with fewer words (and nothing on the lyrics...) Hans
Lyrics have been posted for you sir. Yep, Terry did a grand job. He lives in a part of NSW called Lithgow - it high up, far out from the cities, very cold & windy when it isn't very hot and windy. Winter in his part of the world is COLD by Australian standards. Thanks you.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
I have to say this song just works so well. I know I couldn't have pulled this off from many different angles! It's creative, sporadic enough to really keep your interest, yet none of it is distracting. It just makes you want to listen. Cool message and delivery. Love the tom sounds! The fills themselves were placed really well too. The guitar and strings all soooooo good. Oh yeah...AND...it's catchy! Like I said, this song just works so well! Thanks for the efforts and sharing this with us.
Thank you sir. Yes, the RealDrums are a star in this...not a lot of variation but, for me, enough and the toms mark the changes very well.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
All the extra bits you referred to are certainly more than that statement implies! Your vocalist did a great job, but at the same time I could imagine you doing a fine job singing this! That guitar with the trem effect really makes this click! I can't hear anything I would want to change!
We already loved the lyric but, Ray, the video is perfecto. What apt video clips to represent the state of things and Terry’s facial expressions are so good! Love the scene of him with the children and their aluminum foil caps.
Now we understand why you wanted his vocal for this one as it is a perfect match.
You’re on a roll! Congrats!
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
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
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202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
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2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac 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.
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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)
iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
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)
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
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What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
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With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.
Whether you're exploring new features, checking out the latest RealTracks or Style PAKs, this is your go-to guide for Band-in-a-Box® 2026.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac 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 100 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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2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
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