|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,547
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,547 |
The last week of so, a number of sandwich companies - here in the UK - have withdrawn their products, because they got infected with a particularly virulent bug. We were not aware of this, at the time of the infection ... I love sandwiches ... you can put the rest together, yourselves. Anyway, between trying to recover, sleep and all that, I've just (today) managed to use the convalescence time to put a small song of sorts, together. See what you think? Thanks, PG Music, and thanks to all who kindly stop by to listen and even to comment  Retired THE LYRICS: He has retired from the world, And all he sees just leaves him cold. And, at the end, all done and told, He can't forget her hair of gold. She is a star, that much is true, And, every day, lives something new, And yet, when skies turn dark from blue, He comes to mind, who she once knew. And every day tears them apart,
And, all the time, their broken heart
Cries out, in vain, for their return ...
Alas, their loss they can but mourn ...*** It is too late for him to be That which he was, back then, you see ... And, as he goes on bended knee, He makes for a miracle his plea. Perhaps she now remembers him, Who, then, seemed nice, if a touch dim ... Whose love she lost, upon a whim, Her pride too strong to let him in ... And every day tears them apart,
And, all the time, their broken heart
Cries out, in vain, for their return ...
Alas, their loss they can but mourn ...Alas, for now, they can but yearn. THE BAND: ****** Song Summary ************* Title: Retired - 17 June 2024 File:Retired - 17 June 2024.SGU Key=D , Tempo 85, Length (m:s)=3:00 No intro. 60 bar chorus, from bar 1 to bar 60. Repeat x1 chorus No Melody No Soloist track. Song is saved with Volume, Pan, Reverb, Chorus, Bank0, Style is _SHAKES.STY (Shakes Soul Rock) RealTracks in style: 2524:Bass, Electric, FunkHalfNotePulseSync Ev16 100 RealTracks in style: 2906:Piano, ElectricVintage, Rhythm BluesyPopMike Ev 100 RealTracks in style: 2905:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm BrightBluesyPopColin Ev 100 RealDrums in style:RockThrashHalfTimeEv16^2-a:Snare, Closed HiHat , b:Snare, Bell Ride ******************* Mixed and mastered in Mixcraft Pro Studio 10, with the "Commercial CD" mastering preset, and a little compression applied to the solo voice.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,628
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,628 |
James,
This is excellent! Love the song, vocal and performance. Great, great mix.
A new favorite for me from you...
Bob
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 2,034
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 2,034 |
I really like the rhythm section in this song as the instrumentsd are perfectly chosen for the laid back chord structure. I've over a decade retired, so I can relate to the lyrics.
Some favourite Waoist Adages:
#1: Play on the Way.
#13: Ask not for whom the flower blooms, it blooms for you.
#58: Bring consciousness to it.
#63: On the road to effortlessness, effort must be made.
#92: Be Love Now, the rest will come on its own.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,196
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,196 |
James, this one is your best to date. Super backing band. Great vocal and mix. I didn't retire 20 years ago, I just went to an entirely different boss, the wife 
My boss calls me "the computer".
Nothing to do with intelligence. I go to sleep if left unattended for 15 minutes.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,326
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,326 |
James, well, I've heard it said that great art comes from suffering, so...sounds like you've made something positive out of your tainted food episode. Well done! Nice band and arrangement, and I enjoyed your vocals on this one. Like Mario, I work for my lovely spouse. Ha!
DC Ron
BiaB Audiophile
Presonus Studio One
ASUS I9-12900K DAW, 32 GB RAM
Presonus Faderport 16
Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 4,854
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 4,854 |
WOW! I really love this, James. It has those classic Delsono changes, but with a rather Motown feel. You are singing so well, too. The mix is sensational, too. I'm going to jump on the this-is-my-favorite-of-yours-so-far, James.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,901
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,901 |
We haven’t retired from everything like your protagonist but we did retire 25 years ago from the mental health field and have enjoyed it completely. Hence the time to be listening to your song during morning coffee. 😀
Your choice of session guys, the write, the arrangement and your vocal are synced to create a very effective melancholy vibe. You really nailed it with the vocal. Do you always use that compression? It sounds really good.
Well done!
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,443
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,443 |
Hey James,
This sounds really cool and has your signature style.
I like it!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,547
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,547 |
Bob: thank you So glad you liked it! WaoBand: thanks! Being retired has its perks, for sure Mario: thanks so much! You always make me smile. Ron: well, yes, that's the trick ... if life hands you lemons, you try to make lemonade, haha Thanks for the kind words, I'd like to think I've succeeded a little with my own "lemonade-making" attempt ... it's good to hear you seem to think so, too! Marty: a rather Motown feel? Sensational mix? New favorite? I'll take these comments, and how, Marty. Thank you - far too kind! Janice and Bud: I don't always use that compression, no, but it IS a default I go to quite regularly, and then I tweak things depending on how a particular vocal recording went. I'm glad it sounded ok on this occasion, I sometimes don't use the compressor at all, but this time I felt it needed it I'm glad you enjoyed the song (over morning coffee sounds perfect ) - and particularly that you think I got the vocal right. As you know, I'm shy about my vocals, so that's a compliment I'm particularly glad to receive - especially from a vocal master like Janice, and a producer of the calibre and experience of Bud Thanks! David Snyder: thank you! So glad you liked it!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 1,031
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 1,031 |
Howdy James. I had replied earlier, but stopped by for another listen and saw that for some reason it hadn't posted, so I'll try again. I don't remember what I said before, but it must have had something to do with, 'man this is good'. You've got a great sound here. I liked the mix and the instruments you chose. I thought it was cool how you used both your singing voice and your talk overs - great combo.
Brad
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 851
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 851 |
Very Nice Poetry. Both spoken, and as lyrics.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,547
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,547 |
Brad: thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed it, thanks for coming back to post!!! Elliott: thank you. I think that the lyrics are the best thing about this song, so I'm glad you enjoyed them!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,185
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,185 |
You're singing really well on this..a rich voice filled with sincerity.
Musically the only nit I have is that the cymbal bell, (hitting the raised section of the cymbal nearest the stand), is a bit loud and needs EQing to bring it back to the rest of the kit.
COOL.
Last edited by rayc; 06/22/24 12:38 AM.
Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,547
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,547 |
Thanks, Ray! Really happy you liked my singing on this song
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,484
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,484 |
Touching story with the melancholy that always shines so naturally in your lyrics.
Beautiful melody that is lovely to sing along, such a classic 60's soul mood. And the chord progression is very tasty added with your unique flavors.
The band is great, I really love that guitar and the reverb on it.
And I enjoy hearing your singing voice, expresses perfectly the emotion for the world of broken hearts.
Janne
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,633
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,633 |
Hi James,
For a convalescing mate, you turned out a jewel of a song. As mentioned already, the perfect marriage of DelSano and Motown. Your vocal is full and engaging - perhaps a slight bit less on the lower end would be something to consider. Regardless, it was well done. You should sing more often.
I always enjoy everything you post. This rtanks among my favorites of your posts. Thank you!
Wishing you everything good and hope you are feeling fully regenerated soon.
Alan
BIAB 2024 Ultra Plus-all StylePaks*Win11*32GB DDR5*Rhyzen 9745x*AT 2035 Mic*Peavey Nashville 112 Amp*Ibanez ART120* Acoustic/Electric/Washburn D200S Acoustic*Stromberg Monterey Jazz Guitar Loops: https://aldavidmusic.wixsite.com/bestmusicloops
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,547
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,547 |
Oh wow - thank you, Janne. Some of the most beautiful feedback I've ever received! I'm really happy you enjoyed this little effort of mine - thanks so much for listening and for your kind comment!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,547
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,547 |
Alan, Thank you. Maybe I should get sick more often? haha (God forbid, touch wood). But yes, this wasn't as bad as it could have been, all things considered, I think  A mixture of Delsono and Motown? I will DEFINITELY take that Thanks so much for listening! Yes, I'm more or less fully functioning, again. How are you and Di? Hope all is good with you, always looking forward to your songs, whenever you do post them here! Take good care, really grateful you take the time to listen to whatever it is that I post on here, haha ...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,582
Posts793,595
Members39,919
| |
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
There are no members with birthdays on this day. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean