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The last week of so, a number of sandwich companies - here in the UK - have withdrawn their products, because they got infected with a particularly virulent bug.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.
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James,
This is excellent! Love the song, vocal and performance. Great, great mix.
A new favorite for me from you...
Bob
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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.
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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 
I'm in a fitness protection program. I'm been hiding from exercise.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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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?)
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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.
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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 are here on our website.
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Hey James,
This sounds really cool and has your signature style.
I like it!
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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!
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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
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Very Nice Poetry. Both spoken, and as lyrics.
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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!
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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
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Thanks, Ray! Really happy you liked my singing on this song
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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
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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
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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!
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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 ...
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Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
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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.
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Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new user interface in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®! This modern GUI redesign offers a sleek new look with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, and a smoother workflow. The brand-new side toolbar puts track selection, the MultiPicker Library, and other essential tools right at your fingertips. Plus, our upgraded Multi-View lets you layer multiple windows without overlap, giving you a highly flexible workspace. Many windows—including Tracks, Piano Roll, and more—have been redesigned for improved usability and a cleaner, more intuitive interface, and more!
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Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
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