I was rapidly approaching peak-melancholy when I decided that composing a "cheer me up" song was the only cure. This little ditty is my weapon of choice against the blues. If you are kind enough to give it a spin I hope it offers you a moment of levity and perhaps a little positive energy will rub off. ֍ 💨 If it doesn't land, at least you can laugh at my earnest (and possibly misguided) attempt. 😭 Please sharpen your pencils, folks! All feedback (sweet, sour, or somewhere in between) is welcomed with open ears and a slightly frantic heart. I'll chew on every word and offer my sincerest replies. (•‿•)
As always- Thanks to BIAB for enabling me to bring my songs to life. Lyrics on SC. Key is Ebm Tempo 125 Style is _TEXASRK.STY (Texas Rock Even) RealTracks in style: 1419:Bass, Electric, TexasRock Ev 120 RealTracks in style: 657:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm TexasRockChop Ev 120 RealTracks in style: 660:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm TexasRockCrisp Ev 120 RealDrums in style:RockTexas^1-a:Snare, Hihat , b:Snare, Loose Sync 4546 Horn section Background R&B Funky Intro drop-samples on my HD.
Got me right from the title, Izzy. Once in the 60s a friend kept his pot in a Life ceral box just to give a new meaning to the expression. You got it, sir!! THis song is quite the happy vehicle. I'm sitting here bouncing around with a big smile on my face, and I haven't even had my ceral yet. The lyrics grabed me right in the first couplet: "Worn-out shoes but I’m walking tall Empty pockets but I’ve got it all" and it keeps getting even better. "I’m short on cash but i'm high on life." Yep, I'm diggin' your ernest attempt and declaring mission accomplished. Good job on the horns. Did you have to regenerate parts of it?
Enjoy whatever happens! marty
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@babumusic51 SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/marty-straub Band in a Box, Reaper, Cakewalk, Ozone 11, EZDrummer
I thought the best cure for the blues was the blues.
Cool intro, horns sound great. Nice harmonies. The bridge and modulation worked like they should. The final harmonies at the end sounded a bit reminiscent of the Steve Miller.
Hey Izzy! Another great addition to your catalogue! I’m loving the variety in styles you put out.
Some things that tickled my ears … - love the rhythm guitar on the left side just doing its thing - the step up of dynamics and addition of a second rhythm guitar for the second verse - some really big interval steps in the vocal melody makes it really catchy - the first line jumped out at me - the pushed vocals on ‘compromise’ - a nice bit of rawness - subtle yet complementary harmony vocals - a bit of bling - really good lyrics - each line was worthy of consideration in its own right
An unexpected thing for me - my ear and natural inclination is to hear the line ‘I’m high on life’ rise up in melody - with it heading down, it gives me the impression that the highness is not authentically felt? Of course it could be a sign of contentment. Consequently, it took me a couple of listens to realise *that* was the chorus. (This might be MY problem in always thinking that the chorus has to be some kind of stand out.) While the horns are a great addition to the chorus, their use was in the form of punctuation between lines, and in a small way, I was waiting for each horn phrase to pass so I could hear the next vocal line. This is all personal preference, so take it with a pinch of salt.
This one’s going straight to my ‘favs’ playlist! Good job.
Terrific, Izzy! It sounds like you're looking for constructive criticism, but I got nothing. Everything about this sounds great to me. I've worked with BIAB horns a lot and I know they often involve a lot of cutting and pasting. Sometimes you get lucky, but not usually, (no matter how many times you regenerate). Vocal was superb and that's always a given. Def a winner here!
Windows 11, Intel Core I5 10400, 16 gig ram, Scarlett 2i2, Sony Acid Music Studio 10, BIAB 2020 UltraPlus Pak
Man oh man this forum is confusing me man. I know I responded and I know that I pressed enter so I don't know why I didn't show up but here I go again.
Absolutely totally love this from top to bottom and all around.
The vocals are awesome and it's catchy as all get out.
I think you should get depressed more often. Robert Smith often said that he liked to get depressed and sit in the bathtub.
Funny that he should say that because your song actually makes me feel the same way that I feel when I listen to the link below. And that's a good thing.
David Snyder Songwriter/Renaissance Man Studio + Fingers
Wow! That is an awesome song! The arrangement, the vocals, and the mix are all top-notch. A really infectious groove.
BTW, those horns sound amazing. Loved it!
Bob
Hi Bob Thank you so much for the incredibly kind words! Hearing that you dug the tune – and called the groove "infectious," which is exactly what I was going for, really makes my day. Thanks for taking the time to listen and leave such a fantastic review. It’s reviews like yours that make all the blood, sweat, and tears (and the occasional instrument-throwing temper tantrum) worthwhile. 😎 Cheers, Izzy
Got me right from the title, Izzy. Once in the 60s a friend kept his pot in a Life ceral box just to give a new meaning to the expression. You got it, sir!! THis song is quite the happy vehicle. I'm sitting here bouncing around with a big smile on my face, and I haven't even had my ceral yet. The lyrics grabed me right in the first couplet: "Worn-out shoes but I’m walking tall Empty pockets but I’ve got it all" and it keeps getting even better. "I’m short on cash but i'm high on life." Yep, I'm diggin' your ernest attempt and declaring mission accomplished. Good job on the horns. Did you have to regenerate parts of it?
Marty, you are a magnificent cereal-box-philosopher, your review is the best thing since they put marshmallows in Lucky Charms! 👋 And I'm absolutely stealing your "Life cereal" pot-stash anecdote. Pure gold, Marty, pure gold. It's going straight into the Izzy Hall of Fame, right next to my worn-out shoes. Seriously though, your comment about the lyrics hitting home? That's what it's all about. Sometimes, you just gotta embrace the walking-tall-with-empty-pockets vibe. Glad you're digging it. "Good job on the horns. Did you have to regenerate parts of it?" Not a lot because the BIAB RT Horns are so good that it was only a matter of cut and paste. Thanks a million, Marty. You've officially made my day! Now go have that cereal, you deserve it! 👍 😁
I thought the best cure for the blues was the blues.
Cool intro, horns sound great. Nice harmonies. The bridge and modulation worked like they should. The final harmonies at the end sounded a bit reminiscent of the Steve Miller.
Thumbs up from me!
Dearest Mr David Thanks for the thumbs up! I'm so glad my musical attempt to punch the blues in the face with more blues actually worked for you (i think). And extra glad the horns were up to snuff - they can be divas, you know. Mr Gannon secretly told me they demand imported reeds and they only speak in a register he can barely understand. (official lie).🙄
As for the Steve Miller comparison at the end…thanks muchly. After all, who doesn't want to be cruising down the highway feeling like the Space Cowboy? 🤑
Seriously though, your feedback is hugely appreciated. Knowing the bridge and modulation "worked like they should" is surprisingly thrilling. It's like a tiny, perfectly executed plumbing job in the metaphorical house that is my song. So, thank you for noticing the small victories as well as the big ones. I'm off to celebrate with a slice of pie and a deep dive into the Steve Miller discography!
Much luv and gratitude, Izzy (and the occasionally temperamental horns)
Hey Izzy! Another great addition to your catalogue! I’m loving the variety in styles you put out.
Some things that tickled my ears … - love the rhythm guitar on the left side just doing its thing - the step up of dynamics and addition of a second rhythm guitar for the second verse - some really big interval steps in the vocal melody makes it really catchy - the first line jumped out at me - the pushed vocals on ‘compromise’ - a nice bit of rawness - subtle yet complementary harmony vocals - a bit of bling - really good lyrics - each line was worthy of consideration in its own right
An unexpected thing for me - my ear and natural inclination is to hear the line ‘I’m high on life’ rise up in melody - with it heading down, it gives me the impression that the highness is not authentically felt? Of course it could be a sign of contentment. Consequently, it took me a couple of listens to realise *that* was the chorus. (This might be MY problem in always thinking that the chorus has to be some kind of stand out.) While the horns are a great addition to the chorus, their use was in the form of punctuation between lines, and in a small way, I was waiting for each horn phrase to pass so I could hear the next vocal line. This is all personal preference, so take it with a pinch of salt.
This one’s going straight to my ‘favs’ playlist! Good job.
Andrew D
G'day Andrew You bonza, grouse music Sherlock, you! Thanks a million for the deep dive into the sonic depths of my little tune. I feel like you've just performed an autopsy... on a song that's still alive... in a good way! A very insightful and complimentary way! 😳
The "rhythm guitar just doing its thing" - I'm so glad you noticed! It's basically the musical equivalent of that friend who's quietly awesome but never seeks the spotlight. Glad it resonated!
"Bling harmony vocals" - YES! That was the goal! A subtle sprinkling of sonic glitter to keep things interesting. 🎜 ♫ ♬
And the "high on life" conundrum! You've touched on something I hadn't consciously considered. That descending melody line... maybe I'm subconsciously admitting that I'm only moderately high on life. Like, "moderately intoxicated" level high. Perhaps contentment is the new high. Or maybe I just need a bigger trampoline. I appreciate you flagging that up! I feel like I should now go and write a deconstruction of that line, and the philosophical meaning of it all.
And the horns... you were waiting for them to shut up so you could hear me sing! That's... brutally honest and hilarious. I'll tell the horn section they're officially "punctuation," not "stars." They'll be thrilled... I think. 😕
Seriously though, thanks for taking the time to dissect the song with such attention and humour. I REALLY appreciate you adding it to your "favs" playlist! You've made my day. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to ponder the true meaning of being "high on life" and to have a serious talk with my horn section about their punctuation habits. Thanks again for your ripper review Andrew!😎 ɹǝpunuʍop ʎzzI
Terrific, Izzy! It sounds like you're looking for constructive criticism, but I got nothing. Everything about this sounds great to me. I've worked with BIAB horns a lot and I know they often involve a lot of cutting and pasting. Sometimes you get lucky, but not usually, (no matter how many times you regenerate). Vocal was superb and that's always a given. Def a winner here!
Hi Bob "Looking for constructive criticism, but I got nothing" - I was all prepped to bravely face the firing squad of constructive criticism, bracing myself for tales of wonky intonation and rhythmic trainwrecks... and you hit me with this? "Nothing"? You've robbed me of my existential dread! I'm practically useless now! 😬 Seriously though, thank you so much. Your words mean the world, especially coming from someone who knows the trials and tribulations of wrangling those BIAB horns. It can be a wee bit like playing Russian roulette so I may or may not have offered my laptop a blood sacrifice to the algorithm gods for this one. And to call the vocal "superb"... well, you've just single-handedly fueled my ego for the next month. I might even start wearing a monocle. 😉 Thanks again, Bob! You're a legend. And if you ever do find something constructively critical, please, for the love of all that is holy, keep it to yourself. (- ‿◦ ) Best,
When that finished, I thought "Could that be That Good?" So I listened again. And....again.
Yes. It really IS - That Good.
Respect.
fj
Hi Floyd Always a thrill to hear from you! ♕ 💗 That kind of feedback is like rocket fuel for a songwriter. I'm just glad it resonated.Thanks for the multiple spins and the respect; it means the world from someone whose insights could make even the Muses jealous. Maybe I owe you a royalty check...or at least a beer. 😉 Best tunes and warm regards, Izzy
Man oh man this forum is confusing me man. I know I responded and I know that I pressed enter so I don't know why I didn't show up but here I go again.
Absolutely totally love this from top to bottom and all around.
The vocals are awesome and it's catchy as all get out.
I think you should get depressed more often. Robert Smith often said that he liked to get depressed and sit in the bathtub.
Funny that he should say that because your song actually makes me feel the same way that I feel when I listen to the link below. And that's a good thing.
David, thanks so much for taking the time to listen and for the incredibly kind words! I'm so glad you enjoyed it.
And wow, comparing it to The Cure's "Just Like Heaven" is a serious compliment! I'm blushing. Maybe I should invest in a good bathtub and a steady supply of melancholy... for artistic purposes, of course! 😉 Seriously though, that means a lot. Thanks again! best rgards Izzy
What a fantastic groove. The bass introduction really caught my imagination and then, when the horns came in, your really grabbed hold of me. This is excellent listening. I love lyrics. Everything about this presentation is infectious in the best musical way possible. I thoroughly enjoyed the journey.
Great vocals and lyrics, plus the song is very excellently orchestrated.
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.
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.
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!
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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)
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:
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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)
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!
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Windows & Mac 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.
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Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
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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!
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!
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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