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 12, 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.
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!
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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.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
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These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
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The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
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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
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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)
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!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
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