Having hopefully improved our mastering chops over the last few years we decided to remaster this song (of course that led to some mix tweaking). So we dropped the audio in the vid editor and that led to some video tweaking of zooms/pans and fx. After all that we thought, well, it’s been four years why not repost it.
Video quality? Well, it is what it is … Bud’s iPhone shot all the video clips and still shots in our hometown and a couple of other communities. No AI used in the production ... just the phone and some aging editing software.
We realize lots of folks don’t like music vids but, hey, it's just three minutes long so should you choose to listen we appreciate your time and any comments you might offer.
Thanks to our music partner Peter for the guitar work and as always thanks to PG Music. BTW, since you can’t replace YT video files this new upload lost all the previous comments, etc.
you can’t go back girl it’s a dead end don’t know why the hell I ever tried maybe I dreamed of the invitation or it’s another memory that lied
should’ve headed on never slowed down now I’m a refugee in my home town
my old friends have become strangers they’ve grown cold, dark, bitter i see them circling their wagons trolling me to pull that trigger
should’ve headed on never slowed down now I’m a refugee in my home town
a courthouse clock with the wrong time store windows reflect ghosts of past parking meters stand like rusty sentinels nothing lasts nothing lasts
should’ve headed on never slowed down now I’m a refugee in my home town
Last edited by Janice & Bud; 09/07/2501:23 PM.
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
Below is what I said when just the track was posted in 2018. I still stand by this review and will add that the new mastering, coupled with the original video is truly next level...
"Every once in a while a song comes along and I think, man, I wish I had written that - this is one of those times...
This song is an absolute gem from start to finish. Janice has laid down an incredibly sensitive, strong and moving vocal - none better! The write, production and arrangement is beautifully nuanced and pro all the way. It also sounds like it was recorded / produced in a high end studio.
And finally, Peter's guitar playing should be turned into Real Tracks...
I'm still too new here to know the original, but this one is really, really good. Beautiful melodies, some interesting choices by Peter that spice things up, and a really, really good production. I LOVE music videos, so you don't have to apologize
Below is what I said when just the track was posted in 2018. I still stand by this review and will add that the new mastering, coupled with the original video is truly next level...
"Every once in a while a song comes along and I think, man, I wish I had written that - this is one of those times...
This song is an absolute gem from start to finish. Janice has laid down an incredibly sensitive, strong and moving vocal - none better! The write, production and arrangement is beautifully nuanced and pro all the way. It also sounds like it was recorded / produced in a high end studio.
And finally, Peter's guitar playing should be turned into Real Tracks...
Outstanding from every angle!"
Bob
And also like then we remain honored to read your comment about the write. Why? Because you are our favorite Americana writer and that is our favorite genre. Also we are happy you liked the new sound.
Thank you!
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
I started the song and heard Janice sang "... now I'm a refugee in my hometown..." and the I remember hearing the song before. I didn't know it was in 2018, but Bob said so in his post. It was in my second year on BiaB. Had to learn a lot then (and still). But that beautiful voice and that sentence apparently stuck in my head. 7 years later I hear the sentence again. Fortunately, I can still hear that beautiful voice...
J&B + Peter, gorgeous song, beautifully performed. Super video editing, and the sound quality is sparkly and fabulous. Ya'll are simply, amazingly...AMAZING every time.
Loved the "Share the Road" sign. Shouldn't we ALL???
DC Ron BiaB Audiophile Presonus Studio One ASUS I9-12900K DAW, 32 GB RAM Presonus Faderport 16 Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
I'm still too new here to know the original, but this one is really, really good. Beautiful melodies, some interesting choices by Peter that spice things up, and a really, really good production. I LOVE music videos, so you don't have to apologize
We appreciate that … and especially since you create excellent vids. Thanks for all the nice comments!
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
J&B, thoroughly enjoyed it! First time hearing it, and it’s all beautifully produced (the audio) and the performances so smooth and relaxed. All the elements of the production added to the overall feel of wistfulness, a bit of melancholy, and bittersweet longing for the past. The video was cool, too—I wish I had the gumption to do that kind of visual stuff!! Great work!
Windows 11, Intel Core i5-8600T 2.3Ghz, 16 gig ram, BIAB 2025 MegaPak, SampleTank 4, Keystation49 Kybd, Neewer NW-800 mic
Janice, Bud, and Peter, this is a killer of a song. Outstanding performances from all three of you. All I can add is WOW! Loved it
Thanks for watching!
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
Brilliant song in all aspects: lyrics, vocals, instrumentation, playing, mix, etc, etc. "now I’m a refugee in my home town" is a great line and verse ender, Thematically it's fairly similar to a song I wrote in 1973 called "Far Away", though although I never liked UK folk singer Ralph McTell, prominent from the mid-60s to early 70s, as I found him too depressing - you might have heard "Streets of London" - my song was very much in his style. The chorus is: "I love them all, I truth I tell, I have loved them all the way But they can't see where I am and they slowly fade away And all the people all around are very far away from me." Verses vary endings with "all the people who are dear are very far away from me" and "all the people who I love are very far away from me". I've not played it since the 70s as it was too depressing! But yours isn't!
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.
I know what you mean about wanting to go back and remix/master old songs. I've done that with a couple of ours, but there are probably at least another 10 or so that could use it. Not only do skills improve, but tools do too.
Lovely song, always nice seeing Janice do her thing. And nice to see the still of Peter in there too. Very tasteful playing from him as per usual!
I started the song and heard Janice sang "... now I'm a refugee in my hometown..." and the I remember hearing the song before. I didn't know it was in 2018, but Bob said so in his post. It was in my second year on BiaB. Had to learn a lot then (and still). But that beautiful voice and that sentence apparently stuck in my head. 7 years later I hear the sentence again. Fortunately, I can still hear that beautiful voice...
Glad you brought back that sentence to me!
Hans
Thanks Hans. Remembering a line after 8 years is a nice compliment indeed. Yes it was 2018 for the audio with the original video posted in 2021. We appreciate the kind and supportive review.
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
It's so impressive how Janice adds musicality to the lyrics. Her voice is great to start with, then that way of singing the words into shape is just phenomenal. Great story, definitely related to it, been there, done that. Of course, the whole thing sounded pro all the way, wish I could get my mixes to sound like that. Great job, all!
Windows 11, Intel Core I5 10400, 16 gig ram, Scarlett 2i2, Sony Acid Music Studio 10, BIAB 2020 UltraPlus Pak
J&B + Peter, gorgeous song, beautifully performed. Super video editing, and the sound quality is sparkly and fabulous. Ya'll are simply, amazingly...AMAZING every time.
Loved the "Share the Road" sign. Shouldn't we ALL???
Thank you so much for ALL of the above. BTW, we are cyclists. Someone apparently ran into the Share The Road sign. And somehow it got dumped on the right of way bordering our property. Ironic! But beyond that ramble, yes we all should!
Thanks again!
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
J&B, thoroughly enjoyed it! First time hearing it, and it’s all beautifully produced (the audio) and the performances so smooth and relaxed. All the elements of the production added to the overall feel of wistfulness, a bit of melancholy, and bittersweet longing for the past. The video was cool, too—I wish I had the gumption to do that kind of visual stuff!! Great work!
Thanks for the very nice review. Your comments on the feel of the song were very thoughtful and much appreciated. Regarding the gumption just go for it. Janice calls it play acting. The hardest aspect for us initially was figuring out the best way to do the lip syncing. 😀
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
Brilliant song in all aspects: lyrics, vocals, instrumentation, playing, mix, etc, etc. "now I’m a refugee in my home town" is a great line and verse ender, Thematically it's fairly similar to a song I wrote in 1973 called "Far Away", though although I never liked UK folk singer Ralph McTell, prominent from the mid-60s to early 70s, as I found him too depressing - you might have heard "Streets of London" - my song was very much in his style. The chorus is: "I love them all, I truth I tell, I have loved them all the way But they can't see where I am and they slowly fade away And all the people all around are very far away from me." Verses vary endings with "all the people who are dear are very far away from me" and "all the people who I love are very far away from me". I've not played it since the 70s as it was too depressing! But yours isn't!
Glad you liked it. We are happy folks who certainly don’t fit the theme of the tune. Like several of our writes it came to me while mountain biking. And that’s counterintuitive but it often happens. 😀 Streets of London sounds familiar. I listened to a wide variety of genres in the 60’s and 70’s. And yes your tune is similar in theme. I would say we are glad to bring back a memory to you … but not if it’s sad!
Thanks for all,
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
Glad you opened that can of worms, Bud, and you managed to tame them all. Masterfully mixed. I love that bass. I say that first because I always wax on about how amazing Janice sings, and and well Peter plays and how perfect are his choices for each song. This song is great example of how good it all can be in the right hands and vocal apparata.
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
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But yours isn't! 
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