Originally Posted by Izzy
... Merry belated Christmas, mate! and happy New Year too! ...
And to you too, man. Keep cool over your way and hopefully not too much tropical weatherwise coming your way.
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...This track is a proper Britpop jewel— I’ve got to say, this one’s got legs… and by that, I mean groove, soul, and a proper British Invasion swagger that Ray Davies would probably lend you his spectacles to inspect. ...
Wow! You've named my sweet spot - so pleased you've plonked me in with esteemed company!
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... Right from the intro, that MESSIN’ style kicks in like a mod stepping out of a 1965 phone box — all gritty cool and understated funk. The verse melody? Stone-cold brilliant. So strong and characterful that I found myself thinking: Do we really need multi-tracked vocals here? Your lead vocal already carries the weight of wisdom, weariness, and just the right amount of wry hindsight — like a man who’s seen too many spreadsheets but still remembers how to rock. Maybe save the doubles and pans for key lines you want to punctuate, rather than blanket coverage. Less chorus choir, more pub philosopher.

And the chorus — catchy as a wool jumper in a mulga bush — could really soar with just a touch more harmonic lift. A little 3rd or 5th in the backing vocals (especially on “I can’t go…” or “until a new day is dawned”) might give it that extra lift into the stratosphere. Right now it’s shuffling along nicely; with a bit more harmony, it could fly. ...
Hmmm - maybe I need to come out from the cover of my vocal insecurities and go single-track from time-to-time. You've given me some things to think about - I might have a go at those when I am looking to finalise the 'album playlist' this will be on. A man that's seen too many spreadsheets? Yep. There is a certain creativity in spreadsheeting, but it won't write or sing songs for you. Neither will accounting for off-balance sheet financing through compliance with recognition of right-of-use assets and liabilities! Glad I've left that world behind.
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... Lyrically, you’re doing something really relatable — that mid-life hum of “Have I been building something… or just running in circles?” It’s self-aware without being self-pitying, and lines like “Fact and data – I’ve amassed a fortune, but on insight, I’ve been left poor” are the kind of truths that sneak up on you between sips of tea. Classic case of stream-of-consciousness hitting the bullseye — 70% craft, 30% fluke? More like 100% resonance. ...
I've always been strong on introspection and it's reflected in a number of my songs. I've been thinking I need to write a story song for a change, like ... 'there is a barber showing photographs of every head he's had the pleasure to know' kind of thing.
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... May your upgrade be smooth, your holiday restful, and your retirement (whenever it comes) gloriously loud.

Keep making excellent sonic art, as you’ve been doing so beautifully all year. I’ve loved the journey.
Happy holidays, mate — enjoy the dawn of that new day, musical and otherwise. ...
Thanks Izzy! Retirement has already arrived, and I hugged it like an unmarried secretary of the local church women's auxiliary would hug the local vicar.
Looking forward to more of your songs as well!
Andrew

Regards,
Andrew D
Adelaide, Sth Aust
Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/SQE4btVvNVkLq74e9
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@andrewoftheantipodes