Hi Lee!
I'm glad you got to post this today - after the 'big reveal' at our jam* this morning. I wanted to hear it through my headphones, and it hasn't disappointed! I find it amazing/intriguing to hear how each of us approaches the task of writing a story song and the end result. Always a pleasant delight. I never would have come up with a story like yours - quite unique. I heard once that performing art is either comedy or tragedy - mine is the former and yours the latter.

I love the tin whistle - it provides a simplicity and melancholy that would have been present in the war and post war years - particularly when remembering the loss of loved ones and the devastation. Your vocal recording has an intimate quality in the verses that demonstrates the vulnerability of the storyteller, and your doubled vocal on the choruses 'Tommy ...' and 'Jimmy ...' which make them stand out without departing far from the style of the verses.

You gave yourself a B-, but as an independent results moderator, I'm going to recommend an upgrade to A-, and only a minus because I want to leave room - because with the trajectory you're on with your songwriting and recording, we are going to hear some good music from you in the coming months and years. I am sure of it!

Andrew Dee

* For those reading at home, K-Dub Ya (Lee), Mike (a common friend) and I meet every 5 to 6 weeks where we reveal our songs in response to a songwriting challenge we take turns in setting. Each of us produced something different but enjoyable. Our friend Mike is soon to have BIAB 2026 in his hands, so Lee and I are hoping we might see him posting to the forum sometime in the future. He'll be receiving 'encouragement' from us.

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