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Expectations (Original)Well hi, ladies and gents, and whatever else lurks out there!!! It's been quite some time. I'd like to blame the hiatus on life in general ... and that's somewhat true, but the truth is, I've been "stuck". This song's been holding up the works for a while ... because I didn't quite know what to do with it. Not one of my best, but it's important ... it's part of my "concept" for the album, and, in fact, it's supposed to be the first song. My previous attempts at it were all kind of ... "meh". Well it might not be the kickest-[*****] (that's a word, right) song ever, but it at least has to not suck. Plus I like it. It's inspired by Chapter 2 in Norton Juster's "The Phantom Tollbooth". I marry it to life in general, because that's what Norton meant to do with it. The first step in its re-imagining was to play up the samba beat. But it still wasn't ... whimsical enough. Well, Expectations itself was modeled after a travel agency/welcome center ... which we associate with vacations, and .., hey, steel drum! Only I don't play, and Band in a Box's midi steel drums are ... well. Let's just say I wish I had someone playing real steel drums here, but this was the best I could do. It was better, but just like ... meh+. It still really needed something. I wanted a ratchet percussion track. Maybe even a samba whistle (it didn't end up with one, but I AM getting one :-) ) and then I stumbled on this "Afro Cuban" jazz style with congas and a bit of Cuban jazzy guitar and ... Well you know what? I think I like it! BIAB-wise, this is a real hodgepodge. Here's the BIAB info as best as I can summarize it for you (I've been toying with different things for, like, a year): ****** Song Summary ************* Title: Expectations File:Expectations Afro Cuban.SGU Key=C , Tempo 120, Length (m:s)=2:48 No intro. 80 bar chorus, from bar 1 to bar 80. Repeat x1 chorus No Melody Song is saved with Volume, Pan, Reverb, Chorus, Bank0, Styles are Style is _SHAKEIT.STY (Shake It Calypso Pop w Shaker),_CBOLGTS.STY (Cuban Bolero Guitar Quartet) SoloistCustom Synth is Hi-Q 001 01 Piano, Acoustic, Grand Sforzando.tgs with midi steel drum patch RealTracks in style: 1174:Bass, Electric, PopCalypso Ev 100 RealTracks in style: 1902:Guitar, Acoustic, Background Bolero Ev 090 RealDrums [in style:SalsaBolero: a: SalsaBolerob: SalsaBolero ******************* I actually play rhythm guitar on this, and the "awesome" (extremely simple) solo is me, too. Well I want SOME of my playing to end up on the album. I'd like to be able to explain what I did with the steel drums, but oh my God. I doubt I can. What you hear is a cross between a midi piano track I patched with a midi Steel Drum in Band in a Box, then I also used that midi track and duplicated it in Reaper with a few styles of steel drum I could locate, delaying some tracks ... trying to get it to sound less midi and more natural. I only succeeded a little. Vocals are once again all me. Lyrics. Song link at the top. Hope you like it. ---- Expectations Phil Leith - Walking Bird Music Welcome to Expectations To the land of the untarnished dream It's not but a pause between here and gone And nothing is quite what it seems Welcome to Expectations Where the glossies are vivid and bright What will you bring for your travels ahead? And what will you leave behind? There's adventure out on that open road And it's likely not what you had in mind Keep an eye out for things you're not looking for Or you might as well be flying blind Welcome to Expectations To make your journey worthwhile Best if your pack is fast and light You can trade a few tears for a smile Welcome to Expectations Now don't you linger too long Lay down your worries, lay down your pen And just start singing your song You can find your own way sure as you go If you don't cling to any one dream If you find mine, it was lost long ago Would you please return it to me? Welcome to Expectations Welcome to Expectations Welcome to Expectations
Last edited by Phil Leith; 08/18/19 05:09 PM.
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Joined: Apr 2019
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Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 769 |
Hi Phil. Your hyperlink does not work because the last letter of the word 'original' is missing. I found the track by navigating to your soundcloud page and looking to "Expectations" there. Nice song by the way 
My music may not set the world on fire but if it causes a glow in just one person's heart, it has all been worthwhile
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Thank you, I will fix it.
The URL link icon wasn't working for me so I hard-coded it, and apparently had a typo.
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Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
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Your vocals and rhythm guitar add some important warmth to the track.
I think you did a good job naturalizing the midi.
Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
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Joined: Jun 2000
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Expert
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Expert
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 1,944 |
It has been a while Phil...
This song sounds like a great start for your "concept" album...
Its catchy, happy, & bright...
And I really like the lines...
You can find your own way sure as you go
If you don't cling to any one dream
If you find mine, it was lost long ago
Would you please return it to me?
Pretty nifty lyrics indeed!
Jim
†=☮&♥
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PG Music Staff
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PG Music Staff
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 2,945 |
I really adored the lyrics, especially the following:
"There's adventure out on that open road
And it's likely not what you had in mind
Keep an eye out for things you're not looking for
Or you might as well be flying blind"
Great job! Thanks for sharing.
Cheers,
Ember
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
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hi phil great job really nice mix and write and vocal loved it eric
AMD (TM) 5950 4.9 GHz 16Core Processor 64 bit 32 bits of ram windows 10 pro 64 bit os. sound card Antelope ZenQ guitars Ibanez 2202a 1968 les Paul Custom and Cavin ae 185 Guitar boss Gt-100,GT1000 pedal Yamaha HS8 studio monitors
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Posts: 210
Apprentice
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Apprentice
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I like the triple harmony with one duplicating lead vocal words and 2nd doing "oohs" and "ahs".
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Thank you, I really do like choosing the right words and trying to fit them. I'm a lyric guy.
I wish I could take full credit for the lines about finding your own way and "if you find mine" were actually almost directly from the book. I mean, not quite. But really close. It is really quite clever as is the whole book. And the song was written as a tribute to the book.
Like I said it was literally inspired by the short blurb in the book about The Land of Expectations, and I was looking back to this book I'd read many times as a child (and several times as an adult as well) and how much it really fit the story of my adult life. Expectations, where everything's a possibility and you try to decide how your trip (or your life) is going to go, and then the difference between those expectations and what you actually encounter in life.
I've always been a "fly by the seat of your pants" kind of guy, and that has served me well in this regard, after some rough social lessons in early adulthood.
Anyway, see for yourself the bits I lifted from the story to that verse... it's the most direct correlation you'll find between the song and the story other than "Welcome to Expectations".
``"Expectations is the place you must always go before you get to where you're going. Of course, some people never go beyond Expectations, but my job is to hurry them along whether they like it or not. Now what else can I do for you?," asked the Whether Man. Before Milo could reply he rushed into the house and reappeared a moment later with a new coat and an umbrella.
"I think I can find my own way," said Milo, not at all sure he could. But since he didn't understand the little man at all, he decided that he might as well move on -- at least until he met someone whose sentences didn't always sound as if they would make as much sense backwards as forwards.
"Splendid, splendid, splendid," exclaimed the Whether Man. "Whether or not you find your own way, you're bound to find some way. If you happen to find my way, please return it, as it was lost years ago. I imagine by now it's quite rusty. You did say it was going to rain, didn't you?" And with that he opened the umbrella and walked Milo to the car.``
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It's been a while since I've read the book (or seen the Chuck Jones' film adaption), but the song certainly fits the spirit of the text, but stands alone quite well. Good job with the lyrics, and managing to find something that works well for you. One of the things about BiaB is that you've got too much... until you want something exactly some particular way. But as you pointed out - sometimes being willing to try something another way will get you to what you wanted, even if it wasn't quite what you had in mind. Something about setting you're expecations aside or something...  I like the mix, but think the reverb on the background vocals are a bit much. It's not at all a bad sound, it just calls attention to the vocals, instead of helping them sit in the back in the mix. An enjoyable song - well sung, catchy and nice lyrics.
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PG Music Staff
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Nice work on this - makes for a really unique and enticing listen, and as others mentioned the lyrics are a definitely standout. Some really great harmonies, and your vocals are top notch as well.
Thanks for sharing!
Cheers,
Deryk
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Enjoyable and catchy melody, lots of wisdom in the lyrics, definitely a feel good song making me smile Fantastic vocal harmonies, gives some African mood. And together with that excellent Latin rhythmic background, this is something Paul Simon could have done, but still very original. It's hard not to listen to this again and again. Janne
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"Welcome to Expectations
To make your journey worthwhile
Best if your pack is fast and light
You can trade a few tears for a smile"
Nice positive write.
Nice positive backing tracks vibe.
Nice heartfelt vocals.
NICE!
J&B
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Great work on this Phil, wowzers! The arrangement is wonderful to the ears and the mix sounds well polished too. Very captivating lyrics. Looking forward to hear more!
Cheers,
Joe
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Very cool song!! The vocals are exceptional and the instrumentation completely fits the mood. Enjoyed a lot!! Take care. Greg
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Loved this tune. Loved the vocal and lyric. The rhythm section on this some was also very cool. Really nice choice of instruments..
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Phil,
A really enjoyable listen. A nice write.
I thought the steel drums sounded quite good. And the rest of the instrumentation fits well.
The vocals are nice, though often get a bit too much in-you-face as the harmonies come in and combine with the lead. The secondary vocals (harmonies and ooohs) need to be "softened" to fall behind the lead vocal - a bit more reverb and delay and a bit less volume.
I like it.
fj
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I enjoyed this. Somewhat Paul Simonish to me with a slight nod to the Ladysmith Black Mambazo days. Very nicely done!
Windows 10, Intel Core I5 10400, 16 gig ram, Scarlett 6i6, Komplete keyboard, Sony Acid Music Studio 11, BIAB 2020 UltraPlus Pak
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Ok! Thanks for all the feedback. I have gone back and addressed some timing issues and toned down the background vocals, which in turn exposed too much verb in the lead vocals. So I toned that down, too.
I'm a sucker for big harmonies that jump out and hit you and I have a tendency to hit you too hard with them :-D
You guys are a great sounding board! I updated the soundcloud file with the new mix, and I think it sounds like it's ready for the album.
I'm getting there! This one had me stuck for ... a very long time.
I've got two Christmas songs I'd like to get out on a single by mid November, though. I'd better get started on them.
This and being a grandpa and having a full-time job! It's such a fun side project, though, I wish I could make more time to devote to it. I guess it goes in phases and Spring/Summer 2018 were an "on" phase.
I'm tryin'!
Last edited by Phil Leith; 08/29/19 03:54 PM.
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Expert
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Expert
Joined: Aug 2018
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You've really lightened the mood with this. Strong lyric, great band, and a playful mix. Much enjoyed.
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Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
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Update Your PowerTracks Pro Audio 2024 Today!
The Newest RealBand 2024 Update is Here!
The newest RealBand 2024 Build 5 update is now available!
Download and install this to your RealBand 2024 for updated print options, streamlined loading and saving of .SGU & MGU (BB) files, and to add a number of program adjustments that address user-reported bugs and concerns.
This free update is available to all RealBand 2024 users. To learn more about this update and download it, head to www.pgmusic.com/support.realband.htm#20245
The Band-in-a-Box® Flash Drive Backup Option
Today (April 5) is National Flash Drive Day!
Did you know... not only can you download your Band-in-a-Box® Pro, MegaPAK, or PlusPAK purchase - you can also choose to add a flash drive backup copy with the installation files for only $15? It even comes with a Band-in-a-Box® keychain!
For the larger Band-in-a-Box® packages (UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition), the hard drive backup copy is available for only $25. This will include a preinstalled and ready to use program, along with your installation files.
Backup copies are offered during the checkout process on our website.
Already purchased your e-delivery version, and now you wish you had a backup copy? It's not too late! If your purchase was for the current version of Band-in-a-Box®, you can still reach out to our team directly to place your backup copy order!
Note: the Band-in-a-Box® keychain is only included with flash drive backup copies, and cannot be purchased separately.
Handy flash drive tip: Always try plugging in a USB device the wrong way first? If your flash drive (or other USB plug) doesn't have a symbol to indicate which way is up, look for the side with a seam on the metal connector (it only has a line across one side) - that's the side that either faces down or to the left, depending on your port placement.
Update your Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows® Today!
Update your Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows for free with build 1111!
With this update, there's more control when saving images from the Print Preview window, we've added defaults to the MultiPicker for sorting and font size, updated printing options, updated RealTracks and other content, and addressed user-reported issues with the StylePicker, MIDI Soloists, key signature changes, and more!
Learn more about this free update for Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows at www.pgmusic.com/support_windowsupdates.htm#1111
Band-in-a-Box® 2024 Review: 4.75 out of 5 Stars!
If you're looking for a in-depth review of the newest Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows version, you'll definitely find it with Sound-Guy's latest review, Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows Review: Incredible new capabilities to experiment, compose, arrange and mix songs.
A few excerpts:
"The Tracks view is possibly the single most powerful addition in 2024 and opens up a new way to edit and generate accompaniments. Combined with the new MultiPicker Library Window, it makes BIAB nearly perfect as an 'intelligent' composer/arranger program."
"MIDI SuperTracks partial generation showing six variations – each time the section is generated it can be instantly auditioned, re-generated or backed out to a previous generation – and you can do this with any track type. This is MAJOR! This takes musical experimentation and honing an arrangement to a new level, and faster than ever."
"Band in a Box continues to be an expansive musical tool-set for both novice and experienced musicians to experiment, compose, arrange and mix songs, as well as an extensive educational resource. It is huge, with hundreds of functions, more than any one person is likely to ever use. Yet, so is any DAW that I have used. BIAB can do some things that no DAW does, and this year BIAB has more DAW-like functions than ever."
Convenient Ways to Listen to Band-in-a-Box® Songs Created by Program Users!
The User Showcase Forum is an excellent place to share your Band-in-a-Box® songs and listen to songs other program users are creating!
There are other places you can listen to these songs too! Visit our User Showcase page to sort by genre, artist (forum name), song title, and date - each listing will direct you to the forum post for that song.
If you'd rather listen to these songs in one place, head to our Band-in-a-Box® Radio, where you'll have the option to select the genre playlist for your listening pleasure. This page has SoundCloud built in, so it won't redirect you. We've also added the link to the Artists SoundCloud page here, and a link to their forum post.
We hope you find some inspiration from this amazing collection of User Showcase Songs!
Congratulations to the 2023 User Showcase Award Winners!
We've just announced the 2023 User Showcase Award Winners!
There are 45 winners, each receiving a Band-in-a-Box 2024 UltraPAK! Read the official announcement to see if you've won.
Our User Showcase Forum receives more than 50 posts per day, with people sharing their Band-in-a-Box songs and providing feedback for other songs posted.
Thank you to everyone who has contributed!
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