Here's my latest song project (been workin on it the last two weeks) using the BIAB songwriting technique I described in my second project, or the last song I posted "Road Away from Me".

Some info on this song: My son suggested I write a more up tempo rockin kind of song (not the kind I usually write) and use an experience from playin in a band as inpiration for the lyrics.
Not one to back down from a challenge I began to formulate a progression and recalled a recent gig I did in a bar in Norwood, CO in July 2010.
It was rodeo weekend and the bar was packed Saturday night when we got there. Not long into the evening a group of 5 or 6 very attractive young women in they're early twenty's (I'll be 50 in Jan) came in from Telluride an proceeded to have a very large time for the remainder of the evening. Taking pictures with the band, dancing, flirting, drinking. Needless to say, this is like heaven to a guy my age! Hence, the inspiration for the lyrics.
So I guess the song is about a lie based on a true story.

The style is _STHSLD+ tempo 150
All track are RT's except for vocals, a couple rythm guitar tracks, the slide part on the right side and the twin parts at the end are me.
The slide track on the right and twin parts at the end are my '64 Stratocaster ran through a JamVox (cool guitar program made by VOX).

I have my own opinion about how this project turned out, but I think I'll wait to share it until I get some feedback from others.

Hope you enjoy.
All comments welcome.

Greg

http://www.mymusicstream.com/gregachord/song-8407381543986.html



I Can't Handle You                Words & Music: Greg Achord 9/2010
 
 
I walked into the bar not expecting that I'd see
Anyone much younger than the years I claimed to be
Then much to my surprise as I looked down from the stage
There smiled at me a cutie probly half my age
 
She said I wanna talk to you I like guys in the band
Specially when they're older you know that’s just my kinda man
I wanna take you home with me and cover you with cream
Be all your hearts desire and fulfill your wildest dreams
 
 
Chorus
I can't handle you / even though you want me  to
I wish I could turn back time / to show you how I was in my prime
 
 
Well what was I say hell I could barely even talk
My knees were kinda shakin as she watched me like a hawk
I thought well should I lie to her and tell her that I'll be
Up for everything you've got I'll shake your sugar tree
 
So what'd I'd do you ask me now cause talk is always cheap
Did this really happen or was I dreaming while I sleep
I really can't remember now or maybe just won't tell
The truth as I recall it is I finally had to yell
 
 
Chorus
I can't handle you / even though you want me  to
I wish I could turn back time / to show you how I was in my prime
(Solo)
 
Chorus
Outro

Haha...oh man, I love it! Very hot musically, with lyrics to match. If there's one thing I enjoy more than the technical info on song production it's the personal story that inspired the song. We should all add that to our song posts in my opinion. Great job! Keep 'em coming.

Bob

PS: I want to know where that bar is...I'm coming over there!

Hey Bob,

Thanks buddy. I agree, I love knowing the background on a song.

The bar is called "The Hitchin Post" in Norwood. you go SE from Grand Junction ('bout 100 mi) till you come to Ridgeway, (they filmed the John Wayne movie "True Grit" in Ridgeway ) turn right and go about 35 mi and there's Norwood. Telluride's about 30 or 40 miles to the SSE from Norwood.

It's a fun bar... big dogs layin on the floor, and friendly country folks... With the occasional visit of young attractive females from Telluride! Also a beautiful view of the San Juan Mnt's.

Thanks for the comments. Hoping I can get a few more. Maybe everybody's speechless.

Greg

Hey, here's a link to a facebook picture from that night. I just love a girl with a puppy purse!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Desert-Fly...id=304414490325

Greg! You dawg! FIVE women?! Sheesh! No wonder you have that goofy smile. LOL Gotta love a woman who points her butt at the camera and grins. Puppy dog purse says that one is too young for either of us.

I know about the area you're describing. Been camping/fishing all over down that way. My fav spot is the Red Barn in Montrose. Big 'ol doormat sized steaks. Haha. Next time I'm down that way I'm gonna drop in to the "Hitchin Post". IMHO...the San Juans are the prettiest part of CO.

Keep 'em coming,
Bob

Bob,

Yea, I had that smile all night! ... And truely, the puppy purse just makes her look younger than she really is!

There was somethin' that just wasn't quite right on this song, so I decided to change the bass track to something more drivin', but I left the 1/2 time bass in the slide solo for some variation. I think it's better now. I might have to re-do the verse vocal too... I'm thinkin maybe I'm a little too far behind the beat in places!

I don't know... Sometimes I tend to over (anal)yze this stuff.

Give it another listen and tell me what you think. I'd encourage other's to chime in too... I can take it!

Thanks,

Greg

OH yea...I like this a lot better! Strong vocal. Everything seems tight and right. Like the guitar fills. Is that you playing? Kind of an Allman Bros twin sound. Cool. I overanalyze my stuff too...it's just the nature of the beast. You'll soon get it where you want it and move on.

Nice job!!
Bob

Thanks Bob, I like it better too.

It is me playing all the slide parts on the R side (L side is a RT), and me doing the "ode to the Allman Bro's" twin parts at the end (my '64 Strat through a JamVox program). Played LOT's of southern rock over the years... Always been one of my favorite types of music. We were probably doing two albums worth of .38 Special in the '80's at any given time.

Thanks again for the feedback.

Greg

Hi Greg,

I like this version better.
I would suggest that you revisit your vocals and reduce the Lyrics in the parts that seem (to me) to be rushed.
Remember that saying - Less can be More

I like the driving beat and the gritty sound you've got going there.

Best regards
Michee

Hi Greg,

This sure is a very energetic performance! Impressive stuff. Musically, it's incredibly tight. I admire your ability

I didn't hear the earlier version but I like what you've done with this one: the driving beat, edgy sound is terrific: a perfect fit for the lyrics. I agree with Michee's comments that some of the lyrics seemed rushed. When this happens in my songs, it's usually because I've misplaced a syllable in a word (or single syllable word) and put a strong syllable on a weak musical beat. I'm not sure if this is why I couldn't understand some of your words but it might be worth looking at - just some food for thought. Also, in going from verse 1 into the chorus, I was momentarily confused because I needed to switch positions with what "I" meant (the girl's speaking in the verse and the singer's thinking in the chorus). I couldn't help thinking that it would have helped me if there was something in the lyrics to prepare me like in verse 2 where "I had to yell..." clarified the chorus. These are just ideas that I jotted down as I was listening. Please use them if they're useful or toss them in the trash if they are not

Overall, I like this song. It was a great listen. I'm impressed that it only took you two weeks to get together. When I write songs, I usually spend a lot longer than that. I wish that I could do it a bit quicker!

Regards,
Noel

Michee & Noel,

Thanks for taking the time to listen and for your kind and constructive comments.

I agree with both of you concerning the verses and I'm gonna spend some more time on them and see if I can't get things a little smoother and less rushed

I pretty much recorded the verses the day after I wrote them, so I didn't really take the time to sing them that much before I started recording. Heck, I think I formulated the melody as I was recording. Sometimes I get a little excited & enthusiastic thinking I can rush something, when I should really just take a step back and "simmer down now"!

My hope is I can get the verse lyrics to flow kinda like they do in the Garth Brooks song "Ain't Goin' Down Till The Sun Comes Up".

Anyway, stay tuned for an updated version soon.

Thanks again guy's,

Greg

Hi Greg,

I like your guitar harmonies. You do a very good job of weaving your own musical performances into the mix you've created in BIAB/RB. It's so flawless, it's hard to tell what's real and what's real tracks.

Your energetic style is that of a seasoned performer who has spent time in front of an audience learning how to bring them to the dance floor. That's something that is not usually learned during the home recording process.

In fact your songs offer almost a textbook example of the difference between recording artists and performing artists. A model standing in front of the mirror won't tolerate a single hair out of place, but the same person riding a motorcycle gladly tolerates the wind-blown hair for the thrill of the ride. Your recorded music has the confidence and continuity that is usually only found in a live performance.

Thanks for posting.

Wow Pat,

What a nice compliment. Thank you so much! I do appreciate it.

Greg

Quote:

---

Hi Greg,

I agree with Michee's comments that some of the lyrics seemed rushed. Also, in going from verse 1 into the chorus, I was momentarily confused because I needed to switch positions with what "I" meant (the girl's speaking in the verse and the singer's thinking in the chorus). I couldn't help thinking that it would have helped me if there was something in the lyrics to prepare me like in verse 2 where "I had to yell..." clarified the chorus. These are just ideas that I jotted down as I was listening. Please use them if they're useful or toss them in the trash if they are not

Overall, I like this song. It was a great listen. I'm impressed that it only took you two weeks to get together. When I write songs, I usually spend a lot longer than that. I wish that I could do it a bit quicker!

Regards,
Noel

---

Well I just finished re-doing the verse vocals. I think they're better now, (still not completely sure about the first verse ) I also changed the line going into the first chorus as Noel suggested, it now sets up better for the switch to the chorus (point of view )

If you can... have another listen & let know what you think.

Thanks again everybody,

Greg