Ive listened to both cuts and I have to say the input by you shockwave seems quite good and I couldnt fault the balance of the song using the bridge after the instrumental break. Even though the intro was just kick drum and cymbals for me it worked quite well and introduced the start of the song much better.Anyway thats the way I see it and hope thats ok.Thanks Frankie

Hi Bob,
I really like the sound you get with this song.
Very crisp (I don't know how to describe it in musical terms but it isn't insipid or weak)
I for one would like to learn how you do that (although I know a home recording will have it's limitations as opposed to a studio)
I agree with everyone that this is a very good country song.

Keep em' comin'

Best regards
Michee

Dan and Frankie...

While I normally welcome recommendations and comments, you guys are missing the point completely. This song was meant as a recreation of classic country musical compositions of the day back in the early '50s. And it meets that goal quite well. Apparently PGM spent a lot of time analyzing the sound of "classic country" tunes when creating the style used for this song. Particularly, notice the use of NON-PEDAL steel guitar as opposed to pedal steel used in much later country styles. Before I wrote this song I went back and listened to over 40 of Hank's songs and analyzed the song structure and the "language" used in creating the lyrics. This music was SIMPLE. The instrumentation was SIMPLE. The language was SIMPLE (and coloquial). The lyrical phrases were trite, unsophisticated, and overused to be sure...but NOT for the time in which they were written. The song forms were predictable and the use of a sophisticated BRIDGE which we are so used to seeing in modern country music was practically non-existent. The "chorus" of this song as I've written it actually incorporates as much of a "bridge" as was used in that era, namely the use of the 2 chord, D in this case. Two perfect examples of what I'm talking about is Hank's "Your Cheatin' Heart" and "I Can't Help It If I'm Still In Love With You."

So even though it's very tempting to want to "update" this old style of music using a more modern structure, etc.,that was not my intention here. Actually, I'm completely capable of writing using modern structure styles, and have presented numerous examples on this forum. But once again that wasn't the goal here. So all that being said...why not just enjoy the song for what it is, and consider that not every project presented on the User Forum is soliciting a critique...and I mean that in a good way.

Bob

Mmmm I got the message if its just for listening and not giving a critique then thats fine with me but that would include whether I liked your song or not and with that stand point I wont input one way or another in the future OK.Just a thought most people who put up songs do it I believe to get a response. If you are only accepting those who "just enjoy the song for what it is" then so be it.Frankie

Hi Bob,

Am I the Dan you're referring to? I didn't mean to ruffle any feathers. In fact, I took your cue saying you were happy that I took an interest. I'll take the song down. I'm not sure what you mean about a modern bridge or structure compared to anything else. All I felt was that coming out of the solo, maybe going to the bridge would work well. That's not modern compared to anything else. It's just a choice. I think you have an absolutely wonderful song. But I felt that it got just a little drawn out coming out of the solo to another verse, then to a bridge, then to the final chorus. I understand studying the older songs. That's a good thing. But then you have to balance that with the song that's before you, and how it's unfolding. Being into producing as well, I think about everything when it comes to an overall production and simply flip things around to see if it's working the best it can. That's not modern- that's servicing the song. But you're right too. Once a song is posted, it becomes a drag to have to field criticism all the time. Been there. When the writer says it done, it's done. I'm probably the culprit with all this. I'm used to a different kind of forum where writers go back and forth about things. I think from now on here, I'm just gonna hold my tongue and say nice song, or not comment at all.

So Bob- nice song!

Dan

Frankie and Dan, you old culprit ...no feathers ruffled here. Seriously. I was just explaining my methodology. Although, Dan, you're right about criticism after-the-fact being a drag...and sort of meaningless. To me, the User Showcase isn't necessarily a forum for unsolicited critical analysis, although some folks actually ASK for input. And like you, I have other resources for professional critique, like TAXI.com, where I'm a member. Believe me those guys KNOW how to tear up a song, but their critiques have to be requested. So it's just as you said...we all have our ways of doing things. And though I haven't been here long, I've been registered since '03, it appears that unsolicited critical analysis is sort of assumed here. Personally, I don't offer advice and alternatives to anyone who's not asking for it. Other folks do. That's their option. No biggie. If I don't particularly like someone's work, I don't comment at all. I think everyone's work is valid within the framework of their abilities and experience. But I'll say this, anyone offering me a critique can expect to have their "critique critiqued" if I think it's warranted. It's a two-way street. So, Frankie, I don't expect to only hear the "positive" comments, but if I don't agree with what's said, I'm totally competent and willing to take issue with it.

BTW...as we all know after years of dealing with email, it's very difficult to determine "body language" when one is reading a message. We have to rely on this or this . My messages are often tongue-in-cheek and my written attempts at humor and irony are sometimes mistaken for "ruffled feathers" when it's really nothing of the sort.

Don't you just love that we have such lively and spirited interaction here? It's so...stimulating!

So now maybe I'M the culprit.

Later,
Bob

Taxi, yes. I was member some four years ago. Too much bread for a middle man critiquing. They never told me anything I don't already know about my work. I could sit and crtique at taxi all day long. I was and I am past needing to pay for that. It's a decent concept, a great community, and a money maker too- let's face it. After a year or so I dropped out. I don't have that kind of yearly budget any longer. Currently cultivating contacts on my own.

All good Bob! And best of luck to you too!

Dan

Hi Bob,

I thoroughly enjoyed the listen! In my opinion, all aspects of the song are as professional as they come. You've got a terrific voice. I've got to say that this is one of the best re-creations of period music that I have heard. There's definitely a place in the right film for this song.

All the best,
Noel

Ok final say on this.....
quote "o, Frankie, I don't expect to only hear the "positive" comments, but if I don't agree with what's said, I'm totally competent and willing to take issue with it".

This I totally agree with and if you had stuck to that then no problem but you also said...

Quote " So all that being said...why not just enjoy the song for what it is, and consider that not every project presented on the User Forum is soliciting a critique...and I mean that in a good way".

Now I know how you feel when you put up one of your songs then I will just listen and keep my thoughts to myself whether I like it or not.By the way I was also with Taxi and I queried a song I sent them which the critical analysis was poor.Not about what they thought of the song but why they thought that way which was in direct contradiction to how they critique a song(to long to go into here)
With this song I had a couple of covers in the early 80s even getting on an album which got into the Bandbox top 100.The song was redone in 2007 and is now being held by a producer who is at the moment working with the guitarist Dan Hawkins from the group The Darkness.I know what its like having people critique my songs.Ive had this done by Warner Bros, EMI, Universal and Rondor music who signed me for a 3 year publishing deal in 1977 and even though it was a painful experience you have to bite the bullet and believe in the song when others dont.cheers Frankie

Hi Bob,

Cracking job on a cracking song! Loved it.

Wish you every success with it!

Hey Songman...glad you liked it. Thanks for listening!

Bob

I could see that song in the bar scene in George Strait's movie a few years back "Pure Country"

Nicely done!