Continuing down a path...

Mike (pghboemike) posted a thread in the Songwriting forum about "Why All Country Music Sounds The Same".
http://www.pgmusic.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=400664#Post400664
It has since gone WAY off the rails, but...

The video talked about the drum pattern that a number of current top Country songs have in common.
So... thought I'd use it.
The drum pattern can be found in the new (BIAB 2017) Sannon Forrest RealDrum ModCountry16ths.
I also created a beat track of the pattern.
Added to that, a typical current Country chord progression (briefly talked about in the video).
Then grabbed some appropriate BIAB RealTracks.
Then wrote a lyric.


A LITTLE BIT OF THIS

she walked in, took me by surprise
that little black dress, those emerald eyes
those heels, those legs, that bumpty-bump, that cold hard stare
that said i know you want to make a move, boy, but do you dare
   
   i know you want a little bit of this
   a tender touch, a warm sweet kiss
   just too hot or maybe not
   how much can you handle
   a runaway train can jump the track
   so don't lay a bet that you can't back
   careful, lesser men have cracked from
   a little bit of this

i drop the blinds on the windows, cut the lights out one by one
she dropped that little black dress right there, I was done
those heels, those legs, that bumpty-bump, that cold hard stare
my heart pounding so damn hard, could have died right then and there
   
   (she whispered)
   i know you want a little bit of this
   a tender touch, a warm sweet kiss
   just too hot or maybe not
   how much can you handle
   a runaway train can jump the track
   so don't lay a bet that you can't back
   careful, lesser men have cracked from
   a little bit of this

no hope
no rope
i'm in deep
and drowning
all in
tailspin
she's whisperin
again
   
   i know you want a little bit of this
   a tender touch, a warm sweet kiss
   just too hot or maybe not
   how much can you handle
   a runaway train can jump the track
   so don't lay a bet that you can't back
   careful, lesser men have cracked from
   a little bit of this




The BAND:

RealTracks in style: 1759:Bass, Electric, Pop16ths Ev 085
RealTracks in song: 1004:Guitar, 12-String Acoustic, Rhythm ClassicRockStrumming Ev16 065
RealTracks in song: 840:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm PopBalladClean Ev 085 (B:strum)
RealTracks in song: 839:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm PopBalladClean Ev 085 (A:arp)
RealTracks in song: 1169:Guitar, Electric, Soloist RockMediumBrent Ev 120
RealTracks in song: 2690:Guitar, Electric, Soloist Slow16thsPopBrentSimple Ev16 075
RealTracks in song: 623:Banjo, Background Backporch Ev 098
RealDrums in Song: ModCountry16ths^01-a:Closed hat, Sync-kick, b:Open hat, Sync-kick

Beat track created in Studio One Professional - Impact multichannel drum sampler (MIDI)

Background vocals: the janettes (Janice Merritt and me)
(...YOU ARE THE BOMB, girl!!!)


Imagination encouraged.
Comments, too.
Have at it.

#thisaintyourgrampascountry

floyd

Hey floyd,

Wow! Actually, I'll put that in colour because it needs to shine as brightly as both your composition/presentation and Janice's vocals.



It seems that your producing and orchestrating have moved into a whole new universe these days! The clarity that you've managed to create with the percussion is amazing and the mix is every bit equal to the percussion. It's a stunning sound. (And that's after being compressed by Soundcloud!)

Many times over the years, I've used the word 'professional' when I've talked about about your songs. Quite simply, that's how they sound to my ears. Then, every few songs, you come along with a creation that significantly raises the bar on what it means to sound 'professional'... I guess it's like 'professional' on steroids. This song was like that for me.

The musical journey in "A Little Bit Of This" (love all those short 'i' sounds in the hook, by the way) was very inventive. It captured my imagination and didn't let go for the entire length of the song.

The lyrics... well... they captured my imagination in a completely different way!

One thing that stood out to me in the lyrics was how you cleverly used rhyme asymmetry to set-up the non-rhyming hook in the last line of the chorus.

When you sang....


...the three successive rapid-fire rhymes of 'track, back, cracked' prepare the ear for the line that does not rhyme.

• Even though I've talked about this lyric strategy in at least one of your earlier works, your use of it in this song is so effective that I wanted to mention it again. I hope you don't mind.

This strategy of three consecutive rhymes followed by a non-rhyme is one that many lyricists have used over the years; especially in AABA songs where the hook is the last line of each A-section. Having a last line that does not rhyme, shines really bright spotlights on that line. This makes it perfect for hook placement.

As I see it, and I stand to be corrected on this, the reason the aaax rhyme scheme works so well is because the ear/brain appreciates contrast when an aural rhyming pattern starts to sound too predictable. When such predictability sets in, as in a sequence of three consecutive rhymes, a subsequent unrhyming line can do the job much better than a rhyming line.

But then you take it a step further...

To capitalise on using lyric-rhyme asymmetry, you've strategically finished the chorus melody with the note for 'this' not on the tonic! Such an unbalanced lyric setting is excellent prosody given the guy's pounding heart... "ingenious" is a word that just sprang to mind. I'm going to have to try this technique in a song! Until I do, though, I'm heading back for another run-through.

What a terrific listen!
Noel

Floyd,

That`s fun! Clever lyrics ( I`m not familiar with bumpty-bump, but will be looking out for that move now!),and as Noel says ,a rhyme scheme that really keeps the song moving.
Super vocals and harmonies.

Robert

Hey, Floyd. I'm certainly learning some new stuff here, about Country.

First up, that kick drum nearly brought the Tannoys off the wall and was that a hand-clap where I was expecting a snare or brush? Those intro bars could have heralded a rap track! Not that that's meant to be a criticism you understand.

Once the track really kicked off, yeah, it sounded like Country and no one does it better than you do these days. And isn't Janice wonderful.

So, great track, great arrangement, excellent mix.

Well, maybe extend the solo a bit? I mean, eight bars? Volume was OK though!

Thoroughly enjoyed the whole thing.

Cheers, ROG.

Floyd,

Really cool song and use of that ModCountry drum.

I am copying that one man.

Excellent song, lyrics, and delivery as always. I study you dude.

Hi, Floyd !


Wonderful, is what came
first to my mind when
listening to this tune
of yours ! Just great music
superbly performed by you
and Janice !

Congrats to all involved !

Cheers
Dani

Floyd, to reflect on Noel's comments, you never cease to amaze.

You certainly have proven, absolutely beyond doubt, that not all Country sounds the same.

This is excellent, has a fantastic drive throughout, and a masterful inclusion of fills.

Outstanding lyrics, delivered with a powerful vocal.

The list goes on. Thanks for another FJ contribution.

Hi Floyd,

Now, that's what we call an answer to a post! Creative and entertaining - isn't that what songwriting is supposed to be about?

Loved the vocal fx on the bridge! That was pretty cool!!!

You're a college course in music in one post - cool!

Alan & Di

So true!

By the way, that's a a powerful statement, Alan. I'm going to have to quote you somewhere, someday. I promise to give credit where credit is due! Carl Crouch is not the only wise man in your family, I see

What an awesome song Floyd. Loved the story in the lyric. Super vocal and backtrack. Just loved this one

Hello, floyd

Really cool song with super vocals.
The minor opening melody is unusual for you, but it is very good.
The drums at intro. are splendid.
Very enjoyable listen.

Best regards.

Shigeki Adachi

Another step closer.....

This certainly makes the grade and hits the mark. I really like it and it does spark my imagination and Sherlock Holmes instincts as I try to listen and analyze at the same time. This will take quite a few listens to absorb the fun and genius of this latest production. Even has some effects going on...

There is so much to steal here and so little time before you post your next masterpiece.

There was a recent post that featured a BIAB artist demo that got picked up and reached #1 on a Canadian chart. We were able to listen to both the demo and the commercial release. This song is a song that could easily garner the same fate.

Technically this hits all the bases. Especially the drums/percussion and I'll add the effects and BGV's as well.

Job well done. Enjoyed my listen.

Charlie

Excellent song and performance, enjoyed very much. Big tip of the hat to the janettes

Another five star piece Floyd, I really loved the new twists, especially that drum track, and the treated vocal in the last verse. Great work as ever! Off for a few more listens...

John

Simply excellent. Ditto all the comments regarding the beats. I like how you bring in the banjo and the delay on your vocal in the last section.

I appreciate that Noel... (we have been having forum conversations for a number of years now.) The addition of a beat track to the existing RealDrum track has been an interesting discovery. I have used a combination of a typical RealDrum and a bongo/congo RealDrum a number of times - that's a great sound, so this seems a natural extension (where appropriate).


I always appreciate that you pick up on and can verbalize the atypical "lyrical tricks" that make songs work in different ways. There is similar "verbal gyrations" happening just prior to that, too... The quick "hot/not" rhyme allows the non-rhyming "how much can you handle" to stand on it's own (also helped by the cadence of that line...) then the track/back/cracked captures the ear enough that there is no longer a need the resolve "handle..."




Thanks for such a thoughtful (and delightful) review.

Ditto on everything that has been said.

You are a pro for sure!

This is a keeper.

floyd, it's the little things that count and this one is full of them. The beat and handclap followed by the banjo coming in (paddle faster I hear a banjo) followed by the bumpty bump followed by the perfect background vocals, then the perfect guitar part with the right effects, then the fills. Nice work. It's very current. I liked it. Tom

Floyd

Some very nice comments and given the significant detailed analysis of the song not much more I can add other than it sounded excellent - great performance - you and Janice blend brilliantly and it's a job(song ) well done. Deserves all the praise.

Peter

Floyd,

Awesome! This one really packs a punch... Radio ready and another hit!

Bob

LOL - thanks Robert. Watch out for the bumpty-bump... it is dangerous.





Thanks (as always), ROG. I have been working on a couple of songs with longer leads
Most of the new Country stuff does not have much lead to them...

Yes, that was a "hand clap" sample from an electronic drum kit. It is being used a lot these days in Country...

Here are some samples (no pun intended)

Kenny Chesney - Setting the World On Fire
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mDBxlVLTaQA&index=46&list=PLSOwXxsAA-25bZQ75aDy8f89p1Beejoh1

Jason Aldean - A Little More Summertime
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGU7EsjOAwk&list=PLSOwXxsAA-25bZQ75aDy8f89p1Beejoh1&index=47

Luke Bryan - Fast
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QH35AWCnugg&list=PLSOwXxsAA-25bZQ75aDy8f89p1Beejoh1&index=3

fj,


Sounds like it's on the radio already! Great arrangement.


Regards,


Bob

Another top-shelf, well crafted tune! The vocals really shine on this one. You and Janice really did a great job on the bgvs. Very well produced!

Up to your usual standards of excellence!

Steve

Sounds great Floyd! That chorus is really catchy. Thanks, Torrey

Great song guys!
Can't sit still when hearing this one .
Nice effects on the bridge.
A hit!
Anne-Marie

Lift whatever sounds good... it's all been recycled anyway, eh? You would, no doubt, surround it with "Davidness" and take it to a new place...



.
Thanks, Dani...

I always love Noel96's comments, he knows

his sh** about lyrics and songwriting and is

always enthusiastic and kind with his words,

enough about him, love ya'lls(you alls) vocals

are you using a different setting on your lead

vocals? To be honest I don't relate much to this

genre or type of song, guess I'm stuck in the older

days, i wouldn't trade Vince Gill for a dozen modern

country/pop stars. That said, I do admire the skills at work

You write and perform (with Janice) very good songs.

You've made yer point about those comments

maybe get back to some Springsteen, Isbell, Hank Williams

inspiration (just my hope)

As always, love your music

Kenny

Trev - Always appreciate you dropping in. Thanks for the nice words...

Thanks to everybody who mentioned my small contribution to this big production. And more thanks to floyd for continuing to challenge me with harmonies! And I have to mention the fun? Bud has hearing me practice walking around the house with my earpiece

Janice

Excellent production, very cool listening.

Sergio

Thanks, Alan...

Hi Floyd Jane, Nice job on this! Love the progression and vocals. Especially the chorus section. Very fun tune. Well done!

Very well written. Every word moves the narrative forward. Nice change up at the bridge with the reverb accent.

As to the debate (if there is one) about style or genre, well I'm not the one to comment as I don't quite know how to stay in one sandbox or another.

Well done!

Appreciate that, Scott... and thanks for mentioning the storyline... that seems to get "lost" in the overall "sound" thing...




Shigeki Adachi - thank you - glad you enjoyed this one...

Charlie - I appreciate your perspective on these. You "keep up" more than most, it seems (while holding on to what has come before) - and think about "how it's done". Thanks...

Appreciate that, Dave...




Always appreciate you stopping in for a listen, John... Thanks...




Thanks for that, Mario...

FJ you are single handedly dragging the showcase into this decade! I feel many times comments about "this sounds current" have me wondering what people think "current" is. This song, IMO, could be deemed "current."

The progression and groove are obviously of someone who has been listening to what's going on

A big thing for me too is the structure you are using. Again, it fits right in with what is on the radio.

The lyrics having a good number of syllables and also syncopation where needed.

The BIGGEST ingredient it has, I feel, is the relatability factor. From lyric content, to structure, groove, arrangement, production...it sounds like something current! It relates to other songs on the charts!

I get this sound isn't for everyone; but not everyone could get this sound either. You did!

It's easy to lump similar things together and say "they are all the same." When it comes to music, it surprises me when people say that. Typically the music they listen to usually suffers from the same aspects they feel others are exclusive to This song, to me, is an example from someone that can write whatever you put your mind to.

Anyway, I think the writing you have been doing is important to the forum if we have any hopes of bringing in new people. Great job on a great song my friend!

Now for another listen...

Thanks, Tom...




Appreciate that, Peter...




Thanks, Bob...

Thanks for that, Bob...




Appreciate it, Steve... hope we will continue to see you around more (and hear more of your wonderful music!)...




Thanks, Torrey...

Thanks, Anne-Marie... I appreciate that...




Hi, Kenny.... The "Vince Gill era" and all that came with it is my all-time favorite music. And I still listen to it (and still love it) and will continue to write in that era's styles... and the others you mentioned, as well. I write all the time, so there is bound to be some excursions into other areas once in a while. Otherwise, you get stale (I think) - and many end up not writing... I have learned to appreciate much of the "new Country thing" for what it is (it took my a while). I doubt that I will do too many more like this - but every new thing we do influences our future work - and can spark some "growing"...

You have been knocking them outta the park, lately...

Superb.





Thanks, Sergio...

Great FJ! Sorry, I didn't read all the other comments. I'm just so happy to feel like listening. And what an enjoyable listen it is with so many cool touches!

Josie

I just read all of the comments and I'm proud to be a janette and only 20 feet from stardom!

Janice

Alright FJ, this song and the previous one really got me thinking...I know a rare and potentially dangerous thing!

I think if we include your 2 songs in the list of "modern country songs" on the forum we would have a grand total of 2 so far. The good news is the number seems to be rising!

I'm guessing you aren't looking at sticking solely to this genre, and don't know your plans over all, but my idea was this...

Would you be ok with us starting a discussion about this type of writing in the "song writing" section of the forum? I would like to reference your songs, and if possible have you comment for those of us who would like to learn. I'm not sure it would be a large group, but you never know Insights directly from the artist/writer would be such an advantage!

I was going to PM you this, but I thought others may be interested and want to comment.

Either way is ok by me. It's only an idea.

Thanks for stopping by, Joe...




Thanks, Lawrence... appreciate that...

HTL - I'll get back to you... soon...




Josie - It is nice to see you back around. You've been missed. Look forward to you gettin' the music flowin' again...




Funny... I feel the same way...

Caaron - I appreciate that you take note of all of those elements (take make up "the current sound" of Country). We have talked before about the fact that BIAB has what is needed for that sound if you pick and chose the right RTs - not a hard thing to do if you know what you should be looking for. From the general responses of the forum to any discussion of current Country, I can't imagine that many (current) forum participants would ever care to even try... And, as you note, writing this style of song takes more than just a "change of instruments"...the write itself is essential.

Charlie is one of the few that I can think of who might give it a whirl... (you go without saying)



An interesting observation. Generally, I think of today's Country as far less "relatable" than Country of the past - even 5 years ago - but certainly 10 years ago. I do think it is much harder to put "a little meat" into these type songs - as opposed to writing "old Country"...



It took me a while to "settle in" to the newer stuff. I think it is getting better now that the Bro Country is dying out. I will continue to listen to new stuff - and mingle it in with the old...

LOL.

(It also occurred to me that Bob (rsdean) has done a couple of things that use elements of a current sound - wrapped around his signature style...)

I wonder how many would participate in a true discussion of "writing to a modern Country sound"... I would imagine it will quickly veer off into any number of far-flung tangents... but, by all means, fire it up...I'll join in... you will likely need to reign it in often to keep it on track... should be interesting...

she walked in, took me by surprise
that little black dress, those emerald eyes
those heels, those legs, that bumpty-bump, that cold hard stare
that said i know you want to make a move, boy, but do you dare

If I was teaching a class in lyric writing, this would be used as an example (as well as the rest of the song). Great writing is maximizing the impact per word. Like John Hiatt "She's got the wind as a witness, She's got feelings that fly by night". Few words-big impact. That's what the great ones can do: Hiatt, Webb, J. Browne, J. Taylor, and F. Jane. The music is cool too! Love the vocal effect and how it matches the lyric in that part. Very cool song-great writing, great production!! Another keeper!!! Take care. Greg