Bitter Pill

A little Bitter Pill to end a relationship.

Leon – Lyric & Vocal

I played guitar (and sang a little) – thanks to Brent Mason for trading licks with me at the end.

The Rest Of The Band
RealTracks in song: ~2475:Bass, Acoustic, HeldSimple Ev 085
RealTracks in song: ~362:Guitar, Acoustic, Strumming Ev 085
RealTracks in song: 2854:Harmonica, Background CountryBalladJellyRoll Ev 085
RealTracks in song: ~365:Guitar, Acoustic, Fingerpicking Ev 085
RealTracks in song: ~689:Organ, B3, Background Pop Ev 085
RealTracks in song: 2816:Guitar, Electric, Soloist SmoothSoulSlowBrent Ev 085
RealDrums [in Song:Soul60sEv^1-a:Snare, HiHat , b:Snare, Ride

Bitter Pill
You say it’s over, and that’s OK
Sometimes there simply isn’t any more to say
Doesn’t matter how hard you wish upon that star
Things have a way of staying just the way they are

They may tell you that facts are not important
Reality can somehow bend to your will
You may be headed for a major disappointment
Soon may be swallowing a very bitter pill

Say what you like about the pain of separation
Put it down to fate - or mistranslation
You saw a starting out, she saw a culmination
Watch her train as it pulls out of the station

You say it’s over, and that’s a fact
So much I gave you, I’m never getting back
What was the point of pretending that you cared?
So much I told you that I never should have shared

You say it’s over, and that’s Amen
Everybody has to have a little setback now and then
Still got some dignity, still got some other friends
Call my travel agent, see what she recommends

Sure, I was hooked on you but hey - I gave up cigarettes
All I have to do is figure out how to forget
That bitter pill
That bitter Pill
Oh, oh
That bitter pill

Hi Peter,

I saw this song coming in on the forum and listened immediatly. No bitter pill for listening to it!
You did a nice job with this song. I liked the way you sing. No real highs or lows, but singing the lyrics as a fact (I you know what I mean). There is one thing that specifically got my attention; when other instruments come in, I had the feeling a little more widness in the mix make you here them better. Now they stay to close together. But beside that your song gave me a good feeling listening to it.

Hans

Yeah, I like this! Maybe my new favorite from you two.

Love the lyrics, and very good vocal from Leon. I also really like the processing you used on it, sounds really good.

Nice melodic solo in the middle, great tone. And the tradeoff at the end was fun.

Very good Peter and Leon, enjoyed!

Peter & Leon,

Nice opening!

I agree with Dave - Leon's vocal on this is outstanding. Smooth, comfortable. Filled with emotion. Nicely processed.

The production has a "gentleness" to it that allows the message to shine. Nice mix.

Nice ending - sweet guitar. It all made me think of Bread (a truly under-rated band).

Sweet!

fj

Peter & Leon
Very airy, easy listening tune. Sweet guitar!
Enjoyed it.

Thank you for sharing!

Misha.

That's a lovely, easy, gentle pain.
The ONLY thing I'd observe is that the narrative perspective changes oddly for the verse that reads...
"Say what you like about the pain of separation
Put it down to fate - or mistranslation
You saw a starting out, she saw a culmination
Watch her train as it pulls out of the station"
No biggie, no probs.
Lovely song.

Thanks Hans

Peter

Peter and Leon,

That was an insightful journey through resigning oneself to a relationship's being over. Some terrific lyrics. My favourite line is

"Sure, I was hooked on you but hey - I gave up cigarettes".

There's an awful lot of information contained within those words and I really like how it puts this relationship into perspective.

The whole presentation appealed to me.... Leon's singing, Peter's playing, BIAB's ensemble!

Regards,
Noel

Loved Leon's vocal delivery on this tune. Super harmony as well Peter. Excellent backtrack. Guitar was very cool love the two guitars together. Well done

Really well done on this one - as others have mentioned, the vocals on this are fantastic. Really attention grabbing, and the harmonies are top notch. I loved the way it flowed - the instrumentation is lush as well, and the guitar work caught my ear right away as well.

Thanks for sharing

Hi Peter and Leon,

well, I can only acceed to what the others wrote: a fabulous song, Leon's vocals are top-notch and your playing, Peter, is as superb as it always is.

You're a fantastic team and there will be many more songs from you - no doubt about that!

Regardsm

Stefan

Peter & Leon,
There`s always some humour in the pain with Leon`s lyrics- some great lines here, my favourite:
"Still got some dignity, still got some other friends
Call my travel agent, see what she recommends"

I agree the vocal is both a very good performance and well processed.
The intro is cool ( is that the RT acoustic guitar or Peter?) and the drums come in at the right place.
Super middle guitar break.
This bitter pill was most enjoyable!

Robert

I surely enjoyed this harmonious pill. Strong lyrics without too much bitterness but with honest acceptance and nice humor. Great vocal delivery, beautiful chording and the band has enjoyable smooth sound.

Janne

Thanks Dave it was good of Brent to play the outro with me..

Peter

I'm a pretty harsh critic of my own singing so reading the nice comments about the vocals is very encouraging. Thanks!
Leon

This is great - excellent bittersweet writing with self-aware irony. Lovely chord progression, nice balance between single and thickened vocal line, almost call and response. Nicely sung as well.

I liked the whole thing, especially the guitar work. You used the harmonica well in the beginning, I would like to have heard more of it throughout the piece.

Thanks floyd appreciate the comments.

Peter

Thanks Misha.

Peter

'PeterF'...

This song, 'Bitter Pill', has wry lyrics, but they are also pensive and self-reflective to the point of becoming hypnotic. The Real Tracks -- particularly because they're performed at such a dreaming tempo -- carry each word down a gentle musical stream that permitted this listener to hear the lyrics from 'all sides', so to speak. Mr. Leon's singing reminded me of men I've met who spoke as though they felt they had all the time in the world to tell their stories.

- bluage -

Hello Peter. Really enjoyed this. The melody fits very well.
I also liked the rhyming . Great choice of band. Smooth and laidback.
Rob4580

Peter,

Magnetic and engaging from the start . . . inviting vocal by Leon, and a stellar mix that really accentuates the tune. If I had one comment on the production is that the harmony on the last lines of the first two verses seems a bit too strong, though not so much thereafter—so maybe revisit that . . . but just a really nit suggestion. This is so, so solid as is. Terrific write and execution, and love the guitar lick close . . . killer.

All the best,

Deej

Thanks Ray.

Peter

"They may tell you that facts are not important
Reality can somehow bend to your will
You may be headed for a major disappointment
Soon may be swallowing a very bitter pill'

We love the write and the above can well apply to so many situations....

Janice said Jim Croce from the get go...one of her favorites.

A fine vocal, a nice spacious mix, wonderful guitar and arrangement take the lyric to a very cool place.

How long have you and Brent been jamming?

Excellent y'all!

J&B

Noel
Thanks for the review, appreciate the comments.

Peter

Thanks Scott

Peter

This is at least a small masterpiece, no doubt from me about it whatsoever. The vocals are stunning and so gentle, the lyrics are beautiful and heartbreaking and that finale, you and Brent Mason "trading licks" on the guitars just took it through the roof to the stratosphere for me. I'm commenting this after the first listen only, but I want to hear it again - and, most probably, again. Congratulations - you've shaken me out of my "listening comfort zone" this morning - great job.

Thanks Deryk.

Peter

Thanks Stefan much appreciated.

Peter

Liked the occasional vocal doubling. Liked the mix level of the drums - just the right amount of "pop". Very enjoyable listen.

Thanks Robert
Peter

Appreciate that Janne.
Peter

Thanks David.

Peter

I love the song. I agree with the Bread comparison.

The only nit I have is just a personal one. I think the drums are just a tad too busy in places for the mood of the song. Very well could just be my first impression at the end of a pretty hectic day. In my opinion if they are going to be busy, in this song they should be a little farther back in the mix (usually I want the drums more up front).

But this didn't take away from my feeling that this is a good song, well done.

Thanks for sharing!

Steve

Great melody and lyrics. A fine performance by all. Enjoyed my listen.

I thought the guitar statement at 2:10 very well captured the emotion of the preceding vocal verses, as a polished re-stating.

This song is great. The vocals are quite smooth and suit the tone of the song. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks for listening

Peter

Appreciate the review and always interesting comments.

Peter

I agree with everything Floyd says, as I frequently do! I thought of Bread myself....some of the 7ths and melodic aspects. Leon sounds GREAT!!! The guitar is really pretty (like the left/right jam), and the mix/arrangement are great!! For me, the drums seemed a little heavier than the rest of the instruments....not volume but style. WONDERFUL!! Take care. Greg

Thanks a lot Rob.

Peter

Appreciate the review thanks.

Peter

Bud / Janice
Brent thought it was time we got together!
Thanks for the supportive review we both appreciate it.

Peter

You are too kind. Thanks for such a positive review.

Peter

hi peterf excellent vocal just perfect for this and I love the guitar work between you and brent great job on the tracks as well thanks eric

Thanks Steve appreciate the comments & drum suggestions.

Peter



Thanks for listening.

Peter

Thanks Ember



Appreciate that Ed.

Peter



Thanks Charlie.

Peter

Thanks a lot Greg love the Michael Franks like material you are doing.

Peter

Thanks Eric.

Peter

A good collaboration guys...
I really like the lines...
"Sure, I was hooked on you but hey - I gave up cigarettes
All I have to do is figure out how to forget"...
Not only is it vivid...
But it also flows well into your hook.
Thanks!