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Posted By: Birchwood No Notion, a sweet song for hard days - 06/08/20 11:21 AM
Hi everyone,

I made several 'sad' songs the last months, so it was time to make a song with a nice beat and no problems to sing about. There are more than enough of them lately in the real world. So I decided to post a song about my other cat: https://soundcloud.com/user-296497130/no-notion1
For those who don't know what I am writing about; some months ago I made a song about called No answers.
I hope you like it, but tell me what you think about it and/or what terrible mistakes I made.

Hans

The instruments:
Style: GIMLET.STY (Gimlet Phaser Bariton Lichte Rock)

RealTracks: 2613:Bass, Funk, Offbeat
RealTracks: 2157:Piano, Vintage, Funky Groove
RealTracks: 2623:Piano, Vintage, Funky Groove
RealTracks: 2930:Guitar, Folk Rock
RealTracks: 3161:Guitar, Bariton, Bluesy Pop
RealTracks: 2158:Guitar, Funky Groove
RealTracks: 3141: Fiddle, 5 strings
Loop in Song: House-Techno-Trance\Trance - crinklystabs_d_135_c_sh ev16.wav
RealDrums:Heavy4x4RockWithTamb [Multi]
Keyboard: Analog Strings for some extra rhythm and violinchops, in DAW Logic Pro

The lyrics:

No notion
(c) HwBerkhout, 2020

She left home to fight once
It did not do any good
Maybe she won't have it
Or she's not in the mood

She will live a life here
in a way she doesn't fear
It won't be too exciting
mostly sleeping there or here

All the things that maybe matters
Aren't in hear head
No, that ain't his lifestyle
It doesn't make her sad

She is in motion, but had no course
All slow motion, no real force
No, no notion, all in reverse
Totally stubborn, that's her curse

So she got herself a home
certainly no familydome
And she looks so happy
The way life feels snappy, for her

Solo
She is in motion, but had no course
All slow motion, no real force
No, no notion, all in reverse
Totally stubborn, that's her curse

Bridge
This is a sole song
for a cat
Who does have no idea
Or interest in how life can be

No, no motion, not in reverse
No, no notion, how life stirs
Totally stubborn, that's her curse

All slow motion, but had no course
No, no motion, No real force
No real notion of right and wrong
Totally stubborn, but still stays strong

The emotions
you want to occur
Give her food,
she will purr
[color:#3333FF][/color][size:11pt][/size]
Posted By: floyd jane Re: No Notion, a sweet song for hard days - 06/08/20 03:16 PM
Hans,

A really enjoyable song. I like everything about it. A good "soulful" groove. Nice use of BIAB - good BAND.

Your vocal sounds good.

Good mix.

And a fun write about your cat with soul...

Cool. Groovy. Fun.

fj
Very nice, Hans! I like the vocal processing you have been using on your last few songs, i.e. not too much. Because your voice doesn't need much.

Nice mix and nice band arrangement.

Change at 2:48 was unexpected, and really well done!

Fun write too. Minor quibble; "It won't be, much exciting", I think "It won't be, too exciting" would be better English.

Good song, enjoyed!
Posted By: rayc Re: No Notion, a sweet song for hard days - 06/09/20 09:13 AM
Very, very good though my left ear ws being overloaded i the choruses..the combination of what ver it is pulsating over there with the strings and piano seemed to leave the other side of the stereo image almost empty.
I really enjoyed the dynamics you built into the song.
COOL.
Posted By: Birchwood Re: No Notion, a sweet song for hard days - 06/09/20 07:34 PM
Hi Floyd, Dave and Ray,

Thanks for your reactions and recommendations (Dave and Ray)
Yes, I like writing about my cats, but there are always some references to 'the real world'. But it's fun using them while they know nothing about it and still like me...

Dave, thanks for that quibble (didn't know that word as well). I changed the song today. A lot of work!
But that's because Ray had a point with the stereo image that nearly was gone into mono. I also changed the spreading. I think your your right ear must undergo the heavy stuff now, Ray!

Well, these are all the reactions I got so far, so I'm finished answering and can go to bed now!

Nice day,
Hans
Posted By: Deej56 Re: No Notion, a sweet song for hard days - 06/09/20 09:32 PM
Hans,

Really like the build up of instruments in that introduction—really well done. Vocal has a very cool 80’s vibe to me. Reminds of those tunes they use to play in the bars back in my college days. Love how that drum picks back up after the bridge. Groovingly good stuff!

I’ll admit I didn’t read your intro to the song carefully and had no idea it was about a cat until I read Floyd’s post above, and after I wrote the sentences above. That last line certainly makes more sense now, lol.

All my best,

Deej
Posted By: Robertkc Re: No Notion, a sweet song for hard days - 06/10/20 03:17 PM
Hans,
A very rhythmic song for your uncomplicated cat... you have been observant!
I enjoyed the energy in your vocal and that bridge surprise.
Cool.

Robert
Posted By: PeterF Re: No Notion, a sweet song for hard days - 06/11/20 01:41 AM
Hans

Entertaining , great groove and good vocal. Loved the bridge change excellent.

One of the best ever cat songs I've heard!

Peter
Posted By: Al-David Re: No Notion, a sweet song for hard days - 06/11/20 01:49 AM
Hello Hans ...

This is one of your very best recent songs, in my opinion. Love that totally unexpected change 2:48 - 3:05. And your voice really shines on this one. creative lyric with some really cool backing tracks. It's a winner in my book!

Best to you and be safe ...

Alan
Hans,
Very nice and positive tune! Done well in all respects. I agree with Dave. Less processing - good for your voice. You do not need much. Your vocals are strong and clear enough. Enjoyed it very much.

P.S. I have a soft spot for our feline furry friends. Yesterday after listening to your tune, I found one that I made about a cat. I will post it a little later. Maybe we should have a separate PG "cat" channel in U.Showcase smile

Thank you for sharing!

Misha.
I agree--this is one your best.

Love the groove and instrumentation. Your vocal is superb!

Awesome song.

Scott
Posted By: Birchwood Re: No Notion, a sweet song for hard days - 06/13/20 05:47 AM
Hi Deej, Robert, Peter, Alan, Misha and Ezekiel,

Thanks a lot for the nice comment you gave on this Cat song. Feels good...

Deej, you mentioned the bridge-part and how the song continues after that. I must admit these parts I liked much as well. I hesitated for a while to make the drums and bass last longer (because I liked the sound of it). I skipped it, because the effect was less then what it is now.

Peter, you wrote the same as Deej, but also gave that huge compliment it's the best cat song you heard (so far). Have you noticed Misha posted a cat song as well on our forum a day ago? It was eating his sock...
Maybe you can see it as a challenge; making nice cat songs on a separate forum, like Misha suggested?

Robbert, you mentioned my observations of a cat. I have cats all my life and are very fond of these furry creatures that have one major rule: Never, no never listen to the boss, unless it's for food. You must have noticed that too. So why loving them? Masochism it must be...

Al, I'm honored you qualify this being one of my best songs. It puts my bar high in making new songs. I will do my best!

Misha, I don't use much effects on the vocals; An EQ and compressor from Native Instruments (Solid Eq, Solid Dynamics) and a reverb from Softtube (Tsar) in the recording phase and a littlebit of Supercharger from NI. And I use two vocal tracks (tweeked slightly different).
But I am experimenting now with newer EQ, Comp and Reverb (all from NI).
I think it is a nice idea we erect a cat forum, but I'm afraid it won't attract many listeners, as I notice here already. Maybe your song does better, then we have a chance ;-)

Ezekiel, you also qualified this song being one of my best. Thanks a lot for that, but I am determined to beat this!

I read Corona is coming back so stay safe!
Hans
We are dog folks so this had to be really good to hold our attention smile

And, man, was it ever good...kind of spellbinding really.

So many good things happening here with the write, your vocals,
the band and the mix.

And the arrangement is excellent..love that bridge!

And Janice mentioned a John Lennon feel to your voice.

J&B

Posted By: Birchwood Re: No Notion, a sweet song for hard days - 06/19/20 12:19 PM
Originally Posted By: Janice & Bud
We are dog folks so this had to be really good to hold our attention smile

And, man, was it ever good...kind of spellbinding really.

So many good things happening here with the write, your vocals,
the band and the mix.

And the arrangement is excellent..love that bridge!

And Janice mentioned a John Lennon feel to your voice.

J&B



Hi Doglovers!

I knew it I couldn't change you! You've said it before when I sang about my other cat (No answers), but I thought maybe now I can convince them of how easy cats are compared with dogs. When I was young I had cats and dogs, and a mule and a horse. Still love the cats (and also dogs if they are as big as a German shepherd).
Thans for your reaction and the nice compliments. I am greatly honored by what Janice said!
I haven't heard it myself, but I think I won't recognize much.
I also don't want to mention it to my wife and sons. I know what will happen; they laugh for at least a week and call me John for some months. I have a terrible family you must know...

Have a nice day,
Hans
Posted By: Scott C Re: No Notion, a sweet song for hard days - 06/23/20 11:43 AM
Hey Hans this one slipped by me. This is a very cool song. I first want to comment on your mix. Very cool groove and sounded so good on my studio monitors. That acoustic hit me right in the chest. I love when you can feel the song as well as hear it. Super vocal and lyric. You are sure putting together a string of awesome tunes. Well done
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