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Posted By: Robertkc Secrets of the River ( Spirit Level) - 09/24/20 07:18 PM
A new song from Spirit Level:

Secrets of the River

Style is _LAPETUS.STY (Lapetus Atmospheric Americana)

RealTracks in style: 3467:Bass, Electric, AmericanaSyncSteveAB Ev16 085
RealTracks in style: 2780:Guitar, Acoustic, Rhythm Songwriter8thsBrent Ev 085
RealTracks in song: 3231:Guitar, Electric, Background CinemaHeldHighDarin Ev16 090
RealTracks in song: 3156:Fiddle, 5-string, Rhythm AmericanaMountain16thsPizzAndy ev16 070
RealTracks in song: 833:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm AltCountryMoody Ev 075 (A:held)
RealDrums [in Song:AmericanaFunkyPopFred: a: HiHat,Snare b: Ride,Snare

Scott`s Guitars:

Gibson LP DLX – P90’s recorded direct in to the DAW Ampire Twin DLX plugin

Gibson LP R9 Amp was Purdy (62 Fender Dlx Clone)

Effects JC Rockett – Lenny boost

Eventide H9’s




Secrets of the River

such a small ring
she saw it sinking fast
chain link in muddy water
the black anchor of her past

in the caravan of morning
shuffling by her little boat
the corner of a midnight cabaret
in a moon patch cloak

the devil`s quoting scripture
her debt to the dark is clear
trade that swagger for strength boy
what I flee draws near

before we cut and run my John
will you turn from the mirror
take my face in your hands
listen to the secrets of the river

all those angry I`s
in a poison pen letter
cold eyes circle round me now
like pitiless swimmers

before we cut and run my John
will you turn from the mirror
take my face in your hands
listen to the secrets of the river

should the moon ambush the sun my John
save your sunflower
or scatter petals from the banks
listen to the secrets of the river



© Robert Cordrey July 2020
Posted By: jptjptjpt Re: Secrets of the River ( Spirit Level) - 09/24/20 10:54 PM
Nice work to everyone. Poetic lyrics as usual. Lovely guitar work.
Posted By: Al-David Re: Secrets of the River ( Spirit Level) - 09/24/20 11:53 PM
Robert ...

You and Scott do poetic lyrics so danged good! This is one of the very best from you folks. The atmospheric aura is so nice. A lot of folks don't care deep reverb, but on songs like this ... it's a perfect touch, in my opinion.

That was a super listen. Kudos to both of you!

Be safe and wishing you the very best ...

Alan
Posted By: rayc Re: Secrets of the River ( Spirit Level) - 09/25/20 06:57 AM
Definite Nominative Determinism for "the band" and this track.
Cool.
Posted By: dani48 Re: Secrets of the River ( Spirit Level) - 09/25/20 05:03 PM
Hi, Robert !


I like this lovely tune
of yours ! gives a feeling
of space and ambiance !

Cheers
Dani
Posted By: Robertkc Re: Secrets of the River ( Spirit Level) - 09/25/20 09:16 PM
Originally Posted By: jptjptjpt
Nice work to everyone. Poetic lyrics as usual. Lovely guitar work.


Thank you!

Originally Posted By: Al-David
Robert ...

You and Scott do poetic lyrics so danged good! This is one of the very best from you folks. The atmospheric aura is so nice. A lot of folks don't care deep reverb, but on songs like this ... it's a perfect touch, in my opinion.

That was a super listen. Kudos to both of you!

Be safe and wishing you the very best ...

Alan


Alan,
I think Scott`s guitar is much of the "aura" here. Glad you liked the lyrics; that chorus end seemed to need something, thus the sprinkle of reverb there.

Originally Posted By: rayc
Definite Nominative Determinism for "the band" and this track.
Cool.


Ray,
Good to find something of our name seeping into the sound!
Thanks for listening.

Robert
Posted By: Tano Music Re: Secrets of the River ( Spirit Level) - 09/26/20 09:18 AM
RobertKC...aside from the musical production. I was drawn in by your lyric (perfectly matched with the tone and feel of the music)...the type of mysticism and detachment from direct messaging got to pay extra close attention to what was coming with each stanza..I wanted o make a connection to a backstory, but maybe there isn’t any...not sure...certainly enjoyed the visit to your world!
Posted By: Derochette Re: Secrets of the River ( Spirit Level) - 09/26/20 03:22 PM
Hello Robertkc,

Superb voice as usual. Subtle and light arrangement. Soft composition with a certain clear nostalgia. Pleasant atmosphere. Well done.

Best regards

Dero13

aliasJaniJackFlash
Posted By: PeterF Re: Secrets of the River ( Spirit Level) - 09/26/20 07:32 PM
Robert & Scott

Atmospheric and engaging.
Enjoyed Scott's ethereal tone and playing throughout which was a perfect accompaniment for Roberts lyric and vocal.

Nice work all round.

Peter
Love the mood of this one.

Vocals sound great, and really like the reverb/delay effects on Scott's guitar, perfect for the song I think.

And as always, strong writing.

Nicely done Robert and Scott!
Posted By: Robertkc Re: Secrets of the River ( Spirit Level) - 09/27/20 02:33 PM
Originally Posted By: dani48
Hi, Robert !


I like this lovely tune
of yours ! gives a feeling
of space and ambiance !

Cheers
Dani


Dani- thank you... as said, most of the ambiance credit goes to Scott`s guitar here.

Originally Posted By: Tano Music
RobertKC...aside from the musical production. I was drawn in by your lyric (perfectly matched with the tone and feel of the music)...the type of mysticism and detachment from direct messaging got to pay extra close attention to what was coming with each stanza..I wanted o make a connection to a backstory, but maybe there isn’t any...not sure...certainly enjoyed the visit to your world!


I used to hear more songs written for a female voice but sung by a guy; the idea behind this was to translate stories I`ve heard from women about stalkers, harassers and worse ,into a song. Who can she trust? is the backstory... I hope it comes through.
I appreciate your listen and thoughtful comments.



Originally Posted By: Dero13
Hello Robertkc,

Superb voice as usual. Subtle and light arrangement. Soft composition with a certain clear nostalgia. Pleasant atmosphere. Well done.

Best regards

Dero13

aliasJaniJackFlash


That`s positive; thank you for listening Dero13!

Originally Posted By: PeterF
Robert & Scott

Atmospheric and engaging.
Enjoyed Scott's ethereal tone and playing throughout which was a perfect accompaniment for Roberts lyric and vocal.

Nice work all round.

Peter


I`m glad you highlighted Scott`s tone, Peter... he transforms this and makes something cool from the one chord ending I programmed!

Robert
Posted By: TuneMonger Re: Secrets of the River ( Spirit Level) - 09/27/20 10:27 PM
I can spend days thinking about what I will write about next, and in that time you've written and produced four great songs! Amazing how fast you turn out such quality work. I usually don't know what you're writing about, but that doesn't matter. I never knew what Neil Young was singing about some times and I still enjoyed it. I liked the ending on this one a lot. Good work!
Posted By: Birchwood Re: Secrets of the River ( Spirit Level) - 09/28/20 09:43 AM
Hi Robert and Scott,

Your spirits are raised to a very high level with this beautiful song! That sphere you created is so nice.
Scott, (I won't make this mistake again) your guitarplay is subdued, yet swirling. I loved it very much.
And Robert, those lyrics..., it seems you wrote them effortless, but tell me that you are also sweating to get that job done!

Oh, I just read TuneMonger said the same kind of things, so I am not the only one...

Great work,
Hans
Posted By: floyd jane Re: Secrets of the River ( Spirit Level) - 09/28/20 03:10 PM
Spirit Level is a unique, original band. A distinctive sound and voice.

The lyric is poetic, tight (though I struggle with the meaning).

Cool sounding track. Good mix.

Scott's guitar provides a nice signature. Well done.

fj
Bud is pleased to say that Janice got the idea that it was from a woman's perspective before reading your backstory comment. At least one of us can ponder beyond the
more obvious things smile We came up with several possibilities regarding "John."

I've often used the word "ethereal" for Spirit Level and it has already been used above but DITTO!

I think Dave mentioned the tone of Scott's guitar -- perfect fit for the vocal and write and the rest of the production. And that production includes an excellent mix and choice of BiaB things.

Very cinematic actually.

Enjoyed it,

J&B

BTW, that photo is most representative of low lying areas in our neck of the woods.
Posted By: Scott C Re: Secrets of the River ( Spirit Level) - 09/28/20 07:36 PM
Thanks everyone for checking out the song We really appreciate your comments.
Posted By: dcuny Re: Secrets of the River ( Spirit Level) - 09/29/20 01:52 AM
Musically and lyrically interesting. laugh

I'm not clever enough to glean all the story from the lyrics, but got enough to follow the general thread.

A good listen!

Posted By: Leon1 Re: Secrets of the River ( Spirit Level) - 09/29/20 03:03 AM
Great mood you've created with this one, guys. A very enjoyable listen.
Regards,
Leon
Posted By: Robertkc Re: Secrets of the River ( Spirit Level) - 09/29/20 02:02 PM
Originally Posted By: BlueAttitude
Love the mood of this one.

Vocals sound great, and really like the reverb/delay effects on Scott's guitar, perfect for the song I think.

And as always, strong writing.

Nicely done Robert and Scott!


Dave,
I`ts good to know the mood was felt; thanks for those positive comments!

Originally Posted By: TuneMonger
I can spend days thinking about what I will write about next, and in that time you've written and produced four great songs! Amazing how fast you turn out such quality work. I usually don't know what you're writing about, but that doesn't matter. I never knew what Neil Young was singing about some times and I still enjoyed it. I liked the ending on this one a lot. Good work!


I guess its no surprise that my rock song influences are writers who could be said to be writing nonsense (Jack Bruce/Pete Brown, Captain Beefheart,Michael Stipe):I appreciate your listens in spite of that.
Output? My excuse is retirement and the need for an obsession.

Originally Posted By: Birchwood
Hi Robert and Scott,

Your spirits are raised to a very high level with this beautiful song! That sphere you created is so nice.
Scott, (I won't make this mistake again) your guitarplay is subdued, yet swirling. I loved it very much.
And Robert, those lyrics..., it seems you wrote them effortless, but tell me that you are also sweating to get that job done!

Oh, I just read TuneMonger said the same kind of things, so I am not the only one...

Great work,
Hans


That`s very kind; A sweet description of Scott`s guitar- thank you!

Robert
Posted By: TuneMonger Re: Secrets of the River ( Spirit Level) - 09/29/20 08:37 PM
quote=TuneMonger]I can spend days thinking about what I will write about next, and in that time you've written and produced four great songs! Amazing how fast you turn out such quality work. I usually don't know what you're writing about, but that doesn't matter. I never knew what Neil Young was singing about some times and I still enjoyed it. I liked the ending on this one a lot. Good work![/quote]

I guess its no surprise that my rock song influences are writers who could be said to be writing nonsense (Jack Bruce/Pete Brown, Captain Beefheart,Michael Stipe):I appreciate your listens in spite of that.
Output? My excuse is retirement and the need for an obsession.

RKC, Captain Beefheart is one of my favs all-time although, yes, he's abstruse. I think you're more like a musical W. H. Auden, not as crazy out there as Van Vliet. More of a true poet than the Captain. Unique and smoldering. I'm a fan!
Posted By: Deej56 Re: Secrets of the River ( Spirit Level) - 09/29/20 09:39 PM
Robert,

Really like the write (that last chorus in particular) and the whole feel of the tune. Nice close, cutting down on the backing instruments and letting that lead guitar stand up. Nicely, nicely done!

All my best to you,

Deej
Posted By: Scott C Re: Secrets of the River ( Spirit Level) - 09/30/20 12:12 PM
Thanks again for all the awesome comments.
Posted By: Robertkc Re: Secrets of the River ( Spirit Level) - 10/01/20 03:41 PM
Floyd, J&B, David, Leon, Tunemonger, Deej:

Thank you for the listens and thoughtful comments... Spirit Level are ready to unleash a new song; we hope you`ll be back!

Robert
Posted By: CaptainMoto Re: Secrets of the River ( Spirit Level) - 10/02/20 12:24 PM
Great lyrics,
Love songs that tell a story.
Posted By: Rustyspoon# Re: Secrets of the River ( Spirit Level) - 10/02/20 11:57 PM
Spirit Level,
Sorry to be late for the party, I assure you this was on my list.
Typing this, Scott's guitar still playing in my ears smile Beautiful! Unusual drive, probably because of funky drums, but listens well. Robert, your lyrics are a wonderful labyrinth to get lost in. Congrats and thank you for sharing!

Misha.
Posted By: Robertkc Re: Secrets of the River ( Spirit Level) - 10/03/20 06:45 PM
Thanks for listening Captain & Misha!
Always happy to see another Spirit Level offering!! You guys make such a good musical pair! Very cool song! Scott's guitar really works well with the vibe of the song! Always enjoy your lyrics/vocals Robert! Nicely done!! Take care. Greg
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