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Posted By: Scott C Spirit Level - Drive Your Plow - 09/02/22 12:17 PM
Here is a new song written and vocal by Robert Cordrey.

From Robert:

At least two Spirit Level songs have been written around lines of poetry I used as a springboard for my own lyric writing. Here`s another.
William Blake`s The Marriage Of Heaven & Hell includes the lines: "Drive your cart and your plow over the bones of the dead."
Of course my riffing on that bears little resemblance to his wild work, but hope it works as alt.rock material.

I added the solo guitar parts.
The production, mixing and mastering was by ourselves as well.

Drive Your Plow

Lyrics:

Drive Your Plow
(Over the Bones of the Dead)

drive your plow over the bones of the dead
masters await you revenant in your head
poets forgotten rave on from the grave
drive your plow over the bones of the dead

mine the art in your madness `til the chimera shows
a starry Amazon flows from the shadows
songs fly out from cracks in the moon
mine the art in your madness `til the chimera shows

east by six north by nine
follow your furrow to the end of time

shout down the well `til you hear the great amen
forever and ever world without end
the old souls choir`s tuning up where they dwell
shout down the well `til you hear the great amen

gather light that floats on motes of dust in the sun
resolve to endure what you`ve done and can`t be undone
ride out again past borders of your heart
gather light that floats on motes of dust in the sun

south by seven west by eight
a wind is coming nowhere is safe
east by six north by nine
follow your furrow to the end of time

© Robert Cordrey June 2022

The Band:
Key=D , Tempo 115, Length (m:s)=4:20
6 bar intro, 116 bar chorus, from bar 7 to bar 122. Repeat x1 chorus
Melody has 301 notes, Melody harmony is < no harmony >(0)
Soloist track has 67 notes, Soloist harmony is < no harmony >(0)
Song is saved with Volume, Pan, Reverb, Chorus, Bank0,
Song is saved with bar changes for Time signature,
Style is _DRURY3.STY (Drury Irish Alt Rock 12-8 Feel)

RealTracks in style: 2362:Bass, Electric, MotownFunkyTriplets Sw 120
RealTracks in style: 3105:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm AmericanaFolkShuffleSyncLowBrent Sw 120
RealTracks in style: 2750:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm RockHeavyShuffleCraig Sw 120
RealTracks in style: 3106:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm AmericanaFolkShuffleSyncHighBrent Sw 120
RealTracks in song: 3126:Mandola, Rhythm AmericanaFolkShuffleSyncAndy Sw 120
RealTracks in song: 2120:Fiddle, Soloist CountryShuffleRob Sw 120
RealDrums in style:BluesRock128^6-a:Snare, HiHat Loose , b:Snare, Ride

Credit for the handclaps loop goes to Floyd.
Posted By: firesong Re: Spirit Level - Drive Your Plow - 09/02/22 01:34 PM
Scott...great track...love your guitar work...interesting lyric and vocal delivery...I must confess I'm not sure what the song is really about...not a fan of obscure lyrics...I'm still trying to figure out 'American Pie'....but the music was really good as usual!
Posted By: RnAM Re: Spirit Level - Drive Your Plow - 09/02/22 02:15 PM
What an interesting collaboration! The combination of your playing and Robert's signature voice along with some very creative breaks and buildups in the song gives this a really special (sometimes eerie) touch.

There are some moments throughout the song where your guitar complements Robert's voice almost like a harmony of some kind.

Rob
Posted By: MarioD Re: Spirit Level - Drive Your Plow - 09/02/22 09:14 PM
Scott and Robert, this is really good.
I liked the vocal.
Outstanding guitar leads!
Great mix.

Two thumbs up, even though I have no idea what you are singing about!
Posted By: Torrey Bliss Re: Spirit Level - Drive Your Plow - 09/02/22 09:33 PM
Cool song Scott, love that shuffle thing going on! Nice collab! Thanks, Torrey
Posted By: PROJECT M Re: Spirit Level - Drive Your Plow - 09/03/22 06:16 AM
Hi Scott and Robert
Absolute Top Song
I like it very much
Very nice vocals and great guitar work
Very good collaboration
Many greetings
Andi ;-)
Posted By: justanoldmuso Re: Spirit Level - Drive Your Plow - 09/03/22 10:28 AM
Scott.

ive known some really good/great guitarists in my musical journey thru' life.
you are right up there imho, and this song demonstrates again your talent.
(one of the best guitarists i ever heard was a session player with only just a pignose amp..and a few pedals.)

i can understand if you dont want to divulge how to get your great 'tones'.
but if you DO , i'm sure lots of people would love to know a budget sig chain.
maybe a you tube demo/discussion etc etc. ??

showing sig chains for various music 'genres' ? from classic rock thru' mor' thru' ballads etc etc.

once again kudos to you. and nice collab.

i'm v impressed by your playing….sincerely
(by comparison..lol..i cheat via 'cut n' paste.)

happiness

om
Posted By: dcuny Re: Spirit Level - Drive Your Plow - 09/03/22 01:23 PM
Very cool - what a ride! laugh

I confess - I'm familiar with Blake's art, but I've never spent any real time reading his poems.

Not that the lyrics require it - very evocative.

The break with the claps was unexpected - a bit clashy, and very cool.

Your vocal sounds to me like it's channeling Misha a bit, and that's a good thing.

And I've be remiss not to mention the lead guitar.
Posted By: David Snyder Re: Spirit Level - Drive Your Plow - 09/03/22 01:27 PM

This is freaky and great y'all. Nice!!

Super lyrics and performances and perfect guitar solo!
Posted By: Robertkc Re: Spirit Level - Drive Your Plow - 09/03/22 03:29 PM
Originally Posted By: firesong
Scott...great track...love your guitar work...interesting lyric and vocal delivery...I must confess I'm not sure what the song is really about...not a fan of obscure lyrics...I'm still trying to figure out 'American Pie'....but the music was really good as usual!


Firesong,
Thanks for listening and appreciating Scott`s guitar on this.
With Spirit Level songs its often necessary toplug in your "obscure lyric decoder"!
Actually I think your own tag line: "You are who you are because you do what you do because of what you believe" could serve as the song`s meaning.

Originally Posted By: RnAM
What an interesting collaboration! The combination of your playing and Robert's signature voice along with some very creative breaks and buildups in the song gives this a really special (sometimes eerie) touch.

There are some moments throughout the song where your guitar complements Robert's voice almost like a harmony of some kind.

Rob



Thank you for those positive comments, Rob.Yes, Scott did such a nice job of complimenting my ragged vocals!


Originally Posted By: MarioD
Scott and Robert, this is really good.
I liked the vocal.
Outstanding guitar leads!
Great mix.

Two thumbs up, even though I have no idea what you are singing about!


Mario,
Glad you thought this good despite not getting the lyrics!
I had thought of writing more of a lyric explainer, but that would probably backfire...on to the next.

Robert
Posted By: Scott C Re: Spirit Level - Drive Your Plow - 09/03/22 10:50 PM
Originally Posted By: firesong
Scott...great track...love your guitar work...interesting lyric and vocal delivery...I must confess I'm not sure what the song is really about...not a fan of obscure lyrics...I'm still trying to figure out 'American Pie'....but the music was really good as usual!


Thanks Dan for checking out the song. Robert and I have allot of fun creating these songs. Roberts imagery in his lyrics always the mind to takes some very cool journeys when he is telling his stories. Hopefully we create a feast for the ears and the mind as well.

Originally Posted By: RnAM
What an interesting collaboration! The combination of your playing and Robert's signature voice along with some very creative breaks and buildups in the song gives this a really special (sometimes eerie) touch.

There are some moments throughout the song where your guitar complements Robert's voice almost like a harmony of some kind.

Thanks Rob for checking out the songs. The guitar melodies I create for our songs are definitely hinged on Roberts vocals. So glad you liked the song.

Rob

Posted By: Bass Thumper Re: Spirit Level - Drive Your Plow - 09/03/22 11:08 PM
You guys produced quite a ghoolish arrangement.
Great chord progression, vocals and guitar work.
Posted By: Leon1 Re: Spirit Level - Drive Your Plow - 09/04/22 12:01 AM
Very nice song, gentlemen.
One of your best vocals, Robert, I reckon. Some great lines. Scott's guitar work is excellent, as always. And good use of the handclaps.
Regards,
Leon
Posted By: BabuMusic Re: Spirit Level - Drive Your Plow - 09/04/22 10:53 AM
Scott & Robert, you guys make it very clear that Spirit Level has no limit. Robert, great start with the Blake line, but you added your own masterful touch and really brought the spiritic level to a new high, and your vocal brings it to life with all the right emotion. Wonderful collab!! Man, Scott, your guitar is always so perfect in every way. So appropriate for the feel. Love the whole feel of this one. Good greoup from BiaB and excellent use of the ooze and oz.
Posted By: jannesan Re: Spirit Level - Drive Your Plow - 09/04/22 02:01 PM
Interesting lyrics... vivid and bit scary eternal plowing images...
Nicely rolling shuffle. Great band, the gospel break is very creative. Slightly different than usual but very cool vocal delivery. Scott's guitar is very enjoyable, as always.

Janne
Posted By: Robertkc Re: Spirit Level - Drive Your Plow - 09/05/22 10:15 PM
Originally Posted By: Torrey Bliss
Cool song Scott, love that shuffle thing going on! Nice collab! Thanks, Torrey


Thanks for your listen, Torrey!


Originally Posted By: PROJECT M
Hi Scott and Robert
Absolute Top Song
I like it very much
Very nice vocals and great guitar work
Very good collaboration
Many greetings
Andi ;-)


Andi,
We appreciate those positive comments- thank you!


Originally Posted By: dcuny
Very cool - what a ride! laugh

I confess - I'm familiar with Blake's art, but I've never spent any real time reading his poems.

Not that the lyrics require it - very evocative.

The break with the claps was unexpected - a bit clashy, and very cool.

Your vocal sounds to me like it's channeling Misha a bit, and that's a good thing.

And I've be remiss not to mention the lead guitar.


David,
Its good to know you found the lyrics to your liking ( only the title line is a Wm Blake edit).
I was stuck on the handclaps `til I remembered Floyd`s loops- these are the calypso ones.
Now if only I could sound as mysterious as Misha... good idea to try getting into his space,though!


Originally Posted By: David Snyder

This is freaky and great y'all. Nice!!

Super lyrics and performances and perfect guitar solo!


Thanks for the listen and thumbs up, David!
Posted By: Scott C Re: Spirit Level - Drive Your Plow - 09/05/22 11:17 PM
Originally Posted By: justanoldmuso
Scott.

ive known some really good/great guitarists in my musical journey thru' life.
you are right up there imho, and this song demonstrates again your talent.
(one of the best guitarists i ever heard was a session player with only just a pignose amp..and a few pedals.)

i can understand if you dont want to divulge how to get your great 'tones'.
but if you DO , i'm sure lots of people would love to know a budget sig chain.
maybe a you tube demo/discussion etc etc. ??

showing sig chains for various music 'genres' ? from classic rock thru' mor' thru' ballads etc etc.

once again kudos to you. and nice collab.

i'm v impressed by your playing….sincerely
(by comparison..lol..i cheat via 'cut n' paste.)

happiness

om


Thanks for checking out the song.

I create a new signal chain for each song. Robert will give me an idea of feel when he drafts the lyric and backtrack. I have four different base signal chains for each of my guitars. Each would use a different amp.
This is all configured via the Helix LT. I would copy the base to a new preset and give it the name of the song.

For Drive Your Plow:
Guitar was a Gibson Les Paul R9
I record two tracks for each guitar take.
1. Is a dry track that goes from the guitar to wireless Sunnheiser receiver. The dry track goes into my Apollo Dual USB.
2. Second track goes from the Sunnheiser to my Helix and through the signal chain to the Apollo then to the DAW (Studio One).

On the Helix LT:
>> Minotaur (Klon) >> Kinky Boost (Drive Only) >> Ampeg Liquifier >> Parametric EQ >> Comp (LA2A) >>
Amp Fender Deluxe >> Cab 1 4X10 Tweed >> Cab 2 Mshl 4x12 Greenback >> FX Loop (A real Eventide H9 - Vintage / Delay Preset).

I use an expression pedal to dial in the delay % of the H9..

I will then send the stem with effects to Robert with a rough mix. He will let me know if the tone is good or needs adjustment.

On this song the original take was a little to clean. I was able take the dry take and reamp it through the Helix and adjust the different blocks to get the tone where I wanted it. From there just needed to record the new tones and replace the original wet take.

I also run the dry take through Izotope RX9 and cleanup and finger flubs and sympathetic string vibrations.


Posted By: BlueAttitude Re: Spirit Level - Drive Your Plow - 09/06/22 09:30 AM
Robert and Scott, great to see a new one from you two!

Very cool song, love the vocal and guitar work is right on the money.

Loved the breakdown at 2:19!
Posted By: justanoldmuso Re: Spirit Level - Drive Your Plow - 09/06/22 02:50 PM
Scott.

thanks for the info.
i did a little bet with myself you might have used a helix...lol...nice !!

kudos to your talent.

best

om
Posted By: edshaw Re: Spirit Level - Drive Your Plow - 09/06/22 03:24 PM
Au contraire, Scott. Your riff kicked it!
So, you are into Robert Blake, hey? Pretty deep stuff there.
Posted By: Derochette Re: Spirit Level - Drive Your Plow - 09/07/22 11:58 AM
Hi Scott C,

Very dark composition. The lyrics are surprising. The musical ensemble is well done. I always love your guitar solos.

Kindly regard
Derochette
alias JaniJackFlash
Posted By: Robertkc Re: Spirit Level - Drive Your Plow - 09/08/22 06:55 PM
Bass Thumper : Thanks for your listen!

Leon: I appreciate your thumbs up on the vocals; its fun to amp up the intensity for some of these Sprit Level songs.

Marty: Oh you mean that choir coming from down in the well-glad you heard that! Your comments are always such a support- my writing does go to some strange places but we know Marty listens with open mind and heart. Thank you so much!

Janne: Glad you liked this. We are all digging up inspiration from writers and musicians, many of whom have passed... not so scary is it?
The gospel break was fun to do- I`m happy you enjoyed it.

Dave:
Thank you for those positive comments!

Ed:
Honestly I find William Blake a mixed bag- in small doses mind bogglingly ecstatic and out there for his time... often quite preachy though.Thanks for your listen.

Robert
Posted By: Janice & Bud Re: Spirit Level - Drive Your Plow - 09/09/22 05:00 PM
“gather light that floats on motes of dust in the sun
resolve to endure what you`ve done and can`t be undone”

Those lines were two of Janice’s favorites from this excellent and vivid lyric.

It has a kind of ominous feel and yet an uplifting feel at the same time. The arrangement is cool and the handclaps were a good addition.

As others noted Scott’s tasteful guitar accompaniment to your mysterious edged vocal is great.

Enjoyed it!

J&B
Posted By: TuneMonger Re: Spirit Level - Drive Your Plow - 09/09/22 09:57 PM
For some reason this came across to me as a speeded up, amped up version of Tom Waits' Burma Shave. Loved the energy in this tune, all the elements crackle. Loved the hand claps. RKC, you're a poet without a doubt. Always a pleasure to follow along with your lyrics as I'm listening. I'm a fan of Spirit Level.
Posted By: Rustyspoon# Re: Spirit Level - Drive Your Plow - 09/10/22 10:24 PM
Scott & Robert,
I 've heard this at the time of release, but wanted to give a second spin before replying. Edgy and slightly aggressive, which I like. Fantastic set of lyrics and one of the best vocals from Robert. Scott, very nice lead. Raw power. There are a couple of S.Level tunes that I like a bit more, but this is definitely one of the upper tier tunes. Good mix, no complaints. Very different. Liked it and thank you for sharing.
Misha.
Posted By: PeterF Re: Spirit Level - Drive Your Plow - 09/10/22 11:55 PM
Scott & Robert

Nice prog rock sound, excellent production, and nice obscure but evocative lyrics.

Vocal was excellent as was the guitar playing.

Enjoyed the song.

Peter
Posted By: Ezekiel's Storm Re: Spirit Level - Drive Your Plow - 09/11/22 08:40 PM
I always enjoy the Spirit Level collabs. This is a master class in lyric writing. There is a bit of quirkiness to this this song, which, of course, I enjoy. Oh that guitar solo---sounds so good! Fabulous production.
Posted By: floyd jane Re: Spirit Level - Drive Your Plow - 09/13/22 11:29 AM
Robert & Scott,

This is SO good.

I like when Spirit Level turns up the Rock side. You both really shine when you do that.
Robert's lyrics (outstanding here) and vocal suit the style (alt Rock) perfectly.
Scott's guitar (nice!) always seems most inspired when backing this style.
I am a fan.

Terrific backing BAND and mix.

Cool Stuff.

fj
Posted By: Robertkc Re: Spirit Level - Drive Your Plow - 09/13/22 07:17 PM
Derochette: Thanks for your listen and comments.

J&B: Nice to know you heard the upside in the lyrics. Many thanks for your always supportive comments!

Tunemonger: Thank you for that;I especially appreciate your comment on the energy level.
I don`t know that Tom Waits song- will have a listen.

Misha: Your approval of the vocal is good to hear- I really have to find a cranked "zone" for these rock tunes, sandwiched as they often are, with gentler songs.

Peter: Nice comments- thanks very much!
Posted By: Scott C Re: Spirit Level - Drive Your Plow - 09/14/22 10:34 PM
Thanks everyone for taking the time to check out the song. Your comments are very much appreciated. Really glad you liked it..
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