Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 3 1 2 3
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 6,972
G
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
G
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 6,972
Hello forum friends. The story behind this song is total nonsense but the hook line (title) is based in reality. I like shopping at Grocery Outlet (a discount grocery store). I'm hopelessly addicted to finding deals. About a year ago, they were blowing out a 100 percent juice drink called "Fave" for 99 cents for a 48 oz bottle. I bought 6 cases of 8 bottles and drank it for months. The same store had a deal on Bacardi coconut rum. The fave was sweet but not overly sweet like orange or pineapple juice and the two blended together were AMAZING! It was my favorite drink for months. Obviously "Fave and coconut rum" is not catchy but I thought of "OJ and coconut rum" and it just sang well. The melody of the opening line of the chorus popped into my head and I sang it intermittently for a few weeks. It sounded Buffett to me. So, I wrote the song, doing my best to steal Jimmy's voice, persona, and make BIAB my coral reefers. I didn't realize til I recorded it that I blew the rhyme scheme (I knew Noel would catch that), and that I stole the second line (a few stolen...) from Michael Franks (sorry Michael). Also, on first listen outside the headphones, I realize it's bass deficient. Hope you enjoy. Comments encouraged! Take care. Greg

https://soundcloud.com/gjohnson-2/ojsslvocdec

OJ and coconut rum

She was the first girl I ever loved
Since I was seventeen
A few stolen kisses and several near misses
Some disasters in between
Hard as I tried, it just didn’t work out
Then I lost my house and crashed my car
Got on a silver bird and headed south
And ended up here in this bar

OJ and coconut rum
Be hell to pay when the morning comes
But that’s OK, I got nowhere to run (to)
And no one to ask to forgive
I’ll string a hammock between two strong trees
Drift away on the island breeze
Dream of adventures on the seven seas
Of a life I never lived

I couldn’t resist the kindness in her eyes
And asked her for a dance
Talked for an hour and by then I knew
That she was my last chance
But she was young and I was turnin’ gray
Kindred spirits on two paths that crossed
I’ll drink a toast now to the ones that say
“Better to have loved and have lost”

OJ and coconut rum
Know I’ll feel better when my mind gets numb
For what ails me now there ain’t no cure
But that bottle can help me forget
Sorry if I start to bring you down
But how ‘bout bringin’ me another round
Some say that drinkin’ ain’t the way to go
But tonite I’ll find out for sure

Some say our fate is written in the stars
Decided before we arrive
I only know before I leave this bar
I better find somebody to drive

OJ…

User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 19,113
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 19,113
Greg, even the intro has a 'palm trees swaying in the breeze' feel.

I really liked the lyrics - somber in places, and the steel in there fitted subtlety nicely too.

And a great last verse - I really got a laugh.

Another top delivery.

Trev



BIAB & RB2024 Win.(Audiophile), Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors, AKG K271 Studio H'phones
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,312
ROG Offline
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,312
Hi Greg.

Great song with a super storyline.

Excellent backing track with a particularly nice stereo wash.

Vocals well up to your usual high standard.

ROG.

User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139
Very nice Greg. Buffetty, if that's a word. grin

Agree on the rum, but mine is a Cuba Libre these days.


Regards,

Bob

User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,199
C
Veteran
Online Content
Veteran
C
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,199
I was able to kick back and just enjoy your song this morning after you jumped out, grabbed all the nits you could find, some visible, some not and posted them in your opening comments. Cut us off at the knees, so to speak. So, relaxed and free from critique and with my first cup of coffee, I just listened. And, I was not disappointed. This is a very good write and the song fit your vocals really nice.

Your arrangement did a good job capturing the Buffett/Chesney Island rhythm. Not a nit but just sharing another 'flavor' you may want to consider in future acoustic based songs; Alternate tuned acoustic guitars such as a double dropped D or high strung or even just a capo'd 2nd acoustic works really in this type of song.

This was a fun listen to start off the day. Enjoyed it.

Last edited by Charlie Fogle; 11/18/15 01:46 AM.

BIAB Ultra Pak+ 2024:RB 2024, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 9,722
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 9,722
Cool tune.

The first verse had me thinking Jimmy Buffett... changes in attitudes, changes in latitudes a bit.... not enough to consider infringement.... just enough to say, hey, that sounds kinda like......

Cool story in the song.

Nits... you caught a few of your own. That's a good thing. Mixing on cans.... I do it on occasion. It's always important to listen on a well balanced monitor system. I don't take the cans off and hit the monitors. I allow at a minimum, one hour or better yet, next day since the cans are like ear candy and change your perception of the monitors.

BGV are slightly off key.

The rhyme scheme didn't really catch my attention. You have a few nice lyric lines in there regardless.

All in all, a good song, well done, and enjoyable.


You can find my music at:
www.herbhartley.com
Add nothing that adds nothing to the music.
You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.

The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
User Showcase
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,219
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,219
Greg, This would be well received at one of the many Tiki Bars here in Florida. I enjoyed the song with some very nice lines in there. Once again a super lead vocal. The BGV were out of tune in spots. I would have used the steel a little more sparingly as fills in the choruses only as opposed to pads throughout. As I do with all your songs, I enjoyed my listen very much. Tom

User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 2,888
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 2,888
Hi Greg,

nice lyrics. The last verse made me laugh.
I like your vocals. Nice arrangement. It transports
some island feeling.
A very enjoyable listen.
Thanks for the background story.

Guenter

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 7,702
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 7,702
Awesome tune Greg. Excellent story in the lyrics


Scott Collingwood
https://soundcloud.com/scottt709
https://soundcloud.com/spiritlevel-ca
https://www.youtube.com/@SpiritLevel-ge3hm/
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 21,613
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 21,613
It's all been said so all that I can add is Jimmy Buffet has some serious competition.


Yeah, I've got O.C.D, Old, Cranky, and Dangerous.

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
User Showcase
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,064
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,064
This is a great write Greg. Love the JB influence.

User Showcase
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 532
SRP Offline
Journeyman
Offline
Journeyman
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 532
Greg a very enjoyable listen! I liked everything that I heard so pat yourself on the back for this one...you deserve it!
Sonny

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,587
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,587
Excellent vocal - pretty song - well written.

User Showcase
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 4,048
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 4,048
A very smooth, All-American sounding song ;-)
That harmonica and steel guitar complements the arrangement very nicely!


We are Rob Meulman and Anne-Marie Bovenkamp from The Netherlands.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1gsdNLE7_Gy8qavoOplQow/videos
http://rnam.net/


User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 971
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 971
I always like hearing the song's story:)

I agree about those BGV's, but you totally captured that island vibe with this solid tune, and yet it's unique somehow. Island Country?

All I know is that I like it, a lot!

User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 11,985
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 11,985
Greg,

Great job of finding that Buffett sound/feel in BIAB! From the opening bars, it's sand and sea and umbrella drinks...

"A few stolen kisses and several near misses
Some disasters in between"

I like that.

"Some say that drinkin’ ain’t the way to go
But tonite I’ll find out for sure"

...and that...

The mix sounds great. Always love your vocals...

Enjoyed all of my listens.

fj

User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,079
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,079
Greg,
relaxing and chillin' music.
Up to your normal high standards.

good words and vocals

enjoyed
Alyn

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 14,582
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 14,582
"Some say our fate is written in the stars
Decided before we arrive
I only know before I leave this bar
I better find somebody to drive"

Man, that is so cool. From high philosophical
musings to cold reality in four lines. Wow.

Great, as floyd, mentioned in finding the
JB sound with BiaB. Wrapped up in
a fine mix also.

Wonderful story with many vibrant
images -- enough for several songs!

J&B


You can listen to our catalog on Apple Music or Spotify by searching on Janice Merritt
Our Videos are here on our website
User Showcase
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,719
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,719
Hi Greg. You certainly got the JB style off to a T.
The Pacific cruising sailors in the late 70's were much into music like this.
Introduced me to JB's music. Lovely job. Cheers.

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 6,972
G
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
G
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 6,972
Originally Posted By: VideoTrack
Greg, even the intro has a 'palm trees swaying in the breeze' feel.

I really liked the lyrics - somber in places, and the steel in there fitted subtlety nicely too.

And a great last verse - I really got a laugh.

Another top delivery.

Trev



Thanks Trevor. Really appreciate the kind words, and your so consistent support for my songs. Means a lot to me! Take care. Greg

Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 3 1 2 3

Link Copied to Clipboard
ChatPG

Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.

ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.

PG Music News
New! XPro Styles PAK 7 for Band-in-a-Box 2024 for Mac!

We've just released XPro Styles PAK 7 with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 50 RealTracks and RealDrums that are sure to delight!

With XPro Styles PAK 7 you can expect 25 rock & pop, 25 jazz, and 25 country styles, as well as 25 of this year's wildcard genre: Celtic!

Here's a small sampling of what XPro Styles PAK 7 has to offer: energetic rock jigs, New Orleans funk, lilting jazz waltzes, fast Celtic punk, uptempo train beats, gritty grunge, intense jazz rock, groovy EDM, soulful R&B, soft singer-songwriter pop, country blues rock, and many more!

Special Pricing! Until September 30, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 7 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea)! Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box 2024® with XPro Styles PAK 7! Order now!

Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.

Watch the XPro Styles PAK 7 Overview & Styles Demos video.

XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2024 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.

New! Xtra Styles PAK 18 for Band-in-a-Box 2024 for Mac!

Xtra Styles PAK 18 for Band-in-a-Box version 2024 is here with 200 brand new styles to take for a spin!

Along with 50 new styles each for the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, we’ve put together a collection of styles using sounds from the SynthMaster plugin!

In this PAK you'll find: dubby reggae grooves, rootsy Americana, LA jazz pop, driving pop rock, mellow electronica, modern jazz fusion, spacey country ballads, Motown shuffles, energetic EDM, and plenty of synth heavy grooves! Xtra Style PAK 18 features these styles and many, many more!

Special Pricing! Until September 30, 2024, all the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 18 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea)! Expand your Band-in-a-Box 2024® library with Xtra Styles PAK 18! Order now!

Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 18 here.

Watch the Xtra Styles PAK 18 Overview & Styles Demos video.

Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 18 requires the 2024 UltraPAK/UltraPAK+/Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.

New! Xtra Styles PAK 18 for Band-in-a-Box 2024 for Windows!

Xtra Styles PAK 18 for Band-in-a-Box version 2024 is here with 200 brand new styles to take for a spin!

Along with 50 new styles each for the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, we’ve put together a collection of styles using sounds from the SynthMaster plugin!

In this PAK you'll find: dubby reggae grooves, rootsy Americana, LA jazz pop, driving pop rock, mellow electronica, modern jazz fusion, spacey country ballads, Motown shuffles, energetic EDM, and plenty of synth heavy grooves! Xtra Style PAK 18 features these styles and many, many more!

Special Pricing! Until September 30, 2024, all the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 18 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea)! Expand your Band-in-a-Box 2024® library with Xtra Styles PAK 18! Order now!

Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 18 here.

Watch the Xtra Styles PAK 18 Overview & Styles Demos video.

Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 18 requires the 2024 UltraPAK/UltraPAK+/Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.

New! XPro Styles PAK 7 for Band-in-a-Box 2024 for Windows!

We've just released XPro Styles PAK 7 with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 50 RealTracks and RealDrums that are sure to delight!

With XPro Styles PAK 7 you can expect 25 rock & pop, 25 jazz, and 25 country styles, as well as 25 of this year's wildcard genre: Celtic!

Here's a small sampling of what XPro Styles PAK 7 has to offer: energetic rock jigs, New Orleans funk, lilting jazz waltzes, fast Celtic punk, uptempo train beats, gritty grunge, intense jazz rock, groovy EDM, soulful R&B, soft singer-songwriter pop, country blues rock, and many more!

Special Pricing! Until September 30, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 7 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea)! Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box 2024® with XPro Styles PAK 7! Order now!

Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.

Watch the XPro Styles PAK 7 Overview & Styles Demos video.

XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2024 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.

Video - Band-in-a-Box® DAW Plugin Version 6 for Mac®: New Features for Reaper

Band-in-a-Box® 2024 includes built-in specific support for the Reaper® DAW API, allowing direct transfer of Band-in-a-Box® files to/from Reaper tracks, including tiny lossless files of instructions which play audio instantly from disk.

We demonstrate the new Reaper features in the Band-in-a-Box® VST DAW Plugin 6.0 in our video, Band-in-a-Box® DAW Plugin Version 6 for Mac®: New Features for Reaper

Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Mac® - Update Today!

Already grabbed your copy of Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Mac®? Head to our Support Page to download build 803 and update your Band-in-a-Box® 2024 installation with the latest version developed by our team!

Learn more & download now.

Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Mac® Video - Over 50 New Features and Enhancements!

Read all about the 50+ newest features in Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Mac®, or you can watch our video "Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Mac®: Over 50 New Features and Enhancements!" to see it in action!

Forum Statistics
Forums65
Topics82,888
Posts750,646
Members38,930
Most Online2,537
Jan 19th, 2020
Newest Members
tikatika, Hack Buster Recove, joshithoms, JeansKeyzhu, DMD
38,930 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
DC Ron 121
rsdean 113
BYOBand 100
MarioD 87
dcuny 81
vicarn 80
Today's Birthdays
AndyT, critter, Gregorg
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5