Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 4 1 2 3 4
User Showcase
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,219
tommyad Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,219
In 2016, over 64,000 people in the US died from opioid overdoses. ( painkillers, heroin,

fentanyl) To put that number in perspective, that’s more Americans killed by opioids in 365

days than were killed during the entirety of the Vietnam War. Opioids in America are more

than a crisis, they’re a national emergency.I read an article recently in the USA Today

about the opioid crisis in Middletown, Ohio. Having lived some of my childhood in small

Ohio towns, I had a connection to this type of town. I sent the article to Bud Merritt and

then dove right in and started writing. He sent back some lines that formed the basis of

the second verse and first pre chorus. Janice then added her brilliant harmony. Thanks to

all that listen and comment.


https://soundcloud.com/tommyad/middletown

https://tommyadamsmusic.com/music



RealTracks in song: 1522:Bass, Electric, PopPower8s Ev 120
RealTracks in song: 1038:Guitar, High-Strung Acoustic, Rhythm NorthernRockBallad Ev065
RealTracks in song: 1037:Guitar, Acoustic, Rhythm NorthernRockBallad Ev 065
RealTracks in song: ~2503:Piano, Acoustic, HeldChords 085
Royalty free loops

Vocals, Electric & Acoustic Guitars, Keyboard, Tom Adams
Harmony vocal, Janice Merritt
Recorded in Logic Pro X
Plug Ins : Nectar 2, Neutron 2, Ozone 8, Tonal Balance, Waves LinMB, Waves, L3-LL Multi Limiter, Scuffam Amps S-Gear, Waves Vocal Rider




Middletown

The only sound in Middletown
are the sirens screaming in the night
Stores closed up and the mill closed down
And another angel’s taking flight


All we got is family getting smaller everyday
Friends have turned up missing guess they couldn’t stay


She got that call again you know it’s happened twice
All his answers shot into a vein
Round here Dying’s just another part of life
But No No Not this way



she is just Too wasted to turn another trick

The kitchen table’s always such a wreck

her only son is chasing their next fix

And trying to cash her unemployment check


lined up at the pawnshop whatever they can sell
It’s sad to see how my hometown gave up and went to hell


She got that call again you know it’s happened twice
All his answers shot into a vein
Round here Dying’s just another part of life
But No No Not this way

©2018 Thomas Adams/Bud Merritt

Last edited by tommyad; 03/15/18 12:10 PM.
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,576
Veteran
Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,576
Tom , Bud & Janice

Superb, thought provoking lyrics, and a wonderful production.
Tom - loved the vocal, guitars and keyboard - beautiful mix.
Janice - spot on backing vocals and the little haunting lead "no no" part.
Truly exceptional.

Peter

User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 6,944
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 6,944
Tom, Bud & Janice,

A heartbreaking and beautifully written song. The vocals and production are incredible - pro all the way and really drive the emotional aspects of this song home.

Well done - does not get better than this...

Bob

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 21,285
Veteran
Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 21,285
This is one hell of a powerful song!

These lines really moved me:

"She got that call again you know it’s happened twice
All his answers shot into a vein
Round here Dying’s just another part of life
But No No Not this way"

I think the last anti-drug song that moved me this much was John Prine's "Sam Stone".

This should be the theme song for an anti-opioid campaign.

This is a keeper for sure.


Seated at the restaurant, He "Darling can you say something that makes my heart beat faster"?
She "Your wife just walked in"!

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,520
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,520
Hits right to the heart of the matter..outstanding production, and feels "right" for the topic/lyrics.

My favorite lyric element: "But No No Not this way"

BTW...was the drum track generated with RD's?

User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 6,861
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 6,861
Excellent in every way.

To my ears, it's got a strong Warren Zevon vibe.

Great stuff.


-- David Cuny
My virtual singer development blog

Vocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?
User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,232
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,232
Wow, such a powerful song! Excellent write, you really brought the story home (it's a big problem here too)

Production of course is totally pro, and it's the little things that really stand out and make it special. The second "no, no, not this way" line for example with just Janice.

Really good guys and gal!

User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 7,969
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 7,969

Ouch!

Powerful, and punchy. So close to home for America. Painful subject, but you handled it so well.

The subject matter at hand is so heart breaking for our country. Whenever I read about, and see pictures, I really want to cry.

User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 11,831
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 11,831
Tom, Bud And Janice...

This is STUNNINGLY good.

Songwriting at its very best. Not a wasted word. Every line is excellent. Every line is important. So much said in so few words.

The production is (as always) clean, clear, concise. No fat. Stellar mix.

The vocal has the empathy required. The harmonies are exquisite.

Y'all are all pros.

Extraordinary.

fj

User Showcase
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,219
tommyad Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,219
Originally Posted By: PeterF
Tom , Bud & Janice

Superb, thought provoking lyrics, and a wonderful production.
Tom - loved the vocal, guitars and keyboard - beautiful mix.
Janice - spot on backing vocals and the little haunting lead "no no" part.
Truly exceptional.

Peter
We certainly appreciate your review Peter. Thank you from all three of us, Tom

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 14,378
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 14,378
We
Originally Posted By: PeterF
Tom , Bud & Janice

Superb, thought provoking lyrics, and a wonderful production.
Tom - loved the vocal, guitars and keyboard - beautiful mix.
Janice - spot on backing vocals and the little haunting lead "no no" part.
Truly exceptional.

Peter


Thanks Peter! Considering the small contribution I (Bud) made I consider Tom to be very generous in listing me as a co-writer. Janice quickly fell into the harmony and it was Tom’s skillful editing that created her little lead from a harmony line.

Appreciate the nice comments!

Bud

User Showcase
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,219
tommyad Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,219
Originally Posted By: rsdean
Tom, Bud & Janice,

A heartbreaking and beautifully written song. The vocals and production are incredible - pro all the way and really drive the emotional aspects of this song home.

Well done - does not get better than this...

Bob
Bob, Thank you for the wonderful comments, Tom

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 7,639
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 7,639
Wow Tom what an awesome song and vocal. Awesome write Tom, Bud and Janice and such a beautiful harmony.
I have to respond to the lyrics separately.
The lyrics were so heart wrenching. It just seems the tragedy we are subjected today just keeps getting more and more extreme each day. That fentanyl just seems so insane why anyone would want to use it. Even the people cleaning up after these overdoses are getting wacked with just trace amounts of it lying around. Sad song awesome delivery


Scott Collingwood
https://soundcloud.com/scottt709
https://soundcloud.com/spiritlevel-ca
https://www.youtube.com/@SpiritLevel-ge3hm/
User Showcase
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,219
tommyad Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,219
Originally Posted By: MarioD
This is one hell of a powerful song!

These lines really moved me:

"She got that call again you know it’s happened twice
All his answers shot into a vein
Round here Dying’s just another part of life
But No No Not this way"

I think the last anti-drug song that moved me this much was John Prine's "Sam Stone".

This should be the theme song for an anti-opioid campaign.

This is a keeper for sure.
It is quite the compliment to have a John Prine reference in this review. Thanks, Tom ( back in my Chicago days I heard Prine do Sam Stone before he had a record deal. He remains a favorite)

User Showcase
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 3,414
PG Music Staff
Offline
PG Music Staff
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 3,414
Wow - you guys absolutely nailed this. It is so haunting, and so moving. The subject matter of this one really hits close to home for me personally. It isn't often you see this issue addressed. Topic aside - this is a brilliant write and perfectly executed. Your harmonies on the chorus gave me goosebumps. Simply beautiful, and incredibly touching.

Thanks so much for sharing this smile You guys should be very proud of this one.


Cheers,
Deryk
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 6,952
G
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
G
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 6,952
Here's one for the forum hall of fame, for sure!!! Powerful and painful, brilliant and beautiful, stellar and stunning!! Easiest way to sum it up.....everything done right, nothing done wrong. My favorite for both of you, and THAT is saying A LOT!!! Love it!! Take care. Greg

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,312
ROG Offline
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,312
Hi Tom,

A great song, beautifully performed and mixed.

It comes across at first as a really nice rock ballad, until you start to pick up
on the lyrics and then it gets difficult to listen to without being moved.

A very powerful and clever piece of writing.

Cheers, ROG.

User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 9,543
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 9,543
Yep..... got to agree, this is a really poignant song about a topic that is difficult at best to write about.


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
tommyad Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,219
Originally Posted By: Tano Music
Hits right to the heart of the matter..outstanding production, and feels "right" for the topic/lyrics.

My favorite lyric element: "But No No Not this way"

BTW...was the drum track generated with RD's?
Thanks much. The drums were cut from loops, Tom

User Showcase
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 5,316
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 5,316
Sad and beautiful Tom! It's packed full of truth that many can relate to! As for the production .... It has the awesome sonic quality an high production level we have come to expect from you! Great work! Thanks, Torrey




Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 4 1 2 3 4

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
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!

Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Mac® Video - DAW Plugin Version 6 New Features

The new Band-in-a-Box® VST DAW Plugin Version 6 for Mac® adds over 20 new features!

We show them off in our video: Band-in-a-Box® DAW Plugin Version 6 for Mac®: New Features

The Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Mac® Free Bonus PAK!

Along with the 50+ new features added with Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Mac®, we've also released an awesome collection of new Add-ons! On top of the 222 new RealTracks (+50 bonus RealTracks), we've also released new MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, "Songs with Vocals" Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 3, Playable RealDrums Set 2, and two new sets of "RealDrums Stems."

Order Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Mac during our special (which ends July 31st) and you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK that includes a lot of these new Add-ons:
- MIDI Styles Set 88: "Look Ma! More MIDI 11: SynthMaster"
- Instrumental Studies Set 20: New Orleans Piano
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 40: More SynthMaster
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 43: Rock & Pop Keys
- Artist Performance Set 15: Songs with Vocals volume 5
- Playable RealTracks Set 3
- Playable RealDrums Set 2
- SynthMaster Sounds and Styles, with audio demos
- RealCombos 2024 Booster PAK:
*For Pro customers, this includes 35 new RealTracks and 58 new RealStyles.
*For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 45 new RealStyles.
*For UltraPAK customers, this includes 28 new RealStyles.

- RealDrums Stems Set 6: More Pop, Rock & Country

Want even more new Add-ons? Boost your Free Bonus PAK to a 2024 49-PAK for just $49 and add even more new Add-ons to your collection:
- 50 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks & RealDrums
- MIDI Styles Set 89: "Look Ma! More MIDI 12: Funk, Jazz & Blues Keys"
- Instrumental Studies Set 21: '80s Hard Rock Guitar
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 41: Jazz Comping & Soloing Piano
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 42: Soul & New Orleans Keys
- Artist Performance Set 16: Songs with Vocals volume 6
- RealDrums Stems Set 5: Jazz, Latin, Funk & World

Listen to Demos of the Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK: https://youtu.be/ZezLjinyb-4

Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Mac® Video - Boot Camp: Working with the Newest Features!

Band-in-a-Box 2024 for Mac includes over 50 new features!

Watch our Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Mac® Boot Camp: Working with the Newest Features video, and follow along as we demonstrate how to create a new song from scratch using some of the major new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Mac®, like the Chord Progression Builder, the new MultiPicker Library Window, and the new Tracks Window!

Watch: Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Mac® Boot Camp: Working with the Newest Features

Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Mac® Videos: One-Stop Shopping!

With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Mac®, we're adding new videos to our YouTube channel. We'll also post them here when they are published so that you can easily find all of our Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Mac® videos in one place!

The Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Mac videos released as-of June 28, 2024 are:

Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Mac® - Everything you need to know in under 8 minutes!

Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Mac® - The New Tracks Window Explained

Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Mac® - RealCombos Booster PAK Styles Demo

Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Mac® - 49-PAK Overview

Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Mac® - 222 New RealTracks Overview

Forum Statistics
Forums65
Topics82,382
Posts743,947
Members38,761
Most Online2,537
Jan 19th, 2020
Newest Members
ravshmuel, Bigfan, Bob Bethune, TomBomb, joseakio
38,761 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 140
DC Ron 83
rsdean 80
DrDan 63
Today's Birthdays
CharlyFranks
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5