Hi everybody,

the end of the year is already in sight, so here’s my last 2018 post.

Those of you who have watched any of my videos might think that I’m always having the time of my life, but as you know: Where there is light, there is also shadow. And I’m sure that those of you who are 65 or older know that life isn’t all beer and skittles all the time anymore.

I wrote this song about one year ago and it refllects the way I felt then: Man, I’m getting really old and there’s not much I can do about. So, it’s not one of my fun songs, but luckily I wrote quite a few of those after that dark period. And you will soon understand who's the one who makes me appreciate every single day regardless of all health problems.

When I made the video to it, I thought that I should add some positive aspects, so it’s got a somewhat lomgher (sorry, rayc) and funnier intro and I managed to integrate some bars of the very first song I ever wrote (must have been in 1976). Which gave me the opprtunity to also show some of the members of my then band as they look now. So, if you’re not feeling like watching the whole thing and want to get right on to the beef: fast forward to 2:00.

Nothing's Easy Anymore (video & lyrics)
Nothing's Easy Anymore ((MP3 & lyrics)
Nothing's Easy Anymore (MP3 on Soundcloud)

Before I get to the musical details of it, I’d like to say some very personal things: I’m pretty new to this wonderful forum and although it has turned out to be a very time-consuming job to keep track of all those excellent songs and lovely posts, it also turned out to be one of the best things that happened to me in 2018. I’m not only pleased and impressed by the sympathetic, positive and constructive way you all communicate, but also by the impartiality towards any genre of music that’s being presented here.

Not only have I got to know very sympathetic and likeable songwriters and musicians of almost consistently very high standards, I have also learned an awful lot by listening to your songs and reading your posts carefully - I’m really grateful for that. And I’d also like to thank those of you who took the time to give my songs a listen and their always very kind comments.

So I’m really looking forward to the year ahead which will undoubtedly bring another giant basket of great songs of all genres.

I really wish a very Merry Christmas and all the best to all of you.

Stefan

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Now here are the musical details:

Style is _SHOUT.STY ( Big Band Shout 11-part Horns)

RealTracks in style: ~~481:Bass, Acoustic, Jazz Ballad Sw 085
RealTracks in style: ~~487:Piano, Acoustic, Rhythm Jazz Ballad Sw 085
RealTracks in style: ~~557:Guitar, Acoustic, Rhythm Jazz Ballad Freddie Sw 085 ('B' only)
RealDrums in style: JazzBrushes: a: Brushes Swirling b: Brushes Busier

As you will probably notice I did not use the BigBand track the way it was generated automatically. Instead, I re-generated it over and over again, cutting out small snippets and then put them together. Took me days before I was halfways satisfied - my mom would have called it ‘a task for people who killed their moms and dads’ - something like a chain-gang job... But, man, did I like it!

Unlike it’s shown in the video where I gave an old Framus semi the chance to at least be visually presented, I recorded the guitar solo using my Fender Jeff Beck Signature, that old tiny Fender amp and increasingly arthritic fingers.

Like always my treasure Maha took care of the sound and the mixing - I don’t exactly know what she did, but I sure like it! And I’m very grateful for her sensivity towards my songs.

I’ll be very happy if you enjoy the song and/or the video at least a bit - thanks for listening and watching.

Well, that was 11 minutes and 5 seconds well spent!

Wow, just an excellent job on this from start to finish, including the intro. Good song, the writing hit home. Loved the alter-ego guitarist, he can play! Great feel and choice of notes! Read your note about the Jeff Beck strat too, very cool.

Yeah, I can relate to the age thing, I'm 64 (there is a song there someplace!)

Always enjoy your productions, and looking forward to seeing/hearing what you come up with next year!

Best to you and yours for the holiday.

Stefan, that was exceptional. The whole performance was captivating. The great write was so well complimented by the creative video and the spot on production. I have to say I don’t recall ever seeing a guitarist bend a single string with his pinky. Super solo. I loved everything about it. Happiest of holidays to you and the gang, Tom

Amen

nothing is easy anymore, boy can I relate

(same age as Dave)

excellent mix and arrangement

great solo

enjoyed the listen,

Kenny

Stephan,

That was quite enjoyable - both the listen and the "watch"...

Awesome job with the horns! They were perfect.

Really nice guitar solo.

The song was good. Loved the chorus melody - had me singing along by the end. Very melodic.

The mix is really good. Tight.

And a nice video.

fj

Stefan

Amazing video as usual and an excellent song (agree with Dave's review). Really nice tone and playing on the guitar.
Seriously good.

Peter

Nice wee thing and it was great lyrics.

wee Nit.. At times I thought you had added the lyrics to fit the backing tracks, as though you had no control over the arrangement of the backing ?.

Was it a backing track sent to you pre done etc ?.

Probably just me !!.

As usual, a complete package of entertainment. Well done everything.

Wow! Great work on this Crossroads! Really enjoyed the arrangement on this. Well done!

Stefan,
I never tried beer with skittles. You got me intrigued!

That was a nice blues. Everything sounds perfect. Seems you can do this with your eyes closed I know it is very labor intensive "to make it sound easy".

My father in law is 82. I can see that some things getting harder and harder for him, but once he grabs his bayan (button accordion), he becomes a young man again. Let music keep your spirits up!

Happy holidays and Skittles with some good, dark German beer to you. Cheers!


Vielen Dank!

Hello Stefan,

WOW! Everything about this is just so good! Love the video - particularly how you superimposed behind you. You're right - nothing is easy. We;;, except listening to your songs and watching your videos. - and the other folks on this forum, too.

Not only is your singing to[ notch, your guitar playing is really, really smooth. I enjoyed every second of this. This is my third time time watching and listening. And you have such a great command of the English language.

What a treat!!!

Merry Christmas to you and Maha.

Alan

Ain't it the truth! You have been consistent with you quality of your song posting. The song may have been longer than most posts, it didn't seem long at all. Thank you for the captivating entertainment.

Merry Christmas to you!

Scott Schwarz

Great song!! Yes, I can relate!!! I have thought about writing a song of this theme. I had a lyric idea......from taking drugs for getting high, to taking drugs for getting by. Getting old is a tricky business! Great work on this! Awesome vocal. Killer job all around!!! Take care. Greg

Stefan, I can say without any hesitation that you produce some of the finest work presented on this forum! There is nothing "off" sounding in this! It's just perfect! You vocal, guitar, mix, everything are top notch! I really like it! Thanks, Torrey

Dear Dave,

thanks a lot for that very nice comment - I am really happy you enjoyed the project. And I hope that you will enjoy any of my future postings as well. And as much as I always enjoy yours!

And long as we continue with our music I'm sure that 2019 will be a great year even for us 'Grey Panthers'.

All the best,

Stefan

Dear Tommy,

thank you very much for your kind words - I really appreciate them.

All the best to you and yours,

Stefan (formerly known as 'Steely Pinky')

Hello Kenny,

I was surprised that you're (almost) one of us seniors (how I hate that word...) - you look younger on the pic...

Thanks a lot for your kind review.

Take care,

Stefan

Hi Stefan,
All seems so easy in this song in your way of singing and in the quality of the orchestration.
Very good job on this song !
I wish you a merry Christmas. Christian

Hi Floyd,

what more could I ask for than have you singing along to a song of mine...? Thanks a lot for your positive review, I really appreciate it a lot.

I will pass your positive comment on the mix to Maha who will be happy to hear it.

All the best,

Stefan

Dear Peter,

thanks a lot for taking the time to watch the video and listen to the song. As you can imagine a positive comment on any guitar solo counts double, so you made my day. Thank you for your kind comment.

Take care,

Stefan