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#646687 - 03/14/21 01:44 PM [User Showcase] SCARECROW by SPIRIT LEVEL
Registered: 04/13/16
Posts: 5293
Loc: Cooran Queensland Australia
rayc Offline
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Registered: 04/13/16
Posts: 5293
Loc: Cooran Queensland Australia
Scarecrow
a song by Spirit Level.

Written by Scott Collingwood and Robert Cordrey Feb. 2021
Mastered by Scott Collingwood.
SCARECROW

This song was born from a song Scott recorded in 2018 called Fluffy. Scott & friends, as teenagers playing in a band, listened to records together and, when a new band like Uriah Heep or Grand Funk Railroad came up, one of the fellows in the band would describe the music as “fluffy”. This provoked laughter as the bands were far from fluffy. From that adjective came Fluffy and from there comes Scarecrow.

Robert wrote the lyrics and vocal melody then recorded, as well as treated, his vocals. He wrote some of the lyrics months ago and dragged them from the recycle pile on hearing the Fluffy demo. They are intended to be crazy in your face fun... coming from listening to the likes of Kevin Ayers (Soft Machine), Viv Stanshall (Bonzo Dog) and, of course, Captain Beefheart.

ray tracked a variety of guitars and bass which, over time replaced the RealTracks but took the “vibe” from the two excellent Grunge guitar RTs.

Structurally and melodically the song is recognizably a Spirit Level thing but sonically, it’s in a parallel universe inspired by the sounds and arrangement of _THRAAMP.STY (Amplitube Metal Chug w/ Organ).

Scarecrow

Strawman don’t you dare
Stare at my house
My house glares back at you
Your soup can eyes try to hide
What`s living down in your shoe

Make me moon-shot crazy
Waving wire arms in the wind
My soul`s flame thrower surely gonna sing
If you move your hands again
You'll reap what you sow
Listen to the scarecrow…

Give me back my hat
I don’t wear it like that
Your saw teeth they got rats
Your little flock, flock of sparrows
Scatter when pond ice cracks

I hear what you’re saying
You`re all over the news
Burned-over messiah talking holy fire on booze
And I`m coming with a match for you
You’ll reap what you sow
Listen to the scarecrow…

You’ll reap what you sow
Listen to the scarecrow

© Robert Cordrey Feb. 2021

In addition to Scott’s melodic lines and riff this version began with
Key=E , Tempo 80, Length (m:s)=2:18
1009:Bass, Electric, HardRockThrash Ev 085
~673:Organ, B3, Background Blues BB Ev 085
3736:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm GrungeSlowDistPower8ths Ev 080
3737:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm GrungeSlowGritHigh8ths Ev 080
3729:Guitar, Electric, Soloist GrungePopGritty Ev 110
2304:Synth, Rhythm DanceRockKoto Ev 120
RealDrums, RockHardLA^1-a:Snare, HiHat , b:Snare, Loose HiHat

After various developments the only RealTrack to survive intact is the RealDrums one.

Scott’s gear: Guitar: Gretsch Duojet, Amp: Marshall Could combo, Effects: Eventide H9’s

ray’s gear: Vantage VS696B bass, Squire Mustang “Bullet”, Joyo ACTone, Behringer GDI21, No name 5 string banjo – mic’d and the Yamaha FX500 “sitar” & “Soft Focus” effects.



Thank you, in anticipation, for listening.
Comments, suggestions, thoughts are welcome.


Edited by rayc (03/14/21 01:55 PM)
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rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe

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#646694 - 03/14/21 02:08 PM [User Showcase] Re: SCARECROW by SPIRIT LEVEL [Re: rayc]
Registered: 07/15/12
Posts: 1831
gruverider Offline
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Registered: 07/15/12
Posts: 1831
A welcome retro sound. I really like the experimentation in the music and the lyrics.

Well done!

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#646702 - 03/14/21 03:15 PM [User Showcase] Re: SCARECROW by SPIRIT LEVEL [Re: rayc]
Registered: 07/11/15
Posts: 4831
Loc: United States
Torrey Bliss Offline
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Registered: 07/11/15
Posts: 4831
Loc: United States
Love it guys! Cool blast from the past sounds! Everyone is doing their thing here in fine fashion! Love all the little effects popping in and out from the right and left! Great title! Thanks, T
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#646730 - 03/14/21 05:42 PM [User Showcase] Re: SCARECROW by SPIRIT LEVEL [Re: rayc]
Registered: 12/27/03
Posts: 18682
Loc: Hamlin NY
MarioD Online   content
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Registered: 12/27/03
Posts: 18682
Loc: Hamlin NY
Flashback! This was extremely well done. Super guitars, bass, and vocal. I liked the effects also. The stereo mix was outstanding.

Great job on this!
_________________________
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He sent her grocery shopping!

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#646738 - 03/14/21 06:42 PM [User Showcase] Re: SCARECROW by SPIRIT LEVEL [Re: rayc]
Registered: 03/07/18
Posts: 4488
Rustyspoon# Online   content
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Registered: 03/07/18
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Hey team!
Probably the heaviest tune by S.L. as of yet. Excellent vintage sound / drive with modern approach, which in my opinion is a hard goal to achieve by itself. Big sound. Lyrics are something special and unexpected! Love fuzzy guitars + panning fx. Great job on solo guitar and bass! Vocals are strong and suits genre well, however one (the only) thing that I think that I would change is vocals vs everything else ratio, with voice a little more upfront. I do understand that for some genres, especially where this is leaning it is not a major thing. Thank you for sharing.

Misha.

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#646760 - 03/14/21 10:28 PM [User Showcase] Re: SCARECROW by SPIRIT LEVEL [Re: rayc]
Registered: 09/27/10
Posts: 5594
Loc: Sacramento, California
dcuny Offline
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Registered: 09/27/10
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Loc: Sacramento, California
Nice backstory! It also helped make sense of the song. laugh

It's not a genre that I know much about, so I'm really not qualified to speak to anything musical. Clearly this is a song that needs to be played loudly to be truly appreciated!

But, like Misha, I also have liked a mix that put the vocals more forward. The lyrics were a good fit for the style, and I'm glad they were rescued from the dustbin!
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My virtual singer development blog

Vocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?

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#646779 - 03/15/21 12:36 AM [User Showcase] Re: SCARECROW by SPIRIT LEVEL [Re: gruverider]
Registered: 04/13/16
Posts: 5293
Loc: Cooran Queensland Australia
rayc Offline
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Registered: 04/13/16
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Originally Posted By: gruverider
A welcome retro sound. I really like the experimentation in the music and the lyrics.
Well done!

Thank you gruverider.
I'm not entirely sure what era or style we've tapped into.
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rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe

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#646780 - 03/15/21 12:37 AM [User Showcase] Re: SCARECROW by SPIRIT LEVEL [Re: Torrey Bliss]
Registered: 04/13/16
Posts: 5293
Loc: Cooran Queensland Australia
rayc Offline
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Registered: 04/13/16
Posts: 5293
Loc: Cooran Queensland Australia
Originally Posted By: Torrey Bliss
Love it guys! Cool blast from the past sounds! Everyone is doing their thing here in fine fashion! Love all the little effects popping in and out from the right and left! Great title! Thanks, T

Thank you Torrey,
Panning is always a little fun.
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rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe

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#646781 - 03/15/21 12:38 AM [User Showcase] Re: SCARECROW by SPIRIT LEVEL [Re: MarioD]
Registered: 04/13/16
Posts: 5293
Loc: Cooran Queensland Australia
rayc Offline
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Registered: 04/13/16
Posts: 5293
Loc: Cooran Queensland Australia
Originally Posted By: MarioD
Flashback! This was extremely well done. Super guitars, bass, and vocal. I liked the effects also. The stereo mix was outstanding.
Great job on this!

Thanks Mario,
Glad you like it. It was a blast to construct.
_________________________
Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe

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#646782 - 03/15/21 12:41 AM [User Showcase] Re: SCARECROW by SPIRIT LEVEL [Re: Rustyspoon#]
Registered: 04/13/16
Posts: 5293
Loc: Cooran Queensland Australia
rayc Offline
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Registered: 04/13/16
Posts: 5293
Loc: Cooran Queensland Australia
Originally Posted By: Rustyspoon#
Hey team!
Probably the heaviest tune by S.L. as of yet. Excellent vintage sound / drive with modern approach, which in my opinion is a hard goal to achieve by itself. Big sound. Lyrics are something special and unexpected! Love fuzzy guitars + panning fx. Great job on solo guitar and bass! Vocals are strong and suits genre well, however one (the only) thing that I think that I would change is vocals vs everything else ratio, with voice a little more upfront. I do understand that for some genres, especially where this is leaning it is not a major thing. Thank you for sharing.
Misha.

Misha, thanks.
There is a heavier version but it's probably not one that most folk would care to hear.
Robert was happy with the vocal level in this mix - he called it done. You know I'm inclined to keep them lower.
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#646783 - 03/15/21 12:43 AM [User Showcase] Re: SCARECROW by SPIRIT LEVEL [Re: dcuny]
Registered: 04/13/16
Posts: 5293
Loc: Cooran Queensland Australia
rayc Offline
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Registered: 04/13/16
Posts: 5293
Loc: Cooran Queensland Australia
Originally Posted By: dcuny
Nice backstory! It also helped make sense of the song. laugh
It's not a genre that I know much about, so I'm really not qualified to speak to anything musical. Clearly this is a song that needs to be played loudly to be truly appreciated!
But, like Misha, I also have liked a mix that put the vocals more forward. The lyrics were a good fit for the style, and I'm glad they were rescued from the dustbin!

Thanks dcuny,
It's interesting that the back story helped you make sense of the song.
It's not a genre I'm normally into either...it's just how it grew.
Yes, increased volume does benefit the listen.
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rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe

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#646788 - 03/15/21 02:27 AM [User Showcase] Re: SCARECROW by SPIRIT LEVEL [Re: rayc]
Registered: 11/30/07
Posts: 4710
Loc: Ontario, Canada
BlueAttitude Offline
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Registered: 11/30/07
Posts: 4710
Loc: Ontario, Canada
Sounds great, guys!

Very different from anything ever posted before on this site before I think. And that's a good thing!

Cool production, love all the panning going on, sounds great through the 'phones.

Nice to see you trying new things, always enjoy listening to your music.

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#646810 - 03/15/21 05:58 AM [User Showcase] Re: SCARECROW by SPIRIT LEVEL [Re: dcuny]
Registered: 05/27/19
Posts: 2466
Loc: Dallas, PA, USA
BabuMusic Online   content
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Registered: 05/27/19
Posts: 2466
Loc: Dallas, PA, USA
Originally Posted By: dcuny
Nice backstory! It also helped make sense of the song. laugh

It's not a genre that I know much about, so I'm really not qualified to speak to anything musical. Clearly this is a song that needs to be played loudly to be truly appreciated!

But, like Misha, I also have liked a mix that put the vocals more forward. The lyrics were a good fit for the style, and I'm glad they were rescued from the dustbin!


Yeah, that's what I was gonna say, David. Man, love that interplay of guitars and bass.
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marty

Babu Music on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLDrsXTXfShgnGalQZ0ElQw
Me on SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/marty-straub

My website: http://martystraub.com/

using Band in a Box, Reaper, Cakewalk, Ozone 10

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#646829 - 03/15/21 09:11 AM [User Showcase] Re: SCARECROW by SPIRIT LEVEL [Re: rayc]
Registered: 06/09/16
Posts: 3338
Robertkc Offline
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Registered: 06/09/16
Posts: 3338
I hope Scott will link to his original Fluffy instrumental as its very good and an interesting comparison.
Yes, PLEASE PLAY LOUD- its a bit of a sensory assault but that`s how the vocal level in the mix makes sense.
Thank you for listening and commenting!

Robert

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#646848 - 03/15/21 11:20 AM [User Showcase] Re: SCARECROW by SPIRIT LEVEL [Re: rayc]
Registered: 11/29/06
Posts: 3198
Loc: Finland
jannesan Offline
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Registered: 11/29/06
Posts: 3198
Loc: Finland
Really not my type of music, too psychedelic wink But I really admire the artistic end result. Very rich imagery in lyrics and together with the band is very mesmerizing. Robert's voice is almost unrecognizable, but it fits perfectly. The guitars and the bass have great sound. Scott's painting is once again in its own class. I'm glad to hear that your collaboration has no limits when it comes to creativity.

Janne
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#646858 - 03/15/21 11:41 AM [User Showcase] Re: SCARECROW by SPIRIT LEVEL [Re: gruverider]
Registered: 12/08/11
Posts: 7074
Loc: Edmonton, Ab, Canada
Scott C Offline
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Registered: 12/08/11
Posts: 7074
Loc: Edmonton, Ab, Canada
Originally Posted By: gruverider
A welcome retro sound. I really like the experimentation in the music and the lyrics.

Well done!


Thanks for checking out the song Lawrence. Pretty much all our songs are an experiment. We start with a basic back track and then start adding layers. Our songs are shaped pretty much in three directions at the same time. Really glad you liked it.

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#646928 - 03/15/21 02:56 PM [User Showcase] Re: SCARECROW by SPIRIT LEVEL [Re: rayc]
Registered: 08/10/12
Posts: 10773
Loc: Florida
floyd jane Offline
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Registered: 08/10/12
Posts: 10773
Loc: Florida
Spirit Level!

LOVED this.

My favorite from EACH of you.

Favorite Scott lead work. Perfect.
Favorite ray bass/guitars and mix
(or whoever deserves credit for the mix).
Favorite Robert vocal. Perfect.

Cool song. Excellent Black-Light-Rock write.

Sounds great in the phones.

fj

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#646987 - 03/15/21 07:48 PM [User Showcase] Re: SCARECROW by SPIRIT LEVEL [Re: rayc]
Registered: 06/05/12
Posts: 1081
jptjptjpt Offline
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Registered: 06/05/12
Posts: 1081
Good work to all. Robert's lyrics are excellent as usual. Dark poetry. Vocals fit the mood perfectly. Well mixed. Outstanding production. Good job to you all.
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#647079 - 03/16/21 02:15 PM [User Showcase] Re: SCARECROW by SPIRIT LEVEL [Re: BlueAttitude]
Registered: 04/13/16
Posts: 5293
Loc: Cooran Queensland Australia
rayc Offline
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Registered: 04/13/16
Posts: 5293
Loc: Cooran Queensland Australia
Originally Posted By: BlueAttitude
Sounds great, guys!
Very different from anything ever posted before on this site before I think. And that's a good thing!
Cool production, love all the panning going on, sounds great through the 'phones.
Nice to see you trying new things, always enjoy listening to your music.

Thanks.
It grew into what is is fairly organically.
_________________________
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rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe

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#647080 - 03/16/21 02:17 PM [User Showcase] Re: SCARECROW by SPIRIT LEVEL [Re: BabuMusic]
Registered: 04/13/16
Posts: 5293
Loc: Cooran Queensland Australia
rayc Offline
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Registered: 04/13/16
Posts: 5293
Loc: Cooran Queensland Australia
Originally Posted By: BabuMusic

Yeah, that's what I was gonna say, David. Man, love that interplay of guitars and bass.

Than you sir,
the louder it's played the more sense the vocal level makes.
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rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe

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