|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,419
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,419 |
This song is the second part of a series Robert was writing. It is part 2 from Cowboy Karma. Robert and I have decided to put Spirit Level up on the shelf. We start liking each others music back in 2017 and tried a few collaborations that produced over 75 songs . We have had some of the other forum members join us over the years and would like to thank them again for their help. Robert and I became good friends over the years and are really proud of the work that we have created. The support from the forum has been one of the key factors in being able to develop these songs and over course the wonder product Band in a Box which made all this possible in the first place. Shadowlands of Eden - Soundcloud Spirit Level is: Robert Cordrey, lyrics, vocals, and music production Scott Collingwood, lead guitar and fills, soundtrack production Band in a Box Mixed and Mastered in Studio One 6 For the guitar geeks: Guitars Gibson Les Paul, Gretsch Duojet Helix LT for Amps and Effects. There are two amps blended together. Marshall Plexi and Grammatco GSG based on Dumble Overdrive. Some compression, delay and reverb. The band: Key=Dm , Tempo 90, Length (m:s)=4:34 13 bar intro, 87 bar chorus, from bar 14 to bar 100. Repeat x1 chorus Melody has 327 notes, Melody harmony is < no harmony >(0) No Soloist track. Song is saved with Volume, Pan, Reverb, Chorus, Bank0, Song is saved with bar changes for Tempo, Style is _BEET.STY (Beet Indie Folk Groove) RealTracks in song: 366:Bass, Electric, Country Ev 065 RealTracks in style: 3644:Guitar, Acoustic, Fingerpicking IndieFolkAlternate Ev16 085 RealTracks in song: 3182:Guitar, Acoustic, Rhythm GrungeUnpluggedQuinn Ev16 090 RealTracks in style: 2875:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm AmericanaTremoloSlow128Colin Sw 040 RealTracks in song: 842:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm PopBalladSlowGritty Ev 065 (A:arp) RealDrums in style:Soul70sEv16^1-a:Snare, Closed Hihat , b:Snare, Busy Kick Shadowlands of Eden (cowboy karma pt2) cowboy karma`s never over til bad blood falls to mortal sin sit back and we`ll devine the mind of our darker twin I told myself a story my dreams would have a script Chance in my arms in our movie before my best lines were stripped we`d ride far past Virtue her heat under that green gown care nothing for their curfew in starlight we`d drown infamous names Able and Cain`s epitaph reads "Revenge" written cross the heavens in the shadowlands the shadowlands of Eden hiding for her in ambush fiction my Chance betrayed until the scales are even, brother I`ll risk all disgrace infamous names freeze the frame their epitaph reads "Revenge" written cross the heavens in the shadowlands shadowlands of Eden consider things of beauty young girl`s eyes a hawk in flight asking how love turns to cruelty we wish you a serene goodnight © Robert Cordrey March, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 9,256
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 9,256 |
Scott / Robert,
My new favorite from Spirit Level...
Mysterious, beautiful and expertly produced. Love everything about this.
Bob
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,845
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,845 |
Scott and Robert, spooky, ethereal and utterly worthy of the Spirit Level catalog. That slide guitar is insane, and sets a scrumptious tone. Heck, ALL the guitars are just too cool and perfect. Robert's vocals are achingly plaintive, and the early section where the backing vocals slip into dissonance creates just the right unsettling feeling. Super production, too.
The two of you produce some of the coolest, most original music I listen to, and I always get a thrill of anticipation when I see one of your new songs posted on the forum. "On the shelf" is ambiguous, but it still makes me a little sad.
Love your music!
DC Ron
BiaB Audiophile
Presonus Studio One
ASUS I9-12900K DAW, 32 GB RAM
Presonus Faderport 16
Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 1,377
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 1,377 |
Robert and Scott,
I agree with Bob Dean - very mysterious writing. I have my theories, but sometimes it’s best to let the mystery remain. All of this was couched within a wonderful soundscape created by the guitars, and I sensed that musically, that was intended because vocals and guitars had equal footing. Those guitars did the job intended. In terms of mix, I would have preferred the drums and bass to have a tad more volume, unless it was my ears? Robert’s vocal conjures up a sense of tragedy and woe which fitted the lyrics perfectly.
Overall, a very emotive soundscape. Well done on this song and your very productive collaboration!
Andrew
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 2,445
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 2,445 |
Love the guitar breaks in this last lyrically poetic Spirit Level song - assuming from what you wrote that it's either the last venture, or there'll be a long pause before anything new arises. I shall miss both Spirit Level songs and videos!
Some favourite Waoist Adages:
#1: Play on the Way.
#13: Ask not for whom the flower blooms, it blooms for you.
#58: Bring consciousness to it.
#63: On the road to effortlessness, effort must be made.
#92: Be Love Now, the rest will come on its own.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,547
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,547 |
Wow! This sounds great you two!
Excellent lyrics, music, production, guitar, everything!
Really enjoyed this a lot. Loved the guitar fade out.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,450
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,450 |
I'm a huge Spirit Level fan and sad to learn of its demise, but I gotta ask: 75 songs? I'm missing quite a few somewhere. I came to the forum in 2019, does that explain it? Anyway, this is a great followup and full of lyrical goodness as I've come to expect from SL I'm counting on the two of you to participate here in some new way - hope that's true. It was a great ride!!
Windows 11, Intel Core I5 10400, 16 gig ram, Scarlett 2i2, Sony Acid Music Studio 10, BIAB 2020 UltraPlus Pak
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 25,065
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 25,065 |
Robert and Scott, man you guys blew me away with this one. Loved the vocal and guitar licks - brilliant work on both. The lyrics were awesome. An outstanding mix.
Loved it.
PS - I hope that Spirit Level is just in hiatus and will be back sometime soon.
Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,319
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,319 |
Scott,
it's good that you've set yourself up with your own posts of solo stuff on the forum - you've another existence beyond Spirit Level.
Some very fine melodic playing on this one.
Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,419
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,419 |
Bob, Ron, and Andrew thanks for checking out the song. Really glad you liked the song.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 5,222
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 5,222 |
WOW. I just realized what happens EVERYtime I hear your Spirit Level. My body sinks in the chair in a very realxed state that a yogi would be proud of, and my whole being becomes emersed in the sounds. I really like Robert's vocals and, man, those lyrics are always something that makes me return for more. Your guitar work, Scott, is always something extraordinary in what it adds to each song. Tone and taste are unmatched. Oddly (maybe) Larry Carlton. I went back to "Cowboy Karma" for a refresher course. Yep, still very refreshing.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 1,552
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 1,552 |
Hi Scott.
Excellent song.
Robert sings really cool again.
He has such a special way of singing. Really great.
Your guitar parts and the solo are excellent. Plus the top sound of your Gibson.
An absolutely top production!
Andi :-)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,419
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,419 |
Thanks Chay, David, TM, Mario and Ray. Your comments are very much appreciated. Glad you liked the song
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,708
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,708 |
First, sorry to hear that Spirit Level is on the shelf - hopefully not forever. You two gentlemen have posted some of the most interesting and dynamic music on the forum.
This is a great sound - haunting, captivating, and an ear magnet. Robert has the ideal voice for your productions. And your guitar work and production are superb.
Loved the ending where everything faded except the guitar - cool!
Great song - super listen. Good luck to both of you. Looking forward to your individual productions in the future.
Alan
BIAB 2024 Ultra Plus-all StylePaks*Win11*32GB DDR5*Rhyzen 9745x*AT 2035 Mic*Peavey Nashville 112 Amp*Ibanez ART120* Acoustic/Electric/Washburn D200S Acoustic*Stromberg Monterey Jazz Guitar Loops: https://aldavidmusic.wixsite.com/bestmusicloops
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,679
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,679 |
I'm so sorry to hear that Spirit Level is taking a break. When I was a newbie on this forum, I benefitted so much from the encouragement and kindness shown by both Robert and yourself, Scott. Your support has been unwavering ... thank you. And Spirit Level's own music ... wow. Genuinely one of my favourites, always mystical, often with hard-to-decipher lyrics from Robert, which nevertheless speak to the heart ... enveloped in mysterious harmonies and somehow ethereal vocal deliveries. I will miss it all.
This song: beautiful. Absolutely beautiful. Trademark harmonies. The lyrics hint at darkness - and, alike many good lyrics, easily understandable if one doesn't try to understand them, but feel them, instead. Robert's vocals soar, your guitar playing is communicative as always. Love the guitar ending.
What a song to rest the mic on. THANK YOU for all the joys you've brought us through so many years.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 3,191
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 3,191 |
Every time I listen to a new song from you guys, I am impressed all over again.
You create such a unique, mystical, haunting spaghetti western prog sound that it's only a matter of time until Quentin Tarantino discovers you guys for his next movie soundtrack.
Enjoyed my listen.
A lot!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,103
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,103 |
Sounds great Scott and Robert! I'm a big fan of the Spirit Level project, I think the music you produce is not only top quality, but also totally unique and original, and I'm sorry to read that you are packing it in 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,677
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,677 |
Hi Scott.
You and Robert are a powerhouse. I love the guitar work and the production. Coupled with Robert's lyrics, the overall effect is a musical journey that is moody and mysterious. I loved it. You've both done a great job (again!).
--Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,346
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,346 |
Hi, Scott & Robert. I love how the song starts out dreamy, and then moves to a faster, but still subtle beat. Robert's lyrics and delivery are languid, and the guitars set a western sound that's wide and expansive as the lyrics. Excellent work! 
-- David Cuny My virtual singer development blogVocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?BiaB 2025 | Windows 11 | Reaper | Way too many VSTis.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 13,029
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 13,029 |
Scott & Robert,
You guys have made some excellent music as Spirit Level. (or ... a lot)
It gets better all the time.
(And the Rock-i-er the better).
Original. Fascinating.
I am a fan.
This is excellent.
Cool vocals. Sweet guitar. Good mix.
The Band will be missed.
Thanks for the music.
Already looking forward to the reunion tour.
fj
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 11 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
XPro Styles PAK 11 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 (and higher) is here with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 31 RealTracks/RealDrums!
Guess who’s back again? That’s right! It’s our XPro Styles PAK’s triumphant return with the 11th edition in this series! 100 new styles are coming your way spread across the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres. And this edition's wildcard genre explores the immense and far-reaching catalogue of electronic music! The included 31 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 11 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2026 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 22 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2026 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
It’s time to celebrate! Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Band-in-a-Box® is here, and we've got 200 brand-new styles coming your way!
No Xtra Styles PAK is complete without the classic rock & pop, jazz, and country volumes you know and love, and we’ve got plenty to share, with 150 styles spread across too many genres to list! Of course, it also wouldn’t be complete with our special wildcard volume to add a little spice and pizzazz to the mix. This year, because we loved it so much the first time, we’ve decided to make the second iteration of our SynthMaster volume, full of new sounds, interesting genres, and 50 engaging styles, all making use of the diverse SynthMaster plugin! Here you can find genres such as airy yacht rock, sultry electrotango, and even some synth soca funk. Don’t wait, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 22 today!
In this PAK you can find: dulcet folk ballads, funky gospel country, Brazilian jazz fusion, upbeat 1980s pop, classic Americana, a plethora of breezy bossa novas, indie singer-songwriter, scintillating synthwave, exuberant electronica, and many, many more!
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 22 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 22.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 22 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 22 requires the 2026 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 11 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
XPro Styles PAK 11 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 (and higher) is here with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 31 RealTracks/RealDrums!
Guess who’s back again? That’s right! It’s our XPro Styles PAK’s triumphant return with the 11th edition in this series! 100 new styles are coming your way spread across the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres. And this edition's wildcard genre explores the immense and far-reaching catalogue of electronic music! The included 31 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 11 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2026 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 22 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2026 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
It’s time to celebrate! Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Band-in-a-Box® is here, and we've got 200 brand-new styles coming your way!
No Xtra Styles PAK is complete without the classic rock & pop, jazz, and country volumes you know and love, and we’ve got plenty to share, with 150 styles spread across too many genres to list! Of course, it also wouldn’t be complete with our special wildcard volume to add a little spice and pizzazz to the mix. This year, because we loved it so much the first time, we’ve decided to make the second iteration of our SynthMaster volume, full of new sounds, interesting genres, and 50 engaging styles, all making use of the diverse SynthMaster plugin! Here you can find genres such as airy yacht rock, sultry electrotango, and even some synth soca funk. Don’t wait, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 22 today!
In this PAK you can find: dulcet folk ballads, funky gospel country, Brazilian jazz fusion, upbeat 1980s pop, classic Americana, a plethora of breezy bossa novas, indie singer-songwriter, scintillating synthwave, exuberant electronica, and many, many more!
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 22 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 22.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 22 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 22 requires the 2026 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Peter Gannon Talks Band-in-a-Box with zplane
zplane recently interviewed Peter Gannon, the founder and creator of Band-in-a-Box, about the software's early days, what sets it apart from AI, how zplane's audio algorithms are used in Band-in-a-Box, and more!
Special thanks to the team at zplane for their continued support.
Check out the full interview here: https://products.zplane.de/blog/peter-gannon-interview-pg-music
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can transcribe an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,635
Posts807,771
Members40,179
| |
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean