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Post by Rob W on Nov 14, 2017 7:28:07 GMT
Voting and comments (not required) for Conspiracy
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Post by stephen on Nov 17, 2017 16:36:28 GMT
Voting and comments (not required) for Conspiracy Hi gents - could you not listen to mine yet? I'd done a real rush job on the mixing and have just had time to iron out some problems. I'm sending the new version to Rob pleading to have the new one posted. |
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Post by Rob W on Nov 17, 2017 16:37:53 GMT
Sure. Get it to me when you can.
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Post by Rob W on Nov 19, 2017 7:00:11 GMT
BTW. Stephen's updated song has been added.
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Post by stephen on Nov 19, 2017 15:49:24 GMT
A varied bunch, with some daring experiments going on. It's going to be really hard to pick just two.
Tim & Julie Nothing is as it seems
I like the lo-fi feel of this, with the guitar coming in before the riff starts, and the hiss of the vocal track starting up. Great guitar sound, as usual, some excellent arpeggios, and each of the the two main guitar tracks has a distinct feel. Cool, solid bass playing, too. Great hook with clever harmonies, the descending chords remind me of All the Young Dudes. I'd like to know how you get it all to sound so loud without distortion. I like the heavy guitar and bass, though my only grumble would be that I couldn't hear the vocals very clearly.
Phil S Stud
Excellent subject for a song, though if you didn't read the sleeve notes it could have been about human sex slavery, too. Very effective, the way your trademark distorted guitar rises and falls in volume alongside the growling bass track. Memorable acoustic guitar lines under the hook "I didn't even catch your name". The haunting repetition of the line made me think of the Cocteau Twins (though your words make a lot more sense). Sound and subject matter match perfectly.
Rob W Jake Conspiracy
I remember Jake Thackeray very well from childhood TV - he was so weird I thought he was French. Daring thing to try, and a clever way of making the structure of the song crystal clear, so you really feel the verse-chorus split (which I like, I'm a bit of a purist). The melody of the hook is great, and very Thackeresque, as is the mild swearing and the punchline at the end. It's brave and it comes off.
Christian D Thanks a million
A lot happens in under three minutes. Starts out really well, with atmospheric organ and a jangly guitar that is much clearer than you usually do. Nice chord sequence in the verses, underlined by the bassy acoustic (?) guitar arpeggios. Very effective to go into the chorus so quickly, with a really nice chord change, too. Excellent harmonies on the chorus and especially on the bridge. It works well without drums (I should try that). I like the quirky ending, very conspiracy-like to cut it off so suddenly. Another hit, I think.
Tim & Glyn Conspiracy
Intriguing collection of sounds, and so many different sections to the song. Some cool, meandering vocal lines – I especially like the melody on "I should just give up these books". The fuzzy bass line is simple but powerful, especially in the "it puts the fear in me" section, which makes for a very memorable hook. The use of double male/female vocal and then multi-tracked female vocals in different segments works very well. There's a lot going on here, it's really interesting as well as catchy.
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Post by Rob W on Nov 21, 2017 8:17:13 GMT
Tim & Julie
Nothing is as it seems.
Again, great opening and great sounds.
And again (I know I’ve said it before) but this could have been lifted from the early Alice Cooper; the chord structures and the way the song meanders happily from section to section but it’s the vocal delivery (the ‘U’ shaped end-of-line-treatment) that really makes this a homage to the glory days of the Alice Cooper band.
This really is very, very good and I love nearly all of the the instrumentation and chordal choices you’ve made.
You said at the Cross Country that you thought I’d sing it well and I’m always dubious about saying ‘yes’ or ‘no’ but I’d be honoured to get an instrumental copy of this and put it out there (maybe even on the SWC site?) And I could even attempt a more Alice Cooper-style bass line for this as long as it wouldn’t upset Joe’s sensibilities (I’d need to pick up a plectrum for the first time in decades!)
Brilliant. This is the winner and I haven’t heard any of the others yet.
Phil S
Stud
Phil’s got a new drummer…and a clearer and cleaner sound!!
The quirky, spiky acoustic riff rolls along throughout and is great along with the ever-distant shredding electric.
I thought that this would be a light-hearted, nudge, nudge, wink, wink style of song but it actually has a rather dark and serious feel and message as though this poor, permanently and seemingly forcefully aroused pooch is in hell (I nearly put ‘heel’) and just wants the proverbial early night with a cup of cocoa and/or to have a meaningful relationship rather than shagging his way to retirement.
Hot on the heels of the previous months’ success, this delivers on many levels but, having heard song number one from your Little Oakley neighbours, I fear that this may not be your month unless you get the Animal Rights’ vote!
Christian D
Thanks a million
Great subject matter to get you teeth into. A familiar story to your listeners but looked at from a different angle.
The lack of programmed drums is a welcome break given that the guitar and vocals are so strong. The playing is intricate and impressive and the melody is wonderfully meandering. Being ever-so-slightly OCD, I was left wondering, HAD the phone-a-friend answered, ‘Wales’, whether his knowledgable cougher would have corrected the answer.
I have been listening to the lush production of the final Glen Campbell album of late and the title track, ‘Adios’ is, for me, a prime example of perfect synergy: Where the lyrics and the music meet and meld together so that one can’t imagine the two parts being separated. I feel that ‘Thanks a million’ (and most of the songs I’ve written, to be fair) fails to meet that particular test. I think, given the subject matter (which was, after all, a classic Watercooler story of either ‘Bloody hell’! or ‘Sneaky Bastard’! Or even, why didn’t I think of that’?) that I’d have hoped for something a little more Major (no pun intended given the military service of the perpetrator!) than the slightly morose delivery. Perhaps, in the hands of Jake Thackray…
Tim & Glyn
Conspiracy
I’m trying to pin point the influences and feel but have so far failed. I’m guessing its warm familiarity is a throwback to those days in the 1980s when Tim and I would lay down tracks in the dingy confines of his Head Street house for Glyn to then lay her vocal over. Ahh, such nostalgia!
I love the change from verse to the chorus and had to re-listen more intently to understand how you’d made the change seem so radical and effective (dropping out the sparkly hi hats and replacing with a less sparkly shaker, was my discovery!)
I really enjoyed the complexity of the lyric in the verses when compared with the simplicity of the repeated “I should just give up these books I read”.
I think if I were making a constructive criticism, I would say that this song could have been one of those Peter Gabriel ‘journey’ songs. By that I mean an even braver arrangement (dropping out the drums altogether or being radical, in places, with some of the treatment of the sounds.) Having said that, this is a songwriting task so arrangement is not really an issue for any of us but it is the shop window. Also, if T&G are anything like me, they are just grateful to get something (ANYTHING) down to represent their vision. We also all have such busy lives that the thought of ‘starting again’ on a song is a virtually impossible thought. I merely make the point with a view to you re-recording it for your next album!!
Well done. Very enjoyable and, after your first absence for months and months, a welcome return.
Stephen C
Brilliant from the gun! And, yes, it is very Dr Feelgood but Amen to that. Stephen has always been the star performer in my books.
I LOVE the drop down. It’s the sort of thing I attempt on occasion but never with anything approach the success Stephen’s had. Brilliant.
It sounds so simple and yet is performed with consummate brilliance. I could go on and on but there can be no criticism of this from me. It ticks every box. Well done, again. I would totally buy your album on hearing this song alone (probably on Radio 2 or 6 Music.)
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Post by timwarner on Nov 24, 2017 22:21:30 GMT
What a good crop of songs we have here. There are more interesting conspiracies going on that I ever imagined. I recommend looking up Mitchel and Webb’s conspiracy sketches on YouTube. Two votes makes it very hard to choose.
Nothing Is As It Seems - Me
Yes, Stephen, it’s a fair cop! The chorus is the same as ‘All The Young Dudes’ (among others) but, in my defence the lyrics/melody line came first and these were the chords that seemed to fit best.
Stud - Phil Sanderson
What a great subject. I’m not sure I’ve ever come across a dog that is fussy about who it does it with, as my right leg is happy to testify but, giving them human feelings has really combined to make a very good song. The guitar riff in the chorus is great, especially the way the instrumentation becomes more sparse and let’s it come to the fore. I know we have very different approaches to playing guitar solos but, on this occasion, I wouldn’t change a thing. Perhaps on a future project, less of the semiquaver/mandolin style picking and more David Gilmore style sustain.
The Jake Conspiracy - Rob
A clear winner, for me. You have absolutely nailed it with this one. The story telling is great and the descriptions of the mundane details of post office really set the scene. The use of Jake-like vocabulary is spot on. Nothing clever about the playing because it doesn’t need it, anything more complex would be a distraction to the lyrics.
I have become a big fan of Jake Thakray and this would not be out of place on any collection of his songs unless that collection was called: ’songs not about the post office.’
Thanks A Million - Christian Duffin
I love that you’re focusing on a character at the edge of this famous story. Lovely 3/4, 6/8 feel and the usual fine backing vocals. The story and the overall sound is very English, especially in the instrumental section. The burst into ‘feel like a getaway driver’ is very uplifting after the instrumental. It’s just more, seemingly effortless, songwriting.
Conspiracy - Tim & Glyn
I really like the sounds and feel of the intro. And the way it all gets smaller and more focused in the ‘I should give up these books’ section is really smart. It’s a world away from the sledgehammer subtlety I seem to manage come up with, it sounds grown-up. Of all the contributors to the SWC, I usually find the T&G lyrics the most difficult to absorb (I never really understood why this should be). This feels more like it should be called ‘paranoia’ rather than ‘conspiracy.’ As I write this, I’m traveling back from London (I’m not a regular visitor) and I’m wondering how long I would have to spend in London before I stop inventing back-stories to everyone I share a tube/train carriage with. It perfectly captures the need to invent back-story, albeit a more sinister than I tend to come up with.
On Hold Again - Stephen Clark
This is a good song that, even with the revised version, sounds a bit like a demo. The song writing is sharp and the lyrics are well observed. It sounds like it should be turned over to band to work on a giggable version. I’m not sure how intentional it is but, I think you engage the listener by making them do a bit more work, in a similar way, a sketch can appear better than a finished painting: you get the viewer/listener to fill in any perceived gaps. That said, it’s the writing that’s important and it’s another good one.
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tandg
Junior Member
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Post by tandg on Nov 25, 2017 17:55:43 GMT
Tim & Julie – Nothing is at it Seems
Another great song and there are so many great elements to highlight, from the on-the-edge guitar sound, through the drum and vocal opening, to the Mott style over-the-top chorus. I loved the way the bass pushes its way through, particularly in the solo and the high chorus harmony is great. It really feels like you nailed it. A catchy, witty, thoroughly enjoyable song.
Phil Sanderson - Stud
Interesting sounds – the explosive snare and distorted guitar set it up nicely. This would be quite dark, disturbing stuff but your vocal delivery here adds a lighter element to it. I suspect a song from the perspective of a dog about exploitation wasn’t what we were expecting but it’s all the better for that. I like your use of high vocal harmonies complemented by great playing and a really catchy chorus.
Rob Warner – Jake Conspiracy
This is actually very strange – we would never have guessed this is you singing at all. I do remember seeing Jake Thackray (was it on ‘That’s Life’?) a few times on TV and your impression of him is brilliantly done. This is a thoroughly enjoyable piece of work – the lyrics are funny and sharp with nice variations and a great ending and the playing is really controlled and effective. I have to come back to the voice though - the very dry recording and upfront vocal really makes it work. It’s so interesting to hear you delivering a song with a very laid back vocal sound – in spite of the highly ‘mannered’ vocal style (Jake T was never going to sound like anyone else) the understatement really works with your voice. You definitely win the prize for the most unexpected song of this month!
Christian Duffin – Thanks a Million
The quality of your songs is so consistently high and this is another one from the top drawer. The picked chorused guitar is really well played throughout while the harmonies (especially in the middle 8) are lovely and I was left singing ‘thanks a million’ over and over for the rest of the day. I love the viewpoint (the phone-a-friend guy) and the surprise ending, plus the development of the story through the song is outstanding; you’ve really got such a great talent for story-telling.
Stephen Clarke – On Hold Again
As always, there’s a great sharpness to your lyrics – sort of sceptical without straying into cynicism. Good imagery as well – I particularly liked the “like a suitcase left behind” line. But this is so much more than sharp lyrics: the riff is good, the vocal line and harmonies are great and the song bowls along nicely in the Feelgood groove. The stripped back middle 8 comes out of nowhere and works beautifully. I’d love to hear you with a more full-on sound – harder, edgier guitar and bass sounds; a collaboration with Tim W might be really interesting.
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Post by eddiecustard on Nov 25, 2017 21:00:26 GMT
Phil Sanderson – Stud
Lyrically as intriguing and brilliant as anything you’ve done before. The line ‘forced to mate, we didn’t even date, I didn’t even catch your name’ is inspired.
The high-pitched squealing guitar sequence pricked up my ears – and those of a few dogs in my street – and I’m right with you on the sentiment that dog-breeding is an unsavoury business that exploits the animals. Great stuff, Phil.
Tim and Julie – Nothing Is As It Seems
Terrific. A fine blues rock intro and then song builds to a crescendo after you courageously omit all instruments except the drums and vocals in the first verse. No need to get defensive about this one. There are some good harmonies on the chorus. It’s got good momentum and propulsive force. The two electric guitars complement each other excellently, especially in the latter stages and on the final chorus.
Rob Warner – Jake Conspiracy
Really enjoyed this one; it’s funny, lilting and captures the frustrations of modern life. I like the bit about the digestives and the crisps. It would have worked if you’d played it in your usual style, although the Thackeray tribute/pastiche does have charm. Some nice acoustic playing and a suitably abrupt ending to add to the humour. Tough to decide on the voting this month – again.
Tim and Glynn – Conspiracy
Another fine tune from the ever-interesting T&G stable. The overlapping vocals on the ‘I should give up these books I read’ works well’ and the chorus contrasts well with two-chord verse. There are plenty of highlights – including the squidgy bass noises, the piano playing and Glynn’s vocal styling. I like the idea of calming yourself down with peppermint tea.
Stephen Clarke – On Hold Again
Great riff, which spearheads the whole song. Elsewhere there’s a jaunty, singalong tune throughout. This would sound amazing with a raucous production with a thumping drum sound, but is nevertheless very strong in your format. I can certainly picture this going down well in any sweaty blues club. When you get these types of songs right they really do sound brilliant. Deserves to lead the pack this month.
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Post by philsanderson on Nov 25, 2017 21:56:58 GMT
Tim and Julie
The ‘no guitar’ verse / parts is really really good. ( and nice that the song ends like this, too!) Your vocal delivery on this bit is great. ( some of the other vocals get a bit less clear later in the song, but that hasn’t clouded any judgement on a great track! ) Like combination of the drum and the bass parts, and the separation of the guitar parts. Nice!
Rob
Well, out of the window goes my suggestion of having a ‘Yorkshire Month’! I remember Jake Thackery well from the ‘That’s Life’ programme, but I think I was probably too un-enamoured with a show that my parents seemed to love to actually consider liking JT at the time! You could make money out of being a Jake Thackery tribute artist, so accurate is your delivery and your songwriting on this. On first listening I kept having to remind myself that it was Rob singing. I really like the ‘strange / affected enunciation of certain words, it’s catching as I’ve caught myself delivering some key words on my latest recordings in a similar ( though far less effective ) style. I’m transported to that post office queue when I hear the song. ( or indeed the checkout at Morrisons when the person in front just pops back into the toiletries aisle to get one ‘vital’ final item and then fails to reappear for bloody ages. What other vocal impersonations are up your sleeve?
Tim and Glyn
The line ‘I should give up these books’ is just so good, in particular when it first kicks in. Your song has so many great parts / sounds. There seems to be little central / eastern European influence here ( probably was none, but it’s just come out that way! ) The ‘experiment’ with the bass and the drum parts is a winner: they both sound absolutely great and provide a great background sound for the piano, guitar and vocal parts. The vocal delivery is spot on, and I especially like it when Tim sings, too!
Christian
This takes me right back to that show and the ensuing legal drama. A series of lovely vocal harmonies throughout this song. Your way with words is still an envy of mine – you’re able to tell a story drawing in so many elements ( lots of impressive irony in this song ) and the ending is inspired. ‘Thanks a Million’ improves on repeated listenings, and then the main vocal line gets stuck in your head! Fab.
Stephen
You have certainly ‘got me’ with this one! There’s a great feel about the main riffs with a nice sense of movement and flow…. The middle section is a surprise each time - quite 60s in feel. The change from the opening(s) to the next section(s) remind me of early Frank Zappa songs. The lyrics require / demand a good listen to and are worth it as always. ( You could quite easily lead lyric writing workshops as well as book writing ones.) Great song.
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Post by timwarner on Nov 26, 2017 22:26:17 GMT
Well done to Rob and Steven, winning in a really strong month.
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Post by stephen on Nov 27, 2017 11:19:14 GMT
Well done to Rob on co-conspiring to win - my song was totally mainstream (blues riff, verse, chorus bridge) but it takes some courage to dress up as Jake Thackeray.
And well done to Phil too - no one deserves to get no votes, and your song was very good, especially that contrast between acoustic guitar and (dog-like) growling bass. I still reckon that (if it's not technically time-consuming for Rob) we should have a "put the songs in order of preference" voting system, so no one gets no votes.
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Post by Rob W on Dec 2, 2017 7:11:09 GMT
I'm only now coming up for air after a frantic few weeks.
Thanks to you all and I'm flattered and not a little embarrassed to share the spoils (what spoils?) with Stephen who's a proper songwriter.
I am in total agreement re Phil whose song was unworthy of nul points!
Re voting. I will investigate further, but the ProBoards site doesn't allow for the Proportional Representation-style voting system to which you allude.
However, I am thinking that I will be making some changes in the coming months mainly with regard to how the songs are uploaded. I'm also thinking about creating a dedicated website and will dedicate some time to it in the new year.
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