June 2014 Songs

Stephen Clarke
Ain’t no room

This is Stephen’s first contribution. I love it for its authenticity. It genuinely sounds as though it’s been dug up from the archives. I also love its simplicity. How many chords is that? Two? Three? I really like it. And for a ‘pub bass player’ this sounds very accomplished (and I couldn’t hear any bass!) I think Stephen (by his own admission) didn’t spend days poring over his computer so I am imagining that he has plenty to offer. This was a supremely confident start.


Steve and Claire
American Jail 2

This is the ‘Baron Knights’ entry!! I was laughing along every time I listened to it. Again, for all its tongue-in-cheek simplicity, this also sounds ‘authentic’ and put me in mind of ‘Hello mudder, hello fadder…’ from the Ed Stewpot days (who’s probably now quaking in his shoes at the likely arrival of the cops from Operation Yewtree.) All joking aside, Steve is sitting with increasing comfort with Garageband and the whole idea of songwriting and it’s only a matter of time before he writes a song worthy of Dolly Parton. Though even DP wouldn’t put in the ’little bit of politics’ and social comment at the end. One piece of criticism (and this may be beyond his control) but it always feels - especially in the solos - that he’s ‘racing’ the backing and is always slightly out of time (he’s like the Corporal Jones of Jazz.) I really liked this though and it’s the second one I play to the children (after mine, obviously!!)

Tim & Julie Warner
Where did he get his harmonica sample from? Or perhaps it’s a real one? This is a real, REAL step up in my opinion. I loved it when I first heard it and after three or four listenings it still stands up. I really loved the lower register vocals. They had real depth and a fantastic quality (imagine if they had been recorded on a decent mic?) I keep talking about authenticity and I’m not about to stop now. Not only are the sounds believable and well played but the lyrics (and the way they have been delivered) is also very confident and believable. Easily my favourite T&J composition. My only criticism would be that I cannot (and I have really tried) hear what the backing vocals are singing. Maybe this is a deliberate ploy but it is the only thing negative I can say. Very good.

Robbie Good
Country Song

Another newbie!! Robbie’s vocals were on Colin Steward’s last song but this (I believe) is a pure Robbie composition. I listened to this through my computers tinny speakers to begin with and I was asking ‘Where are the vocals?’ But I’ve now heard this three or four times and it really benefits from being heard on big speakers and/or headphones. This is the first one (there are others) where the boundaries of ‘country’ are being stretched somewhat. But I really like this, particularly the slightly awkward chord sequence in the chorus. It just works. And a great vocal performance (in the correct key!) Well done.

Rob Warner
Say it’s over (to my face)
There’s nothing to say that hasn’t been said in the sleeve notes apart from the fact that this is one of those songs that stretches the boundaries of country music. My hope was that using words like ‘Carousel’ would fool people into thinking that this was authentic. Also, I tried to go ‘American’ with words like ‘last’ and ‘fast’ and say ‘befo’ instead of ‘before’ (though I’m quite proud that my default position now appears to be English rather than American. It was once a cross between Honky Jamaican and mid-Atlantic - like Sting - but thankfully that’s all in the past.)

Phil Sanderson
Daydreams in the Dark
I was trying to figure out who Phil’s melody choice and vocal style reminds me of and I think he and his songs sound a little like Morrissey (I’m not a Morrissey aficionado so don’t shoot me for saying so.) I really love the start of this song and, like Tim, Phil’s engineering capabilities are improving which is helpful for actually being able to judge the song. This one (along with my song and Robbie’s) comes under the category of ‘sort of country’. I think what the ‘country’ tag has given us is either the option to take the p*ss or to offer a more ‘gentle’ outlook and delivery rather than in the sometimes abrasive Pop genre. I really liked the opening. The twin guitars (12 string?) and first verse are lovely and I really like Phil’s vocal (nicely mixed.) But I got slightly lost through the chorus and the very end of the chorus sounded a bit like a race to the finish!! Phil, like Steve & Claire, has a tendency to slightly lose the beat which can sometimes make for uncomfortable listening. Having said that, I really like the the lyrics (particularly “…I’m driving my memories down the street…’) Great.


Mike Gosling
Saved By You
This particular ‘genre’ task is, what I’d call, a ‘home fixture’ for Mike. This song wouldn’t sound out of place at a Sounding Line gig. I really like the pure simplicity of the arrangement and of the sentiment of the lyrics. Another strong arrangement. Another strong song. Toe tapping, rootin’ tootin’ fun!! I love it (but then, Mike is one of the ‘Big Guns’ in my view!) Interestingly (and this could be my imagination) but the sound wasn’t as good as with the last two songs. Could it be that Karl is the ‘Trevor Horn’ to Mike’s ‘Frankie Goes to Hollywood?

Austin Vince
Homesick Cowboy Brittan
Our third new entry! I’m not sure if the ‘Brittan’ in the title is entirely necessary and could be an administrative error on my part! I absolutely love this. The vocal is brave in that it’s right at the bottom of the singer’s range but, my god, if you listen to this through great speakers or great headphones he hits every note and he must be using an absolutely brilliant mic because you can hear every inflection. This again is so simple and yet so effective (and yes, authentic!) The instrumentation is absolutely spot on and the lyrics are believable and delivered with effortless aplomb. Love it.

Patrick Duffin
When You Were Small
I think it was Tim & Glynn who said last month ‘I don’t know how he’s done this!’ And I feel the same way about this song. I will admit that I am an extremely competitive sort of person and after my friend Gemm had put the guitar part down on my song I was thinking “I think I stand a really good chance of getting good votes this month!” But the last three songs (but especially this one) make me think ‘what’s the point?’ This is Spain vs Holland; this is Spinks vs Tyson; this is Murray vs Rolla. Patrick’s chords don’t sound difficult and yet they sound more authoritative. His melody isn’t complex and yet it weaves and meanders its way effortlessly through Patrick’s chordal landscape. Is this country? Frankly, who cares? Top marks. Brilliant.

Tim & Glynn
Slow Train of Regrets
Tim’s sleeve notes bare out this song’s sound. They seem to have been unshackled by this genre. Though it’s more ‘Fleetwood Mac’ than ‘Tammy Wynette’ it bounces along very nicely. The slide guitar helps to make it a little more ‘country’ but this is unmistakably a Tim & Glynn composition with layered vocals and a very decent melody. I’m not sure I particularly like the line ‘it’s a smear on the lens of your life…’but there have been worse lyrics in the annals of country history. This has been my favourite of Tim & Glynn’s compositions. On an ultra critical note, I would love to know what type of mic that Glynn is using because I don’t think it (or the very ‘silvery’ reverb) is particularly doing her lovely vocal many favours (having said that, maybe I should take another listen to my own vocal sound!!) If you’re not using a condenser mic, you should be. Really lovely song though.

Colin Steward
Move On
This is a departure from what I would call a typical Robbie Good vocal and I absolutely love it. This is so bouncy and fun (it took a couple of listenings to get the ‘cynical’ lyrics.) The instrumentation is good. The clean sound really helps the song. Everything is very well defined and I would argue that it’s a virtuoso performance on acoustic guitar from Colin. I really liked the unusual twists and turns of the vocals. Another winner from the ‘Colin Steward Hit Factory!’ At the end, I really wanted the drums to come back in with a one bar fill and repeat the chorus again. Great.


Eddie Custard
My Horse Won’t Wear No Shoes
Eddie is known to some of us in the forum (I won’t reveal his identity until I am given permission, but a select few may recognise the vocal delivery.) Judging from the panicked emails I got from ‘Eddie’, this would have been out of his comfort zone in terms of putting a song together and recording it so I was more than pleasantly surprised when I fired up the song. In parts, this song is worthy of one of those Peter Gabriel songs that he sometimes records for animated Disney films (in fact, one can almost see the animated video release for this song.) I love all the sections. I love the vocal (the melody in places is really, really clever) and I like the effortless delivery of all of the instruments. This Horse may not wear no shoes, but this song is of the dark variety and may well score highly. I think this is great from the first ‘clip clop’ to the final walking-fade into the sunset.

Tim & Glyn's comments

Stephen Clarke - Really nice guitar sounds - I'm full of admiration for the way you kept the main riff going with enough variation to be interesting. The second guitar part is perfect - it is so subtle you want to hear it all over again. I liked the bitter lyrics as well. Look forward to hearing more.

Steve & Claire - You really shouldn't take this songwriting thing so seriously. Hilariously silly lyrics (or very deeply disturbed (I couldn't quite tell). We sat and laughed all the way through and were properly entertained So that's what country music is like!

Tim & Julie - Tim's vocal sounds so much like Johnny Cash. It's a great sound and suited the dark lyrics. I liked Julie's backing as well and the contrast between the voices really works for me. I like the sort of muddly feel of it. I really wanted to listen over and again in case I missed something.

Robbie Good - We listened first on our laptop and the voice seemed to be coming from a completely different direction to where the speakers are - we loved it. I'm not sure it's country but it's close enough for me - like all the sounds - drums, guitars and keyboards as well as excellent singing.

Rob Warner - Not really country either but until this week, I didn't realise I liked country music! The really crisp production is great and the main vocal line is lovely and enjoyed the harmonies on the chorus. The voice sounds great.

Phil Sanderson - I know what Rob means about the Morrissey - I think it's to do with the phrasing of the lyrics. I really like the guitar sound and I thought the song was the most complex here you really have to listen carefully and more then once to get to know where it's going. Almost wilfully not country I thought (but none the worse for that).

Mike Gosling - Direct, sharp lyrics (loved them) that are witty, personal and deep. Like Patrick, I liked the train beat. You seem to get a really crisp production that immediately draws you in. Great song.

Austin Vince - Now that's what I call country! Love the vocal delivery. I heard the yearning to go home - I really believed you wanted to. Nice guitar performance - a good mixture of picking, bending and strumming. Thoroughly enjoyable.

Patrick Duffin - Full of admiration for the sounds. The banjo is just right - the mandolin? and accordion? are so well judged you really want to listen again and again. The sweetest song here with some lovely harmonies.

Colin Steward - I loved the groove you got here - the acoustic guitar is terrific and there's something about the 'Hey' vocal that just works brilliantly. I can just see the line-dancing cowboys now! I loved that you managed to write a catchy song that wasn't predictable. The bitter lyrics worked for me too.

Eddie Custard - What can I say? Glyn's absolute favourite. Like Patrick said - surprisingly moving. The vocal line for the chorus is just wonderful, the piano is terrific and everything was clear and up front. How can such a stupid song be so good? It's not fair!

Stephen Clarke, Ain't No Room - a simple riff but a really good one, and some nice harmonies. Very atmospheric, as the loner walks through a judgmental and unfriendly town, feeling out of place. A bluesy tune, with a hint of swamp rock. One of the best.

Steve and Claire/American Jail 2 - utter filth. Some very funny lines, and I laughed out loud several times, especially near the beginning. The rhymes of Alabama/slammer, gum/mum, and Purvis/service worked really well, and I liked the guitar interludes, which add to the comedic effect.

Tim and Julie Warner, The Life of Billy Ray - excellent opening where the guitar and mouth organ combine to really good effect, creating a cry of anguish. The contrast between male and female voice works well. Reminds me of Nick Cave and, at times, the Pixies.  

Robbie Good, Country Song - sounds very organic and the mix of instruments works well. There's some nice interplay between the guitar and piano. 

Rob Warner, Say It's Over (To My Face) - you've got a great voice, Rob; smooth but with a longing quality. The mix is excellent; bringing your voice to the fore. I like the echoey guitar solo, and the quest described in the lyrics gives a sense that the relationship is intense. 

Phil Sanderson, Daydreams in the Dark - the accoustic guitar (is it a 12-string?) sounds really strong and and there are some good flourishes on the keyboard, notably in the intro. A lot of pain in the lyrics. The melody swoops really well in the lilting chorus.

Mike Gosling, Saved By You - the drums are good and so are the harmonies in the chorus. The production is excellent and this feels like one of the most authentically country songs in the collection. The 'diamond in the mine' line works really well and I like the 'ribbon in your hair' bit too, which provides lift-off for the chorus. There's a swing to this one.

Austin Vince, Homesick Cowboy - a really cool, assured song with superb singing, which builds after a sparse opening. Excellent instrumentation, and the use of the rivers is a clever lyrical idea. Rhyming 'Missouri' with 'misery' sounds good, and there are other smart sections in the words too. Feels like you've captured the essence of America's vast landscapes with this one, complete with high quality playing and a rich, deep voice. A standout song in lots of respects.

Patrick Duffin, When You Were Small - great a capella opening followed by some lovely banjo. A tour-de-force with some beautiful moments played expertly on several different instruments. Not so much a song as a concept album. Something special.

Tim and Glynn, Slow Train of Regrets - a strong chorus with good harmonies and some good guitar work. The vocals work well, especially on the chorus and on the section where the instruments cut out.

Colin Steward, Move On - the guitar interlude quite early on is memorable here. A really good production with the guitars, keyboards and vocals sounding crystal clear. A nice mix of different guitar parts.



 

Let me start by saying I don't especially like country music so, I'm not sure what value my opinion will be for anyone. Also, I don't know if I'm going to vote for what I think is the best (my favourite) songs or, the best country songs. It seems to have been a very good month for guitars, there is some fine playing. Here goes.

Ain't no room - Steven Clarke
Do I think it's country? Oh yes!
I could imagine this played in a show like 'Later with Jools Holland' by a lone guitar player while they simplify things after a raucous band. Really good bouncy guitar riff, all very immediate. I'm not sure it really needed the guitar overdub later in the song, but the harmonies were very effective.

Steven and Claire - American Jail
Is it country? It's spoofing country, so yes.
Very funny. I love the place names rhyming and quite pleased you didn't go for more obvious rhymes for 'heinous.' It bounces along really well. All those verses about being shafted in prison make me wonder what a dark place Steven's mind must be. The tempo is just a little fast to pick all those semi quavers. Even though I know you don't like to slur the notes, try it sometime.

Tim and Julie - life of Billy Ray
I can't really judge if it's country or not, but I tried.
Some clarification. I have a ten hole harmonica in C which I played for the recording (I can play in C major, A minor or G blues). The backing vocal lyrics are: 'Billy-Ray stands behind bars, hiding his tears, hiding his fears, Billy-Ray stands behind bars, has been for years, hiding his fears.' I get the feeling if I've had to explain anything I've failed.

Rob Good - Country Song
I'm too close to this to say if it's country
Along with Rob, Colin and I play on this (the group is called The Spiderz, available for weddings and parties). It was played live into a JamHub and recorded straight to disc in stereo with no possibility of overdubs or remixing (the drums are a Roland electronic kit played live). Rob presented us with the chords and conducted us while he sang. I didn't hear the play back until it was ready to post. I like the slightly odd chords and the way the vocals fit over them. The drums played live made a big contrast to the songs that had been posted recently. Really please with how it sounds.

Rob Warner - Say it's over to my face
Do I think it sounds country? It's not my first thought, no.
It's a lovely song and I like the story. Vocals are always good which always makes it very easy to listen to. I could imagine it in a movie montage with Tom Hanks looking a bit soppy in various locations. I really liked the guitar break but I would have liked it more if the second part was more different to the first. Some of the early rhymes stuck out which made me worry for the rest of the song (a worry that was never realised).

Phil Sanderson - Daydreams in the dark
Do I think it's country? Not really
When this song started I thought it was an early Genesis style prog song. It sounded lovely, just not particularly country. There's lots of yearning and angst in this and it feels very real. Very pleased the vocal is more up front. I really like the solo after 'daydreams in the dark' lyric. With Phil's growing confidence in vocals I would have liked the guitar, when it started, to do something other than follow the melody line, a harmony perhaps.

Mike Gosling - saved by you
Is it country? Yes, but it sounds a bit folky, almost skiffle, too.
First thing is the drums. They sound great, unconventional, home made sounding. Loved it. The repetitive lyrics really get into your head fast and could easily accommodate different verses for different live performances it could become a live favourite. Loved the guitar break. Just a good example of what Mike said a country song was: three chords sand the truth.

Austin Vince - homesick cowboy
Is it country? This is the REAL McCoy
Fantastic deep voice. Backing is just right. This is country by anyone's definition and a good believable song. It started to feel like Austin was the only man among a bunch of boys when I initially heard this. He certainly sounds like he's been to the places in his song.

Patrick Duffin - when you were small
Is it country? I don't really care, it could be folk. I'm beginning to lose perspective but, it seems more complex than the country songs I've listened to.
Love the barbershop intro. I wasn't really expecting that at all. Often you can hear a song started as a lyric, melody, chord idea or beat, then parts got added and got welded together, with a few compromises, at some point later. This song seems to have been born fully formed, none of it is forced together, it just works. I'm don't really pay much attention to lyrics (I usually only notice them if they're bad. Sorry Rob), especially if the feel of the song is good. On this I have to really concentrate to hear them at all. Does Patrick really have a banjo, mandolin and an accordion? If not, these are very good samples. All of that is just details, the song is great and really well produced.

Colin Steward - Move On
Do I think it's country? Yes, it has a proper modern country feel to it.
This has a great up-beat feel and bops along nicely. Very glad Colin got it done at the 11th hour which makes me wonder how he thought up all those lyrics. I glad I'm a terrible keyboard player or you'd be play the guitar in The Spiderz. Well played Colin. Was the lead break a keyboard though? I've rarely heard Robbie doing 'a voice' (other than Eartha Kit, or Tina Turner) and his vocal performance is very good. All in all, a very pleasing

Tim and Glyn - Slow train of regret
Is it country? It has a strong country influence.
Really liked this. Much better drums than previous songs too. The harmonies are almost a trade mark of Tim and Glyn's output on the SWC. Excellent guitar work with a twang than helps it sound country.

Eddie Custard - My horse won't wear shoes
Is it Country? I'd say it comes from much further east, possibly Shepherds Bush
The pathos of this song is initially hidden by the song's slightly comic feel. I'm not getting 'cowboys' more 'Steptoe and Son.' That said, it's strangely uplifting and I really like the story. The cream of Eddie Custard is the guitar solo and 'free again' bit that follows, which I really, really like.

I'm glad we have three votes now, as picking just one from this months prolific offerings would have been pretty tricky.
Like Tim, I wouldn't have considered myself a fan of country music, but more recently (no doubt under the influence of Mike), I have opened my ears to many genres that I might have dismissed in the past.


Stephen Clarke - Ain't No Room
A good authentic sounding start to the months entries, especially the slide guitar and singing. I especially like the harmonies.

Steve & Claire Warner - American Jail
Yee har! Could have come from South Park. Very funny and the Benny Hill guitar solos add to the comedy. I like the race comments at the end too.

Tim & Julie Warner - The Life of Billy-Ray
Great intro, the slide guitar is very nice and even more impressive now I know that Tim played the harmonica part. I just listened on headphones and Julie's vocal part sounds great and a nice contrast to Tim's excellent low register voice. I think Tim should sing like this more often.

Robbie Good - Country Song
Well I like the song and the instrumentation. It doesn't sound particularly country, but I do like it especially the chorus chords and overall sound. Well played The Spiderz Band.

Rob Warner - Say it's Over (To My Face)
Once again, not really country, but I do like the storytelling feel of the song and the instrumentation is really good. When Rob sings "you were driving on 66", the chord change and re-introduction of the harmonica combine for a really great moment.

Phil Sanderson - Daydreams In The Dark
A good song, not really country. But I like the lift in to the chorus. The guitar sounds are nice and the vocals are right up front - where they should be, but It sounds as if the drums were put on afterwards which is a shame. The outdo guitar is lovely, if a bit short.

Mike Gosling - Saved By You
Glad this has been well received as I know Mike had another song planned and he went with my choice (I'd have felt terrible if it had been panned!). If I were commenting on this to Mike the only thing I'd suggest is a female vocal for the backing vocals.
ps - Thank you for the nice comments about the drum part!

Austin Vince - Homesick Cowboy Brittan
OK, this does tick all the "Country" boxes, obviously with the voice being at the top of the list. "Keep on flowin' " - great!

Patrick Duffin - When You Were Small
More very accomplished writing, arranging and recording from Patrick. The instrumentation is excellent - appropriate sounds mixed together so well - I love the double bass. And, as mentioned by others, the lyrics are great and are sung in such a heart-felt manner. Lovely.

Tim & Glynn - Slow Train Of Regrets
Lovely is also how I'd describe Glyn's vocals. Highlights of this are the bright, clean guitar work, nice harmonies (I'd like to hear more of Tim's voice in a future song), the stop, and the delayed delivery of the "no regrets" line of the chorus.

Colin Steward - Move On
Very catchy. I think the riffs are great, particularly in the verses, the guitar work is nice and Rob's voice works well. I also like the ride cymbal coming in towards the end - just the extra little lift it needed. Glad you got it finished. Well done

Eddie Custard - My Horse Won't Wear No Shoes
Not the sort of thing I'd usually pay much attention to, but having listened more carefully I really appreciate the lyrics and in context I can appreciate the coconut shells. I agree with others - could have come from a Pixar movie.


ps - as an epilogue to "Country" month, watch this video (recommend to me by Mike)

youtu.be/3aF9AJm0RFc

First, thanks for the reviews for Ain't No Room. Just one thing – there's no slide guitar on there. It's me noodling on a Telecaster. Maybe my fingers were sweaty.



Incredibly high standard overall, I thought. Three or four of them could have come straight out of a TV or film soundtrack about the midwest.

People take the pee out of country but it obviously gets the musical juices flowing.

Steve & Claire Warner: if you sing this in Nashville you'll get lynched, but there are a couple of lines in there worth getting lynched for (especially the political joke). I enjoyed the way that, unlike the vocals, the lead breaks take country really seriously – nice picking. Belongs on the Troggs' greatest hits album.



Tim & Julie Warner: Love the atmospheric swampy intro/outro and the growly lead vocal. The female chorus is really catchy - excellent contrast. Reminds me of that country rock track on the Pulp Fiction soundtrack.



Robbie Good: Excellent vibe right from the start. Really nice lead guitar all the way through. A sort of Clapton/Frampton feel, I can imagine this going down really well in a country music bar, even if it's not strictly country.



Rob Warner: Sounds like the opening track for a western. Great Mellencamp/Springsteen-ish vocals. Some very nice chord changes, and it builds really well. Deceptively simple-sounding, so very easy on the ear. Very authentic-sounding story, too, though I'm not 100% sure you're allowed to mention New York and LA in a country song.



Phil Anderson: Morrissey does country. And why not. I really like the psychedelic guitar too, especially when it gets slidey and goes slightly mental. Nice playing. Again, I think you'd get lynched in Nashville if you said it was country, but who cares.



Mike Gosling: the perfect country music song title, and a totally authentic sound. They'd be line-dancing to this right from the start. Great guitar break. I love all the ribbon-tying too. Send this to Country FM and it'll be aired every hour on the hour. (Just cut the line "I will not be saved by your country song" before you email them the demo).



Austin Vince: Johnny Cash re-incarnated. Damn fine country song. Loved the ringing lead guitar. Deceptively simple, totally convincing. The download kept stopping, so I only listened to it once, I'm afraid.



Patrick Duffin: Well, if T Bone Burnett gets fed up with writing country songs for all his films and TV series, he knows where to turn. Beautiful chord changes and twisting/turning melody – reminded me of Paul McCartney, the way songs like Just Another Day develop without you realizing it. I lost count of the number of instruments too. Impressive.



Tim & Glynn: Punchy rhythm, a bit like a female Springsteen song. Very nice vocals on the chorus, really well-mixed harmonies. I like the echoey slide guitar, and the simple Telecaster solo – very moody and authentic.



Colin Steward: Catchy intro that makes you want to hear the rest. Really like the distorted guitar solo. Bouncy, more up than most country, and yet authentic-sounding. "I've moved on" is a nice country punchline, too. That should be the song title, I think.



Eddie Custard: Straight out of a western saloon, one that serves tequila with hallucinogenic worms. You think you know what it's going to do, then it keeps surprising you. That chord change at the beginning of the chorus is inspired. Love the guitar solo, the way it goes manic. The little vocal break is great too. It's like Beck's best songs on his Mutations album – moving, though you're not quite sure why.

My congrats to Stephen as well. I thought the idea of a genre task worked well. We should definitely do another genre song at some point. 

Well done Stephen. What a good challenge this was. I'm looking forward to hearing this months songs, but as I'm away until mid August Rob has agreed to delay the results until I've had a chance to listen and vote. Hope you don't mind.