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Here's the new one - hot off the marvellous mechanical mouse engine...

I wrote it on 5th February and managed to record it in less than a month (a head-cold and lack of hearing in one ear slowed the last lap somewhat).

But seeing as the last one took over 8 months, I think I'm already ahead for 2015!

All the guitars are my new Les Paul (with its new pickups) through a Laney Cub, mic'd up with an SM57. It's also the first outing for my new(ish) (fretted) Jazz bass. Both were an absolute joy to use. I couldn't believe how versatile the guitar is.

Had a real hoot recording this... until I got to the vocals and found I couldn't sing it! :D

Ah superb - I love the change from guitar and vox to the full ensemble, complex and beautifully layered. Well worth spending the time on Andy, despite the cold and the deafness.

I always get a sense of anticipation and glee when I spot a new song post of yours, I know I'm in for a treat. This is no exception, full and rich and superbly written, recorded and produced.

Sounds like you've had that Jazz in your hands for a lifetime.

downloaded to my piepod for repeat listening. fabulous andy from the first note to the last and all the others inbetween.

Quote from: Flash Harry on March 08, 2015, 04:47:41 PMI always get a sense of anticipation and glee when I spot a new song post of yours.

I with you 100%.

Wonderful song with your standard amazing production.  Things that jumped out were the little bass run before the chorus. Love that. I think I could put that on loop. You knocked this one out of the park in all aspects, but your vocals are just stellar.  Sounds like you've been listening to some Bowie.

I always grab my Tele or Strat for rhythms like this, but that Les Paul fit perfectly. Does this mean I have to go get a Les Paul now?

Blooby

Thanks guys - I feel loads better now. I wasn't too sure about this one - I've had trouble hearing the last few days because of this cold...

Quote from: Blooby on March 08, 2015, 05:06:45 PM...Things that jumped out were the little bass run before the chorus. Love that. I think I could put that on loop.

...Sounds like you've been listening to some Bowie.

...I always grab my Tele or Strat for rhythms like this, but that Les Paul fit perfectly. Does this mean I have to go get a Les Paul now?

I nearly cut that bass run! I loved it, but it wasn't half getting in the way a couple of weeks ago.

OF COURSE!! Mr Bowie - now if only I'd thought of that, I'd have been a lot more comfortable when trying to do the vocal and then mixing it. I haven't listened to him recently, but his early 70s stuff is deep-rooted in my musical subconscious. It would have been so much easier if that's what I'd been aiming at!

I was writing a Bee Gees song (think Vince Melhouney's guitar on things like New York Mining Disaster). That's why I picked the Les Paul to play it. Then when the arrangement was coming together it started sounding like The Police... which I didn't fancy too much.

Yes, you have to get a Les Paul, and some Stormy Monday pickups from Bare Knuckles Pickups - low output humbuckers with AII magnets. It's not showing here, but all the sounds on The Allmans at the Fillmore East are at your finger-tips, all controlled by the guitar volume. ALL the guitars on this were played through the same amp settings, no pedals, just using the volumes/tones and pickup selector on the guitar.

It does the 60s jangle-thing beautifully... and then it gets snarly, but in a sweet way, when you dig in.

My Oh My
There's power in that performance.
Excellent vocals/harmonies and the music is mind blowing... leaving me G W E. (Green with envy)

Andy ~ U Rock

Andy, This is just Stunning...
so well performed, and so well recorded.
on my 3rd listen.
Great stuff...

Alex

Superb as always Mr A I feel I should call you Mr after hearing such a superbly produced track ...thank you for giving my ears a treat Mr A

Outstanding song-writing, performance and attention to detail. I love everything about it - from the massed Queen harmonies, to the gorgeous bass runs and the to-die-for Les Paul rhythm tones (reminded me a bit of Tommy-era Pete Townsend tonally).

Like a songcrafting masterclass!

Beautiful work.

Absolutely splendid.  Really enjoyed listening to it, and will listen again.

Paul

Holy moly this is huge, and very good. It feel like everything is perfectly placed, as if in a masterpiece painting, a large scale painting hanging on a museum wall, and sitting for a good while staring at it, taking it all in.  I too love everything about it.  Not one thing, sound, layer, etc out of place.  All in its place.  Perfectly executed it would appear. sonically complete.  Good one Andy.

Super songwriting, performing, producing and arranging!! The harmonies sound so good! Can't say anything what to do another way! Ten points out of ten!

I totally dig this brother, great production. I love that bass run to, really cool, everything just works perfectly and sounds quite professional.
Rock On!

Absolutely superb , I hear a Bowie vibe there.
So much attention to detail,you are a very talented man.
This song is piepod bound.
Brilliant stuff.

A perfect song Andy! The LP sounds great in every track and you nailed vocally. I always like your poetic lyric as well...they are way more than just a simple love song standard.

Farrell

What to say that's not already said? Except that I'm a big fan !!!!

I've listened to this a million times already. It speaks to me on so many levels. The production is, as always, magnificent !! You sure know what you're doing. The song is so dynamic and so melodic, and yeah like Farrell, I love your lyrics !

What stands out is how you put it all together to such a complete package of pure quality. Love the little break where the organ just floats and let the listener catch his breath! Brilliant.

Well done once again Andy ! And thank you for showing us how it can be done, so we have something to strive for !



Oh and you also give me GAS!

Excellent performance, my friend!!!

Bravissimo!

Alfredo

Wow this is superb, everything fits together so well, crystal clear recording with amazing vocals. Like the way the song has different levels from soft to full on.
Great lyric writing, tells a good story, Well done.

This is just amazing. I love the song, so much to take in. Fabulous arrangement.

I'm a fan...

Can,t really much, just stand back in admiration, the musicality and production skills are just terrific!

Another excellent tune Andy ... dig all the stops, starts and selectful notes in your stuff.

Great vox, arrangement and everything ... fantastic bass ... this one's short and sweet ... Nice!

kb

Cheers folks :)

I really wasn't sure about this one when I finished it - yeah, it's got all the bits people have picked out, and I knew I'd sewn it together pretty well... all the bits I'd put in were sticking out how I wanted them... but it didn't have the immediacy, punch, impact I'd been aiming at (I didn't think it had much dynamics either!! :D). I love the song, but I didn't feel I'd reproduced it how I'd imagined when I wrote it. And the vocal was a bugger to sing (that always leaves me feeling "oh!" when that happens). I think I was expecting it to feel "harder" or "edgier" in a 60s pop kinda way - and I've probably rounded too many of the edges for that.

But it's grown on me as it is, and I'm quite proud of it now - many thanks.

If I was to go again (I'm not) - I think there's probably too much reverb knocking about on some of the parts when it thickens up (and possibly too many guitars), and I'd probably mix the bass a smidge lower. But then it would probably lose some other cool stuff.

Excellent tune, great recording - can hear the bowie influence in this. Enjoyed this tune very much.
B

Wow very nice song. Well written and nicely arranged.
Terrific performance.
I'd love some more highs on the vox.
Love the bass.

Hi Andy, some have it, some have a bit more and some have it all. This song is of the latter variety. Brilliant.  Willie