"Joytown" by Kevin Gilbert (potentially offensive)

[Blooby]

Kevin Gilbert put out a handful of solo discs in a mostly pop vein, produced and engineered for some big pop and prog bands, was the guy who brought Sheryl Crow into the real Tuesday Night Music Club for which the album was based, won a songwriting Grammy for the same album, and was dumped as a boyfriend and a band member once Sheryl broke big (along with the other members). On his manager's way to Kevin's house one day to let him know that he garnered an audition for the post-Phil Genesis, Kevin was discovered dead from auto-erotic asphyxiation. Phew.

I thought this would be an interesting tune to try and muck with mixing-wise. I know the bass and rhythm are stagnant, but that's how it goes in the original. Same goes for the weird, almost spoken-word vocals. I am waiting for John to put his infinitely better vocals on it, but I thought I'd throw caution to the wind by posting mine in the meantime. Forgive me.

I think putting "potentially offensive" in the title is a whorish way of getting extra glances (no offense to my Songcrafters brethren). Having said that, there are a few lines in here that may offend people (not to mention my singing). Apologies if this is so.

By the way, I'd like to go on record in saying how much I dislike Sheryl Crow. If you can get past her trite songs and horrific singing voice, you can still despise her as much as I do by reading this.

Blooby

Joytown
Kevin Gilbert

Fathers they have big hands
and they pat gently on your head
And mothers they all make sure
everyone is happy and well fed
And everything is instant,
no one has to wait too long
And Lennon never has to sing
a Paul McCartney song

Hey, we're living here in Joytown,
it's the City of the Sun
And everyone loves everyone
loves every single one

And no one sells his roommate's stuff
so he can get a fix
And no one fears the darkness,
no one fears the number six
And everyone talks openly
of great things that they have read
And no one ever says the things
that are better left unsaid
And everyone has someone they
can share their sadness with
And no one leaves the slightest doubt,
no one takes the fifth

We're living here in Joytown,
it's the City of the Sun
And everyone loves everyone
loves every single one

Jesus and Muhammed
and Buddha live in town
Zoraster and Ba'h'aula
and Moses hangs around
And when they get together
they are quite a noisy crew
They laugh about their legacies
over cigarettes and brews

Hey we're living here in Joytown,
ooh, the City of the Sun
And everyone loves everyone
loves every single one

Senator McCarthy
enjoys a book by Marx
People tear down parking lots
So they can build more parks
And Jimi plays the perfect note
that never seems to end
And Martin Luther King has got
a blond white girlfriend

We're singing here in Joytown
Won't you come and sing along?
We'll never tell you that you ain't singing the right notes,
never tell you that you're wrong

[Hook]

Damn brother I don't even know where to start. Yes I too despise Sheryl Crow (good place to start I guess!)
I've never heard this tune but I love it. That bass tone is so deep and full it's shaking my spine. The production on this is excellent, you clearly are coming to grips with your daw & I for one think your voice sounds really great. Your phrasing is smooth & delivery is poignant & your tone is right on...sing more my brother, you are far to critical of yourself. Excellent song to start the new year with!!!!!!
Rock On!

[Bluesberry]

Its a tough song to listen to, expecially after reading that article you linked to, whew, what a she-devil that Sheryl is............tough, hard, angular, moody, brilliant, intense.  You caught all that in your version, so if that was your goal, then success.  I am not sure John's far superior vocals would work here, it would tune down the menance that is dripping off each word you lay down.  Thas what a great cover is all about.  The production is excellent, clear, full, tight, very pro sounding.

[Hilary]

Oh I really liked it and didn't think I would! You gave a performance and that's what it's all about. I'd like to hear more of you singing. Gonna check out the original now.

[Oldrottenhead]

braw tell yer maw, is this the first time you've posted a song with you singing? i can't recall off the top of my head if you have. that bass is bone rattling guid. and your voice is like sweet coffee. magic.

[Geir]

Magic indeed !

Great performance blooby! You should sing more ! (Is this the second? I've heard at least one before)

[Gnasty]

Good to hear you sing and in a rant kinda way. Good song too.

Thanks for pointing out this Sheryl Crow debate. It doesnt surprise although she`s not the only one who has done that kinda shit. It`s fitting that she dated Lance Armstrong i guess. Another piece of shit!

[bruno]

Killer performance - great bass sound, excellent vox and production - this is great.
B

[64Guitars]

Love that bass sound. Great vocal too. You really should sing more. I especially liked your "Can't Get High" post. I wanted to post a link to it here so others can check it out. Unfortunately, the song won't play. Maybe you can fix that?

https://songcrafters.org/community/index.php?topic=6798.0

I downloaded the MP3 when you first posted it because I liked it so much. Just had another listen to refresh my memory and it still sounds fantastic. The vocal knocks my socks off. I highly recommend that anyone who hasn't heard it should check it out.

[SwanSong]

A unique approach to this song. loved the bass. and well
spoken word . re vocal.s never heard original but liked this
rendition either way . cheers NEIL.!