Body & Soul

[Les Warner]

Hi All, long time with no contact but I've been busy. But tonight two new songs, tell me what you think, be honest. I like them both and the other song Look at the Children has a deeper meaning. We look at the abject poverty of various countries and seem unable or unwilling to help. This is personal, this song won't move mountains but if it strikes home with even a few people it will have done a little good. Regards Les W
ps will have my stupid Rock & Roll head back on tomorrow

[Ted]

Welcome to the forum!

This might be more than you asked for:

On the production:
This is very well produced. It has an nice '80s rock groove, with vocal harmonies reminiscent of Steely Dan.

The panning seems just a little right-heavy.  The guitar on the left could be a bit louder.  Everything else is mixed very well.

On the lyrics:
Bear in mind that I'm a do-gooder and a lyricist. That means I might offer lyrical help where none is wanted.

You wrote:

We look at the abject poverty of various countries and seem unable or unwilling to help.

Unless you listen to the lyrics very carefully, you'd entirely miss this message:

Remember all you can / with your fellow man. / He needs you badly. / Don't turn him away. / Help him on his way / And help him gladly.

In fact, the predominant message most people might glean would be:

Go for it / body and soul.

Which is a fairly trite message if taken out of the intended context--which is very likely.  If your intention is to have this be a "message" song, you are running the risk that the message will be lost.

However, I like the idea of misdirecting the listener; making them think this song is about, "Ask that girl out" or, "Go skydiving," or "Buy that new guitar."  But it's actually about, "Put yourself on the line for others."  If I were your producer (IIWYP), that's probably the direction I'd push for.

I hope this was helpful. I'll shut up now. 

[SE]

Really like your sound, very well produced with a good mix, hope you don,t take offence at Ted,s feedback, cause I think it,s well intentioned, check his stuff, always good with interesting lyrics, back to your tune this really excellent stuff,rock with a message, loved it hope to hear more.

[Ted]

hope you don,t take offence at Ted,s feedback, cause I think it,s well intentioned

Absolutely!

Les: This is an awesome forum, and this kind of commentary is a little unusual.  I'd not have addressed the lyrics at all if you hadn't (a) suggested how you hoped the lyrics would move the listener, and (b) asked for honest feedback.

[Vanncad]

Welcome Les!

This is a very good sounding song! The vocal layering is really well done, and the over all production is very good.

I agree with Ted though, the lyrical message is a bit mixed for the intent (perhaps?).

Damn good song none-the-less.
Great driving beat, bass guitars and vocals all sound top-notch!

[Les Warner]

Hi All, as you have probably noticed I was only able to post one song last night as "Look at the Children" was too big. Willie W is going to try and edit it down to a smaller file size. Keep the comments and advise coming, please believe me that no offence is taken. We can only learn by listening and acting on suggestions that are there to help. Regards Les W

[Greeny]

A nice, strong rock feel on this one. Solid guitar work and a great melody. This is a very enjoyable listen! The harmonies have a nice seventies feel - kind of Steely Dan / Eagles / America.

[pjd1]

Loved the song well produced and sang brilliantly , top draw playing and the sound of your,e guitars is really cool ,, sounds to me like a Bowie number ,

Cool

Dunny

[Oldrottenhead]

ps will have my stupid Rock & Roll head back on tomorrow

i thought this was quite rocky, really nice harmonies loving your stuff.

re large files its quite easy to compress a song.if your song is saved at say 192kbps reduce it to 128kbps there are lots of different mp3 shrinking programmes, cant think of one off hand to recommend.

[Satchwood]

Welcome aboard :~: CooL song here.!!  Nice laid-back rockin guitars and vocals sound really .great.! 

I get a catchy Bowie vibe too, in the cool vox doubling & harmonizing;.;.;....,..;...