This is a piece where the lyrics and music are a pastiche of mid 60s pop.
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=746310&content=songinfo&songID=6007462
After reading Drunkrock's comment I've now posted a version just with guitar.
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=746310&content=songinfo&songID=6009748
Midland Town - Ray Stroud
Daybreak in a midland town
six chimes in the redbrick tower
mother's up in her dressing gown
family out in half an hour
suits and ties on the road
music turned up way too loud
offices and the factories
counting down to the holidays
Stores opening nine a.m.
busy pavement now it's stopped raining
gran's off to the park again
feed the ducks, see the children playing
Davey's looking for some rules
to guide his life when he's out of school
takes his cue from the magazines
poster heroes hard and mean
Our Madeleine hanging out with friends
rendezvous where the bike boys gather
come this evening she'll be making plans
to leave the town in noise and leather
off to find the usual place
an A5 pub where the music plays
clinging tight as they take the curves
laughing loud with every zip and swerve
Restless boys meet and talk about moving away
up to the gills being drilled for a place in society
in their minds they're warriors marking time
waiting for a place on the danger line
but tonight they suffice with a silver screen
a beat ‘em up on a games machine
Six chimes in the redbrick tower
parks empty and the stores are closing
Dad driving home slow from work
Mum struggling with the ironing
Madeleine's trying to get her make-up right
for when she's swept away on the motorbike
Davey's friends just hanging round
trying to get a life in a midland town
I think this is a well written piece. The lyrics are catchy, yet they still have substance. However, the music you posted gave me this image of an 80s music vide: some guy in big hair and sunglasses, swinging his hips and snapping his fingers combined with a bad attempt at lip synching. It's got potential, but like Tears for Fears, the music removes some substance in the lyrics. A dark acoustic or piano number might be a better combination.
So basically: well written but the music needs work.
Great descriptive phrases . . . . . . well done. The only thing I'm a little hung up on . . . . . you're last line . . . . . trying to get a life in Midland town . . . . . . . . . . my thought is that it would be great as part of a chorus sung throughout the song.
And personally, I kinda like the irony of the lyrics with the music.
Neil
like Tears for Fears, the music removes some substance in the lyrics.
Thanks for the comments.
The song is light-hearted and the arrangement a musical joke - no substance intended :lol: . I really must try writing something with substance :lol:
Tears For Fears were one of my favourite bands and I disagree with your analysis sir! Orzabal is a genius IMHO :shock:
I've just posted a version with just acoustic guitar and no breaks (and dropped to G for my weedy voice) - I wrote it on a synth in A.
I know what you're getting at, I think. One of those up-beat, big picture views of ordinary life. I thought it was terrific. Loved the arrangement especially the 60s-type chord changes in the chorus. I preferred the simple guitar version, myself, but the big arrangement was impressive and your voice sounded great. If you want 'weedy', you should hear me in the shower.Lots going on in the lyrics, as you need for this type of song. Terrific!
Cheers, David
Ray
I like both versions. I found it reminded me of Ray Davies so the guitar version
fits that a little better. All and all a great piece however you choose.
John
The song is light-hearted and the arrangement a musical joke - no substance intended :lol: . I really must try writing something with substance :lol:
Tears For Fears were one of my favourite bands and I disagree with your analysis sir! Orzabal is a genius IMHO :shock:
I liked the acoustic version much better: still light hearted but if I wanted to explore the lyricism more, I could more easily. Tears For Fears are great, but their songs are much better covered by other artists: for example Gary Jules' powerful cover of 'Mad World'.
Can't wait to hear more!
Ray
I like both versions. I found it reminded me of Ray Davies
Thanks John. It is actually quite a mash-up. Once again I started trying to emulate Pet Sounds (as I did with Rest In Peace) and ended up with a mess. I got the sleigh bells and that pre-Hal Blane drum sound when Denny was on the seat. I liked the cellos on the second verse which were definitely British / Eleanor Rigby ish.
As for tune and lyrics I was aiming at the mid sixties British chart stuff like Cat Stevens' Matthew & Son and a song called Grocer Jack (can't remember who that was by).
Off topic I have been searching for years for a copy of The Wedding Of Ramona Blair by The Mirage, which was also in this vein. Any leads provided would be most welcome.
