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Songwriter Forum => Feedback on Finished songs => Topic started by: pompeyjazz on August 08, 2017, 10:36:49 PM

Title: The Line
Post by: pompeyjazz on August 08, 2017, 10:36:49 PM
Apologies, One day early but I'm going away tomorrow.....

A lot of my more recent songs have been rather upbeat and poppy so I've decided to write something a bit moody for a change

Alzheimer's eh ? That's a friggin horrible disease and it's something that were going to have to come to terms with more often.

The Line, is the imaginary line that an Alzheimer's sufferer crosses when they really can't remember you. Painful to witness.

I hope I haven't depressed you too much – Sorry !

https://soundcloud.com/pompeyjazz/the-line

The Line

Don't know what to do with myself
They tell me - it's to do with my health
Memory – Tell me what did I say
Can't remember what I did yesterday

Once I cross the line there's no way back it's only time
No illusion, just confusion

I remember back when I was a boy
And details – Of my favourite toy
Faces – That are talking at me
I wonder – Who they could possibly be

Once I cross the line there's no way back it's only time
No illusion, just confusion

Fading – Is it present or past ?
How long – Will my confusion last ?

Once I cross the line there's no way back it's only time
No illusion, just confusion

(c) Bradley - 2017
Title: Re: The Line
Post by: Jenna on August 08, 2017, 11:37:36 PM
Dark. Painful. You took a slowly mind-devouring disease, devised a dividing line beyond which there is nothing but unknowns and questions, then put it in the first person with intensity behind the vocals driving it straight through the heart in combination with the dragging rhythm to the bluesy Gilmouresque guitar licks. The underlying guitar tones scream out epic tragedy, which it is in every family affected. A ten-pin strike.
Title: Re: The Line
Post by: Buc McMaster on August 09, 2017, 12:18:48 AM
A bit moody, eh?   ;D  Yeah......reckon that's right!

Love the plodding nature of this one.  The seeming anger in your voice I'm sure is one of the emotions faced by those afflicted with this terrible cloud.  My father is going through this now and I often wonder how much awareness he has of what is happening to him.....slowly.  Does he have moments of lucidity long enough to understand what's going on?  Or is it just confusion all the time, as you say.

The guitar wandering around under your vocal reminds me of Sam Andrew of Big Brother & the Holding Company.  Well done, sir, well done.
Title: Re: The Line
Post by: PaulAds on August 09, 2017, 12:32:19 PM
Hi John

Yikes!

Dark and unremitting. Captures the confusion and despair perfectly.

Powerful stuff, Mr B  :)
Title: Re: The Line
Post by: shadowfax on August 09, 2017, 03:31:29 PM
Damn..was just coming out of depression and this happens... A dark and darker song..one extreme to the other comes to mind...

powerful stuff John mate!! :) :)
Title: Re: The Line
Post by: Martinswede on August 10, 2017, 02:07:40 PM
Strong stuff, good stuff.

I really like the second verse.
Also the harmonica(?) in the back.
Title: Re: The Line
Post by: Neil C on August 10, 2017, 02:38:49 PM
John,
I've been considering the very same subject i think.
Anyway the tune is really good and enjoyed the arrangement.
My main feedback is around the timing, the music is ahead of the drums which drag and confuses me I'm afraid.  The guitars and vocals are ahead in the first part of verse 1 and on the pre chorus. Just needs a bit of tightening uo.
A touch of Lennon in there with those great defending chords.
Have a great time off
Portentous
 :)
neil

Title: Re: The Line
Post by: PaulyX on August 10, 2017, 02:45:50 PM
Super powerful and raw stuff PJ.
Personally I like the slightly wobbly touches like the way you seem to bend some of the notes (tremolo arm?) and the way the timing shifts just slightly... made the whole thing feel a bit unstable and sinister which fits the lyric.
A song that hits you in the head and the chest at once.
Title: Re: The Line
Post by: lillypilly on August 10, 2017, 07:10:30 PM
just finished watching a doco on the late Glen Campbell actually everyone should watch it.
this song immediately took me there

cheers
Lilly
Title: Re: The Line
Post by: Mikey on August 10, 2017, 07:40:22 PM
Lovely and dark, like the dirty guitars and the gritty vocal, I thought a dirty guitar solo would sound good in there, buts thats probably just me, good solid track, reminds me of something but I can't think what it is.
nice one Pompey

Mikey

Title: Re: The Line
Post by: Morefrog Jones on August 10, 2017, 09:12:47 PM
Ouch that was a 'power pain ballad'  :o - haunting use of gothic instrumental and powerful lyrics to get over the message....Songwriting wise up there as one of your best. Could sense a touch of John Lennon in there.
Title: Re: The Line
Post by: Skub on August 10, 2017, 09:29:21 PM
Yo pomps.

I thought I'd posted on this one,but it was soundcloud I left the comment on. Doh!

Very Beatles/Lennon beginning. Then Floyd influences on the 'remember back when I was a boy' part. Cool harmonies here too.

I hear Sabbath in places,in those doom laden heavy riffs.

It's a thought provoking monster and a reminder to us all to enjoy every sandwich.  8)
Title: Re: The Line
Post by: pompeyjazz on August 12, 2017, 11:07:57 PM
Thank you all so much. With regard to timing it really was intended to be like that, disorientated, confused, out of tune slightly. Thanks all so much  :)
Title: Re: The Line
Post by: Jamie on August 15, 2017, 10:24:20 AM
Hi John, yes very John Lennon in style and delivery. The arrangement and tempo suit the subject and there are touches of pink Floyd in the instrumental sections. Very good song!
I'm off to slit my wrists now........ ;)
Nice one!
Cheers
Jamie
Title: Re: The Line
Post by: TheButcher on August 16, 2017, 11:02:51 AM

I really like that rough, moody sound - it has a live feel. the spooky guitar chords and progressions are great.
pretty intensive
pretty good
Title: Re: The Line
Post by: digger72 on August 24, 2017, 07:02:08 PM
Hi PJ,

Liking this.
Getting plenty of Lennon too. Sort of "I Want You - She's So Heavy" with some more of Lennon's more introspective stuff thrown in. Then some great psychedelic guitar work.

Great tempo. Vocal works very well across it all.

Really well put together.

Digger
Title: Re: The Line
Post by: Neil C on August 31, 2017, 08:25:18 AM
John, really good songwriting here.
The soundscape suits the lyrics with those descending and menacing chords. Powerful ending.
My only feedback is on occasions your playing and singings slightly ahead of the drums.
Portentious
 :)
neil 
Title: Re: The Line
Post by: David Christy Jones on September 01, 2017, 01:29:24 AM
Love it. Reminds me of something, perhaps The Beatles. Not quite sure at the moment....
The space is brilliant, and the way the music supports the lyrics (Which are great by the way).
Literally the only critique i'd have would be on some of the snare hits being very slightly out of time, but that is absolutely nit-picking.
Keep it up, I look forward to hearing more! :D