The Songwriter Forum - songwriting reviews, tips and chat
Songwriter Forum => Feedback on Finished songs => Topic started by: pompeyjazz on August 07, 2018, 08:08:39 AM
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I've had a side project on the go for the last couple of months where an old band mate of mine and myself have tried to re-create some of the songs that we wrote together in the late 70's and early 80's but never recorded. We've tried to stay true to the original live sound that we had at the time and hopefully have got somewhere near that.
This number is entitled "Headlines" and was written in 1979
Cheers
John :)
Headlines
See them on the streets at day
Scaring all the kids away
See them on the streets at night
Giving the people such a fright
They're on the Headlines (Of the Coventry Evening Telegraph)
Headlines (of the News of the World)
Headlines (of the Radio Times)
Headlines
Eiffel tower's fallen down
Someone's nicked our good queens crown
Precinct punch up, man on charge
Caution beware, there's a killer at large
They're on the Headlines (Of the Coventry Evening Telegraph)
Headlines (of the News of the World)
Headlines (of the Radio Times)
Headlines
Child killer in the house
Rabies scare from stowaway mouse ?
City man dies in train smash shock
Violence, horror, all the lot
They're on the Headlines (Of the Coventry Evening Telegraph)
Headlines (of the News of the World)
Headlines (of the Radio Times)
Headlines
(c) Brough / White / Bradley - 1979
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Cool song and project. Excellent beat and rhythm. I bet you guys were a trip. The lyrics are unmistakably yours. You always tell a story in a unique way which makes an impact on the listener.
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This is bang on, John!!
You've achieved this air of menace you must have wanted.
it brings "neighborhood threat" by Iggy n Bowie to mind
but I think this "headlines" song is actually better
I like that instrumental break starting with the dominating bass.
just one question: Why do your songs start off really loud? lol.
I've always got to turn them down.
Very classy number.
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Thanks @redrhodie (http://www.songwriterforum.co.uk/index.php?action=profile;u=21171) .It sure was a buzz. Remembering everything was difficult. I actually got a message from the original bass player who I hadn't heard from for a long time. He thought that the bass sound was authentic.
@Rightly (http://www.songwriterforum.co.uk/index.php?action=profile;u=20219) Ahhh.... Not my fault on the volume. I use the @adamfarr (http://www.songwriterforum.co.uk/index.php?action=profile;u=20124) mastering trick ;)
Glad you liked it. It's a long time ago but interesting retrospectively to listen to what I was writing when I was 18 :)
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Hey @pompeyjazz (http://www.songwriterforum.co.uk/index.php?action=profile;u=20269) - this is very cool.. I just love the mood of the whole thing.. Love the drumming in particular although it all sounds really well-played to my ear - and the treated lines in the chorus (what do you call that - counterpoint? The Telegraph / Radio Times lines) add beautifully to the dark vibe of the song. Great lyrics. Cool that you've unearthed old tunes and that they sound this good! Really enjoyed this...
Karen.
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Thanks @MonnoDB (http://www.songwriterforum.co.uk/index.php?action=profile;u=19820) it was such a long time ago. Glad that it still has some resonance :)
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Yo pomps.
Love that driving bass. It drives the song like a bass driving a song. :)
I'd have paid the door price to neck a few drinks if you guys had been playing. Captures the energy brilliantly.
Cool project man. 8)
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everyone should listen to this. its superb.
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@Skub (http://www.songwriterforum.co.uk/index.php?action=profile;u=20061) Cheers Davy. Think it was 50p entry and 32 for a pint :)
@mickyplankton (http://www.songwriterforum.co.uk/index.php?action=profile;u=20769) Thanks so much Micky. Tried hard to get that live post punk feel
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Hi, John!
Cool side project you go here, and how great it is that you have gone back to the 70´s and 80´s with one of your friends, and re-recorded a few songs.
This sounds very honest and true.
You got a driving baseline that works well with the drums.
Looking forward to hear more from you!
Best wishes
Tor Løvstad
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@Tor Løvstad (http://www.songwriterforum.co.uk/index.php?action=profile;u=22190) .Really appreciate your review. It was a long time ago but it's my roots.Have been enjoying listening to your music on Soundcloud btw :)
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I like it got a good sound really seem to
Have kept the era / good lyrics / well sung - would have liked a bit more grit just felt it lacked that late 70s edge to hit the spot but still a good song
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Nice one Pompey
I like the screechy stuff panned left :)
Lots of energy here - and you milk that hook dry :)
Good work!
Paul
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@pompeyjazz (http://www.songwriterforum.co.uk/index.php?action=profile;u=20269). I like your roots. Looking forward to hear more!
It warms my heart that you have been listening to my music on Soundcloud. :)
Best wishes
Tor Løvstad
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The guitars on this are awesome, they sound fairly modern and refreshing. The only thing that makes you feel like it's an 'old' song are the Phil Collins style reverb beach drums. I think it would sound awesome with a more trashy, dry approach there
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Hey John, I think it’s sooo cool you are revisiting such old stuff! Good on ya mate! I love the energy on this one, it sounds as crunchy as the lyrics! Great job boys. ;D
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@Katieoasis (http://www.songwriterforum.co.uk/index.php?action=profile;u=22158) Thanks Katie, I always value your opinion. I guess it's difficult to re-create the same energy you had when you were 18 when you're errr - Over 18 ;D
@Paulski (http://www.songwriterforum.co.uk/index.php?action=profile;u=19241) Yeah ! Milk that hook ;D
@Ramshackles (http://www.songwriterforum.co.uk/index.php?action=profile;u=6887) Thanks Ram. Of course anything that is faintly similar to a Phil Collins 80's sound must be eradicated ;)
TBH, that was actually a conscious decision to go with that drum kit but now you say I'm going to have a mess with some other kits
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@LostBoy (http://www.songwriterforum.co.uk/index.php?action=profile;u=20481) Much appreciated Leo. It's been a fun project
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I loved it. The backing vocal has a cool effect but it's just not loud enough. The song has a killer chorus - call and response. Make sure That tthe response, "the radio times" etc is heard loud and clear. Guitars are sounding so cool!
Quality journey down memory lane.
Paul
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Hey John...I only listened through once, and I haven't read the other remarks. Not that other remarks matter....
In spite of this being from 1979 I find it very timely. All news seems to focus mainly on the lurid, shocking, and negative events around us, making them seem bigger and more pervasive than they are.
Musically, the only thing I noticed on the once-through listen was the rhythm on the line: "Caution beware, there's a killer at large". "Beware" is emphasized the opposite of what it would be in normal speech, making it sound (to me) odd and off. It would be easy to adjust that.
Otherwise, no nits. I definitely appreciate the content.
Vicki
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@Wicked Deeds (http://www.songwriterforum.co.uk/index.php?action=profile;u=19231) . Thanks so much Paul. I agree with you that the response should have been more accentuated. Tried hard to keep it as it was in the Olde days ;)
@CaliaMoko (http://www.songwriterforum.co.uk/index.php?action=profile;u=19928) .Thanks Vicki. I'm well aware of the bware ;) I think that I often do that sort of misunprociation on purpose for effect. Yes, the news continues to spin but nowadays it tends to tweet rather than us get our hands on some print. I'm still a newspaper and book reader though :)
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Ooooh yes, that was ABSOLUTELY my cup of splosh John. I love that late 70s post-punk sound. It made me think of The Stranglers.
That bass sound is fantastic (a bit like the bass in 'No More Heroes'), and the guitars are deliciously unhinged... great effects on them.
I like the simplicity of the chorus too. You must have had fun belting this one out back in the day.
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Crackly with energy, just sounds great. Can't believe you can summon up the spit and venom to perform it all these years later.
Kudos to you sir, cracking good listen. :)
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@PaulyX (http://www.songwriterforum.co.uk/index.php?action=profile;u=21034) Thanks so much. Incidentally the bass player was obsessed with JJB's bass sound. Hope I got it near the mark. He messaged me to say it sounded authentic
@tboswell (http://www.songwriterforum.co.uk/index.php?action=profile;u=20223) Thanks Tom made my day. Life in the old git yet ;D
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Wow! This is LOUD,
"Eiffel tower's fallen down
Someone's nicked our good queens crown"
That's great lyric writing and there are loads more like that in this song. This is really not my preferred style but I have to say that this is brilliantly done. Bass sounds just like The Jam circa 1979. The vocals are up to your usual standard and the whole thing throbs with energy and imagination. Superb.
M
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@montydog (http://www.songwriterforum.co.uk/index.php?action=profile;u=18653) Thanks a lot Alan. I really appreciate that as I know it's not your favourite genre. The Bruce Foxton bass sound is a big favourite of mine along with JJB's from The Stranglers :)
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Hi,
Jean Jaques is one of my favourite bass players. I've had the pleasure of seeing him live twice. First time in 1980 with the original Stranglers line up and again in 2016 with just him and Dave Greenfield surviving the intervening years.
Loved the track, BTW
Alan
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Hi Pompey....
I think my ears have just exploded.....very loud, But hey, This track has a massive pair of balls.
Very punkish feel, seeing as I was only 10 when you guys were kicking ass....sounds great.
I just go and get a tissue, think I feel blood coming from my lugholes...Kick over an amp for you on the way....