[Neil C]

Hi,
I had this title around for ages but didn't want to take to the obvious country backdrop. I've had on the stocks for 3 years and it really need to be outed. Musically I've tried to go with a pop tune with a west African influenced drums, and lyrically its about someone trapped in a relationship.
I have updated the vocals but I cant upload onto Soundcloud so this is what I have..

Anyway interested what you think about the tune, all feedback appreciated.
:-)
neil 

https://soundcloud.com/neilconnor-2/home-is-where

She wakes up as the birds begin to sing
And then she does all her usual things
She mustn't be late
And the coffee it can wait
As she stares at her eternity ring

Coz home is where the heartache is
Feeling so alone
Home is where the heartache is
Together but on her own
Home is where the heartache is
Feeling so alone
And her heart ain’t at home

It's the everyday and the same old commute
Headphones in, autopiloting the route
As she nears the destination
Her pulse begins to quicken
And she enters the high rise in her suit

Coz home is where the heartache is
Feeling so alone
Home is where the heartache is
Together but on her own
Home is where the heartache is
Feeling so alone
And her heart ain’t at home

There's a man in an office down the hall
Where she goes but she shouldn't go at all
Is it wrong or is it time
Moving on or draw a line
Life's so big when you're feeling very small

Coz home is where the heartache is
Feeling so alone
Home is where the heartache is
Together but on her own
Home is where the heartache is
Feeling so alone
And her heart ain’t at home

C 2016 New/Connor

[pompeyjazz]

Very poignant and well constructed lyrics Neil. I love the rhythmic patterns you have got going on here.  It takes a moment to get into them but then it's really effective. The whole thing is actually pretty unique. I loved the M8 in particular. An excellent piece of work

[rightly]

Yes I like this. 
Nice little story. Folks will settle for the heartache n sometimes, of course, they have no choice. 

In the bridge part, is that where she's having some kind of affair, or is it just a friendship? 
It's a really engaging narrative. Lol.
I should give her a call, I hope this work out for her in the end. 

I need a part two. 


Excellent song.

[shadowfax]

Great story telling in a pretty neat song!

[MichaelA]

I like these kind of narrative pop songs myself, reminds me of the likes of Squeeze of old, or even older, The Kinks. The kind of thing bands so inclined used to sing down the local pub in their little combo. It's a worthy addition to that tradition.

I liked the vocal technique and delivery and jaunty rhythms plus subtle guitar riffs. It's an overall sound with lots of charm to it, and the chorus, which at first I thought a bit too long, really hooks by the end - and took me back for more. Cheers! 

[PaulAds]

Love the shuffling feel of this.

Great title, of course...but the rest of the lyric keeps the standards really high too.

Quite unusual and a really refreshing listen...nice going, Neil :-)

[mickyplankton]

Hi Neil. Excellent songwriting on display here. In particular the lyrics are first class. Heartfelt, relatable and sad without laying everything on the table (so to speak) . I do like the musical elements. The one element that feels weak in comparison to the rest is the vocals. Your singing is fine but the sound comes across a bit thin in the mix. Maybe up the levels a bit or if you re do the vocals sing with a bit more oompth

[adamfarr]

Hi Neil - it's a great story, and I love the guilty office romance part. Has a very credible ring to it. The title is a nice twist on an old saying (I love concepts like that).


It took me a few listens to get into the offbeat rhythm, but now I really like it. The one thing I am still not sure about is the slightly industrial cowbell (?) sound, though it does give a very unique feel (and echoes the repetitive trapped feeling). As always a very nice bass sound too.


Good writing here!

[Skub]

Yo Neil.

The lyrics are succinct and sharply on point,nice wordplay.

The music is quality and an effortless listen. Love that shuffling' kit working away there in the engine room.

Who's that doing vocals on the 'Lemme tell you' part? Sounds very Macca.

[PaulyX]

Lovely little kitchen sink drama in a few short minutes. As has been said, very Ray Davies.  Do share what that vocal sample you are using is... it works very well as an intriguing start to the song and a recurring hook.  Like your production on this a lot Neil and the percussion has cheeky sizzle to it too.  My only nit is the fade out, but that's just a personal hang-up.

[montydog]

Hi Neil,

With a song title like that I don't think I could have resisted the temptation to go country so hats off for not going with the obvious. Loved the drum part and the (12 string?) electric jangle. Catchy chorus and it has a lovely, rolling vibe and a great bass part. It's a strong song and beautifully realised. A great listen.

M

[Neil C]

PompeyJazz - Thanks for your comments, based it on this West African drum WAV's which took it in a different direction. I remember going to The Gambia once and they get into a groove they just play the hell out of the 2 or 3 chord sequences - in the same way that reggae can - and you just get into that trace thing

Rightly - I really liked the m8 and where we ended lyrically - does she have the courage to have an affair? good idea about part 2. I could introduce her to you?

Kev - pleased you like the storytelling.

MichaelA - Squeeze and Kinks :-) 'and the chorus, which at first I thought a bit too long, really hooks by the end'

PaulAds - delighted with your ' unusual and refreshing' feedback

micky   - great comments on the lyrics and agree with the vocals

Adam - cheers for that. re the cowbell its was in the WAV it is what it is

Skub - pleased you liked it and the 'let me tell you' is the co-writer, I had a sample of west African chant

PaulyX - Lovely little kitchen sink drama :-)

Montydog- yes the title was a little too obvious even for me, so went off at a tangent with the west African rhythm and married it to a pop story and chords :-)

[Movin Flavour]

Good tune Neil.

Poignant, but also many parts where you can stamp your feet or at least tap your your toes.

As usual great guitars and love those harmonicas.

Sudden ending, but enjoyed.


Sandeep