Talking Zulu

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LostBoy

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« on: March 20, 2019, 04:18:16 PM »
Hi everyone,

Just finished this one. It’s written to a backing track I received while on a “top lining” course online. I just added some djembe drums and some chimey things to try and tie in to the topic a little bit...Of all the tracks I received, this was the only song that after finishing it, felt like a “Leo” song, so I’ve kept it, although I did have fun Pretending to write for current pop artists.

All thoughts are welcome as always and thanks for stopping by.😄🎶👊🏻🎶

https://soundcloud.com/leo-b-5/talking-zulu-rough-mix-wip-songtown-homework

Lyrics

Lately I’ve been thinking, about those days back then
I may forget the mission, but not you my friends

In the townships,
through the city
All the countless smiles that touched my heart

Chorus
Talking Zulu back when I was 21
We were only boys in camouflage
Under the Durban sun
Made it through the rain in Swaziland
Leaning on the stars
Feeding off their love
A lot has changed since then
But I know what you meant
So thank you for being there.

You were there to hold me, When my best friend died
A million miles from home then, With that question why

Through the struggle
Became brothers
Everybody showed us so much love…

Ngiyabonga kakhulu, khaluma isizulu
Ngiyabonga kakhulu, khaluma isizulu



« Last Edit: March 22, 2019, 01:00:47 PM by LostBoy »

nooms

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« Reply #1 on: March 20, 2019, 05:13:05 PM »
great vocals lost boy really strong
love the way youve placed them and navigate the lyric
backing track and production actually reminds of Toto ..with better lyrics !
has that sparkle and energy
and your vocals rise wonderfully on top.
i may not believe this tomorrow...

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MartynRich

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« Reply #2 on: March 20, 2019, 05:25:57 PM »
I may start sending some instrumentals your way, it´ll be just like Roxy Music did it. This is a fab little track...you´re so pop it makes me fizzy. I do like the little percussive bits as well...I´m gonna see if I beat it, all I´ve got it a @Binladeda track to work on :)

Really excellent work as usual.

pompeyjazz

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« Reply #3 on: March 20, 2019, 10:07:13 PM »
This is another exceptional piece of work from you Leo. You're dead right, it really does sound like a Leo song. The lyrics have been well thought out and vocals as ever are absolutely superb. I think that the modern pop tunes that you produce are exceptional. Nailed it again Leo  :)

Skub

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« Reply #4 on: March 20, 2019, 10:57:46 PM »
Yo Leo.

I hear what nooms means. With the addition of your smooth vocals,the track sounds like a poppy Toto.

What you did fits perfectly with the backing track,so there is nothing I can hear that needs fixing.

Good work man.  8)

MichaelA

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« Reply #5 on: March 21, 2019, 10:00:39 AM »
Nice work Leo, very much sounding like one of yours! Catchy melody, nice surprises in there, all topped off by your commercial pop star voice and masterful harmonies.

Great!
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Neil C

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« Reply #6 on: March 21, 2019, 10:39:52 AM »
Sounds like a Leo song to me too!
Lots to like with the rhythm and chords and melody all in synch together. Topped with your honey vocals and great backing Vox.
Only thought was that perhaps the vocals could be a bit more up in the mix, especially the verses.
Classy and catchy - could hear it on radio ( although probably more R2 than R1 )
 :)
Neil

and @nooms mentioning you and Toto together :-) gonna see the AOR behomoths in June!
« Last Edit: March 21, 2019, 10:43:34 AM by Neil C »
songwriter of no repute..

LostBoy

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« Reply #7 on: March 22, 2019, 10:18:37 AM »
@nooms @MartynRich @pompeyjazz @Skub @Neil C @MichaelA
Thanks very much guys! I’m glad you like it! Cheers Neil, I think you’re right about the vocal levels, I’ll fix them ASAP.😄🎶👍🏻🎶

PaulAds

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« Reply #8 on: March 22, 2019, 10:59:26 AM »
Fab vocals...but didn't really do it for me,to be honest.

I really wanted to follow the lyrics... as I had no idea what on earth it was about after my first listen...but I couldn't see them on soundcloud on my mobile....so I'm still in the dark.

I hate being negative...particularly as you're such a talented chap...but even though it's probably a very worthwhile exercise, and you've done remarkably well with the tracks you were given... I don't know whether it's just that it doesn't seem like it's really you or whatever...or because I couldn't get a handle on the lyrics... but something about it didn't feel right to me... sorry!

« Last Edit: March 22, 2019, 11:54:54 AM by PaulAds »
heart of stone, feet of clay, knob of butter

LostBoy

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« Reply #9 on: March 22, 2019, 12:53:25 PM »
@PaulAds don't worry mate! Its all good. Id much rather you were honest. 😁👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

My Bad about the lyrics...I'll post them as I usually do. I realise the chorus lyric is a little "quick fire" I  places.

Thanks for listening man.😁🎶👊🏻🎶

shadowfax

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« Reply #10 on: March 22, 2019, 04:42:52 PM »
Radio ready song!..excellent vocals man..just excellent.. :)
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adamfarr

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« Reply #11 on: March 24, 2019, 08:54:56 PM »
Really like this one - sounds like a true story, though for sure leaves us asking how it all came to pass.
It sounds to me like the verse finishes on a similar high note to where the chorus starts, leaving you nowhere to go for the chorus to “lift”.
But that’s my one small nit really, and it may be just that’s how the progression was that they sent you, so not down to you. Nice job!
« Last Edit: March 27, 2019, 09:16:43 AM by adamfarr »

Binladeda

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« Reply #12 on: March 27, 2019, 09:13:34 AM »

 Excellent song Leo  ;D

 Instantly engaging, especially the lyrics/vocals.  I want to know more..
 'Boys in camouflage'...do tell ;D ;D
 
 I'd be really interested to hear what sort of feedback you get from this course.
 Top stuff, as usual mate....loved it

 Take care ;D

Nowt as queer as folk...........my gran

rightly

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« Reply #13 on: March 27, 2019, 11:28:34 AM »
I like the guitar.
Technically flawless as far as I can tell. 
Commercial sounding, even I like it. Lol. 

I like the sentiment of the song but I kept wondering what were those white boys in camouflage actually doing in Africa, I mean apart from having the time of their lives.

Good job.
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I can promise you a future of slow decline.

Don't eat the yellow snow

And there you have it. 

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digger72

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« Reply #14 on: March 27, 2019, 07:06:52 PM »
Hi

Interesting lyric - something different from the normal topics.

Good pop vocal - carries the song well. You hit some great notes.

It does sound commercial indeed. Perhaps not on Kerrang radio.  :D

Digger