Thanks to all for the lovely kind words. I'm fine, ta
I thought I'd expand a bit on this...as there were a few guys in particular that I wanted to give a shout-out to, as they just missed out on my top five by a whisker...then I thought I'd quickly give you my thoughts on all the songs in the November playlist.
@Jamie This has all the hallmarks of Jamies fantastic output. Soaring vocals, some super chord-changes, crisp production and intriguing lyrics.
@digger72 and Katja produced this gritty and anthemic track...with its heavy industrial-sounding guitars and enigmatic vocals.
@Welsh Steve produced another quality song...but I had to dig around for his username to tag him here, as he's not around the forum much. I couldn't help but notice that his last song didn't get any comments at all. I guess it holds true that the more you put into the forum, the more you'll get out of out.
@CharlieSmith Charlie hasn't been around the forum long, and I think it was me who pointed him in this direction...I don't know how useful he's finding the place...but this is a promising embryonic version of what could easily be expanded into a pretty cool hooky number.
@mickyplankton This is great song! It was it my top five right until the last couple of songs knocked it off the podium. I loved the punch and drive to the song...and I really enjoyed the slightly tongue-in-cheek delivery. Micky has loads of great ideas and seems to come from a musical place that's close to my heart.
Andy (Kafla) nearly had two songs in my top five...but I decided to shoe-horn this one out of the reckoning in order to give the others more a chance.
@Jack Simmons Jack's new album sounds like it'll be a pretty tasty slice of modern pop. He's a great singer with a recognisable sound and style. The doubts Jack recently raised about his abilities to get on in the music biz seem to me to be unfounded. He's certainly talented enough. Lucky enough is another thing entirely...and probably more relevant. I think gradually building a fan base is definitely one of the best methods...and although myself and the rest of the forum might not be his target audience...he could do worse that using us to practice on. If that seems like a bit of a chore, then some kind of shortcut might be in order. Tabloid scandal, role in Coronation Street, etc
@montydog Alan has been a top quality regular for longer than I can remember and he seems to have taken a good few steps up musically in the last year or so...his voice is always smooth and classy. The country-style backing here really kicks this one along very nicely. He's a great story-teller and lyricist into the bargain. One of the best around.
@CaliaMoko Vicki...what can I say...she's such a credit to the forum and a lot of the folks on here with ambitions in music could do themselves a favour and try to get 1/4 of the amazing "can do" spirit that Vicki has in abundance. She always seems to be out there learning, networking, playing, singing, writing and recording whilst juggling a dozen other things at the same time. She's amazing. Her melodies are so well thought-out and her voice is still clear and full of spirit.
@LostBoy has great voice...I don't know if there's anybody better on here in that regard. The Hilda Baker to his Arthur Mullard on this one is called Claudia. Leo's voice gets so high here that I wonder if she's the daughter of former Labour MP Ed Balls. It certainly sounds as though she's Clawed Ya Balls. This is a very well put together song...with excellent performances from both writers/singers...though it was possibly a bit syrupy for my taste...it would go lovely on a pancake...perhaps with a squeeze of lemon to add a little sourness. Obviously, I'm a miserable bastard...but although I once tried an outrageous bicycle-kick on a cross that went over my shoulder in the dying minutes of a football game against Whickham Comprehensive that flashed about a foot wide of the post. So we lost. And I remember the feeling of defeat more than I remember the look on peoples faces when they thought it was heading into the top corner. Leo seems to have a boundless energy and optimism in his voice...even when things aren't going according to plan.
@Sebandme keeps knocking out these super indie-flavoured gems with a very late 90s feel to them. Another very good voice on show here. A super chorus in this one...but it just missed out on my top 5. Enjoyed the rhythm guitar in this one!
And after yet another bastard Soundcloud advert...
@PeteS and his buddy produced this rather lovely jaunty serving of upbeat jangly English pop music...hints of early REM...great vocals too.
@Paulski is as irrepressible as he is inventive and accomplished. One of the greatest pleasures of the Friday night songwriter Zoom chat has been the opportunity to put faces to names and "meet" other forum members. Paulski is as warm, funny, talented and charming as his songs would suggest him to be.
@Wicked Deeds is absolutely one of my personal forum faves...not just in his writing, playing and singing..but he's such a lovely fella too. He writes some of the best songs that the forum has to offer...and this is no exception. Beautiful melodies, expertly crafted. That "I always tried to be the one..." part is just gorgeous.
@man made material has just arrived on the forum when I've not been able to be around so much...so I've not had much chance to say how much I like a lot of his ideas. This reminds me of Depeche Mode and New Order in equal measure...and is a really strong song. I hope to be able to catch up with more from the three m's
@LostBoy and his transatlantic buddy have produced a lovely Christmas song here. Speaks of lovely memories of those who are no longer with us...and makes us realise just how important it is to spend as much precious time with loved ones as possible. It's SO lovely of the Government to let us see our closest relatives this Christmas, as long as we're good little girls and boys and do as we're told and follow all of their stark raving bonkers rules and regulations, before they kick the shit out of what's left of the human spirit on January 2nd.
@Wicked Deeds cooked up some great twanging guitar riffs here...made me think of Squeeze...which is always something I'm happy to do. Great bassline here too!
@rightly is a genius.
@Grubstar I love Grubstar! I was a little gutted that this didn't quite make my top five. In fact, listening back again...I don't know how it didn't! Different days, different faves, I guess. Love the 80s style. Everything I've heard from these folks has been hugely enjoyable.
@pompeyjazz and
@Melusine2 have been one of the most brilliant pairings we've had the pleasure of hearing. They work so well together. You never know where this one is going...fantastic lead vocals and perhaps the craziest middle 8 in the history of the forum. Great lyrics too...adding to the dystopian feel that suitably reflects the unprecedented times that we not only find ourselves living in...but also, sadly, a glimpse into a future that I suspect is going to be nightmarish beyond anything 2020 threw at us.
@man made material Great title. I wrote a song years ago called "table for one" after some bird I was meeting at a restaurant had the good sense not to show up. The waiter came to the doorway and made his numb-skull suggestion that perhaps I'd care to dine alone. The fucking moron. Anyway...this helped me get over myself and offered me a tiny feel of "skin deep" by the Stranglers...a top song! Nice going, MMM
@MonnoDB and
@Jambrains are right up there with the best the forum has offer. Jambrains is probably more well known for his great guitar playing and production skills...but this is a proper duet where his excellent vocals can share the limelight with Karen's lovely voice. He pulled it off brilliantly. And squeezed in some great guitar too, of course. Lovely piano in here too. A treat for your bacon (ears)
Have a lovely Christmas everyone...
