South Street Version Two

Gettin' there, kids. This is a new studio rough of "South Street" as recorded and produced by the great Dave McKittrick, who also added his own stolid guitar work to the track, including a gorgeous lead. Later will come drums, bass, horns, an organ and whatever else we can think of. Thanks again Dave for guiding this through with me.

South Street 2

Song of the Week 8/8/10 - "South Street"

The other day I was reading a professional songwriter's blog wherein he suggested a good exercise was to write one song per week, as short as 50 seconds, as a way to build up one's chops and to keep thinking of different ways to write and compose. I think it's a great idea, so today launches my Song of the Week project. Some of the songs may end up becoming finished products and some may not -- we'll have to see what I can come up with. The goal is simple and realistic enough, and since it's an exercise I'm not gonna worry about whether every song is a keeper. Most probably won't be, but I'll at least have plenty to choose from.

"South Street" is an autobiographical song, filled with references that anyone from New Providence, New Jersey will recognize pretty well. The rest is my own thoughts about the place, with some poetic license thrown in of course.

Song of the Week 8/02/10 "I Will Stay With You"

"I Will Stay With You" is a heartfelt love song, but like most of my love songs I wanted a harsh and sad edge to it, and I think I succeeded. It is (of course) not quite finished -- it needs some variation in the chords, as well as an intro and bridge, but I think I'm on the right track.

I almost ran off the rails at one point, in that as I was singing the melody I kept hearing a similar song in my head (not one of mine, not saying whose) and it was a genuine struggle not to veer off into the same progression on some of the phrases. But ultimately I succeeded.

Other than that, there really isn't much more to say, except I like what the bridge says about me 'cause that's exactly how I feel sometimes. Not sure I ever could have expressed it in mere words.

As always, suggestions are welcome, as are your own whacks at this and any of the other songs.

I Will Stay With You