OK, here’s the poop: I literally feel like I’ve reached the bottom of the creativity barrel. Yeah, I’m in the home stretch here – only 9 weeks left – but I sure could use something catastrophic/amazing/staggering to happen to me in the next few days. I’d then have some ammo to write some songs about. As it is now, I think I’ve said something from every angle on relationships now. Maybe it’s time to write about current events. Nah, I quit reading the newspaper a year ago…
What do you all have burning on your mind right now? Who’s got an idea that’s dying to be set to music? Let me hear it!
Anyway, back to the task at hand: Week 21. This one, for the reasons above, is late 5 days. I kind of picture it as sounding like a night at the Yale. Brass section, blues guitar, lots of 2:00 AM rasp on Eliot’s vocal, barf on your shoes. Oops, scratch that last part.
Lyrically, yes it’s another relationship song! Sue me. It’s about a mutual parting of ways, realizing it’s not working for either of you, and there doesn’t need to be a big fireworks display – just acknowledgement that the “X factor” didn’t exist. Without that, what’s the point in dragging it on, right? Kind of a “Thanks for coming out. Catch ya later” thing.
As always, thanks, thanks, thanks for listening and participating. You’re making my 2008 by doing so.
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This is one of our favs! Love the piano and the tempo. Since you are looking for new song ideas, I would like one about horses and Gene wants one about hockey.
Hey Kimbers,
Horses, huh? The only thing I can write about in regards to horses is how much I resented not being able to ride my motorcycle in our big field, because it would spook them. Therefore, to a ten year old, horses sucked.
I’ve since gotten over that, and now prefer horses to bikes. Living on a major roadway will do that to you…
Cheers, El.
Dear Eliot–I can’t tell you how proud I am of you for all your accomplishments and tenacity and plain old hard work in this artisry/business.
While visiting with your wonderful parents and Paula & family they told us about your 30 Week challenge. I must have been out of the room or out to lunch when Vic told us that it was for a fundraiser for breast cancer… awesome idea !!!
You are a very special (that takes in a whole bunch of girlie /mushy/embarassing adjectives) musician, poet, and devoted son. Thank you for doing this for everyone. You know, I’m sure, that men can get this diease too. A dear friend/coach/in-law of ours had it back in the 60’s and beat it for over 35 yrs. So while you’re soaping up in the shower keep checkin’ those pecs and the other end too.
About song material: I haven’t been on the listening end of all your songs so forgive me if you’ve been there, done that. How about the joy, fun, frustration, franticness(is that a word?) and double-barreled love of having twins–from start to now? Any special memories about walking in the beautiful countryside near your folks’ home, fishing, etc.? How about the beauty of dark-skinned Indian (Native or Imported) women?–you have a few to look at up there. Down here it could be any Pacific Islander or any or all Western Pacific nations. ;o) Little boy song, little girl song, sister (you got a livewire one) or mom (livewire #1) or dad (very cool). Remember Sheri, Lucille, Roxanne, and of course, Paula? Jumping Jack Flash is the only guy name that comes to mind, but that could open up a whole new audience–men.
We recently attended a performance of the Gay Mens Chorus with darling Bernadette Peters singing “There is Nothing Like a Dame” (which drew lots of whistles) and “Some Enchanted Evening (you will see a stranger across a crowded room)” from “South Pacific”. A beautiful oldie the men performed was “We Kiss in A Shadow” from “The King and I “. Get my drift on that? Do you like Show tunes? I love ‘em, but don’t know too many to quote. As my hearing gets worse it’s really hard to understand lyrics. Keep that in mind: staccato, ditties, pirate songs, jingles, silly songs, songs that get crazy-glued into your brain, e.g., It’s a Small World”–think of all the goofy ones that have been hits–Mairzy Doats, Thwee Wittle Fishies, Alvin and the Chipmunks, Camp Granada.
OK, enough free advice from the world’s foremost source of enlightenment and fountain of wisdom. Keep up your great work, Eliot !!! You’re the bomb. And we’ll be praying for your continued success. Please come stay with us if you’re down in San Diego.
Loads of Love,
Pat & Bob
Well Eliot, guess you are entitled to reach the bottom once in awhile, just try not to stay there. So I have not read all your songs, but from what I gather there have been alot about broken relationships and starting over. So how about one about HOPE? At the end of any journey or even half way thru we all have to hang on to that star called Hope. I wish I could write lyrics, but guess I will leave that up to the pros. If you shake your head and say, where did I get that from?, it will be O.K. — I will still love you.
Take care Keep it up!!
Thanks, Donna. Watch for a song about Hope soon (maybe extremely soon). I’m feelin’ and bouncin’ you back the love, btw.
El.
Yeah I realy like the tempo and feel of that song. It’s a keeper. There’s a million ways to express the same story. So far you’ve only found 100 and it sounds like you have a few more ways left. I think they’re improving
Pops
OK…this one is my fave so far so let me add a couple things that I thought about…
First was “burn down the mission” off 11-17-70..I think that was the album. Hard pounding piano, great tempo, clean lyrics. My favorite album to this day.
Next was the need for 3 great female backup vocals instead of the organ. You could just hear the background begging for them.
Lastly I think the ending has to have more punch. I was listening and then caught myself saying “that’s it..it’s done.” (Kind of what Remi catches herself saying most nights!) Heyohhhh…[rimshot].
I REALLY like this one.
For inspiration I would look for a cross between Miley Cyrus, Wierd Al Yankovic and that twang in Andy Rooney’s voice when he says “do ya ever wonder why…”
Hey Warren,
Burn Down the Mission is a brilliant tune and LP - one of my favourite Elton songs from that period. I liked it a lot more, mind you, before Phil Collins did a cover of it.
As for the ending, once the crosses the 4:00 mark, I’m usually looking for the quickest exit I can make. But I do know what you mean.
Oh, I think you’re kind of flattering yourself. Don’t you really mean to say, “What Remi catches herself saying about once a month”?
El.
Love it - this is another 5.
Seeing as all we have weather wise is rain how about a “summertime” song.
Interesting display of musicalty. (”Ya gotta ‘flair’– and ya chucks it in the air!”) Impressed by your versatility.
See E-mail I ’sencha’.
Sorry folks. It was forgettable for me. With the jerky piano start, I thought a syncopated percussion track rather than on the beat, would smooth it out and make it much more interesting. I heard background singers after each line in verses and full on vocal help in chorus and bridge. Liked the bridge arrangement.
Hi Eliot,
It’s interesting that someone else made a reference to Elton John, because I heard some Elton vibe in this tune, too. It has actually struck me a number of times with previous tunes that, like Elton, you seem to have an intuitive sense of how to phrase lines musically. You got it goin’ on dude!
Hi Eliot. I LOVE this song! Love the lyrics, love the tune, the tempo, interesting use of timing, the theme.. I’m a newbie to your project but thoroughly enjoying catching up! This one is still my favorite. Nicely done. And thanks for including me in your listener list.
I’m having a Summer Solstice/40th b’day party on Saturday… how about a theme song for this occassion??! You’ve got 3 days
Gee, no pressure, eh Tracy!? Congrats on the milestone. You’re closing in on being half way to your permanent Dirt Nap…
I’m in New York right now, so how about something along the lines of a “Wild Night in Midtown with the Girls, Gone Sideways”?
Cheers, Eliot.
uh, yeah, thanks so much for the wishes..? Really. Feeling much better about this milestone already.
My friend and I were hoping to visit Vegas for our 40th.. alas it didn’t work out..maybe 41 .. So Wild Night in Midtown with the Girls, Gone Sideways sounds like the makings of a theme song to me! Hope NY is a blast..
catchyalater, Tracy
I love it! Everything is great. The lyrics! The rhythm! Every time the beat stops, I find myself wanting it to keep playing and you keep me waiting just longer than I want before the next note hits. That’s cool!