The Smiley Smile Message Board

This afternoon I took a song I had originally done in 2006 (i think it was) as a full band (semi)rocker, slowed it down, messed with the chords some, totally f***ed with the style, switched it over to piano to try and approximate a semi-jazz/crooner standard. Sort of. Anyway, that would be this! Clearly no click or anything (as the piano has some extreme tempo swings here and there), single take on piano, single take on vocal. Hope you dig. http://www.sendspace.com/file/qktb10 

Also, anyone who downloaded my big ol' monster-collection of songs probably has the original: I think it was in there. Also, I am well aware I'm a shitty piano player, so feel free to fully utilize your kindness in overlooking that little point. (Part of the reason I thought of this arrangement was to get a little work in on the piano.)

Nice tone to this recording, I had a listen to the original version as well and obviously it's a lot more frenetic than the new version. It's a good song though and I think the melody works better over the new arrangement as it's overall less busy than the original. As usual I like the sound of the piano, and overall the new feel sort of reminded me a bit of Randy Newman in a way, not that I know him that well but just reminded me of it.

I can see the Randy Newman thing, especially in that there are overtones of jazz without it being jazz, and the walking bassline in one part of the refrain. (I really like Randy Newman, actually. So your streak of naming bands I hate as comparisons is over.)

Well actually, Randy Newman is not a band. Unless I've been mistaken all these years!

One in every crowd, ladies and gentlemen...

I just wanted to keep the streak going.

Okay, so I gave this a listen and I must say I quite like it! I don't have the original so I can't compare but I quite like it with just the piano and your voice. I've listened to a few of your other recordings (admittedly not that many) and I think this is your best vocal that I've heard you do.

Thanks, mikeyj. I tried to focus on it, but it was such a different type of vocal that it's hard for me to even compare. Lately my focus has definitely been on more "authentic" recordings--not as a judgment of other types but just an exercise (and it's tough to consider them that when I'm overdubbing myself at all, and using digital technology, etc.)--and so if I can get what I consider a decent vocal (or instrumental performance) with a solid, straight-through take, I'm pretty pleased.

It's like a birthday present, only worse! (Original, circa roughly summer 2006) http://www.sendspace.com/file/un8tz0

I'm not overly familiar with Randy Newman either, but it definitely gives my that kind of vibe.  Cool piano sound, and I really like the chord changes and walking bassline.  After listening to your original, I prefer the newer version...I think the piano/vocal arrangement suit the song a bit better.  On the other hand, the original has a cool vibe to it, so I'm torn in a way.  Cool tune either way though.