I’m a recording artist!
First, some background. John has several hobbies, but they mostly fall into three categories: cars, computers, and music. This latest project combines two of the three. You know, I shouldn’t call this his latest project. He’s had a variation of this going on since we lived in our first apartment in DC ten years ago, but, as with many hobbies, he only picks it up every once in a while. He recently installed some recording software on the computer in the basement, and now he has a whole studio down there. We recorded possibly the most laid back recording of “Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out” so he could mess around with the program. It turned out okay, so here it is.
Here is the Music Player. You need to installl flash player to show this cool thing!
It’s not perfect, so please don’t judge too harshly. The more we listen to it, the more we both hear things we’d change if we were to do it over. I think that could go on forever, though (you’re always your harshest critic), so we decided to leave it as is. There are plenty of things we like about it, too, particularly the end.
Some notes:
- I don’t think it sounds like me. I think it sounds like Mindy. She wasn’t here, though, so I’m pretty certain it was me.
- Where did that accent come from?
- If I listen to it one way, I think I sound like I’m trying too hard. I know I wasn’t trying very hard at all, and when I think about that, I think I should re-record it and try harder so I can sound better. But then I probably would sound like I’m trying too hard and this is a never-ending circle so cut it out already.
- I really like harmonizing with myself.
It’s fun.
If you like it, we might take requests.
The Wombat posted: 26 Aug at 11:15 pm
Well, I’d never heard that song before, but I think it’s great! Love the harmony. {holding lighter in air}
Zannah posted: 27 Aug at 6:58 am
Thanks, Wombat! Glad you liked it. The song is on Eric Clapton’s Unplugged album (that’s the arrangement we used), but it was written by some guy I’ve never heard of (Jimmy Cox) in 1923, and it’s been covered by EVERYbody since then.
Dad posted: 27 Aug at 9:08 am
Covered by everybody, including your Dad! Always been my standby, when a guitar appeared and someone demanded a song. I picked it up from an old folk/blues singer named Josh White. http://cowbell.fm/artist/Josh+White, if you’re interested. Your rendition is much better than mine, by the way… but, then, you can sing and John can play guitar– neither of which I excel at. When does the CD release?
Holy Carp! posted: 27 Aug at 9:31 am
That is nice – it’s going in my iPod.
Very nicely done.
momma betty posted: 27 Aug at 7:42 pm
That’s the first song your dad ever played for me on the guitar. I love your version. I’ll come up with requests. First, “Til There Was You,” Paul’s arrangement that I know John can do because he learned it for me (maybe?). Z, can you handle the vocal? Of course, you can!
momma betty posted: 27 Aug at 7:47 pm
So cool–the tracks! I love it. That just sounds like too much fun.
Zannah posted: 27 Aug at 9:16 pm
Thank you, everyone! Mom, we’ll work on it.
Gaby posted: 28 Aug at 1:37 pm
“It’s the Beatles!”
Corey posted: 28 Aug at 1:39 pm
That was AWESOME! All three of you sounded fantastic. I can’t wait until 2020 when we get another one!!
Holly posted: 29 Aug at 5:10 am
Love it! It’s amazing and raw, so perfect!
When will you be going on tour?
momma betty posted: 29 Aug at 7:58 pm
M & M were over last night, and when I played it for Mark, he said to Min, “That sounds like the two of you singing together.”
Zannah posted: 29 Aug at 9:49 pm
Gaby, I’m flattered.
Corey, thanks, and we’ll see if we can move a little faster this time.
Holly, if you want to finance it, we’d be happy to bring the tour to Australia.
Mom, have you played any of The Living Sisters songs for them? We could totally do that.
Holly posted: 30 Aug at 6:32 am
I’m requesting that song from The Jerk. “You Belong To Me” (I think?) Fun to harmonize. Can John play the Ukelele?
Zannah posted: 30 Aug at 9:26 pm
It’s so sweet! John doesn’t have a ukelele, but he does have a mandolin. We can probably use that instead.
momma betty posted: 31 Aug at 6:43 pm
Oh, don’t suggest another string instrument to John! How many has he collected by now? (Still, ukeleles are fun. I used be able to play On Top of Old Smoky on a baritone uke. I think Ed ended up with that.)
Zannah posted: 31 Aug at 7:58 pm
I’ve lost count, Mom.
Jessica posted: 01 Sep at 11:04 am
Hey, you guys rock! That was awesome.
Zannah posted: 01 Sep at 11:18 am
Thanks!
Melvin? posted: 04 Sep at 8:58 pm
Yep, sounds a lot like me. That’s a weird feeling.
Of course that means it sounds amazing. Seriously, very nice. I’ll sing back up any time. I’m trying to download it to my new phone, but it ain’t working… Humph.
Zannah posted: 06 Sep at 9:58 am
Would it help if I emailed it to you? Or is it the phone part that’s not working?
Melvin? posted: 07 Dec at 12:09 am
Yes, email please. I’ll make it work somehow. Boy, long delay for my response. Geez.
Zannah posted: 07 Dec at 9:12 pm
Three months is a little long. Once I find where we saved it, I’ll send it to you.