How to start writing "real" songs

carol m · #1 January 29th, 2007

I just found this example but it'll only be there/available for another 24 hours or so be quick if you're interested.

http://abc.net.au/rn/dailyplanet/sto...07/1830122.htm

Listen from 19,20 on the streaming audio tracker, not the time on the playlist. Basically you have to be blown up by a terrorist bomb on a train in Peru, recover, then in spite of being nearly deaf you learn to play the guitar backwards......then you can start to write "real" songs. It probably helps if you come from Texas!

It's Sam Baker and the song "Waves". Also a good example of how 'delivery' of a song is more important than the voice you have - in a sort of Steve Earle kind of a way. The dreaded Blues Harp is an added bonus (?). Even if you don't like the song, it's a good story

I think this might be one for Les.

Lcjones · #2 January 30th, 2007

Being from Texas is always a plus! Of course, Kentucky's always good too.

But I'll tell you, a guy like that is one in a million. I will be picking up some Sam Baker music. Yep, Steve Earle, John Prine, Bob Dylan, Kris Kristofferson and Tom Waits all rolled up into one. Beautiful song.

Very cool. Thanks for that link Carol!

**
Les
So many years, so many hardships. excellent...

*****

Lcjones · #3 January 30th, 2007

addendum.... Just bought his album over at iTunes. If you like Americana. This is an excellent example. Great tunes top to bottom. And besides, these are the musicians that need our support!

**
Les

Andy S · #4 January 31st, 2007

That was interesting.....not just the song, the fact that when it first started , I thought,"hmmm...nah, not my kind of stuff." But I didn't turn off the player right away.

Then, the more it played, it just sort of grabbed me and I sat there listening to the whole song. Took a minute or two to get used to his voice. I liked the guitar, but the whole song was almost, I don't know....mesmerizing. What he was singing about, whew! 50 years and memories.

Thanks for introducing Sam Baker to me!! It wasn't something I normally would've gone for, but, there was just something about it!

Thanks again!

cshude · #5 February 1st, 2007

Powerful stuff. I prefer the song that comes right after that- that jazzy, bluesy, lounge number.