Stars Look Down

echoroom

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Description

This song was inspired by a friend saying that a previous tune, "Permission to Dive", sounded like Lou Reed. I didn't think it did, but thought 'Hey, I'll do a Lou Reed-Transformer type song'. This was intended to be written in about a week .... three months later, here it is.
Doesn't sound like Lou to me anymore, but it is kinda rocky.
This is a song about celebrity stalkers, inspired by a REALLY odd girl, a Keanu Reeves fan, I saw at the premiere of 'A Scanner Darkly'.

This was recorded in GB2, then mixed repeatedly in LE. I'm now going to give my ears a rest and do a quiet piano track. Hope you like this.

Steve

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Lyrics

You know so many people but they all look the same.
Their lines are scripted, their teeth shine into outer space.
I stood in raindrops after the talk-show hour,
You wave at the masses then get in your car.

Stars look down
Look at me, look at you
I can't understand
Why I feel like I do.

I keep you in my pocket just to keep me entertained
I'd take you to Nobu but the order's keeping me restrained.
You're never happy when I sleep on your couch
The cops arrive and let me help myself out.

You're gonna show us your beautiful home.

Song Stats

Hits: 2508
Comments: 48
Fans: 17
Plays: 386
Downloads: 41
Votes: 17
Uploaded: Oct 29, 2006 - 11:01:26 AM
Last Updated: Apr 12, 2008 - 01:59:16 AM Last Played: Oct 31, 2009 - 02:18:21 AM

Song License

Creative Commons License:
ShareAlike

Song Actions

Keywords:

Stars (47), celebrity (6), stalker (6), lou reed (1), paranoia (7), Nobu (1), Keanu Reeves (1)

Hardware:

Cheap squire guitar
Keystation 49e
Shure 58a

Software:

GB2
LE

Comments

The Orbiting

The Orbiting said 1124 days ago (October 29th, 2006)

Sequel
This is so great, Steve! I'm so insanely happy to hear your stuff mixed so much more clearly and your vocals coming through to well. This is a bit of a companion piece to, "I'll Be Your Shadow." As you know, I approve highly of your dark lyrics. The winner here for me is "Their lines are scripted, their teeth shine into outer space." The chorus is tremendously catch as well.

And, oh yeah, I definitely hear the Lou Reed influence. Your cheap Squire sounds pretty good, I think.

More, please.

Check out my latest song called Mayday

The Orbiting	The Orbiting said 1124 days ago (October 29th, 2006)
	ummm... ..that would be 'catchy' and that was from Lisa, btw. --- <a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/25612">World that Breathed</a> Check out my latest song called Mayday

echoroom

echoroom said 1124 days ago (October 29th, 2006)

Scanner 2
Ha, thanks Orbiting (or is that Mr. Orbiting?). Glad you like the mix - it's taken literally weeks (i did the first mix over 2 weekends, played it in the car, and hated it immediately. This also had 31 tracks - I think i shaved off about 8 in the mix). Also glad that Lou comes through (could this be the first track of mine that doesn't sound too 80's?).

As you note, 'Shadow' was also inspired by 'A Scanner darkly', although more directly, so i suppose they kinda bookend each other.

Actually, I think the lyric to this is a compainion to 'Idiot saviour', another celebrity obsessed song. God, I need some new inspiration.

Mnay thanks for the comments

Steve

Check out my latest song called Deeper (w/t Racerat)

The Orbiting

The Orbiting said 1124 days ago (October 29th, 2006)

That's Ms. Orbiting, to you
Yeah, I noted the Idiot Saviour relationship right after I'd written my comment, but thought that two P.S.'s would be over my legal limit.

I think you should just think of it, not as being stuck on a topic, but creating tracks for your 'concept album.' ;-)

---
<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/25612">World that Breathed</a>

Check out my latest song called Mayday

echoroom

echoroom said 1124 days ago (October 29th, 2006)

Ms??
Er, sorry, wrong sex (Ms. O).
Funnily enough, i was in Munich this week with a bit of time on my hands (due to insomnia) and was thinking about, if not a concept album, then a theme/thread running through my future songs.

Then i realised i write about the same stuff generally anyway, so it all works together in one big holistic heap.

well, maybe not.

Steve

Check out my latest song called Deeper (w/t Racerat)

	said 1124 days ago (October 29th, 2006)
	Clever! The whole mix sounds wonderful. I really liked the guitar sound- nice job playing as well. I thought the lyrics were clever and your vocals sound great! The percussion is right on the money. This is excellent songwriting!

echoroom

echoroom said 1124 days ago (October 30th, 2006)

Guitar man
Thanks Mikey.
That's pretty generous of you, but I still can't get the guitar as good as on your tracks. All the rhythm guitars on this are played live bit by bit, i.e. single chords, then cut 'n' pasted together, and then looped, as I can't actually play for toffee. The main 2 note lead line was played live (like, 35 takes), some other stuff is synth guitar. Thanks for the feedback, it's been a real find for me to hear your music yesterday.

Steve

Check out my latest song called Deeper (w/t Racerat)

TobinMueller

TobinMueller said 1123 days ago (October 30th, 2006)

Catchy, like a stalker
For some reason I was reminded of I'm Too Sexy, the self-absorbed humor, the straight ahead sound. But this is much more fun, more a You're Too Sexy sort of twist from the celebrity consumer perspective. Love the vocal stylings. The danceable beat; Bandstand stuff. Very solid and full of smiles. Great mix of concept, style, production, performance. (The only thing, the ending kind of just unraveled, which has its own charm, but I thought an audio punchline of some kind might have had a more entertaining effect.)

Check out my latest song called Forge A New Life (MJRF)

echoroom

echoroom said 1123 days ago (October 30th, 2006)

Sexy back (and front)
Hi Tobin....
I'm too Sexy?! Well, that's really made me smile ... Right Said Fred obviously a bigger influence than I had initially thought. As for self-absorbed ... hell, that's my middle name.
You're right about the end - there were vocals over it (a repeat of the 'beautiful home' bit), but I wasn't really that happy with it. After spending about 5 weeks mulling over the mixing, the bridge part (with strings) was rewritten in about 30 mins.
Really appreciate your comments, as they made me re-evaluate the track and give me a fresh perspective (which I've lost, having spent some time on the song).

By the way, I listened to your new track 'Chaos ...' but even after 2 listens, I didn't feel qualified to comment .... I'm still trying to absorb it.

Thanks for posting

Steve

Check out my latest song called Deeper (w/t Racerat)

jie	jie said 1123 days ago (October 30th, 2006)
	cool Enjoyed. Could hear the Lou Reed influence,nice, reminded me of Be Bop Deluxe. dont know if you remember them. but great mix. Cheery Check out my latest song called Gods Got HisPlans, Ive got mine

echoroom	echoroom said 1123 days ago (October 30th, 2006)
	Hi Jie Hi Jie - jeez, not often my songs get called cheery - the prozac must finally be working. I've heard of, but never heard, Be Bop Delux (I remember my cousin being a big fan) - I'll check 'em out on iTunes tonight. thanks for the feedback Steve Check out my latest song called Deeper (w/t Racerat)

Ed_Moran	Ed_Moran said 1122 days ago (October 31st, 2006)
	Excellent Steve WOW!!! Great song. Performance is top notch the production was worth the effort. Loved the vocals and structure of this song. Ed Check out my latest song called Cowboy (WIP)

echoroom	echoroom said 1122 days ago (October 31st, 2006)
	Ta! Hey Ed - thanks for the feedback - glad you think it was worth the effort - having spent the weekend mixing this, i can't listen to it at the moment. Steve Check out my latest song called Deeper (w/t Racerat)

AquilA	AquilA said 1122 days ago (October 31st, 2006)
	Really... ...snappy. Thoroughly enjoyable with creative lyrics, a terrific performance and a pro production. All that, and a 'ShareAlike' copyright and downloadable? You're not only multitalented, you're altruistic. Check out my latest song called Bounce Buffet w/ Hectorious

echoroom

echoroom said 1122 days ago (November 1st, 2006)

You mean I've given this away?!
Hi Aquila - thanks for the feedback. To be honest, I don't really know what the Share Alike stuff means, as I could never be bothered to read the fine print - you mean I've signed the rights to this away??? Shhhe-it!

Hells teeth, it'll probably get covered by some boy band, or Paris Hilton, and I'll never get a penny.

Glad you liked it, and I'm just happy it's out there.

Steve

Check out my latest song called Deeper (w/t Racerat)

Jim Bouchard

Jim Bouchard said 1122 days ago (October 31st, 2006)

Most Certainly
I do look at the ratings picks and check out the one on the top of the chart, and this is certainly worthy of being there. Very pro sound here, and it certainly captures that Lou Reed with a healthy dose of David Bowie feel. And that I like! Excellent lyrics, music, backing vocals. I think the lead vocal could use a little pumping up compression-wise, since it sounds a little flat and digital. Like it would be good if you could go through some nice analog tube compression, but that's just a nitpick because it's otherwise so close to being perfect. And the ending needs something, I think, but now I'm just quibbling. Good job! Downloaded!

Check out my latest song called Weather or Not w/awigze

echoroom

echoroom said 1122 days ago (November 1st, 2006)

Me and Dave
Hi Jim - firstly, thanks for the quibbles, 'cause I find it's easy to lose perspective on a track, and as I'm naturally impatient, I tend to want to get it finished and move onto the next. Thanks for the advice on the vocals - I wasn't quite sure about the sound myself, so I'll play about with this. Also, I'd agree about the ending - it doesn't really quite cut it, and I think it could be improved with just a little more work.
As for Mr. Bowie ... well, I'd be lying if i didn't admit he was a big influence, and he keeps coming through, no matter how much I try to suppress (compress)him ... just as long as he doesn't want any royalties (33% of nothing).

Many Thanks

Steve

Check out my latest song called Deeper (w/t Racerat)

Cori Ander	Cori Ander said 1122 days ago (November 1st, 2006)
	Hi Lou Hi Lou, great to have you here! Very nice of you to donate such a great production to us here at MacJams! Highly enjoyable, as many of your classics. Check out my latest song called Guitar test — Martin CSN (Gerry Tolman Tribute)

echoroom	echoroom said 1121 days ago (November 1st, 2006)
	Ta Cori Thanks Cori - you've just made my Day Perfect; gotta dash, some guy is waiting on me Steve Check out my latest song called Deeper (w/t Racerat)

bud	bud said 1121 days ago (November 1st, 2006)
	Damn this is good! Forget the comparisons - I could throw in The Cars and Cockney Rebel - this is just plain great. The lyrics are perfect - as well as the singing, performing and production. I love the Nobu line. Glad to make your acqaintance - I'll be back. Check out my latest song called try not to think

echoroom	echoroom said 1121 days ago (November 1st, 2006)
	Woof Hey Bud - well, Cockney rebel, wow, I never thought of them, but now that you mention it, I can see what you mean (and i love 'Come up and see me'). Thanks for the comments - look forward to hearing more of your tracks. Steve Check out my latest song called Deeper (w/t Racerat)

Leon

Leon said 1119 days ago (November 4th, 2006)

Yummy
I relished this song from beginning to end! This song is tremendously appealing to the ears... very pro-sounding... took me just a few seconds before I hit the download and fav buttons. You just keep raising the bar, Steve... The melody.. the instrumentations... the beat and rhythm... I'm speechless. It's been a while since I rolled out a few tens!

Check out my latest song called The Nightingale (music and lyrics by Oceans)

Leon	Leon said 1119 days ago (November 4th, 2006)
	and... Forgot to mention the awesome vocals and infectious harmonies!... this one is the total package. If there were the Jammy Awards, this one gets my nomination in all categories. --- The lion roars, the eagle soars. Check out my latest song called The Nightingale (music and lyrics by Oceans)

echoroom	echoroom said 1119 days ago (November 4th, 2006)
	Leon and on and on Hi Leon - great to hear from you, and I hope the ol' studying is going well - it's a drag I know, 'cause you end up putting your life on hold. Thanks for the feedback, and appreciate the comments from a man with tonsils as big as yours. Love n peace Steve Check out my latest song called Deeper (w/t Racerat)

Pete_NB	Pete_NB said 1119 days ago (November 4th, 2006)
	Love it! Given the same groove, I think I might have played some of this the same way. Happy to hear there are souls out there just as deranged! Check out my latest song called First of Fall - Slide

echoroom	echoroom said 1118 days ago (November 4th, 2006)
	hi Pete Hi Pete - no, given my guitaring skills, you woulda played it better! Thanks for posting.... you know the great thing about your pic is that it's staring right out atcha! Scary! Steve Check out my latest song called Deeper (w/t Racerat)

Pete_NB	Pete_NB said 1118 days ago (November 4th, 2006)
	Give yourself credit That's some great guitar work you have on this and the production is really something to marvel at. Glad you like the pic, I suppose it is a little "in your face" isn't it? Gotta be me! Check out my latest song called First of Fall - Slide

SuicideEvolution	SuicideEvolution said 1118 days ago (November 4th, 2006)
	I like this this kinda reminds me of the talking heads. You have kinda your own style and sound though. I like this one too because it's a song anyone, anywhere,any age will appreciate. --- Nathan J. Rogers Check out my latest song called Wishing Well

echoroom	echoroom said 1117 days ago (November 5th, 2006)
	For the whole family Thanks nathan - sorta know what you mean by Talking Heads, its a bit quirky I guess, although as near to 'rock' as i can write. Other than that, a song that whole family can gather around the radio and listen to, whilst incinerating minor celebrities on the barbeque. thanks for the comments. Steve Check out my latest song called Deeper (w/t Racerat)

	said 1117 days ago (November 5th, 2006)
	What a cool Song! Seems impossible to catch all the great stuff on this site! What a fine production you have here. Super song. . - Harold

echoroom	echoroom said 1117 days ago (November 5th, 2006)
	Your guitar Thanks harold ... I'd be happier if I could get the guitar to sound as good as yours! Maybe next time ... thanks Steve Check out my latest song called Deeper (w/t Racerat)

moorlandt	moorlandt said 1117 days ago (November 5th, 2006)
	a hit a very well thought-out piece of music, Steve. From the first electric piano tunes until the last distorted guitar chord: a delicious piece of music. The chorus melody is wonderful, as are the lyrics and the vocalising. A hit... - Walter Check out my latest song called boundaries

Schello	Schello said 1117 days ago (November 5th, 2006)
	,-) Well, Buddy ive listened all ur tracks...OK, you arent no musician like me =)) Contg. Budddy__GREAT FUTURE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ------- im not musician� Check out my latest song called Snozz'en (Cronik Mix)

echoroom	echoroom said 1117 days ago (November 6th, 2006)
	Viva italia! Hey schello - well, thanks for listening, and great to meet you. Must've been a long day listening to all my music - I really appreciate it. Keep in touch man Steve Check out my latest song called Deeper (w/t Racerat)

futzpucker	futzpucker said 1117 days ago (November 5th, 2006)
	Completely infectious There's a lot to enjoy in this song. The guitar parts, great vocals, the form and arrangement, the feel... And I think your obsession with the mix paid off in a big way. It sounds great. I'm grabbing my headphones now for my third listen today. I really like this song, Steve. Check out my latest song called Just As It Is

echoroom

echoroom said 1117 days ago (November 6th, 2006)

Simply difficult
Hi patrick - many thanks for the comments. This song is actually really simple ( a 2 chord verse and 3 chord chorus), 'cause i'm not really musical (and they're all major chords i think). This started off with loads of effects and instruments, but ended up cutting a lot of stuff out (I wanted strings in all the choruses but it was just too much) and re-writing bits after the first mix (the drop-out after the second chorus, with the strings, was re-written in about 15 mins).

the thing I'm really happy with are the bass drum and snare sounds - I tweaked them over about 2 weeks and I'm pretty pleased with them - probably use more of them in future.

Thanks for posting

Steve

Check out my latest song called Deeper (w/t Racerat)

ktb	ktb said 1105 days ago (November 17th, 2006)
	so fine Steve, always enjoyed your tracks, but this one seems to stand out for its superb mix. You've got all the elements finely tuned and blended. Nice KA pop tune. Hooks, Production and Passion. Excellent Check out my latest song called Texas stump

echoroom

echoroom said 1104 days ago (November 18th, 2006)

New category
Hey KtB - I'm always slighly embarrassed when someone compliments my mixes, 'cause i listen to lots of stuff on this site (including yours) and wonder how the hell they got it to sound so good.... anyway, I'll shut up and just say thanks.

I think KA pop should be a new category here - I always struggle to classify my tracks but I would use 'KA pop' with pride!

Many thanks

Steve

Check out my latest song called Deeper (w/t Racerat)

five_extra_arms

five_extra_arms said 1056 days ago (January 5th, 2007)

First Impressions
Hey man,

you are a really amazing songwriter, performer, producer, etc... I just saw that you were kind enough to listen AND comment on one of my song sketches and I thought I would return the favor and say thanks. I can't imagine polishing a single one of my songs to the level of any of yours. I guess that's why I'm here, trapped in a prison cell just outside the asteroid belt waiting for my captors to sleep so I can play with GarageBand and you're playing rockstar somewhere on Earth. How is Earth these days? Are people still hiding from the robots? Sure looks pretty from where I'm sitting.

5X

Check out my latest song called Michael Pool

echoroom

echoroom said 1055 days ago (January 6th, 2007)

earthling
Hi 5X - earth is doing fine, apart from all the humans. However, luckily, as homo sapien is a self-destructive species, they should do away with each other shortly and leave the planet in peace to all the other animals.

Thanks for the comments - if you listen to the first track I posted, you'll see that my first songs were pretty basic in the production dept. ... but you improve as you go on.

thanks for stopping by ... listen to Idiot saviour of you get a chance, as it may be more to your tastes.

Steve

Check out my latest song called Deeper (w/t Racerat)

five_extra_arms	five_extra_arms said 1048 days ago (January 13th, 2007)
	Earthling Eater I listened to a bunch of your other tunes. You have some pop sensibility. Very glad to have heard your noises, thanks to you leaving me a comment. Isn't that great how Macjams works? Now let's go BOMB THE MONGGZ! Check out my latest song called Michael Pool

echoroom	echoroom said 1047 days ago (January 14th, 2007)
	'armless Hey 5x - thanks for listening, and yeah, it's great how this site works ... you random;y bump into songs like dust in a ray of sunlight. Or something. Yours poptabulously Steve Check out my latest song called Deeper (w/t Racerat)

five_extra_arms

five_extra_arms said 1031 days ago (January 30th, 2007)

iPod Fun With No Hands On The Wheel
Hey man, listen to this.... I'm driving through Valrico yesterday with my iPod blasting on my radio and this great song came on. (I play the "Name That Artist" game with myself and anyone dumb enough to challenge me). For a moment, and only a moment, I was thinking it was the OTHER Echo. Then I thought, Lou Reed for another mere moment. When the first chorus sounded, I thought of the early Hoodoo Gurus. By then I realized it was you. What a great ride it was listening to that song a few more times. Today I plan to download some more driving music for future driving fun.

Thanks Steve.

---
five extra arms must be STOPPED.

Check out my latest song called Michael Pool

echoroom	echoroom said 1030 days ago (January 31st, 2007)
	Keep your hands on the wheel! Hey 5EAMBS - what a compliment - thank you. The track was written very much in Lou's grouchy style. Hope you didn't lose concentration - I don't want to be held responsible for roadkill. Will check out you new track this evening ... I will be in contact. Steve Check out my latest song called Deeper (w/t Racerat)

SickTransit	SickTransit said 1009 days ago (February 21st, 2007)
	Yeah, Lou Reed lives here You've got the kind of New York-era vibe going on with the rhythm section. The vocal harmonies are totally Beatles, though. Quite a nice track. Check out my latest song called Godsend

echoroom

echoroom said 1007 days ago (February 23rd, 2007)

noo Yawk
... funnily enough, i was listening to 'New York' by Lou Reed yesterday! This was specifically written with his style in mind .... i struggle to come up with harmonies other than octave, so interesting comment on the Beatles.

I've tried to listen to your new track ST, but can't get it to play ... will have another go tonight.

Thanks

Steve

Check out my latest song called Deeper (w/t Racerat)

lavalamp	lavalamp said 869 days ago (July 12th, 2007)
	Checking out your old stuff Bet you used to like the Pixies. Checking out your old stuff and I must say I really like this one. Nice. big, fat production, but meanwhile staying punk. Great singing and lyrics, too. Would like to collab someday. What do you think. LL Check out my latest song called Googolplex Times Zero

echoroom

echoroom said 867 days ago (July 13th, 2007)

aw shit
... now you're checking out my older stuff, and I feel guilty!
yeah, i loved the Pixies, but can't play guitar for shit. This was the last song i recrded in logic Express - all the ones after this are in Pro - I think there's a noticable improvement in the sound quality of later ones, but this is a kinda nice poppy little tune.

Yeah, a collab will likely be in the cards, as I really like your work.

Steve

Check out my latest song called Deeper (w/t Racerat)

Fan List

ktb

Artist Info

Name: Steve Craig

Echoroom is Steve Craig and whoever else he can get roped into help him doing the proper music stuff. One day I'll list all the collabs. I'm currently an irishman living in Kenya, but can still collab over the internet - thankfully! ... [see more]

Check out some of my other songs:

Genre Info

The terms alternative rock and alternative music[1] were coined in the early 1980s to describe punk rock-inspired music genres which didn't fit into the mainstream genres of the time. At times it was used as catch-all phrase for rock music from under

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