PERFECT STORM

Scott Carmichael

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Description

Sometimes the weather keeps me from work... rain and wind are murder on billboards... I had such a day on monday... so I went into the studio to record something I wrote in the last few months... I came out to find out that 32 students had been gunned down... I already had the mandolin song and melody with a writing direction... and this senseless evil really derailed the whole thing... I couldn’t write about anything... and I didn’t want to write about this A**Hole and give him one more second of what he wanted in the first place... So the song took a new shape, with more angst... I purposely didn’t want to be specific about content... and was hoping that people would draw from it, out of their point of reference... obviously the storm is allegory

I recently got a mandolin, and this is the first thing that I’ve written on it... I doubt that this will be the last mix, so if anyone has a better idea about the genre... let me know

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Lyrics

RED IS A HINT AND A WARNING
WE ACT LIKE EVERYTHING FINE
THE TINT OF THE SKY IN THE MORNING
RED IS AN OMINOUS SIGN

THE COVENANTS BROKEN
THE CONTRACT IS VOID
THE ANGERS’ UNSPOKEN
AND VENGEANCE DEPLOYED

LOW DISTANT THUNDER
FAR MUFFLED CRIES
THIS SPELL WE’VE BEEN UNDER
WILL BE OUR DEMISE

HARDER & HARDER TO IGNORE
WE’RE NOT IN KANSAS ANYMORE

DO NOT BE FOOLED BY THE STILLNESS
DON’T MISS-INTERPRET THE CALM
ALL OF THESE SIGNS IN THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES
ARE POINTING TO ONE PERFECT STORM

THE COVENANTS BROKEN
THE CONTRACT IS VOID
THE ANGERS’ UNSPOKEN
AND VENGEANCE DEPLOYED

LOW DISTANT THUNDER
FAR MUFFLED CRIES
THIS SPELL WE’VE BEEN UNDER
WILL BE OUR DEMISE

LOW DISTANT THUNDER
MEANS NO COMPROMISE
THIS SPELL THAT WE’VE BEEN UNDER
WILL BE OUR DEMISE

Song Stats

Hits: 5053
Comments: 105
Fans: 51
Plays: 925
Downloads: 187
Votes: 24
Uploaded: Apr 21, 2007 - 12:11:35 AM
Last Updated: Apr 21, 2007 - 06:09:17 PM Last Played: Nov 21, 2009 - 10:50:16 AM

Song License

Creative Commons License:
Attribution-NonCommercial

Song Actions

Hardware:

G5 weber mandolin taylor c621 ce814 warwick fretless bass akg's and baby bottle mikes... drawmer pre amp onyx mixer a/d

Software:

Logic pro

Comments

dreadmon

dreadmon said 951 days ago (April 21st, 2007)

Fingers of fireworks
Wow, Scott - you're shredding on that mandolin, buddy! Your fretwork is just tasty - and I love the modulations on the pre-chorus, downward moving minor sweetness and then ascending stepladder of hope leading into the chorus - my favorite part of the song, echoes of "Eleanor Rigby" there for some reason. Powerful words, great vocals - sounds like you may be still musing over some vox arrangements for the lead, and the mix is sort of under the radar a tad - which would make sense, since you've charted a new destination for this tune. The most assured parts are the chorus and harmonies, but it all sounds beautiful. Most of all, you are doing some intricate and progressive work on the mando - you're a musical Vesuvius of late - and that's sitting more than fine with me! :Deep bow:

Check out my latest song called Dive!

Scott Carmichael	Scott Carmichael said 950 days ago (April 21st, 2007)
	Hi Bing Yeh the song is so new that it will be subject to some change as I hear it... these thing usually moph a bit... I reserve the right to hi-jack the song and steer it back toward it original direction... It seemed like more work than usual... Vesuvius... that's a first... I always appreciate your personal twist Check out my latest song called Good Morning

Vic Holman	Vic Holman said 951 days ago (April 21st, 2007)
	fantastic! this piece really floored me. maybe the "perfect song" in from the storm. i've always said a new insturment has a great song ready to come out right from the start. the mandolin is very prominent and leads the way. once again i'm floored! just run the vacuum cleaner around me. Check out my latest song called November

Scott Carmichael

Scott Carmichael said 950 days ago (April 21st, 2007)

thanx Vic
your right...the mandolin was the springboard for the whole piece... the song really came from my learning to play the little thing... I realised that I didn't even know what the chords were... so adding the guitar part taught me alot about the mando...

thanx again... you know if you said the song sucked, you could have still used the vacuum analogy

I like that...

Check out my latest song called Good Morning

stevewhit	stevewhit said 951 days ago (April 21st, 2007)
	Hi Scott! This is superb. I'm not technical so I can't talk about mixing etc, but it sounds great to me, I love the mandolin, the great melody and the way you have managed to describe such a very sad tragedy (which is so hard to put into words) in a very dignified way. Best Regards Steve Check out my latest song called schooldays

Scott Carmichael	Scott Carmichael said 950 days ago (April 21st, 2007)
	Hi Steve thanx so much... It was a hard song to write, because I just don't want to give the animal any more face time... so I had to keep steering away from the specific... and work more like an impressionist... i can see somewhere down the road just changing the song completely... thank you Steve Check out my latest song called Good Morning

Ed Hannifin

Ed Hannifin said 950 days ago (April 21st, 2007)

You're really channeling some fresh mando energy...
...and getting a great mandolin and a great mandolin-against-guitar sound....

Vocal is strong...again.

You're one of the guys here who can write choruses and write hooks, and I always relate to that. This song has that good sort of power.

My only suggestion in a general way is that, at least listening over headphones, the song is pretty much at full strength all the way through...sort of relentlessly full and forward... I find myself wondering how it might be made stronger, and made to have an even more powerful mix, by skillfully pulling back elements and allowing for more ebb and flow...

I continue to admire your songcraft and musicianship, Scott...

Ed

Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)

Scott Carmichael	Scott Carmichael said 950 days ago (April 21st, 2007)
	Good morning Ed More than once I've utilized Mj ears for the remix.. It is always helpful to have the opportunity to hear this through other ears... So the next mix will "breath" ... that's a good advice thanx friend Check out my latest song called Good Morning

said 950 days ago (April 21st, 2007)

Good grief, Scott
After such a recent great release of yours, this is just an amazing follow-up with another great song! I still have that last one ringing in my head every day, this one will stick, too.

An excellent approach to your writing - I HEAR THAT! Knowing the turmoil you must have felt (as we all felt), for me the tears still want to roll for innocents - "Far muffled cries...", and some other few hold it in till they explode, can't bring themselves to cry out without unleashing destruction

damn nice song, Scott

. - Harold

Scott Carmichael	Scott Carmichael said 950 days ago (April 21st, 2007)
	thanx Harold one of the greatest comments you can get is that a song stayed "in my head"... there's a good barometer... humble thanx Check out my latest song called Good Morning

thetiler	thetiler said 950 days ago (April 21st, 2007)
	This sounds very nice. Lots of cool acoustical sounds. Like the vocal sounds. Way to go! Check out my latest song called Little Drummer Boy Variations

Scott Carmichael	Scott Carmichael said 950 days ago (April 21st, 2007)
	thank you Bill Yeh.. I'm diggin' learning to play this thing... I also did an itersesting MS recording of the acoustic guitar... it came out very different Check out my latest song called Good Morning

Doadars Uncle	Doadars Uncle said 950 days ago (April 21st, 2007)
	The rise of the storm I really like the mandolin. There is a sense of helplessness. How can we predict the storm? Nice tune! Check out my latest song called Capitalist's Drag

	said 950 days ago (April 21st, 2007)
	8-) I concur Amazing stuff mang! --- wha? who? TW

Scott Carmichael	Scott Carmichael said 950 days ago (April 21st, 2007)
	thank you Doug Helpless indeed... but urgent hopefully... that's kind of what I was going for... I was real pleased with how well the mandolin records Check out my latest song called Good Morning

said 950 days ago (April 21st, 2007)

the Times a' changing?
Though not specific, the lyrics are compelling and fall into the line of many folk songs of the past that send out warnings in more metaphorical ways than spelling everything out. I like approach. It gives a song legs from generation to generation.
I'd like to hear a more prominent bass line in this song giving it more depth of sound and push to emphasize the heaviness of the topic. That being said and coupled with my other comment, I might put this song in the Folk Rock genre.

You seem to capture not just something of that tragedy but much more, your song points to an era in which the wheels are coming off... many things (seemingly unrelated) going from bad to worse and... are we taking notice of it??

To refer back to the great Bob Dylan, "How many times must a man look up. Before he can see the sky?" We humans too often are looking without seeing and hearing without listening...

Mandolin is awesome... Great song Scott.

Scott Carmichael	Scott Carmichael said 950 days ago (April 21st, 2007)
	hey Jack I was certainly reaching past the specific event... I didn't want to give the guy a nod... no place in my historic record.. that sort of thing...but at the same time, I couldn't excape him... I resent that this song even exists... It's kind of giving him what he wants... If I was a recording artist.. it would not go on an album/cd Check out my latest song called Good Morning

RickW	RickW said 950 days ago (April 21st, 2007)
	No compromise indeed! Another great song from you Scott. Fantastic lyrics and harmony. Wish I could sing a harmony backing like you do. God bless you and thank Him for the new covenant, Rick Check out my latest song called Picture of Perfection (MJRF)

Scott Carmichael	Scott Carmichael said 950 days ago (April 21st, 2007)
	Funny Rick I'm loosing my facility, and it's getting harder & harder to sing... and I'm OK with that.. it's part of the journey... the new covenant has made all the difference... for me to find a straight path is a miracle... thanx Rick Check out my latest song called Good Morning

jakgetar69	jakgetar69 said 950 days ago (April 21st, 2007)
	nice I love the use of mandolin! It's such an underrated instrument. Plus you have a lovely voice. Check out my latest song called Letter to the Editor

Scott Carmichael	Scott Carmichael said 950 days ago (April 21st, 2007)
	yeh Jack I'm definately finding that the mandolin really carvesout it's own space in a mix... and it takes me directions that I normally wouldn't go... thanx for the encouragement Check out my latest song called Good Morning

dajama	dajama said 950 days ago (April 21st, 2007)
	Great playing Great playing, and a strong song. I think you got the lyrics just right, nailing the mood or feeling without being too specific. Great production, although vocals seemed a litte low here and there on my speakers. Nice work. Check out my latest song called Across the Wire (MJRF)

Scott Carmichael	Scott Carmichael said 950 days ago (April 21st, 2007)
	thanx man on my speakers I feel like they're a little distant... but on my headphones I actually want to turn the vocal down... not sure why that is... thanx for the writing nod.. this one was a little tough Check out my latest song called Good Morning

	said 950 days ago (April 21st, 2007)
	Another fine offering... ... a complete package from you, once again. The acoustic instruments are played wonderfully, with the bass intertwining throughout. You excell on the mandolin! Your vocals have such a presence that fits perfectly in this "storm" with lavish harmonies reminscent of America and CSNY (have I said that before?). And the percussion is just the right amount. Alimar

Scott Carmichael

Scott Carmichael said 950 days ago (April 21st, 2007)

thanx you Alimar
truth is I've only been playing the mandolin for a few months... once you figure out how to hold it, the guitar chops come in pretty handy... the fun part was writing on something other than guitar... you end up someplace completely different..

humble thanx for the vocal nod... I'm getting more and more confident as I become less and less able :)

Check out my latest song called Good Morning

SmokeyVW	SmokeyVW said 950 days ago (April 21st, 2007)
	all those old rules are out the new window - and where are we now? nice celtic groove opening very CSNY feel to it - i could imagine a 4 part on this! these words are creeping me out dude you are so right very good tune - wow thanks Check out my latest song called One For Me

I. Spike	I. Spike said 950 days ago (April 21st, 2007)
	...audio taste treat! Wonderful singing! Great playing! You are killing on the mandolin, damn! I love the vibe of this song. I'm not sure where or if there' a chorus though.... Does the verse section also functions as a chorus as well? This is a real audio taste treat! Check out my latest song called Mighty Cracker Fly

Scott Carmichael	Scott Carmichael said 950 days ago (April 21st, 2007)
	Hey Spike I want to pretent that "low distant thunder" is the chorus... but they really do all come across as B-sections.. well maybe the verses are a bit more truer to format... It just took me for a ride... I often think about that writers group that you're involved with... and how I'd get that going here... thanx my friend Check out my latest song called Good Morning

Peter Greenstone

Peter Greenstone said 950 days ago (April 21st, 2007)

Love it
This is great. Wonderful lyrics that make a powerful statement without being heavy-handed at all. There are days when it feels like we are bringing on such a storm as never seen before, and then there are days when it feels more like the cycle of the tides. Either way it can't and shouldn't be ignored.

Musically it's sounding fantastic and has a catchyness to it that I really enjoy. The mandolin sounds excellent; you play it so well. Overall, it's a good mix but I can imagine how things can still be adjusted here and there to get it in its ultimate form. Voice is sounding really good with some particularly nice moments. Maybe I'd bring up the harmony levels a slight tad, at least in some places.

Really this is a great song that I think a LOT of people will enjoy and be moved by on various levels.

Check out my latest song called From Nothing

Scott Carmichael

Scott Carmichael said 950 days ago (April 21st, 2007)

Hi Peter
As hard as it was getting that mandolin under my fingers... The lyric was harder... much harder than usual... I wrestled with this one... here is an interesting function of MJ... it's like some of the great writers guilds that have produced great works of literature... all the like minded artists sharpened each others skills... it's much the same here.. as I worked thru this, I had WWPD moments (what would peter do) to steer me...

It seems to have landed the way I had hoped.. heavy handed will negate a work like this quicker than anything for me...

Check out my latest song called Good Morning

trembmic

trembmic said 950 days ago (April 21st, 2007)

Ambiance...
I especially respect tunes that paint a whole picture with lyric, melody and instruments... all equal and working together to create a mood. You nailed it... It's a work worthy of honoring all those devastated by the tragedy.
What struck me most wasn't the mandolin (which is awesome) but your voice. You had a unique quality that really portrayed the anguish. It wasn't a vocal performance. You sounded like you felt every word as you sang it. Kudos...

Check out my latest song called Open Your Eyes

Scott Carmichael

Scott Carmichael said 950 days ago (April 21st, 2007)

thanx Mike
I know what you mean... you want everything to work as a whole... if I tried to write a wedding song over this music, it just wouldn't fly... If I have just music, that I want to develop...I take the approach that music is like a lost language... and i ask..."what does this say"... but more often then not it's the lyric that sparks the music...

thnax for the vote of confidence on the vox.. as I listen I'm thinking... redo ... redo ... redo

Check out my latest song called Good Morning

SmokeyVW

SmokeyVW said 950 days ago (April 21st, 2007)

that final major chord
i had to give this a second second listen. i still love it.

but that major chord at the end irked me before - and it still does again now.

i know, there's good technical reasons not to end on the minor tonic, but the mood of the song just doesn't want a major chord at the end, IMO.

what if you substituted a III for i? - that is, use a Bb Major, instead of G Major. or maybe use IV/I - a Cmajor with G bass. either of these would feel unresolved, but perhaps that would fit nicely... just an idea!

thanks again - GREAT SONG

Check out my latest song called One For Me

Scott Carmichael

Scott Carmichael said 950 days ago (April 21st, 2007)

hi smoke
It's funny I just finished the lyric yesterday... so the song is only a little over a day old... allthough it did have a bit of a gestation period.. anyway, half way thru today, hearing it fresh... I had the exact same impression... problem is, on moday when I was recording this... it wasn't going to be about this subject... the guy kind of hi-jacked the song... i wish that was the worst thing he did... I had a pretty ellaborate miking scheme, and it would be hard to duplicate... but if I was to redo the song, I would address the very thing you mentioned..

good ears

Check out my latest song called Good Morning

Rebsie

Rebsie said 949 days ago (April 22nd, 2007)

Plinking heaven
Whooo, that's lovely mandolin work. You've really got to grips with that recent acquisition! For an instrument with such a small sound you've managed to make it both the melodic and percussive backbone of the song, which is some achievement. Excellent writing, excellent performance and a beautifully rich and lush production.

Much respect Scott ... this is really great stuff.

Check out my latest song called Amongst The Colours (w/ Luna Trick)

Scott Carmichael

Scott Carmichael said 949 days ago (April 22nd, 2007)

Yeah!! Rebsie been here!
I'm real happy you came by... I almost sent a personal pimp your way... but that kind of backs a person into the corner... I know the mandolin is in your arsenal, and I'm a novice, but in a way that's a good thing, because I'm not thinking like a mandolin player... so the instrument is still wide open to me...
I don't even know enough to tell if it's original...

thanx much for the encouragement

Check out my latest song called Good Morning

ktb	ktb said 949 days ago (April 22nd, 2007)
	powerful You manage to capture the bewilderment I feel in the senseless acts that happen all too often. Lyricaly cool and the music is a delight. You really are an incredible musician. The mandolin parts are terrific. Check out my latest song called Texas stump

Scott Carmichael	Scott Carmichael said 949 days ago (April 22nd, 2007)
	I know each new year I think... OK what will it be this year... you look at our history and realise... this is not new... each cenury is replete with the unspeekable... thanx for the nod John... I appreciate it Check out my latest song called Good Morning

guitapick	guitapick said 949 days ago (April 22nd, 2007)
	This is excellent, Scott... ...just plain ol' excellent. Kudos on every aspect of this song...from lyrics to singing to instruments (love that mandolin) to production. You go, man... Check out my latest song called Outside the Corral

Scott Carmichael	Scott Carmichael said 949 days ago (April 22nd, 2007)
	Brutha Bub thanx my friend... you are a great addition to this site.. you fit like a glove right out of the box... I appreciate the comments and visit Check out my latest song called Good Morning

Leon

Leon said 949 days ago (April 22nd, 2007)

music with a mission
In my personal opinion, you are one of the rare acts here at Macjams who can lay claim to being a complete artist. You have an amazing mastery of singing, instruments and post-production sound engineering.

Above that, there is always a strong message of goodness, humanity or spirituality in your songs, Scott, and that seems to be the defining character, not only of your musical act but also an impression about your personal character. Which is why you have such a likeable and magnetic presence here at Macjams. Your music is a beacon of both artistry and substance, which we all want to emulate.

Though not my top-ranked pick among your songs (I have at least five of them in my ipod), this song undeniably possesses all the great elements I mentioned above. More power to you.. and your musical mission.

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

Scott Carmichael

Scott Carmichael said 949 days ago (April 22nd, 2007)

so generous
Leon I almost stopped answering when I came to this comment, because I didn’t know what to say... you are so generous... I love music.. I left art school years ago... I felt i could express myself better this way... so I really appreciate the nod "complete artist"

you know we can present ourselves, even re-invent ourselves any way we want here on the internet where people don’t see our daily flaws... I’m guessing that you’re seeing more who I wish I was... I am on the journey... and if I’m blessed now, it’s the blessing of the "poor in spirit".. I have been an abuser of alchohol, drugs, a user of people, self absorbed... so I know what I’m capable of on my own... but it’s good, I’m in no position to judge... and that keeps me humble..

but I won’t stay humble if you keep sending comments like this...

I think that one of my favorite parts of your comment is that this is "not my top-ranked pick"... something about that honesty makes me trust you... but I also like it that some of my stuff is in your ipod

thanx tons

Check out my latest song called Good Morning

*itiswotitis*	*itiswotitis* said 949 days ago (April 22nd, 2007)
	fantastic love the lyrics very strong and concise..and you voice has a nice gentle tone to it whilst it gently delivers a warning that we should not ignore nice music too...beautiful mandolin! Check out my latest song called WALKING BASS IN THE CLOUDS

Scott Carmichael	Scott Carmichael said 948 days ago (April 23rd, 2007)
	Hi and Thanx thanx, and thanx... I appreciate the comments Check out my latest song called Good Morning

said 949 days ago (April 22nd, 2007)

thank you
wonderful cascade of sound at intro - i'm so glad you got that mandolin.
vocal melody is one of your strengths, and i hear why in this one. harmony - esp hi part - is heart-breaking, in the best possible way - "unSPOken" - wow, squeeze my heart, why doncha? you weave harmony in such a beautiful tapestry - the result is perfect. loved how the "distant thunder" part felt - great changes and flow thruout, scott. i was shocked by the end's change to major - GOOD to be shocked! so very well done - anne

Scott Carmichael	Scott Carmichael said 948 days ago (April 23rd, 2007)
	Thank you Anne always love a visit from sis... new photo on the way Check out my latest song called Good Morning

bug67	bug67 said 948 days ago (April 23rd, 2007)
	You are... Quite the mandolin player, Scott! I am getting tired of kids killing kids. Seems like this day and age there's entirely too much of that going on. Breaks my heart. Thanks for pouring yours out on this. Check out my latest song called Follow the Bouncing Bear With the Kazoo Blues in E (MJRF)

Scott Carmichael

Scott Carmichael said 948 days ago (April 23rd, 2007)

Hi Dave
thanx for that...I've been playing mandolin a realively short time... so I appreciate the support...

Somehow I think my generation is more responsible than these kids generation.. we are the ones who have raised them, and we seem to be a more selfish generation... a generation of materialists, that have starved the souls of those following... we have pulled the footing out from under them in many ways...there is no going back to simpler times now I guess...

Check out my latest song called Good Morning

Willywagga

Willywagga said 948 days ago (April 23rd, 2007)

Great, Great Song.
First, Great words, sometimes hard and articulate, sometimes slipping into the surreal "we're not in Kansas anymore". Love these lyrics, really like the way you made the hard point without direct reference, great. I think your voice could be brought a little more to the front, it sounds great, but I'd like to hear more of it.

Check out my latest song called The Jes on Sea Road

Scott Carmichael	Scott Carmichael said 948 days ago (April 23rd, 2007)
	Hi William Thanx for that... this was a tough one to write... more of a labor... a lot of rewriting... and editing... but the Kansas thing was a spur of the moment thing that I just went with... it is somehow storm related, or a consequence... and I've made a note.. a little more vocal presence!... thanx again Check out my latest song called Good Morning

Roxylee	Roxylee said 948 days ago (April 23rd, 2007)
	Another masterpiece Scott, you are one of those artists whose every song is a gem, no matter what the genre or content. This one is nbo exception. You say it succinctly and leave us to think about all the layers of meaning, a mark of a great songwriter. I'm glad the weather kept you from outdoor work on Monday. :-) Check out my latest song called Sweet Grace

Scott Carmichael	Scott Carmichael said 947 days ago (April 24th, 2007)
	Good morning Rox thanx pal... "every song a gem"... and "leave us to think about all the layers of meaning"... I always like it when there is a bit of mystery in the song to lead me along... but I also didn't want to spell it out as if I had the answer to this... I always appreciate a visit from you sis... you're a light here Check out my latest song called Good Morning

jiguma

jiguma said 948 days ago (April 24th, 2007)

Jaw droppingly good Scott!
This has so many things I love: mandolin for starters, but the picked harmonies with the guitar (?) in particular; your amazing vocals; the CSNY (especially C and N) aspects of your harmonies; the structure and content and melody all are first rate. There's a distinct Loggins and Messina feel to this, which I love. Excellent words. Only suggestion is a brief harmony on "ominous sign" - it seemed to be missing to me. I'm stunned - this is what I'd love to play live.
Cheers,
Neil

Check out my latest song called Lost In Translation (w Mike Watkins)

Scott Carmichael

Scott Carmichael said 947 days ago (April 24th, 2007)

wow thanx Neil
I was telling Peter about the Guild like affect that MJ has on me... iron sharpens iron... you're one of the guys in the back of my head when I'm working... It really helps set a trajectory/directon for a song when you have a specific audience in mind, and to try to hear it out front through someone elses ears... or even to hear what our peers are coming up with and to say "hey I can do this"... I'm working on music again... that's like a gift from MJ to me...

thanx for the nod to the "writing"... I know you take that serious

also, the song is so new that I'm sure I'll re-sing it at some point... when I do I'm implimenting all MJ sugestions... there will be a harmony where you heard it...

Check out my latest song called Good Morning

thoddi

thoddi said 947 days ago (April 24th, 2007)

Hi Scott
It's rather late here, but I wanted to leave a note before I turn in for the night.

I find your vocal arrangements especially tasty. The harmonies seems perfect.

Playing that mandolin like it was your main instrument is proof of the great skills and talent you have.

Thank you for another gem to my collection of Scott Carmichael songs:)

Very disturbing what happened at that day...

Check out my latest song called Don't tell me what I can't w/KTB and Ingve

Scott Carmichael	Scott Carmichael said 946 days ago (April 25th, 2007)
	thank you my friend Thor you've always been so kind and supportive... I smile everytime i think of you... and "blue all over" comes up on my ipod often... "collection of Scott Carmichael songs" that's one of the nicest things you could say... jonx once told me that download are the highest compliment Check out my latest song called Good Morning

echoroom

echoroom said 946 days ago (April 25th, 2007)

We're not in Kansas, Dorothy
Jeez, where to start with this .... the production is georgeous, the mandolin sounds wonderful, your vocal is hurt and yearning, and the lyric is powerful yet subtle.

Really, this is an awesome piece of work Scott.

This spell we've been under

Will be our demise ...
.... short, clear concise, just a brillinat, communicative lyric.

My jaw is on the floor. Bloody great work.

Steve

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

Scott Carmichael

Scott Carmichael said 946 days ago (April 25th, 2007)

thank you Steve
for the nod toward the writing... as I mentioned in some earlier comments... this one was harder to write... I didn't want to back away from the gravity that I was feeling... but it's difficult to pull it off without coming across preachy or condisending... and the emotion of the moment can take you directions that you really don't want to go... then a year later you can't stand to hear the song.... a lot of stuff got thrown away...

I appreciate the feedback, cause ya still don't know until ya post it...

Check out my latest song called Good Morning

timothy devine	timothy devine said 946 days ago (April 25th, 2007)
	Hi I didn't get a chance to read all the comments. I'll be back latter to do so. I just want to share a sad sad feeling I'm having as your tune has managed to capture. What great playing and a great sound. I'll be back tonight for another listen. Peace be with us all Check out my latest song called Mankind Needs a Change/WoodstockII

Scott Carmichael	Scott Carmichael said 946 days ago (April 25th, 2007)
	thanx Tim peace indeed... you see these things and you become mute & numb... I guess this is a way to not just swallow this... thanx again Check out my latest song called Good Morning

	said 946 days ago (April 25th, 2007)
	Nize Very nize. Love the mandolin and the (fretless?) bass.

Scott Carmichael	Scott Carmichael said 946 days ago (April 25th, 2007)
	Thanx much yeh... I'm kind of hooked on the fretless right now... when my son goes to college he'll take it with him... that will ween me off, so I'll have to go cold turkey... I love fretless... there are so many more notes :) Check out my latest song called Good Morning

	said 945 days ago (April 26th, 2007)
	No wonder It is so easy to understand why this song is in the top of the Fan Picks listing, and why is has received high scores. You have melded a wonderful array of instruments into this well conceived work. Your voice is very well practiced and your harmonies are very well placed. You have a very professional level talent.

Scott Carmichael	Scott Carmichael said 945 days ago (April 26th, 2007)
	"Good Heavens Miss Sakimoto... YOU"RE BEAUTIFUL" Thomas Dolby ... blinded me with science... OK that's done.... Hi Doloris and welcome to MJ... really thanx for the great comments.. very much appreciated... "professional level talent" shucks! are you posting music??? either way, you'll have fun here Scott Check out my latest song called Good Morning

	said 945 days ago (April 26th, 2007)
	Dear, I certainly had no pretense to affect flattery in return for my honest opinion, but I wish to express my sincere gratitude for your welcome to me. Thank you very much. I do have a desire to upload some music here. I am afraid that my skills fall short of those I hear exhibited by some of the artists such as yourself in this community.

TobinMueller

TobinMueller said 945 days ago (April 26th, 2007)

Condensed balance and perspective
Really nice balance in your lyrical lines, such a beautiful glide and rhythmic symmetry, giving the song a timeless feel, like you are speaking from ancient wisdom and a place of objective truth. I love your sound so much, your ability to present honest, clear thoughts (musical and emotional). Aside from a few pitchy vocal moments and occasional loud inhaling, this is one of your best tracks. The David Crosby style harmonies, that driving mandolin and great acoustic rhythm guitar playing, clever groove, the spaces you leave, the judicious use of fretless bass, it all adds up to superlative stuff. You are a quality guy, your music lets a piece of you shine through. Thanks again.

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

Scott Carmichael	Scott Carmichael said 944 days ago (April 27th, 2007)
	Thanx Tobin I appreciate the nod toward the writing... and your right the "few pitchy vocal moments" have made this hard for me to listen to... I always wrote for other voices, only recently have I taken on the task myself... this one has to go back on the bocks until it's right... Check out my latest song called Good Morning

apb	apb said 945 days ago (April 26th, 2007)
	ooh .. how late am I .. I heard this and forgot to comment .. anyways: excellent lush mix, smooth arrangement, fantastic mandolin playing and great singing and lyrics. It's got a kinda "Battle of evermore" Led Zeppy mando meets Ben Foldy thang goin' on in the vocals.. wow .. what is there not to love? A sure hit. Respect. Check out my latest song called Misplaced

Scott Carmichael	Scott Carmichael said 944 days ago (April 27th, 2007)
	right on time!! Hi Alan.. thanx for the "respect"... "Battle of Evernore" was one of the first things I learned on madolin... after Maggy May of course... thanx again Check out my latest song called Good Morning

Nolan	Nolan said 945 days ago (April 27th, 2007)
	Brilliant! Brilliant! What a ripper. Everything about this is right on. Well done. I love your voice; I love the instrumentation, the layers; and the feel is great. Love it! Check out my latest song called Fine

Scott Carmichael

Scott Carmichael said 944 days ago (April 27th, 2007)

hi Nolan
thanx man.. you mentioned the feel... i worked backwards on this one... i played the mandolin first.. and that really established the feel for the song... and i worked my way backwords to the bass, then drums last... completely different then my usual working order... also i found loops and choped them up for all drums and percusions... although I did play some kick drums and cymbals... but the loops thing was a first for me..

Yes! to your mail

Check out my latest song called Good Morning

ziti	ziti said 945 days ago (April 27th, 2007)
	sorry i been missing your things ...this one almost snuck by. it sounds so great and crystal clear, and I reall appreciate how hard acoustic instuments are. Your voice is a gift from god, and I would kill to have it. great work my brother!!! deepest bows z Check out my latest song called All Smokey

Scott Carmichael	Scott Carmichael said 942 days ago (April 29th, 2007)
	Hi Z not to worry... I've been getting behind with a few fav's too... I'll get there though... sometimes we run out of things to say... and just want to send a sincere admire and respect... we could just send "dito marks" and save each other time... you've always been a generous and consistant support... thanx much friend Check out my latest song called Good Morning

Joanna	Joanna said 944 days ago (April 27th, 2007)
	Great! Wonderful vocals, really nice harmonies and the mandolin sounds fantastic. Check out my latest song called Nellie G.

Scott Carmichael	Scott Carmichael said 942 days ago (April 29th, 2007)
	thank you your new post... "Rainy Day" knocke d my socks off too! I really appreciate that Check out my latest song called Good Morning

elektronix	elektronix said 942 days ago (April 29th, 2007)
	Great!!! This song is wrapped around the mandolin. And the mandolin is as great as the whole song. As mentioned above, I hear some Beatles influence (Eleanor R.), but it has its own one of a kind mood. Thanks a lot for sharing! Greetings, Bernd Check out my latest song called moonlight on my face

Scott Carmichael	Scott Carmichael said 942 days ago (April 29th, 2007)
	Thanx much Bernd I wrote the song on mandolin... and not being a mandolin player... I didn't really have the constraints of that tradition... It certainly sent me a new direction... thanx again... I appreciate the visit Check out my latest song called Good Morning

paul f. page

paul f. page said 939 days ago (May 2nd, 2007)

Storm...
Scott,Glad I stopped by to hear your Perfect Storm. It's clear why it has gotten a consistently high fan rating. Fantastic mandolin work and the mix of bass and various percussion is, to my untrained ears, just about right. This is a thoroughly engaging song that kept my attention from the very first note to the end... Two small suggestions: Vocal is just a tad off pitch here and there (you probably know where)...so just check that out to be sure since everything else is so great...Secondly, the major final chord took me by surprise (not in a good way) as I had gotten so into the minor groove and wanted it to end that way, too. This is a very minor point. What a great song and recording of it. Slap a few of these together and you've got a VERY nice album indeed. Thanks for the great skill and music that you are sharing here.
Peace.
Paul

Check out my latest song called Double Etude

Scott Carmichael	Scott Carmichael said 930 days ago (May 11th, 2007)
	Hi Paul Your 2 suggestions are already taken to heart... both of the things that you pointed out are my main sticking points... If this was going to a CD I would have to go back in and fix these... good ears thanx Check out my latest song called Good Morning

JohnnyCalling	JohnnyCalling said 938 days ago (May 3rd, 2007)
	I really enjoyed that! That was really enjoyable! :) Got a myspace? Check out my latest song called Minstrel Boy [featuring Richard Schletty] (DJ Remundo) (V4C01)

Scott Carmichael	Scott Carmichael said 930 days ago (May 11th, 2007)
	thanx Johnnie and welcome to MJ Check out my latest song called Good Morning

Enrique Gil	Enrique Gil said 930 days ago (May 12th, 2007)
	WOW! Man you've got talent! The guitar is real right? this one is a fav and a download. Nicely done. Thank you Check out my latest song called Simple Feelings

giovanni	giovanni said 922 days ago (May 19th, 2007)
	Great sound... This is great tune... it's deep and good and the mandolin sounds great. I love the double mandolin part at the "Kansas" line... Check out my latest song called I Can't Remember Me

paddler	paddler said 910 days ago (May 31st, 2007)
	.. One word - FABULOUS! Check out my latest song called Tiger Flame (Halloween Challenge)

Scott Carmichael	Scott Carmichael said 909 days ago (June 1st, 2007)
	thanx RG I'll take that word from you... Check out my latest song called Good Morning

Joe Brady

Joe Brady said 909 days ago (June 1st, 2007)

Awesome production
I really love the mandolin; still marvel at the sound of your recordings. Favorite line " the spell we've been under will be our demise" .
One nit: I had to strain to hear one of my favorite bass players on this one;-). But overall the sound is remarkable and your harmonies are worth studying. Great job, Scott.

Check out my latest song called The Refugee Blues by Feter with Jiguma

Scott Carmichael	Scott Carmichael said 906 days ago (June 4th, 2007)
	Thanx Joe "fav bass player"... I love bass and I appreciate that Check out my latest song called Good Morning

RacerX	RacerX said 908 days ago (June 2nd, 2007)
	wow! you really have the chops! great voice, great composition, excellent playing. you are very smooth and good! Check out my latest song called Fall Down King (Mcboy/RCAndrews)

Scott Carmichael	Scott Carmichael said 906 days ago (June 4th, 2007)
	hello RX thanx for that... very much... we're workin' on it scott Check out my latest song called Good Morning

	Richlee said 898 days ago (June 12th, 2007)
	Excellent Scott.. This song made the return trip worth while. Great job. Rich Check out my latest song called The Need To Know

slumbering	slumbering said 891 days ago (June 20th, 2007)
	Whoa... this is wonderful! I don't know what else to say... I also listened to a few more of your tunes, including "Be a Man," they're terrific. You've got quite a few, so i'll be coming back to listen to more. :) Check out my latest song called Over the Sea

Scott Carmichael	Scott Carmichael said 890 days ago (June 20th, 2007)
	Hi Yes I remember you... very Kate Bush voice... great vox with a sense of humor, and a bit of a twist... thanx much... I appreciate that.. if you are still listening, I think my arrangment of Emanuel would intrest you... it is dark and etherial... thanx for that Check out my latest song called Good Morning

Feter

Feter said 884 days ago (June 26th, 2007)

PERFECT STORM
super just SUPER !! ...very creative ..
the singing is just so wonderfull
I m looking where this style belong
I couldnt find but folk rock !!
very much reminds me of chris thelie
of nickle creek with the cool riffs in the madolin!
my natural love ...to this insterument
made this song one of the best ...
the harmony just perfect !!
a deep bow .... !!!

a real gem !

Check out my latest song called A Night With Feter feat'(Roxylee sloparts crissew johnwhitehead and Yamin AL Yamani )

Scott Carmichael

Scott Carmichael said 883 days ago (June 28th, 2007)

thank you Feter
I was a little confused about where this one might belong too... My very close friend "Harry Sparks" does all of Chris's work, and He's the one my wife went to to get my mandolin... he gets to sit up late at night and play with Chris, and he said the guy is just insanely good... nickle creeks latest album "Why should the fire die" is always on my ipod... excellent stuff

Check out my latest song called Good Morning

jesushairdo	jesushairdo said 883 days ago (June 27th, 2007)
	whoa! look at all these fans youve got! amazing! no wonder you got so many fans for this song! i really love the sound of mandolin! and the lyrics are very visual? is that the word? visualising. Check out my latest song called Elephant in the Sky (Orchestra version)

Scott Carmichael

Scott Carmichael said 883 days ago (June 28th, 2007)

thank you Jesus
yes, visual is a good word to discribe lyrics... One of the things I love about MJ... folks are from all over... I really enjoy talking with folks who speak English as a second language... you use the language in a way that is refreshing... and things get said in new ways... when I'm writing , I'm always trying to do that...

thanx for the nod... mandolin is fairly new to me

Check out my latest song called Good Morning

said 870 days ago (July 10th, 2007)

PERFECT SONG NOT STORM !!!
What a great one is that Scott ?? .. really i'm not wonder to have these fans .. and comments ..
Very Great job on this .. in the intro the drums reminds me the HAWAY's lands .. Very nice vocal .. i really enjoyed it .. cool stuffs .. and also good lyrics ..
The quality is super .. i like this one from all the sides .. good job and keep it up
it's one of my fav. at MJ .. also this is the 1st song i've heard it of you so wish to hear more like this great one .. wish to accept me as a new friend and hear my songs ..
Thanks for posting

Regardz
==============
Yeman Auf Al-Rawi

Scott Carmichael	Scott Carmichael said 870 days ago (July 10th, 2007)
	Yes Yeman friendship is the right thing for us.... thanx so much for the comment... that was really something... The great thing about being friends for me... it puts a face on my prayers for peace in the mid east... your face.... i really want peace and safty for you to grow into the artist you will be... Check out my latest song called Good Morning

dolby

dolby said 869 days ago (July 11th, 2007)

Great
Scott,

It's taken me a while to getting 'round to listening to much stuff on MJ but this really is great. Everything from the production, through the arrangement to the vocal delivery is spot on. It reminds me of so many good things from CSN&Y, through REM and even (dare I say it) a bit of Jethro Tull???? Whatever, it's a great song and now happily on the iPod. Thanks, Phil

Check out my latest song called You Can't Win Them All

kristyjo	kristyjo said 728 days ago (November 29th, 2007)
	So - how did I miss this? It's wonderful. You take 'learning how to play a new instrument' to a higher level. Check out my latest song called What a Friend We Have in Jesus

Scott Carmichael	Scott Carmichael said 727 days ago (November 30th, 2007)
	thanx Kristy I've been working so much the last 3 months... alot has gotten past me too... the madolin really isn't that different from guitar... once you learn how to think small thanx again Check out my latest song called Good Morning

steck	steck said 720 days ago (December 7th, 2007)
	Do I Love this or love this. Utterly brilliant piece of work. Graham Check out my latest song called Fire In The Sky

Scott Carmichael	Scott Carmichael said 719 days ago (December 8th, 2007)
	thanx Graham you've been busy... I appreciate your visit and comment Scott Check out my latest song called Good Morning

MacFerret	MacFerret said 716 days ago (December 11th, 2007)
	Great work Great songwriting from the start - I am hooked into this before you have sung a word. And yes, the vocal delivers, with some very punchy lyrics. The mandolin harmony is superb. The mix and arrangment are artful - clear and effective. Really enjoyable. Very glad that I stopped by. MacFerret Check out my latest song called Ordinary Air

Char	Char said 209 days ago (May 1st, 2009)
	Very powerful message. Yeah, we are blind. Thanks. Check out my latest song called Break Away (Mark Holbrook & Awigze)

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Name: let's not be redundant

I've been a songwriter for a long time now... I write and produce music in my studio... I was on the road for a decade some years ago... but I found that I could enjoy music again if I kept it personal... I was a drummer very early on, and when I got... [see more]

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