Sisyphus

guitapick

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Description

I was writing this for some time and getting nowhere. Then my friend suggested a slight change in the beginning of the B part...which brought about a complete change to the B part.

I really liked the result...but that new part ended up being a bear to play consistently (for me, at least...Mr. Williams and many others might disagree). Try as I might to roll that big ol' rock up the mountain...it just kept tumbling down. In fact...there's a spot where it sounded just like that. So the title was a no-brainer.

Took awhile...but, unlike Sisyphus, I was able to get it down. Poor guy...just tryin' to get it right...

I'm curious how this comes out on different speakers. Please let me know. Thanks.

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Lyrics

I hate this stupid rock

Song Stats

Hits: 858
Comments: 72
Fans: 45
Plays: 116
Downloads: 0
Votes: 9
Uploaded: Jul 11, 2009 - 01:42:34 PM
Last Updated: Jul 11, 2009 - 01:42:34 PM Last Played: Nov 16, 2009 - 11:24:09 PM

Song License

Creative Commons License:
Attribution-NoDerivs-NonCommercial

Song Actions

Keywords:

push (6), that (12), rock (1437), up (44), the (212), mountain (31), forever (24)

Hardware:

Fernandez Classical Guitar
RODE NT3 Condenser mic
M-Audio Firewire 410 interface

Software:

GB4

Comments

Daugrin	Daugrin said 137 days ago (July 11th, 2009)
	Greek Guy and a Mountain Playing and composition on the highest level. The passagework sounds effortless and smooth. Theme is splendid, the out chord almost an apology, thank you for sharing your considerable talents here. Every time I come to listen is a rewarding experience. Check out my latest song called Daphne w/ Andy Wigzell

guitapick	guitapick said 137 days ago (July 11th, 2009)
	~ Thanks...the feeling's mutual... "Greek Guy and a Mountain"... ...love it...very cool Check out my latest song called Outside the Corral

Calchas	Calchas said 137 days ago (July 11th, 2009)
	YAY! Great title. Great concept. Great guitar playing. In case you haven't guessed. I think this piece is great! Be well friend! Check out my latest song called IT'S NOT THE SAME

guitapick	guitapick said 137 days ago (July 11th, 2009)
	:) Thanks...made my day, Micheal... Check out my latest song called Outside the Corral

Skean	Skean said 137 days ago (July 11th, 2009)
	Oh yes Sir I wish I cold learn to pick like this BUT I've almost give up playing, I have to big fingers so it's no fun. Lovely just so lovely, I listen on my Sonab B40 and it's nice and clean, I will say it sounds perfect in my speaker... Cheers Check out my latest song called Let's Go Trippy

guitapick	guitapick said 137 days ago (July 11th, 2009)
	~ Your music speaks for itself, Kenta...a guitar's one of many instruments. It's all music. Thanks for the word on the speakers. I'm working on getting the sound right on different setups. Glad it came through on yours. Check out my latest song called Outside the Corral

Skean	Skean said 136 days ago (July 12th, 2009)
	Today I listen on my headphones SHP 895 PHILIPS, and it is like you're sitting in-front of me. The recordings is like I have bought a CD sitting down relaxed and dream away, no noise just so clear and bright a CD you buy should be. Take care Kenta Check out my latest song called Let's Go Trippy

Dadai.2	Dadai.2 said 137 days ago (July 11th, 2009)
	As I was saying... on your first post of this song a short while ago... Bob, your playing is so very textured as if it were a vocalist 'singing' richly. I enjoyed it... again. ;-) D Check out my latest song called The Riverside (with Ed sloparts sitting in)

guitapick	guitapick said 137 days ago (July 11th, 2009)
	~ Thanks again, Jack... Check out my latest song called Outside the Corral

mowguy3	mowguy3 said 137 days ago (July 11th, 2009)
	I think the rock is firmly planted on the top of the mountain now. You have succeded in this fantastic endeavor. Brilliant sir. Check out my latest song called A Different Shade Of Moonlight

guitapick	guitapick said 136 days ago (July 12th, 2009)
	:) Thanks Check out my latest song called Outside the Corral

Moviz	Moviz said 137 days ago (July 11th, 2009)
	It comes out beautifully Bob, the clarity and tone are wonderful, now what can i say about your playing, except that it's a superb demonstration of guitar playing..... Love this, regards M Check out my latest song called Come Back Billie

guitapick	guitapick said 136 days ago (July 12th, 2009)
	~ Thank you, M... Check out my latest song called Outside the Corral

Feter	Feter said 137 days ago (July 11th, 2009)
	Sisyphus This is amazingly flow so magically ...definitely you mic ed your guitar in an impressive way ...its so powerful ...as your skill a true wizard of this acosutic guitar ...the piece itself speaks of emotions ...very well done Sir ...thnx alot for sharin such gem !!!! Check out my latest song called A Night With Feter feat'(Roxylee sloparts crissew johnwhitehead and Yamin AL Yamani )

guitapick	guitapick said 136 days ago (July 12th, 2009)
	Thank you, Feter... ...I'm very happy you liked it... Check out my latest song called Outside the Corral

davisamerica	davisamerica said 137 days ago (July 11th, 2009)
	great lyrics bob ... thru some bose monitors for my computer sounds pretty sweet. as always bob... please keep the fingers safe... amazing. Check out my latest song called No Son(egobandit band)

guitapick	guitapick said 136 days ago (July 12th, 2009)
	I was hoping... ...that someone would comment on the lyrics. I put quite a bit of thought into them... ;) Glad the sound came through. I rolled off a lot of bass...seems to have done the trick... Check out my latest song called Outside the Corral

ic42

ic42 said 137 days ago (July 11th, 2009)

the rock
it is human to push the rock every day. it is our life. however, this music offers relief. this music melts the rock. it becomes sand, then a soft cloud. the music removes the weight. life becomes joyful again. there is beauty. there is no burden. your skillful guitar playing sounds effortless. it is a short piece. but it is time spent without the rock. it is blissful. thank you. 0x0

Check out my latest song called futatsu 0x01

guitapick	guitapick said 136 days ago (July 12th, 2009)
	"...time spent without the rock..." You are quite the poet...thank you... Check out my latest song called Outside the Corral

drakonis

drakonis said 137 days ago (July 11th, 2009)

Rodrigo... is that you?
This has the gentle grace of his guitar concerto... wow this is gorgeous! I love the pacing and dynamics of this. This hits my romantic heart... I could listen to this, dessert wine in hand, watching the sun set over the Pyrenees and winery, from my balcony in Barcelona... if I lived there. :-) Wow. All I can think of to say. Faved and added to my WonderBob collection.

ttfn,
Drakonis

Check out my latest song called Lullaby for the Inner Child

guitapick	guitapick said 136 days ago (July 12th, 2009)
	Now THAT... ...would be nice. Love to be there, too... Rodrigo was quite the composer...I love his work. Thanks, Eduard... Check out my latest song called Outside the Corral

J.A.Stewart	J.A.Stewart said 137 days ago (July 11th, 2009)
	THE Original Rock and Roll :p Much too lovely to express the tedium and frustration that accompanied Sisyphus' task, but it certainly expresses his determination very well. Nicely done, Bob... and it sounds very rich, even on my bookshelf stereo system. ;) --- Joe Check out my latest song called A Night @ Neverland

guitapick	guitapick said 136 days ago (July 12th, 2009)
	:) Funny, man... Thanks, Joe...rock on Check out my latest song called Outside the Corral

gail60	gail60 said 137 days ago (July 11th, 2009)
	excellent Bob, whether you are climbing up the hill or sadly rolling down it, your music is always wonderful and this is no exception. I see your struggle here and would tell you to never give up, because the end result will be very positive for you. It sure was for me...just to listen :) Take care! Check out my latest song called Sweet September

guitapick	guitapick said 136 days ago (July 12th, 2009)
	I shall... ...never give up...thanks, Gail. Much appreciated. Check out my latest song called Outside the Corral

Bowman	Bowman said 137 days ago (July 11th, 2009)
	There's a clarity of strength and a kind of restless determination to this that is very appealing Bob and works so well with your title. I enjoyed totally enjoyed this. Cheers, Charlie Check out my latest song called The Orion Express - MJ Space Race 2009 by Bowman

guitapick	guitapick said 136 days ago (July 12th, 2009)
	Thanks, Charlie... ...cheers to you, too... Check out my latest song called Outside the Corral

sloparts

sloparts said 137 days ago (July 11th, 2009)

Do you give lesson?
Where do I sign up Bob ?

Wonderful playing, composing, and very well recorded,

I'm listening on a combination of speakers, A set of JBL 4206 studio monitors running in parallel with a set of Radio Shack Minimus 7's run by an Onkyo TX-822 stereo amp . It's a combination I have found that works very well and when used properly give a very accurate representation of sound.

And I can tell you, this sounds pure and clean, not a hint of distortion in the mix, with what sounds like an great representation of a quality nylon string acoustic guitar, played very very well.

Love this, it's going on the old iPod for sure,

Ed

Check out my latest song called Just a little Something

sloparts	sloparts said 137 days ago (July 11th, 2009)
	Then again maybe it's not going on the iPod. Didn't notice you hadn't enabled the D/L button. Oh well, I can always come back for another listen as long as it's here. Ed Check out my latest song called Just a little Something

guitapick	guitapick said 136 days ago (July 12th, 2009)
	Cool... ...I'm glad it came out well on your speakers. It sounded great on my headphones and big speakers, but distorted on the little ones. Sounds like it's working well now. Thanks for the info, Ed. Check out my latest song called Outside the Corral

SmokeyVW	SmokeyVW said 137 days ago (July 11th, 2009)
	chromatics it sounds bright, clear, intelligible to me. i really like the chromatics especially around 1:10! and at the end - hey: it's the stone rolling back down, ain't it? thanks Check out my latest song called One For Me

guitapick	guitapick said 135 days ago (July 13th, 2009)
	The stone... ...falls wherever you hear it...for me; he starts pushing around 1:26 and then it comes tumbling right back down...but I'd never tell someone how to interpret a piece... Glad you liked it, smokey... Check out my latest song called Outside the Corral

bud	bud said 137 days ago (July 11th, 2009)
	I agree with Drak's Rodrigo comment such assured and graceful playing with hints of pathos and struggle - and a bit od resignation at the end. You have a great gift of bringing heart and mind together in you finger tips, Check out my latest song called try not to think

guitapick	guitapick said 135 days ago (July 13th, 2009)
	The resignation... ...is key to the tune...glad you caught that, Kevin Check out my latest song called Outside the Corral

lavalamp	lavalamp said 136 days ago (July 12th, 2009)
	Speakers This sounds very, very nice through my speakers. So, it must sound really good through nicer ones. lol Great piece. Did you know you were the first person to "fan" me? Thanks Bob. Dave Check out my latest song called Googolplex Times Zero

guitapick	guitapick said 135 days ago (July 13th, 2009)
	I did not know that... ...but I'm glad for it. Ed (less than an inch below here) was my first fan. Thanks for taking the time to say hello, David Check out my latest song called Outside the Corral

Ed Hannifin

Ed Hannifin said 136 days ago (July 12th, 2009)

This sounds great, Bob...
...it seems to be a very complete and well rounded composition, first of all, with no sense of stuff just dropped into the stream to no purpose... Second, the performance itself is smooth, organic and flowing... And the recording seems clear and clean, with appropriate warmth, no boominess or distortion, and a balance that captures both wood and strings...

No suggestions or anything. This just sounds right...

Ed

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

guitapick	guitapick said 135 days ago (July 13th, 2009)
	Thanks, Ed... ...I'm going to take a stroll down memory lane and check out Progulation #1, again... Check out my latest song called Outside the Corral

egobandit	egobandit said 136 days ago (July 12th, 2009)
	Dont let it roll you down, There are some parts that sound familiar, I dont know what ,but it must be the universal aspect of the guitar! What a great treat thanks! Check out my latest song called when its love

guitapick	guitapick said 136 days ago (July 12th, 2009)
	I know what you mean... ...my take: it's the pull-offs and hammer-ons. They're so about the guitar and there are a LOT of them in this tune... Check out my latest song called Outside the Corral

Scott Carmichael	Scott Carmichael said 136 days ago (July 12th, 2009)
	the picture I almost couldn't listen because life feels like this photo right now.. not to worry... it's just a season... a very long season... but your playing.. your playing composition and sound are unmatched... all the way to the very last chord.... a subtle tasty morsel... what an incredible compostion and performance... Check out my latest song called Good Morning

guitapick	guitapick said 135 days ago (July 13th, 2009)
	'...a very long season...' Got that right... Keep the faith, Scott...I know you will...thanks for the kind words. Check out my latest song called Outside the Corral

Bob6stringer	Bob6stringer said 135 days ago (July 13th, 2009)
	You said it all... ... with your guitar. From great electric to ... this. As the immortal Wayne and Garth said to the likes of Alice Cooper and Aerosmith, "We're not worthy!" to that I'll add our own MJ resident Segovia. If I can plug into my bookshelves I'll be back to assess the mix through them. Check out my latest song called Yours and Mine

guitapick	guitapick said 134 days ago (July 14th, 2009)
	Hi Bob... ...them's some weighty words thar, pardner. You should hear some of the players I've studied with. You'd be in heaven. But I'll take such kind words, anytime. Thanks, man... Check out my latest song called Outside the Corral

Vic Holman	Vic Holman said 135 days ago (July 13th, 2009)
	like a rolling stone have you had your fingers insured yet? you should look into it if not. what a great chord progression. and you remembered it all. excellent piece Bob! Check out my latest song called November

guitapick	guitapick said 134 days ago (July 14th, 2009)
	"...you remembered it all..." Can ya beLIEVE it? I'm a lazy writer and my uncle's been telling me to get it on paper before my fingers forget... Thanks, Vic. Check out my latest song called Outside the Corral

TobinMueller

TobinMueller said 134 days ago (July 14th, 2009)

Naked Greeks
Man, those Greeks had great physiques, didn't they? I love your song art. Classical, stark, both humbling and empowering.

"The Myth of Sisyphus" by Albert Camus was one of the most influential books in my life, encountered as a teenager. Courage in the face of hopelessness. Energy from human ethics. There is something noble in this piece, something that transcends your struggle to complete it and forms, instead, a sense of effortless perfection and wholeness. Fabulous recording.

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

guitapick	guitapick said 134 days ago (July 14th, 2009)
	Well...actually... ...that's ME in that photo, Tobin. On our trip to Vermont, last month. The true rock climbing expeditions of Bob Prince. ;) Camus was a big influence on me, as well, back in the teens, early 20s. Thanks for the listen, Tobin. Glad you liked it and I hope you're well. Check out my latest song called Outside the Corral

Boundless	Boundless said 133 days ago (July 15th, 2009)
	Wonderful piece Great tone, fine playing and it comes out well here on my monitors. Wonderful. Thanks ! Check out my latest song called Here to Hear - collab

guitapick	guitapick said 132 days ago (July 16th, 2009)
	Thanks... ...and thanks for the take on your monitors. Check out my latest song called Outside the Corral

Ibstrat	Ibstrat said 133 days ago (July 15th, 2009)
	From the photo I thought this was going to be a rock roll song.Again your phrasing tone and harmonies are beautiful.I could see this being the opening piece in a suite.Great stuff Bob! Check out my latest song called Blues in Bm

guitapick	guitapick said 132 days ago (July 16th, 2009)
	rock roll song... ...hardeehar... :) I had a wonderful day at the beach, yesterday. Body surfing. That's got nothing to do with what you said...but thought I'd say it, anyway. Thanks, Mark. Check out my latest song called Outside the Corral

lengold	lengold said 133 days ago (July 15th, 2009)
	Bob - this is just a wonderful composition and superb playing. Sounding perfect in my headphones. Will have to keep coming back for more listens. Cheers Len Check out my latest song called Dodgy Doughnut

guitapick	guitapick said 132 days ago (July 16th, 2009)
	Hey Len... ...thanks for the word on the phones. I wasn't sure, as they started sounding a bit trebly on mine after I adjusted for the computer and car speakers. Check out my latest song called Outside the Corral

paul f. page

paul f. page said 133 days ago (July 15th, 2009)

Try try again...
Bob,
I've been there...and continue to be there time and time again when I'm trying to get a perfect performance. Just doesn't seem possible sometimes. But I would respectfully disagree with your assessment of your beautiful guitar solo here: This is wonderfully played and is so intricate in design. Just a thorough pleasure to hear you play and push your imagination through each variation of your basic theme. You have such skill in those fingers! Enthralled with this.
Peace.
Paul

Check out my latest song called Double Etude

guitapick	guitapick said 131 days ago (July 17th, 2009)
	Thank you, Paul... ...I'm really glad you like the piece. I've been into my nylon string, lately, and it seems that the songs that usually come out of that box are on the "wistful" side. Check out my latest song called Outside the Corral

rsolorio	rsolorio said 133 days ago (July 15th, 2009)
	That's what I'm talking about! Top marks to you sir for the composition, performance and production. Just one thing. How did you get that picture of me? Check out my latest song called Bass Thoughts

guitapick	guitapick said 131 days ago (July 17th, 2009)
	Thanks... ...now, I told Tobin that the picture was of ME...and along comes YOU...does that mean you're going to insist on ROYalties...? ;) Check out my latest song called Outside the Corral

timothy devine	timothy devine said 132 days ago (July 16th, 2009)
	Hey Bob What a sweeeet play Your recordings are so clean, and your playing and writing pro... thanks for giving such beauty out peace Check out my latest song called Mankind Needs a Change/WoodstockII

guitapick	guitapick said 131 days ago (July 17th, 2009)
	Thanks, Tim It's a pleasure. And a lot of work. Ain't that something...? Check out my latest song called Outside the Corral

I.G.M.	I.G.M. said 130 days ago (July 18th, 2009)
	Like life it`s a hill we got to climb, especially when it comes to situations that we`re not able to manage. If you don`t give up and if you`re willing to learn you`re alive. You show it! Great work Bob. Sounds pretty good on my cheap Wharfedale speakers. Check out my latest song called I`m Gone

buckhorn	buckhorn said 127 days ago (July 21st, 2009)
	Most Finger style guys don't pay as much attention to composition as you do They're usually trying to impress with technique. This piece would sound great done with piano or orchestra. I am really touched with this great piece. Bravo. Check out my latest song called salience #2

composerclark	composerclark said 122 days ago (July 26th, 2009)
	Beautiful This is very beautiful and soulful. You perseverance has really paid off, and we are all luckier for it! What a fine tune, beautifully played. Thanks so much for sharing this. Check out my latest song called Scarlet Nightfall

	Soundhound said 118 days ago (July 30th, 2009)
	Big Rock...... Wonderful, you have a sound all your own my Friend...... What a feeling of strength an power, this induces with a knowing that it can be done...... A mountain is not an obstacle, it's a challenge.....:) Check out my latest song called Do You Want To Be Mine..... " Instrumental "

ste	ste said 109 days ago (August 8th, 2009)
	greek love wonderful guitar playing and well thought out. i listened through built in computer speakers and it was great. good job Check out my latest song called sweet potatoes

Hectorious	Hectorious said 105 days ago (August 12th, 2009)
	My What killer chops you have.....Sounds good man!! Check out my latest song called Short Circuit (Sample)

guitapick	guitapick said 105 days ago (August 12th, 2009)
	You know... ...I thought you'd like the bass line on this as I was re-writing the 2nd part... Check out my latest song called Outside the Corral

richardhowardjones	richardhowardjones said 104 days ago (August 13th, 2009)
	Hey, Bob Came out great on my headphones! I was almost inside the guitar. Check out my latest song called STANDIN' IN THE RAIN

Lardo	Lardo said 65 days ago (September 21st, 2009)
	Inspiring A very fine sound here on my AIWA speakers. I think there is a lot of repetition of the A theme at first. But it still sounds nice. Later on, you do have some good variations. Yes, good work. And soothing. Check out my latest song called Against Your Will (The Trail of Tears Story)

guitapick	guitapick said 64 days ago (September 22nd, 2009)
	I was... ...concerned with the repetitions in the A section....but felt that the changes in dynamics and coloration made it work well... Thanks. Check out my latest song called Outside the Corral

thetiler	thetiler said 9 days ago (November 16th, 2009)
	like the bluesy feel mixed in with the classical on this ! Thanks for sharing and one of my fav's of yours ! Good to the last drop. Terrific construction to this ! Check out my latest song called The Bluebird Cafe (with two other guest)

guitapick	guitapick said 8 days ago (November 17th, 2009)
	Thanks, Bill... ...good to see you, again. Looking forward to your next... Check out my latest song called Outside the Corral

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Artist Info

Name: Bob

Thanks for visiting my little electronic home. I love to play and listen to music and really enjoy talking shop. A brief bio: I was brought up in the New York City area, traveled around a lot after high school, and am now back. If you'd like to ... [see more]

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