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This Desert Place


by

Calchas

 Genre: Rock

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Description
This song completes the current album project (which I’ve re-titled LUCID WAKING).

It’s also the last tune I’ll be posting for awhile as it’s sabbatical time once again. I’ll be taking a break for a few months in order to concentrate on health and lifestyle issues.

That said, I hope you all enjoy this riffy, upbeat, 70’s style blues-funk-rock jam!

THE BAND:

Micheal (“I can’t sing,I ain’t pretty, and my legs are thin”) Wark, alias “Calchas”:
vocals, main guitar riff, left rhythm guitar, bass, and disconcerting fumes.

With:

Bob (“He’s just an excitable boy”) Sperber, alias Bob6stringer:
lead psycho-strat guitar, right rhythm guitar, seat-less unicycle, and assorted lubricants.

Terry (“Me and Mr. Hoehner”) Minor, alias TERRAPLANE:
harmonicas, and plenty of homemade lip balm.

Andy (“Hold it steady now, while I hit it”) Mackle:
vocals, drums, attitude, and throat lozenges.

---Thanks guys!
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Lyrics
THIS DESERT PLACE

I.
When I’m feelin’ down and dirty;
tumbleweeds blowin’ through my soul...

When the deck is stacked against me;
and the hot winds howl and moan...

Well your sweet love rains on this desert place,
and makes it blossom like a rose.

II.
I used to be so lonely.
This life left me high and dry.

My lips were cracked and my heart was parched;
without a water-hole in sight.

But then your love rained down on this desert place,
and made everything all right.

Everything!

III.
Well I gave my heart to a sweet young thang,
but her love was a mirage.

It hurt so bad that I almost
gave up love as a lost cause.

Then your love rained down, and I found myself
swept away by the gulley-wash.

Yeah, your love’s made an oasis, baby,
where a desert place once was...
Song Stats
Hits: 751
Comments: 69
Fans: 35
Plays: 111
Downloads: 25
Votes:
Uploaded: Aug 28, 2009 - 06:08:45 PM
Last Updated: Aug 30, 2009 - 08:08:05 PM Last Played: Nov 07, 2009 - 06:32:06 PM
Song License
Creative Commons License:
NoDerivs-NonCommercial

Creative Commons

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Comments
egobandit said 90 days ago (August 28th, 2009)
Lickin
Ya know allot of times My Ipod pops up one of your tunes and I just smile! Thanks for the download!!!
Check out my latest song called when its love
Calchas said 90 days ago (August 29th, 2009)
Hi Tim.
See bro...Comments like yours make it all worth while! many thanks!

Be well friend!
Check out my latest song called It's Not The Same
awigze said 90 days ago (August 28th, 2009)
Everything
This song has everything in it. Mr Mackle even. The harp and vocals - guitar are so well rounded that it's surely has to be one of your best tunes. Looking forward to the completion of your project.
Check out my latest song called We got to Jive in Blues by (Feter)
Calchas said 90 days ago (August 29th, 2009)
The Andy man!
Thanks for the kind words. I hope to have this project fairly complete (pre-mastered) pretty soon. It would be nice to get it mastered as well. I've gotten a more-than-fair offer, so who knows?

Glad you enjoyed it my friend!

Be well!
Check out my latest song called It's Not The Same
sloparts said 90 days ago (August 28th, 2009)
Wow
Great collab boys, what a rockin' treat. I hear Bob6's trademark stamped all over this one. But I hear a lot more in hear. This has Psycho written in as part of the song.

Fantastic Jam guys, I love it It's going on the iPod for sure.

Ed
Check out my latest song called Just a little Something
Calchas said 90 days ago (August 29th, 2009)
Hi Ed!
Yeah...Bobby's all over this one isn't he. Such an excitable lad!

Glad you liked the jam my friend!

Be well!
Check out my latest song called It's Not The Same
Feter said 90 days ago (August 28th, 2009)
THIS DESERT PLACE
A super group indeed ...this is the real deal !!!
just the taste of classic ..everything just so
fine ..the harp on time everytime it blows ...
just amazing structure ...everybody just groovy
here ...all stars ...kudos ..thnx alot for
the gem !!!!!!
Calchas said 90 days ago (August 29th, 2009)
Thank you Feter!
RE "classic": Yup! That was the idea. I wanted to capture that loose and riffy 70's bar band sound. The boys in the band each did a fine job!

Be well friend!
Check out my latest song called It's Not The Same
TERRAPLANE said 89 days ago (August 30th, 2009)
"the harp on time everytime it blows" ..
well not really my friend,the harp sequence @ around 2:11 that I played with the guitar was mailed to Michael out of sink., ? I really don't know how that happened??? Well,, it fits songs of the 70s ; >)
Check out my latest song called * The Greys * MJ Space Race 2009
Calchas said 88 days ago (August 30th, 2009)
I rather like
how that timing glitch worked out. It has you echoing the guitar riff in those spots and I think it sounds better than it would have if guitar and harp had been in perfect synch. But hell...what do I know?
Check out my latest song called It's Not The Same
Char said 90 days ago (August 28th, 2009)
Wow!
Excellent Band. Great! Smoking! Thanks, all!
Check out my latest song called Break Away (Mark Holbrook & Awigze)
Calchas said 90 days ago (August 29th, 2009)
Thanks Char!
So nice having you back out there in the audience!

Be well friend!
Check out my latest song called It's Not The Same
Moviz said 90 days ago (August 28th, 2009)
OK Chicken legs,
you've got me dancing on my shapely pins with this little number LOL. You sure all did your stuff on this one...... quite a jam, love it, cheers M
Check out my latest song called Come Back Billie
Calchas said 90 days ago (August 29th, 2009)
Maurice!
My own "shapely pins" just can't compete with those golden gams of yours! lol

A little jam for your toast my friend!

Be well!
Check out my latest song called It's Not The Same
Daugrin said 90 days ago (August 28th, 2009)
Rock that Band Stand
Now this is what I'm talking about right here. Aint nothing like some guys getting out there a little bit. Aint no big production, just a nice groove and dam good playing and calling!
My hat is off, great job crew!

Daug
Check out my latest song called Daphne w/ Andy Wigzell
Calchas said 90 days ago (August 29th, 2009)
Thanks Daug!
I really appreciate the thumbs up. I know it's flawed, but that's part of the magic in a stinky old club. We each had a lot of fun. Glad we are able to transmit some of it to the listener!

Be well my canine friend!
Check out my latest song called It's Not The Same
Bob6stringer said 90 days ago (August 28th, 2009)
Feels like a hot live gig to me.
Thanks for letting me sit in onstage with you tonight. I'd do it again -- I need the practice, your riffs call for some serious gyrations on the left hand--I was busting a gut laughing as I practiced shadowing the main hook-riff, then I just decided to run for cover of wah-wah!

Mike, you nailed the performances -- that goes for you, too, Andy & Terry -- and your studio ears are seriously impressive to mine. I'm ambivalent on whether my gain is up too high, but your mix works so well for me, I'll just say hats off to you.
Check out my latest song called Yours and Mine
Calchas said 90 days ago (August 29th, 2009)
Bob-ba-looooo!
You were wise to run for the wah grasshopper!

Hey bro, thanks for the smokin' licks and riffs...Your energetic playing super-charges this tune!

I hope we can work together again sometime.

Be well friend!

PS: You really should find a seat for that unicycle of yours!
Check out my latest song called It's Not The Same
Bob6stringer said 89 days ago (August 29th, 2009)
Ouch!
Tha's allum sayin' ... just "OUCH!"
Check out my latest song called Yours and Mine
Calchas said 89 days ago (August 29th, 2009)
So...
I'm guessing the lubricants weren't all that helpful!
Check out my latest song called It's Not The Same
Vic Holman said 90 days ago (August 28th, 2009)
cream deluxe
nice one for finishing up the project Mike!
great assembly of players here with no doubt. a true cream style and sound. the riffs, the jamming... it's all there.

excellent work guys!
Check out my latest song called November
Calchas said 90 days ago (August 29th, 2009)
Hey Vicar!
I was shooting for BLIND FAITH a la "Had To Cry Today." But you're right, the over-all feel is more like CREAM. Another trip down memory lane I guess!

Thanks for giving her a spin bro!

Be well!
Check out my latest song called It's Not The Same
TERRAPLANE said 90 days ago (August 28th, 2009)
Way to GO!!
Fine job of putting this puzzle together Mike, Great job on the skins Andy!! What a treat! Superb guitar chops Mr.Sperber.. It was a pleasure sitting in with the band. Have a good sabbatical Mike & If you ever want to jam live , I'm just up the street.
Be Well friend,, Terry
Check out my latest song called * The Greys * MJ Space Race 2009
Calchas said 90 days ago (August 29th, 2009)
Hi Terry!
Glad you are happy with the mix bro. Perhaps we can do it again sometime?

I really appreciate that you were able to deliver the goods on what was rather short notice. I originally planned to use a Hammond B-3 organ sound, but then I remembered your fine harp work at almost the last minute. Sure glad you weren't vacationing in the Bahamas! Ha ha...

Be well friend!
Check out my latest song called It's Not The Same
WillyB said 90 days ago (August 29th, 2009)
...
Wow! Super job by all ...Would be great to hear you guys jam this live. One suggestion if you don't mind ..left guitar was overpowering everything on my end. I set my balance slightly to the right and the mix was perfect. (I love getting constructive input on my stuff, so I hope you're OK with it). Love your riffage & playing! ...Same for everyone involved, GREAT jam by all of you!
Check out my latest song called Lazy River (w/TERRAPLANE)
Calchas said 90 days ago (August 29th, 2009)
Hi Willy!
Good to meet you.

RE the loud left guitar: I think you are right, although it's not as overpowering on my system till the mid jam. Thanks for pointing it out. On the aiff file of the final mix (for CD) I'll back that left guitar off a little.

Glad you enjoyed it friend, warts and all! Ha ha...

Be well!
Check out my latest song called It's Not The Same
Henke said 90 days ago (August 29th, 2009)
Not my usual style
but I can hear this is well made. Kudos. Have a nice sabbatical and - welcome back..!

/Henke
Check out my latest song called Heading for Alpha Centauri (mj space race 2009)
Calchas said 89 days ago (August 29th, 2009)
Thanks for listening Henrik...
Yeah, stylistically this is really old school I guess. Brave of you to venture into these troubled old waters my friend.

Be well!
Check out my latest song called It's Not The Same
Mike_Lynn said 89 days ago (August 29th, 2009)
Haunting
Great guitarworks plus solid vocals. Full rock band sound with good temperament changes from part to part.
Check out my latest song called Fragments (featuring Richard John)
Calchas said 89 days ago (August 29th, 2009)
Hi Mike.
Nice to meet you man. I'll try to check out some of your stuff before I go on sabbatical.

Be well!
Check out my latest song called It's Not The Same
Skean said 89 days ago (August 29th, 2009)
Hi Mike
I have to say this is absolutely a 70's Rock hit as we love.
You guys have almost overdone your-self's in this one, I just love it, thanks, today I download it.

Take care of you and yours, much love from us both.
Kenta
Check out my latest song called Let's Go Trippy
Calchas said 89 days ago (August 29th, 2009)
Hello Kenta!
Thanks for the nice comment. Hope you and Linda are doing well!

Take care!
Check out my latest song called It's Not The Same
mfwmiles said 89 days ago (August 29th, 2009)
tasty little bit o' the nasty
great band you assembled.
Check out my latest song called Flyin' to Orion
Calchas said 89 days ago (August 29th, 2009)
Hello Michael!
Thanks for listening and commenting. I hope to check out some of your tunes this week before I go on sabbatical.

Be well!
Check out my latest song called It's Not The Same
T_Being_esq said 89 days ago (August 29th, 2009)
Good Track By A Great Band
I liked the change into freeform in the middle. Just enough of that slightly disjointed 70's feel to. The sort of track produced late on after a long session.
Check out my latest song called I have Been Away (LIOLI, Late Entry)
Calchas said 89 days ago (August 29th, 2009)
Hey Martin!
"Slightly disjointed"! Hah! That's ME in a nutshell. lol

Glad you enjoyed it my friend!

Be well!
Check out my latest song called It's Not The Same
PaddyNavinCaryatid said 89 days ago (August 29th, 2009)
Pure rock
Michael this is fantastic stuff. Big dirty riffs and a legendary vocal. Another lost classic from that mythical 70's album "Calchas: Big Ones You Can Feel"!
Cracking work my friend.
Check out my latest song called The Last Goodbye (New Version)
Calchas said 89 days ago (August 29th, 2009)
Thanks Paddy!
Mix still needs a bit of work, but I think I'm close...Glad you enjoyed it!

Be well my friend!
Check out my latest song called It's Not The Same
Reggie_Pole said 89 days ago (August 29th, 2009)
Oh well
I like your singing and guitar work on this one. Great harmonica. And that wah-wah-wah on the right. Yeah. Drums sound great. The tempo change was a nice addition. Very slick. Sounds like an in-studio jam session.
Check out my latest song called Examination Dream
Calchas said 89 days ago (August 29th, 2009)
Hey thanks Duane!
Working with different musicians to achieve a slightly different feel. I really like the taste of this sonic stew, and hope to cook up a similar mix sometime soon. Glad you liked it too my friend!

Be well!
Check out my latest song called It's Not The Same
Dadai.2 said 89 days ago (August 29th, 2009)
Just another days work...

for the MJ rock master. Top work by a bunch of guys with too much time on their hands.... good thing, cause otherwise we wouldn't hear instant rock classics such as this.

And this is classic.

Jack
Check out my latest song called The Riverside (with Ed sloparts sitting in)
Calchas said 88 days ago (August 30th, 2009)
Hi'ya Jack!
It takes a classic to know a classic, doesn't it? Ha ha...

Glad you like it bro!

Be well!
Check out my latest song called It's Not The Same
TonyAzemia said 89 days ago (August 29th, 2009)
nice song :)
very bluesy lovin the sound of that guitar, are you using the blues driver pedal by any chance?
Check out my latest song called Pick Up Ur Fone!
Calchas said 88 days ago (August 30th, 2009)
Hi Tony
I have a pedal with that setting, but I plugged my guitar directly into my Mac and used some software settings from Logic Express to get that sound. I rarely mic my electric guitar due to hiss from my amp...

Thanks for listening and commenting man!

Be well!
Check out my latest song called It's Not The Same
rabittwhole said 89 days ago (August 29th, 2009)
for now...
one word ..... downloaded
Check out my latest song called Just A Kid
Calchas said 88 days ago (August 30th, 2009)
You wascally Wabbit!
That one word is music to my ears bro! Many thanks!

Be well!
Check out my latest song called It's Not The Same
crissew said 89 days ago (August 29th, 2009)
An old school
rocker tune. Music that never should have gone off the map. Although someone had to get out of the way to make room for britney spears and shania twain. Enjoyed it. Very nice.
crissew said 89 days ago (August 29th, 2009)
btw
especially liked the harmonica guitar duet. Very cool.
Calchas said 88 days ago (August 30th, 2009)
Geez!
I can't believe we got outta the way for Britney and Shania...Is nothing SACRED!?!?!?

Hey Charles, I appreciate you giving this a spin and taking time to comment. Glad you like it.

Be well friend!
Check out my latest song called It's Not The Same
bud said 89 days ago (August 29th, 2009)
Weren't you guys really famous a long time ago?
I mean - not really long ago - you know like a while ago when I was a bit thinner and my hair was longer. Awesome track - the teamwork is killer and the mix is great. Keep it rolling - one way or the other.
Check out my latest song called try not to think
Calchas said 88 days ago (August 30th, 2009)
Famous?
I'm VERY famous here at the house...As for the boys in the band, you'll have to ask each of them individually. lol

Glad you enjoyed this one Kevin. Collabs like this are big fun to do!

Be well friend!
Check out my latest song called It's Not The Same
MarkHolbrook said 89 days ago (August 29th, 2009)
Simply
outstanding... The guitar work in this makes me want to just pack mine away in storage... simply amazing guys!
Check out my latest song called Never Say Goodbye - Bond Challenge
Calchas said 88 days ago (August 30th, 2009)
No no noooooo!
Don't pack it away Mark...Guys like you and I have learned to do a few things well by now. And the more we play the more we'll learn. We're only Green Belts now...Someday we'll be Black Belts!

Glad you enjoyed our little jam my friend!

Be well!
Check out my latest song called It's Not The Same
DarkPlanet said 88 days ago (August 30th, 2009)
Sweetness
Man that riff is as hot as any...The production on this rocking tune is squeaky clean and tight. that guitar on right is just right. That break is funk down and dirty. Mike I must commend you (amongst other things) on that bass, simply fantastic...the drums, the drums...nice

Great post!
Check out my latest song called Roll Your Bones
Calchas said 88 days ago (August 30th, 2009)
Geez Tom!
If you didn't like the tune why didn't you just say so? Ha ha...Just kidding of course!

I'm sure Andy, Bob, and Terry will appreciate your enthusiastic response my friend (as do I).

Hey bro...Thanks for the props on the bass. I'm still a tad uncertain about a few of the notes I hit though. A professional bass player might have made a few different choices than I did.

All in all, I think everything fell together rather nicely. I'm still tweaking the mix for the aiff file though...

Good to have you back amongst us Tom. You were missed!

Be well friend!
Check out my latest song called It's Not The Same
Relic67 said 88 days ago (August 30th, 2009)
swept away
really rocking performances.
great playing from all. classic sounding twin guitar assault.
really dug the drums and harmonica too.
a lot of fun to listen to!
Check out my latest song called Novis Libris
Calchas said 85 days ago (September 2nd, 2009)
Hey thanks Alec!
This was fun to play and record. Glad the fun came across in the mix!

Be well friend!
Check out my latest song called It's Not The Same
Trillian said 87 days ago (August 31st, 2009)
Very upbeat Blues! : )
"Happy Feet!!!" : ) True Love is a most powerful thing.


Calchas said 85 days ago (September 2nd, 2009)
"Happy feet"!
THAT'S what I like to hear Carole!

Thanks for listening and commenting sis!

Be well!
Check out my latest song called It's Not The Same
NewInfection said 87 days ago (September 1st, 2009)
what grit!
loved the guitar tones. both the lead and rhythm tones were classic!
overall this one is a nod to the biker bar bands which i grew up listening to. great tune.
thanks for inviting me over.
AD09
Check out my latest song called Tuesday One-Take
Calchas said 85 days ago (September 2nd, 2009)
Good to have you on board Allen!
Yup...We went for that classic feel. It's gratifying to know that we were able to pull it off.

Glad you dug it!

Be well friend!
Check out my latest song called It's Not The Same
lengold said 87 days ago (September 1st, 2009)
This one really
hits the spot.
Great work by you all.
Downloaded. Thanks.
Cheers
Len

Check out my latest song called Dodgy Doughnut
Calchas said 85 days ago (September 2nd, 2009)
Hi'ya Len!
Good to see you! On behalf of the boys in the band and me self: many thanks for the props!

Be well friend!
Check out my latest song called It's Not The Same
mr_mordenus said 86 days ago (September 1st, 2009)
Where Can I get a Tour Shirt?
Blistering hot day to be listening to a piece like this and it's not getting any cooler hearing that smoking guitar work! Got my shades on and a cooler full of cold ones as I lay back in the grass and let this wash over me at full volume.
Check out my latest song called Job Of a Lifetime (MJ Halloween Challenge)
Calchas said 85 days ago (September 2nd, 2009)
Thank you Mr. M!
Sounds to me like you're havin' a nice afternoon! Glad to contribute a little!

Be well friend!


Check out my latest song called It's Not The Same
dave_b said 85 days ago (September 2nd, 2009)
Rock n' Roll
will never die with tunes like this to keep it alive. Smokin guitars, great drums & harmonicas. Vox fit the song perfectly. Fave'd
Check out my latest song called October Project (2)
Calchas said 85 days ago (September 2nd, 2009)
Hey Dave!
Many thanks man for the kind words. Glad you enjoyed the tuneage!

Be well friend!
Check out my latest song called It's Not The Same
richard13 said 83 days ago (September 4th, 2009)
Far out!
Good job on a cool rocker, guys. Thanks.
Check out my latest song called Dancing on the Head of a Pin
Roxylee said 76 days ago (September 11th, 2009)
I did enjoy this jam,
and you can sing, thin legs and all. Funky, groovy.... You guys work together very well. I love the harmonica!
Check out my latest song called Sweet Grace
Artist Info
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Name: Micheal Wark/Karmic Whale
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Sabbatical shamatical! I’m finding that this hit-and-run approach is working well for me. ... [see more]

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