The Likes of Us

DWL

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Description

Graeme Hobbs wrote the song and sang it. I orchestrated and arranged.

We had very little time to record when he was visiting from Spain so this is a one-take, no click and no guide tone. I wish we'd had more time but it gets the message across.

My thanks to Paul Page for listening to this and offering suggestions that I never quite managed to make.

It's part of Amokopera 3 - A Distant England

It was finished a while back but somehow I dropped out of the MJ loop for a while and never got round to posting it. I also spent far too much time trying to fine-tune and just making it worse so here it is warts and all.

Cheers

Dick

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Song Stats

Hits: 3467
Comments: 71
Fans: 42
Plays: 223
Downloads: 58

Uploaded: Jul 30, 2013 - 11:33:11 AM
Last Updated: Jul 30, 2013 - 11:33:11 AM Last Played: Apr 17, 2019 - 10:07:07 PM

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Creative Commons License:
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Comments

Symphony101	Symphony101 said 2096 days ago (July 30th, 2013)
	Nice song ! And I like the arrangement Dick, very cool. I think it worked out really good. Check out my latest song called Standing On The Brink (w/ Mosaica)

DWL	DWL said 2095 days ago (July 30th, 2013)
	Thanks Yves! It's a song I think I'll be constantly thinking I could do better! Cheers Dick Check out my latest song called The Wagon

Loob	Loob said 2096 days ago (July 30th, 2013)
	Love the orchestra Dick! Fine work chaps! One to be proud of! Check out my latest song called Water Is Life

DWL	DWL said 2095 days ago (July 30th, 2013)
	I would love to get access to a real orchestra. Thanks Freddy, I wasn't happy with the string sounds (everyone else seems to get a lot of clarity when all I get is mush ;-) ) Much appreciated Cheers Dick Check out my latest song called The Wagon

Bob Rodgers	Bob Rodgers said 2096 days ago (July 30th, 2013)
	Wow!! A great arrangement and an excellent vocal Dick! Such a wonderful song! I love the orchestration and just superb in every way! Very much enjoyed. Bob Check out my latest song called The Lonely Man

DWL	DWL said 2095 days ago (July 30th, 2013)
	Not me singing! That was a one-take Graeme effort with no click track but I'm sure Graeme would be pleased you liked it. Thanks for the listen, comments and the heads-up and hope to see you at the end of August. Cheers Dick Dick Check out my latest song called The Wagon

hackneybloke	hackneybloke said 2096 days ago (July 30th, 2013)
	likes of us very good song.....and very good lyrics. good variation on the arrangement so the repeated them never gets repetitive. really solid vocal delivery dick....you always manage to sound like someone waving the socialist worker :) keep the flag flying Check out my latest song called If Symptoms Persist

DWL	DWL said 2095 days ago (July 30th, 2013)
	Thanks Julian I don't whether I should feel flattered or Graeme should be worried that we're starting to sound like each other ;-) Thanks for noticing the variations. I tried all sorts of arrangements before ending up with this and tried to vary it a little. Maybe see you at the end of August as well. Cheers Dick Check out my latest song called The Wagon

davajonah	davajonah said 2095 days ago (July 30th, 2013)
	The likes of us Indeed! Start of this I thought "Kevin Koyne" oh he the madman from Derby, but then the orchestration comes in. You do sound a little like him actually, but he was saner than you. Not bad, I would say, for "warts and all"! Great lyrics Dick. The likes of us, yes. Check out my latest song called Lost and Found

davajonah	davajonah said 2095 days ago (July 30th, 2013)
	Erratum *Coyne. :-) Check out my latest song called Lost and Found

DWL	DWL said 2095 days ago (July 30th, 2013)
	Saner than me? Very possible actually ;-) I'm sure I've got a vinyl album by him (or am I thinking of Kevin Ayers?) Whatever, I must check him out as that's a name from a dim and drug-fuelled past. Many thanks for the listen and comments! Cheers Dick Check out my latest song called The Wagon

guygrooves	guygrooves said 2095 days ago (July 30th, 2013)
	No warts here Peace Check out my latest song called Last Day Here 1998

DWL	DWL said 2095 days ago (July 31st, 2013)
	Thanks Guy I've got some ointment if you do find any. Cheers Dick Check out my latest song called The Wagon

alackbass	alackbass said 2095 days ago (July 30th, 2013)
	The Likes of Us Powerful lyrics! Very well orchestrated! Extremely impressive! Check out my latest song called Mean Miss Teacher

DWL	DWL said 2095 days ago (July 31st, 2013)
	Much appreciated Andrew! Thanks for the listen and comment Cheers Dick Check out my latest song called The Wagon

MacFerret	MacFerret said 2095 days ago (July 30th, 2013)
	Love it with every listen Works at every level - another Hobbs/Langford classic. Big Like for this. Check out my latest song called Sad Ronnie

DWL	DWL said 2095 days ago (July 31st, 2013)
	Thanks Tim! Good of you to stop by :-) Cheers Dick Check out my latest song called The Wagon

TheComfortLeaf	TheComfortLeaf said 2095 days ago (July 30th, 2013)
	Nice Superb vocals the combination with the orchestral elements makes it a real treat great work mate. Check out my latest song called This is my Demo

DWL	DWL said 2095 days ago (July 31st, 2013)
	Hi Vijay I think I can thank Bob for the heads up! Many thanks for the listen and comments. About time for a new one from you? Cheers Dick Check out my latest song called The Wagon

Philip18

Philip18 said 2095 days ago (July 30th, 2013)

The Likes of Us
Using the vocal unaccompanied at the start is a good idea - it makes sure the lyrics are front and centre throughout, as they should be. Supportive orchestration. The drums are used to good effect. I works well - makes the listener think and the the title sticks in the mind. As you say, it gets the message across. Powerful work, Dick and Graeme.

Check out my latest song called Refuge

DWL	DWL said 2095 days ago (July 31st, 2013)
	The message was the most important thing. I just tried to support the melody without overwhelming it. Thanks for the listen and comments. Cheers Dick Check out my latest song called The Wagon

bud	bud said 2095 days ago (July 30th, 2013)
	I love this series great atmosphere and grit - earth and spit - humor and wit. very effective. Check out my latest song called mixer 2

DWL	DWL said 2095 days ago (July 31st, 2013)
	Thanks Kevin a subject close to all our hearts I would think. More to come (but rather slowly) Thanks for your support :-) Cheers Dick Check out my latest song called The Wagon

paul f. page	paul f. page said 2095 days ago (July 30th, 2013)
	Suggestions...? ...Hey, this stands on its own, period. Strong vocal that's out front; unencumbered backup accompaniment; no frills; just a plain old honest song that delivers its message with clarity. Who could ask for more? Check out my latest song called Caprice

DWL	DWL said 2095 days ago (July 31st, 2013)
	One day I'll get your clarity! Thanks for the listen and the comments and your advice :-) Cheers Dick Check out my latest song called The Wagon

J.A.Stewart	J.A.Stewart said 2095 days ago (July 31st, 2013)
	An Ode To Everyman... ... and somewhat in the vein of Buffy Sainte-Marie's "The Universal Soldier." Pithy lyrics and a rich vocal performance by Graeme with a subtle, punctuating orchestral build by Dick. It makes for a simple, but stirring anthem about social inequality. Nicely done guys! ;) --- Joe Check out my latest song called Crankenhurst Challenge - Verse 1-7 (Inst. Break)

DWL	DWL said 2093 days ago (August 1st, 2013)
	Thanks Joe Ode to Everyman - I like that as will Graeme. More to come.... Thanks for the listen and comments and it's about time you had a new one isn't it? Cheers Dick Check out my latest song called The Wagon

lengold	lengold said 2094 days ago (August 1st, 2013)
	Wonderful to hear you both again, you make a fantastic team. Graeme's lyrics are always spot on, straight to the point and forcefully delivered. Your orchestration compliments Graeme perfectly and builds without encroaching. This is a total pleasure to listen to Dick and would work fantastically on stage. One day, you never know. Cheers Len Check out my latest song called Decent Girl

DWL	DWL said 2093 days ago (August 1st, 2013)
	Very kind of you Len and you'll have the chance to tell Graeme himself at the party! We really appreciate your support. One day ..... Cheers Dick Check out my latest song called The Wagon

KCsGROOVE	KCsGROOVE said 2094 days ago (August 1st, 2013)
	the likes of us really good song dig the vocals wonderful arrangements very much enjoyed! KC Check out my latest song called HAVE YOU EVER

DWL	DWL said 2092 days ago (August 3rd, 2013)
	Thanks Cees your listen and comment are much appreciated. Cheers Dick Check out my latest song called The Wagon

johnwhitehead	johnwhitehead said 2093 days ago (August 1st, 2013)
	Likes What a wonderful song. Powerful vocal performance, Dick. Love your arrangement touches and the way it builds. Feels theatrical in a good way...got to me emotionally, in other words. If you had a budget, I could hear a chorus (children's chorus?) kick in at 2:04. Excellent piece of work, man. Check out my latest song called Wandering Blues

DWL	DWL said 2092 days ago (August 3rd, 2013)
	Nice to see you John! I love the idea of a children's chorus. I think you're right, it would work! Many thanks for the kind comments. Cheers Dick Check out my latest song called The Wagon

grah3am	grah3am said 2092 days ago (August 2nd, 2013)
	Brilliant production Radical lyrics and lovely arrangement. I'm sure you're aware that this is professional standard, so I wish you and your chums well on your way to well - known - dom, if there is such a thing. Check out my latest song called Gravity

DWL	DWL said 2092 days ago (August 3rd, 2013)
	Getting a bit old for well-know-dom but I appreciate the sentiment! Thanks a lot for taking the time to listen and comment Graham. Cheers Dick Check out my latest song called The Wagon

Vic Holman	Vic Holman said 2092 days ago (August 2nd, 2013)
	The Likes of Us excellent. great job on the orchestral arrangement, very dynamic Check out my latest song called Roland Is Just A Machine

DWL	DWL said 2092 days ago (August 3rd, 2013)
	Dynamics was one the things I was trying to get so I'm pleased it worked out. Thanks Vic Cheers Dick Check out my latest song called The Wagon

davisamerica2	davisamerica2 said 2091 days ago (August 4th, 2013)
	Likes of Us Love this Dick! I think the orchestration is great. Great voice. My feet are wet. I'm must have taken a walk to the old country. Peace. T Check out my latest song called Road to Yourself/with Abandon Style

DWL	DWL said 2090 days ago (August 5th, 2013)
	Thanks Jack Old is about right! Thanks for stopping by. Cheers Dick Check out my latest song called The Wagon

MarkHolbrook	MarkHolbrook said 2091 days ago (August 4th, 2013)
	Spot on great Love this kind of ballad! Very nicely done guys! Check out my latest song called Corn Whiskey

DWL	DWL said 2089 days ago (August 6th, 2013)
	Thanks Mark much appreciated! Cheers Dick Check out my latest song called The Wagon

egobandit	egobandit said 2090 days ago (August 4th, 2013)
	food on your tables this soars, love the horns it has a thump your chest sound ! Check out my latest song called They got you now

DWL	DWL said 2089 days ago (August 6th, 2013)
	Thump your chest that's a good line! Thanks for taking the time to stop by and listen. Cheers Dick Check out my latest song called The Wagon

jiguma	jiguma said 2090 days ago (August 4th, 2013)
	An instant classic Dick! In my experience, obsessive fine-tuning is never a good idea. But then, this sounds great! Cheers from Oz, Neil Check out my latest song called The Disappearing Man

DWL	DWL said 2089 days ago (August 6th, 2013)
	Fine-tuning as you say, a curse and rarely a blessing ;-) Thanks for the listen and comment Neil. Cheers Dick Check out my latest song called The Wagon

Outtaorbit	Outtaorbit said 2090 days ago (August 4th, 2013)
	More than you KNOW......Why to hang babe Check out my latest song called My Last Great Depression

DWL	DWL said 2089 days ago (August 6th, 2013)
	As enigmatic as your music ;-) Cheers Dick Check out my latest song called The Wagon

Doug Somers

Doug Somers said 2090 days ago (August 4th, 2013)

The likes of us
A strong song. Kudos to Graeme for the clarity of the message in the lyrics and of course your vocal which by now we have come to expect will be top flight and this doesn't disappoint. The departure to orchestrate this song (vs. your rockers) makes for a nice contrast and I think it's bloody brilliant. Just enough, nothing there for show.

Maybe recording without click or guide tones makes the performance more 'real', more vulnerable, and therefore more approachable. We are all the singer. We are all the sung about.

Cheers Dick. Appreciate the dload too!

Check out my latest song called Western Stranger

DWL	DWL said 2089 days ago (August 6th, 2013)
	Thanks Doug it's one of those that went through various incarnations from orchestra to guitars and back again. I'm pleased it seems to have gone down well. Your comments are very much appreciated. Cheers Dick Check out my latest song called The Wagon

CIASM_ZENABI_	CIASM_ZENABI_ said 2090 days ago (August 5th, 2013)
	the like os us. this has been very well done dick/greame. lots to be interested in in here. cheers graham Check out my latest song called GLOWING IN THE DARK (2012 REMIX)

DWL	DWL said 2088 days ago (August 6th, 2013)
	Thanks Graham we appreciate you taking the time to listen and comment Cheers Dick Check out my latest song called The Wagon

damiengh	damiengh said 2089 days ago (August 5th, 2013)
	gritty I love the wart-making, cause it sure paid off. These are potent lyrics of the working man, best thrown at the 1% , though they're surely not listening. (Walmart etc.) I'm loving this anger at a low boil but sooner or later, it's gonna have to boil over. Check out my latest song called Tea and Scones

DWL	DWL said 2088 days ago (August 6th, 2013)
	It will boil over the question is when. The poor are being hit so hard and so often now that they either retreat into ghettos or they start to fight back. My fear is that they are being so badly beaten that all confidence and fight is being systematically removed. Thanks for the listen and comments Damien! Cheers Dick Check out my latest song called The Wagon

stevel	stevel said 2089 days ago (August 5th, 2013)
	Bold and Brassy Very enjoyable track Dick..Graeme's vocals do sound a bit like yours on this one. The melody reminds me a bit of that old Peter Sarstedt song "Where do you go my lovely' but given a more hard hitting political subject. Very nice arrangement with the brass Cheers Steve Check out my latest song called Out of Reach

DWL	DWL said 2087 days ago (August 8th, 2013)
	Thanks Steve! Sounding the same? I'll be interested to hear what Graeme says about that ;-) I'd never thought of Peter Sarstedt but now you come to mention it... Thanks a lot Steve Cheers Dick Check out my latest song called The Wagon

PeterB7858	PeterB7858 said 2089 days ago (August 5th, 2013)
	The Likes of Us Fine vocal work, Dick. Graeme has written a fine song and your rendition conjures up images of an indignant worker singing at a pub (that has an orchestra :-)). Powerful post. Thanks, Peter. Check out my latest song called The Parting Of The Ways

DWL	DWL said 2087 days ago (August 8th, 2013)
	Much appreciated Peter it took a lot of work so I'm pleased it all worked out!! Cheers Dick Check out my latest song called The Wagon

MartinD28	MartinD28 said 2087 days ago (August 7th, 2013)
	"Us" Love the song (and vocal) and the production bears your professional touches Dick. The orchestration is wonderful, slowly building and growing in interest. I love these english songs! Check out my latest song called Don't Lose Me Lord

DWL	DWL said 2087 days ago (August 8th, 2013)
	Thanks Bradford your listen and comments are much appreciated :-) Cheers Dick Check out my latest song called The Wagon

woofer3

woofer3 said 2080 days ago (August 15th, 2013)

The Likes of Us
Great song Dick, superb vocals as well - all appealing with it's gorgeous 3/4 gait, such a refreshing approach as indeed most of your music exhibits. Although it's run time is just under two and a half minutes which is as a rule a sensible duration for the average song this one really could have gone on much longer as far as I was concerned. Excellent work Dick, really excellent. Oh and I apologize for my late response - I am a disgrace, I will eat three raw leaks as recompence for this.

Check out my latest song called Drunken bakers [08-01]

DWL

DWL said 2077 days ago (August 17th, 2013)

I hope
you will stay away from the leeks. They are only any good in a potato soup.

Thanks John, I always appreciate your comments. You're right, two and half minutes is about right. Say what you've got to say and get out. I did think about extending it but we didn't have any more lyrics and I really couldn't add anything more to the song musically as it was already doing what it was supposed to do.

Many thanks for the comments!

Cheers

Dick

Check out my latest song called The Wagon

ste	ste said 2073 days ago (August 22nd, 2013)
	poignant message for modern britain. strong vocal performance here. good stuff Check out my latest song called songbreak

DWL	DWL said 2070 days ago (August 24th, 2013)
	Thanks Ste Much appreciated. A message without a doubt but it's a pity that so few people will (or want) to hear it. Thanks again Cheers Dick Check out my latest song called The Wagon

mfwmiles	mfwmiles said 2056 days ago (September 7th, 2013)
	great song. it builds so nicely. glad i stumbled on you here..the theatricality is wonderful. your music is magnificent. Check out my latest song called The Strange Cafe (Ennead #9)

DWL	DWL said 2031 days ago (October 2nd, 2013)
	Thanks Michael much appreciated :) Talking of theatrical Songs of Freedom is exceptional! Cheers Dick Check out my latest song called The Wagon

richard13	richard13 said 2031 days ago (October 2nd, 2013)
	Sometimes the warts make things more human. A rather pointed piece (but then, what of yours and Graeme's isn't?) simply and effectively delivered. Check out my latest song called one last night with you

DWL	DWL said 2019 days ago (October 15th, 2013)
	Thanks Richard Graeme and I don't really do un-pointed stuff (although we did once ;-) http://www.soundclick.com/bands/page_songInfo.cfm?bandID=409319&songID=3703379 ) Many thanks! Cheers Dick Check out my latest song called The Wagon

Bob6stringer

Bob6stringer said 2021 days ago (October 13th, 2013)

Righteous indignation
Dick, it's good to hear you again. Sounds great. While the song is broader in scope, the line/s about holding on to anger coincidentally cap a conversation I had over dinner with some friends last night about whether one can mature and become "enlightened" and still hold onto righteous anger. BTW regarding your intro notes: Click tracks can ruin a good, non-digital performance, glad this one can "breathe.")

Check out my latest song called Happy Birthday (Na Na Na Na)

DWL

DWL said 2019 days ago (October 15th, 2013)

Click tracks!
Interesting that I hadn't realised the last two songs I posted were made without click tracks. Hmm...

Righteous anger. I've "cut-off" an old friend on Facebook. He really was a friend once, I went to school with him, listened to Trout Mask Replica with him, smoked dope and took acid with him. I was getting sick of the right wing drivel he was spouting on FB but the final straw was when he told me I should have grown out of all that left-wing agit-prop stuff by now.

Hey ho eh?

I know I shouldn't let my anger subsume me but there's so much fucking inequality in this world I find it difficult to have any other response. AT least it keeps me in ideas for songs!

Cheers

Dick

Check out my latest song called The Wagon

Bob6stringer

Bob6stringer said 2018 days ago (October 15th, 2013)

Those pearly whites temper your indignation.
You can't be THAT angry THAT often...or you would be flashing that smile (on your current profile pic)! As for injustices and the politicians who don't do much about them...politics often seems like a game planed by very large ants on a very large anthill. You'll get no arguments from me.

Check out my latest song called Happy Birthday (Na Na Na Na)

	say said 1343 days ago (August 22nd, 2015)
	The likes of Us God I would love to hear this LIVE!! Do you play it out ? You should, great performance & the lyrics are spoton ! Thankyou

Artist Info

Name: Dick langford
Location: Everywhere and nowhere baby

11 years here (at time of writing!) - it doesn't seem that long ago I wrote "it doesn't seem that long ago I wrote 5 years"... Older but no wiser. The musical projects that make up Amokopera (The Lottery of Life, Celebrity Torture, and Dist... [see more]

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