Eyes Like Steel

[billg]

I wrote the lyrics for this several years ago when I heard about the death of an old girlfriend. I never could figure out what to do with it until yesterday. The melody & entire song just jumped into my head & wouldn't go away.Backstory; she was a chilhood girlfriend & we "grew up" together. She later became addicted to heroin, then became a Jesus freak (excuse me, "born again") then we lost touch.It's Called "Eyes Of Steel", like to know what you think.http://www.billgaunce.com/song/6

[cameron]

Hey Bill,I envy your productivity!I sort of hate to be the first to voice an opinion, but I like the whole song a lot... except the chorus which I didn't think was as interesting as the rest of the song. The verses and pre-chorus are really strong but melodically the chorus doesn't grab me. Nothing major structurally or anything like that, just to my ears needs something a bit more interesting. Of course that's an entirely subjective thing and it could be I just need a few more listens.Otherwise though, it's a fine song. I like the lyrics, and knowing that it's from the heart definitely makes it appealing. Cameron

[davekershaw]

Yeah Cameron, I envy it too!Nice one Bill.Sad story.I like the build up, and don't have a problem withthe chorus, though maybe the "eyes as cold as steel" linescould stand out more, but it might be my cheap office speakers.Not sure if I like the guitar; maybe a bit too whiny, if you see what I mean.I like the song, and the lyrics.Poignant when you know the story behind it.Well done.I'm gonna try and get rid'a this green colour now! Dave.

[billg]

Thanks Cam, the chorus is what was stuck in my head when I started working on this so it probably seems stronger to me than it actually is.Dave, I was going for that "weepy" sound that George Harrison could get sometimes . . . don't know how he did it but I actually doubletracked the guitar part trying to get it. I'm sure there could have been an easier way . . . one that might have actually worked!

[davekershaw]

Quote: I was going for that "weepy" sound that George Harrison could get sometimes . . . don't know how he did it but I actually doubletracked the guitar part trying to get it. I'm sure there could have been an easier way . . . one that might have actually worked! Yeah Bill, I know what you mean.I loved George's unique guitar sound, and voice!Whenever he brought out a new record, you knew it was him after just a few notes.Maybe the tones coming out harsher on these cheap speakers.I'll try on my studio system tomorrow.I'll say it again though, I do like the song.Dave.

[bmete]

Hey Bill,Nice tune.... bittersweet is what comes to mind!Bob

[zoom]

Hey Bill!It's always interesting how inspiration strikes!Another solid song from you -- you know, you gotta change that at some point and put up a real bomb so that I can feel better about myself. The only suggestions I can make is to try to bring up your voice more in the mix, and perhaps find a way to really bust out the chorus more. Especially in the chorus, your voice fades into the background more as the instrumentation ramps up and the ride cymbal starts crashing around -- but I think overall the vocal could be a lot hotter in the mix without any worries. And, as you come into the chorus from the pre-chorus, it comes in a little weak (and this may also be due to the lower vocal here).... or maybe the harmonies just need some tightening up (like lose the "She had"... and pick up with "hair like fine chenille"). Nothing too over the top... and just trying to give some more ideas to help punch it up.Nice work!

[billg]

Thanks Bob-Zoom, you're right! I heard the same comment in a pm. I had a problem with getting the backround vocals out & I found myself in a volume battle so I brought the lead vox down in a compromise. Damn, i can't really even notice it but now two of you guys have mentioned it . . . that's whats great about being able to bounce things off of everyone here. I like your idea about dropping the "she had" also, I can hear in my head how that would be better so I'm just gonna do it. (and just so you know, my bombs far out number the decent stuff)Thanks!

[cameron]

Hey Bill,As an aside, I was in a restaurant in Chicago tonight and they were playing songs on the radio that I thought sounded like you. I'm not sure who the artist was but when we got back to our hotel I played my girlfriend "Half Past Three" (which is probably my favorite Taxi tune) and she was very impressed. She thinks you sound like Tom Petty. Anyway, just thought it was interesting. Your material is definitely good enough to go all the way imho, in fact better than what was being played on their sound system tonight.Cameron

[billg]

Damn Cam, thanks for the huge compliment on "Half Past Three" I'm truly flattered!That's funny about the Tom Petty thing, there's no way I can get away from that. It's either that or Dylan. It used to bother me but I just roll with it now. In fact, last week I had a licensing company contact me about writing & recording a replacement soundalike song for Petty's "Refugee" for a film. I put one together & they signed it Fri. but I haven't heard if it will be used yet . . . but I did get a complimentary call saying they would like to use me to do more stuff like this. I was actually afraid it was too much like Refugee but I suppose when they say "soundalike replacement track" they really mean it! At the risk of hi-jacking my own thread, here's the song they signed, thanks again- http://www.billgaunce.com/song/7