to bridge OR not to bridge - THAT is the question . . . . .

KevCav333 · Post by **KevCav333** » Fri Apr 08, 2016 3:58 am

I have soooo dwelled over this topic !!- hands down!!! - So recently - I submitted a song that is over four minutes and I get a critique with the song not forwarded - saying "a bridge between the second and third chorus would structurally help make this better" - I perform weekly in southern California in clubs and have done this song for years - but I am way open to adding a bridge to the song "The Third Beer" if it takes the song to a higher level - Looking for advice from seasoned TAXI riders : THE 3RD BEER
https://youtu.be/Fk1IKjRQ_n4

mikemichnya · Post by **mikemichnya** » Sat Apr 09, 2016 2:09 pm

Hey Kevin,

I listened a couple of times. I like that opening riff, and there are some cool lines, but it is long, and I'm guessing the screener suggested a bridge to give it some musical relief. I sometimes have the same trouble. I think maybe you could shorten the chorus, and re-purpose some of the lines as a bridge...it would be easier to comment if we could read the lyrics.

I don't think you can count on the reception you get when you play it live. Whatever you decide, good luck with it!

Casey H · Post by **Casey H** » Sat Apr 09, 2016 2:55 pm

KevCav333 wrote:I have soooo dwelled over this topic !!- hands down!!! - So recently - I submitted a song that is over four minutes and I get a critique with the song not forwarded - saying "a bridge between the second and third chorus would structurally help make this better" - I perform weekly in southern California in clubs and have done this song for years - but I am way open to adding a bridge to the song "The Third Beer" if it takes the song to a higher level - Looking for advice from seasoned TAXI riders : THE 3RD BEER
https://youtu.be/Fk1IKjRQ_n4

I didn't get a chance to listen yet but one thing to keep in mind that screener feedback is mainly relative to the particular listing. What might work for a Film/TV listing (for example) might not work for a pitch for an artist to cut a song. So reviews need to be taken in the context of the listing. I've had great songs, ones that often get 8-10 in all categories, get 4-6 when submitted for a listing that's just the wrong place for the song.

Best

Casey

mojobone · Post by **mojobone** » Sat Apr 09, 2016 11:52 pm

mikemichnya wrote: I don't think you can count on the reception you get when you play it live.

Worth noting, right off the top. A great performance can easily put a weak song over the top, and even more so in the sort of venue where folks are drinking. Somebody once told me a drunk audience will cheer for a monkey in a tux, which is kinda the difference between a bar crowd and a festival crowd where the percentage of inebriates is substantially lower and the performance bar is higher.

This is not to say your song's a dud, it's just that the venue has an effect on the listener's perceptions; some songs just work better in a car or over headphones in your bedroom, at night, or on a beach in broad daylight. My personal feeling is that any song can be improved with a proper middle eight, or something that functions as such, but the same isn't necessarily true for cues.

mikemichnya · Post by **mikemichnya** » Sun Apr 10, 2016 7:56 am

mojobone wrote: a drunk audience will cheer for a monkey in a tux,

LOL! Sooo true!

I also agree with the other points Mojo made about the distinction between songs and cues. You have to consider what the listing is asking for, but if it's a song, a "proper middle eight" adds a touch of novelty at just the right time to counter-balance the repetition that came before for the SONG as a whole. Add lyrics (if you have more to say), a killer instrumental solo (if you don't) or a little of both.

davekershaw · Post by **davekershaw** » Mon Apr 11, 2016 10:11 am

The bridge is often my favourite part of a song.

davekershaw · Post by **davekershaw** » Mon Apr 11, 2016 2:11 pm

Telefunkin wrote:Hi Dave, my nearest Taxi neighbour I think. Nice to meet you.
[You would like bridges ...living near the Humber! I'm just off M18 J1 in Maltby]

Hi Graham.
Yeah, I like a bridge with plenty of suspense!

mikemichnya · Post by **mikemichnya** » Mon Apr 11, 2016 10:08 pm

davekershaw wrote:Yeah, I like a bridge with plenty of suspense!

or maybe a pun-toon bridge?

KevCav333 · Post by **KevCav333** » Tue Apr 12, 2016 1:20 am

Telefunkin - Thanks for the idea...i did do an edit and the intensity still remains and now clocks in w/fadeout at 3:53 - I can perform the "extra chorus" LIVE ! but have decided against the bridge (plus my guitar guy HATES change) also thanks for feedback from other members here. Much.

KevCav333 · Post by **KevCav333** » Wed Aug 10, 2016 10:58 pm

OK - I wrote a bridge and changed it from 6/8 to 4/4 -- ANY input on this new version of "THE 3RD BEER" would be appreciated - yeah, the live version I had been doing for years is what everyone knows but this is a bit different : https://youtu.be/6zmrQLU4bfY

to bridge OR not to bridge - THAT is the question . . . . .

to bridge OR not to bridge - THAT is the question . . . . .

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