Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Cowrite Session with William Blake


I've had the chance to write with some great lyricists in the past, but this weekend was especially unique. I was able to write with someone 200 years my senior. At first I was, like, "What could this old fart have to say?" (a sentiment, no doubt, similar to what most people think when they first hear my stuff..) But he had a really good idea, so I decided to give him a go.

He was pretty firm about his lyric. Really firm... Wouldn't budge. Turns out a lot of people like his stuff, so there seemed to be zero motivation for him to change it based on my pithy observations. (For instance, I asked him, "Don't you think some of the verbage is a bit old fashioned?", and he replied "Go pound sand, Timmy. Take it or leave it.")

I have to tell you, though, the lyric was short, concise, and convicting from the first time I read it, so I decided to do the good Elton John - Bernie Taupin thing, intent on not changing a thing... staying true to Bill's original message.

And a great message it was to me. It clapped like thunder and shuddered through to my foundation, causing me to pull out some old seasoned 2x4s, a hammer, and nails to shore up a few timbers. (although, I must admit I still have a few cracks to repair.)

All said and done, though, I went into the studio on Sunday and recorded THE GARDEN OF LOVE. Bill even insisted that the title remain un-altered. I repeated the first verse without his approval, though. I haven't heard any complaints from him... yet.

Enjoy.

Tim

Click here to hear it on my myspace page.

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Shadows Feet


Currently reading THE GREAT DIVORCE by C.S. Lewis. More amazed every time I turn the page.

“Reality is hard on the feet of shadows”