https://guitarnoise.forum/sunday-songwriters-group/ssg-wk3-midland-town/ Guitar Noise Discussion Board en-US Fri, 05 Jun 2026 07:13:23 +0000 wpForo 60 https://guitarnoise.forum/sunday-songwriters-group/ssg-wk3-midland-town/#post-272324 Mon, 26 Nov 2007 16:52:53 +0000

I like both versions. I found it reminded me of Ray Davies Thanks John. It is actually quite a mash-up. Once again I started trying to emulate Pet Sounds (as I did with Rest In Peace) and ended up with a mess. I got the sleigh bells and that pre-Hal Blane drum sound when Denny was on the seat. I liked the cellos on the second verse which were definitely British / Eleanor Rigby ish.

As for tune and lyrics I was aiming at the mid sixties British chart stuff like Cat Stevens' Matthew & Son and a song called Grocer Jack (can't remember who that was by).

Off topic I have been searching for years for a copy of The Wedding Of Ramona Blair by The Mirage, which was also in this vein. Any leads provided would be most welcome.]]> Sunday Songwriters Group Raystrack https://guitarnoise.forum/sunday-songwriters-group/ssg-wk3-midland-town/#post-272324 https://guitarnoise.forum/sunday-songwriters-group/ssg-wk3-midland-town/#post-272293 Mon, 26 Nov 2007 08:26:37 +0000
Tears For Fears were one of my favourite bands and I disagree with your analysis sir! Orzabal is a genius IMHO :shock: I liked the acoustic version much better: still light hearted but if I wanted to explore the lyricism more, I could more easily. Tears For Fears are great, but their songs are much better covered by other artists: for example Gary Jules' powerful cover of 'Mad World'.

Can't wait to hear more!]]> Sunday Songwriters Group DrunkRock https://guitarnoise.forum/sunday-songwriters-group/ssg-wk3-midland-town/#post-272293 https://guitarnoise.forum/sunday-songwriters-group/ssg-wk3-midland-town/#post-272214 Sun, 25 Nov 2007 18:03:57 +0000

I like both versions. I found it reminded me of Ray Davies so the guitar version
fits that a little better. All and all a great piece however you choose.

John]]> Sunday Songwriters Group Celt https://guitarnoise.forum/sunday-songwriters-group/ssg-wk3-midland-town/#post-272214 https://guitarnoise.forum/sunday-songwriters-group/ssg-wk3-midland-town/#post-272213 Sun, 25 Nov 2007 17:28:34 +0000 Cheers, David]]> Sunday Songwriters Group Fraydoc https://guitarnoise.forum/sunday-songwriters-group/ssg-wk3-midland-town/#post-272213 https://guitarnoise.forum/sunday-songwriters-group/ssg-wk3-midland-town/#post-272209 Sun, 25 Nov 2007 16:19:50 +0000
The song is light-hearted and the arrangement a musical joke - no substance intended :lol: . I really must try writing something with substance :lol:

Tears For Fears were one of my favourite bands and I disagree with your analysis sir! Orzabal is a genius IMHO :shock:

I've just posted a version with just acoustic guitar and no breaks (and dropped to G for my weedy voice) - I wrote it on a synth in A.]]> Sunday Songwriters Group Raystrack https://guitarnoise.forum/sunday-songwriters-group/ssg-wk3-midland-town/#post-272209 https://guitarnoise.forum/sunday-songwriters-group/ssg-wk3-midland-town/#post-272179 Sun, 25 Nov 2007 04:12:54 +0000 And personally, I kinda like the irony of the lyrics with the music.

Neil]]> Sunday Songwriters Group chefie https://guitarnoise.forum/sunday-songwriters-group/ssg-wk3-midland-town/#post-272179 https://guitarnoise.forum/sunday-songwriters-group/ssg-wk3-midland-town/#post-272177 Sun, 25 Nov 2007 03:52:17 +0000
So basically: well written but the music needs work.]]> Sunday Songwriters Group DrunkRock https://guitarnoise.forum/sunday-songwriters-group/ssg-wk3-midland-town/#post-272177 https://guitarnoise.forum/sunday-songwriters-group/ssg-wk3-midland-town/#post-29076 Sat, 24 Nov 2007 22:52:01 +0000
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=746310&content=songinfo&songID=6007462

After reading Drunkrock's comment I've now posted a version just with guitar.

http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=746310&content=songinfo&songID=6009748

Midland Town - Ray Stroud

Daybreak in a midland town
six chimes in the redbrick tower
mother's up in her dressing gown
family out in half an hour
suits and ties on the road
music turned up way too loud
offices and the factories
counting down to the holidays

Stores opening nine a.m.
busy pavement now it's stopped raining
gran's off to the park again
feed the ducks, see the children playing
Davey's looking for some rules
to guide his life when he's out of school
takes his cue from the magazines
poster heroes hard and mean

Our Madeleine hanging out with friends
rendezvous where the bike boys gather
come this evening she'll be making plans
to leave the town in noise and leather
off to find the usual place
an A5 pub where the music plays
clinging tight as they take the curves
laughing loud with every zip and swerve

Restless boys meet and talk about moving away
up to the gills being drilled for a place in society
in their minds they're warriors marking time
waiting for a place on the danger line
but tonight they suffice with a silver screen
a beat ‘em up on a games machine

Six chimes in the redbrick tower
parks empty and the stores are closing
Dad driving home slow from work
Mum struggling with the ironing
Madeleine's trying to get her make-up right
for when she's swept away on the motorbike
Davey's friends just hanging round
trying to get a life in a midland town]]> Sunday Songwriters Group Raystrack https://guitarnoise.forum/sunday-songwriters-group/ssg-wk3-midland-town/#post-29076