Lynn: Thanks for your awesome thoughts.  In light of recent events these last few years, plus Xmas travesty, the kindergarten massacre, Hurricane Sandy's aftermath, etc., everyone's losses and crosses, etc.  ... trouble in the hood has been as surprising as ever, IMHO.  

Lynn, I know you succeed to be exceedingly masterful here ... I always covet your thoughts.

Maybe because I am used to your stuff, I found this the most coherent and thematically consistent of your tunes. It never meandered from its purpose, IYKWIM.

Danny, you did a great job in tying a bow on this behemoth of a song.

Merry Christmas, guys.

Mind? I am flattered. It is me that has been validated. You reasoning behind the motif of this piece strikes me a both rather profound and sound. In context of your belief system, this would seem a most appropriate cry.

jamesyoyo


Maybe because I am used to your stuff, I found this the most coherent and thematically consistent of your tunes. It never meandered from its purpose, IYKWIM.

Danny, you did a great job in tying a bow on this behemoth of a song.

Merry Christmas, guys.

Thanks James, much appreciated...and yeah, a behemoth it was. :) Like you, I too am used to Philip's material and his vibe he creates. If people only knew how many different parts we try in these songs..lol...it's quite amazing really when you hear the first sketch and then compare it to the final.
 
I think part of it with songs like these is....I know the man behind the music. More than just a net pen pal or a bud in passing. He's a brother. When you know someone as well as some of the stuff that goes on in their lives, well, the songs are an extension of their souls. Sometimes songs are intense for a reason, other times more playful.
 
When you consider all the things that happen to a person in their lives and you know this going into it, it's sort of easier to understand where they are coming from. If Philip created a tune about something we wouldn't normally associate with a Christian, it wouldn't surprise me really. I wouldn't take the stance of "wow, you're a Christian and you created this?!" People vent in their material...people cry, people live, laugh and illustrate pain, joy or experience. That's what it's about for me really. Music is the universal language of expression. :) Merry Christmas to you too man.
 
-Danny

 A really cool tune, I love the the percussion and weirdness of the whole thing. The lead vocal melody was very nicely constructed and great performance. Danny did a great job as he always does. A real pro sounding production here. Congrats.

This is great, it just keeps coming from unexpected places and I love that. Very interesting and very well done.

I'm glad you took my advice Philip and returned to the "weird" stuff again.  Like a few have said your mixing has come along really well.  It's perhaps the clearest mix I have heard from you.  I love the crazy kids voice's.  I also love how this is an anthem as well.  Once again I cant really here the "god" message so that is a real skill you have, that is the way you can make "christian" music but it's very main stream.  Finally I also love the thermin sound you have got going. 

Peace Ben

Hey Philip
This production arrangement of this piece is STELLAR.  IMO this is not as complex when it comes to the instrument/arrangement as your past tunes but I love the vibe created. Your choice of sounds have a modern edge but yet works well with the vocals/lyrics. I cant' get that catchy riff played throughout the song out of my head. WELL DONE!   
Great job on your vocal layers.  Busy at times but very well separated and I'm liking how they sit in the mix.  Joy's vocal performance was awesome and only adds depth to the vibe of this piece.  
If I had to nit I would like to hear more darkness/lower end from certain instruments during the chorus. Like in the bells and bass drums/percussion hits. AWESOME performance/mix!


Kev

P.S.  Philip, do you do your own art work? (avatar)

OhGrant: Thanks dear sir for your awesome thoughts and validations.  I'm totally flattered by your crit :):):)  It appears that you didn't let the other crits hamper your encouraging thoughts.  (This song has conjured up some diametrically opposed opinions ... hahaahaahha!)  I hope to witness your next excellent offering.

Ben: I've always loved your awesome pieces and adamant diversions ... and thank you for your validations.  I don't really listen to Christian music (except church) and hope the groanings and the beatz layers are entertaining enough.  I honor your signature btw ("Opinions are like ... etc etc).  Music + opinion(s) = "Song", IMHO, JMO :):):)

Kev: Thank you for your extremely thoughtful and perceptive crit ... which I agree with.  I've always considered you as one of precious few rock stars that we have here.  I'll see what I can do about enhancing some other lows in the chorus.  One reason this was 'less busy' in areas, was that Danny helped me weed out the mush.  He somehow managed to discover discordant dissonances that had to be fixed.  His bass-line is extremely solid.  So now, the solid 'music' drives the piece with less confusion, methinks.

Yes I'm the portrait painter, too.  The Avatar is an acrylic portrait of my 9 y/o Joy, the child-singer, along with her little sister (Ariel) ... traversing on the outskirts of a 'hood-of-disturbia'.  
Originally the painting was orange and black (more apocalyptic).  Joy requested her dress be changed to pink ... so I sugar-coated it somewhat. 

Dodsie: Thanks so much for your listen, thoughts, and utmost encouragement.  I tried to 'hook' from different directions ... without going too overboard ... for repeat listening.  Layers, counters, eclectics, multi-vocs, skillful stringed instruments and bass (Danny), etc.  I may pull up his instruments, per Kev, as they are truly worthy (to my ears).

JamesYoyo: You've always been the envy of all of us, so your thoughts and validations weigh most heavily here.  I'm certain Danny appreciates your chiming tremendously, as he went overboard fixing this into solidity.  Vox-wise, I have a lot to learn, from you and others.  (The original Trap version was as incoherent and jumbled as Dirty South can get.)