Here's a pop song that can be about whatever you want it to be - hopefully you'll find it uplifting.
I originally posted it here a while back but it's had a major facelift - faster tempo, vocals redone, major remix.
Enjoy - crits welcomed.
 
 http://soundcloud.com/skyblueproductions/pure-and-simple-by-staypress-1

Well Done Daryk.

I lurve this version.

Definite Herman's Hermits vibe. "Mrs. Brown you've got a lovely daughter..." And while we're at it Mrs. Brown, have you been hitting the gym? Because everything is right where it's supposed to be. I like the clap track, but I would use it like on the chorus, and maybe not on the verse? And have it "clap clap" occasionally as opposed to the clap. But hey? That's pretty friggen minor. Good job on the toon. 

Really nice tune! I love the harmony - specifically the inter-weaved borrowed chords that change the mood.

What really got me was the Dm(Maj7)-A-G-D thing. My ear went, "huh?" and then as it went on, it understood it (mMaj7/9s add alot of flavor) I expected IVs, but got minor IVs. Such a cadencial phrase is quite common in pop/rock/r&b. (ie: The Alicia Keys track - Brand New Me - F6-Fm6-C)

(Btw, Janet, AK may garner garner some inspiration since the piano is her signature instrument)  

The vibes (were those vibes?) and pizzicato strings (and some kind bell) were really nice. Production wise, this sounded really good.

This piece was indeed "Pure and Simple." What inspired you to do this? Was it the Mrs.? (Perhaps, a duet may work on this track, too?)

That's a cracker Daryl, love the chorus and the turnaround back to the verse, sweet bit of writing. Really like the 'telephone eq' backing vocs too, nice touch.

The chord progression first off the start, threw me off a bit.  But as someone above said....as I got further in I "got it" and that made me appreciate what you did. 

I really like the chorus.  

Nice production creativity and thought going on in this project.   The claps, the eq on the BGV.... so many things... 

I love it the way it rolls to the major coming into the chorus. And the chorus tend to be much more predictable than the verses.... that is good. 

Over all... I listened about 3 or 4 times all the way through and it grows on ya.... 

Good job all the way around. 

Nice song with strong rhythm.. sounds good

I love it, Daryl.  Very Brit rock retro.  The mix is very balanced and open.  A fine song for your repertoire.

daryl the tremlo in one of the guitar parts is a good touch. Great use of that effect.

Bapu - thanks me old china