FAWM: "Gentlemen, We're History"

Gentlemen, We're History

1 week ago by @headfirstonlyMod

Gentlemen, We're History

headfirstonly

00:00

Liner Notes

Today's #MovieQuote is a line spoken by Rufus—the late, great George Carlin—in Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure (1989). That got me thinking; what if abstract ideas and concepts had personalities?

This one started off as a bass line played on my Warr guitar, then a lot of Strat got added and a bunch of keys (NI's Rise & Hit and Arkhis, Heavyocity's Ascend piano, and a bunch of Korg M3 Hammond). It took me about four hours from start to finish. Definitely an #80s-rock flavour to this one. The #prog is a given, though.

Lyrics

My name is Compassion I'm friends with Love and Truth Perhaps you might have heard of us From way back in your youth?

Context seems to think we're cool with what is going on Consequences, meanwhile, tell us Time is marching on

It didn't make the slightest bit of sense to me 'til Narrative said, "Gentlemen, we're history"

Self-interest won't step aside Without a hefty fee So Selfishness is currently Their pick for MVP

Remember that this moment, too, is fleeting And history continues on repeating

No matter how you play the game, One day it's going to end And Time will move the goalposts That they're trying to defend

Comments

@janeg 1d

Yet again you make me feel like I am listening to the newest rock hit on the radio. Awesome music and lyrics. Especially like “selfishness is now their pick for MVP.”

@jamkar 4d

So deep in musical layers as well as meaning. Everything I love in hfo production. Love the Korg M3 BTW.

@petefelton 6d

Amazing work. This is the second of your songs I have listened to. both wonderful.

@philkmills 1w

My fantasy-loving brain definitely appreciates the personification of abstract concepts. I especially like the high lead guitar that starts the song and revisits sometimes.

@metalfoot 1w

This is a very cleverly constructed lyric and a delightful slice of proggy goodness to wash it all down with.

@wacha 1w

This is such a fantastic use of the prompt! The bassline is killer, I love the lyrics and your delivery of the vocals. There's a great prog rock vibe to it but it's also kind of infectious. I loved it from start to finish!!

@gazebo 1w

You are going places that I don't even dream of.

Not really my kind of thing, but really impressive and enjoyed going somewhere new.

@cts 1w

Man - I very much wish I could stay this focused with my musical concepts. Is that double time or triple time kick drum I hear? Nevertheless, this thing rocks the bells, man.

@nickweisenfels 1w

Oh boy do I like this! I have recently been getting more into 80s era Genesis. This definitely scratches that itch. That electric rhythm guitar tone in the chorus is GREAT! As a side note, I really enjoy your song titles.

@candle 1w

A very cool concept for a song, expressed wonderfully in the lyrics, as well as sonically in the music. I really like the delivery of the title line. As always, this is really well done!

See You In The Shadows…

@squirrelhavenstudios 1w

I love this concept of this song and your lyrics really make it work (e.g., Self-interest won't step aside without a hefty fee). Musically this sort of reminded me a bit of Grace Under Pressure era Rush, which is not too shabby. Nice work with the guitars/bass, and, of course, the multitude of keys.

@aeye 1w

those guitar tones are sooooooooo goooooooooood. I dunno how you keep doing this but dang. Everyone is so good. The 4 hours of work shows off.

@itneverhappened 1w

Get those strong 80's Bowie vibes again, more than prog, really funky and sort of offbeat and unruly, and with those synth sounds and guitar licks and heavy reverb. Super well done!

@clocktoys 1w

This is really impressive work. Definite Prog Rock vibes -which is not my cup of tea traditionally - but there is so much skill and creativity at speed in this piece that I have to say it gets my attention.

@kirjis 1w

Another song giving me Rush vibes this morning! Is there something in the air or is it just me?

@headfirstonlyMod 1w

Rush are definitely way up there as far as my musical influences are concerned and I was playing a Geddy Lee model Fender Jazz, so no; it's definitely not just you :-)

@b3nut 1w

Wow, I really like this. I dig this style of heavier prog, and you're cookin' with gas here. The lyrical imagery is not only relevant to our time but echoes across time...you're dropping some universal truth here. Though I think they've cut down the goal posts altogether at this point...killer track man!

@coolparadisoMod 1w

What a great first verse - you have to read on! great concept! Lovely soundscape as usual!

ps i think they may have moved the ground not just the goal posts this time

@sapient 1w

What a cool idea, and really rather epically implemented. Gotta say, your voice sounds sublime on this. There's an extra level of clarity and brightness that has the vocals sitting in the mix like you've given them comfiest cushion in the house. Have you been buying microphones, or has your time at Mr Gabriel's house imparted shiny new skills...? 🤔

@headfirstonlyMod 1w

I was using my standard, default vocal mic (a Shure SM7B) which I've had since lockdown, and my vocal processing chain hasn't changed in years. I'm sure my stays at Real World worked their magic, but I think it's mainly that (a) I'm pushing a lot more with my voice than I used to, and (b) I'm WAY more confident in the ability of my ears to get the mix balance right.

I guess the lesson is that if you do this a lot—and I mean a lot—you're going to see some improvements. After more than 1500 songs, I think I've got to that point...

@barkstales 1w

Great lyrics. The music really moves the story.

@danxduran 1w

It's like Yes' 90125, but if Jon Anderson smoked cigarettes instead of weed (complimentary!)

@atam94 1w

it took less than a second for me to start vibing to this song. So good!!

@fuzzy 1w

"...what if abstract ideas and concepts had personalities?"; immediately reminds me of the book "There Is No Anti-Memetics Division". I'm liking the doubled vox. Great lyrics. Nice clean production in my headphones. Yeah, another great one!

@headfirstonlyMod 1w

I love that book! All of Sam's stuff is great, I've been reading it for over a decade. I am so glad he finally has a book deal; it's thoroughly well deserved!

@fuzzy 1w

I've only discovered his writing in the past year or so, so I'm still at that happy stage of discovering an awesome new (to me) author. Like you, I'm glad he got a well-deserved book deal.

@wynia 1w

Four hours? Wow, legendary!! I love all the synths and the guitars are just perfectly placed. I'm in awe of your sound engineering!

@hjcutter 1w

Wow, very progy! I love this. Fantastic job. Happy FAWM!

@val 1w

Love that first verse. That really spoke to me and made me want more. The rest of the lyrics tell some interesting truths that I find hard to believe inspired by Bill and Ted, but there ya go. 😄 Man, your guitar tones are cool!

@andyt13 1w

Fuckin A! Your production values really are fire! Great tune, lyrics and vibe. 100%

@ampersandman 1w

Four hours! That's quite impressive, sounds excellent. I really enjoyed reading along, you had a clever idea to start from and followed through with strong, thought-provoking lines.