Shade of Blue

Shade of Blue
Written and Recorded 2010

"Shade of Blue" is one of my favorite songs that I wrote in Baraboo. I distinctly remember starting with the simple chords that go on throughout the song and then really going for it on the "bass-line" keyboard part. I can't be 100% sure, but I think most of the instruments recorded are from that Six-Track synthesizer. The use of these synths was definitely influenced by Julian Casablancas' first solo record, "Phrazes for the Young." I've always been a huge fan of The Strokes, but the solo record really explored new soundscapes while putting more focus on his vocals and lyrics. I probably listened to that thing at least twice a week for a good long while. I think I've only shared this song with two or three people and am happy to share it with you all now.

• Because most of the instruments are synths and not MIDI instruments, I couldn't go back and correct mistakes as easily. If I messed up, I'd have to do a whole take again, especially in that "left hand" bass part. With MIDI, you can change a wrong note or tighten up a rhythm with the click of a mouse. This was a challenge and there are still a few lingering mistakes, but it was totally worth it.
• The lyrics of this song are all over the place. Still trying to go with the Chris Cornell mentality of not editing lyrics, the images I try to convey are not quite as vivid as they could be, nor do they connect that well.
• I made a conscious decision to keep "illuminate" as the center of each verse. One reason is that it is a wonderfully positive word, and the other is that it is the only 4 syllable word that really works. It got in my head and I couldn't get it out. But I was then able to craft each verse around that line. I think it adds some continuity to the song.
• This is not the only song that features the phrase, "new shade of blue." I thought that was a powerful image on multiple levels. Each time I wrote it out, I couldn't help but think of someone reaching a new level of having the blues and/or becoming blue simply because that person couldn't breathe. The other song that has the phrase is called, "Take the Reins."
• My favorite part of the song in terms of structure is the pre-chorus while I sing, "I saw you, a whole new shade of blue." There's a huge eighth note line that goes throughout the line. It's a nice build and the having it in octaves makes a difference.
• The bridge/end of the song is pretty weak. It's not much, but it's forced. I knew that I wanted a bridge and had to make something work. It's the puzzle piece effect again. At the time, I was a little too obsessed with how songs "should" be.