Monday, May 4, 2015

Sights on the Sun

Sights on the Sun
Written and Recorded 2003

One of the only songs that I've written in an alternate tuning (dropped D,) this song is another remnant of my high school days. I don't remember a ton about the writing process on this song, but I know that I really wanted to write a "rocking" tune. Armed with my bass effects pedal, I dropped the tuning to make it sound more metal, and palm muted it. I'd go on to perform this song with the more pop/rock band in high school called The Manacles. The guys in the other band didn't think it rocked quite as hard as I did.
  • "Standing at the gates of hell"...what a way to start a song. Not my strongest lyrics in the world, but I was really able to get behind them at the time. Overall it's quite melodramatic, but hey, I was in high school.
  • Structurally I think this song works really well. The opening chord/riff, which doubles as the verse progression, is a pretty good way to start things off. Then there is a simple break between verses 1 and 2 that doesn't come back at all. I'm not one for prechoruses anymore, but this one does a nice job of setting up the chorus. Predetermined, melodic solos have always been a favorite of mine. At just over 4 minutes, it's a pretty tight and balanced song in that regard.
  • Another recording featuring my drumming. It was great having band rehearsals at our house if not only because the drums stayed there, giving me the chance to try and play another instrument. I've always enjoyed drums, but never advanced much past what you hear here.
  • There are a few songs, including this one, that I can't recall the real title. I call this one "Sights on Sun" because that's the main lyric and I think the original was something along those lines. This is yet another reason I'd like to get these songs out there. I'm forgetting some of those details and would like to document as much as I can.
  • If it weren't for the lyrics, I'd probably enjoy this song a little bit more. Musically, I'm quite proud of my early high school self. 

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