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One of Those Dreams
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Prog opera in just under 7mins. Now updated with lyrics!
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Trash-pop, guitar rock and melodic miscellany.
Not so much a band as a bloke with a guitar and a laptop, The Smivets deliver a genre-bending blend of pop, rock, punk, prog and many other monosyllables.
Song Info
Genre
Rock • Progressive Rock
Charts
Peak #132
Peak in subgenre #25
Author
Steve Smith
Rights
Steve Smith
Uploaded
May 30, 2009
Track Files
MP3
MP3 6.4 MB • 128 kbps • 6:56
Story behind the song
This song was written for the Coconut Blues Club "Prog Rock challenge" and was completed in one week flat, hence it's crammed full of mistakes and the mix is as rough as a bear's a*se in places. I'll try to improve it sometime. It tells the story of an actual dream I had at the end of last year, in which I was panicking round in a weird railway station trying to not forget a tune that had appeared in the dream. Unbelievably I did wake up, turned on the computer and got the tune down before the dream faded, and it's the big synth riff in the middle (and end) of this song. So the song is a story about itself. Or something. In true prog style it's all supposed to mean something, I'm sure any interpreter of dreams would be able to conclude that I am in the advanced stages of foolishness. Anyway it starts in 13/8 time, has numerous tempo, key and time signature change and includes a sort of flute - all necessary elements for prog rock I think. Voice-O-Graph, by the way, was a coin-op recording booth that you used to see in holiday resorts and public places - I believe there was one on Darlington station which may be why... Basically you put 5 bob in and it produced a 45rpm disc I think. I never did use one but always wanted to. Big thanks to Jude Law and all at the CBC for launching the challenge - it resulted in some outstanding pieces of work from a lot of very talented people - check out my prog-rock station to hear them.
Lyrics
Part 1 - The Art Deco Railway Station It was one of those dreams where you're always rushing, Rushing to catch a train. Nothing's quite familiar - The country and language are strange, Door handles and handrails are all Angular polished chrome. I'm travelling with my young son And we're trying to get back home. It's all supposed to mean something, Isn't that what all dreamers think? If it's all supposed to mean something Why can't I see? Part 2 - In the midst of Chaos Then a tune came to me. A tune came to me. How many times have I tried to write Pulling my hair out through the night? Nothing seemed to come out right And now in the midst of chaos... And I can't let it get away. I have to find a way To write it down, or record it - I just can't afford it To be lost. Part 3 - The Voice-O-Graph And we're rushing around, pushing through crowds I just can't work out how to write the thing down. But there, by the lockers on platform sixteen - A Voice-O-Graph coin-op recording machine. "Come on Dad, we're going to miss the train, We don't have time for that, have you gone insane?" Don't worry son, I know what I'm doing, We'll make it if we run, but I've got to save the tune. But it won't take my coins and my fleeting hope fades, It probably hasn't been working for decades. "Come on Dad, I just can't believe Who cares about your stupid tune the train's about to leave!" Part 4 - The Last Option Our bags are so heavy as we race Through the tiled tunnels up the steel-tread staircase. I know the tune is lost and gone. But wait - I can record on my phone ... One bar battery Fumbling for the options as we run Turnstile as the whistle blows (the phone rings) Oh no! The call kills the phone And the phone dies And the train leaves And he collapses exhausted and angry All options gone Except one... Wake up.
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Comments 14
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Masters of Silence
Jan 25, 2010
Wonderful! Fun, true, melodic. Amazing that you completed it in a week. And the drums!!! (Cubase, hu? Must get me one of those someday.) Congrats. And thanks for you kind remarks on my own (still very incomplete) The Dream.
Astronomusic
Jul 02, 2009
Great work in all aspects!!! Z&A
Carlos Carranza
Jun 29, 2009
Im wordless............BRAVO!
Major Snagg
Jun 19, 2009
This has all the bone fide 'Prog-rock' elements. A great story, various linked parts, a memorable organ/synth theme, nice guitar parts and above all . . . a good overall tune. Fabulous production and playing. A top tune . Five well deserved stars all round.
Andrew Rulton
Jun 01, 2009
hey bro really enjoyed this, love the change ups and the production is very good! :) Well Done
Rodrica Rudge
May 31, 2009
I think I've had a few of those dreams! Fantastic job, always very impressed by your versatility. The track sounds excellent to me, doesn't need any improving. Love everything about this track, brilliant songwriting and arrangement. First class drums. Great job with the bizarreness and tension that only a dream can create.
Jonsson
May 31, 2009
You truly live for this kind of music... that's easy to hear :) Brilliant work. Tempo changes, Nice progressive rhytms... all in all a really great piece of work here. I am impressed. BestRegards Lasse
Michael Duran
May 31, 2009
lovely layering of melodies and timings very creative arrangement that flows well, this is an excellent Progressive rocker!
Ken Sacco
May 30, 2009
Very cool track-loved it all the way through
Morten Gjermundsen
May 30, 2009
This sounds really nice.Just like the classic's.Very nice vocals.Great drum sound as well.Love the synth too. Excellenty work!
Carlo D'Anna
May 30, 2009
Wow, you captured the Spirit and essence of early prog. Great work! One of my favorites in the group.
Kurt Lewis Neufer
May 30, 2009
Super drum work, really sets the stage for the outstanding performance that follows....Excellent Work...
Michael Bennett
May 30, 2009
Very cool track, lyrics, music and mix!
finnski
May 30, 2009
Thanks fore the ride!, i'll enjoy it! cheers Finn