A couple of months ago, I mentioned here that my brother and I had completed a recording of "Won't Give In" and were in the process of trying to acquire licenses to distribute the recording. Well, it took nearly three months, but as of last week I have licenses from both Neil's and Tim's publishers.

I'd like to make the recording available to Frenzforum members, in part because I'd like to get some feedback from Finn fans, and in part as thanks for the enjoyment I've derived from the forum. Unfortunately, my licenses are for CDs only--no downloads--and are restricted to distribution within the US. But anyone within the US who would like a copy is welcome to write to me at jocoop at aol dot com, and I will send a copy at my expense. I reserve the right to limit the number I send, but for now I'm willing to absorb the cost. I worked hard on this recording, and I'd like it to be heard. No one would confuse this with a big-label release, but I'm still pretty proud of it.

A bit of background: I was fairly active on the Philadelphia open mic scene in the early 1990s and had a semi-regular gig at a bar off South Street for awhile, but my career and various personal issues led me to put music aside almost entirely until about two years ago. My brother, on the other hand, performs regularly. He's the more talented one.

(Before posting this, I checked with our webmaster; she said I could post it, as I had licenses for the recording).

Great on ya... you sure that you cannot post the customary 30 seconds somewhere on the net, so people can "listen before they buy"?

I actually looked into that, but it's complicated--while 30-second clips seem to be "customary" at some level, that custom doesn't seem to be endorsed by actual court decisions or statutory provisions (and rights organizations ASCAP and BMI take the position that such clips are not fair use). So I'd be taking a risk, including the risk that the publishers might yank my license to distribute. Alternatively, I could go to them and seek permission. I've been reluctant to do so up to now because I didn't want to do anything to complicate getting the licenses--it took long enough as it was, and Tim's company in particular seems very leery of stuff involving the internet. Once I've submitted my first quarterly statement, I may go back to them and see if I can get permission to post a short excerpt.

This rights stuff has proved to be a pain, but I'm determined to do it right.

It's a shame you can't send it out to the UK but it's great you're doing it all by the book.

Best of luck with it all.

No takers after two weeks. Sigh. I understand--I guess I'd be reluctant to send my address to a total stranger, just to get a one-song cd of indeterminate quality.

Believe me, I wish I could just make the thing available for download.

Wow! It sounds really interesting to me. I should like listening to that since you've worked so hard at it.

That must be my clue to write you privately. Then I can brag when I hear it, right?

First one is on its way!

Alkakone, I've sent you a private message.

Hi Jeff,
I'd really like to hear it! I've wanted to since I first saw your post awhile ago, but I've had a million things going on and just forgot.

You can e-mail me: TBeatles67@141.com

Thanks!
Tracy

I got my CD from Jeff today, and they really did a fine job on it. [My birthday is Friday, so it was like getting a birthday present!] Paul's parts, especially the bass, sound like they could be from the Brothers themselves, and I *do* mean that as a compliment.

I'll have to listen some more times to think of other feedback.

quote:

Originally posted by aikakone:
I got my CD from Jeff today, and they really did a fine job on it. [My birthday is Friday, so it was like getting a birthday present!] Paul's parts, especially the bass, sound like they could be from the Brothers themselves, and I *do* mean that as a compliment.

I completely agree. My birthday is Saturday, so it's a B-Day present for me too! I think it's very well done, very professional. My only *slight* complaint so far is that the vocals could have been stronger. I don't mean that your voices aren't strong, I mean that you could have sung them in a stronger way. Pushing aside perfection and going for more oomph. But, I am quite impressed, and I haven't had much time yet to listen. I'll give more feedback later.

Good on ya, guys!

Tracy

Tracy and aikakone, thanks for your comments so far. Tracy, I agree with your observation about the vocals. My intent was that they start off a bit tentative but grow in confidence to the end, playing off a comment Neil made in an interview (distributed with the original iTunes release of EIH) that people making speeches at family events frequently are a bit awkward at first but then find themselves and wind up saying something really lovely. I think we nailed the tentative part () but I don't think we quite got the rest. Partly a failure of execution, partly a failure of recording technique, probably in part the result of bumping up against the limits of our abilities.

Aikakone, I think that Paul's bass playing is probably the best thing about our version. I'm really just a basement hacker at this point, but Paul can seriously play.

Really, I appreciate what you've written. Paul and I aren't the Finns (and we didn't have Mitchell Froom producing), but I think we did a pretty decent job, all things considered, and I'm really glad to have a few people outside the immediate circle of family and friends listening.

Oh, and happy birthday to both of you!

One more bump for the new month, then I'll let this drift downward. The offer will remain open, though--I haven't exactly been overwhelmed with requests!

Hey Jeff, sorry I haven't responded with more insights! I haven't forgotten, I've just been really busy, getting ready for the trip to Oz and a million other things.

Hey everyone, let Jeff send you a copy!!! He and Paul went to a lot of hard work on this and it shows!!

Tracy

I got my copy and I do like it. Your voice sounds like Tim Christensen (Danish singer/songwriter who also sounds a lot like Michael Penn).

Do order a copy--it's a great tribute and a great homemade delicacy!

hi Jeff,
Thanks for sending me a copy.
I think you did a great job.
Lots of effort when you take on a project like this on your own...well done.

I noticed is said recorded in Indiana and Thailand on the jacket....??
Thanks again...Annie