Quite a dreamy groove this. I was thinking about Everything Everything during the writing process and you can see that inspiration in the arpeggiated synth part and some of the vocal stylings. This track started with that simple intro keyboard part on a repeating two chord pattern, and the drums have a real Happy Mondays / Stone Roses vibe, at least to me. It’s nice to write what feels quite a British sounding track - at least the verse sections - after the quite alt rock American vibe of my previous song (even though the title mentions an American city haha). I wanted a different feel to the basslines in the verses and choruses, so they’re quite stop start and funky in the verse and then contrasted with a straight driving part in the chorus with some funk guitar lines.
Lyrically this is about someone desperate to be like the person or people he admires, but his role models are all wrong and he keeps getting hurt. Does he ever learn? Will he grow beyond these naive aspirations? I liked the way the first and second verses start with a kind of twisted / reflected lyric and the crocodile smiles.
Gear:
1965 Fender Jaguar
Supro Blues King 12
Yamaha 5 string bass
Hudson Broadcast, Strymon Deco
Logic Pro X synths and pedal plug ins (chorus, fuzz, tape delay)
Very pleased to meet ya
Trying hard to keep my smile
Non-crocodile
Oh it hurts after a while
Take you at your word
Expectation unconfirmed
On my mind
Guess it can’t hurt to try
Hoping that maybe this time
You’ll never be as cool or as funky as that sleep-talking junkie who is dreaming of the streets of LA
She told you to put mind over matter but you don’t understand a word she says anyway
Terrified to meet ya
Hoping that you’ll keep that smile
Non-crocodile
And now much to my surprise
Have to play the puzzle
Pieces of the hustle
Fall into place
Can’t afford a victory displaced
Saving face is a small price to pay
You’ll never be as cool or as funky as that sleep-talking junkie who is dreaming of the streets of LA
She told you to put mind over matter but you don’t understand a word she says anyway
@plushbaby Apr 2022
The chorus reminds me of some of the rhythms of melody on the new RHCP album, at least what I've heard so far. I like the chorus melody muchly but my fave part is definately the guitar build/middle 8 after the 2nd chorus... but could it be a nit longer and build up a bit more? I vote yes.
I enjoyed the bass throughout, it stood out nicely in both ways. I kept flipflopping between which I preferred which I guess means I liked them both! Loved the guitars throughout, particularly the sparkling clean tones. Nice!
@nancycunning Mar 2022
You capture that feeling of someone trapped in trying too hard for not enough. I like how the chords keep the frenetic movement really constrained. Great work.
@nadine Mar 2022
Such a nice production for this short amount of time. This is funky as hell. From bass to guitar over vocals. I usually don't listen to fun and this just gets me. Well done. #tit4tat
@coolparadiso Mar 2022
that arpeggiated synth really stand out gives it and gives it a real funky feel. A slightly bowiesque style lyric really good. Some real cross genre stuff that all hold together well! very well produced! nice song #tit4tat2 (of 3)
@hmorg Mar 2022
Sweet! I know I'm supposed to focus on the song, but I'm having a hard time separating that from the arrangement and production, because they are top notch and this sounds ready. I particularly love the vocal melody and lyrics of the chorus and when the harmony vocal comes in on "streets of LA" I get chills.
@resonut123 Mar 2022
Wow, cool lyric and your vocal phrasing is top notch for this Funkalicious tune. Keyboards sound swell and the guitar and bass tones are SWEET!
ALMOST makes wanna be a Cool Sleep-Talking Junkie.
@billwhite51 Mar 2022
love that ckear voice soaring over the syncopations, and the chorus is a thriller.
@cleanshoes Feb 2022
Oh, man. I love this one! Great arrangement and melodic choices. Your vocals really stand out on this track. So catchy I had to listen twice and sing along.
@splittybooms Feb 2022
Ooof that bass is getting it in!
Really digging that keyboard you describe and how it just persists and the bass works around it; really a cool feel there with this great drums.
Those two chords establish their own rhythm that my ear can't stop listening to during the verses.
Love how you change it up at 2:07 - good grief that break groove is smooooooth.
Man, this is just golden all over.
I feel the vocal style you used here fit these lyrics and the concept nicely, too.
Just crazy addictive groove, dude!
@n1742 Feb 2022
Another guitarpatz classic. Unique sound from the very start. Perfect mix with excellent bass sound, cool guitar licks and synth textures. Lyrics are great too. Non crocodile perfect. Brilliant
@zecoop Feb 2022
This has so much of what I love. Awesome vintage vibe, but mixed with a modern twist too. Very original and this arrangement is so good. All the parts jump around amongst each other and fit together so well. Amazing sounds, great playing (hooray for the Jaguar!). Melody/lyrics... everything is right there perfectly and I love it.