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Michelle Shocked (muso) looking for topical songs

01 May 10 - 12:12 AM (#2897807)
Subject: Michelle Shocked looking 4 topical songs
From: katlaughing

Have a gander at her WEBSITE and you will see she is asking folks to send in their songs related to our times. I went there looking for the lyrics for Secret to a Long Life having just heard her singing it on Hober Radio.


01 May 10 - 12:06 PM (#2898045)
Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked looking for topical songs
From: Jack Campin

Aaaarghh!!!

Yet another site that autoplays music as soon as it opens.


01 May 10 - 12:13 PM (#2898048)
Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked looking for topical songs
From: bobad

"Yet another site that autoplays music as soon as it opens."

Not if you use the "Flashblock" add on in Firefox.


01 May 10 - 12:36 PM (#2898056)
Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked looking for topical songs
From: Jack Campin

I can't use Flashblock here, and won't have time to look at her site at home before I go away on holiday (so I am unlikely ever to go back and look at it).

Autoplay is a really stupid idea.


01 May 10 - 12:45 PM (#2898062)
Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked looking for topical songs
From: Little Hawk

I like the sound of that song. She does pretty neat stuff.


01 May 10 - 01:43 PM (#2898118)
Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked looking for topical songs
From: GUEST,george thomas

Club Tropicana by Wham! Is pretty tropical.


01 May 10 - 03:33 PM (#2898162)
Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked looking for topical songs
From: john f weldon

Followed the link. Linked to some songs, got a reply in about 15 minutes. Apparently I don't qualify as "new". Thanks for reminding me!


01 May 10 - 03:37 PM (#2898163)
Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked looking for topical songs
From: katlaughing

Well, that's a bunch of hooey, john! Sorry 'bout that.

For those who don't want to go to the site, here is what it says, fwiw:

Got Song?
Roadworks presents 'American Idle'; a celebration of our 'jobless recovery.' Michelle Shocked is looking for a few good songs to add to the repertoire in her touring adventure across the US this year. If you've written a song, or know a song that articulates the Zeitgeist; 1-in-10 unemployed, 1-in-6 uninsured, long term partners denied marriage equality, home foreclosures or mortgages underwater, political gridlock, bankruptcy or bailout…well, kid, this talent search is for you! Everyone knows 'the money's in the publishing,' so let wannabe-superstar suckers wail for other people's royalty checks, we want to hear what YOU have to say! Serve it to us plain or overproduced, we're listening to what the song has to say, not the party dress it wears. For further details, please contact Andy Sharkey at Campfire Girl Publishing asharkey@sbcglobal.net


01 May 10 - 03:53 PM (#2898175)
Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked looking for topical songs
From: john f weldon

Oh well, if someone's looking for songs by a grouchy old dotard, gimme a buzz.


01 May 10 - 06:29 PM (#2898245)
Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked looking for topical songs
From: Little Hawk

Hmmm. I might have a couple they'd like, but how do I best protect my ownership of said material?


01 May 10 - 06:36 PM (#2898248)
Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked looking for topical songs
From: katlaughing

Ask the Pirate Party!


01 May 10 - 08:00 PM (#2898302)
Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked looking for topical songs
From: deepdoc1

It wasn't immediately clear to me what they wanted, so I pitched Black Waters as a timely tune. Got a fairly speedy response:

Thanks for the info. Michelle is only looking for new songs to be performed by the songwriter at one of her shows.

________________________________________
From: me
To: asharkey@sbcglobal.net
Sent: Tue, April 27, 2010 12:48:40 PM
Subject: Got Song?
Re the American Idle quest for hard-timely music, if covers are allowed, take a look a Jean Ritchie's Black Waters…apropos now with the coal mine and gulf oil rig disasters.


01 May 10 - 08:12 PM (#2898313)
Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked looking for topical songs
From: Don Firth

Boy, did I ever mis-read that thread title!

I was wondering what topical songs had shocked Michelle. . . .

Don Firth


01 May 10 - 11:03 PM (#2898365)
Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked looking for topical songs
From: open mike

these are the sort of song that Tom Paxton calls "short shelf life" songs as they are about items of immediate importance re: current events, and might not be of interest many months from now. (although some will apply for years to come)


02 May 10 - 12:39 AM (#2898396)
Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked looking for topical songs
From: George Papavgeris

I hope you're wrong, open mike... Andrea Schkloven seemed to like "Emptyhanded" and asked if I could perform it at one of Michelle's UK concerts, perhaps the London one, in early November. Nothing 100% certain of course, but it looks like there's a chance.


02 May 10 - 09:54 PM (#2898894)
Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked looking for topical songs
From: Little Hawk

Protest songs that are too specific (or too trite) (or just too preachy) are usually the ones with a short shelf life. Those that speak effectively in more universal and poetic terms can last almost forever. To be great, the song has to have relevance to a broad slice of human experience in all ages and all places, not just to one briefly passing political episode.

Some, like Woody Guthrie's "This Land is Your Land" or Dylan's "Blowin' in the Wind" get sanitized in the public perception as time goes by, become singalong songs at scout meetings and campfires, and remain popular long after most of the people who hear them even have the vaguest understanding that they once were protest songs.


03 May 10 - 03:13 AM (#2898994)
Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked looking for topical songs
From: George Papavgeris

I agree with you about steering clear of specifics, LH. Thankfully there are plenty of generic themes about the human condition: Love of child/parent/partner/nature, frustration/courage against adversity, fear of unknown/loss, striving to improve one's lot, joblessnes, hunger, war etc.

The relevance of trade-specific songs tends to peter out as the trades themselves disappear, any remaining relevance being symbolic only. Mining or canal songs in the UK are heading that way. Fishing songs retain their relevance, but for an ever-decreasing community.

Perhaps one exception to the above are songs specific to a particular war or battle, recounting the details to "pass on the lessons" as it were. So "Green Fields of France" and "The Band Played Waltzing Matilda" can still feel relevant 100 years after the events described even though the mechanics of war have changed drastically meanwhile. And separation from loved ones still hurts, so "Farewell to Nancy" will always cause eyes to well up. All of which is a way of saying what a great songwriter Eric Bogle is!


03 May 10 - 06:33 AM (#2899045)
Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked looking for topical songs
From: open mike

It sounds like this pertains to U.S. and that she intends to sing them.
"Michelle Shocked is looking for a few good songs to add to the repertoire in her touring adventure across the US this year."

but good luck getting added to the bill


03 May 10 - 07:35 AM (#2899064)
Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked looking for topical songs
From: George Papavgeris

You are right, open mike, it does (the title gives it away :-) ). Thankfully, "Emptyhanded" is non-specific as regards country (we had a group of Idaho farmers visiting here were in tears over it and Mac Bellner sings it there now, yet I had 1900s Australia in mind when I wrote it). Also, she is planning to tour in Ireland and UK so she will need local writers to appear. Whether it happens for me or not, it was nice that they noted the song.


03 May 10 - 10:52 AM (#2899140)
Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked looking for topical songs
From: Bobert

I haven't checked the site because my computer is slow but is she looking for new songs by current singer/songwriters or older stuff that has been previously recorded??? Maybe she's tryin' to avoid licensing issues???

B~


03 May 10 - 10:56 AM (#2899143)
Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked looking for topical songs
From: Little Hawk

You are so right about those Eric Bogle songs, George. Yes, well-written songs about any war can have a universal appeal that lasts long after that war becomes a part of past history, because the basic issues raised by war remain much the same, even if the weapons and tactics change.


03 May 10 - 12:26 PM (#2899191)
Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked looking for topical songs
From: George Papavgeris

Bobert, I think she's after current singer/songwriters, as her agent said that she'd like the "local" s/s to get up on stage at each concert. Open mike, I am still a little unsure as to whether she intends to sing the songs herself or have the s/s do it, but any way she wants it I'd be happy, anyway I like her delivery very much.


08 May 10 - 04:50 PM (#2902761)
Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked looking for topical songs
From: bankley

well, thanks to this thread, I sent 2 songs to her agent. I didn't hold out much hope that anyone would actually listen.
I was wrong. They really liked both songs and I've been invited to perform them this coming Thurs. in Toronto as part of her 'American Idle' tour..
cool eh?

thanks Katlaughing for the heads up. I'll let you know how it went.


08 May 10 - 05:01 PM (#2902770)
Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked looking for topical songs
From: Little Hawk

Excellent! Let me know too. I didn't realize they were coming to Toronto that soon.


08 May 10 - 05:06 PM (#2902772)
Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked looking for topical songs
From: katlaughing

Congrats, bankley! Hope you get a video out of it AND, if she doesn't already know about us, I hope you get to tell her about the Mudcat. Sure makes me feel good about starting this thread.


08 May 10 - 05:06 PM (#2902773)
Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked looking for topical songs
From: bankley

me neither, it was a surprise for me... glad I had it open. I hear that she's been selling out her shows.


08 May 10 - 05:09 PM (#2902776)
Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked looking for topical songs
From: Beer

Good for you Ron.
Break a leg.
Adrien


08 May 10 - 07:05 PM (#2902828)
Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked looking for topical songs
From: beeliner

Boy, did I ever mis-read that thread title!

That was my reaction also.

I was wondering if the first lady was about to do a Tipper Gore.


08 May 10 - 10:12 PM (#2902886)
Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked (muso) looking for topical songs
From: bankley

that's funny... I don't think I would have bothered with Ms.Obama,

tho I did leave a copy of 'Thunder Thieves' for Jimmy Carter at the Plains Trading Post last month.... I get paid peanuts anyway...ha, ha


09 May 10 - 06:40 AM (#2902990)
Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked (muso) looking for topical songs
From: TopcatBanjo

Wow, good luck to those who have been contacted with a view to using your songs. I hope that it works out well and generates some interest for you. Do post your experiences here, I for one would be interested to hear how it went.


09 May 10 - 04:46 PM (#2903278)
Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked (muso) looking for topical songs
From: Little Hawk

Here's Michelle Shocked playing the song "Anchorage" on Letterman in '93. Absolutely great!

Anchorage


09 May 10 - 06:59 PM (#2903357)
Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked (muso) looking for topical songs
From: bankley

I'd run away and join her circus any day... what a beautiful spirit


09 May 10 - 08:16 PM (#2903403)
Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked (muso) looking for topical so
From: Tattie Bogle

A friend of mine has got a great Icelandic volcano song: she thought it would be "short shelf life" but it's still erupting and disrupting!


09 May 10 - 09:22 PM (#2903434)
Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked (muso) looking for topical songs
From: Beer

Hay Ron!! I hope she does this number and asks you to join her.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YhB5J4Z4Vv0
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09 May 10 - 09:34 PM (#2903442)
Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked (muso) looking for topical songs
From: katlaughing

Oh, wow! Don't know why it has taken me so long to get to know about her and her music. That one is SOOOOOO great...WOW about everything! Thanks for the link, Adrien!


09 May 10 - 09:42 PM (#2903448)
Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked (muso) looking for topical songs
From: Beer

Oh please!!, don't thank me. You started this great thread.
All is well kat.
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09 May 10 - 09:48 PM (#2903452)
Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked (muso) looking for topical songs
From: Beer

I probably should start a thread on this question but in seeing who is here I am going to ask. What causes the cursor to flicker for a period of time before you can get to the thread you have just clicked on? Is it just me? I don't want to bother our workers directly as they have enough to deal with but this is very very annoying. Maybe one or two answers then back to the topic.
Hope no one minds to much.
Adrien


09 May 10 - 10:35 PM (#2903471)
Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked (muso) looking for topical songs
From: bankley

the Spanish in Wanted Man reminds me some of Llano Estacado..
a story/song I made up for some German friends about their author Karl May


"Mein vater war nicht, ich glaube,
nicht verk lischt ein bleisgeseicht...
O lo siento compadre,como lo diria differente ?

Papa had red skin wrapped around his soul
like a woven blanket from the Navajo
whose stories and patterns did unfold
and told of our bold adventures
all his colours danced and shone like gold
they were not enslaved nor indentured"


pardon my German and Spanish spelling,, it sings better than it looks !

however 'Break Even' and 'Change' are the songs she likes, I'll ask her to sing the chorus with me... who knows ?

"We might break even, we might not even break at all
Maybe just bend a bit, whatever fits, somewhere before the fall"


10 May 10 - 01:01 PM (#2903795)
Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked (muso) looking for topical songs
From: Little Hawk

YAY!!!! I got a ticket to her show on Thursday at Hughes Room. See you there, bankley.


10 May 10 - 08:31 PM (#2904162)
Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked (muso) looking for topical songs
From: bankley

cool, bring Chongo.. he might learn something


10 May 10 - 11:07 PM (#2904220)
Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked (muso) looking for topical songs
From: katlaughing

bankley! Love both of those, thanks for sharing. I REALLY hope you get some video out of this.:-)

Adrien, hope the suggestions I made help with the Case of the Flickering Cursor or is it "Curser?"**bg** No worries, just teasin' a little bit. Hope you don't mind.

LH...enjoy!


11 May 10 - 12:39 AM (#2904252)
Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked (muso) looking for topical songs
From: Little Hawk

Will do. I wish I could bring Chongo, but he's working on a case in Chicago right now. "Real money!" he says. There's almost no chance he'll make it to this show.


13 May 10 - 06:48 AM (#2905931)
Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked (muso) looking for topical songs
From: bobad

Give 'em hell tonight, Ron!


13 May 10 - 07:38 AM (#2905953)
Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked (muso) looking for topical songs
From: bankley

Thanks Bob.. I'm right up for it... riding 'Les Canadiens' wave right to the Big Smoke on the Noon train... sounds like a western flic


13 May 10 - 07:56 AM (#2905965)
Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked (muso) looking for topical songs
From: buddhuu

Good luck for tonight, bankley. :-)


13 May 10 - 08:09 AM (#2905978)
Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked (muso) looking for topical songs
From: bobad

If you want to make a real impact, wear a Canadiens sweater (à la Charlebois) at your gig.


13 May 10 - 08:32 AM (#2905991)
Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked (muso) looking for topical songs
From: bankley

that could be dangereaux... tho Sabban is from TO,

and I was a Maple Laffs fan in the early 60's in rural Quebec..
which created some friction on a Sat. night.. I still like Tim Horton

okay I gotta go..


13 May 10 - 06:14 PM (#2906379)
Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked (muso) looking for topical songs
From: Suegorgeous

I'm cursed with the flickering cursor too. I think it's just because the ads (like Amazon) on the page take a few seconds to download.


13 May 10 - 06:16 PM (#2906380)
Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked (muso) looking for topical songs
From: Peace

Break a leg, Ron. Best wishes for a great performance. Kick ass and take names.

Bruce


14 May 10 - 11:20 AM (#2906836)
Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked (muso) looking for topical songs
From: GUEST

Not if you use the "Flashblock" add on in Firefox.

got it installed on Mozilla 1.7.8 and FF3.6 portable.


14 May 10 - 11:41 AM (#2906864)
Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked (muso) looking for topical songs
From: Little Hawk

Hey, folks. We made it to the show...me, bankley, and his lovely daughter. Great show! Michelle is one lively and impassioned woman. She loves to talk and does a lot of that during her show, but it's very entertaining talk, and she can really sing up a storm. Ron got to do his song in fine style, and there was another guy from Montreal who did a blues number, both were invited up to play. Michelle is very generous toward the other performers. She has a trio from Kentucky or somewhere down that way who are also playing with her and doing an opening set and some stuff in between.

She phoned her husband (who is down in Texas?) from the stage on her cellphone and had everyone in the house yell, "Hello, David!", when he answered, then talked to him for a bit and sang a song for him. Really sweet. ;-)

So, here I am back in lovely rural Orillia...the sun is shining...just fed the chipmunk some peanuts...Michelle Shocked is no doubt on her way to the next gig somewhere...

Life is good. ;-D


14 May 10 - 11:49 AM (#2906871)
Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked (muso) looking for topical songs
From: Beer

Appreciate the up date L/H.
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14 May 10 - 06:15 PM (#2907125)
Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked (muso) looking for topical songs
From: katlaughing

Thanks, LH, sounds great!


14 May 10 - 06:19 PM (#2907129)
Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked (muso) looking for topical songs
From: bankley

Hey Peace.. I did take names.. maybe we do something with Ghent up there in Sept. if you're up for it...

I'll have more remarks later. Good to be home. Great to meet up with Little Hawk and give him a picture of Chongo's relatives...
ha, ha.... he'll fill you in on that one... a postcard I picked up in Plains Ga. last month.... well it was either that or the Georgia mosquito trap which is a tiny leghold trap.. if you want Mosquito pelts... I know... I'm warped...


14 May 10 - 08:28 PM (#2907230)
Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked (muso) looking for topical songs
From: bankley

almost between periods... 3-3

one of those funny things about last nite (and there were many)
was that 2 ex-Montrealers were the only ones invited to play.(besides the touring band from Ark/Tn,)
plus TO is cheering for the Habs in a big way... who woulda thunk it ???


14 May 10 - 08:37 PM (#2907234)
Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked (muso) looking for topical songs
From: GUEST

Ron, Bruce and Tom Ghent for show on Sept. 4th. Still to be confirmed. Now that is going to be a good one. As Ron said, more remarks later.

Ad.


14 May 10 - 09:50 PM (#2907279)
Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked (muso) looking for topical songs
From: bankley

hell ya !


14 May 10 - 11:17 PM (#2907306)
Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked (muso) looking for topical songs
From: Beer

Damn, forgot to bring it up to Bruce this evening. Bit hectic at the coffee house this evening.
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