ENDEAVOURS Songs from the Back Burner - complete session log (so far) (part four)

Session 20 - Horden 8.8.23

I turned my attention to No1 Arguments Yard. With Chris' vocal it had taken on a new lease of life. It was already in the back of my mind as the next single. It clocked in, however, at 4 minutes 45 seconds. A bit too long nowadays. I had also been agonising over what to do for the solo section. Eventually, I made the decision to edit it out. I also edited out a few other little bits. That solved two problems.

Once the drums and bass had been edited, it made sense to re-do the acoustics. Then someone tapped me on the shoulder and whispered in my ear, "put 60's sounding piano and strings in the chorus." This had the desired effect and won universal approval. There was a suggestion to put a few little classical guitar licks in. Joe Ferrari was booked to try this out.

Session 21 - Unit 10 16.8.23

First, Joe added some classical guitar licks to No1 Arguments Yard in two takes.

Then attention was turned to one of Rick's songs. He wanted to re-do an old Kimosabe song, Iron Lady, with new lyrics. At this point it had a working title of Tory Stories. Several takes were attempted, with Rick on guide vocal, Joe and George Stead on guitars, Martin on bass and Joe on drums. Take 6 got it.

After discussion, it was agreed that, considering the subject matter, the song would receive limited airplay. The tune was too good to waste on something that wouldn't get heard, so it was agreed that the lyrics would be completely re-written to make them more radio-friendly. Watch this space.

Session 22 - Unit 10 18.8.23

A session dedicated to vocals. Rick added a new lead vocal to Full Time Lover. Then Rick, Tracey Wilson, Chris  and Martin (who only came to pick up some mail and got roped in) added backing vocals.

Then Rick, Chris, Tracey and myself added backing vocals to Waterfall.

As I write this, No1 Arguments Yard has been prepared for release. I am currently mixing Waterfall, which will accompany it.

Rick's vocal on Full Time Lover will have to be re-done. I remember sensing trouble at the start of the last session when we couldn't find the pop shield.