Well I just 'test drove' the 9 new songs I completed in 2012. Played on the ipod for the first time whilst dog walking. They need mastering by Howlin Smurf and one needs a bit more ooomph (technical term) in the bass department, but nothing made me cringe and there is definitely a continuity of sound I've never had before. 3 more left to finish (guitar overdubs and backing vox for 2 songs and the final one I actually need to start). The last one is probably gonna be the first track on the album and a 'potboiler' if it sounds as good on shiny plastic as it does in my head. Which is why I left it to last. Expect to hear new stuff in the Spring.
Running order to be confirmed but songs that have made the album include '1969' (I think it's the best thing I've written), Circularity, Cinnamon Latte Blues, Beer Down The Sink, Heavy Heart, Sonny & Andy Partridge.
Many of the songs also feature Howlin Smurf on instrumental and vocal duties as well as co-writing 2.
Reply
New album should be ready early 2013. All songs aiming for that late 60's early 70's vibe and less the Brit pop of previous albums.
Lots of collaboration with former BOD band mate HOWLIN SMURF who is adding guitar, bass, percussion, melodica, harmonica and backing vocals to a number of tracks (and probably any other weird and wonderful instruments he can sneak past me). His Stones, Beachboy's and Blues influences have permeated a number of the songs and taken them into interesting areas. It's also a pleasure to hear that our harmonies are even better than they were 20 years ago.
Of course the foundation of all my work is a certain Liverpudlian four piece you may have heard of - The Rutles - oops I meant THE BEATLES but this time round you can throw in ELO, KINKS, 10CC, ELTON JOHN and the aforementioned Stones of Wild Horses persuasion as well as late 60's blues.
Plus also working and co-writing with Howlin Smurf on his own forthcoming long player which I'm proud to say will feature a stripped back cover of my own song WRONG.
The power of the internet allows us to collaborate even at a distance of 100 miles.
Be patient - I'll be back.
Reply
I have titles for some new songs which, probably, will go on the forthcoming album..
Circularity, That Was Before My Time, 1969, Me And My Ghost, Bless This House, Sacred Cow, Sun, Andy Partridge
Most of the above are basically written and demoed.
Still half finished - Summer 76, Buy Me A Latte (and I'll tell you I love you), Bootsale Blue and The Bombs.
The song 'ANDY PARTRIDGE' is based on a dream in which me and Mr P wrote a song that became a massive hit. Also involved were Neil Finn making tea and Chris Difford & Glenn Tilbrook on backing vox. We even had a phone call from Macca. So I've taken the opportunity to add musical nods to all these people. My first ever 'dream' song. I've remembered to keep tongue firmly in cheek so that it's fun as well as being a good song.
Until next time.
C - June 2012
Reply
With FAKE STUDIO TAN doing well and getting great reviews, response and a lot of Internet Radio airplay (thanks to all in radio land) my always wandering mind turns to the thoughts of new songs.
As my mate 'Howlin Smurf' quite rightly pointed out there is only so far you can go with the new wave, drum machine lead mix of Squeeze meets Depeche Mode. A lighter more organic touch is required me thinks.
So with the likes of Abbey Road, the Beachboy's 'Sunflower', Simon & Garfunkle and Early Elton John firmly in my sights I have at least got a direction. A more organic sound.
I have a fair bit of homework to do regarding the period - the trick will of course be to write songs that have the 'feel' but are contemporary and don't sound like Ruttles style pastiche's.
I also wanted to get fresh ideas from other people so there will be co-writes with Howlin Smurf, and others (TBC) - as well as backing vocals that don't just feature multiple me's - and various mates on guitars and other instruments to flesh out the sound.
Provisional Album Title - CIRCULARITY.
Artwork - based on the London underground tube signs with the track listing laid out like the 'circle line' with each song in the position of a station.
Thats the idea anyway...see you after England have lost in the semi-final to Spain and The Olympics have turned to shit.....;-)
Thankyou to all my Reverbnation, Facebook and My Space fans and friends.
Chris May 2012.
Reply
Tan-Tastic - Fake Studio Tan by Chris Welch
With Breakfast News telling tales of woe about the state of the music
industry and of studios closing daily it's ironically easier than ever
to realise your creative vision and get an album out with the aid of a
Fake Studio or Studio in a Box solution.
Beavering away in his own Pink House and Pine Wood (basically his
garden shed-see the cover illustration) studios Chris Welch has been
creating acclaimed albums since 2009. Fake Studio Tan (see what he
did there) is no exception. Skillfully written, tightly arranged,
brilliantly excecuted this album also marks a departure for the self
styled "Hippymusicman".
Gone are the kitchen sink dramas of yore and in their place a more
personal approach to lyrics which show a blossoming maturity. In
Judge and Jury the object of his anger is cut down to size with lines
like "you're playing God with a capital G" and "I wish you had the
brains to see" while "12 angry friends" sit in judgement on his fate.
Both "Look Back and Laugh" and "Just Passing Through" share a theme of
troubles soon being a memory. The laid back "Wrong" puts it's point
across in simple but heart-felt terms "you're wrong, you're wrong,
you're wrong" while "All Things Being Equal" analyses the inequalities
of life "all things being equal, my lies would cancel out the truth".
The Keane-esque "Somewhere Deep Inside" explores the writers inner
self as "somewhere you will never find me". All in all there are some
serious lyrical subjects handled with taste and a delicate touch for
which Chris is revered
Musically, the styles move from Brit Pop rockers to pastoral McCartney
styled ballads with the odd frivolous moment "Studio Tan" thrown in
for good measure. The overall feeling is that this is Welch's
"growing up" album, the sound is more mature and the songs less
immediate. But less immediate also means better staying power and
this is one of those albums that will pay you back with repeated
listens. This is fast becoming an essential album on my iPod and is a
worthy successor to 2010's breathtaking Once More Around the Sun.
Let's hope is sells in SHED Loads
Nick Sherreard
****
Reply
Phew....finally released the album. Didn't realize what a dark record it is until I stepped back from it for a month. Dark isn't necessarily bad but in hind site maybe a few more upbeat tracks might have been in order.
Still it's done now and I'm proud of the album. Initial favorites seem to be 'Wrong', 'You're The One', 'Look Back & Laugh' and 'Judge & Jury'. I consider this to be my 'grower' release. Some of my very favorite albums of all time have been 'growers' - Together Alone by Crowded House and Play by Squeeze to name but two. Repeated play definitely reaps rewards.
So there we go - special thanks to Mark Burrows for the excellent cartoon artwork and Nick 'Howlin Smurf' Sherreard for his always insightful and spot on comments and Sarah my wife for her support and continued love through the tough times. Which, as someone once said, Is all the time....
March 2012
Reply
Goodbye January. A mixed month but it's done now. Roll on Spring. Anywase just putting the finishing touches to the cover artwork of 'Fake Studio Tan'. It's taken most of January as has the final running order but I think I'm there now.
Never had such a wrestle with the running order before but finally bashed it into submission. On the player are some of my past songs for your delectation and delight.
Anybody wanting some free Mp3 downloads can email me at themiddleages@hotmail.com and I'll send the tracks on the player plus the Chris-MAS EP. A NEW TRACK FROM THE NEW ALBUM WILL BE UP ON THE PLAYER FROM MONDAY.
Reply
For those of you that don't remember what EP's are they were 3 or 4 tracks on a CD/45rpm single. It stands for extended player.
So I've come up with 3 Christmas and Winter themed tracks on the CHRIS-MAS EP. I tried to make sure they were intelligent, amusing and a little thought provoking whilst avoiding the usual pitfalls associated with Christmas songs...being crap. Also catchy and melodic.....hope you agree.
Heavily influenced by Pugwash, Squeeze, Kinks and of course, as always, John, Paul, George and Ringo.
Track 1 - Seasons Greeting - the sensible one
Track 2 - No Room (At The Inn) - the quirky one..title inspired by Howlin Smurf.
Track 3 - Harmonic powerpop - jaunty with a sad undercurrent.
Merry Chris-Mas
Reply
The basic tracks for Storm Free Life. Guide vocals only and drum machine, bass, guitar and organ solo. Never made it past demo stage as it bears more than a passing resemblance to Neil Finn's 'She Will Have Her Way'. It's sweet and I like the lyrics (which are on here for your perusal) so I thought the good people of Reverbnation may like to hear it. Chris Welch in the raw so to speak. c
Reply
Up to 58 in the charts now......gonna be putting the finishing touches to all the new songs next week. Probably have around 14 tracks in total....still not decided whether to whittle down to 11 or have a sprawling genre hopping album. So far there's folk, rock, powerpop, synth pop, electro blues, a couple of Maccaesque ballads and more besides. GENRE HOPPING may replace STUDIO TAN as the title. This may very well be my own White Album...
Reply
CHRIS 'HIPPYMUSICMAN' WELCH / Blog
'1969' IS ON IT'S WAY.......NEW ALBUM SPRING 2013
Well I just 'test drove' the 9 new songs I completed in 2012. Played on the ipod for the first time whilst dog walking. They need mastering by Howlin Smurf and one needs a bit more ooomph (technical term) in the bass department, but nothing made me cringe and there is definitely a continuity of sound I've never had before. 3 more left to finish (guitar overdubs and backing vox for 2 songs and the final one I actually need to start). The last one is probably gonna be the first track on the album and a 'potboiler' if it sounds as good on shiny plastic as it does in my head. Which is why I left it to last. Expect to hear new stuff in the Spring.
Running order to be confirmed but songs that have made the album include '1969' (I think it's the best thing I've written), Circularity, Cinnamon Latte Blues, Beer Down The Sink, Heavy Heart, Sonny & Andy Partridge.
Many of the songs also feature Howlin Smurf on instrumental and vocal duties as well as co-writing 2.
Reply
NEW ALBUM ON THE WAY
New album should be ready early 2013. All songs aiming for that late 60's early 70's vibe and less the Brit pop of previous albums. Lots of collaboration with former BOD band mate HOWLIN SMURF who is adding guitar, bass, percussion, melodica, harmonica and backing vocals to a number of tracks (and probably any other weird and wonderful instruments he can sneak past me). His Stones, Beachboy's and Blues influences have permeated a number of the songs and taken them into interesting areas. It's also a pleasure to hear that our harmonies are even better than they were 20 years ago. Of course the foundation of all my work is a certain Liverpudlian four piece you may have heard of - The Rutles - oops I meant THE BEATLES but this time round you can throw in ELO, KINKS, 10CC, ELTON JOHN and the aforementioned Stones of Wild Horses persuasion as well as late 60's blues.
Plus also working and co-writing with Howlin Smurf on his own forthcoming long player which I'm proud to say will feature a stripped back cover of my own song WRONG.
The power of the internet allows us to collaborate even at a distance of 100 miles. Be patient - I'll be back.
Reply
And he's doing the final master and working out the running order.....which I find very tedious. So I got a Smurf in to do it for me....
NEW SONG TITLES
I have titles for some new songs which, probably, will go on the forthcoming album..
Circularity, That Was Before My Time, 1969, Me And My Ghost, Bless This House, Sacred Cow, Sun, Andy Partridge
Most of the above are basically written and demoed.
Still half finished - Summer 76, Buy Me A Latte (and I'll tell you I love you), Bootsale Blue and The Bombs.
The song 'ANDY PARTRIDGE' is based on a dream in which me and Mr P wrote a song that became a massive hit. Also involved were Neil Finn making tea and Chris Difford & Glenn Tilbrook on backing vox. We even had a phone call from Macca. So I've taken the opportunity to add musical nods to all these people. My first ever 'dream' song. I've remembered to keep tongue firmly in cheek so that it's fun as well as being a good song.
Until next time.
C - June 2012
Reply
NEW STUFF - NEW SOUND, NEW WRITING PARTNERS....
With FAKE STUDIO TAN doing well and getting great reviews, response and a lot of Internet Radio airplay (thanks to all in radio land) my always wandering mind turns to the thoughts of new songs. As my mate 'Howlin Smurf' quite rightly pointed out there is only so far you can go with the new wave, drum machine lead mix of Squeeze meets Depeche Mode. A lighter more organic touch is required me thinks. So with the likes of Abbey Road, the Beachboy's 'Sunflower', Simon & Garfunkle and Early Elton John firmly in my sights I have at least got a direction. A more organic sound. I have a fair bit of homework to do regarding the period - the trick will of course be to write songs that have the 'feel' but are contemporary and don't sound like Ruttles style pastiche's. I also wanted to get fresh ideas from other people so there will be co-writes with Howlin Smurf, and others (TBC) - as well as backing vocals that don't just feature multiple me's - and various mates on guitars and other instruments to flesh out the sound.
Provisional Album Title - CIRCULARITY.
Artwork - based on the London underground tube signs with the track listing laid out like the 'circle line' with each song in the position of a station.
Thats the idea anyway...see you after England have lost in the semi-final to Spain and The Olympics have turned to shit.....;-)
Thankyou to all my Reverbnation, Facebook and My Space fans and friends.
Chris May 2012.
Reply
FIRST REVIEW FOR FAKE STUDIO TAN
Tan-Tastic - Fake Studio Tan by Chris Welch
With Breakfast News telling tales of woe about the state of the music industry and of studios closing daily it's ironically easier than ever to realise your creative vision and get an album out with the aid of a Fake Studio or Studio in a Box solution.
Beavering away in his own Pink House and Pine Wood (basically his garden shed-see the cover illustration) studios Chris Welch has been creating acclaimed albums since 2009. Fake Studio Tan (see what he did there) is no exception. Skillfully written, tightly arranged, brilliantly excecuted this album also marks a departure for the self styled "Hippymusicman".
Gone are the kitchen sink dramas of yore and in their place a more personal approach to lyrics which show a blossoming maturity. In Judge and Jury the object of his anger is cut down to size with lines like "you're playing God with a capital G" and "I wish you had the brains to see" while "12 angry friends" sit in judgement on his fate.
Both "Look Back and Laugh" and "Just Passing Through" share a theme of troubles soon being a memory. The laid back "Wrong" puts it's point across in simple but heart-felt terms "you're wrong, you're wrong, you're wrong" while "All Things Being Equal" analyses the inequalities of life "all things being equal, my lies would cancel out the truth". The Keane-esque "Somewhere Deep Inside" explores the writers inner self as "somewhere you will never find me". All in all there are some serious lyrical subjects handled with taste and a delicate touch for which Chris is revered
Musically, the styles move from Brit Pop rockers to pastoral McCartney styled ballads with the odd frivolous moment "Studio Tan" thrown in for good measure. The overall feeling is that this is Welch's "growing up" album, the sound is more mature and the songs less immediate. But less immediate also means better staying power and this is one of those albums that will pay you back with repeated listens. This is fast becoming an essential album on my iPod and is a worthy successor to 2010's breathtaking Once More Around the Sun.
Let's hope is sells in SHED Loads
Nick Sherreard
****
Reply
FAKE STUDIO TAN OUT NOW
Phew....finally released the album. Didn't realize what a dark record it is until I stepped back from it for a month. Dark isn't necessarily bad but in hind site maybe a few more upbeat tracks might have been in order. Still it's done now and I'm proud of the album. Initial favorites seem to be 'Wrong', 'You're The One', 'Look Back & Laugh' and 'Judge & Jury'. I consider this to be my 'grower' release. Some of my very favorite albums of all time have been 'growers' - Together Alone by Crowded House and Play by Squeeze to name but two. Repeated play definitely reaps rewards. So there we go - special thanks to Mark Burrows for the excellent cartoon artwork and Nick 'Howlin Smurf' Sherreard for his always insightful and spot on comments and Sarah my wife for her support and continued love through the tough times. Which, as someone once said, Is all the time....
March 2012
Reply
FEB 2012
Goodbye January. A mixed month but it's done now. Roll on Spring. Anywase just putting the finishing touches to the cover artwork of 'Fake Studio Tan'. It's taken most of January as has the final running order but I think I'm there now. Never had such a wrestle with the running order before but finally bashed it into submission. On the player are some of my past songs for your delectation and delight. Anybody wanting some free Mp3 downloads can email me at themiddleages@hotmail.com and I'll send the tracks on the player plus the Chris-MAS EP. A NEW TRACK FROM THE NEW ALBUM WILL BE UP ON THE PLAYER FROM MONDAY.
Reply
CHRIS-MAS EP
For those of you that don't remember what EP's are they were 3 or 4 tracks on a CD/45rpm single. It stands for extended player. So I've come up with 3 Christmas and Winter themed tracks on the CHRIS-MAS EP. I tried to make sure they were intelligent, amusing and a little thought provoking whilst avoiding the usual pitfalls associated with Christmas songs...being crap. Also catchy and melodic.....hope you agree. Heavily influenced by Pugwash, Squeeze, Kinks and of course, as always, John, Paul, George and Ringo.
Track 1 - Seasons Greeting - the sensible one Track 2 - No Room (At The Inn) - the quirky one..title inspired by Howlin Smurf. Track 3 - Harmonic powerpop - jaunty with a sad undercurrent.
Merry Chris-Mas
Reply
STORM FREE LIFE (DEMO)
The basic tracks for Storm Free Life. Guide vocals only and drum machine, bass, guitar and organ solo. Never made it past demo stage as it bears more than a passing resemblance to Neil Finn's 'She Will Have Her Way'. It's sweet and I like the lyrics (which are on here for your perusal) so I thought the good people of Reverbnation may like to hear it. Chris Welch in the raw so to speak. c
Reply
STUDIO TAN OR GENRE HOPPING...?
Up to 58 in the charts now......gonna be putting the finishing touches to all the new songs next week. Probably have around 14 tracks in total....still not decided whether to whittle down to 11 or have a sprawling genre hopping album. So far there's folk, rock, powerpop, synth pop, electro blues, a couple of Maccaesque ballads and more besides. GENRE HOPPING may replace STUDIO TAN as the title. This may very well be my own White Album...
Reply