The Minstrel Boy

five_extra_arms

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V4CO1 Submission

This sounded like such a cool thing that I couldn't resist. The idea of a Minstrel Boy was very appealing to me.

Richard, your voice is amazing. I thought it would be impossible to do, but I think I fit everything together and I resisted the urge to make it a typical robot love song where all the humans die.

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Lyrics

The minstrel boy to the war is gone,
In the ranks of death you'll find him;
His father's sword he hath girded on,
And his wild harp slung behind him;
"Land of Song!" cried the warrior bard,
"Tho' all the world betrays thee,
One sword, at least, thy right shall guard,
One faithful harp shall praise thee!"

The Minstrel fell! But the foeman's chain
Could not bring that proud soul under;
The harp he lov'd ne'er spoke again,
For he tore its chords asunder;
And said "No chains shall sully thee,
Thou soul of love and brav'ry!
Thy songs were made for the pure and free
They shall never sound in slavery!

Song Stats

Hits: 1207
Comments: 53
Fans: 14
Plays: 166
Downloads: 70
Votes:
Uploaded: Jul 24, 2007 - 10:29:01 PM
Last Updated: Jul 24, 2007 - 10:29:01 PM Last Played: Oct 18, 2009 - 07:55:39 AM

Song License

Creative Commons License:
Attribution-ShareAlike

Song Actions

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GB3

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Comments

	said 838 days ago (July 24th, 2007)
	YEAH!!! so far, this one is my personal fave!!!. i dont know why, either...it just has a desperate sound, and it seems so urgent in it's delivery. for a slow tempo song, i do not know how you made this happen... bravo. !

five_extra_arms

five_extra_arms said 837 days ago (July 25th, 2007)

Desparate Sound
Thanks Allen.

I guess when all I have to do is sit on daddy's lap and steer the car, I do a pretty good job?!

When the lyrics sunk into my brain, it started firing off all these neurons that forced my extra arms to convulse and thrust rapidly. By the 4th hour of my Tuesday Night GB Session, I realized there was no turning back. I am a by product of the war between the humans and machines, so everything I do tends to have a sad and desperate sound.

I tried really hard to use simple synths and simple structured melodies to dance around Richard's stellar vocal performance. I added the Jazzy Drumset loops from Jam Packs to rev up the pace and to add some organic textures to it. There were so many similar variations of that Jazzy Drumset rhythm structure that it made my hacking of loops way easier than I thought it would be.

Your song has a similar drum feel to it. Sounds like your riding with the brake on, sitting on daddy's lap!

Thanks!

---
she'll love five extra arms.

Check out my latest song called Paper Sack

michael2	michael2 said 838 days ago (July 24th, 2007)
	wow you did a great job on this one. i love that distorted synth. that is sick. Check out my latest song called Stars and Dust (space challenge)

five_extra_arms	five_extra_arms said 837 days ago (July 25th, 2007)
	Sick Synths If there's one thing I've learned here at MacJams, it's that my synths are sick. I love it! Thanks Michael. Is Sophie walking yet? --- she'll love five extra arms. Check out my latest song called Paper Sack

lengold	lengold said 838 days ago (July 25th, 2007)
	This is really good Bob. The drums are spot on and the synth arrangements really fit with the vocals. I agree with Allen - it's my personal fave too. Excellent! Cheers Len Check out my latest song called Dodgy Doughnut

five_extra_arms

five_extra_arms said 837 days ago (July 25th, 2007)

Jam Pack Drums to the rescue!
Glad you like it, Len.

It was really hard for me to screw it up since half of what I did, I didn't actually do! And my one or two finger keyboard performances at 95 BPM are nothing to boast about.

This was a really fun experience for me. I'm just now listening to what everyone else has done and it's amazing how different they all are. I'm impressed with what you and everyone else has done with these cool songs.

I'd be surprised if every big shot record company in the world isn't listening in to see what's going on here. They're stupid if they're not!

Thanks Len.

---
she'll love five extra arms.

Check out my latest song called Paper Sack

lengold	lengold said 837 days ago (July 25th, 2007)
	I think that they would be stupid if they're not sitting on a beautiful beach somewhere with a nice cocktail. Cheers Len --- lengold is the new pianoman1 Check out my latest song called Dodgy Doughnut

five_extra_arms	five_extra_arms said 837 days ago (July 25th, 2007)
	Stupid Like Us? Which beach are you sitting on? There's no sand between my extra toes. LOL! --- she'll love five extra arms. Check out my latest song called Paper Sack

cjdaley	cjdaley said 838 days ago (July 25th, 2007)
	Rad trad After Window n�8, this is another piece in this "radical traditionnal" direction you seem to be taking, in a "Smithsonian Folkways From Outer Space" sort of way. Gorgeous, dramatic sounds, of course. Even Robots have Roots, don't they. Check out my latest song called shortbus spaceship (feat. the Flying Monggz from the Ninth Planet) by the Monggz

five_extra_arms

five_extra_arms said 837 days ago (July 25th, 2007)

Rad Trad
I've never considered myself traditional, so "radical traditionnal" is taken as a compliment. I think it's crazy that I've written 2 songs back to back that were written by someone else.

My only other similar experience was with a French composer. You might recall the epic Mexican Girl? I had the honor of singing over this well known hymn, and, of course, adding my very own robotic flavors. And keeping with French tradition, I think I used a Vibraslap, an egg shaker and a tamborine.

"Smithsonian Folkways From Outer Space" - You're killing me!

Thanks CJ.

---
she'll love five extra arms.

Check out my latest song called Paper Sack

	said 838 days ago (July 25th, 2007)
	Yes :) Too me it fits so well together.. Nice one one of the best I heard so far. Take care --- Kenta

five_extra_arms	five_extra_arms said 837 days ago (July 25th, 2007)
	One of the BEST songs EVER! Kenta Thanks for the good vibe you've shared. I really appreciate it. And to think that 2 years ago not one person ever listened to one of my songs. Bob --- she'll love five extra arms. Check out my latest song called Paper Sack

DWL	DWL said 837 days ago (July 25th, 2007)
	Amazing stuff! So many different interpretations and another quality offering with yet another take. There's a double CD here at least :-) Cheers Dick Check out my latest song called Superstar Shangri-La

five_extra_arms	five_extra_arms said 837 days ago (July 25th, 2007)
	Another Take Yeah, the possibilities seem limitless when you have so many talented people involved. I keep thinking I'm gonna hear something that sounds like something I heard before. Not here! You people are so cool! --- she'll love five extra arms. Check out my latest song called Paper Sack

bud	bud said 837 days ago (July 25th, 2007)
	Completely wowed me with this one Just as I was figuring this was a wraparound arrangement and digging it at that - you bring Richard back and carry the mash through two more verses and it works bigtime. I have to add my voice to the fave list - this one is special. This whole exercise has been quite a revelation. Check out my latest song called Expanding Toys (Halloween Remix)

five_extra_arms

five_extra_arms said 837 days ago (July 25th, 2007)

Wraparound
I felt an urgency to bring Richard's voice back for another verse or two. I'm so happy that it worked for you. I was really jumping around last night when I heard it for the first time. I chose his voice because it was so opposite of mine, meaning, in tune, articulate and crystal clear.

I've learned so much in this experiment. It was a great exercise for me and it really showed me a lot of possibilities that I would never have considered otherwise. This has indeed been quite a revelation.

Thanks bud, for the enthusiasm and support.

I wonder what's next?

---
she'll love five extra arms.

Check out my latest song called Paper Sack

five_extra_arms	five_extra_arms said 837 days ago (July 25th, 2007)
	Minstral Boy Image So guys, what do you think of my Minstrel Boy image? Cool huh? http://www.simpsonsmovie.com/ I think we should all try to have an accurate Simpson's character to represent ourselves here. There's way too much clowning around to take this place serious. What do you think? Should I post this on the forum? Check out my latest song called Paper Sack

five_extra_arms	five_extra_arms said 831 days ago (July 31st, 2007)
	No One's Listening To You Ya big dummy. --- she'll love five extra arms. Check out my latest song called Paper Sack

	said 837 days ago (July 25th, 2007)
	GOOD LORD Bob!!! This is ...well...ur...kind of fantastic!!! I am blown away by your so-called "sick synth" work. Especially that sustained grind. Lyrics are incredible, and five thumbs up for Rich's bold and daring vocal. I'm sitting here trying to scoop my jaw up off the floor but it keeps slipping through my fingers...KUDOS AND THEN SOME!!! Be well!

five_extra_arms	five_extra_arms said 836 days ago (July 26th, 2007)
	Jaw Thanks for that! Richard's voice is to blame! --- she'll love five extra arms. Check out my latest song called Paper Sack

The Infinites	The Infinites said 837 days ago (July 25th, 2007)
	mmmmmm....... Minstrels...... Great keyboard sound. Great idea. Great all round. I'll be Groundskeeper Willie. Got the accent. Got the "Willie" alter-ego. It's a given. Nice one BD. Unusual departure, but none the less, another triumph of neurons over normal! Keep it up big guy! Jim Check out my latest song called Day-Glo

five_extra_arms	five_extra_arms said 835 days ago (July 28th, 2007)
	mmmmmmmmmm..... neurons! --- she'll love five extra arms. Check out my latest song called Paper Sack

	said 837 days ago (July 25th, 2007)
	Incredible audible Man, this thing is powerful. Way to support my voice and outflank lazy ears and hardened hearts. High double fives.

five_extra_arms	five_extra_arms said 835 days ago (July 28th, 2007)
	Outflanking Lazy Ears Richard, I'm so glad this met your approval. Thanks for your contribution to the song that made me a household name in my own house. Did you ever think you'd have so many bandmates? --- she'll love five extra arms. Check out my latest song called Paper Sack

peacepiano	peacepiano said 837 days ago (July 25th, 2007)
	Beat I really like how you matched the beat to the vocal, not an east task! You turned this in to a cool modern song. Thanks Bill Check out my latest song called I Should Have Known

five_extra_arms	five_extra_arms said 835 days ago (July 28th, 2007)
	Beat Surprisingly, it wasn't as difficult matching the beat to the vocal as I thought it would be. Knowing this, I'll be on the hunt for more stand alone vocals to mess with in future work. Thanks for the comments, Bill. --- she'll love five extra arms. Check out my latest song called Paper Sack

	said 837 days ago (July 25th, 2007)
	definitely... ... the most unique, innovative take yet! excellent blend of man and machine! fabulous song!

five_extra_arms	five_extra_arms said 835 days ago (July 28th, 2007)
	Defiantly Faelin, I have to agree with you 100% on this. Speaking of innovative, did you hear the Ozark Mountain Minstrel version? --- she'll love five extra arms. Check out my latest song called Paper Sack

echoroom

echoroom said 836 days ago (July 26th, 2007)

Electronic folk!
Bob - as you know I'm away this week, but i'm glad you gave me a heads up on this - this is freakin' great, but odd. Your electronics contrasted with R's traditional vocals give this an unhinged quality, but also quite emotional as well - reminds me a little of REMs work on Up, which i loved.

Your melodies are gettin' stronger bud .... you'll be a pop star yet!

LOL

Steve

Check out my latest song called Deeper (w/t Racerat)

five_extra_arms	five_extra_arms said 835 days ago (July 28th, 2007)
	Odd and Unhinged I'm your one stop shop for ODD and UNHINGED! When Richard and I worked on REM's UP, this song was a little too POP for Michael Stipe's taste, so we finally decided to post it hear. And Steve, we all know there's only one true Pop Star here at MacJams..... --- she'll love five extra arms. Check out my latest song called Paper Sack

echoroom	echoroom said 834 days ago (July 28th, 2007)
	pop star .... ...maybe not, after my last night in the karaoke bar in malta!!! i think i should have drunk less before singing! Check out my latest song called Deeper (w/t Racerat)

five_extra_arms	five_extra_arms said 834 days ago (July 28th, 2007)
	Halta Malta So what you're saying is that they oughta put a halta karaoke in Malta? Welcome back Steve. We sure missed you. Whatcha gonna post on the Analogapalooza thingie? I know you have some cassettes laying around just waiting to embarrass you! --- she'll love five extra arms. Check out my latest song called Paper Sack

echoroom	echoroom said 834 days ago (July 29th, 2007)
	well .... i was gonna do Man on the Moom, but after waiting an hour, they said they couldn't find it, and someone beat me to Love on the Rocaks ... damn. Dunno what the analog thingy is ... will check it out now. Gee i mised this place last week! Steve Check out my latest song called Deeper (w/t Racerat)

Dj French Toast	Dj French Toast said 836 days ago (July 26th, 2007)
	Great job on the synth sounds loved you take : ) Check out my latest song called Its The French Toast(Colab W/WillBill808)

five_extra_arms	five_extra_arms said 834 days ago (July 28th, 2007)
	Synths Thanks for your input, Benny McBenpants the 3rd. You have some very original work that I've just started exploring. Keep it up. --- she'll love five extra arms. Check out my latest song called Paper Sack

Vintage Music Festival	Vintage Music Festival said 836 days ago (July 27th, 2007)
	Great track Bob - you really nailed this one. One question. Got analogue? Check out my latest song called Analogapalooza

five_extra_arms	five_extra_arms said 834 days ago (July 28th, 2007)
	Shoeboxes Full of Forgotten Songs You mean, you want to hear some of the noises captured on my old cassettes? Those dusty dirty things? What on earth would anyone want to do with that? Thanks Vin --- she'll love five extra arms. Check out my latest song called Paper Sack

perceptualvortex	perceptualvortex said 835 days ago (July 27th, 2007)
	Grindy I love that gritty low grindy sound. This is an excellent mix with Rich's voice; I think you definitely did the song justice with this arrangement. The drums have a bit of "slowed down" distortion, but it does go with the overall robot-love-song vibe. Good work, nonopus. Check out my latest song called Machine Man (w Beastie Boys)

five_extra_arms	five_extra_arms said 834 days ago (July 28th, 2007)
	Grinder Thanks Dave, I too love that gritty low grindy sound. Richard's robotic vocal approach really made this otherwise folky tune whirl out of it's orbit. I almost sent this to you to see what you would do with the drums. Now I wonder what would've happened if I did? --- she'll love five extra arms. Check out my latest song called Paper Sack

Diviner	Diviner said 834 days ago (July 28th, 2007)
	Great tune This is another great version, I like how you have mixed the vocal and the music.Two completely different styles mix very well. Very powerful and well constructed track. Check out my latest song called Space Program (Space Race 2009)

five_extra_arms

five_extra_arms said 832 days ago (July 30th, 2007)

The Power of Duct Tape
Thanks for the comments. I think that this experiment has let me realize the potential of using loop or samples or whatever.

Since I didn't use my vocal chords, I was able to focus on the construction of the song. I think sometimes my songs suffer because I'm more concerned with the lyric and the vocals than the entire song as a whole.

Thanks Keith!

---
she'll love five extra arms.

Check out my latest song called Paper Sack

Sudra	Sudra said 834 days ago (July 28th, 2007)
	Great harmonic choices .....it totally changes the way I hear the song. Great arrangement too. So far, my fave. Check out my latest song called The Minstrel Boy

five_extra_arms	five_extra_arms said 832 days ago (July 30th, 2007)
	Changing the way you hear Thank you very much. I faved your Minstrel Song. The bass line was groovin' to the max. And you did a superb treatment on Rebsie's vocals. My favorite part was the horns bursting out. Bob --- she'll love five extra arms. Check out my latest song called Paper Sack

	said 834 days ago (July 28th, 2007)
	dang dude This is tops on my list sound like a car dragging a boulder chained to the bumper in a desert with Richards vocal coming out of the loud speaker thats duck taped to the top! Excellent!

	said 832 days ago (July 30th, 2007)
	Duct taped loud speaker Yes! That's it. Of course! Great description. --- http://www.hungryforheaven.com/

five_extra_arms

five_extra_arms said 832 days ago (July 30th, 2007)

One faithful harp shall praise thee!
This is the single line from the lyric that drove my sound design on "our" collaboration. I briefly checked out http://www.hungryforheaven.com/ and saw your current project with David Gómez Sanz. You've inspired me with your boldness.

If you guys need anything sounds like a car dragging a boulder chained to the bumper in a desert with Richards vocal coming out of the loud speaker that's duck taped to the top, you just let me know. (Thanks egobandit for that brilliant comment! Tim, when are we going to get together?)

---
she'll love five extra arms.

Check out my latest song called Paper Sack

said 832 days ago (July 30th, 2007)

FM and Nash The Slash
live again!

Er... you probably don't know Nash The Slash. A guy in a tux with his head wrapped in bandages, playing an electric violin synthesizer amped up to 143,87000 decibels. I know I'm dating myself but hey, who's counting at this point.

This is amazing - and an incredibly strong framework for Richard's vocal. They just WORK! And it sounds awesome played REAL LOUD too. Funny, my neighbors have been giving me odd looks the last few days, whispered stuff and nervous, over-friendly greetings while they back away hurriedly. Can't imagine why.

five_extra_arms	five_extra_arms said 832 days ago (July 30th, 2007)
	Neighbors They sound like a bunch of weirdos if you ask me! Glad to see you're just another normal guy, listening to normal music like all the other normal people - Full Volume! --- she'll love five extra arms. Check out my latest song called Paper Sack

ManateeChili	ManateeChili said 825 days ago (August 6th, 2007)
	Thy songs were made for the pure and free this is the most unique version of this song that i have heard so far. it abandons the traditional irish feel that most of the other versions retain and delivers an amazing contemporary composition. i think it deserves an A for originality.

Estella	Estella said 822 days ago (August 9th, 2007)
	wow I love when people make machines sound urgent and emotional. Richard's voice is the perfect match for it, with his great low voice. Seems like they were meant to be together, and you just pulled it out from the air. I'm sure that's how it happened, too ; ) Peace Check out my latest song called Este Momento

lavalamp	lavalamp said 393 days ago (October 12th, 2008)
	Sounds like........ ....the works of mad scientist. IT'S ALIVE LL Check out my latest song called Googolplex Times Zero

five_extra_arms	five_extra_arms said 391 days ago (October 13th, 2008)
	He Is Mad, He Is Bad rschletty is a mad man, indeed. Check out my latest song called Paper Sack

PrototypeEightyOne

PrototypeEightyOne said 157 days ago (June 4th, 2009)

YO
the expression you get from that opening distorted synth is real nice along with that higher end synth that jumps in. the percussions were dope on this 2, had a real presence to compliment that dope raw synth line. Really enjoyed this one dude, nice work.
nice vocals as well it has that commanding tone, perfect for the content.

very cool.

Check out my latest song called Planet of Prototypes (mj space race 2009)

five_extra_arms

five_extra_arms said 157 days ago (June 4th, 2009)

DOPE
Guilty as charged.

Hey thanks for the listen and the feedback. I haven't listened to this one in a looong time. Man, I love Richard's voice on this song! I agree it is perfect for the content. This is probably one of my most favorite projects ever.

There's something amazing about having a vocalist of this caliber (you too Rebsie, Spitlogic, etc...) at your beckoned call. Thanks again you incredible vocalists, and thanks P81 for bringing me back to this song.

I need to get that meaty synth out for my next tune! That is pretty filthy and heavy. I love it! (Thanks Apple!)

Check out my latest song called Paper Sack

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Artist Info

Name: Bob Dorsey

I am busier now than ever before - work, parenthood, husbandry, new house, new house projects... Bear with me as I try to squeeze in a few songs between life. My Monday Night music nights are few and far between so I'm forced to hit it and quit it. W... [see more]

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