"36 Hours"

[davidhanners]

This isn't a song, but I thought I'd bring it up since it involves songwriting.

This coming Saturday, I'm participating in a show called "36 Hours" that is sponsored by Rift Magazine (www.riftmagazine.com), a monthly publication that covers music here in the Twin Cities.

The concept is simple: They get 16 songwriters, and 36 hours before the show they give them a subject, and then each songwriter has to write a tune involving that subject. (For the show last month, which I wasn't in, the subject was "snow.")

Then we all gather at the Bryant-Lake Bowl, a cool music/theater/dining/bowling alley in Minneapolis and we each do our tunes. The one voted "best" by the audience wins a big-ass trophy (they actually call it "The Big-Ass Trophy") and a panel of judges also picks which song they like best and award it a trophy, too.

I have no idea what kind of song I'll come up with. Sometimes I fret (no pun intended) over each word in a song in a process that takes days or weeks, while other times the stuff just comes out in a matter of minutes. Here, I'll have 36 hours.

It is a weird concept, but it actually sounds kind of fun. I know a couple of the other competitors (I'm even doing a show Sunday night with one of them singing harmony for me) so it'll be nice to see what we all come up with.

Just thought I'd pass along the idea. The flyer for the show is here: www.riftmagazine.com/36hours2.shtml

[Gypsy Picker]

What a cool concept. I haven't checked out the website yet, but I really like the idea. I'm not even sure why I like it, but I suppose it would be cool whether or not it was a contest. Kind of an "art on demand" thing. I'll check the site out when I get some time, and I wish you great success and much fun with this endeavor.

[Cornflake]

I like the idea, too. It will almost be a Rohrschach test.

[Doug]

That sounds fun. I'm not much of a song writer but sure wish I was.

[Marshall]

So, What's the subject this time ?

Maybe we can help.



Or maybe we should do our own mondo song-write-off, right here.

[davidhanners]

The song "write-off" is a good idea, Marshall. It might prompt folks to realize that songwriting ain't rocket science. Except the guy who wrote "Louie, Louie." That song was pure genius....

They called with the topic last night: "Public transportation." They said it could be about any aspect of public transportation -- trains, buses, light rail, taxis, etc.

I wound up writing two songs. Got one written pretty quickly, and thought that with some tweaking after a night's sleep it would be ok. But while doing research online for one of the verses, I came across something else that I thought would make a better song. So I sat down to write that one, and it kind of tumbled out.

After sleeping on it overnight, I made some changes to it this morning and I think it is the better of the two. After the contest, I'll post the lyrics here.

[Gypsy Picker]

I'll play... Do we use the public transpo theme and post here in 36 hrs? Or should we come up with a new subject? I certainly don't want to step on Hanners' toes -- feels like we're inviting ourselves to his party. Also, David is writing a whole song with music and all to be performed (correct?). Are we doing just lyrics? Whatcha think Marshall and David?

[davidhanners]

I think it'd be fine to do it here, even using that same topic. Or -- how about having a weekly "competition" (although I would prefer the word "exercise") and give people a certain length of time to come up with a song after someone names a topic. I certainly don't consider it stepping on my toes. (I've got plantar fasciitis anyway, so I doubt I'd notice the pain above what I already feel in my feet....)

I think such a weekly online exercise would be a great idea, frankly. It might prompt some people who don't write to try their hand at it, and I would think the constructive comments that folks could offer here would serve to improve everyone's songwriting. At least it would get folks thinking about their songwriting.

I'd be more inclined to go with a 48-hour concept, though. Say, at 10 a.m. (Eastern) on a Tuesday morning, a topic is posted, and all the "entries" have to be in by 10 a.m. Thursday.

Since not everyone has the capability of sticking music on here, we could limit it to lyrics, but those who could post sound could do so.

I dunno. What do you gents think?

[Gypsy Picker]

I prefer the exercise concept as well. No need for competition, and no possible benefit. I also think making it a weekly exercise with perhaps a whole week to write may be better since all of our schedules are different.

[Marshall]

gypsypicker said:

I certainly don't want to step on Hanners' toes

I've seen David's feet. He'd never feel it.

Yeah. I like the idea of a weekly theme/songwriting exercise. Post whatever you want. Lyrics; mp3; we could do a joint Skype call.

It might be interesting to post what you're thinking throughout the process while writing.

We could even have a voter/poll a week after they're done. With campaign promises and commercials. Maybe a debate. Payola. Who knows where it'll go ? . . . , (as long as I win).

or not.

Bus stop. Wet day. She's there. I say,
"Please share my umbrella."
Bus stop, bus goes, she stays, love grows
Under my umbrella

[Gypsy Picker]

Busted flat in New Orleans, waiting for a train...

[Marshall]

<<Baton Rouge>> *snicker, snicker*

[Gypsy Picker]

No, no... that's a whole different song. This one is mine.

[Marshall]

Oooooooooh

[kariseal]

We had to do this in the songwriting workshop I went to this summer, although we were split into groups and had to work with 4 or 5 members of the class. We were given this saying "Beauty will save the world". It was a very cool project. Our group went to lunch and started talking about this concept and decided we couldn't decide if it would. We turned it into a question..with the refrain answering every verse. But will beauty save the world? We had two days to work on it and came back the last day of class and all performed our songs.

Each group came up with a very different take on it, and different styles of songs. It was a really cool process working in a group, and coming up with the song. Good luck David!

[davidhanners]

Went to the "36 Hours" show yesterday. Didn't win anything, but heard some good songwriters. I usually go into things like this with the mindset that music and songwriting are subjective things. Although some of the songs I heard didn't particularly excite me, that's not to mean they weren't good tunes.

So, with that over, here's the song I wrote for the event. As always, it is copyright 2006 by David Hanners

8/8/03

My name's Mohamed Salah
As if you even care
To you, I'm just one more Somali
To me, you're just another fare

I never heard the shot
They say took my life
I pray Allah shows His mercy
To my child and wife

Was born in Mogadishu
Before the junta fell
Lived the terror of that city
Descending into hell

But Allah delivers the faithful
From the fates of infidels
Bribed my way into Kenya
Then to America

They call it 'Minnesota Nice'
But it's the blade before the stab
Only job that I could get was
Behind the wheel of this cab

Was a humid August night
Business had been slow
Fare called in, East Phillips Park
Where even I don't like to go

I glanced up in the rearview
His eyes made my blood run cold
He put a gun up to my head
Said to do as I was told

Clans kill in Banaadir
Over grievances centuries old
I had eight-seven dollars
Is that what I died for?

All praise to Allah who is great
I pray my faith was true
Survived the streets of Mogadishu
Just to die on 18th Avenue

My name's Mohamed Salah
Although I doubt you are
To you, I'm just one more Somali
To me, you're just another fare
Yeah, you're just another fare

[Marshall]

Cheery little tune, there David.

You sure know how to tell a vivid story. This one doesn't even need an introduction. (again)

The opening two lines grab ya. Then it takes the listener for a ride.

[Gypsy Picker]

Here's my submission for the "public transportation" themed exercise. As always, comments and suggestions are most welcome. Copyright 2006 S. Russell All rights reserved.


My Driver

Merry Christmas I said to my driver
As we pulled through the new fallen snow
With a tug at his cap he greeted me back
His eyes never leaving the road

The drive across town was just lovely
All the lights so inviting and warm
But I'd rather be home than riding alone
In the back seat at three in the morn

My daughter will wake in a few short hours
To find the cookies Saint Nick didn't eat
Her bright eyes will cry
When she realizes
No presents are under the tree
No presents are under the tree

My driver he looked in the rear view
Said "Son, things'll work out just fine"
The radio squalked in dispatcher talk
Saving me from an awkward reply

On arriving at my destination
The car turned abruptly away
My driver looked back said "listen here, Jack"
I can't leave you here Christmas day

Your daughter will wake in a few short hours
To find Saint Nick ate every last treat
Her bright eyes will smile
When she sees the pile
Of presents there under the tree
Her presents there under the tree

I thanked my driver profusely
As he drove me back home through the night
On this Holy morn our dear Lord was born
And a changed man a new man was I

Merry Christmas I said to my driver
As my trembling cuffed hands he set free
With a tug at his cap he greeted me back
A gift for your daughter from me

My daughter will wake in a few short hours
To find Saint Nick ate every last treat
Her bright eyes will smile
When she sees the pile
Of presents there under the tree
Her presents there under the tree

[dradtke]

I heard David sing the cab driver song at the Coffee Grounds last Sunday. It's good.

[davidhanners]

You shoulda showed up last Saturday, Gypsy Picker. After about the fourth song about seeing your One True Love While Riding the Bus, I would've been ready for a tune like yours. Well done.

I posted this over on le cafe, but hey, since it involves me, it bears repeating: howwastheshow.com/reviews-2006/rift-11-04-06.html

Finally got some ink, or photos, or whatever. I will be calling in sick tomorrow, since I should be home when Fame and Fortune come knocking on my door.