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It Ain't Easy He's After

We’ve been John Mellencamp fans for decades and have always admired his bands … particularly Kenny Aronoff on drums, the violin ladies and the distorted guitar rhythm. This song is an attempt to produce a rock song with that vibe. Farm Rock? That’s what Tommyad called it on our first attempt 10 years ago - as in Mellencamp and Farm Aid.

And, OK, there’s a cowbell track. smile And, yes, the snare is intentionally loud as Aronoff can and will whack 'em! If inclined check out 😀 Mellencamp’s song “Check It Out” to hear the snare pop.

The title comes from an expression we heard on a tv series. Your time to listen and, if you like, comment are most welcome. Thanks to PG Music, Peter and mr jane. The lyric is on SC.

Janice: lead vocal, harmony vocal, melody & arrangement
Peter: Solo guitar
floyd jane: harmony vocal
Bud: lyric, arrangement, mix and mastering

Vocals (Janice): Rodes NT1 > Scarlet 212 > Logic Pro > Izotope Nectar

Bass: RealTrack 683 Electric, PopHalfNotesPush Ev 120 > Waves Bass Rider > Logic Pro ChromaGlow

Fiddle: RealTrack 1753: Background Pop8ths Ev 110 > Waves CLA Unplugged

Guitar Rhythm: RealTrack 998: Electric, Rhythm HardRockLACrispSync Ev 120 Direct Input > Logic Pro > Ribbon 121 Mic Sim > Boutique Retro Distort Amp sim >

Mandolin Rhythm: RealTracks1755:, Rhythm Pop8ths Ev 110 > Waves CLA Unplugged

Drums: RealDrums RockHardLA > Waves CLA Drums>

Snare: RealDrums RockHardLA > Neutron > Logic Pro ChromaVerb
Cymbal: RealDrums RockHardLA > Logic Pro ChromaVerb

Cowbell: RealDrums CowbellRock > 140 EMT Plate Reverb sim

Mastering chain: Ozone EQ > Oz Stabilizer > Oz Imager > Oz Dynamic EQ > Oz Maximizer > Izotope Tonal Balance > Logic Pro Loudness Meter
It Ain't Easy He's After


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Janice, Bud, Peter & Floyd,

This one really hits the mark! Love the big sound and The Lonesome Jubilee vibe. The mix is perfect!

Another excellent pro-vocal by Janice with some great harmony by Floyd. You guys always sound so great together. Completely locked in on the vocals.

Peter is always amazing. Touch and tone for every genre.

I loved everything about this song! Going back for several listens.

Bob

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That lyric sounds a hard one to sing but Janice pulled it off.
I thought the drums may have been a tad heavy on the vol but that's just my preference.
Well done all.

Vic

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Cool song. Yeah, Farm Rock, that's a good description.

Nice work by everyone.

I like that snare but it's a bit too forward in the mix.


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Originally Posted by rsdean
Janice, Bud, Peter & Floyd,

This one really hits the mark! Love the big sound and The Lonesome Jubilee vibe. The mix is perfect!

Another excellent pro-vocal by Janice with some great harmony by Floyd. You guys always sound so great together. Completely locked in on the vocals.

Peter is always amazing. Touch and tone for every genre.

I loved everything about this song! Going back for several listens.

Bob

Thank you Bob. And we MUCH appreciate you mentioning a Mellencamp song.
Everything you wrote means a lot to the three of us.

J&B


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Originally Posted by vicarn
That lyric sounds a hard one to sing but Janice pulled it off.
I thought the drums may have been a tad heavy on the vol but that's just my preference.
Well done all.

Vic

Thanks Vic. Tad heavy was our intent. 😀 Glad you liked it!

J&B


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Kim was/is a Mellencamp fan...after he dropped the Cougar - she saw him in Sydney around the time of Small Town/Check It Out. Thankfully he wasn't the "Try That In A Small Town" type.
The only thing missing is the gated reverb snare. You've an huge snare so close enough. I find it hard to recreate that gated thing - probably because I have so many shudders remembering the use on many, many bad songs.
What a band.
Janice can rock & rock likes the heart on sleeve influences.
No particulars for this...the package is tied with stout string and a pretty bow & is filled with individual parts that REALLY make a song sing.


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It seems unfair to the rest of us plodding away alone — Janice, Bud, Floyd and Peter all contributing on one song — but what a great FAT sound.
Definitely Mellencamp but a touch of the Stones there too, especially in the intro.
Yet another winner. Well done all.
Mike


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Hi, J&B&Friends

Nice big sound you've got there - vocals and instruments. It definitely has the Mellencamp vibe.

My lazy brain would like a less subtle rhyme scheme, but that's a minor nit.

Cool. laugh


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J & B - what a huge sound, FAB production & mix!
Super vocals & guitar - very well done folks!

Carl

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Originally Posted by Guitarhacker
Cool song. Yeah, Farm Rock, that's a good description.

Nice work by everyone.

I like that snare but it's a bit too forward in the mix.

We all appreciate that Herb.

Shucks. We were hoping for more than a bit too forward for the snare … like waaaay too forward! 😀

J&B


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Originally Posted by rayc
Kim was/is a Mellencamp fan...after he dropped the Cougar - she saw him in Sydney around the time of Small Town/Check It Out. Thankfully he wasn't the "Try That In A Small Town" type.
The only thing missing is the gated reverb snare. You've an huge snare so close enough. I find it hard to recreate that gated thing - probably because I have so many shudders remembering the use on many, many bad songs.
What a band.
Janice can rock & rock likes the heart on sleeve influences.
No particulars for this...the package is tied with stout string and a pretty bow & is filled with individual parts that REALLY make a song sing.

Thank you Ray. I tried several reverbs on that snare but I have to confess that nowadays reverb subtleties defy my marginal hearing. 😀 Our rock attempts are few and far between so as a rocker your comments are very supportive of the effort and much appreciated!

J&B


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Cool Song ... sounds very Mellowcamp (or Cougar??) Nice chord changes. Sound like a hit song to me
MORE COWBELL !!!!


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Man, ya'll are SO GREAT! This song hits all the happy places in my brain, so excessive analysis by me evades the point: I LOVE this song! SUPER performances by everyone involved, and a great feel behind the console, too!!


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Hey Ya'll,

This is some damn good music! Big and bold - just like the cumulative talents of all involved.

I didn't listen to Mellencamp very much, so I can't comment about how much this parallels his style. But I can comment that it's great song regardless. Love then big snare! I think a touch of plate reverb would have added even more definition to it - but it ain't bad as is.

You folks set a high bar for the rest of us. And I think that's a good thing.

Yeah - really nicer!

Alan


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Originally Posted by mkg50 (Mike G)
It seems unfair to the rest of us plodding away alone — Janice, Bud, Floyd and Peter all contributing on one song — but what a great FAT sound.
Definitely Mellencamp but a touch of the Stones there too, especially in the intro.
Yet another winner. Well done all.
Mike

You are too kind! But we’ll take it. 😀😀
We genuinely appreciate your review … big time.

J&B


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Song of the year. What else is to be exspected from the All-Star team. Dang. Yep, that driving snare is in our ears --eyes, nose and throat-- and makes us move to all that magic that rains down behind it. Great vocals (all 3 or 4 or more, but all perfect). Peter makes any song sound better. Janice makes any song. Floyd is inspirational, and the mix is better than many top hits. More. Encore. Bravo. Bravissimo.


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Yep, that's a good time. I don't know what Farm Rock is, but it could be my new favorite genre.


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A really excellent song and production all around, except for me the drums were way too loud.


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Originally Posted by dcuny
Hi, J&B&Friends

Nice big sound you've got there - vocals and instruments. It definitely has the Mellencamp vibe.

My lazy brain would like a less subtle rhyme scheme, but that's a minor nit.

Cool. laugh

Thanks! And glad you noted the hoped for vibe.

J&B


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I can't judge the mix with cheap earbuds, except that the snare gets a bit annoying after a while, but the rest is really great.
You should form a band to give this fantastic music a name.
JaJaPeBu sounds odd enough to be a band name grin


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I most certainly like that farm rock sound. This is one of the most clear and well mixed productions I have heard so far. Good song. A star vocal performance. Such a clear and smooth voice. Cool guitar solo.

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Originally Posted by camog
J & B - what a huge sound, FAB production & mix!
Super vocals & guitar - very well done folks!

Carl

Thank you Carl! We all appreciate those nice comments.

J&B

Originally Posted by Elliott Kayne
Cool Song ... sounds very Mellowcamp (or Cougar??) Nice chord changes. Sound like a hit song to me
MORE COWBELL !!!!


Glad you got that vibe. Yeah we could’ve gone a bit heavier with the cowbell! 😀

Thanks!

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Hey Y'all,

Yes, this does sound a lot like Mellencamp!

I think you've captured his farm Rock sound quite perfectly and I think if they did another live aid they would certainly invite you guys to get on stage!

Great lyric, great production, great guitar playing great singing, great mix.

What's not to love

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Originally Posted by DC Ron
Man, ya'll are SO GREAT! This song hits all the happy places in my brain, so excessive analysis by me evades the point: I LOVE this song! SUPER performances by everyone involved, and a great feel behind the console, too!!

Your positive and supportive comments are much appreciated.

Thank you!

J&B


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Pleased to be a very small part of this Incredible Music. ("I'm with the band...")
The BAND is Amazing.
Peter magic.
Janice magic.
Bud MAGIC.

fj

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Originally Posted by Al-David
Hey Ya'll,

This is some damn good music! Big and bold - just like the cumulative talents of all involved.

I didn't listen to Mellencamp very much, so I can't comment about how much this parallels his style. But I can comment that it's great song regardless. Love then big snare! I think a touch of plate reverb would have added even more definition to it - but it ain't bad as is.

You folks set a high bar for the rest of us. And I think that's a good thing.

Yeah - really nicer!

Alan

Thank you Al. I tried a plate reverb EMT 140 sim and several others and a Mellencamp track as a reference. Nothing nailed it but then as an upright bass player for decades and never having played with a drummer drums were and remain a bit of a mystery to me. 😀 We’re glad you liked it!

J&B


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This one really rocks, through the hard road! The chorus is catchy and has a very nice chord progression.

I like the tight mix. The snare sounds great, although I was hoping for more variation in the chorus and maybe only loud cowbell in the bridge. Great soloing and the professional vocals with harmonies are pleasantly sung and produced.

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Originally Posted by BabuMusic
Song of the year. What else is to be exspected from the All-Star team. Dang. Yep, that driving snare is in our ears --eyes, nose and throat-- and makes us move to all that magic that rains down behind it. Great vocals (all 3 or 4 or more, but all perfect). Peter makes any song sound better. Janice makes any song. Floyd is inspirational, and the mix is better than many top hits. More. Encore. Bravo. Bravissimo.

Thanks Marty! We always enjoy the generosity of your reviews! And you didn’t join the “snare is too loud” group.😀 😀 It really is a Kenny Aronoff thang.

Your support and positive reviews are a bright spot in our music journey and much appreciated.

J&B


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Wow! Nothing less to be expected from the contribution of all of these talented musicians. Thanks to all of you !

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Janice, Bud, Peter & floyd,

I've never heard of the singer before, so I searched for Mellencamp's song "Check It Out" on YouTube and listened to it.
I think your song this time certainly captures that atmosphere well.
I also often write songs getting inspiration from my favorite artists' songs.
It's fun to create songs while being careful not to be too similar, but at the same time it's very difficult.
I think your attempt this time is very successful.
Enjoyed my listen a lot.

Best regards.

Shigeki Adachi

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Originally Posted by Heartbreaker
Yep, that's a good time. I don't know what Farm Rock is, but it could be my new favorite genre.

Glad you liked the genre 😀 and the song!

J&B


Originally Posted by WaoBand
A really excellent song and production all around, except for me the drums were way too loud.

Thanks! We appreciate your comment on the production. And be careful not to expose your self to Mellencamp! Or anything Aronoff is drumming on. 😀😀

J&B


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Well, you had me with the cowbell! wink

I can hear the Mellencamp vibe happening with this, used to listen to him a lot back in the day.

Good write, excellent performances by all, enjoyed!

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Originally Posted by B.D.Thomas
I can't judge the mix with cheap earbuds, except that the snare gets a bit annoying after a while, but the rest is really great.
You should form a band to give this fantastic music a name.
JaJaPeBu sounds odd enough to be a band name grin

Sorry you were annoyed. Stay away from Kenny Aronoff! 😀

Glad you liked it sans snare. And the name is very cool. JaJaPeBu … yeah man.

J&B


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Great vocals including harmonies. Your songs are so melodious which would also sound good accompanied by just a single acoustic guitar.
(test of a good song) . I enjoy the energy in your music as well as the lyrics. Also congrats for not playing it safe and doing the snare thing.
I enjoyed this.

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Hi everyone involved in this song,

A very nice swinging song, with Janice good on the lead vocals, but ain't she always good?
Nice lyrics too. Like the story.
I had no problems at all with the snaredrum, but I agree it is a bit dominating.
Especially compared with the 'shy' harmonies in the vocals.
It wasn't so easy to hear Floyd...

And Peter was doing very good on the lead guitar. Liked it a lot!

So, you've made another Ace song, if I may recall Ezekiel in this,

Hans


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Originally Posted by Ezekiel's Storm
I most certainly like that farm rock sound. This is one of the most clear and well mixed productions I have heard so far. Good song. A star vocal performance. Such a clear and smooth voice. Cool guitar solo.

We greatly appreciate all of your comments. Your thoughts on the mix are very special. Glad you liked the vocals and guitar also.

And thanks for mentioning the farm rock sound!

J&B





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Hi J&B, Peter and floyd.

This certainly made me sit up and pay attention!
I love the intro. It's perfect for setting the scene.
I also love the arrangement and what you've done with the rhythm.
In addition, the band sound is mighty!
I went back to one of my songs after playing this, and rhythm and instrumentation that I have sounded so tame by comparison to your song.
This is adventurous, entertaining and terrific story telling.
You all really have the knack for making superb music.

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Originally Posted by David Snyder
Hey Y'all,

Yes, this does sound a lot like Mellencamp!

I think you've captured his farm Rock sound quite perfectly and I think if they did another live aid they would certainly invite you guys to get on stage!

Great lyric, great production, great guitar playing great singing, great mix.

What's not to love

You are too kind!

We very much appreciate you mentioning that it had the Mellencamp vibe.

Thanks for the very positive review David.

J&B


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Originally Posted by floyd jane
Pleased to be a very small part of this Incredible Music. ("I'm with the band...")
The BAND is Amazing.
Peter magic.
Janice magic.
Bud MAGIC.

fj

Thank you mr jane for the comments and for singing that harmony part.
It added a lot!

J&B


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Originally Posted by jannesan
This one really rocks, through the hard road! The chorus is catchy and has a very nice chord progression.

I like the tight mix. The snare sounds great, although I was hoping for more variation in the chorus and maybe only loud cowbell in the bridge. Great soloing and the professional vocals with harmonies are pleasantly sung and produced.

Janne

Thanks! Glad you liked it ... and the snare. smile

J&B

Originally Posted by cubanpete
Wow! Nothing less to be expected from the contribution of all of these talented musicians. Thanks to all of you !

Mike B.

Thank you Mike!

J&B



Originally Posted by animarorecords
Janice, Bud, Peter & floyd,

I've never heard of the singer before, so I searched for Mellencamp's song "Check It Out" on YouTube and listened to it.
I think your song this time certainly captures that atmosphere well.
I also often write songs getting inspiration from my favorite artists' songs.
It's fun to create songs while being careful not to be too similar, but at the same time it's very difficult.
I think your attempt this time is very successful.
Enjoyed my listen a lot.

Best regards.

Shigeki Adachi

We much appreciate that Shigeki.
And thank you for taking the time to listen to our reference song!

J&B


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Sounds FREE and easy!
Always glad to hear the violin too!

Jona

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Originally Posted by BlueAttitude
Well, you had me with the cowbell! wink

I can hear the Mellencamp vibe happening with this, used to listen to him a lot back in the day.

Good write, excellent performances by all, enjoyed!

Thank you Dave and glad you are familiar with Mellencamp!

J&B

Originally Posted by Izzy
Great vocals including harmonies. Your songs are so melodious which would also sound good accompanied by just a single acoustic guitar.
(test of a good song) . I enjoy the energy in your music as well as the lyrics. Also congrats for not playing it safe and doing the snare thing.
I enjoyed this.

Thanks for the supportive and positive review. Special thanks for the snare comment also. All is appreciated!

J&B


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Originally Posted by Birchwood
Hi everyone involved in this song,

A very nice swinging song, with Janice good on the lead vocals, but ain't she always good?
Nice lyrics too. Like the story.
I had no problems at all with the snaredrum, but I agree it is a bit dominating.
Especially compared with the 'shy' harmonies in the vocals.
It wasn't so easy to hear Floyd...

And Peter was doing very good on the lead guitar. Liked it a lot!

So, you've made another Ace song, if I may recall Ezekiel in this,

Hans

Thanks! We’re glad you liked it.

And our objective was for the snare to dominate. 😀

And floyd’s 3rd below harmony is not duet oriented and he’s happy with the placement in the mix. 😀

And yes we thought Peter played the perfect part for the vibe.

Appreciated the review and thanks for mentioning the lyric!

J&B


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Excellent, as usual. The snare could do with some trimming.... Just my 2 cents. Maybe that's where you wanted it, and if so, that's obviously part of the plan. But it jumps out and overwhelms other musicality in my view. Possibly you did that just to see who was listening grin


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Originally Posted by Noel96
Hi J&B, Peter and floyd.

This certainly made me sit up and pay attention!
I love the intro. It's perfect for setting the scene.
I also love the arrangement and what you've done with the rhythm.
In addition, the band sound is mighty!
I went back to one of my songs after playing this, and rhythm and instrumentation that I have sounded so tame by comparison to your song.
This is adventurous, entertaining and terrific story telling.
You all really have the knack for making superb music.

--Noel

Great to hear from you Noel. Thanks for the kind words and we are happy you like our music adventure. And saying the sound is mighty means a lot indeed. Your mixes are great - this is stylistically much different and we’ve no doubt that if you took this path your productions would be excellent. But we love what you do! Also we appreciate the mention of the lyric.

Thanks for all!

J&B


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Originally Posted by JONA
Sounds FREE and easy!
Always glad to hear the violin too!

Jona

Thank you and glad the fiddle worked for you!

J&B
Originally Posted by AudioTrack
Excellent, as usual. The snare could do with some trimming.... Just my 2 cents. Maybe that's where you wanted it, and if so, that's obviously part of the plan. But it jumps out and overwhelms other musicality in my view. Possibly you did that just to see who was listening grin

Nah, we did it because we wanted to get as close as possible to Mellencamp’s song “Check It Out.” That was our reference for mastering. Kenny Aronoff is noted for that snare sound. So for better or worse, FWIW, etc., we remain good with it. Glad you liked it otherwise 😀 and thanks for listening!

J&B


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Janice, Bud, Peter & Floyd, you all are so good it is scary.
Loved that snare!
As usual everything spot on.


Yeah, I've got O.C.D, Old, Cranky, and Dangerous.

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Originally Posted by MarioD
Janice, Bud, Peter & Floyd, you all are so good it is scary.
Loved that snare!
As usual everything spot on.

Thanks Mario! Glad the snare didn’t make ya duck for cover. 😀

J&B


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