EASY COUNTRY LIVIN' - New Demo
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Today is the New Moon, and that means new music.
This recording of “Easy Country Livin’” was intended to be a quick, solo acoustic sketch. But I got carried away. It evolved into a full-fledged demo.
After cutting the guitar and vocal live, I dashed off the drums, bass, and lead guitars. Super quick. Then Elaine Summers and I threw down our backing vocals before we knew what we were doing. Hence, the wonderful looseness.
Due to the fact that it only has two verses it likely won’t be the version to make it on a record. We’ve since written a third verse, so the plan is to recut the song. Ideally, we’ll track it live in the studio with a full band.
I love how loose and sloppy this demo is. Making a record version with this much charm will be a real challenge. I’m in serious danger of suffering from demoitus, where you love your demo so much you can’t beat it.
For now, I’m happy to have the opportunity to share this version here on Love Songs Etc. Plus, I may perform it at Vashon Center for the Arts on 3/30/24. If I do, the plan is to have some audience participation where the crowd sings the answer part that goes “Land of the rough and tumble.” So, if you are coming to the show, you can get your act together by singing along with this demo.
Speaking of getting one’s act together, Elaine and I have really been enjoying preparing for the show. We convene daily to blow the dust off the oldies and figure out how to present the new tunes. It’s been a blast.
There are way more songs on our list of potentials than we’ll have time for. So I’m curious… is there a song or two or three that you would be disappointed NOT to hear if you came to see us live? Let us know in the comments. That will help us narrow down the set.
Paid subscribers can download the demo posted above—in hi-res if that’s your thing—by visiting my rarities page.
Peace & Love Songs,
Pete
PS: Got press? Yep! A Jeff Hoyt-penned story graced the cover of The Beachcomber! And my old pal, Peter Blackstock, wrote about our latest release, Volume Three, in his column for No Depression.
Northern Bound Train. Small TIme Blues. Devil's in the Best of Moods.
However, your question is impossible to answer. You and Elaine singing anything will not disappoint. Most of us like most or all of what you do. Just really really grateful you're doing this and that my wife and I can attend. Gonna be an EPIC night.
I know you call it a 'demo.' I call it a 'song,' as finished as it needs to be. Wouldn't change a thing (though I know you will). Lovely tune. Liking the sing-along idea. (Could even be a shout-along!) As for the request line? Sunspot Stopwatch.