Reality Check

I am always writing new songs, most of which get abandoned before being finished. But the ones I do finish I finish for a reason; because I think they're worth finishing (duh!)

After presenting a batch of songs to the guys the other day I was suprised to receive the following feedback from Joey regarding one of them, "Great hook but not into the verses." Although the other guys liked it (especially Scottie-boy) Joey is the one who has to sing it and if he's not into it, its not gonna come off well so what's the point?

Now in days gone by my ego would have blown a fuse. There would have been no discussion about "if" we should do a song or "how" we would do it, it would have been done the way I wanted. Thankfully we're all more grown up now because instead of taking it personally I listened to the song with "new ears" and understood what Joey's reservations about the verses were; boring melody! I then re-wrote the melody in the verses and am now even more happy with this song than I was before.

Here's the point of this story; being in this band is VERY different now than it was 28 years ago and specifically, working with Joey these past two years has been an absolute pleasure and I am gratified that we can say whatever we have on our minds without any bullshit. The end result of all this is that the song is MUCH BETTER NOW thanks to Joey's impartial criticism. I feel very lucky to have his significant talents to convey my song ideas and to keep me on my toes. Thanks Joey.