Second Wind

Whilst in the middle of writing songs for the new album I was offered the opportunity by my friend Jamie to get into the studio and do a shit hot recording of a tune. Jamie was doing an MA and wanted something for his portfolio so I knew that he'd want something quite smooth and AOR sounding. The problem was that this didn't really fit in with the stuff I was writing for the new record which was largely acoustic (more on that later). That said, I really wanted to take him up on the offer as I'd not done any new recordings with the new band and it would be a good bit of practice.

Second Wind was a musical idea that I'd had some time before and the pre chorus key change is from ages ago but i hadn't found the right way to use it. The rest pretty much fell into place quickly - it was not difficult to write a lyric about busy I've been, in fact it was complete in one sitting. Musically it's very similar to the stuff on the first album with it's ultra short verses (don't bore us get to the chorus...) and modulating pre chorus leading to a harmony laden hook line. the middle section is very similar to the writing on "Seemed like a good idea at the time", in fact the first half of it is very similar to 'Give myself to you', but there's no harm in stealing from yourself.

I went and did a rough demo version at Jamie's which i sent to the band all of whom seemed to like it very much. It was suggested that it sounded like it should be in a Rocky montage but what the hey...

we recorded it in two sessions at the studio; Ivan on drums for the first session, Stu and Spence came in for the second. Jamie did the mix himself and did a pretty fine job of it. something about the tune doesn't quite add up for me, but you can be the judge.

Download it for free from the 'miscellaneous recordings' section on the 'music' page of my website. www.ricneale.co.uk