"Just Songs" Web Site
Songs by Paul Thomas Butterfield
Downloads and video at :- http://www.myspace.com/paulbutterfield
Created by "The Really Retro Website Production" © 2000
"When you lay your life down in those (vinyl) grooves, you know you’re bound to get scratched up sometime" - TR
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It's all about the song writing, followed by the music production, then the performance, then an audience, then maybe, success ( which depends on your terminology -being able to make a career within the music industry. I write the songs first, which are
mainly true modern day folk songs. " Does the world need another love
song?" ( just a plug for one of my other songs) Music is just wrapping paper around the song. The "package" or the "cover". Some may not like plain brown paper and string, but there are
many others know that what is inside, is what really matters. If the thought
and selection of the present has been chosen carefully, for the receiver
to keep and maintain with them for the rest of their life, then you have
indeed made a song for them to cherish, rather that dispose of as
novelty item ,or after Christmas. The type of music you "package" or " cover" around the song, defines the demographic audience for the song, and invariably, if it will be a commercial hit and/or move more units. If you aim the song's music with a particular genre, then it is more likely to sell more units; ie Country outstrips all genres of music in the states. In the UK, it can be be pop, dance or soft rock ( with suitable crossovers), specifically aimed at the larger record spending public; invariably the young. ( think of the X-factor 10 year old fans ). If you choose to record a song in folk, jazz , blues or classical style, then you are limiting the number of record sales immediately, due to the number of proactive record buying public in that genre. It doesn't mean it's not a quality song, it can still be a hit WITHIN it's genre, but may not sell the amount of units as the record company would like. OK, there are exceptions like every generation seems to keep on buying Led Zeppelin CD Albums, as to the origins/roots of the so called (British) rock sound, or the more affluent older 50 + generation re-buying their favourite vinyl albums in up to date CD format ( re-issues). A band may have an album to release, but the recording company may think that it doesn't have a commercial enough song to help project the band into the charts (or a "calling card" as it were). This may require a remix engineer being called upon to bring their magic to a particular song, for commercial interest; Strong, exciting, refreshing, in vogue, are all terms that lead them onto the record companies balance sheet, with a businessman's eye. Question is; why does every song have to be a commercial hit, ( be heard on the radio) and not just a song passing on a communication to the listener for what it is ? If you want commercial hits, then let the record company hire in a producer / re-mixer, with their mission statement; " whatever it takes, just give us a hit" In Madonna's case; if you've got the money, then buy the best people around you (producers etc) that money can buy, with the sound they are known for, and you know should sell. The producers invariably write the song and give more input ( shaping the soundscape and mixing) to the music than the artist ( without getting the credit). That's why they employ the likes of Trevor Horn, Tony Visconti etc. By way of example, these are some of the unsung heroes, to make the likes of Bowie fresh, in vogue and current; Todd Terry - EBTG were plucked out of obscurity, when Todd Terry remixed their mediocre track "Missing", to became a huge international hit Jam and Lewis - took the Human League into the 90's with their production magic for "I'm only Human" et al Mike Chapman - Took a dysfunctional Blondie, and a poor "Heart of glass" demo, into a Donna Summer sounding disco style hit. The Stranglers brief to Tony Visconti, was that they wanted to hear their records on the radio. The result; "Golden Brown" Quincy Jones - Creator of Michael Jackson's "Thriller" "Bad" and "Off the wall" albums. When I listen to them, all I hear is Quincy's perfect production and arrangement skills. Sorry Michael. |
The Early Years:
The days of cassettes and "big hair styles"!
"The Producers" 80's Days:
Stephen Rees - Vocals, writer
Gareth Parry & Paul Butterfield - Guitars, programmer, keyboards, writers
"The Risk Instruction Set" Days:-
Derek Tough -Vocals
Coyote Productions:
Y2K:
The present Years:
First seven CDs are from 4 track portastudio recordings
CD Title CD #1: "Purple words behind a grey background"
CD #2: "19 Shades Of Love"
CD #3: "Greyhound Trippin' Demos #1"
CD #4: " Greyhound Trippin' Demos #2"
CD #5: "Image Is Everything"
CD #6: "Songs For The Commercial Mind"
( 18 pop tracks with vocals by Derek Tough)
CD #8: "Made In America" Bluegrass and Roots tribute EP
CD #9: "From Wounded Knee To Iraq"- In Progress
BROADCAST QUALITY RECORDING
Singles on Commercial Release
( Digital Distribution ' iTunes etc - emusic.com shown below):-
Fishing For A Story (on label: EmuBands )
If the human voice is the most “organic” instrument we possess (give or take a few hand claps for rhythm), then haven’t we all got the natural ability to express ourselves musically, and hence, must we all be musicians, period ?
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Long live the "germination" policy and "un-packaged" music - If we could only remember the 60's !
"Never let anyone tell you your limitations, and never accept your own"
"You're only as good as your last chord" - ptb
"A man's ethical behaviour should be based effectively on sympathy, education, and social ties;
No religious basis is necessary. Man would indeed be in a poor way if he had to be restrained by
fear of punishment and hope of reward after his death" - Albert Einstein
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Hypocrites of Pop Industry ?
I read a music review about Goldfrapp's " Supernature" CD (Aug 2005) , ranting on about the merits of Alison's style not following the "Barbie sexy look" and being her own unique "art college" style; Maybe I'm missing the point, but what musical creativity is there in "cut and pasting" and merging two very early 1970's songs ? :-
"Spirit in the sky" and some T-Rex "forget me not" song, mashed up as a Karaoke backing track ?
Maybe, I can just to say hear the influence of her cherry red lip stick and the length of her skirt, coming through the mix ? Does image actually make music ?
( No, but it sells it )
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Just Songs Introduction
Welcome to the 'Just Songs' Web site. This site contains songs for the use of any artist, wishing to look for any un-recorded material. "The song" , should ideally, only contain the lyric and it's melody. But, demo's , historically , must have at least a good quality backing arrangement too. In an ideal world, my job should be complete, with a simple backing arrangement and the song should then be handed over to the producer and artist, for them to 'best fit' the song to their own musical style. As we all know, musical styles do change. Ie, the vocal submitted with a suitable Midi time code track (eg; MTC ) , so that the it can be re sampled, pitch stretched, vocoded, auto tuned, or what ever is in vogue at that point in......., and then re-recorded using the latest synth gizzmo and technology)
An ideal song, should be able to be covered in several genres/styles ( Regga, Pop, Jazz, or the new dance craze, what ever it happens to be in the future ! )
But seeing as we all like to "pigeon hole" everything we hear, I have described a "best fit" for my songs. My argument would be to listen to the covers of Bob Dylan's songs; who would think that "All Along The Watchtower", as interpreted by Jimi Hendrix, could be the same song ?
Sometimes an artist's musical influence on the song, can leave an impression that appears to be theirs;
I for years, thought that "Hey Joe", was a Jimi Hendrix song !
In today's music industry, originality is hard to find. Regurgitation of songs going back to the 60's 70's and 80's, leaves the young record buying public thinking that they too think they are original songs. Making up dance music names to suit the speed of the record (or the type of drum machine used) is a marketing ploy? To me it's all dance music !
"Keep on pushing the same formulae" - it all keeps coming around - people get bored of the present sound fashion, then suddenly it pops back, the same old one from the previous one decades ago ! Blues - country - soul - funk - electronic - guitar rock - late night jazz (Nora Jones et al) - and now "mashing" two or more styles together
Music is such a small word to describe its so many different functions, and yet have a large impact over people:-
"It can be therapeutic, it can be rabble-rousing, it can form communication, tell news at specific points in history.
It can be purely for dancing, something for contemplation or meditation
And not be the same piece of music, obviously.
Music can be for one of the above reasons , but not all.
It's almost like we need more words for it." - David Byrne
I would call my music; "4 Bedroom Integral Garage Sound", 'cause that's were it's been recorded !
Those nauseating, annoying songs ( or hooks upon hooks, upon hooks, just for hooks sake)
T.A.T.U - "Not gonna get us" -The really bad Eastern block duo
Take That - "Hold up the light (bulb ! )"
POP Fiction Music
It's probably been said may times, that most pop music is complete rubbish. Maybe one song out of ten is worth listening to. That the "one-in-ten", might have some true emotion ( communication) or may even make a point. However, its invariably about:-
/ A loves B, but B loves C / Neither of us shall get along / ’cause it’s just another sad love song /
It's the package that counts; the image the video. Those artist's good looks that nobody seemed to have noticed before, until they were on the screen and famous. However, artists who rely on their image, date very quickly, like their music. So if you want to stay in the music business for a long time, then do yourself a favour; forget an image, and concentrate on your music first and foremost, as this will outlive any fashion item ..........
Longevity in the music business
- Stick to using your own name, and not some pretentious band name.
James Taylor, has been an artist for the past 35 years. Why ?
Same guitar sound ? - Yep
Same voice tone ? - Yep
Same simple arrangements ? yep
So why is he still successful and well respected ? Maybe it's because he actually writes songs, and doesn't rely on technology or sound gimmicks. And has an audience to carry him
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There are plenty of books on this subject; how to find out which part of your brain makes you tick, hence, what type of songs you may write better. How to get your juices flowing, etc etc :-
The "lyrical hook" - just as the song needs musical hooks, so do the lyrics.
"Message in a bottle" - pick the title, then work backwards, like Sting did (and often does)!
Stuck for lyrics ? Then repeat the hook 3 times like Sting does.
Repeat it at least 3 times - "I can't, I can't , I can't stand losing" , “Don’t stand so, Don't Stand so, Don't Stand so close to me”
“I'm Sending out an SOS, I'm Sending out an SOS., I'm Sending out an SOS…..” Get the picture !
Alliteration, Internal rhymes and reason :-
SPECIFICS, NOUNS and PRETENTIOUSNESS - Or use your nouns and be more specific
“Blue Suede shoes”. Why blue ? May be because it said something about that person wearing them, his attitude against the society at the time !
"His scarf, it was ap-ri-cot" (You're so vain) - So what ? Is it important ?
" Tuesday morning" - ie days within a song. Does anyone care what day of the week it was ?
" Dancing in the street" / "Purple haze"/ "I want to break free"/ " Touch me in the morning" /"The long and winding road"/ "Sunshine on my shoulder" / “Do you know the way to San Jose “ / "99 red balloons"/ "Friday I'm in love"/
Music is about communicating - "sound and vision" - Classical musicians were influenced by landscapes and nature. Maybe it is why this music is so emotionally strong (and still relevant today) in trying to capture a vision. Songs like Sting's "Walking on the moon", lyrically give the listener a strong visual image.
Rules to song writing:-
Rule #1 - Repetition of music and lyric
Rule #2 - Repetition of music and lyric
Rule #3 - Repetition of music and lyric
Rule #4 - Repeat the above rules
Rule #5 - When you realise and get sick of the commercial expectations,
by the music companies, then just write a song the way you want to write it
- be individual
Have you written a “Mr Universe” ? Does it mean it will only be in the charts for 7 days ? Written by a 7 stone weaklin’
The strong song ? Is it like "Boom Boom Boom, I want you in my room" ( yes a real song by Vengaboys ) ?
Is this a strong song, because it contains the tough "Boom" word ?
Well, a different voice counts for a lot, so don't give up.
Or a voice with attitude - Could "God save the queen", by the Sex Pistols, be sung any other way ?
Try falsetto. KC, of the Sunshine Band sang all his songs in falsetto- Double-tracked his voice however (on all his songs) !
The following, have their own distinctive sound, but can they really sing ? :-
Leonard Cohen ( Mr Monotone Man), Bernard Sumner (New Order ), Ian Curtis (Joy Division), Terry Hall (Fun Boy Three), Bob Dylan , Jimmy Summerfield (the guy with his balls in his throat) , Phil Oakley ( Human League), Andy McCluskey (OMD), Eric Claptan, Mark Knopfler( Dire Straits), David Gahan (Depeche Mode). Tom Waits
Dare I say; Mick Jagger !! ( Have you actually heard Mick Jagger try and talk ? - you will then know that his singing voice is just an extension of his talking voice)
** All the above certainly have their own character **
Neil Tennant (of The Pet Shopboys - singing or just eloquently speaking ? ), Leonard Cohen ( a depressing and very flat, three note vocal range- but a great hit with the girls )
The wonderful dulcet tones of Thom Yorke, achieving a No 1 "best album of the year award" for Radiohead
Simon LeBon (Our Mr "Flat as a fart" ) requiring pitch shifting, double tracking, harmonizing, to hide his poor voice ( the words of his producer, Ian Little, not mine -SOS July 2004)
Last but not least, Mr Johnny Cash - That monologue delivery - as if barely breaking into a singing voice - as if impersonating John Wayne
Singers with attitude: (That wouldn't impress the X-factor panel )
Mick Jagger, Mike Jones (The Clash)
For any singing failures out there in the real world :- Let me know, if anyone can make a successfully claim with the DSS for a physical disability allowance, for you wannabe singers. The vocal cords, that make up the tone, volume and pitch, are simply muscles and flesh, including our head cavities, or lack of them) .So if you can't sing, then they must be simply defective or have a physical disability !
Kathleen Ferrier (one of Britain’s finest singers), to quote; “had a wonderful cavity, were an apple could fit in without meeting an obstruction - giving her the depth and roundness of tone”.
Failing a poor voice, then DOUBLE TRACK your voice :-
The persistent "double vocal trackers" that have helped create their own vocal sound:-
Sting ( the early years), Phil Collins, Bill Withers, Harry Nilsson, J J Cale ( "with a range of three notes", his own words not mine), Barry White, Andy Williams ("watch the girls, watch the boys"), Steve Miller ( "Time keeps on slipping"), Robert Wyatt
Remember when you have written your song, and it's ready to be sung by one of those special "messengers", or should they be called "Entertainers" ( like Elvis was) ? Pity, we can't shoot the messenger, if we don't like the news !
A&R Originality ideas:-
Please find the following A&R interpretation of what originality means to them : -
contact: p.butterfield4@ntlworld.com
I would like to acknowledge the following co-songwriters; Gareth Parry and Stephen Rees
I would also like to make a big thank you to Derek Tough ( our man in Luton), for his time and dedication in singing
lead vocals (and harmony) for many of my songs, over the many years ( as I couldn’t ! )
Song Title |
Pigeon hole |
| Film soundtrack of the
same name ?
"Physical shores, not metaphors" Dance Trance, you name your own new dance genre. Or other styles:- Smooth jazz / country / pop / euphoric dance / Acoustic songwriter / Ballad orchestration |
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State Of The Union Address (Pandoras Box) Acoustic Version |
"So you opened up Pandora's
box, to see Iraq inside" ( extracts from president's address in 2002 ) Why does America hate the Arabs so much ? Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and now Iran |
| Crusade Kandy | The Crusades are back - It's
time for an Arab inquisition Guantanamo Bay ( The Arab Inquisition Centre) |
| Prison Of Eden | In a land where two wrongs
always make it right and concrete walls protect their Prison of Eden, all of
their own making. A recent true story of when two adults cannot be allowed to love one another due to religious differences |
| A Thousand Splendid Sins | A true story of love and devotion, but to who? |
| Disciples Of Delusion | Notice how Bliar and Bush give sermons when they talk to their masses. Gut feelings are not factual. |
| Monochrome Man ( Ya just young man's bullets for the old man's gun) | Live version - with a dozen chants |
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(The really useful ) Suicide
Bomber's Jacket or "The sleeping Intellectual" ? |
Pop/Rock/anthem
The radio advert; "Wear with style and panache. This beautifully crafted personal fashion item, will not spoil the cut of your Armani suit. Wear with confidence, in the full knowledge, that your SB jacket , will be your secret and your secret only" "For just $9.99, this superb fitting jacket could be yours" |
| All in vain | A simple modern day folk song. Sequel to "Monochrome man" ( Ya just young man's bullets for the old man's gun) |
| (She's been ) Diggin' for a heart of gold | A true story -If only he could have thought of the millions he was going to be giving away |
| Sniper's day | based on the actual event ( A Father and Son team) |
| We all live downstream | Pissing on each other's dream |
| Integrity | Silver Stars to MBE's |
| I'm in the summer ( of my years) | Country-ish and "smoove"
versions
Wild Mountain Thyme- traditional - appears in last chorus |
| Driving Nails | Ballard version |
| Possessions Of Shallow Success- Part I - ( Automobile of your dreams) | Pop / Folkie song- A true story |
| The Poet of Conscience | Pop / Folkie song- A true story |
| Fishing For A Story | Inspired by the true story of the seizure of fifteen Royal Navy personnel in 2007 found floating in in Iranian waters - Then selling their story to the press |
| The Perfect square | Solo song |
| Driving Nails (Jazz chant) | "Jazz Chant" version |
| Perfect lie (when is a good time to say goodbye ?) | Folkie song |
| Garden Child | Pop / Folkie kinda song |
| (I'm) Going So lo(w) | Pop / Folkie kinda song - not a song of self pity, but rather of self belief. |
| On The Surface We Smile Away | Folkie kinda song |
| Submarine Man (acoustic version) | Pop / Folkie kinda song |
| Submarine Man (Appalachian wake version) | Respectful Folk song written for Dad |
| Between the Spirit and the flesh | Anthem type song |
| Jerusalem ( For All To Share) | A reflective anthem song - based on a true story of a mixed religious marriage |
| Suite Star Of David ( "Gold is Worthless" Suite ) | Thrash /Blues song |
| 19 Shades Of Love (And I ain't counting) | Country-ish/ pop song - Translations by Pedro Ayba |
| Paradise for the Parasites | Pop/Folkie |
| Sumtimes the Sum (aint greater than the parts) | Folkie/Poppie/Rockie or just your typical Country "tongue in cheek" song |
| Does the world need another (love) song ? | Pop |
| Counting Snow Flakes (As They Fall) | Written for the children of
Palestine. After finding out that the Israel soldiers use them for target
practice Israel - "The Cuckoo of the human species ?" |
| Pirates and Pearls | Folk/Pop |
| Nicotine Eyes | Folk/Pop |
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The Sate Of The
Union Address (Pandoras Box) "Let's roll" Version |
"May god bless " Which one ? |
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The Sate Of The Union Address (Pandoras Box) Acoustic Version |
"So you opened up Pandora's
box, to see Iraq inside" ( extracts from president's address in 2006 ) |
| Henry (kiss my arse) / 50 Stars | Pop /Rock - For the great Houdini of politics |
| P!**ing My Life Away | Anthem for all man kind |
| One Proud Man ( and an Old Vanguard) | Song for Dad, about his first "big tank" of a car ( a Vanguard !) |
| The 51st State | In 1948, 14th May, the American president (Harry Truman) acknowledged a "declaration for a state of independence" - The 51st state was born |
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Just Bite Ya Tongue And Walk
Away( Vocal Silence) JBYTAWA |
Just your good old fashioned
"love/hate relationship" song Flying high on a plane of contempt - Courtesy of John Gottman on contempt and the theory of thin-slicing |
| "Down, boy" | Just use your imagination - in country song style |
| A Midnight Summer's Wet Dream | Could be Pop |
| Golden_Gate ( Spirit of Frisco ) | Country/Rock |
| Image Is Everything (Labels and Logos) | Pop/dance version |
| Image Is Everything (Labels and Logos) | Rock version |
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Simple Pop Song |
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Without a constitution, without a democracy, without defined borders. Building of 24 feet concrete walls to contain two human concentration camps, bombing of civilian targets in Beirut, with a country not at war. So why does the American tax payer continue to fund them $3Billion annually to supply ammunitions to kill civilians and support such a fascist state ? Is it because they believe they are “Beautiful People“ ? |
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Dance / Pop - Spanish translations by Pedro Aybar ( True road trip story ) |
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(Welcome to the ) Pool_of_human_dreams |
The closest advice I can give to those now younger than me, without shoving it down their throat |
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Let the paranoia begin |
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Country / Pop - A most excellent DUET |
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| Sweet Dreams and Music | Country / Pop |
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Pop / Country - When Zandra meet Ziggy - cica 1970 |
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Pop |
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Country version |
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Waltz / Country style |
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Pop based on true event in 1955 |
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Country pop |
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Hatfield train disaster ( Music by Neil Young's "Ohio" ) |
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| Dreams are not enough | Male or Female Ballad - For my brother |
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The "Brazilian Bean Mix" version |
Applied with "bucket loads" of percussion |
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Pop Fiction - that love/hate relationship song |
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Simple Pop Fiction |
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"The Mobile Blues Song" (Drunk in charge of a Mobile) |
Pop / Country |
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Hold onto your juice (‘Cause there’s honey to come ) |
Pop / Country |
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Pop Ballad |
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Pop - For Denise |
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Pop / Country |
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Pop - For all those with personalised number plates ? |
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Pop love song (for either male or female singer) |
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Pop girlie song - About a girl’s fan club - with members having specific dimensions to join - "The Double G" |
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Pop Fiction |
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Pure Pop Song -About a female "bum", just for a change |
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Disposable Pop/Novelty song |
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Pop / Country |
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Simple Pop Fiction song |
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It’s your standard broken love affair |
Country version ( with acoustic and cold hearted 'steel' ) |
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Pop Fiction |
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Pop Fiction |
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Pop based on true scenario – Well someone missed this one ! |
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Pop Ballad - true story of a marriage break-up |
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Pop – Quote from a certain classic picture |
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Pop ( acoustic version ) – New romantics meets the high street |
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Pure Pop |
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Pop Fiction |
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Pop Fiction |
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| Dolphins In The Sky |
Pop Fiction |
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Pop Fiction |
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I wouldn’t let you down |
Pop Fiction |
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Pop Fiction ballad |
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Pop Fiction ballad |
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Pop novelty / kiddies song |
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Pop Novelty spoof of George Michael’s “Fast Love” |
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(Cover; as an acoustic version ) |
Pop Fiction |
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Pop Fiction |
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On a day like today I feel good |
Pop Fiction Also Gareth Parry |
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Pop Fiction |
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Simple Pop Fiction song |
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Pop Fiction |
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Pop Also Gareth Parry |
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Pop Fiction Also Gareth Parry |
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Pop Fiction Also Gareth Parry |
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Pop Fiction Also Gareth Parry |
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Pop Fiction Also Gareth Parry |
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Pop Fiction Also Gareth Parry & Stephen Rees |
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Pop Fiction Also Gareth Parry & Stephen Rees |
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Open up your heart |
Pop Also Gareth Parry & Stephen Rees |
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Pop Fiction Also Gareth Parry |
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Pop Fiction Also Gareth Parry |
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Pop Fiction Also Gareth Parry |
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Pop Fiction |
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Pop Fiction Also Gareth Parry |
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Pop Fiction Also Gareth Parry |
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Dance with a stranger |
Pop Fiction Also Gareth Parry |
| I'm Fat and Forty And I Think I'm Fab | Pop |
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Pop Fiction |
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Pop Fiction Also Gareth Parry |
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Pop Fiction |
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Pop Fiction |
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Pop Fiction |
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Pop Fiction |
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Pop Fiction |
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Simple Pop Fiction song |
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Pop Fiction |
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Pop Fiction Also Gareth Parry |
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Pop Fiction Also Gareth Parry and Derek Tough |
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Pop Fiction Also Gareth Parry |
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Pure Pop Fiction |
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Ditto (pronounced; Dee-toe) |
Simple Pop Fiction song |
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Simple Pop Fiction song |
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Pop Non-Fiction Song ( when flares were flares ) |
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Some hearts |
Pop Also Gareth Parry |
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Simple Pop Fiction song |
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It's got to be me |
Pop Also Gareth Parry |
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Pop Fiction Also Gareth Parry and Stephen Rees |
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Pop Fiction Also Gareth Parry |
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Pop Fiction Also Gareth Parry |
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Pop Fiction Also Gareth Parry |
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Pop Fiction Also Gareth Parry |
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Simple, uncomplicated Pop Fiction song |
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| ( I'm )Calling Out | Pop Fiction |
| Love Arrangement | Pop Fiction |
| Daddy, We Don't Want to Go To Bed | Children's Pop Song |