Tag Archives: Edge

“A Winter’s Tale” (Moody Blues)

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For Moody Blues chords & lyrics, CLICK HERE!

By Chris Moore:

Hello and welcome to another all-new edition of the Laptop Sessions.  To kick off another full week of new material, I’ve reached into the Moody Blues catalog of songs — specifically from their 2003 album December — to bring you a cover song version of their cover of the Mike Blatt and Tim Rice song “A Winter’s Tale.”

Now, although I am an English teacher, this is not to be confused with the William Shakespeare play “The Winter’s Tale.”  Not only is there a notable difference in parts of speech (namely the indefinite – “a” – versus the definite – “the” – articles), but there is also a big difference in tone.  Still, “The Winter’s Tale” is quite a trip.  Consider, for instance, that this play contains one of Shakespeare’s most infamous stage directions: “Exit, pursued by a bear.”  What I find the most interesting is that there is contention over whether he used an actual bear for the original productions, or simply a man dressed in a bear costume.

I would assume the latter, but the former is just so much more fascinating…

But this is all beside the point.

“A Winter’s Tale” is one of those songs that is indisputably beautiful, sung perfectly by Justin Hayward.  For those who have seen them in concert recently, you may have noticed my apparel is a nod to Hayward’s typical onstage wardrobe.  That wasn’t too difficult to arrange, as I simply removed my tie and jacket and voila!  Of course, this is also one of those songs that, upon playback, forces me to remember I’m a rhythm guitarist hammering away at what is such a subtle, pretty song at heart.  During our MoU Christmas concerts, Mike would front the band on this one, fingerpicking and taking the lead — and for good reason!

The reason I’m standing up is because the song simply didn’t sound right when I played it sitting down.  I found I was having trouble getting comfortable as I played it.

Of course, the majority of the song being played on barre chords didn’t help either…

Several takes and several strained ligaments in my hands later, you’ve got yourself a new Laptop Session.

As a final note about the song, I found it very interesting that this song, originally written by songwriters Mike Batt and Tim Rice, hit #2 on the UK charts back in 1982.  Batt teamed up with Rice to write the song for performer David Essex.  Another interesting bit of trivia is that Batt went on to produce Justin Hayward’s solo album Classic Blue between 1988 and 1989 at Abbey Road Studios in London.  Classic Blue, ironically, is an album of covers.  The track listing includes three songs written by Batt, as well as classics from Brian Wilson, Lennon/McCartney, and Led Zeppelin.

I hope that you enjoy this installment of the Laptop Sessions, and I encourage you to hurry back for more very soon.  In addition to your regularly scheduled (yuletide?) cover song music video tomorrow, there may be a brand new Guest Session on Friday, as well as another edition of the Weekend Review.  If you missed last weekend’s music review, you should know that I just kicked off a top five albums of the decade countdown.  Each weekend between now and January 2nd, 2009, I will reveal another album on the list, as well as a full review.  Then, on January 2nd, I will post my full “Top Thirty Rock Albums of the Decade” list, along with my review for the number one rock album of the decade.

Thus far, the Barenaked Ladies’ Maroon (2000) has cinched the #5 slot.  Which album will rank as the fourth best album of the decade?

You’ll have to tune in to the Weekend Review to find out…

See you next session!

“Wild Honey” (U2 Cover)

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By Federico Borluzzi:

Cover of ”Wild Honey,” included in U2’s All That You Can’t Leave Behind album (2000). I played it with acoustic guitar in a lower key.

** EDITOR’S NOTE: **

It feels odd to refer to Federico as a guest performer, considering how many of his performances he’s shared with the Laptop Sessions blog.  He’s back again today with another excellent video.

As I discovered last time he covered U2, I enjoy the band’s music so much more when Federico is the one performing it!  🙂

Well, U2 fan or not, I hope that you’ll enjoy his cover song version of “Wild Honey.”

Stay tuned for more great new material coming soon to the blog!

“When Love Comes to Town” by U2 & B.B. King – Chords, Tabs, and How to Play

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“When Love Comes to Town”
U2 & B.B. King

Intro:
E             A       E
Yeah… Yeah-yeah.
Yeah… Yeah-yeah.

E                              A          E
I was a sailor; I was lost at sea.
E                                                          A           E
I was under the waves before love rescued me.
E                                     A             E
I was a fighter; I could turn on a thread,
E
Now I stand accused of the things I’ve said.

CHORUS:
A
When love comes to town, I’m gonna jump that train.
A          E                                                   A              E
When love comes to town, I’m gonna catch that flame.
E                                            A          E
Maybe I was wrong to ever let you down,
E
But I did what I did before love came to town.

Used to make love under a red sunset.
I was making promises I was soon to forget.
She was pale as the lace of her wedding gown,
But I left her standing before love came to town.

I ran into a juke-joint when I heard a guitar scream.
The notes were turning blue, I was dazed and in a dream.
As the music played, I saw my life turn around…
That was the day before love came to town.

CHORUS (repeat)

I was there when they crucified my Lord.
I held the scabbard when the soldier drew his sword.
I threw the dice when they pierced his side,
But I’ve seen love conquer the great divide.

CHORUS

End:
E             A       E
Yeah… Yeah-yeah.
Yeah… Yeah-yeah.

“With or Without You” (U2 Cover)

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By Jeff Copperthite:

Welcome to what feels like “just another manic monday” (damnit, I just had to quote the Bangles – shoot me now).  One of the busiest days of my…entire…existence.  And I still found the time to bring a session to you today.  Session-a-day must roll forth.  Getting right there to the end of 2008 will see the release of 365 videos between four performers.  Simply amazing that we are nearing the end of the year.

Ok, away from that, today’s session.  I have to admit, this is a song i’ve known how to play for a long time, and i’ve kept it in store for a day like today where practice time was small at best.  A hit by U2 from their album “The Joshua Tree” is the song “With or Without You”.  This song, similar to a previous session by Tom Petty “Learning to Fly”, features a repeated four-chord pattern that plays through the entire song.  Again, however, the original song is not based on an acoustic guitar so again, making it a Laptop Session is really interesting.

I did a decent job singing this one, but did mistime one word, and one chord slightly.  Since I imagine many youtube viewers don’t read the entire description, i’m sure i’ll have to filter out some comments in the near future about those very small mistakes.

Anyway, enjoy today’s session, and make sure you’re here tomorrow for 100KJim’s newest session!

Editor’s Note: Unfortunately, Jeff’s acoustic cover song music videos are no longer on YouTube, but we decided to keep his cover song blog posts up.  We figured these music blog entries would be good for posterity’s sake and because Jeff always gave such insightful posts each Session.  We hope to see Jeff’s impressive catalog of acoustic rock songs here on the Laptop Sessions cover songs and original music blog again in the future.  But, for now, please make sure to check-out hundreds of other acoustic cover songs from all of your favorite bands here on the Laptop Sessions music blog!