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THE JOURNEY DEEP DIVE
PART 2


9 May 2013
1:17:38




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Speakpipe from Gael Robinson.

Hurt – song deep dive by Svein and Tom.

  • Spoken intro by Mike and Mark.
  • The least Big Country-sounding song on the album.
  • The video and how that helped grow the appreciation of the song.
  • The most poignant Big Country-related lyrics on the album.
  • Song background: the Mike Peters demo “Terms and Conditions.”
  • The choice of this song as a single.

Speakpipe from Shawn Streeter.

Home of the Brave – song deep dive by Tom and Svein.

  • Spoken intro by Derek and Jamie.
  • Derek’s intro (with live sample).
  • The first attempt at recording this song with Bill Nelson, when Tony’s bass rig blew the power out.
  • Bonus story: Tony talking about his equipment in 1986, and Stuart & Bruce being blown away.
  • A song about unfaltering perseverance, charging through the wastelands like the powerhouse that the song is. Eyes on the goal, and about the effort of getting there.

Speakpipe from Arlin Bartels.

Angels and Promises – song deep dive by Svein and Tom.

  • Spoken intro by Bruce and Mark.
  • There are three versions of this song: the album version, the demo (released on Youtube), and a version the band recorded with Bill Nelson (yet to be released).
  • A great song with a few big flaws – primarily the premature and abrupt fade-out, but also some “in your face” aspects of the mix, that the full-stop silences are no longer silent, etc.
  • Like “Hurt”, a lyrical tribute to Stuart, but also a strong musical tribute.
  • Some of Mike’s most passionate vocals on the album.

Speakpipe from John Lewis.

Strong (All Through This Land) – song deep dive by Tom and Svein.

  • Spoken intro by Bruce and Jamie.
  • Comparisons with the early live versions.
  • The title change of the song. What works better; “All Through This Land” or “Strong”?
  • Interesting lyrical themes in this song: basically “It’s hard work, but worth it if you don’t give up”. Also, themes of family and belonging.

Speakpipe from Mark Gribbin.

Last Ship Sails – song deep dive by Svein and Tom.

  • Spoken intro by Bruce and Jamie.
  • Comparisons with the early live versions.
  • The “Skids-song” on the album.  
  • The unexpected strength of the song: the lyrics! Many throwbacks to Steeltown, and a lot of inner dramatics. The song offers a way out, but the decision to go feels urgent and time feels short.
  • A lot of subtle and clever flourishes musically – not just bashing it out.
  • A good single choice?

Speakpipe from Andy Inkster.

“Strong (All Through This Land)” – acoustic version from the “In A Broken Promise Land” vinyl 7”.

Bonus segment: Andy Inkster shares his personal best practices on how to submit great Speakpipe messages.