Virtual Open Mic - The VOM Archives

Credit to:	Pearl Jam
URL is:	http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=REp2IKNE99s

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Comments

This month's entry marks my first VOM collaboration effort. From the first time my best friend Patrick introduced me to this song a bit over a month ago, I knew I had to learn to play it. At the time I joked with him saying, once I learned to play it, he'd have to sing it...

As straight forward as the chord progression is, it was a bit of a challenge for me since I've never been overly adept at the whole finger picking thing. With a bit of practice under my belt, one evening, I grabbed my old Yammi beater, hit the record button on my camera and let the virtual tape roll. This video (botched notes and all) was the result...

With the guitar recorded, it was time for some vocals. True to his word, Patrick sat down, grabbed a mic for the first time, and tried out his vocal chords. After a few takes and a touch of added reverb, the collaboration was complete. To that end, I'd say this is a half VOM1T tune: 1 take guitar, 3 take vocals This video also marks Patrick's worldwide Interwebs singing debut... now we just have to wait for the recording deal offers to start rolling in.

Hope you enjoy it!
Chris

Posted: 10-11-2009, 03:06 AM

14 Years

#11

FussenKuh

Credit to:	Guns n' Roses
URL is:	http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Syu4GbBa4Gc

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Comments

Not quite sure about my availability for this VOM so I figured it's best to take advantage of this absentee posting thing :-) It's been said before, but, great work Joe!

Anywho... I've tried my hand (and vocal chords) at some good old GnR this month. '14 Years' is the second track from their Use Your Illusion II album. With the exception of the chorus, it represents one of the few Guns n' Roses songs not sung by Axl but, instead, by Izzy Stradlin.

This is my stripped down, simplified, acoustic version of the tune. Complete with original solo and, for better or worse, my voice. As always, it's not perfect, but, I enjoyed making it. For anyone who can't stand my singing, 15-20 seconds into the video, there is an embedded link to a version without my vocals ;-)

As there are multiple guitar parts and singing, multiple audio/video parts were recorded for the rhythm and solo sections then spliced/synced into the final video. The final product might not be VOM1T, but, technically, the individual parts were ;-)

Enjoy!

Posted: 09-13-2009, 01:04 AM

Lonely Day

#12

FussenKuh

Credit to:	System of a Down
URL is:	http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nl5bZ3AMmik

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Comments

Another month month down and another VOM to enjoy!

I can't say that I'm a System of a Down fan. However, there are a select few songs that I really enjoy from the band. Lonely Day is one of that select few. Maybe it's because Lonely Day is written by System's guitarist or because it shares a similar sound with The Animals' 'House of the Rising Sun.' Whatever the reason for liking it, I'm presenting my acoustic rendition of the tune for this month's VOM. As I didn't want to attempt to sing the song, I layered my instrumental interpretation of 'vocals' over the basic rhythm complete with simplified solo.

As always, it's not perfect, but, I hope someone enjoys it! And, yes, there is a little bit of 'War Pigs' influence introduced into the song towards the end ;-)

Chris

Posted: 08-09-2009, 01:07 AM

Master Of Puppets

#13

FussenKuh

Credit to:	Metallica
URL is:	http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgd9UJe7ioY

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Comments

It's hard to believe another month has already passed. Here's hoping for another grand VOM! I know I'm certainly looking forward to listening to everyone

This interlude from the normally driving riffs of Metallica's Master of Puppets has always been one of my favorite parts of the whole Master of Puppets album. As such, I felt inspired to figure out how to play it acoustically. I've rearranged the solo for play on my acoustic guitar and, to fit my abilities, it's been a bit simplified. However, it's not quite VOM1T. To make it sound a bit more full, there's actually two guitar tracks layered together in my rendition. Each of those was recorded in one take.

As always, it isn't perfect, but I had fun making it. Any and all feedback (good, bad, or ugly) is always appreciated. Thanks for watching!

Chris

Posted: 07-12-2009, 11:01 AM

Soft Rain

#14

FussenKuh

Credit to:	Original
URL is:	http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4RNXLXD13I

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Comments

Title: Soft Rain

Inspired By: The poem 'There Will Come Soft Rains' by Sara Teasdale

I'm cheating this month by reposting the tune I submitted for the Annex's 'Songs Without Music' initiative... I just couldn't find the free time or muster the talent to record something special for this month's VOM.

It's probably easy enough to hear that I still can't sing all that well, but, it was fun to figure out a way (all be it simplistic) to re-imagine Teasdale's poem as a song. Definitely a first for me.

On a side note, portable cameras make one lazier ;-) This video marks the 1st recording not filmed in my 'guitar room' simply because I was too lazy to head over there and, since my camera is no longer tethered to my my computer, I didn't have to. Heck, I was even too lazy to record with my Masterbilt. This tune was recorded with my old Yamaha FG-400a beater.

Anyways, here's hoping someone enjoys it... mistakes and all!

Chris

Posted: 06-14-2009, 01:02 AM

Nothing Else Matters

#15

FussenKuh

Credit to:	Metallica
URL is:	http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LesGVRy8K_0

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Comments

From their self-titled album (aka, The Black Album), I think it's safe to say that anyone who's familiar with Metallica needs no introduction to the song. For those that are not familiar with the tune, Metallica's front man, James Hetfield, initially wrote it to a former girlfriend... it's now considered a song dedicated to all their fans. It also marks just about the only song that I can finger pick.

When I was recording this tune, I couldn't decided if I wanted to record it Acoustic or Electric. So, in the end, in true indecisive fashion, I decided to record both. The intro of the acoustic version is phrased a bit differently and the whole tune is played a bit quicker than the original. The electric version that follows stays a bit more true to the original. As always, it's not perfect and there's a bit of unintended distortion due to my cheap recording setup. If you do make it through both versions of the tune, I'd be really interested to know which one you prefer.

(Sorry for the low volume)
Hope someone enjoys it!
Chris

Posted: 05-10-2009, 01:02 AM

Ten Words

#16

FussenKuh

Where Did You Sleep Last Night?

Credit to:	Joe Satriani
URL is:	http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMsKIXI8U4Y

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Comments

Probably my favorite Satriani song, Ten Words can be found on Satriani's Super Colossal album. As the story goes, Joe originally wrote it on piano as a reflection on the 9/11 attacks. He picked it up again for the Super Colossal record in 2006 and tried to write ten words for the title based on the repeated ten note phrase (0:49-0:57) but found that it was impossible to do, so he left it ambiguous.

Unlike some of his other work, you won't really find any sort of funky effects (besides distortion), crazy mile-a-minute runs or dive bombing whammy action in this tune... which, in part, is why I was drawn to it. If you're familiar with the song you'll realize that the middle section of my rendition doesn't follow the original song. This is basically due to the facts that 1) I couldn't quite figure out that original section by ear and 2) I'm not quite talented enough to play it anyway ;-)

At any rate, I enjoyed coming up with my own original ideas to add to the song, so, in the end, I'm kind of glad that I couldn't figure out the original tune.

The song contains 3 main tracks: A simple drum track provided by my RP80 digitech pedal, a backing rhythm track I recorded and the main solo track.

Hope someone enjoys it!
Chris

p.s. Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there!!!

Posted: 04-12-2009, 01:03 AM

#17

FussenKuh

Credit to:	Traditional Folk
URL is:	http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYiAua02pL4

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Comments

Time to hear my voice again The origins of 'Where Did You Sleep Last Night' date back to at least the 1870s with various people creating various renditions over the years. Being a Nirvana fan, I learned about the song from watching Nirvana - Unplugged in New York back in the 90s. As such, this rendition is obviously inspired by Nirvana's cover more than anything else.

Some of the lyrics have been rearranged and/or omitted and I've included my own little solo in the video simply because I liked the way it sounded... and it give the listener a little break from my voice ;-) Since I needed to overdub the solo, the audio for the song was recorded and then synced to the video.

As always, it's far from perfect, but it was fun to make. Hope someone enjoys it!

Oh, and yes, I realize half my face is missing in this video

Here's to a speedy recovery, Joe!

Posted: 03-08-2009, 02:02 AM

Better Than You Know

#18

FussenKuh

Credit to:	Dust For Life
URL is:	http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cC6pO6o8Wx8

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Comments

Haven't had much time this past month to really dedicate to guitar. So, I'm presenting a simple strumming tune this month.

Few have heard of Dust For Life. Kind of a mix between Alice and Chains, Days of the New, Tantric, et al, Dust For Life was one of those bands that never quite hit it big. Better Than You Know is the last track off of their latest album. While it's a simple strumming pattern with just a few chords repeated throughout the song, I found myself compelled to figure out the chords and play along. Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately for listeners ), I couldn't figure out all the lyrics, so I didn't bother attempting to sing this time around.

Simple as it is, I hope you all enjoy it!

Chris

Posted: 02-08-2009, 01:02 PM

Slither

#19

FussenKuh

Credit to:	Velvet Revolver
URL is:	http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPiC_JRKUvU

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Comments

A year or so ago, I released an abridged version of Velvet Revolver's 'Slither' on YouTube. People seemed to like the rendition except for the fact that I played the main riff slightly differently than the album. Well, since I enjoy playing the song, I've rerecorded a new, more complete, version of 'Slither' for this month's VOM submission. This version was recorded on my Epiphone Masterbilt AJ-500M tuned down a half step.

The main rhythm was recorded in one take with a 2nd guitar part layered over it. As always, the song has its share of flaws, but in the spirit of VOM1T, I've decided to leave the recording as it is. Here's hoping you enjoy it!

-Chris

Posted: 01-11-2009, 01:01 AM

The Application Blues

#20

FussenKuh

Greensleeves (What Child is This)

Credit to:	Original
URL is:	http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5rXu2t6aLUY

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Comments

First off, thanks Stack for posting this on my behalf. I didn't want to miss out on the VOM...

Have you ever been faced with a mountain of paperwork that you just didn't want to deal with? More specifically, have you ever had to review loads of applications for something? Job applications? Mortgage applications? Permit applications? Grad school applications?

Lucky for me, I typically don't have to deal with such fun... But, I know someone who does. So, I wrote this silly little tune in honor of that monumental task! It breaks just about every "rule" in the 20 rules for "The Blues" thread that was posted a while back. But, then again, sometimes them rules were just made to be broken

I present The Application Blues:
Is it cheesy? Yes.
Is it simple? Yes.
Is it something you've never heard anyone sing about? Seems likely.
Is my singing poor? Most likely, yes.
Did it amuse me to create it? Most definitely, yes.
Will you enjoy it? I hope so!

It's not full-on VOM1T, but, it was done in the VOM1T spirit. The rhythm was recorded in one take. The little solo was recorded in one take. And, seeing as I (still) can't manage to sing and strum more than simple chords, the vocals were recorded in one take. The audio was recorded in Audacity, synced to the video, and uploaded to YouTube.

Posted: 12-14-2008, 01:01 AM

#21

FussenKuh

Credit to:	Traditional
URL is:	http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FoDPiWKqPAc

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Comments

Well, unfortunately, I wont' be able to contribute something new at this month's VOM. I wanted to record a holiday themed tune, but I won't have the time to do so. As a result, I'm presenting this: An older video I recorded to ring in the holidays on my YouTube channel. It's an electric rendition of Greensleeves, or, if you prefer... What Child is This?

The way I see it, there's a lot of people with a lot more skill than I playing this tune acoustically. I certainly enjoy listening to them, but I can't play them myself. But, I can (and did) play this I hope you all enjoy it and I look forward to any feedback I may get.

Posted: 11-09-2008, 01:06 AM

Acoustic #3

#22

FussenKuh

Credit to:	Goo Goo Dolls
URL is:	http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mazBPM8Vb74

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Comments

As for me, I'm submitting a short piece from the Goo Goo Dolls this time around. I'm not really familiar with a lot of their music, but a friend turned me on to this little ditty. The tune is simply titled "Acoustic #3." Since I still can't play anything more than chords and sing at the same time, I won't be showing off my singing "skills" this time around.

Posted: 10-11-2008, 10:01 PM

Halloween

#23

FussenKuh

Credit to:	Stephen Lynch
URL is:	http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dd9ImKJLr5E

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Comments

As for me, last year around this time, since I had no hope of singing and playing at the same time, I uploaded an instrumental version of Stephen Lynch's song "Halloween" to YouTube. Well, with Halloween a few weeks away, I figured I'd recreate the song... this time with (poor?) vocals.

While my voice might not be great, playing at these VOMs and hearing (reading?) the encouraging feedback from all of you has helped me grow as a musician... even if it's just a hobby. I don't think I would have really tried singing and playing if it wasn't for these VOMs. Hopefully, as time goes on, I'll continue to improve. Until then, you'll just have to suffer through my learning

Enjoy and happy (early) Halloween!

Posted: 09-14-2008, 01:03 AM

Love Song

#24

FussenKuh

Credit to:	Tesla
URL is:	http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mt5fy5PSYek

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Comments

For this month, I chose to cover another one of my favorite Tesla songs. Simply titled Love Song, my VOM rendition is based off of the Five Man Acoustical Jam version of the song... all-be-it simplified for my playing ability. The song was recorded using Audacity on my Masterbilt AJ-500M in one take (mistakes and all) with the two layers of solo overdubbed in a 2nd and 3rd take. The video was then (mostly) synced to the video. Unfortunately, the YouTube transcoding appears to have slightly botched the sync.

Posted: 08-10-2008, 10:30 AM

Goodbye Yesterdays

#25

FussenKuh

Credit to:	Original
URL is:	http://audio.xanga.com/FussenKuh/6c00b2558201/audio.html

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Comments

My submission for the month is an original tune titled Goodbye Yesterdays.

Composed back in the Fall of 2007 this song was written as a way to help me push through some rough times I was dealing with. As I'm not much of a lyricist, it's an instrumental piece. Writing the song helped me close a long-running chapter of my life while I tried to open a new one.

Even though there are multiple layers of guitar in the song, this time around, each layer was each recorded in one take in an attempt to try to keep in the spirit of the VOM.

Thanks for listening! I hope you enjoy it!

Posted: 07-13-2008, 01:07 AM

Spanish Influences

#26

FussenKuh

Credit to:	Original
URL is:	http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvYIMLzCP1c

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Comments

I've decided to contribute another original tune this month simply called "Spanish Influences". It was recorded a couple weeks ago and, in all reality, I doubt this would be considered any form of real Spanish guitar playing. But, regardless of whether it is or not, when I play it, that's what I'm reminded of... and, since it's mine, I get to name it.

I recorded the rhythm then tracked the solo over it... each in one take using my trusty Masterbilt AJ-500M, a cheap webcam and free 10+ year old Gateway PC mic.

Posted: 06-08-2008, 02:22 AM

The N.G.D. Song

#27

FussenKuh

Credit to:	Original
URL is:	http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2go0IOYiWA

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Comments

Singing and Playing: The Saga Continues...

Last month many of you were brave enough to listen to my overdubbed vocals on a tune. This month I bring you a "performance" complete with singing and playing in a single take (which will be really easy to tell once you hear it).

Posted: 05-11-2008, 08:30 AM

Tommy's Down Home

#28

FussenKuh

Credit to:	Tommy Skeoch Cover
URL is:	http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WaOJhvRHGwc

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Comments

The song is based off of a rather obscure Tommy Skeoch (formerly of Tesla) song which, as far as I know, has only been recorded and released on Tesla's "Five Man Acoustical Jam" album. The song was picked because it's easy to play, it's short, and the singing isn't too involved. With that said, I still don't have the ability to sing and play (I'm slowly working on it, but am still failing badly). So, the lyrics were actually overdubbed after the guitar was recorded... Which, I guess, doesn't make it 1-take (which I was hoping for), but it's as close as I'm able to get at the moment. The song, itself, is a rather tongue-in-cheek affair about being a country boy. As the original lyrics don't apply to me at all, I took a stab at making up my own cheesy lyrics.

Posted: 04-12-2008, 10:08 PM

House Gone Up In Flames

#29

FussenKuh

Blues in A - 1/2 step down

Credit to:	Tom Morello Cover
URL is:	http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmouXJVqFkU

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Comments

Unfortunately, as much as I was hoping to have some new material available for upload, I wasn't able to pull it off earlier in the week nor do I think I'll have time to record later today. So, I must humbly submit one of my previously recorded covers. Running with Crab_Cake's recommendation of "songs of revolution," I chose to post "House Gone Up In Flames." Recorded in June of 2007 on my old Yamaha beater, "House Gone Up In Flames" comes complements of The Nightwatchman (aka Tom Morello).

Posted: 03-09-2008, 11:29 AM

#30

FussenKuh