So amazing light rock piece my friend!! I love that progression!

Your voice bright so much! I love your style man !!

Wow what a mazing synth break!! Stunning work Mark!!

great song! What a wonderful production and lovely sentiment

Beautiful vocal performance Mark, and gorgeous instrumental!  You guys really pulled together here to make this mark of excellence!  Very professional sound mix, and lovely lyrics about gratitude and appreciation!  Fantastic work on this guys!

always great to hear this company together, another superb song and collab

Straight from Your Hearts

Travelling with Ghosts

Yesterday you told me that you‘ll leave our home today 
I think it’s okay cause you’re eighteen now anyway

It seems to me like someone pushed fast-forward on my tape
Keep holding back the memories in my head so they won't escape

Farewell my son, be safe when travelling with ghosts
They like to whisper in your ear, the things you fear the most

And when you‘re old and grey like your father is by now
Most likely you will think of me and drop a line somehow

Farewell my son, be safe when travelling with ghosts
They like to whisper in your ear, the things you fear the most

And when the time has come for you to meet your dad again
We‘ll be sitting on our cloud together, smiling now and then 

Happy birthday David!



Thanks a million for pre-listening: Michele, Gary, Judith and Brenda!

Travelling With Ghosts (David’s 18th birthday)

https://soundcloud.com/33per , my dear donkey fellow sent me this wonderful instrumental, a Big Thank You for that, it was a great pleasure to write and sing along.

The image shows Gregory Peck as captain Ahab in John Houston's film adaptation of Melville's “Moby Dick” from 1956, having just nailed a Spanish dubloon on the main mast.

AHAB (All Hypocrates Are Basterds)

O-o-ohh, o-o-ohh…
Tell me please…
Is that really happening-ä-ä-ä-äppening ?
Do you feel that too ?

Noone is getting out here
Oh no-no-no-no-noo, o-o-o-o-o-ooh
Noone is getting out here alive

Ohh no
Not even the feckin’ basterds
No, no
Not even those feckin’ basterds

Will survive
Whatever may be the strive

See, because 
Noone is getting out here alive
Not the president
Nor his wife

Whatever may be the strive
That won’t work

Ohh oh 
All hypocrates are basterds 			(AHAB)
Ohh, oh
All autocrates are feckin’ basterds 			

They can fool the people 
For some time,

But,
But,
But,

They can’t fool all the people all the time
Not really …
That’s beyond the line

It’s possible to continuate
To self-determinate
To not participate…

So to say:
I would - and - i would…

And i-i-i-i-i-i-i- would 
And I would… 
I-I-I would…
And i would and I would…
I-I-I would…
I would prefer not to…

AHAB (wt 33per, raw edit)

i’m already 
goin’ down
to the end of the story now
wind is blowing
to the end of the story now

come away   come away

time is bending 
drifting down
spin the hourglass all around
pulverize it
spin the hourglass all around

i’m comin’ after 
i’m comin’
i’m unembodied
i’m free

i’m already 
leaving town
train is rounding the mountain now
got my ticket
train is rounding the mountain now

come away   come away
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

image from Malcom Shadrach via Unsplash


Quietus

Recorded in Modesto, Ca.  Featuring Gibson 335 Electric Guitar solo. Alto Saxophone solo. Flute solo. Fender Electric Bass.Roland Synthesizer Bass. Fender Rhodes Electric Piano
(right). Fender Rhodes Electric Piano Rhythm (Left) Baritone Electric Guitar Rhythm. Drums Acoustic Full drum kit set. Percussion Shimmer Chimes tree, 22" Zildjian Crash & Ride Cymbals.

Cannery Row

Firefly

"One day blooms, the next day blusters—spring keeps us guessing and growing."
this quote would perfectly describe my Lovely Niece 🪴😊
Happy birthday to my dear 'Iren'. ❤️

mix & mastering by @bahram-dashtii

Buy/Stream

Iren, the Spring Girl

This song is actually more of a poem. But I only realized that when I tried to set the text to music after I had written it. 
"I count on you" is a song written as a heartfelt thank-you to the quiet companions in our lives — those who stand by us when times get tough. 
Sometimes, these are the people who understand us without needing many words. Sometimes, they are the loyal, four-legged friends who remain by our side through the years. And sometimes, it’s a spiritual presence that carries us through our darkest moments.

This song is about that steady, silent presence — the comforting feeling of not being alone. It reminds us how much strength can be found simply in being there for one another. Some call it friendship, others call it love — some believe it is God. Ultimately, it’s about connection, trust, and the quiet certainty: I can count on you.

A heartfelt thank-you to Andreas and Colter, who deeply inspired me in the creation of this song.

It would mean a lot to me if this song finds a place in your heart and uplifts you when you listen.



I count on you

When everything inside goes quiet,
and I don't know what to do,
when every step feels heavy,
somehow – there’s you.
You never asked for answers,
you just stood there by my side.
In a time that felt so broken,
you were my piece of light.

I count on you 
when the fire’s burning low.
When I feel like fading,
you’re the one who still knows.
I count on you –
not 'cause you're loud or strong,
but 'cause you stay,
when everything feels wrong.

You held my silence gently,
carried every flaw I had.
You saw the parts I couldn’t show,
and never said it’s bad.
You never needed big ideas,
you just showed up as you are.
And in the middle of the night,
you were my northern star.

I count on you 
when hope has gone to hide.
When the world gets smaller,
you still stay by my side.
I count on you 
no questions, no disguise.
You’re the quiet truth
in a world of little lies.

And if the day should ever come
when you can’t hold it all alone –
I’ll be the one who holds you back,
like you have always done.

I count on you 
And you can lean on me
We carry what the other can´t
And set each other free
I count on you 
and hope you feel it too.
Through every broken piece,
I’ve found a friend in you.


Lyrics/Vocals/Music: Axel Menningen

I Count On You

I couldn't resist revisiting my tilt at this 1980's classic from The Korgis, now with Rick!

@rick-4-1: Teaching The Drums
@phil-mcwalter: Learning The Other Stuff

Everybody's Gotta Learn Sometime - The Korgis

Change your heart
Look around you
Change your heart
It will astound you
I need your lovin'
Like the sunshine

And everybody's gotta learn sometime
Everybody's gotta learn sometime
Everybody's gotta learn sometime

Yea ea eah

Songwriting credit: James Edward Warren / The Korgis

Everybody's Gotta Learn Sometime

Everybody's Gotta Learn Sometime II

Whatever’s haunting you
Whatever you’ve been through
That broke your heart in two

Whatever’s come before
The demons at your door
Will never change my love for you

Just the way you are
You are beautiful and scarred
You’ve gone up against the gods
And beaten the odds

Whatever’s on your mind
Together we’ll survive
As long as love’s alive

So let me hold your hand
Let me comfort you
Through all these trying times

So take me as i am
A lost and broken man
But as long as I’m with you
Together we’ll get through
Whatever comes our way 
We’ll take it day by day 
Whatever comes our way

Whenever skies are gray 
My love will shine each day
I’ll wipe your tears away 
Whatever comes our way


whatever

Kintsugi is an art form that embodies the philosophy of wabi-sabi which values the beauty of imperfection and transience. Kintsugi also serves as a metaphor for embracing our flaws and imperfections in life seeing them as a source of strength and beauty and finding resilience in the face of adversity. 

Kintsugi

An improv composition in celebration of the perfect, simple days that bring us moments of happiness and wonderful memories. Wishing more of these days to everyone listening.

The Perfect Day

Mark says - 
In the 5 years I have been working with Rod, I have been encouraged to reach as far as my experience allows me to, with complete support at all times. So far we have completed 11 songs and have experimented with several others that made for a great learning curve for me, with several more at other stages of development... Watch this space, however as we are methodical and patient, therefore it may take some time to get them off the ground.

The subject matter of this song may be based on a different scenario but it is also a token of my gratitude to my inspirational collaborator and friend Rod, who has given me much confidence to rise to the ambition of his musical creativity and meticulous arrangements. Thank you all for giving this song your time.

Rod says - 
This song was conceived a long time ago to be sung in Spanish, but Mark did a magnificent adaptation with his English lyrics, and the meaning is 100% faithful to the original spirit, even though he hadn't heard the original song in Spanish. Technically, there are three voices together, consolidating a multi-vocal performance. The synth sounds emulate my old analog and FM synths, and the guitars were routed through an old console to achieve the vintage sound I was looking for.

Rodolfo Planes - Music composition, instrumentation, arrangement, production and mix - @rplanes
Me - Vocals and lyrics
Image by Douglas Corrance

Thank You (Rodolfo Planes/Mark J Bennett)

I would like to tell you just how grateful I am,
And also how important you’ve been here in my life.
I know I don’t need to draw you a diagram,
Thank you for being there all this time as my wife.
I have to tell you just how good you’ve been for me,
And I hope that I have also been there for you,
When you needed me through all this trouble and strife.
 
No need to show me all of your gratitude,
I already know how much you show that you care,
When you were prepared to move to my latitude,
Then I was convinced I was ready to share,
My life with you whatever it threw at the both of us.
I know that it’s true, no matter what you care to say.
I’ll always need to express all of my thanks to you 
This will always be true on that I swear.
 
I would like to tell you just how grateful I am,
And also how important you’ve been in, in my life.
I have to tell you just how good you’ve been for me,
And I hope that I have also been there for you,
When you needed me through all this trouble and strife.
Then I was sure that I was ready to share,
My whole life with you, whatever that meant for the both of us.
I know that it’s true, whatever you say.

This song on Continental Collision's own cloud - https://soundcloud.com/user-517923604/thank-you

Also available on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/album/5pfvPjop9XCJPrVL9a60U0

Thank You - Continental Collision (Rodolfo Planes & Mark J Bennett) on Spotify

Another recent recording from the latest batch of songs. I think the instrumental Noobly created on this is stunning he makes it so easy for me to fit vocal melodies.
A song about not wanting to let go of the sun in a relationship that made it so hot and fire.
Nothing lasts forever and just like flowers we wilt and die eventually but must come back stronger next time and regain our bloom. 
Conscience Of Kings gives you …..

Sun In My Fist 

V1
You said you hate getting flowers because that’s a gift that’s already dying 
Maybe there like you and me but at least Im trying
Help me understand I’m suffering the way I am
I’m buried under this weight of you, not giving a damn

Ch
Holding the sun in my fist 
It’s burning a hole in my wrist 
The success & hope depends on this 
So while I’m holding the sun in my fist
It will stop me spinning spinning out on this 

I will stay quiet out here in the open 
And you can carry on pretending that you are coping 
Undercutting my compliments and being really assertive
It’s never been  your style or a form of flirting 

Ch

Lead break 
2.55
You make my good days even better 
You bring the sun into to my weather 
If only you could see yourself through my eyes 
Then you would realise 
That’s why I’m holding 
The sun on my fist x3



To stop me spinning out on this …..


Sun In My Fist ~ Conscience Of Kings

a song about Australia my home ……a little piano improv at the end with some bush sounds I recorded and the phenomenal playing of native instruments by the elders..........these are the sounds I remember as a young fella, having just immigrated from Belfast  Northern Ireland during the “troubles”  in 1980,  swapping petrol bombings and the sound  of patrolling army boots for the  song of the lyrebird and the scent of the bush is something I’ve not forgotten ,  so I’ve tried to capture that feeling a bit here……….cheers and peace for listening



sun on the face, warm is the night
red dust underfoot, desert rose growing high
the smell of the eucalypt hangs in the air
corellas in the oak tree, cockatoo doesn't care

it's the land i love the roads i walk
the people i know, the language we talk
i'll never leave i'm never alone
my life is here, this is my home

the afternoon storms blow in from the west
to offer relief 39 in the shade
the sound of distant thunder makes the kookaburra cry
ooh my cooinda, katjeri sky

it's the land i love the roads i walk
the people i know, the language we talk
i'll never leave i'm never alone
my spirit's here, this is my home

it's the land i love the roads i walk
the people i know, the language we talk
i'll never leave i'm never alone
our spirit's here, this is our home

Home

Seem to be in permanent countdown mode: global warming,Trump’s tariffs, days left before the visa runs out. So I thought I’d plan an imaginary escape in this song.   https://youtu.be/WfT0n7nuGxE


Let’s start with the countdown
Whoop, whoop I’m going home
ZEHN
There’s nothing worse than Earthlings
NEUN
They have such weird chromosomes 
ACHT
They’re cruel and they’re deluded
SIEBEN
They’re fools, they’re mean, they moan
SECHS
So I’ve pimped up Elon’s spacecraft 
FÜNF
Just hope to take me home
VIER
Tune those raptor engines
DREI
Gotta fixe those propellent leaks
ZWEI
And fingers-crossed I’m blasting off 
EINS
Should be be home in about a week.
WIR HABEN ABGEHOBEN

The Countdown

LYRIC VIDEO  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yukpFvbhX-Y
So ~ I wasn't really intending on writing / recording another new song at the moment since I'm attempting to finish a number of other songs for my current project ~~but This One came to me one day in July & I felt compelled & decided to kind of drop everything  & record it, as I was hearing it as the possible song I may tag on as the Final Song of my new project once it is complete to close it out ~~
Would Love to hear any thoughts on it at all ! :-)
©2025 Donna Dior

THE LAVENDER

Nothing Moves

If you use generative AI in any form to create "your music", don't bother with my profile, you are not welcome here.
AI music generation detector: https://www.submithub.com/ai-song-checker
I do not support the use of generative AI in music creation. I will not support people who use such technologies nor will I use them. The two songs I posted only serve to raise awareness of the existence of such technologies and as a warning.

At the beginning I would like to sincerely apologize that I am responding to comments late and I am sometimes unable to keep up with listening to your work, but I still work full-time in a profession that has absolutely nothing to do with music and I have my duties towards family and home.

To everyone who flew into my corner on SoundCloud: I am grateful for your support with likes, shares and thank you for the great comments. Please don't hesitate to suggest changes to my music in them. Thanks to this, the next songs will be better and better.

All my music is MIDI (except some drum loops), played/created by me and edited in Ableton Live.

---------------------------

Born in 1970. Music fan since 1985. Now heaving fun with making music. I'm self-taught, playing everything by ear. Started in 1990's but due to certain circumstances left in 1998 until April 2022. My music is created in Ableton Live 11 Intro (until december 2022) and 11 Standard with mostly free plug-ins. Fan of soundtracks (my personal heros are John Williams, Clint Mansell, Philip Glass, Thomas Newman, Hybrid, Hans Zimmer and much more), world music (Dead Can Dance), chillout (Bent, Zero7, Groove Armada, St. Germain, Air, Röyksopp, Kosheen and more), trip-hop (Massive Attack, Portishead), acid jazz (Us 3), fusion (Pat Metheny Group, Dirty Loops), progressive rock (Porcupine Tree), classical (Tchaikovsky, Mozart, Debussy, Orff, Mussorgsky) electronica (Imogen Heap), IDM/House (Moderat, Apparat, Plaid) and electronic music (Vangelis, Kraftwerk, Isao Tomita, Marek Biliński, J.J. Jarre).

Still learning how to produce music.

FB https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61580446084765

Dear listener, Feel free to leave comments and I'll try to reply.

I've been making music for around 16 years now but because of the wonderfully generous community that is SC, I have learned so much in a short time. I look forward to learning even more by collaborating. 
I suppose my strengths are in lyric-writing and singing. I feel fortunate to have been able to work with some stunning compositions by some very talented SCers.

My very best to you, Mark

Some links to recent Continental Collision streaming sites, etc are available below:

Thank You - Continental Collision (Rodolfo Planes & Mark J Bennett) on Spotify

markjbennett

Recent comments

Ingo Bremenkamp

Torbjørn

Ultrasonic Pest Repellent

Donna Dior

Related tracks