This is a remix of my first vocal offering which I originally released over 10 years ago. Some of the original (free) VST's have faded from existence so I worked with a few of my current favourites and one new one. By now I had switched to a Strat guitar and this is undoubtedly one of my better, more fluid leads. At the time, I was also experimenting with keyboards and was really just getting comfortable using two hands (rather than 2 fingers). Also at this time, I was getting comfortable using Cuckos Reaper. As for lyrics, they just came from the mood of the tune. Everything is drawn from life experiences, so a "cut and paste" of some old, but not forgotten, memories. I'm not sure why I chose the 3rd person to express these images. 

Broken Dreams
---------------------

[INTRO/SOLO]

You wake up from a nightmare ...
Or was that real?
Somehow you can't get out of bed
Fingers too numb to feel.

Sun coming through the window
But there's no heat.
Now, the silence is deafening
Not a sound from the street.

[SOLO]

Sweet smells from the pillow
As you turn in bed.
Memories of warm embraces
Filter through your head.

No matter now, the bed is cold.
The covers are all grey.
The memories still linger
Of a love that did not stay.

[OUTRO/SOLO]

:: Words and music copyright Rick Engler

Image courtesy of MS Word Clipart
Drum sounds courtesy of Free Studio Drum Sounds and 9th Wonder Kit
Microphones: Apex 185
Keyboards: Casio WK-110 with built-in voicings
Fender Princeton Chorus Amp
Fender Stratocaster Blacktop Guitar
Boss ME-70 Multi-effects pedal
Analog to Digital: Steinberg CI 1 USB MIDI Interface
Mixed in Cuckos Reaper on a PC
Remixed using Reaper with a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 and a Shure SM58.

Broken Dreams

Broken Dreams (Original)

Thanks for BVs from Ed The Daniel

Photo by Eileen Pan on Unsplash

I have a great attraction
To all the ones
Who don’t have one distraction
From what they want

I can’t fault what you’re doing
I wish I could
If I get lost pursuing
Just carry on 

Every step that is taken
We take alone  
In search of what we’re craving 
A thing unknown

I don’t think something’s missing
In all the ones
Who through their indecision
Get left behind

I’ve got such admiration
For all the ones
Who know no deviation
From all their plans

And where there’s satisfaction
In your way
Of living in the action
It’s not my way

A great attraction

(Written by Terry Reeves)
Terry Reeves: Vocals
Gary Reeves: Drums
Hans-Michael Albers: All other instruments, Arrangement & Production

Despite it happening over a hundred years ago, the sinking of The Titanic is a subject which continues to fascinate.  Many may believe the ship’s misfortune in striking an iceberg was the simple reason for her demise but the true story is a catalogue of human error.  Investigation of the circumstances have unearthed a plethora of  mistakes that in their own way, all contributed to the disaster.  

In 1985, a secret mission to find the wrecks of two nuclear submarines unwittingly discovered that of The Titanic and since that time, ongoing scientific expeditions have discovered that the metal structure has created a species of bacteria that will eventually consume the entire ship, recycling the nutrients into the ocean ecosystem.  You can’t fight Mother Nature.  And you can’t fight those who'll always spot a way of making huge amounts of profit, no matter the grisly events from which they evolve. 

By 1998, tickets were put on sale at $32,500 each for tourists to view the remains and since then, fewer than 250 people have visited the site.  By 2021, OceanGate, who owned the Titan submarine, were offering tours to view said remains at a cost of up to $250,000 per person.  

Whilst understanding the continued scientific interest, I do find it macabre that the graves of those killed aboard Titanic, many from poor backgrounds, should become a tourist playground for the rich and privileged. That isn't to say I wasn’t glued to the news, hoping for a positive outcome in the rescue bid for those aboard the Titan sub.  It was deeply upsetting to discover that they had perished.  Some five years before the fatal implosion, specialists had warned OceanGate that the venture could very possibly end in such a disaster, yet I very much doubt the occupants, who had paid so much, were made aware of the fact.

I wanted to write a song that reflected how little we have learned in the century or so between Titanic and Titan.  It seems that, for rich and poor alike, the arrogance of greed will always be with us. (Terry Reeves)

(For those wondering what ‘CQD’ means, it was the first signal the wireless operator aboard Titanic used to call for assistance and means “All Stations.  Distress!” Later though, he did also transmit the more universally used code, ’SOS’). 
 
Underwater tour, down in deep watery waves
Two hundred and fifty thousand to visit the graves
The ghosts of 3rd class continue to descend 
Death has no pleasure, haunting message to send

Can’t believe 
No I can’t believe it’s happened again
It’s happened again ( x4)

Sad moments of time forgotten names of the past
Imagine the screaming ending in silent broadcast 
Locking caged doors using padlocks and chains
No consideration given to lower class remains

Can’t believe 
No I can’t believe it’s happened again
It’s happened again ( x4)

CQD, CQD, CQD, CQD….

Can’t believe 
No I can’t believe it’s happened again
It’s happened again ( x4)
 
The rich need to own hold what no one else has
A brief chance to look down on the poor and the sad?
Excepting the science knowing lessons to learn
But not for amusement boasting others to yearn

Can’t believe 
No I can’t believe it’s happened again
It’s happened again ( x4)

Arrogance sank ‘Titanic’ built for luxury and speed
Now laying very static on the bottom of the sea
Arrogance imploded the ‘Titan’ Carbon submarine 
Sadly reminding too much money can be obscene

Can’t believe,  No I can’t believe 
Can’t believe,  No I can’t believe it’s happened again
It’s happened again ( x12) 

Can’t believe, Can’t believe 

CQD, CQD, CQD, CQD….

TITANIC TO TITAN - CRIPPLE CLUB

Slice of life.

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

at the party
in your kaftan

hesitating never knowing what to say

sunday morning
ruffled pillows

what just happened, am i waking all alone
was i dreaming how come i can’t find my phone

heart is racing
head is spinning

my new boyfriend i don’t even know your name
be my boyfriend never thought i’d play this game
listen boyfriend you have left me overthrown
be my boyfriend you can even keep the phone

Boyfriend

Taken from the upcoming debut full length album (planned to be released mid-2024 - "Rock and Roll Kills").
(p) & (c), 2024.
youtube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtnXGGtwzSQ
--------------------------------------------
lyrics:
Like we used to
---------------
We don't play in gigs like we used to
We don't play in the streets like we used to
We don't hang out in squares like we used to
and we don't drink ice cold beers like we used to

and now we grew up, became strangers we fell on trap 
and the days are not the same, like we used to...used to

We don't jam at all, like we used to
we don't grill outside the yard, like we used to
we don't party as friends like we used to
we don't say hello like we used to....used to

and now egos stood up, became cold and all that crap
and the years are not the same, like we used to...used to!

Rock and Roll Kills

Like We Used To

Small Steps

While this cover is certainly rough around the edges, my beautiful wife requested that I try my best to perform my own version of this song. This was presented to her as a small token of my undying and unwavering love for her.

I hope you enjoy this raw take at an electronic dance classic!

True Colors [Alternative Cover]

Algorithm

Lyrics by Tony Harris (US) that inspired Mike are listed below.
Vocals, Melody, Music & Mix by Mike Fox (UK)
Sax by Greg Willis

DECIDED TO TAKE
THE SCENIC ROUTE			
TO THE MOUNTAINS			
 IN TENNESSEE			
			
WOULD BE			
TWO HOURS LONGER			
BUT A BEAUTIFUL DRIVE			
YOU SEE			
			
ENJOYING THE DRIVE			
COULDN'T HELP BUT NOTICE			
ABANDONED BUILDINGS			
NO LONGER ALIVE			
			
(CHORUS)			
SHADES OF THE PAST			
THAT'S WHAT THEY ARE			
SHADES OF THE PAST			
NO LONGER ALIVE			
SHADES OF THE PAST			
JUST A MEMORY			
SHADES OF THE PAST			
THAT'S WHAT THEY ARE			
			
SOME PEOPLE FEEL			
THEY'RE SHADES OF THE PAST			
NO LONGER IMPORTANT			
THEY'VE LOST THEIR ZEAL			
			
DON'T LET FATHER TIME			
CONTROLL YOUR LIFE			
THEY ARE MOUNTAINS			
YET TO CLIMB			
			
THE SEASONS COME			
THE SEASONS GO			
STRIVE FOR THE BEST			
WHILE HERE BELOW			
			
(REPEAT CHORUS)			
			
(BRIDGE)			
ABANDONED BUILDINGS			
TELL A LIFE STORY			
WHAT STORY WILL YOUR LIFE TELL			
			
(REPEAT CHORUS -  OPTIONAL)			
			
© 2018 BMI Lyrics by Tony Harris

Shades Of The Past - Collaboration by Tony & Mike Fox - Original

What To Say

In this fictional story, Madlyn, "the little girl dressed in blue" from the track, Climb Up the Ladder is missed by her dad. We've gotten a number of condolence messages. I guess we did a good job on this track!

Ruby LaRue

MADLYN

A guy, some guitars and a laptop.
Always happy to collaborate! just drop me a message or email me

Small Steps

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