Picking Songs

Last Friday night we ran through 2 sets, then went through our list of new covers. Everyone has some music they want to play, and a rationale. We listen to each track and discuss.

Everyone is very respectful of the each member's list - and each member puts a lot of care and consideration into what they bring, too. Everyone wants to play the songs we can all be proud and excited to play on a stage in front of our fans, friends and family.

There is a mental checklist involved:

On the positive side
1. I really love this and I want us to play it
2. Someone I know loves this and wants me/us to play it
3. The audience will really love this we should try it
4. Band "X" that I admire covers this and we should too if we want to be at their level
5. This would be a lot of fun to play/jam on

On the negative side
1. I/we can't play that - too hard
2. Bizarre tuning will require another 2 guitars just to play it
3. Vocal range exceeds normal human values
4. Oh the lyrics say that? No thank you
5. Someone hates it for any reason

It may be surprising, but male/female vocalist or song lyrics have never come up as a factor for a specific song being suggested or dropped. I have heard the concern raised that we should include both in our mix. And it isn't Patti bringing a bunch of female vocal songs and the guys bringing all male covers. It could happen, but not driven by an agenda.

Last Friday night we ran through 2 sets, then went through our list of new covers. Everyone has some music they want to play, and a rationale. We listen to each track and discuss.

Everyone is very respectful of the each member's list - and each member puts a lot of care and consideration into what they bring, too. Everyone wants to play the songs we can all be proud and excited to play on a stage in front of our fans, friends and family.

There is a mental checklist involved:

On the positive side
1. I really love this and I want us to play it
2. Someone I know loves this and wants me/us to play it
3. The audience will really love this we should try it
4. Band "X" that I admire covers this and we should too if we want to be at their level
5. This would be a lot of fun to play/jam on

On the negative side
1. I/we can't play that - too hard
2. Bizarre tuning will require another 2 guitars just to play it
3. Vocal range exceeds normal human values
4. Oh the lyrics say that? No thank you
5. Someone hates it for any reason

It may be surprising, but male/female vocalist or song lyrics have never come up as a factor for a specific song being suggested or dropped. I have heard the concern raised that we should include both in our mix. And it isn't Patti bringing a bunch of female vocal songs and the guys bringing all male covers. It could happen, but not driven by an agenda.