Inset (left) of WWII radio factory. Click to enlarge.
Synopsis
A young 1940’s housewife helps the war effort by working in a radio factory, while her husband (Henry) is fighting in Europe. She imagines she can hear his voice through the radio she is building -- soothing words and a promise to return.
Current audio --
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Video —
As the war in Europe escalates and her husband Henry cannot receive her messages or mail, Mary sends a message via the French underground resistance.
Working Notes:
Notes from Dave to Brent via eMail:
1. 3rd FRET CAPO
2. the A minor 7th is without the high e string fretted..it is suspended.
(A MINOR) (A MINOR 7TH)
mary makes a radio
(E MINOR)
while henry fights the war
(A MINOR) (A MINOR 7TH)
she dont get the history yet..
(E MINOR)
and what he’s fighting for
(F MAJOR)
but she’s alright
(F MINOR)
everyone’s safe tonite
(C MAJOR) (G MAJOR)
[so...mary makes a radio
(F MAJOR)
to hear the sounds
(G MAJOR)
she cant feel anymore
(C MAJOR) (G MAJOR)
and mary waits by the telephone
(E MINOR)
for any word....]
Initial Scratch Track:
1st Scratch: of Mary Makes a Radio -- Dave singing into a small computer mic.
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Updated May 12, 2009
The initial tracks for Mary Makes a Radio are now underway. Bridge is written now -- here is the chord pattern for the bridge;
D Am D Am C G Em Fmaj Fmin … back to intro. (intro is over verse chord pattern)
Bridge Melody and Lyrics not yet written -- will do this when initial beds are and laid down.
Drum loop used for working purposes and guide. Don to remove these tracks if he desires, or add to it if desired.
Fender Bass restrung and Telecaster restrung.
Overall note: Mary has a really strong start melodically and structurally. This tune may lend itself to a more hard edged arrangement. So far it feels that way, but yet to be seen.
Tempo is at 84 BPM.
Updated May 14, 2009
2nd Scratch: of Mary Makes a Radio -- Brent finishes tracking to a click track creating a Garageband project. Basic instrumentation only
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Initial guitar and bass beds down. Acoustic, Electric Guitar and Bass Guitar recorded for beds. Dave coming by for vocals tonight. Lyrics now finished and ready to go.
Lyrics for Mary Makes a Radio
Mary makes a radio
while Henry fights the war
she don’t get the history yet..
and what he’s fighting for
but she’s alright
everyone’s safe tonight
so…Mary makes a radio
to hear the sounds
she cant feel anymore
and Mary waits by the telephone
for any word….
Henry guides the pilot light
steers towards the war
he doesn’t mind the compromise
of what he’s fighting for
and he’s alright
got the future is his sights
and Mary makes a radio
to hear the sounds
she cant feel anymore
and Mary waits by the telephone
for any word….
Jerry plays the siren song
and love goes falling down
Mary sends a message
through the underground
that she’s alright
everyone’s safe tonight
and Mary makes a radio
to hear the sounds
she cant feel anymore
and Mary waits by the telephone
for any word….
Vocals recorded under another “Gin blossom”. Excellent. Dave may be taking over all mixing (fingers crossed). More coming. This tune is ready for mix and master.
Updated May 22, 2009
Dave’s home studio is up and going now. First mixes of Mary Makes a Radio coming across the wire (FTP) now. Hoping Dave will have a final .AIF mix for me early next week or this weekend.
I will be in Saskatoon over the weekend and will master Mary Makes a Radio on Monday morning.
I will post files for the final mix that is a pre-master. Then the mastered version will be posted, followed by the video.
Almost there….
Images and Videos and Extras
Inset below is promotional poster for the Women's Army Corp in 1941. Pictures a woman repairing a radio.
Video/Audio on World War II Radio Broadcasts
