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Brand New Key

by KingZeek

/

about

This song pops up in my life sporadically, seems to always be while driving. Most every time, I would get the notion to cover it in some way. I finally did. Melanie released "Brand New Key" in 1971 after starting her own record label with her husband called "Neighborhood Records". The song would go on to be the one. A real American hit in 1972. I hope you enjoy my take as much as I enjoy when hers pops up on the radio.

Process:

Another late summer evening in the Garage 2019. I started as usual with the open parlor working my way thru a complete rhythm take of an arrangement quite similar to the original. I then added some passing chords and tremolo sounds with the parlor. Then the kick/hi hat/snare followed by a take using a box of screws for a shaker. Correct me if I'm wrong but I think I then added the Vega guitar for bass tones. Singing this was a risk, my register is non existent. I did the best I could in the moment then dressed it up with mandolin hitting some of the higher vocal tones. Did my best with some harmonies. I added some percussion sounds by doing a take playing the back of the mandolin as if it were a bongo, then some tambourine. I finished it off with a final pass on the parlor filling the "solo" section with some open D melodic runs.


Sounds:

Guitars: Sure 57 mic on a 60s Kay parlor./A 70's Vega hollow body direct.

Mandolin: Sure 57 on a 60's Kalamazoo Monterey A style.

Percussion: (Half) Box of 1/2 in drywall screws./Tambourine./Mandongo

Drums: Japanese drum kick/hi hat/snare. Sure 57 mic in between the kick and snare.

lyrics

I rode my bike past your window last night.
I roller skated to your door at daylight.
It almost seems, like you're avoiding me.
I'm okay alone, but you got something I need.

I got a brand new pair of roller skates, you got a brand new key.
I think that we should get together, try them on to see.
I've been looking around for a while, and you got something I need.
I got a brand new pair of roller skates, you got a brand new key.

I ride my bike, roller skate, don't drive no car.
I don't go very fast but I go pretty far.
For someone who don't drive, I been all around this world.
Some people say I've done alright for a girl.

I asked your mother if you were at home, she said yes but you were not alone. Sometime I think that you're avoiding me.
Im all right alone but you got something I need.

I got a brand new pair of roller skates, you got a brand new key.
I think that we should get together, try them on to see.
I've been looking around for a while, and you got something I need.
I got a brand new pair of roller skates, you got a brand new key.

credits

released March 22, 2020
Song written by Melanie Safka

Recorded by Pappy in the Garage

Music by King Zeek

Mix by Pappy

Master by John Morgan Kimock

Astrology Days Records 2020

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all rights reserved

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about

KingZeek Burlington, Vermont

Kingzeek is Pappy exploring acoustic instruments, drums, bass, and cassette tape sampling. Inspired by the Rat Island crew of Cleveland OH, Kingzeek offers often spontaneous and honest creations for those seeking sonic truth.

Astrology Days Records 2020
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