Music

[Matt]

What songs are people using in their displays? I'm planning on using some TSO and Mannehiem Steamroller, but am also looking for something that's a little less mainstream. Has anyone found some unique upbeat Christmas songs?

-Matt

[ErnieHorning]

I used Twisted Sister last year; wasn’t exactly mainstream. People seemed to like it, but it took about a week to get it out of my head after sequencing it. :shock:

[KC]

I used an original MIDI composition for one of my sequences. There are a number of them out there, written by people who would love to see them as part of a show. Definitely unique and definitely not mainstream. You'd probably be the only person in the country using that particular piece of music.

[Jeff Millard]

Where would I look for them K.C.? That sounds very interesting...
jeff

[KC]

I cringed when I posted that just because I knew I wouldn't be able to come up with that answer. I think, at the time, I was Googling for midi files and ended up finding some people who had posted original compositions. When I asked one about using it in my display, they were overjoyed to have that happen. They even created a WAV file to make sure that the music had the intended instrumentation.

[lbro]

Brian used a techno version of jingle bells. That was the first I heard that. It was pretty cool, there is a video of it somewhere on Vixen forum I think.

Lou

[Matt]

I am using the Jingle Bells Techno. I like the song and googled christmas techno music but most of the results weren't suitable for a display.

KC, is there any chance you have a sample of what you used?

-Matt

[Jeff Millard]

I cringed when I posted that just because I knew I wouldn't be able to come up with that answer. I think, at the time, I was Googling for midi files and ended up finding some people who had posted original compositions. When I asked one about using it in my display, they were overjoyed to have that happen. They even created a WAV file to make sure that the music had the intended instrumentation.

I'll give Google a try, Thank you K.C. (I can never remember where I find things on Google either... but it sure is fun lookin')

jeff

[KC]

KC, is there any chance you have a sample of what you used?
I'll look through my backups and see if my old sequence data is still around.

[Josh]

i also used some MIDI files, i have all my stuff on my other pc at this time, but ill upload it if anyone is intersted

i had a little fun as well and did 'Police Stopped my car" its to the tune of "Felis Navi Da" alot of people liked this, and it worked out really well as i had red, blue and white lights close to eachother to flash like the 5 0

[fkostyun]

i also used some MIDI files, i have all my stuff on my other pc at this time, but ill upload it if anyone is intersted

i had a little fun as well and did 'Police Stopped my car" its to the tune of "Felis Navi Da" alot of people liked this, and it worked out really well as i had red, blue and white lights close to eachother to flash like the 5 0

I actually used the police stop my car also - whats really neat about that one - is that I had originally sequenced feliz navidad, and I just had to change the song file and do a few tweaks - and it was done!

[jcoll549]

http://www.mididb.com/

[jcoll549]

I forgot you could use them, just couldn't get any visuals.


jeff c

[KC]

You can use them, just can't get a waveform to display for them (being that there is no actual audio data).

[sandy]

For the Christmas in July show,
I'm opening with Crazy Frogs Jingle Bells,
Then it's I want a hippopotamus for Christmas,
that segues right into the I am Santa Claus version of IronMan.
Then in no particular order yet,
Rocking around the Christmas Tree,
Jingle Bell Rock,
John Lennon's Happy Christmas,
ToySack,
And ending with Wizards.

[lbro]

Sandy-

That sounds like a great program of songs!

Lou

[Greg in Canby]

1973 Styx, Hallelujah Chorus was the last song in my 2006 set.

[peejmeister]

Sandy,
Great list...
Do you find that with so many songs in your sequences that folks are spending "too much" time in front of your house, causing traffic problems?

[sandy]

Hi Phil,
Thanks,
this is the list for the Christmas in July weekend at our campsite.
Yes, at 22 minutes it's too long for a driveby.
Now comes the hard part of either shortening the songs,
or removing some.
Maybe have 2 shows, every other day.
But the big work is still ahead.
These were done with 24 channels.
After I get the Renards and more SSRs
all have to be added to,
so that might pare down the list quickly to only a few.

Somehow my 'Christmas in July' thread got erased,
but I'll say it was a success.
We won the best display prize, but the real fun was watching the people.
Some just strolled by,
but others stopped and some danced to the music.
We had one little boy, who was mesmerized by the music and lights and stood right in front and was dancing his little heart out.
His mother was laughing and taking pictures.
I don't know them,
but they'll have some good memories for a long time.

[Doug-in-the-woods]

Have several families with young adults with computers and the savy to operate SO why not utilize this resource?
Gave them directions on downloading framework and Vixen 1.1.11 (I myself am having problems getting 2.0 to work.) then will copy onto cd the music, channel info and preview files (I got to figure out how to get the pixels smaller for more detail.
Using this outsource has several benfits- You are not having to program for hours on end.
When you get your display up and running the young adult can tell their friends which song they programed etc.
Thiswill get interesting for sure.
Oh yea I may need MORE 595's etc as I may be doing the Credit union (very large building) and a local realtors building.
LOTS of work ahead,
Anyone have any 595's for sale?

[klanger]

I think the closest you will get is the "grinch board" works the same as 595, lot easier to make, but has no onboard leds. PM Wjohn he may still have some and ssr boards as well.
Kev

[cgarwood]

i had a little fun as well and did 'Police Stopped my car" its to the tune of "Felis Navi Da" alot of people liked this, and it worked out really well as i had red, blue and white lights close to eachother to flash like the 5 0

where can I get a copy of this song? I have been trying to find a song where i could feature a car.

[Wayne J]

i had a little fun as well and did 'Police Stopped my car" its to the tune of "Felis Navi Da" alot of people liked this, and it worked out really well as i had red, blue and white lights close to eachother to flash like the 5 0

where can I get a copy of this song? I have been trying to find a song where i could feature a car.


http://www.ilovewavs.com/Holidays/Christmas/ChristmasMusicPg8.htm


8)

[sandy]

I used Twisted Sister last year; wasn’t exactly mainstream. People seemed to like it, but it took about a week to get it out of my head after sequencing it. :shock:

Darn it Ernie,
now you went and did it.
I had to get that too.
It was shortened down to about 3 minutes from the original 4 1/2.
Now to sequence it.
but it IS a great version :lol:
Love the 'We're not gonna take it' part of the guitar solo.

I haven't found that Styx song yet.
What CD was that on?

[ErnieHorning]

[quote=ErnieHorning]I haven't found that Styx song yet.
What CD was that on?

The Serpent Is Rising

http://www.jamesyoung.ws/albums/sircov.jpg

[sandracuk]

Great discussions but would anyone care to share their sequences or direct me to where i can find some to save myself alot of time?

[grages]

Great discussions but would anyone care to share their sequences or direct me to where i can find some to save myself alot of time?

Tim,

I'm not sure it would help you a lot. I think sequences are built around the decorations that you are going to put up. So you would have to have a pretty close match in layouts and channels for them to work. Thats my opinion anyway. It is cool to see what others have done though.

Here is one you can look at.

http://www.christmasinshirley.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=204

Shawn

[Doug-in-the-woods]

I myself would be happy to share what I have BUT to avoid any copy right issues I suggest when sharing a sequence you just list what song and artist but no music.
I downloaded all the music I need from Walmart.com Great tech support as well. Had several issues with WMA files, protected files etc..
As far as using / adapting the sequence to ones own setup its just a matter or reorganizing the sequence, copy / pasting etc.
I want to thank a member from this board for Emailing me "I saw mommy kissing Santa Clause" by Twisted Sister. I incorporated that sequence into my set up. Much less work. I would mention the members name BUT then that member would be hounded for same. THANKS, you know who you are.
My show this year is hopfully gonna be way far left as traditional music goes
O come all ye Faithful = TSO
Hallijulia Chorus = Styx
Deck the Halls = MSR(Maheim Steam roller) GREAT musi. Get chills just thinking about
John Lennon christmas song(war is over tune)
Jingle Bells = Crazy Frog
O come all ye faithdful = Twisted Sister.
Wizzards of Winter = TSO
Add the sequences from last year about 4 songs
Lots of songs but planning on two seperate show programs one program on M, W, F and the rest T, TH, Sat, and sunday all
Now what is a scripted event in Vixen? I maybe need to know.

[klanger]

gasp, i thought if i got 3 or 4 done this year i would be doing well. let alone a different playlist for different days of the week. great stuff

[Greg in Canby]

There is currently available a CD out titled "STYX, the complete wooden nickel recordings".

Four albums for the price of two ($19.99).

Mixing the end of cut 9 and all of cut 10 worked best for me.

Greg

[Doug-in-the-woods]

For 88cents per song.
I found all my songs on my list that I posted.
Just need to convert from WMA to a WAV or MP3 no big deal.
Its the programing that gets to be a drag. I found doing bits of songs a little each day helps.
I am really having fun with TSO O come all ye faithfull. GREAT music.

[Doug-in-the-woods]

Attached is O Holy night O come all ye faithful?
Not sure what to call it as its kinda 2 songs together.
Artist is Trans siberian Orch. TSO downloaded music from Walmart.com
Music file is not included--copyright stuuff don't want mods to get into trouble
still needs some work but have about 1 or so into it.

[xmus]

What songs are people using in their displays? I'm planning on using some TSO and Mannehiem Steamroller, but am also looking for something that's a little less mainstream. Has anyone found some unique upbeat Christmas songs?

-Matt

Check out "bare naked ladies, carol of the bells" I'm using that one this year. It is great. Definitly not mainstream :)

[sandy]

I'm always on the lookout for non-traditional' songs,
or versions of songs.

Check out Bob Rivers parodies of songs.
I use his 'I am Santa Claus' (Iron Man, Ozzy)
and the 'Toy Sack' (Love Shack, B52's)
He has other's that are great too,
these are the ones I'm using now.

Also Twisted Sister's, Twisted Christmas.

[opcode1300]

If you still use the oldschool method (like me)of obtaining music check out

:arrow: Alt.binaries.sounds.mp3.christmas

Lots and lots of good xmas music on that group...

If you don't know what the above means, do a search for Usenet how to :wink:. i know it's a lost art for alot of people , but anything you may be looking for is there..

[xmus]

Thanks for the tip, I don't mind paying for my music, i just don't want to pay for every XMAS cd on the way to find good music..... I need to head down to the library or something, where i can efficiently go through dozens of disks fast.

[Dan Ross]

if you don't mind only listening to 30 second clips you can try http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/browse/-/3023481/ref=tab_m_gw_l

If that doesn't give you what you need you can sign up for a free subscription to any of the onlie music stores like ITunes or Rhapsody.

[xmus]

if you don't mind only listening to 30 second clips you can try http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/browse/-/3023481/ref=tab_m_gw_l

If that doesn't give you what you need you can sign up for a free subscription to any of the onlie music stores like ITunes or Rhapsody.

free? Like I would get a Christmas song free daily? How does that work?

[Dan Ross]

if you don't mind only listening to 30 second clips you can try http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/browse/-/3023481/ref=tab_m_gw_l

If that doesn't give you what you need you can sign up for a free subscription to any of the onlie music stores like ITunes or Rhapsody.

free? Like I would get a Christmas song free daily? How does that work?

The free subscription only lets you hear 30 second clips of the songs, if you like it you'd have to buy it. The only advantage the subscription stores have over the link I posted is they have more of a selection.

[opcode1300]

Click here to watch 'jingle-slide' ('http://media.putfile.com/jingle-slide')

im gonna try that one ... a nice little tune

[xmus]

free TSO music:
http://www.trans-siberian.com/multimedia/index.shtml

[xmus]

Google -> OpD2d - Direct to disk audio recorder

[xmus]

Is it sac religious to do both TSO Christmas Eve In Sarajevo and Wizards in the same show? That is too much isn't it?

1) Bare naked ladies, carol of the bells (sequencing complete!)
2) Wizards (or?) CEIsarajevo
3) ?????

[xmus]

Acid Christmas:

http://www.amazon.com/Acid-Christmas-Various-Artists/dp/B0000037RZ/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/102-0858443-8720122?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1194649600&sr=1-1

No idea what it sounds like, but that should be interesting :)

[Wayne J]

Acid Christmas:

http://www.amazon.com/Acid-Christmas-Various-Artists/dp/B0000037RZ/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/102-0858443-8720122?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1194649600&sr=1-1

No idea what it sounds like, but that should be interesting :)

Take a listen for yourself, I don't think it is sequencing music.

http://www.fye.com/Acid-X-Mas-Front-Page_stcVVproductId148608VVcatId455366VVviewprod.h tm

[xmus]

I tried 4 tracks, they all sound about the same :)

[sandy]

I don't think it's Acid Christmas
as much as Disco-Hip-Hop Christmas.
Crazy Frogs Jingle Bells is as close to dance music as I'll get.

For capture and modifications,
I use Audacity.
And it's free too.
Lot's of nice effects.

[xmus]

For capture and modifications,
I use Audacity.
And it's free too.
Lot's of nice effects.

Can you modify MP3's? I need that.
I need to shorten an MP3, and I want to add a fade out at the end.

[Josh]

yes, audacity will cut mp3's and alot of other editing options

also you have a program right in front of your nose that will do it
Windows movie maker will also cut, and fade songs, and then save them as audio file, though i think maybe only Wma you can then convert it

[Macrosill]

There was a great class given at the last PLUS. I have a copy of the video and it was basicly an Audacity class. I haver been using it for some time and I still learned a few things from watching it.

I can not attach the file it, it is too large. Send me a PM that includes your email address and I will send the file to you.

[sandy]

Audacity is great,
I used it to modify the files such as filtering to bring out the bass,
cut out sections if the song is too long,
or attach 2 songs that seem to naturally segue together.
That's what I did with 'Hippo for Christmas' that ends in the same note as the opening chorus chord of 'I am Santa Claus',
so it was mashed together for quite a different experience.
The 'Oh Come all Ye' from Twisted sister ran too long,
a chorale rendition of the chorus was stretched to fit Dee's chorus,
and then the chorale group is in one channel while Dee is in the other.
Just a bit of what Audacity can do.

[klanger]

I too have audacity, but haven't played with it, maybe Brian, we could have an Audacity sub section for tips and Q & A

Kev

[daviddth]

I used Audacity to cut TSO - Christmas Canon Rock from 5 minutes 3 seconds down to about 2 min 23 sec and you cant hear where the cuts are :)

I love the song, but each section repeats twice with little changes in between so it sounded annoying because it dragged on, plus I hated the guitar solo, so it's now perfect to sequence (for me lol). It's 90% completed - just adding the finishing touches later today.

I also have

Aussie Jingle Bells

TSO - Wizards in Winter

Away In A Manger (Music box 30 seconds for an "All on" display)