Robin Hood Where Are You Now?
Concept
The song “Robin Hood, Where Are You Now?” started with a series of conversations I had with Larry John McNally as we worked on his “Buddy Holly” project. The idea that there have been different artists and songwriters through the years that represented the pulse of middle America, Woody Guthrie, Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen come to mind as the storytellers that created a representation in music of how people were feeling about the events of their time. In a pure sense it’s the artist that holds a mirror to society and shows the country where it’s headed, down which road we are traveling.
After discussing the idea of a modern character that could help the workingman of today the name Robin Hood came to mind. Now Robin was also a thief and a robber in various versions of the story, but our Robin needed to be a protector of citizens against those that would victimize and take advantage of the poor and helpless. It seems that an average American has very little power over the large corporations that dominate the business world today. The events of the last year have made it very clear that it’s easy to fall victim of unscrupulous individuals in business dealings.
In conversations with Phil Gates we discussed that the song would need to show that the power of the individual should be encouraged. A positive action is needed to combat those who would take advantage of people like us. A call to action, so to speak for those of us that feel powerless against big business and government. Imagine the power in the citizens of this country if they chose to have their voices heard.
After developing some lyric ideas I recorded a ruff representation of the songs verse and chorus and sent them to Larry for his feedback. His wanted to hear more so he could figure out an arrangement and chord structure. I decided that the blues would be the ideal style for the song as it allows one to complain about ones condition and preach the solution at the same time. The song was refined and the rhythm track recorded to a guide loop. Jon Mattox was enlisted to record drums and percussion and Phil’s sessions for guitar and vocal completed the recording. Mixing finished the track.
Then came the issue of releasing the song. In speaking with Scott G it was decided to create music videos for the song. Two videos were created, one edited by Zayde Naquib and the other by Scott G. Remixer Julian Beeston created a club version of the song and Jon Mattox added an extended remix, these along with several versions of the mix went into creating the ‘Super Single’ release. Of course we needed a B side for the single so Phil came up with a new composition called ‘Get Around To Me’. Mastering the songs completed the project, and now it’s time for the pubic to decide.
Enjoy,
Matt Forger