The Batson Sessions: DMB Studio Efforts from 2006 Leaked - News Discussion

[madhatter]

Originally Posted by Carson31

I won't speak for anyone else but I had the opportunity to hear some of this music last summer. However the leak contained a lot of stuff that was new to me and almost all of it differed at least slightly from what I had previously heard.

As Doby mentioned there were a series of videos created for some of these songs. Mark Batson calls it "There Are Ghosts" and I think he has specifically mentioned this in Instagram posts. Songs like Early Home, Ask and Idea of You basically have music videos. Mark's creation of these videos and a stall in what would have been Cavallo's 2nd effort led to some of the older Batson ideas being revisited for Come Tomorrow. Mark really loves DMB and has the passion of a fan. He created the videos out of his belief in the music and his desire to finish what they started. A lot of that desire had to do with LeRoi. Mark feels that the final complete recordings of LeRoi Moore are special and worthy of release. I believe he stated as much in now deleted Instagram posts.

There is a lot more I could say but I'll say THANK YOU to anyone who made this possible. Somebody probably forked over some money and I want you to know that you are appreciated. Reach out if you want to chat.

Do you think this leak will have any effect on whether or not the band finishes up any of these songs for a new album? I recall a rumor that there was likely to be another album coming within a year or two after Come Tomorrow with some songs that were already somewhat completed (so they'd only spend minimal time in-studio). I'm guessing there's at least some overlap with what's in this leak. Any thoughts on that?

[Cptn. Monkeyman]

Originally Posted by madhatter

Do you think this leak will have any effect on whether or not the band finishes up any of these songs for a new album? I recall a rumor that there was likely to be another album coming within a year or two after Come Tomorrow with some songs that were already somewhat completed (so they'd only spend minimal time in-studio). I'm guessing there's at least some overlap with what's in this leak. Any thoughts on that?

I’d like to add to this Carson questionnaire

Why was the original album with Cavallo stalled? From the get go, I have been so confused as to why we didn’t get two albums. One from Cavallo in 2016 (Samurai Cop, Bismarck, Virginia, Black & Blue, etc.) and one from Batson in 2018 (Come Tomorrow/Batson Sessions)

I’m really curious about the 2nd Cavallo Sessions, and why they never finished and had to then collaborate with the Batson project.

[Heyberto]

Originally Posted by Carson31

I won't speak for anyone else but I had the opportunity to hear some of this music last summer. However the leak contained a lot of stuff that was new to me and almost all of it differed at least slightly from what I had previously heard.

As Doby mentioned there were a series of videos created for some of these songs. Mark Batson calls it "There Are Ghosts" and I think he has specifically mentioned this in Instagram posts. Songs like Early Home, Ask and Idea of You basically have music videos. Mark's creation of these videos and a stall in what would have been Cavallo's 2nd effort led to some of the older Batson ideas being revisited for Come Tomorrow. Mark really loves DMB and has the passion of a fan. He created the videos out of his belief in the music and his desire to finish what they started. A lot of that desire had to do with LeRoi. Mark feels that the final complete recordings of LeRoi Moore are special and worthy of release. I believe he stated as much in now deleted Instagram posts.

There is a lot more I could say but I'll say THANK YOU to anyone who made this possible. Somebody probably forked over some money and I want you to know that you are appreciated. Reach out if you want to chat.

The coolest thing about Batson is his personality. He's engaging and yeah... he clearly loves DMB. I had a newfound respect for him when I heard CT. I don't love CT, but I had sort of put him in the category of not knowing how to produce DMB after SU. These demos confirm that he was headed down the track of a more traditional arrangement, and that Stand Up was more of a deliberate departure than I gave it credit for initially. I'm still not crazy about it, but I just think there's more to Batson as a producer than i thought after that.

I don't think he's the end-all be-all for DMB, but I think he can deliver appropriate production for the band when asked to do that.

Nothing on these demos particularly excites me, but there is stuff I like. Certainly, i think some of these songs could have gotten better as the production continues.

Batson is a cool dude though, and his attitude toward the band's music is infectious. I can appreciate that.

[Heyberto]

Originally Posted by Cptn. Monkeyman

I’d like to add to this Carson questionnaire

Why was the original album with Cavallo stalled? From the get go, I have been so confused as to why we didn’t get two albums. One from Cavallo in 2016 (Samurai Cop, Bismarck, Virginia, Black & Blue, etc.) and one from Batson in 2018 (Come Tomorrow/Batson Sessions)

I’m really curious about the 2nd Cavallo Sessions, and why they never finished and had to then collaborate with the Batson project.

This band has struggled with creativity since at least 2000. There have been spurts, but that's about it, and with mixed results. I'm sure it's just more of the same.

[Heyberto]

Originally Posted by madhatter

Do you think this leak will have any effect on whether or not the band finishes up any of these songs for a new album? I recall a rumor that there was likely to be another album coming within a year or two after Come Tomorrow with some songs that were already somewhat completed (so they'd only spend minimal time in-studio). I'm guessing there's at least some overlap with what's in this leak. Any thoughts on that?

I think it could, but not because of the material being exposed itself. I think it's more likely to kill their enthusiasm for the material.

[Cscottrun]

The leak of these sessions has reminded me why after a few months, I do not listen to CT anymore. I've grown bored of the family and political rhetoric that Dave sings about these days. Love is one thing, it will always be an underlying theme, but in recent times, it seems like the lyrics can be taken at face value. With the big 3 and for some portions of subsequent albums there was always a debate about deeper meanings and untangling words and verses.

Additionally, the instrumentals on some portions of CT seem so basic to me. TGIY and Come Tomorrow come to mind. While there are songs on these sessions that are also basic, they are catchier.

[Cptn. Monkeyman]

I really do dig the Batson Sessions, and the songs turned out good that made it to CT in my opinion. But, to me the strongest parts of come Tomorrow are the Cavallo songs. I loved all the new songs they were debuting between 2015-2016, and I was really stoked about that potential album. Batson getting involved had literally split the album into two parts, and combined them. It’s what’s wrong with CT in my mind. I still think it’s a good album, and has strong songs and good production. But I can’t help but feel that they dropped the ball. I really feel like Cavallo and Batson should have gotten their own separate albums.

Cavallo (2016/2017)

Samurai Cop
Be Yourself
Here On Out
She
Again & Again
Virginia in the Rain
Bismarck
Black & Blue Bird
Do You Remember
Sugar Will
Death on the High Seas

Batson (2018/2019)

There Are Ghosts
Idea Of You
Break Free
Red Glare
Early Home
Can’t Stop
Kill the King
Drive Me Away
Come On Come On
Shotgun
Come Tomorrow
When I’m Weary

[Cscottrun]

Originally Posted by Cptn. Monkeyman

I really do dig the Batson Sessions, and the songs turned out good that made it to CT in my opinion. But, to me the strongest parts of come Tomorrow are the Cavallo songs. I loved all the new songs they were debuting between 2015-2016, and I was really stoked about that potential album. Batson getting involved had literally split the album into two parts, and combined them. It’s what’s wrong with CT in my mind. I still think it’s a good album, and has strong songs and good production. But I can’t help but feel that they dropped the ball. I really feel like Cavallo and Batson should have gotten their own separate albums.

Cavallo (2016/2017)

Samurai Cop
Be Yourself
Here On Out
She
Again & Again
Virginia in the Rain
Bismarck
Black & Blue Bird
Do You Remember
Sugar Will
Death on the High Seas

Batson (2018/2019)

There Are Ghosts
Idea Of You
Break Free
Red Glare
Early Home
Can’t Stop
Kill the King
Drive Me Away
Come On Come On
Shotgun
Come Tomorrow
When I’m Weary

If you had to choose one of the two albums, which would it be? Pretty easily Batson's album for me. Drive Me Away and Break For It absolutely should be on it though.

[groogrux27]

Originally Posted by Cscottrun

The leak of these sessions has reminded me why after a few months, I do not listen to CT anymore. I've grown bored of the family and political rhetoric that Dave sings about these days. Love is one thing, it will always be an underlying theme, but in recent times, it seems like the lyrics can be taken at face value. With the big 3 and for some portions of subsequent albums there was always a debate about deeper meanings and untangling words and verses.

Additionally, the instrumentals on some portions of CT seem so basic to me. TGIY and Come Tomorrow come to mind. While there are songs on these sessions that are also basic, they are catchier.

i totally agree with what your saying.

sadly though, I think that thats the direction Dave is moving in. In his interviews over the summer when he was like "No, I'm going to do what I want to do" I feel like was basically, hes gonna write, and if he feels like thats what he wants the song to be, then thats what itll be.

There's not as much drive to ask questions, or find deeper meaning, that was there at one point.

[groogrux27]

Originally Posted by Cscottrun

If you had to choose one of the two albums, which would it be? Pretty easily Batson's album for me. Drive Me Away and Break For It absolutely should be on it though.

shnikes thats a good question. I love too many of the songs on the 'Cavallo' one to just straight up say I'd take the 'Batson' one. But then again, getting Break Free, KTK, Shotgun, Drive Me Away, dang . . . I literally have no idea haha.

[bowa36]

i've listened to Come Tomorrow at maximum 4 times through, I have listened to a collection of 17 songs from TBS 6-7 times through now

[Cptn. Monkeyman]

Originally Posted by Cscottrun

If you had to choose one of the two albums, which would it be? Pretty easily Batson's album for me. Drive Me Away and Break For It absolutely should be on it though.

I’d go Cavallo all day. But I want both!! Lol. I forgot about Break For It. It is a good song, and there’s probably room on that mock album for it. Still taking Cavallo though

[grilldanmo]

Originally Posted by dreamingtree_34

Early Home may be the best Dave solo song since Gravedigger.

Maybe if GD were even close to the best song SD...

That album is masterful and I'm a fan of GD, it's just not the top of that heap...maybe the middle. But there's not a bad song on SD. Top four or five Dave/DMB releases for me.

[Carson31]

Originally Posted by madhatter

Do you think this leak will have any effect on whether or not the band finishes up any of these songs for a new album? I recall a rumor that there was likely to be another album coming within a year or two after Come Tomorrow with some songs that were already somewhat completed (so they'd only spend minimal time in-studio). I'm guessing there's at least some overlap with what's in this leak. Any thoughts on that?

I really don't know. I'm aware of the rumor you mentioned but it's not something I have any 'insider' knowledge of other than I have heard the rumor. Given the depth of material, it's certainly plausible that another record could be pounded out pretty quickly. Seems like Dave is always working on something.

Perhaps if Dave had some positive feedback on some of these leaked tunes he would revisit them. I have no idea if any of them were very close to being included with Come Tomorrow. So as far as overlap between this and what could be considered for another record, I have no idea. But I tend to think that positive feedback could make something happen.

[grilldanmo]

Just a consideration for all the drum and drum machine discussion...Carter may have the one programming stuff. No reason he couldn't have been in the room or at the board laying down the beats on a machine rather than exerting tons of energy on a full set.

I don't have any info to prove or disprove this, just presenting the possibility that Carter is playing stuff HE wrote and programmed on a drum machine. And if he didn't, maybe (just maybe) he liked the parts and felt they sounded right, so he stuck with them.

[excitingjae]

Originally Posted by Vorony

Scream into the Grave sounds similar to the verse progression in Baby Blue.

yes, that may be what I was hearing!

[onetwothree]

I like the batson sessions mainly because KTK, shotgun, break for it and break free. It’s all around somewhat decent. Is it LWS, no but the thing is there are songs on the batson sessions that we like.

I wish the band would listen to the fan base more and also be more active in putting out live releases, instead they put out come tomorrow and I think as an album it’s flat and boring altogether.

[ForkInFork]

quick question, who was the producer with them for the 2004 sessions?

[groogrux27]

Originally Posted by ForkInFork

quick question, who was the producer with them for the 2004 sessions?

i could be completely off here, but i'm pretty sure that there was no producer, they just went in and recorded songs themselves with no plan on actually producing and releasing them. when they went in with batson on 05 is when they brought those same songs back in to record and release, AFAIK

[TMoore4075]

Originally Posted by groogrux27

i could be completely off here, but i'm pretty sure that there was no producer, they just went in and recorded songs themselves with no plan on actually producing and releasing them. when they went in with batson on 05 is when they brought those same songs back in to record and release, AFAIK

Yeah from what I've heard there was no actual producer in the studio. Just someone(s) working in the control room. I think it was a mix of rehearsing for the summer and trying new stuff.

[Cscottrun]

Originally Posted by groogrux27

i could be completely off here, but i'm pretty sure that there was no producer, they just went in and recorded songs themselves with no plan on actually producing and releasing them. when they went in with batson on 05 is when they brought those same songs back in to record and release, AFAIK

Originally Posted by TMoore4075

Yeah from what I've heard there was no actual producer in the studio. Just someone(s) working in the control room. I think it was a mix of rehearsing for the summer and trying new stuff.

Does anyone have ants+? When I had access to it, I'm pretty sure I asked this question in the thread that Jake answers all the questions in and I'm fairly certain he said there was a producer, he knows who it was, but it's not public knowledge so he wouldn't disclose.

If someone has ants+, you can search my username in that thread and you should find it. I only posted in there a few times, so it shouldn't be hard to find. I can't recall if I asked about the 04 sessions or a different one.

[Carson31]

Originally Posted by Cptn. Monkeyman

I’d like to add to this Carson questionnaire

Why was the original album with Cavallo stalled? From the get go, I have been so confused as to why we didn’t get two albums. One from Cavallo in 2016 (Samurai Cop, Bismarck, Virginia, Black & Blue, etc.) and one from Batson in 2018 (Come Tomorrow/Batson Sessions)

I’m really curious about the 2nd Cavallo Sessions, and why they never finished and had to then collaborate with the Batson project.

I have to take Dave at his word, he said something to the effect of 'losing interest' so he moved on. That was in an interview recently so I might be able to find that source. As far as I know that happened in the Summer of 2015. My guess is that someone felt like the album wasn't that great and that other options should be explored.

Educated guess is that in the Summer of 2015 there was a change from Cavallo to Alagia. Alagia makes it sound like he & Dave recorded rather extensively in the Producers Roundtable discussion. I don't think Mark Batson was ever really out of the picture but very educated guess is that he and Dave agreed to revisit some of their old stuff again in May 2016.

Someone decided to take all that and make it one album. My understanding is that Come Tomorrow was largely created between this past December and March. Unfortunately I dont have many specifics.

[grilldanmo]

Originally Posted by Cscottrun

The leak of these sessions has reminded me why after a few months, I do not listen to CT anymore. I've grown bored of the family and political rhetoric that Dave sings about these days. Love is one thing, it will always be an underlying theme, but in recent times, it seems like the lyrics can be taken at face value. With the big 3 and for some portions of subsequent albums there was always a debate about deeper meanings and untangling words and verses.

Additionally, the instrumentals on some portions of CT seem so basic to me. TGIY and Come Tomorrow come to mind. While there are songs on these sessions that are also basic, they are catchier.

I understand what you're saying, but sometimes there's deeper meaning and subtext to be found in seemingly straight forward lyrics. Lyrics are really all about the listener experience, in that even when they come across as very matter of fact, there can be more or different things perceived by different listeners.

For example, I get what the lyrics of SC are about, but I saw them not as a metaphor for child birth and family (since they are clearly touching on that without any use of metaphor), but as a statement about our society, where we came from, where we are, and where we're going. It goes from maybe being a bit slow, but relatively joyful to a dark and arguably bleak...

"Let's not forget these early days
Remember we begin the same
We lose our way in fear and pain
Oh joy begin
Oh joy begin"

The atmosphere and tone of SC are not light and happy to my ears. There's a brooding undercurrent that speaks to something darker. It's like a flip of his songs that sound happy musically, but the lyrics are darker. In this case some folks are hearing a song about being a parent only as that and despite the dirge-y quality to the music itself feeling as if it's "happy". So Damn Lucky sounds super uplifting musically, but the car accident theme of the song is not a pleasant topic.

[Cscottrun]

Originally Posted by grilldanmo

I understand what you're saying, but sometimes there's deeper meaning and subtext to be found in seemingly straight forward lyrics. Lyrics are really all about the listener experience, in that even when they come across as very matter of fact, there can be more or different things perceived by different listeners.

For example, I get what the lyrics of SC are about, but I saw them not as a metaphor for child birth and family (since they are clearly touching on that without any use of metaphor), but as a statement about our society, where we came from, where we are, and where we're going. It goes from maybe being a bit slow, but relatively joyful to a dark and arguably bleak...

"Let's not forget these early days
Remember we begin the same
We lose our way in fear and pain
Oh joy begin
Oh joy begin"

The atmosphere and tone of SC are not light and happy to my ears. There's a brooding undercurrent that speaks to something darker. It's like a flip of his songs that sound happy musically, but the lyrics are darker. In this case some folks are hearing a song about being a parent only as that and despite the dirge-y quality to the music itself feeling as if it's "happy". So Damn Lucky sounds super uplifting musically, but the car accident theme of the song is not a pleasant topic.

Pretty much a politically motivated statement in my mind. Either way, something I'm sick of hearing Dave sing about lol. And I get that you might say there is nothing else to sing about, or he's singing to the tune of what is going on in the world, but I read enough about that. Idk, hard to explain. Just seems so overdone at this point.

[Chumlee67]

Originally Posted by Cscottrun

Does anyone have ants+? When I had access to it, I'm pretty sure I asked this question in the thread that Jake answers all the questions in and I'm fairly certain he said there was a producer, he knows who it was, but it's not public knowledge so he wouldn't disclose.

If someone has ants+, you can search my username in that thread and you should find it. I only posted in there a few times, so it shouldn't be hard to find. I can't recall if I asked about the 04 sessions or a different one.

He said he did not know.

[excitingjae]

anyone else get a Jeff Buckley vibe from the guitar playing in Bullets and Rum(n)? I also feel that starting with the 2000 sessions Dave might have been on a Buckley kick based on some of the guitar playing.

[Cscottrun]

Originally Posted by Chumlee67

He said he did not know.

Huh, I guess my memory is way off. Or maybe someone else told me that, idk. I guess don't take anything from my statement since it seems inaccurate.

[DMB1JW]

Originally Posted by Cscottrun

If you had to choose one of the two albums, which would it be?

Cavallo by a long shot for me. VITR + Again and Again = Game Over for Batson

The leaked Batson sessions are awesome to have though.

[Cscottrun]

Originally Posted by DMB1JW

Cavallo by a long shot for me. VITR + Again and Again = Game Over for Batson

The leaked Batson sessions are awesome to have though.

This seems poll worthy but I don't know how to make one so oh well.

[dobyblue]

Originally Posted by Cscottrun

Huh, I guess my memory is way off. Or maybe someone else told me that, idk. I guess don't take anything from my statement since it seems inaccurate.

No your recollection is 100% accurate, I just checked.