[005 | AUDIO] ain't nothing in this world beats a '52 Vincent and a redheaded girl

[spah]

Hey y'all.

[There's the sound of shifting and guitar strings lightly strumming on the feed.]

It's a quiet sorta evenin' for me down here on Level 3, and I felt like sharin' a tune I learnt not too long ago. If y'ain't interested, free to change the channel... so to speak. There's a story in this one, 'bout a boy and a girl and a motorcycle. Here goes.

[Engineer takes a short pause - then starts with a crisp, single strum. He then starts into Richard Thompson's 1952 Vincent Black Lightning.]



[Sean Rowe's version of the song has a lot more energy than the original, but the story's all the same: James and Red Molly meet and bond over his motorcycle, a '52 Vincent Black Lightning. They fall in love, and James warns Red Molly that he's led a live of crime since seventeen. If anything should happen to him, he'll give her his Vincent to ride.

Sadly, that day comes. James is fatally shot in a failed robbery. As he lays dying in a hospital bed, he smiles and gives the keys to his Vincent to a tearful Red Molly.

The story is short and sweet, but told with gusto and sharp, emotional lyrics. Engineer is an average singer, but his low, gravely southern voice adds to his skillful, enthusiastic guitar, especially over lines like "red hair and black leather, my favorite color scheme". The guitar itself gets wild and fast between the words, and the merc's fingers pace every time.

The song ends with one last strum down the strings, and Engineer lets it reverberate for a while. Silence passes as the sound fades, and he laughs, nearly impressed with himself.]

Alright for my first net-wide performance.

Comments

[spah]

Whoop. Probably should've mentioned the name first. S'called "1952 Vincent Black Lightning" by a fella named Richard Thompson. Kind've a mouthful, but you get the idea.

[searchingforlove]

I'm not familiar with these things called motorcycles but I don't think that takes away from the story at all.

[spah]

Basically, it's a two-wheel vehicle. People also call 'em "bikes."Gained a reputation for being a troublemaker's sorta ride, especially in my time. [See: The Hells Angels.] You're right, though, story still stands.

You sing these kinda songs a lot?

[searchingforlove]

A bike... [She still can't picture it but she can always ask around about this sort of thing later.]

I do. Songs with stories have always been my favorites. They give so much emotion and draw you in. Maybe that's what drew me to the opera.

[spah]

Usually are. A lot of folk songs are like that too. Tell some kinda story or moral, usually from down-on-their-luck kinda people.

Guess that's another reason why I like opera too.

[searchingforlove]

I would love to hear you play again sometime. Perhaps you could teach me some more of your songs and I could teach you ones that I know. It's been some time since I was on a stage but I'm still very proud of my craft.

[spah]

Ma'am, I'd be honored to hear you sing sometime.

[Is he putting the charm on? Maybe. Just a little.]

And I'd be happy to show you some more. I wouldn't mind playin' more here and now, though, if you got any special requests.

[searchingforlove]

[Good thing this is audio because she knows she's blushing.]

I don't know the music so well here. Perhaps you could surprise me with another one you know?

[spah]

[A low chuckle.]

Sure. Lemme think...

[He taps his fingers against his guitar. It takes him a second, then--]

Hmh - got one. Bob Dylan song. It's another sad sorta one... a lot less gusto, but it's a good'un. S'called "Don't Think Twice, It's Alright."

[Dell takes another second to warm up, then starts. The notes are fast and involved, tiny plucks that bring out a catchy tune. Even with Engineer's broad fingers, he manages to bring it to life. The song itself is bittersweet, once described by a critic "something you'd maybe say to make yourself feel better" about leaving someone.

Engineer's no Bob Dylan, but he's heard plenty of familiar country artists cover the same song, and brings out his own country gravel to the song.]

[searchingforlove]

[Setting her communication device down, she just closes her eyes to listen to the song. She's quiet when the song finishes and she smiles a little sadly. The song is so bittersweet but there's a loveliness to that.]

I'm not sure who the composer is but I like the way you sing it. There was such feeling to it.

[spah]

Bob Dylan wrote it too. Appreciated, though, thank you. Singin's not usually my forte.

[searchingforlove]

You have a pleasant voice. I find it very soothing to listen to actually.

[spah]

Aw, you're makin' me blush.

[searchingforlove]

Well now I'm disappointed that I can't see that. I would love to see such a sweet look on your handsome face.

[spah]

Hah. Now you're REALLY makin' my blush.

By the way, if you're ever interested, uh... you wanna grab a drink sometime? I'd love to chat with ya more.

[searchingforlove]

Oh I would love to, Engie! Do you have a time that works best for you?

[spah]

[OH WOW THAT ACTUALLY WORKED UHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH--] Uh. How about... next weekend?

[searchingforlove]

[She's into you, Engie. Of course it worked.]

That's perfect! Will Saturday evening work for you?

we still wanna play a date scenario out?

[spah]

Perfect for me. I know a nice little spot on Level 3, if y'like.

yes please!

[searchingforlove]

Of course. Would you like to meet me there or pick me up?

YEE want me to do a log thing for it?

[spah]

I can pick ya up, no problem.

yes please! let's do it. (sorry about the delay btw!)

[searchingforlove]

Wonderful. I'll make sure to look presentable for you.

no big!

[spah]

Don't worry. You're plenty presentable.

[ooc: BOOM, hope this is ok! Let me know if I should change anything.]