Practice is good, even if you know a song inside and out. Don't take anything for granted. This passed November I was going away for about 10 days 7 or 8 of which I'd be singing three or four songs per night. Typically I practice and rehearse which consists of my usual vocal workouts and very much singing my songs repeatedly. It also includes recording and listening back. "My Girl" by the Temptations is a song I sing without much thought as I've done it so many times. However, over time I've noticed that it is deceptive and although I know it well it can very easily get away from me. There are specific nuances to it that is typical of David Ruffin and can screw you up. There is also a specific beat and timing on this song all combined with how "I prefer to sing it." That last quoted line is important here.

So, a few weeks before my adventure I started my usual routine of practice and I recorded a few tunes. "I Wish It Would Rain" was one of my practice runs and I posted that run through here. Another one, and the focus of this post was " My Girl." As I said earlier, I've sung this song hundreds of times....thousands? So when I recorded it during this particular practice session I felt good about it. Looking back I can remember a lot of thought while singing concerning technique and things I was looking to do during the song. I think this may have gotten in the way. "Don't think...just sing." But it was practice after all. Well, kind of. I was half thinking of recording it to keep.

Singing it I felt good. Like I was "on." But when I listened back I was like...WTF? Holly crap, is that me? It's a good thing I didn't just go with "ahh hell, I've sung this song so many times I don't need to practice it." It wasn't how "I Like to sing it." That important sentence. I must have been too comfortable. Actually it was all wrong not just for my liking but the song was full of holes. It was an awakening and since then this song has taken on a whole new perspective and I have a whole new respect for it. It isn't as simple as it seems and I approach it differently now. But how easy it would have been to go unnoticed!! I happened to listen to the recording today as I came across it looking through files and thought I'd post about it as an experience. We continue to learn don't we. Even after we think we learned something. It's just another level to build upon.

I am posting the recording here and I won't mention the bad points but will let you guys rip it apart. Some of the points are my own personal dislikes based on how "I" like to do this song. But others are just...well...it's why we practice and rehearse! To get it "right!" So you listen and maybe there are other points besides the ones that hit me in the face!

Have at it.

https://app.box.com/s/8023ttby8e49pki524uhfjr3zg88yej7