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Two Years On

by Better Than The Book

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larrynachos
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larrynachos An incredibly diverse punk rock album. Each track is so relatable, not to mention a pleasure to listen to! Loved hearing Cyberdevil as well. A must-have for punk rock fans! Favorite track: Make Your Mark.
david klein
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david klein This album, A follow up to the ‘One Small Step EP’ is a major step up from its predecessor in terms of mastering. If you listen close you can single out each instrument without even trying. That is not the only great part about this album though, as you listen through the album you can hear the love that Nick had put into the album. Be it from tracks such as ‘Hearts Racing’, ‘Head Above Water, or even the samples used.
This album, is a true labor of love and one of my favorite albums I own. Favorite track: Wireless Networks Available.
Vladimir Kuznetsov
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Vladimir Kuznetsov A very heartfelt and sincere album with songs to comfort and inspire you. It is music for the sake of music, it is a passion to create something incredible, something life-changing, and put one's soul into the vocals, one's life experience into the lyrics, one's energy into instrumentation and the best skills into production. "Two Years On" is about living your life as your heart tells you to, dealing with difficulties, overcoming issues. I keep coming back to this album over and over. Favorite track: Wireless Networks Available.
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1.
Ignition 01:18
[Fear be the gunner in my back seat Fear be the gunner in my back seat!] [Finally, if we are to win the battle that is now going on around the world... the impact of this adventure on the minds of men everywhere, who are attempting to make a determination of which road they should take... we have examined where we are strong and where we are not, where we may succeed and where we may not. Now it is time to take longer strides-time... I believe we possess all the resources and talents necessary... we nevertheless are required to make new efforts on our own. For while we cannot guarantee that we shall one day be first, we can guarantee that any failure to make this effort will make us last.] [We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard!]
2.
Homecoming 01:10
Feels like it’s certainly been a while Since I last wrote a lyric from my heart and smiled at my own work But these years apart, they’ve hurt And this busy life’s absurd But then every lesson Was inspiration That gave this meaning worth And I can barely wait To play guitar again, until my fingers ache And I can’t contain this anymore, And I won’t restrain myself, I’ll shout until my lungs are sore And I’ll thank each and every breath That brought me to this moment now Feels like, I’m finally home Feels like, I’m finally home
3.
Two years on, And the world is still a mystery And it still just overwhelms me But through it all I’ve taken every lesson learned Locked in my mind now it’s my turn to Prove them wrong And show them what I’m made of now Since the last time I took my bow And hear the sound Held in my heart since One Small Step Hope this is a moment you’ll never forget Gotta put my mind into it Gotta push on ahead right through it Gonna grit my teeth and I’ll do it And my luck, could still Do with a little improvement And my heart, is right Right in the place where I wanna be And my path, may not be so clear But I don’t care In this world I’ve a million things to be thankful for Friends, family and so much more And I’ve met this girl Feels like I found her in my dreams Wanna spend each day making her happy Gotta face my fears and fight them Realise my goals and sight them Gonna raise some hell tonight then And my luck, could still Do with a little improvement And my heart, is right Right in the place where I wanna be And my path, may not be so clear But I don’t care I don’t care Hearts racing at a hundred miles an hour; THIS IS MY LIFE; That’s what it means to be me Hearts racing at a hundred miles an hour; THIS IS MY LIFE; That’s what it means to be me Hearts racing at a hundred miles an hour; THIS IS MY LIFE; That’s what it means to be me Hearts racing at a hundred miles an hour And my luck, could still Do with a little improvement And my heart, is right Right in the place where I wanna be And my path, may not be so clear But I don’t care I don’t care I don’t care [It’s one small step for a man]
4.
I don’t know what to think It all goes in the blink of an eye I have no idea where those years went Can’t remember my first day All those constellations on my face I was never one for popularity But you soon learn that History books and literature Weren’t even half of what you needed to know It’s a pity they never told me so And the real test isn’t Sitting at a desk with a pen and paper Take note of this for later: My graduation A funeral for my formal edification And the greatest lessons that you learn Are from the mistakes you make on your own Make sure these words are said Real education’s undead Seems just like yesterday In a gown at the centre of a stage A Masters degree is enough for me But coming back to my home town And the challenges that I’m facing now Can’t help but think there’s something wrong with me And then I realised that Calculus and physics Weren’t even half of what I needed to know It’s a pity they never told me so And the real test isn’t Monitored by a silent invigilator Swap notes on this for later My graduation A funeral for my formal edification And the greatest lessons that you learn Are from the mistakes you make on your own Make sure these words are read Real education’s undead But you’ll soon learn that Every lecture from the classroom Wasn’t even a bite of what you needed to know It’s a pity they never told me so And the real test is Stepping out your door once you’ve earned that piece of paper And you’re the only taker My graduation A funeral for my formal edification And the greatest lessons that you learn Are from the mistakes you make on your own Make sure these words are said Real education’s undead My graduation A funeral for my formal edification And the greatest lessons that you learn Are from the mistakes you make on your own Make sure these words are said Real education’s undead Real education’s undead Real education’s undead
5.
[I can’t see a damn thing! There could be fifty million of those things out there... ... Survival Command Center at the Pentagon has disclosed that a ghoul can be killed by a shot in the head, or a heavy blow to the skull... They’re coming to get you, Barbara!] [If you’re still watching television on a small screen set, you’re missing alot!] [What’s going on here? What kind of a practical joke is this? It’s on the record...] [Hi Lou. How’s the show shaping up for my opening in San Francisco, huh? Yes... well except I can’t get the trio and the dance team you wanted, there’s a sort of a conflict in dates, but I’ll straighten it out. Oh fine... Harry did a great job on this arrangement; see how you like it for an opener]
6.
All those memories Sitting too close to that screen Didn’t care we were zombies Just give me back my old TV Boy I really miss those days In front of the old cathode ray There were only 4 channels then And none of them were 24/7 Attenborough would talk about nature 9pm would show the latest feature And good old Mr Motivator Would tell us not to copy the Power Rangers Wake me up at 7am For a Saturday morning Cartoon marathon Record our favourites on VHS So we can play these moments Again and again All those memories Sitting too close to that screen Didn’t care we were zombies Just give me back my old TV Boy I really miss those days In front of the old cathode ray When we’d rent a DVD Just to sit down with our friends or family Games were just the disk or cartridge you get There wasn’t DLC from the internet And all 3D and 4K nonsense Wasn’t trying to enhance the experience Call your friends and we’ll have a night in You bring the crisps and dip I’ll get the drinks Who’s up for PS1? I call shotgun Or maybe that new horror film I’ll be awake for weeks All those memories Sitting too close to that screen Didn’t care we were zombies Just give me back my old TV Boy I really miss those days In front of the old cathode ray Before the whole world was online And the choice we had could waste our time When if we wanted to watch we’d have to wait when piracy still came on tape And all the famous YouTube stars Were still sitting and watching, just like we are All those memories Sitting too close to that screen Didn’t care we were zombies Just give me back my old TV All those memories Sitting too close to that screen Didn’t care we were zombies Just give me back my old TV Boy I really miss those Days All those memories Sitting too close to that screen Didn’t care we were zombies Just give me back my old TV
7.
When I was young I thought that everyone could change the world Seem so far off now We’re all just faces in the crowd I’ve all this Inspiration But a lack of motivation If I don’t get up now then I’ve already lost I won’t wait, for a second chance Now’s a better time than any to stand up, throw away those doubts that are just holding you back Please don’t say, that you’re giving up Nothing worthwhile came easy And inside I know you have the strength To take that leap of faith and follow your mind But it’s harder than it seems Counting the days I’m chasing dreams As my calendar flips over and over You said I can be better than this Gotta try or I’ll just fail I guess Hope one day that I can truly Make a difference I won’t wait, for a another chance Now’s a better time than any to Stand up, throw away those fears That are holding you down Please don’t let, yourself have regrets Or dwell on times long gone because This moment is what matters now Just keep your eyes ahead and follow your mind We’re all just one in 7 billion Trying to get somebody else to listen We’re all just one in 7 billion Trying to get the whole world to, pay attention And I’ll say, there’s no greater chance Live for just this moment and Wake up, find and chase your dreams No one’s holding you back Promise me, you’ll remember always Life is short, a privilege And you only get, a single chance To make your mark and follow your mind
8.
I’m wearing weak And motivation’s so hard to find But the weather’s so clear outside These clouds are in my mind Feels like my life revolves around checking emails I’m addicted to my new smartphone How is it in this age where we’re all connected I feel like we’re the most alone? Maybe it’s time that I should step outside And breathe the open air into my lungs Just leave behind this laptop screen and walk beneath the sun The World Wide Web isn’t the wide world I should know Outside these thin brick walls so I’ll Shut down my Windows And step out of my door But once I get out there all I find Are countless faces staring into pixels Facebook, Twitter or Candy Crush If we’re not searching for a signal We’re a procrastination nation Answering boredom with frustration Wasting our precious time surfing online While the real world loses our attention Maybe it’s time that I should step outside And breathe the open air into my lungs Just leave behind this laptop screen and walk beneath the sun The World Wide Web isn’t the wide world I should know Outside these thin brick walls so I’ll Shut down my Windows And step out of my door Maybe it’s time that I should step outside And breathe the open air into my lungs Just leave behind this laptop screen and walk beneath the sun The World Wide Web isn’t the wide world I should know Outside these thin brick walls so I’ll Shut down my Windows And step out of my door
9.
[Hey Nick; it’s Bob Yeah, just got your reply to the last email with the extra audio and stuff. Glad you got something out of it! You know, things like this I'm uncertain as to their purpose, as in: are they inspiring; useful, or more of a misuse of time to save and send. Yeah, I know you'll be doing the song thing, just felt compelled to attempt this one-take take on all takes and show it's a piece of cake with gauze, without mistakes like Oz, never earthquakes or laws, make us forsake our loss, it's truly great and awes, are in each face like they just took a break with a tape of Nas... or met a raging wasp and dove into a lake of moss... Yeah! Alright, let’s start this thing. Let’s go! Showtime!]
10.
Another goal and another lost year Still unfulfilled and here’s my fear That I could be gone tomorrow But what would I have to show for it all Another 6 string riff over drums and a bassline Just killing time on some legacy I want to leave behind Right from the start couldn’t help but make it from the heart All just to play the part of the person that I wanted to be Feels like I’m slowly sinking Waking up from the far off dream that you’re living in Clouded mind but I can’t stop thinking That giving up on yourself and this path would be your greatest sin Try to keep my head above water But no one’s coming for me What are you waiting for! What are you waiting for! I always figured that you Make your own fate But I’m not so sure I’m not so sure anymore Not so sure that they’ll give me a second glance But I don’t care I’ll make my chance Beat frustration with collaboration Get hyped tonight and keep up the good fight Strive to find the inspiration I had back then Pep talk to myself before I give in again Keep hearing you can go far if you work hard But I’m pushing and pushing and seems like something’s gotta give Feels like I’m slowly drowning Trying to hold on, stay strong for the goals that you had from the start Just wanna smile but I can’t stop frowning Struggling everyday to make sure you stay true to your heart Try to keep my head above water But no one’s coming for me What are you waiting for! What are you waiting for! I always figured that you Make your own fate But I’m not so sure I’m not so sure anymore Not so sure but I'm getting closer Understanding expanding with every subsequent verse I sit and listen, envision, enrichen Cyberdevil shifting positions Is it Better Than The Book? Bet it can be! I've been reading reason never understanding I can read books and books ‘til I seize to be But if I don't start living there'll be no peace for me Stop fleeing to dreams! Start preaching, teaching them! Chase your demons ‘til you reach and beat them in! The world kept me waiting Wading under the weight of my dreams I'm just waking and breaking free It's BTTB! Who said this would be a breeze I've been chained, I've been shamed, I've been eager to leave Stood at the eve on my dreams but didn't take the step I looked down at my foot. Regret But I'm not giving up! Life is a limited lapse of time so live it up! Laugh and smile a while it’s a wild ride, so giddy up! If every day’s insidious and fate feels hideous Just make your own way; don’t wait mate, get serious! Maybe you'll see this world is better than it seems You just need to be yourself and believe in your dreams Try to keep my head above water But no one’s coming for me What are you waiting for! What are you waiting for! Try to keep my head above water But no one’s coming for me What are you waiting for! What are you waiting for! I always figured that you Make your own fate But I’m not so sure I’m not so sure anymore Try to keep my head above water But no one’s coming for me What are you waiting for! What are you waiting for! [Ha! It’s shaping up It’s going down It’s getting right Just a little more left]
11.
Looking back seems I’ve come a long way I guess it started in my teenage school days Was just the kid with the cello at my side Wish I could sing out loud, but I was too shy Quite soon I found a guitar in my hand Made some great friends and we started our first band Played every week until they let us on the stage That was the day I finally broke from my cage And I thought to myself “Are we ever gonna make it” But what does that mean? Having videos on MTV? Maybe success isn’t where you get to It’s how you go about getting there And it’s best to just Enjoy each single moment while it lasts I owe a lot to older twin brother Working each day to outdo each other And with our Dad we built our own guitars Precious memories held in my heart Education made us go our separate ways For a few years and I came back with a bass To great old friends and a few new faces But with my bro nothing ever changes And I thought to myself “Are we ever gonna make it” But what does that mean? Making cover of a magazine? Maybe success isn’t where you get to It’s how you go about getting there And it’s best to just Enjoy each single moment while it lasts I knew that it would take more than One Small Step Right back to basics, running through the Alphabet Wanted to find all of those Mountains of Gold While I was growing up, but not yet growing old Stayed in my room and I kept the door slammed shut And took the time to build myself From The Ground Up Rise from the ashes and make it on my own To go the Distance and find my way Home What about the Bigger Picture And I thought to myself “Does it matter if we make it?” But what does that mean? Recognition following your dreams? Maybe success isn’t where you get to It’s how you go about getting there And it’s best to just Enjoy each single moment while it lasts Enjoy each single moment while it lasts Enjoy each single moment while it lasts
12.
Confessions 02:11
2 years on And the world is still a mystery And it still just overwhelms me And I feel so small Trying to stand above the crowd Just wanna make my loved ones proud These fears and doubts I can’t let them control me But I’m holding on just barely To hear this sound Let out my heart before I forget Hope this a moment I’ll never regret Gotta put my mind into it Gonna push on ahead right through it Take a deeper breath and I’ll do it And my luck, could still Do with a little improvement And my Heart, is right Right in the place where I wanna be And my path, may not be so clear But I don’t care I don’t care

about

Better Than The Book - Two Years On

I think the album itself speaks more than I could explain in a few words here, but I'd like to share some kind words which mean a great deal to me from my colleague and friend Vladimir Kuznetsov:
tinyurl.com/zc7huwy

credits

released February 6, 2016

\\\STOP HERE/// For a spoiler-free experience, please read these credits after enjoying the album!

All track were written, performed and produced by Nick Standing [Jabun], with additional writing and vocals from Bob Axell [Cyberdevil] on “Re: HipHopPunk” and “Head Above Water”. All samples used are either property of Nick Standing, royalty free, or are in the public domain (as appropriate) with notable credits as below. Artwork was drawn by Nick Standing [Jabun].

I’d like to extend some special thanks to a great few people who made this album possible.

Firstly, a huge thanks to Bob Axell for his contributions to “Re: HipHopPunk” and “Head Above Water”. It’s been such a great project to work on together and I’m already looking forward to meeting you in our next collaborative musical endeavour.

Next I’d like to thank my big brother Eamon for always trying to outdo me and giving me something to chase and drive me forward, as well as lending me his Korg MS-20 for the synth leads in “Wireless Networks Available”. I promise you’ll get it back this time, unlike one of your guitar stands ;P

Next, a huge thanks to my beta testing team: Vlad (who also made a fantastic typography pre-release video for the album featuring track 02: “Homecoming”! See it on YouTube here: tinyurl.com/jzazg9r!), Anthony, David, Sam, Roxy, Bob, Eamon and Eva for kindly providing feedback on the album and artwork during its progress and at the end, as well as just being a great bunch of people. This album wouldn’t be half as good without your help.

Another huge thanks goes to Thomas of e-instruments lab for putting all that time and effort in helping me getting some software working on my very old laptop, instead of saying “Time for an upgrade, mate”. Without you there would be no horns, and I can’t thank you enough for making that dream a reality!

Thanks to Andy too, who blasted his vocal chords in the gang vocals of the “One Small Step” EP (and guitar in “Woof Woof, Nag Nag”) without which, this album would have nothing to follow, as well as his general support and distribution suggestions.

Lastly I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone else who’s been a part of my life especially in the last 3 years for inspiring the songs on this album as well as your support. A huge thank you to Eamon again, my parents for putting up with the occasional rumble above the kitchen, my lovely girlfriend Eva who’s really given me the inspiration and strength to follow my dreams and stay strong amidst the struggles as well as for the lovely anniversary presents which helped to make the album art, to my other friends and family for their support, discussion and inspiration, and finally thanks to you who’s reading and listening, without which there would be no-one to hear the music I’ve poured my heart into.

Thank you again to everyone who helped make this album possible! I hope it brings you many hours of listening pleasure.

Sample Credits (All attribution is courtesy, not obligatory by law):

01 - Ignition
“Backseat Phobia” - Better Than The Book (From the “One Small Step” EP)
“Leaving Home [Paper Planes and Bottled Ships] - Better Than The Book (From the “One Small Step” EP)
“Special Message to the Congress on Urgent National Needs”- John F. Kennedy
“Rice Stadium Moon Speech”- John F. Kennedy
Additional samples from the NASA Sound Archive
Additional samples from freesound.org

02 - Homecoming
Additional samples from freesound.org

03 - Hearts Racing
“One Small Step Speech” – Neil Armstrong

05 - Channel Surfing
“Night of the Living Dead” 1968 - George A. Romero
“1954 Commercial for the RCA ''Master 21'' television set”
“And Then There Were None” 1945 - René Clair
“Woof Woof, Nag Nag” - Better Than The Book (From the “One Small Step” EP)
''The Dennis Day Show'' - The Old Friend
Additional samples from freesound.org

06 - Cathode Ray Days
Additional samples from freesound.org

09 - Re: HipHopPunk
“Cathode Ray Days” - Better Than The Book

10 - Head Above Water [Feat. Cyberdevil]
“Hearts Racing” - Better Than The Book
Amen Break - “Amen Brother” - The Winstons*
“One Small Step Speech” – Neil Armstrong

*While the Amen Break is part of musical culture now and its copyright is grey, I want to say a big thanks to The Winstons for their contribution to music and give them the credit they deserve. I’ve put in my contribution and encourage others to do the same here: www.gofundme.com/amenbrother2

Horn sounds courtesy of Session Horns by e-instruments
Organ sounds courtesy of Kontakt by Native Instruments
Drum sounds courtesy of Beat Basics
Additional samples from various royalty free libraries

Better Than The Book and Nick Standing are not endorsed by any of the organisations, bands or people mentioned in the above Sample Credits (Apart from obviously Better The The Book)

Feel free to follow Better Than The Book on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube for the latest updates:
www.facebook.com/BetterThanTheBookUK
twitter.com/BTTB_UK
www.youtube.com/user/OfficialBTTBMusic

Better Than The Book is Nick Standing, AKA Jabun and anything he can find in the moment to create his beloved Ska Punk project. Feel free to keep up with his other musical endeavours and adventures on the JabunAudio Website, Facebook and Twitter.
jabunaudio.weebly.com
www.facebook.com/JabunAudio/
twitter.com/HurpADervish

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Better Than The Book Burgess Hill, UK

Better Than The Book! A musical project by Nick Standing AKA Jabun. Heartfelt and high energy Ska / Pop Punk slices of life from a guy born in the 90s.

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