Anna Lee Question

[Super Dude]

Because on Wikipedia it says James wrote the lyrics, but I seem to remember it referred to here as a Derek song. Is that simply because it was written in the Derek era or was the composition itself largely him? Or was the instrumentation the band collectively? If you got answers, I wanna hear 'em!

[Madman Shepherd]

I believe Derek instigated it and James may have also had a bit to do with the song in the beginning.  In the 5YIAL dvd commentary, Mike says it was mainly a Derek song and JP interjects and says that he worked with Derek on it.

if I remember correctly, I think they also said it started by Derek playing on a piano in a hotel...I may be wrong about that

[MoraWintersoul]

I'm listening to the commentary right now, so I can transcribe it:

MP (talking to JLB): This was mainly you and Derek. I mean, musically, it was really mainly Derek's thing, and we tweaked some parts of the progression here and there, and lyrically and melodically it's all mainly you.
JP: Actually, to get technical about it, the music is mostly Derek and I.
(this part the three of them talk at once)
MP: Oh yeah, sorry, my bad
JLB: Yeah, you guys were in a...
JP: ... we [started?] this in a hotel, and the hotel piano in the lobby. It's definitely Derek's inspiration and influence, like the whole Elton... [he meant to say vibe I guess].

Afterwards Mike said he really loved the song and that he kinda wished they could still play it, but it sounded to "Dereck-y" to him, and JP said "I know what you mean", and then JLB said it would be cool if they would pull it out every once in a while.

[Super Dude]

I'm listening to the commentary right now, so I can transcribe it:

MP (talking to JLB): This was mainly you and Derek. I mean, musically, it was really mainly Derek's thing, and we tweaked some parts of the progression here and there, and lyrically and melodically it's all mainly you.
JP: Actually, to get technical about it, the music is mostly Derek and I.
(this part the three of them talk at once)
MP: Oh yeah, sorry, my bad
JLB: Yeah, you guys were in a...
JP: ... we [started?] this in a hotel, and the hotel piano in the lobby. It's definitely Derek's inspiration and influence, like the whole Elton... [he meant to say vibe I guess].

Afterwards Mike said he really loved the song and that he kinda wished they could still play it, but it sounded to "Dereck-y" to him, and JP said "I know what you mean", and then JLB said it would be cool if they would pull it out every once in a while.

That's too bad, when it's probably one of their better songs overall.

[Laich21DT]

I'm listening to the commentary right now, so I can transcribe it:

MP (talking to JLB): This was mainly you and Derek. I mean, musically, it was really mainly Derek's thing, and we tweaked some parts of the progression here and there, and lyrically and melodically it's all mainly you.
JP: Actually, to get technical about it, the music is mostly Derek and I.
(this part the three of them talk at once)
MP: Oh yeah, sorry, my bad
JLB: Yeah, you guys were in a...
JP: ... we [started?] this in a hotel, and the hotel piano in the lobby. It's definitely Derek's inspiration and influence, like the whole Elton... [he meant to say vibe I guess].

Afterwards Mike said he really loved the song and that he kinda wished they could still play it, but it sounded to "Dereck-y" to him, and JP said "I know what you mean", and then JLB said it would be cool if they would pull it out every once in a while.

I would love this. I don't see why they can't play the song anymore just because Derek is no longer in the band.

[hefdaddy42]

That's too bad, when it's probably one of their better songs overall.

I agree, and hopefully my question about it will get answered in the live chat tomorrow.

[Super Dude]

That's too bad, when it's probably one of their better songs overall.

I agree, and hopefully my question about it will get answered in the live chat tomorrow.

Well I'm intrigued. Do you remember what page your post was on?

[hefdaddy42]

5, I think. 

[MoraWintersoul]

I asked about Anna Lee too.

[Super Dude]

Shame about Anna Lee. I'd love not only to hear that live, but to hear them write songs more like that in the future.

[RaiseTheKnife]

CRICKETS.

Actually, I am super bummed not to hear this song live.

[TheAtliator]

Yea it's a terrific song, I hope one day they get around to it  I thought the live version on 5yial was great! It's crazy to think Jordan's only heard it maybe once! lol