NUR EIN
almost 6 years agopassed
2:43
The Handbook
The Serviettes image
The Serviettes

Entry from The Handbook in Nur Ein XV.

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The Handbook by The Serviettes

I need a handbook to sort out my fking life
Not how to get a job or how to find a wife
I need one for the simple stuff
Like how the hell do I rewire a plug!?!

Don't need a plan for world domination
I've got no ideas to rise above my station
But it would be nice to understand how pensions work
Without having to Google everything first

Step one - Write a list that starts with step one
Step two - Ask Dad what to do
Step three - Get him to do it for me

Even though I've seen The Big Short all the way through
I couldn't explain subprime mortgages to you
But if you want someone to talk about The Beatles' b-sides
Then look no further, take a seat cos I'm your guy

I'm sure that'll come in handy at the apocalypse
There won't be too many out there that are less equipped
Can't find shelter, build a fire or kill for food
But I can talk about my favourite bits of Dr Who

Step one - Write a list that starts with step one
Step two - Ask Dad what to do
Step three - Get him to do it for me

Reviews

5 posted notes

vowlvom

Forum post

this song has a few issues, but it's so damned charming that I found myself enjoying each listen all the same. The main thing that bothered me is that there are a few lyrics that really don't scan very well at all, and I can tell you're cramming words into lines that don't really go; the first line of the chorus is a good example, and the apocalypse line. It just feels like a minor rewrite on a few lines could make this really stand out. I like the lyrical theme though, and I love the synth / organ stuff and the strange outro.

glowworm

Forum post

intro reminds me of that song by Queen, I Want to Break Free. Remind Deirds of The Buggles. Makes me wanna sway side to side and smile

owl

Forum post

I like this kind of cheesy, lo-fi synth, I like handclaps, and I like the quirky lyrics. So from a genre bias point of view, you landed on my good side despite the rather low production values of the mix. It just doesn’t feel very complete--as Glenn noted, it feels more like a demo than a completed song. I really like the lyric “step one--write a list that starts with step one,” but it feels like you’re trying to cram too many syllables into that line and they don’t quite fit. The vocals get really pitchy at points. Some nice melodic bits, but overall this just didn’t feel done yet.

bennyharv3

Forum post

I like your vocals on this song, but I can't help but get stuck on those high notes. They're actually pretty good, but they're weak, and I think the issue is that you're not putting enough air behind them. I do prefer these sustained high notes over last week's where you just hit them quick, because you have the time to be in tune and hit the note, so please keep doing this; if you want to hit a note hard, keep it in your comfortable range and add a little effect on it instead of trying to pop out a high note.
I'm not sure what specifically would help you hit them, but for me, I have to pretend that there's a string running from the top of my head through to the soles of my feet, and you want that string to be tight by standing up straight, shoulders back, cheest out, and diaphragm well supported. It might also help to tilt your head down just a little to fight the impulse to look up and strain your neck, which will just damage your vocal chords. And raise your eyebrows when you go for those high notes.

Cybronica

Forum post

oof this lyrics resonates with me hahaha. This is like a young millennial/gen z coming of age anthem. Your vocals are nice BUT when you hit your high note at the start, you go off your breath, and without any support the sound crumbles. You can get away with very little breath lower in your voice, but that won’t fly in the high stuff! You have more support in the chorus, and it sounds pretty good!

The Serviettes - The Handbook | Nur Ein