Difference between revisions of "Variations On A Cloud"

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  |title = Variations on a Cloud
  |title = Variations on a Cloud
  |albumart = Variations-cloud-cover.jpg
  |albumart = Variations-cloud-cover.jpg
  |writer = Joe Hawley
  |writer = [[Joe Hawley]], [[Rob Cantor]]
  |singer = [[Joe Hawley]], [[Rob Cantor]]
  |singer = [[Joe Hawley]], [[Rob Cantor]]
  |album = n/a
  |album = [[Hawaii: Part II]], [[Variations On A Cloud EP]]
  |duration = 3:10
  |duration = 3:10
  |genre = <!-- Rock is default genre. Please DO NOT use wonky or fabloo rock, we're looking for actual genres, here.  List other genres if there's a definite style heard such as Rap, Dixieland, Jazz, Doo-wop, etc. -->
  |genre = World
  |language = English
  |language = English
  |addtlInfo =  
  |externalLinks = [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJCLUhBzBM8 Youtube]<br>[https://open.spotify.com/track/5ELOH7ea3ZkSeWTMIpWGDv?si=011fb10e1d564486 Spotify]<br>[https://miraclemusical.bandcamp.com/album/hawaii-part-ii Bandcamp (Hidden Track)]<br>[https://miraclemusical.bandcamp.com/track/variations-on-a-cloud-instrumental Instrumental (Bandcamp)]
}}
}}
''Variations on a Cloud'' is a bonus song given to customers who pre-ordered copies of [[Hawaii: Part II]]. It is listed as the zeroth track of [[Hawaii: Part II]], but does not come with the album download.
'''Variations on a Cloud''' is a song by [[Joe Hawley]] and [[Rob Cantor]]<ref>https://tallyall.club/go/members/Miracle%20Musical/Hawaii%20Part%20II/ミラクルミュージカル.pdf Miracle Musical. Hawaii Part II Liner Notes. December 12th, 2012. Tallyall. Accessed: December 15th 2023.</ref><ref>https://repertoire.bmi.com/Search/Search?SearchForm.View_Count=&SearchForm.Main_Search=Title&SearchForm.Main_Search_Text=Variations+On+A+Cloud&SearchForm.Sub_Search=Writer%2FComposer&SearchForm.Sub_Search_Text=Hawley&SearchForm.Search_Type=all BMI Repertoire Index. 'Variations On A Cloud' Accessed: December 15th 2023.</ref> under the musical project [[ミラクルミュージカル]]. It was given out on 9/11/12 as a bonus to customers who pre-ordered copies of [[Hawaii: Part II]].<ref name=AMAVariations>https://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/a5ouhk/we_are_joe_hawley_ross_federman_and_bora_karaca/ebp826b?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3 Reddit AMA</ref> It was listed as the "zeroth" track of [[Hawaii: Part II]], and, originally, the song did not come included with a download of Hawaii: Part II, but now does, if one were to purchase it through the Miracle Musical Bandcamp page.<ref>[https://miraclemusical.bandcamp.com/album/hawaii-part-ii Hawaii: Part II Bandcamp]</ref>


It could be obtained by purchasing the postcard from the now defunct merch page[http://music.hawaiipartii.com/merch/postcard] on the official site, which included a download code for the song along with a code for Hawaii Part: II.
== History ==
===Conception===
It is unknown when, specifically, the song was written, but an instrumental can be heard in a [[Tally Hall's Internet Show]] outtake named People Making People. This was likely a comedy routine done by Joe Hawley around 2007, as this is when most of Tally Hall's Internet Show was shot.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZzeSAtOCFM Internet Show Outtakes. YouTube Video.]</ref>
The song features musical themes from [[Murders]], [[Isle Unto Thyself]], [[Dream Sweet In Sea Major]], and [[Ruler Of Everything]]. The song was based on the September 11th 2001 World Trade Center terrorist attack, which likely had a big effect on Joe's life.


This song features musical themes from [[Murders]], [[Isle Unto Thyself]], [[Dream Sweet In Sea Major]], and [[Ruler Of Everything]]. In an extended version of the song Hawley played in Ann Arbor in 2016, the song transitions to a cover of ''Jump'' by Van Halen with the backing track sampling ''Imagine'' by John Lennon.  
===Pre-streaming release===
Variations was released on the 11th of September 2012 as a digital download bonus for those who had pre-ordered Hawaii: Part II. The song was not available anywhere else, even after the release of the album on 12th December 2012.<ref name=AMAVariations></ref>


It is unknown when the song was written, but instrumentals can be heard in the Tally Hall internet show outtakes[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZzeSAtOCFM].
For a brief period the song could be obtained by purchasing a physical postcard from the (now defunct) merch page on the official site,<ref>[http://music.hawaiipartii.com/merch/postcard Postcard Merch Webpage (Now defunct, as of 2018)]</ref> which included a download code for the song along with a code for Hawaii Part: II, and a hand-drawn doodle signed by Joe Hawley.<ref>[https://www.hiddeninthesand.com/blogs/joe-hawley/2013/08/music-video-for-hawaii-part-iis-stranded-lullaby/ Coz Baldwin. Music Video For Hawaii Part II's Stranded Lullaby. 2013. Hidden In The Sand.]</ref>
 
{{Magic Lyrics}}


===Release to streaming services===
On the 11th of September 2015 a music video for Variations On A Cloud was uploaded to YouTube. The video is in memoriam to the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attack. The video splices together videos and pictures of the attack, overlaid with pictures and videos of clouds, in greyscale. The vocalists of the song are represented through colourful puppet characters.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcu9WmHPdbM "ミラクルミュージカル – Variations on a Cloud" YouTube Video]</ref> The video originally had comments of confusion from fans, many not knowing if it was supposed to be a joke or a genuine memoriam; comments were disabled on the video and all other Miracle Musical videos.


On June 23rd 2016, Joe Hawley would perform at Sonic Lunch 2016 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. At this performance he would play Variations On A Cloud solo, with the song transitioning to a cover of ''Jump'' by Van Halen with the backing track sampling [[The Beatles|John Lennon]]'s ''Imagine''.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxPLsCRY2a0 Jeff Baker. Joe Hawley-Variations On A Cloud: Sonic Lunch; Ann Arbor, MI 06.23.2016. YouTube. Video.]</ref> This references a mashup of the two tracks made by Mister Buzz from 2014<ref>https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1agttj Mister Buzz. 'John Lennon & Van Halen Mash Up Jump and Imagine'/ Dailymotion. 30th January 2014. Accessed December 15th 2023.</ref>


===Vinyl Release===
On June 18th, 2019, an announcement was made that fans would be able to pre-order a 7-inch, 45rpm white vinyl of 'Variations On A Cloud', with the B-side containing [[White Ball (8​-​Bit)]] and [[Dream Sweet In Sea Major (8​-​Bit)]]. In addition to the vinyl, fans would also receive a limited edition embroidered wool hat, embroidered with the ミラクルミュージカル insignia.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20190622023907/http://www.hawaiipartii.com/variations-vinyl Pre order link, June 22nd 2019], archived from [http://www.hawaiipartii.com/variations-vinyl?fbclid=IwAR0dAYJTwK24uXmBMyL_E33z4cvVMLrXZmbc0kmAJOSkV1PY2kmoopip2oI The Original]. Via The Wayback Machine. Retrieved 9th January 2024.</ref><ref>[https://www.facebook.com/hawaiipartii/photos/a.791781347573057/2247536135330897/?type=1&theater Vinyl pre-order announcement. Facebook. 18th June 2019.]</ref> Pre-orders were done through annarbortees.com, a T-shirt company based in [[Tally Hall]]'s hometown of Ann Arbor, Michigan.<ref>[https://partners.annarbortees.com/products/miracle-musical-variations-on-a-cloud-white-vinyl-7-single-45rpm-limited-edition-embroidered-wool-hat annarbortees.com. Miracle Musical Variations On A Cloud White Vinyl 7 Single 45rpm Limited Edition Embroidered Wool Hat. Accessed 18th June 2019.]</ref>


===Removal From Services===
On August 13, 2021, Variations on a Cloud was removed from streaming services, causing confusion from fans. However, the song was then brought back on September 11 2021, the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks and the 9th anniversary of the songs release, very likely an intentional move by Joe Hawley or another member.


On June 4th 2022, the video for the song was removed for violating YouTube’s community guidelines. As a result, the comments were reactivated on the Miracle Musical YouTube channel.<ref>https://x.com/_H_II_/status/1533137503737237504 [6:23 PM] Jun 4, 2022. "This has no effect on your channel" ''Twitter''. Takedown notice. Tweet.</ref>


==Trivia==
* Joe's vocals for Variations were recorded in a barn, in a covered boat<ref>[https://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/a5ouhk/we_are_joe_hawley_ross_federman_and_bora_karaca/ebp1t20?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3 Miracle Musical Reddit AMA]</ref>


{{Magic Lyrics}}


==External Links==
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEAE_4XTwnE YouTube (Audio Only)] <br>
[https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/variations-on-a-cloud-single/1016959822 iTunes / Apple Music]


==References==
<references/>
{{Hawaii: Part II}}
{{Hawaii: Part II: Part ii}}
<includeonly>[[Category:Songs]]</includeonly><includeonly>{{#ifexist: {{{writer}}} | [[Category:Songs by {{{writer}}}]] | }}</includeonly>
<includeonly>[[Category:Songs]]</includeonly><includeonly>{{#ifexist: {{{writer}}} | [[Category:Songs by {{{writer}}}]] | }}</includeonly>
[[Category:Songs with Music Videos]]
[[Category:Songs by Joe Hawley]]
[[Category:Songs by Rob Cantor]]

Latest revision as of 09:26, 9 January 2024

Variations on a Cloud
Variations-cloud-cover.jpg
Written by Joe Hawley, Rob Cantor
Appears on Hawaii: Part II, Variations On A Cloud EP
Sung by Joe Hawley, Rob Cantor
Duration 3:10
Genre World
Language English
Links: Youtube
Spotify
Bandcamp (Hidden Track)
Instrumental (Bandcamp)


Variations on a Cloud is a song by Joe Hawley and Rob Cantor[1][2] under the musical project ミラクルミュージカル. It was given out on 9/11/12 as a bonus to customers who pre-ordered copies of Hawaii: Part II.[3] It was listed as the "zeroth" track of Hawaii: Part II, and, originally, the song did not come included with a download of Hawaii: Part II, but now does, if one were to purchase it through the Miracle Musical Bandcamp page.[4]

History

Conception

It is unknown when, specifically, the song was written, but an instrumental can be heard in a Tally Hall's Internet Show outtake named People Making People. This was likely a comedy routine done by Joe Hawley around 2007, as this is when most of Tally Hall's Internet Show was shot.[5] The song features musical themes from Murders, Isle Unto Thyself, Dream Sweet In Sea Major, and Ruler Of Everything. The song was based on the September 11th 2001 World Trade Center terrorist attack, which likely had a big effect on Joe's life.

Pre-streaming release

Variations was released on the 11th of September 2012 as a digital download bonus for those who had pre-ordered Hawaii: Part II. The song was not available anywhere else, even after the release of the album on 12th December 2012.[3]

For a brief period the song could be obtained by purchasing a physical postcard from the (now defunct) merch page on the official site,[6] which included a download code for the song along with a code for Hawaii Part: II, and a hand-drawn doodle signed by Joe Hawley.[7]

Release to streaming services

On the 11th of September 2015 a music video for Variations On A Cloud was uploaded to YouTube. The video is in memoriam to the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attack. The video splices together videos and pictures of the attack, overlaid with pictures and videos of clouds, in greyscale. The vocalists of the song are represented through colourful puppet characters.[8] The video originally had comments of confusion from fans, many not knowing if it was supposed to be a joke or a genuine memoriam; comments were disabled on the video and all other Miracle Musical videos.

On June 23rd 2016, Joe Hawley would perform at Sonic Lunch 2016 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. At this performance he would play Variations On A Cloud solo, with the song transitioning to a cover of Jump by Van Halen with the backing track sampling John Lennon's Imagine.[9] This references a mashup of the two tracks made by Mister Buzz from 2014[10]

Vinyl Release

On June 18th, 2019, an announcement was made that fans would be able to pre-order a 7-inch, 45rpm white vinyl of 'Variations On A Cloud', with the B-side containing White Ball (8​-​Bit) and Dream Sweet In Sea Major (8​-​Bit). In addition to the vinyl, fans would also receive a limited edition embroidered wool hat, embroidered with the ミラクルミュージカル insignia.[11][12] Pre-orders were done through annarbortees.com, a T-shirt company based in Tally Hall's hometown of Ann Arbor, Michigan.[13]

Removal From Services

On August 13, 2021, Variations on a Cloud was removed from streaming services, causing confusion from fans. However, the song was then brought back on September 11 2021, the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks and the 9th anniversary of the songs release, very likely an intentional move by Joe Hawley or another member.

On June 4th 2022, the video for the song was removed for violating YouTube’s community guidelines. As a result, the comments were reactivated on the Miracle Musical YouTube channel.[14]

Trivia

  • Joe's vocals for Variations were recorded in a barn, in a covered boat[15]


Lyrics

Both of us see a cloud
Or whatever we may believe
Being it may be proud
Or whatever we want to see

OK, jump

Cirrus in [Cumulus] light [dark] you lie [vow]
Give us varying [colorful] shades of grey
Floating inside [outside] the sky
Show us everything [nothing] everyday [in any way]

OK, jump to end it all
Let this one be to break the fall

It's a little bit of magic to end the world
[But I thought you knew me truly?]
Something different than we started with in the world
[Does it even matter to me?]

I was in the hearing
Bumming a humble clearing from Caligula
In his Shangri-La La La

It's a little bit of magic to end the world
[But I thought you knew me truly?]
Something different than we started with in the world
[Does it even matter to me?]

Miracle worker I saw you begin it
Walking the water [so soft on the rain]
See what you see in the surface [a limit]
Ladies and gentlemen, please

Why don't we keep it coming back
And coming back
And coming back

Why don't we keep it coming back
And coming back
[Join if you wish]

Keep it coming back
And coming back
And coming back

Why don't we keep it coming back
And coming back

We've been to this scene [These days it's hard to find friends]
Aboriginal meme [But opportunities bend]
Had a smotherful mother full of meddle and steam [And we spend the chance sleeping on the top of the fence]

Can't believe what we've seen
Won't be burned to the ground
Though we make ourselves castles
Every tide we're around

Do you like how I walk? Do you like how I talk? (It's a little bit of magic to end the world)
Do you like how my face has learned to tick like a clock? [But I thought you knew me truly]
I have a wonderful life, I know a powerful Bob (Something different than we started with in the world)
He eulogizes me for being geocentric (ha ha ha ha!) [Does it even matter to me?] 

Keep it coming back
And coming back
And coming back

Why don't we keep it coming back
And coming back
And coming back
And coming

External Links

YouTube (Audio Only)
iTunes / Apple Music

References

  1. https://tallyall.club/go/members/Miracle%20Musical/Hawaii%20Part%20II/ミラクルミュージカル.pdf Miracle Musical. Hawaii Part II Liner Notes. December 12th, 2012. Tallyall. Accessed: December 15th 2023.
  2. https://repertoire.bmi.com/Search/Search?SearchForm.View_Count=&SearchForm.Main_Search=Title&SearchForm.Main_Search_Text=Variations+On+A+Cloud&SearchForm.Sub_Search=Writer%2FComposer&SearchForm.Sub_Search_Text=Hawley&SearchForm.Search_Type=all BMI Repertoire Index. 'Variations On A Cloud' Accessed: December 15th 2023.
  3. 3.0 3.1 https://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/a5ouhk/we_are_joe_hawley_ross_federman_and_bora_karaca/ebp826b?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3 Reddit AMA
  4. Hawaii: Part II Bandcamp
  5. Internet Show Outtakes. YouTube Video.
  6. Postcard Merch Webpage (Now defunct, as of 2018)
  7. Coz Baldwin. Music Video For Hawaii Part II's Stranded Lullaby. 2013. Hidden In The Sand.
  8. "ミラクルミュージカル – Variations on a Cloud" YouTube Video
  9. Jeff Baker. Joe Hawley-Variations On A Cloud: Sonic Lunch; Ann Arbor, MI 06.23.2016. YouTube. Video.
  10. https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1agttj Mister Buzz. 'John Lennon & Van Halen Mash Up Jump and Imagine'/ Dailymotion. 30th January 2014. Accessed December 15th 2023.
  11. Pre order link, June 22nd 2019, archived from The Original. Via The Wayback Machine. Retrieved 9th January 2024.
  12. Vinyl pre-order announcement. Facebook. 18th June 2019.
  13. annarbortees.com. Miracle Musical Variations On A Cloud White Vinyl 7 Single 45rpm Limited Edition Embroidered Wool Hat. Accessed 18th June 2019.
  14. https://x.com/_H_II_/status/1533137503737237504 [6:23 PM] Jun 4, 2022. "This has no effect on your channel" Twitter. Takedown notice. Tweet.
  15. Miracle Musical Reddit AMA
Hawaii: Part II: Part iiIntroduction to the Snow (Instrumental) · Isle Unto Thyself (Instrumental) · Black Rainbows (Instrumental) · White Ball (Instrumental) · Murders (Instrumental) · 宇宙ステーションのレベル7 (Instrumental) · The Mind Electric (Instrumental) · Labyrinth (Instrumental) · Time Machine (Instrumental) · Stranded Lullaby (Instrumental) · Dream Sweet in Sea Major (Instrumental) · Variations on a Cloud (Instrumental) · Introduction to the Snow (Demo)Isle Unto Thyself (Demo)Isle Unto Thyself (Wee-Oh)Black Rainbows (A Capella Demo)Black Rainbows (Chanting Tutorial)White Ball (Piano Melody Demo)White Ball (Bridge Demo)White Ball (Solo Demo)White Ball (Ad Libs)White Ball (Raw Strings)White Ball (Giggle)Murders (Demo)Murders (1949 Steinway Samples)Murders (Vocal Effects)宇宙ステーションのレベル7 (Disco Chorus)宇宙ステーションのレベル7 ("Heaven")The Mind Electric (Demo)The Mind Electric (Demo 2)The Mind Electric (Demo 3)The Mind Electric (Demo 4)The Mind Electric (Cojum Dip Instrumental)The Mind Electric ("Help Me/Axon-Dendrite")The Mind Electric ("Gott")The Mind Electric ("Teslacoil" Synth)The Mind Electric (Reamplification Effects)The Mind Electric (Sample - Sam Ku West Harmony Boys - "Sunkist Hawaii")The Mind Electric (Sample - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - Gloria - "Trinitatis")Labyrinth (Chorus Demo)Labyrinth (Royal Lions Chorus)Labyrinth (A Capella Verses)Labyrinth ("I Rewind")Time Machine (Demo)Time Machine (Demo 2)Time Machine (Demo 3)Stranded Lullaby (Demo)Stranded Lullaby (Demo 2)Stranded Lullaby (Demo 3)Stranded Lullaby ("Ghost")Stranded Lullaby (Sound Effects)Dream Sweet in Sea Major (Demo)Dream Sweet in Sea Major (Demo 2) ⋅ Dream Sweet in Sea Major (Electric Guitar)