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Sergio Wals moved from Mexico to Illinois a couple of years ago to attend graduate school at the University of Illinois, and he and I met there. This past Friday, Sergio and I drove to Peterborough, Ontario to spend the weekend with Alex Stangl at his Sherbrooke studio. We had an absolutely amazing time. It's no secret that Alex is extremely talented, but he still blew us away when we saw him action. I've never before seen someone so in the zone, so in command of his craft, as Alex working the controls while recording. I could rave for many paragraphs about his brilliant instincts, lightning speed, skill at coaching, etc.

For his part, Sergio was like a kid in a candy store. He was giddy. Sergio plays live here in Champaign from time to time, but he hadn't previously been recorded. He put himself in Alex's hands, and the two of them worked some real musical magic. We got through three songs in the 47 hours we were there, with this being the first. We also had time to tour Peterborough (a very cool, quirky, fun town), to see the locks in action, and to eat at some excellent restaurants. And I'm pretty sure Alex took at least one cigarette break while we were there.

Here are the three of us during a lunch break, and Sergio in the studio, failing miserably to control his enthusiasm.





**Note: this song reached #1 on the overall chart in July, 2006. Thanks!

Love Songs in the Rain

Music written and performed by Alex Stangl
Words by Jeff Mondak
Vocal by Sergio Wals

I've walked this road before
Perhaps I will again
When i's time to walk alone
I'll sing love songs in the rain

There's no point in asking why
No, there's nothing to be gained
When there're dark clouds overhead
I'll sing love songs in the rain

When there're dark clouds overhead
I'll sing love songs in the rain

The rain falls cold and pure
It'll wash away the pain
When your memory burns too bright
I'll sing love songs in the rain

Love songs don't look back
Love songs don't regret
Love songs bring me hope
Of lovers to be met

When there're dark clouds overhead
I'll sing love songs in the rain

When there're dark clouds overhead
I'll sing love songs in the rain

When your memory burns too bright
I'll sing love songs in the rain
Details:
 Uploaded: Jul 3, 2006
 Genre: Adult Contemporary
 hifi Size: 3190 KB
 lofi Size: 998 KB

Statistics:
 Plays: 273
 Reviews: 78
 Favored: 73

Member Review
Boots
2006-07-03
Voting even tho it isn't raining Keep on Keepin on
adrianjpratt
2006-07-03
Liked the image... love songs in the rain... cleansing waters.. preparing us for future encounters of life and love. Pleasant to liten to... and a good job with production. The only thing I would have liked was a little more harmonica.. maybe coming in again at the end? (I don't know why but harmonicas and rainy days somehow go together in my confused brain!). Sounds like you guys were having fun making this one!
Aprilshowers60
2006-07-03
well who cares if it raining? When I saw the words rain and love in the same title I smitten and had to have a chuckle and a listen...Sergio sounds great here with the words and I got especially lost in the music....I'm liking this big time! Also enjoyed the pics :)
margot
2006-07-03
Now that`s what I call a collab...Unmisakably Al`s music :-)... very cool lyrics and so nice to hear Sergio singing them...It`s always so very nice to meet up with friends met on the net...Those friendships somehow become truly special... Well done all of you...:-) Luv mags xx :-)
cathead77
2006-07-03
Hard to believe I was thinking of a hook just last week.....sing a song in the rain....oh well, great minds yadda yadda yadda...This is a cool song and what better way to collab than in person? No wonder I missed Alex the past couple of nights. I was fretting for nought. Great job by all. The recording quality is to be envied as is the performance.
ghanlon
2006-07-04
very cool indeed. great vocals and alex is putting down all the riht notes. `~ghanlon
teecee
2006-07-04
Great collab from the three of you, to coin Alex's phraseology ... it's all good! Unmistakeable "Strobicaxe" sound, lovely lyrics, and a strong but gentle vocal from Sergio. T
grandpamike
2006-07-04
Cool Colasb. Enjoyed the song and the performance. v. Mike
Rich227
2006-07-04
yea man this guy has a great voice. love the lyrics and the was just awesome nice mixture. let me know if you post anymore. thanks jeff.
RJC
2006-07-04
Very nice gentleman! Cool collab, looks and sounds like ya had a blast! Rob
strobicaxe
2006-07-04
I'm not sure if I should review the restaurants we ate at or the song - but - I'll say this - it was a great time having Jeff & Sergio visiting TDR - the greatest joy for me was the utter enthusiasm Sergio had for the entire process - as I said to you Jeff - a very rare thing in these jaded times we live in - so - for me it was just a great experience all around - & a new challenge - & Sergio was certainly a quick study - instead of getting flustered - he just became more thrilled with it all as things moved along - & his energy could have powered the entire city - quite moving I'll admit - I gotta admire that - ~AS~
benjammin
2006-07-04
Great collab from the three of you!! Enjoyed the listen!! Sounds like a good time was had @ TDR!! Benny
lps45s8tracks
2006-07-04
(;AWESOME LYRICS;)well written.(;AWESOME VOCALS;)Sounding ever so good.Something tells me this won't be the last song we will hear from Sergio.Enjoyed the listen ever so much.Voting.Your Songramp Bro.~(;Yrral Mallik;)
ScottyMetro
2006-07-04
Great job here..the music gives me a Tom Petty feel. Good job on the lyrics!!! Scotty
azappraiser
2006-07-04
This has to beat the cold, clammy confines of cyberspace. I mean writing in person, who would've thought.... Nice sound you guys came up with. -Chad
Beeswing
2006-07-04
It's always pretty special when rampers get to collab in person - this makes me smile so much - you obviously had such a great time! lovely poignant lyrics and some typical Stangl sounds - add a distinctive and very pleasant vocal from Sergio and you have a beauty of a song!~ Diane
angie
2006-07-04
A great collab! Enjoyed Sergio's vocals & Alex made the music fit the lyrics so well. Who couldn't relate to a song about singing love songs in the rain? Great song idea, Jeff! Good job all the way around!
teleman58
2006-07-04
It's great that you guys could hook up and work together. Great finished product with the TDR signature sound.
mlprat
2006-07-04
Hey I can just imagine you all together .. what a treat. Glad you guys had a chance to do this. Come down to Texas and pick me up next time, it's just a short detour. :) This sounds great, really like the smooth melody and Sergio puts that nice tone to a great lyric. Well done guys. Mike
TerriFann
2006-07-04
Thanks for the IM with your great trip details, and I like these pictures and story here too. Now as for the song - oh yeah! Keep singing, recording, playing, writin'! And if you're having fun too, you KNOW you're just where you're supposed to be. Congrats on the team effort! Terri
AlanSanders
2006-07-04
man I am jealous now! lol nice work, good sound and very nice smooth voice! I can sense his enthusiasm from the song. Alan
songman32
2006-07-04
This song has that Stangl touch and makes for a great song, Sergio really singing on them lyrics of yours Jeff all came away very enjoyable too. Jimmy Lee
Cyndie
2006-07-04
Love this. love the 50's/latin kind of groove. Your lyrics are so sweet. I can relate to the optimistic, melancholy feel of them. Definantly an Alex production. Beautiful. Very enjoyable. Thanks for the invitation Jeff, I really enjoyed it.
Dona-Gene
2006-07-04
Wow! The final product is even more impressive than the rough cut I heard at the CD release party. Great job all!
TheChiggers
2006-07-04
Terrific mix of a really good tune boys.. 2nd listen is even better than the 1st.. Nice and tasteful licks Alex!! - VOTE - SC
TimothyScott
2006-07-04
Well-done guys! Atmospheric(Alex's music is for me) and well performed....Great hearing how this collab came about,I'm sure the experience will be remembered a long time..;)--ts
TimothyScott
2006-07-04
Nice lyrics too,Jeff...sets the stage for Sergio & Alex to do their stuff...heartfelt message..--ts
glenn_pattison
2006-07-04
Nice words Jeff, Sergio sounding great too, Alex's cookin it up just right. Looks like Y'all had a good time! glenn
dmatchack
2006-07-04
Well guys... this is my first review at the SongRamp site... What can I say about this song... it sounds meticulous... this is a demonstration of genius. Well written song... well performed, well recorded, nicely arranged. A great collaboration for sure...I have always known Alex was a master craftsman.... and I have stated this numerous times... this sounds like a song that was created and recorded while having lots of fun.... the best way to record...it appears friendships were made on this occasion...Again, well done on the song... and well done on the recording... Dave
bobgraham
2006-07-04
Oh to be "unjaded" again. (-8 AOY = strobicaxe!!! bobgraham
Swans500
2006-07-05
Sounds fab....is this a new song?
RonnieG
2006-07-05
Compliments Guys. This is nice. Jeff, enjoyed your preface up above and yep i have this vision of Alex flying the Challenger whilst playing the guitar too.... did you met Mr Agent or Rex? lol. Sergio... Got the Strobi' mood there. Nice. Sounded a great weekend. And if I'm ever in Nova Scotia Alex..... I'll look you up.... (I know ...I Know!!! lol) Rgds Ronnie
rittmo
2006-07-05
Jeff it's as if there was window open to Alex's portal, lyrics so in tune with his love gone, new horizons aura. Really nice vocals, cool melody, and the joy of the moment shines through!
TheMosaics
2006-07-05
Great Job guys....Great tune, great production. I love the instrumental hooks. Alex seems to be a master of those... Sergio's enthusiasm really comes through on the recording too. thoroughly enjoyed this listen.... - Andy
JoeWilsonKolb
2006-07-05
Simply beautiful, Alex, Sergio, and Jeff! Joe
kclements
2006-07-05
Really cool. I loved the feel and flavor of the song. Sergio did an outstanding job as di you and Alex. Good collab. Kev
LoanShark
2006-07-05
Very nice...sounds like a fun trip. Sergio you have a really good voice. Nice job on the lyrics and production Alex & Jeff. Enjoyed...can't wait to here the others. -Jerry
makeajoyfulnoise
2006-07-05
love sergio's voice!! this is a great tune and the lyrics are amazing!! has an unmistakeable "alex" flavor to it!!! sounds like a great time was had by all!! Great job you guys!!
Treetown
2006-07-05
Yea this is really nice guys..and Sergio has a refreshing voice..bags of charm.Peter
SimpleTools
2006-07-05
Nice collab, guys. I like the relaxed approach on this, and the repetition of the title works very well. Sounds like it was a fun project! - Love songs and rain, what's not to like? Peace! - Rick
rk8257
2006-07-05
Great attitude in the lyric. Nice laid back feel. Nothing like mixing some great lyrics with some great production. Congrats gentlemen. I enjoyed the listen and as such I will cast vote! Rick
troyemcm
2006-07-05
Nice sone. Thanks for the invitation. I enjoyed listening. Great song.
sergiowals
2006-07-06
There's no way I an post an objective review about this one... But I do want to thank Jeff for inviting me to sing such nice lyrics and also want to thank Alex for all his patience!!! Your talents guys extend beyond my words... and what a great weekend we spent indeed!!! I truly hope this is only the first of several in-person collaborations. How could I not be enthusiastic with such cool people surrounding me? Thanks all for your encouraging comments!
Brad_Miller
2006-07-06
This was well done. I like the concept and the deilvery of the vocals. Has room for some great vocal harmony lines too. Voting now!
Dreamcatcher
2006-07-06
Sounds like some good vibes in this colaboration - very powerful lyrics - solid performance - exceptional production! A nice laid back sad feel to this one. What a cool thing - take a road trip and come home with a great song (or three). Keep me posted for the next 2.~Jeff
Skipp_Gooley
2006-07-06
Very nice collab guys. Like the positive outlook in this song. Havin soundcard problems at the moment so it was a bit difficult to listen to properly, but what i heard I liked.....thanks for the invite......Skipp
xavi
2006-07-06
Very well done guys, congratulations! I agree with jeff, it seems like some super good vibes going on with you guys here. Ain't the ramp grand getting people together like this?- Good one guys-- xavi
rayf
2006-07-06
Love the color in the production...solid songwriting, another fine songramp collaboration...Ray
JulesBloeth
2006-07-06
Thanks for sharing this one with us! Sounds like you guys had an amazing time. :)
drunktank
2006-07-07
Really digging the laid-back feel of this song. There's nothing about this song that doesn't shine -- the music, the lyrics, and the vocals all fit perfectly together. Superb mix, too. Excellent collab!!! -dt-
jbk
2006-07-07
Song sounds fabulous! I love imagining the energy and joy the three of you must have filled that studio with. I really dug the harmonica, too... perfect match for the beautiful and rebellious idea that even when your heart is breaking, you can choose to be hopeful. Really a gem - well done!! Best, Joanna
studebaker
2006-07-07
Good job guys, Great easy listening, love the melody and lyric vocals are great too! Curtis
maintiger
2006-07-07
totally cool guys- you all sound great in this collab- kudos- Elrod
Gartin
2006-07-07
Good stuff guys.Believe you all have found some great friends to collab with.Enjoyed the listen. Jesus Saves. The Gartins will vote for this song.
JOHNNYLUNCHBREAK
2006-07-07
WHAT A GREAT COLLAB. GUYS!! THE HARD WORK SURE PAID OFF!! AS. SUCH A FINE RECORDING..SO WELL BALANCED...NICE STEREO...PROD...MIX...A+++'S... EXCELLENT TUNE AND PERFORMANCES ALL AROUND..I LIKE THE QUALITY OF SERGIOS' VOICE...JEFF= GREAT LYRIC!!! VOTING!! LUNCHBREAK!
DevinsMusicRoom
2006-07-08
Love song & rain. Great combination. Sounds like this was a memorable experience guys. -Devin
Thelmab12000
2006-07-09
I'm so glad I FINALY got to a computer with speakers!!! You guys did a great job together and Sergio added such a nice touch with the ethnic quality to his voice. I really love what you all did with the song. Alex sure knows his stuff!!!
FrancesTease
2006-07-10
Very nice collab. Great feel to the music. Enjoyed the listen. Frances
icycle
2006-07-10
Great song. Fantastic work by all. Jay
TWH
2006-07-11
Kudos to all three of you. Gr8 job on this song. Got my vote,,,,TWH
poorandneedy
2006-07-12
Nice work fellers...cool lyric and melody. Cool vocal..Thanks--Greg
iisee
2006-07-13
A beauty my friends!! Can definitely hear Alex' prints on this one but skillfully uses the talents of Sergio's vocal and Jeffs lyric! Classic.....JS!
Truss
2006-07-14
Nice collab guys. Great lead in story too. Sounds like you had fun. Derek
47
2006-07-14
OH wow... Great job! Sergio, could I co-author a paper (or two?) with u so someday I can say "Yea I wrote a paper with this great singer before he was famous...? Y/N?
fcg
2006-07-14
Beautiful! Kya is sitting next to me swaying to the song as we speak (can she vote too?!)
LEXZ
2006-07-15
Excellent song to promote international collaboration. I really like the mighty fine accompaniment to this tune, and Sergio does a great job of matching that quality with his singing. Top scores!
kth1003
2006-07-15
What a nice job! I did not know Sergio has this lovely voice...I knew that Jeff Mondak writes poem, but did not know he was a songwriter, too !! I hope I can join you sometime....From Taeho
Peenie86
2006-07-15
Very pretty Jeff :) Sergio has done a wonderful job on this one... you guys got my vote! Trudi
Fish
2006-07-16
Great job, guys. Can't add much that others haven't said. Sorry I'm so late gettin to it.
jfvalentine
2006-07-19
Nice song. Jeff, I like your lyrics and Sergio definately bought this to life with his voice. Alex the production here is spot on! Nice collab guys!! I enjoyed the listen.:)-Jeannine
Retha
2006-07-21
Great production Jeff! Great collab!! Sorry it took me so long to Listen!! Thanks so much for the message!! Good luck to you all!!! Retha
donnavalentine
2006-07-28
Once again, the guitars are SO good! I like the pics alot, guys. (well, two of them didn't open up for me) But I liked the two that did! Laid back groove on this one. Donna
Kyleellen
2006-07-30
Great lyrics. Nice stong vocal. The mix sounds perfect and the harp is great touch too. Best Wishes, Ln
billdraper
2006-08-05
Sergio's vocals are really something and what a great collab with Alex...brilliant! Bill
brettski
2006-08-20
This is just top notch stuff. I like the almost melancholy vibe to it. The vocals are very well delivered, and the lead guitar playing/effects suit the tune to a "t" peace, Brett
jbthegeezer
2008-07-25
Great collaboration thanks.
jb
clairejeanne
2009-01-10
Jeff ,
a great collab guys.
Very enjoyable listening.
Clairejeanne
ronsimple
2009-01-20
very nice! I'm a sucker for a sweet simple, love song!