Thief- song by Scandalous Grace

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michaelhanson
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2015/03/26 12:17:02 (permalink)

Thief- song by Scandalous Grace

Here is another new song by Scandalous Grace, let us know what you think of this one.  I did the mix and pseudo mastering on this song.
 
Thief:
 
https://soundcloud.com/michaeljhanson/thief
 
Michael Hanson: Bass Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Lead Vocal, Drum Programing.
Sean Peifer: Acoustic Guitar, Vocals.
Reece Bain: Keys, Triangle, Vocals.

Mike

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21 Replies Related Threads

    Venus
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    Re: Thief- song by Scandalous Grace 2015/03/26 12:27:24 (permalink)
    BGVs were good. Lyrically and compositionally well written/performed. Probably don't need that first 18s intro or before the 2nd verse (a little long), just start straight into the verse. I like the simple added picking guitar too-adds some dimension.

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    #2
    ggillman
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    Re: Thief- song by Scandalous Grace 2015/03/26 16:03:31 (permalink)
    Love it!  Nice Job!
    #3
    michaelhanson
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    Re: Thief- song by Scandalous Grace 2015/03/27 10:58:13 (permalink)
    Hey Venus....thank you for listening and the nice compliments.  This one came together pretty well for us.  I hear what you are saying about the Intro.  I guess I am old school and kind of like that instrumental build up.  Artistic choice I guess you would call it.  
     
    ggillman....thank you for listening as well.  Glad that you enjoyed the song.

    Mike

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    https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/scandalous-grace/id1180730765
     
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    Guitarhacker
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    Re: Thief- song by Scandalous Grace 2015/03/27 17:55:17 (permalink)
    I agree with Venus.... cut the long intro and the turnaround into the 2nd verse... don't waste time on such things.... get into the song and the verse. People have short attention spans.
     
    I like the loose feeling to the BGV's.  Recording is good. 

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    #5
    Rimshot
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    Re: Thief- song by Scandalous Grace 2015/03/27 20:36:38 (permalink)
    Very good melody and lyrics. Original and heartfelt. Playing and arrangement is good. Maybe a bit loose but the feel is there so it doesn't really matter.  
    I think the piano is too compressed. Again, all subjective. You guys are really coming along in honest delivery and style. 
     
    I like the lead vocal Michael.  Really good and natural.
    I like the intro and break before the 2nd verse. If people are in too much a hurry to listen to the feel and setup, then they probably won't keep playing the song as a favorite. 
     
    I is one thing to suggest to cut some of the excess off to get to the point but another thing to say you just want to relax with the grove before the vocals.  I like that approach on this tune. Others I may not. 
     
    Anyway, I say thumbs up to all of you.  Keep up the good work and maybe take a break from the song to come back and really listen to all the parts. You may find some plays with clicks or noise that could be cleaned up. 
     
    The lyrics are really well done. I like the lyric and melody the best on this production.  
     
     
     
    Jimmy
     
     

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    emeraldsoul
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    Re: Thief- song by Scandalous Grace 2015/03/28 09:34:54 (permalink)
    cool. I would also vote to keep the build-up. I don't think you intended audience will short-attention-span their way out of this. It may not sell well to the 15-19 year old market segment. :)
     
    However, your guitar player should have another run at that intro sequence, as you transition from the Dmaj to the Emin, it's not done cleanly, and it is very noticeable.
     
    When it all got going with bass, drums, and piano, I thought the mix balance was excellent!
     
    cheers,
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    michaelhanson
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    Re: Thief- song by Scandalous Grace 2015/03/28 10:27:05 (permalink)
    Jimmy,  Thank you.....coming from you those are some mighty big compliments.  I appreciate it.  Yes, as a group, we are starting to gel...musically and personally.  The song production seems to be maturing.  I like the long (a whole 18 sec) intro myself.  As you say, I feel it sets up the mood of the song and the vocals. 
     
    You have razor ears my brother.  I have lost a little of my highs, for hearing, so I thought the pops where not there.  Reece picked up on the worst one, which I fixed before I posted the song.  It has to do with an editing trick that I was trying...an Anderton method of slicing into clips and then gain automating the vocal notes.  It seems to have left me with some almost undetectable, pop/clicks.  I think I can fix them, but I want to wait until I have some undivided time to really focus on the trouble spots.
     
    You also noted the loose feel.  That is actually something that I have been going for in my productions.  A little more loose, not perfectly polished.....with a little more character.  Yet, still professional sounding.  So, if that is working, then I am getting there. 
     
    Tom, Thank you as well.  I'll take your vote also on the longer intro.   I am picking a simple 3 chord, D2, Asus2, G progression at the beginning.  I kind of snap the strings with the pads of my fingers when I am getting those open chords to drone and one of them hangs up a little at the beginning.  It was kind of an artistic choice for me to leave it, I was going for that non-perfect "Thief" feeling, I thought it might add to the feeling of the song.  If it is really an issue for other, I could simply slice and paste a cleaner part into the beginning.  If others have issues with it, please let me know.  I am on the fence with this one. 
    post edited by michaelhanson - 2015/03/28 10:33:37

    Mike

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    philz
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    Re: Thief- song by Scandalous Grace 2015/03/28 14:39:22 (permalink)
    Loved the song and the performances are spot on.  Mix is good too.  The intro could be shorter as others have noted.
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    SongCraft
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    Re: Thief- song by Scandalous Grace 2015/03/28 16:29:13 (permalink)
    Outstanding song, arrangements and mix.
     
    Minor Criticisms: Lack luster intro, there's a break in flow/technique (performance) and overall not quite strong enough on its own.  And I think the intro length is okay (1x rpt progression of 3 chords), the intro also needs to build up, some additions (i.e. vocals/harmonies wailing, layered guitars) in the 2nd half will make the intro more captivating. Solo guitar overall is a little dry and brittle then ends abruptly.
     
     
     
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    evadianepug
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    Re: Thief- song by Scandalous Grace 2015/03/29 01:28:55 (permalink)
    The guitar came in fine, but when the keyboard came in it really cut high.  Now that's not the first one tonight that seemed bright to me.  When all the instruments came in it was really nice.  It's a good song and well played.  Intro didn't seem excessive to me.  Time of the year for this tune!

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    michaelhanson
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    Re: Thief- song by Scandalous Grace 2015/03/29 10:33:25 (permalink)
    Philz, thank for listening.  It is helpful to know that you really like the song.
     
    SongCraft....thank you for listening and also noting some of the areas that need a little more work.  I have added a little more reverb to the lead guitar part.  I played with an electric lead part to this song, but in the end, the acoustic lead just seemed more natural to the song style.  I understand what you are saying about turning it loose in the second half of the song...guitars wailing and all.  We went for a more understated sound in this song.  We have others that we will wail on. 
     
    Warren, thank you brother for listening.  I put a little more focus on the piano in this song than some of the others that I mixed.  This seemed like a perfect song to push Reece's piano skills a little more to the fore front.  Thank you for your comments on the quality of the song.  Yes....I didn't really think about tying this into the season...but it certainly fits. 

    Mike

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    michaelhanson
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    Re: Thief- song by Scandalous Grace 2015/03/29 10:34:59 (permalink)
     
    I was able to get up early and work on this one a little this morning.  There is a new version up with a smoother acoustic guitar intro.  I also fixed the "pops" Jimmy was hearing.  Same link, new version.

    Mike

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    Rimshot
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    Re: Thief- song by Scandalous Grace 2015/03/29 13:15:37 (permalink)
    That nailed it for me Michael.  Good job!

    Rimshot 

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    michaelhanson
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    Re: Thief- song by Scandalous Grace 2015/03/30 06:34:53 (permalink)
    Thanks for the follow up, Jimmy.

    Mike

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    Starise
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    Re: Thief- song by Scandalous Grace 2015/03/30 08:59:07 (permalink)
    Released just in time for that time of year :).....Michael I kept waiting to hear you crank up that electric guitar and it never happened..oh well, maybe next time. I guess I associate you with that Beatles kinda vibe and that nice guitar tone.
     
    I think you did a great job on the acoustic too Michael! Really the whole thing is well done! In regards to the length in places in considering the other comments...this is just a thought, you might add that electric in there to break it up some :) 
     
    One more suggestion....I would put the words on SC and on this forum so it can be looked at lyrically as well as musically.
     
    A nice group effort!

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    michaelhanson
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    Re: Thief- song by Scandalous Grace 2015/03/31 14:23:43 (permalink)
    Thanks for listening Starise. We went for a no electric version on this one. Glad you like the song. It seems that I can't help but to have somewhat of a Beatles or Petty vibe going on with most of the tunes I am involved with.

    When I get back into town, I will post the lyrics on SC. It didn't train on me when working on this one, that it was hitting on a timely date.

    Mike

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    Beagle
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    Re: Thief- song by Scandalous Grace 2015/04/03 09:45:39 (permalink)
    Thanks everyone for the listen and comments, we appreciate them very much!  Mike has done a really good job producing this one, IMO.  there are taste preferences, IMO, which I think we like them the way they are (such as the long intro). 
     
    again, thanks everyone for your time and comments!  they are invaluable to us!

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    Wookiee
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    Re: Thief- song by Scandalous Grace 2015/04/03 10:38:10 (permalink)
    Not my area of expertise on subject matter but this second take has a much rounder sound than the previous version.
     
    Thanks for sharing.

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    michaelhanson
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    Re: Thief- song by Scandalous Grace 2015/04/06 11:34:18 (permalink)
    Thanks for listening Wookie!   Rounder = better......I hope?

    Mike

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    Lynn
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    Re: Thief- song by Scandalous Grace 2015/04/06 14:57:41 (permalink)
    Mike, I like this because it's simple and uncluttered.  It doesn't get in the way of the message, and it allows your vocal to come through with all its feeling and passion.  Well done, my friend.

    All the best,
    Lynn

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    michaelhanson
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    Re: Thief- song by Scandalous Grace 2015/04/08 11:20:14 (permalink)
    Thanks Lynn.  As they say, sometimes simpler is better.      I have been on a course for a while now to be a minimalist, adding only what I feel is really needed.  
     
     

    Mike

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