Situations Change - new song by jsykes

Jeff:

I think it sounds ok, but far from professional. Keep trying though, you are making slow strides. Maybe some others would enjoy listening to this song?

Jeff.

When the song starts, personally I wouldn't have come in with both rhythm and lead guitar simultaneously - I would have preferred to hear the rhythm first (so give an initial foundation for the song) so the listener could get a feel for it and the tempo. The drums are way too thin (why am I seeing this alot lately). The kick - doesn't. Your vocals are a bit unique, but still remind me of someone (maybe the Buggles? Or Television?). I like how free-form you are with the vocals. I'm not even off-put with the chinzy vocal fx - I think it's all part of the fun here.

KEv

Jeff,
Song has potential, it just seems to want to float off right now.
To add to the above comments, I'd suggest that you tell the bass player that he can play a solo later in the set, but for this tune, take it down an octave and put some groove on it. (Never can trust those bass players, always want to show off <g>)

I'd suggest that you tell the bass player that he can play a solo later

Listen to Ed! .. I had the same comment .. the drums and the bass don't provide
the rhythmic framework necessary to propel the piece along. I would drop the bass
down an octave .. simplify it and have the bass and drum (particularly kick) sync up better.
They both seem to be doing their own thing. I would have the rhythm guitar be
a little more staccato and rest to allow some space for both the lead and guitar.
Right now, all the elements seem to be competing for attention.

I'm not much of a mixer type .. but I would suggest some complementary EQ on
the two guitars to get them to stand out from each other a bit......

But, as noted, this has potential for sure....

Jeff

Mark:

In trying to layer multiple rhythm gtr parts, should one pan them full or a certain percentage left and right? Where can I learn a bit about this? I recently read "Hammer of the Gods" so I am all into trying to layer different parts, etc, but I don't have a real foundation in the concept. Any direction?

Thanks,

Jeff

Well, this does sound like fun! Love some o' them changes. And the voice, sounds like, well, can't think of who but it works here, IMHO. Pretty much agree w/ all the above. Particularly the Bass & Drums. Played the Bass on a guitar, lol? Guess ya gotta do what ya gotta do. Yes, it needs to be down an octave and a great big bunch less busy. Drums need to come out more. I hear ya on th' ol' lady. Solved my problem when she walked. But then I don't know if I'd recommend that solution to just anybody.

Seems like it's a bit long timewise. On the other hand, whole thing is pretty laid back and not in any kind of hurry. Not like it's a top 40 popper or nuthin'. But you might want to cut the intro some, or alot even. I'm thinking 5th bar (4th bar of guitars). Get to the point and bring the vocal in sooner.

As for the guitars. Can't find it now but there was an interview with Geoff Emerick some years back. Heck, can't remember if it was Mix mag or EQ. I guess Google both or just try "Geoff Emerick". Anyway, in the sixties Brit studios weren't as advanced as in the US. All but the very last Beatle stuff was mixed in mono on a four track deck. Stereo mix was only done as a final step for the few people who actually HAD a stereo Hi-Fi. LP records were then pressed and released in both stereo and mono. How does any of this apply? Well, mixed in mono, 2 guitars can be difficult to distinguish from each other. So the engineers would EQ them differently so as to, well, differentiate between them. Boost one gt @ a certain frequency and cut the other @ the same frequency. Whatever, check out the interview. Mr. Emerick says it better than I will. Plus there's a whole lotta other insights on various techniques used in specific Beatle recordings. Almost a refresher course on basic recording with primitive gear. Back to basics might help you here.

Another thing, think someone touched on it already but the stereo image seems kinda tight to me. Since there are few places anymore where you're likely to be listening in mono (cheap TV hung under kitchen cabinets?) use the tools available. Pan the various gts to or towards the sides and away from each other. And away from center where the Vocal should almost always be the focal point. Just one more way to make the guitars distinct and give them their own individual space, literally, in the mix. 'Course it's always a good idea to check your mix in mono from time to time just to be sure.

Really enjoyed this one Jeff. Great toon! And looking forward to a remix.
Oh yeah, think this is that interview http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0HEO/is_2002_Oct_1/ai_92280874


________SW

Kev:

I think you are right about setting the rhytm first before intro a lead gtr. I am still fumbling my way around the Cakewalk Guitar Pro program and learning the tools, and on this version it was the first time I put in a lead. Should probably wait, though.

My drums are from a loop cd and I have to work on figuring how to make them sound better.

Thanks for the input and the comments on the lyric.

Jeff

I wouldn't leave my wife for nuttin', especially since our first born is due April 11!

Congrats on the latter & as for the former:

from SoftShell:
But then I don't know if I'd recommend that solution to just anybody.

________SW