Please have a listen to my new tune.  I'm wondering if I'm done tweaking it.  As always your input is helpful and appreciated.
I found some cool sounding Guitar Rig 5 presets for this one.  "Look Ma, no keyboards!"
Thanks.
 
https://soundcloud.com/jm...-what-you-want-to-hear
 
SoundCloud continues to crush our work.

It's a compelling effort, and mostly successful.  I couldn't make out the narrative very well but that might just be my bozo ears. What's the song about?

very nice feel and groove, good playing and singing ...
drums 'might be' slightly too large compared to the rest of the elements in the song
I can't say for sure ... it's just a first impression

"support your fears" ?
"back all your fears" ?

Yea ... me too ... the story line is a bit controversial to me.
I personally am not attracted to the story line.
I do understand your telling a story and that you not actually the character in the story,
but this is the type of person I usually smell from a distance and don't associate with.

I'd not want anyone to do anything about "my fears" other than to help me discover that they're an illusion in most instances, and that is not 'supporting' them or 'backing' them.
And "tell me what you want to hear" ... well ... once again not the type of person I'd be hanging with.

So ... maybe you did a really god job with the story.
It might inspire change in people that need to get away from relationships that aren't good for their growth.

So yea ... good work but not my personal cup of tea. :-)

David and Steve,
Thanks for listening. 
I had a concept for "Tell me what you want to hear," for awhile.  Once I started writing it the lyrics got darker and darker.  I identify more with receiving end.  The main character is down right despicable.  
Yes, 'fear,' is an often used device.  I wanted to address it in the song.
Anyway, the song was flawed from the start.  No one would ask, "Tell me what you want to hear (so I can trick you)."

Well, dark subject matter set to an uplifting tune always works for me, and like The Police's 'Wrapped Around Your Finger', this reminds me of Steerpike from Mervyn Peake's Gormenghast novels. Good song writing, well executed.

jamesg1213
Well, dark subject matter set to an uplifting tune always works for me, and like The Police's 'Wrapped Around Your Finger', this reminds me of Steerpike from Mervyn Peake's Gormenghast novels. Good song writing, well executed.

"Steerpike could also be considered an archetypal Machiavellian schemer: a highly intelligent, ruthless character willing to justify any and all means to reach his end."
 
Yes, that sound right, James.  Thank you for listening. 

John,
 
This tune has some characteristics that are like what made songs from America and The Eagles really good. The drums sound great, but the kick might be a bit too loud in spots. It's a tough call though.
 
Guitars are perfect, along with the vocals. I enjoyed the whole thing...
 
Regards,
Dan
 

Thanks Dan!
I actually tweaked the mix, including drums, this morning.

Sounds pretty good here, John.   Nice wide mix, and all of the parts just sound great together.   I didn't mind the subject matter, and like James I like how you intertwined it with an otherwise pleasant melody and structure.     Also loved those background vocals - subtle yet effective. 

If Donald Fagan sang an Eagles tune, only kind of better.
 
The subject matter wasn't too dark for me, and let's face it  we are all gonna have personal preferences. I liked trying to figure it out and I kind of got it.
 
I was going to say, vocals just a hair louder? I'd hate to turn those cool drums down to achieve a little more vocal clarity. What did you use for drums btw?
 
I listened three times. I kept enjoying the guitars with their panning shimmer, and especially the bass playing which is so very tasteful.
 
cheers,
-Tom