Please check out my first self-produced "record": The Docks of Wilmington

Wow, I really can't give you any constructive criticism except keep it up!
 
I thoroughly enjoyed the whole album.  Catchy songs that don't all sound the same with intelligent lyrics, strong recording levels and proper separation between everything.  Any nits I might find would be very picky!  Great job.
 
Get that album out there! 

I had a spin through all the tracks and overall I liked what I heard.

Nice guitar work, vocal harmonies and the lyrics tell a story. Personally I wasn't a fan of the drum sound, just sounded a little flat and muddy to me but that might be my speakers or my ears. These things are always a matter of personal taste and I certainly wouldn't go changing them on the strength of my opinion.

Quite a body of work though, you should feel proud. Thanks for sharing, Andy.

Yeah, my disclaimer: Heard thru my TV's speakers!
 
Real drummers can ALWAYS tell when a machine is used - lol!  So, one option is to simply take the drum track and ask a real drummer if they could record it for you.  It may cost you a few twinkies and cheap beer, but it's worth it!  (Just don't tell them where you live!!!  )
 
I wonder if Hal Blaine has some free time...  Hehe...

Holiday weekend bump! I am seeking mix critiques for my just-completed, self-produced "record". Would it be best to ask for critique one song at a time?
 
This is my first shot at the "complete" process - writing/recording/mixing/quasi-mastering. I appreciate all constructive criticism! 

I only listened to the opening track, which was well chosen for that position on the album. Well written and performed, quite Springsteen/E-Street Band-esque. Not really my cuppa tea but I can appreciate the work that's gone into this. The drums do sound a little boxy, but not enough to spoil the song.

If meatloaf and Springsteen had a baby.....I really like your style and the production has some serious merit! Good luck!

emeraldsoul
Hey Dono, thanks for posting your tunes, sounds pretty bueno. I checked out the first and fourth. Generally I'd say it's better to feed them out one at a time, as opposed to here's a whole album. You'll get more specific, focused responses that way.
 
I liked the Docks drive, and it had a touch of that Dire Straits vibe in the intro. And in the vocal part as well. Kind of "Love Over Gold" territory, very very nice dynamics.
 
Your mixing seems up to snuff, nice separation of instruments, bgv's are cool.
 
I liked the very strong doubled guitars in spots, and maybe for the lead vocal, I'd think about doubling that as well, just for a little thickness. The bgv's are killer and the drums (or drum programming) is very live-like.
 
If this is a "completed album" then you likely are past the point of utilizing any specific critiques?
 
cool job amigo.
-Tom

Thank you for your comments, Tom. I really appreciate you taking the time to listen.
 
In retrospect I agree I should have posted one at a time vs. the whole album thing. I'll chalk it up to a rookie mistake. Since I am "self-producing" this record (yes, I prefer the term "record" :-) I could go back and edit most any track, mix, etc. Eventually this particular set of tunes will be split and "re-released" as part of two records. The first four songs on this particular release will join six other tunes-in-progress written about my grandfather, who led a very interesting life in southeastern North Carolina, specifically Wilmington. I grew up there also.  
 
I also appreciate your comment re: the drums. I would hands down MUCH PREFER a human being to work with, but that just isn't in the cards right now. That being said, I actually enjoy the challenge of programming BFD3. I did recently get some loops from Groove Monkey that I really like, and I'm working on a couple of new tunes with those. But it always seems I can't find THAT ONE four-measure loop that fits perfectly right where I want it. To me it seems one is either knee deep in midi or carving up loops and using single shots, which is its own form of "programming". I need to look further into Loop Construction. But I digress...
 
Thanks, again. I am looking forward to being an active participant on this forum!