So the question is, what is better? Unsubstantiated praise or constructive criticism? I see too often where people generate music that is total garbage and others say "good job" or "that's killer" or whatever other praise only to boost the musicians esteem. The musicians put their hearts into it but never improve because they think the crap they play is good. They end up playing the same crap over and over and never progress. Since they put so much feeling and work into their songs, they get too tied up in it and end up getting offended when they do hear the real truth. Unsubstantiated praise does more harm than good. If anyone really takes the time to actually read and understand my comments, there is a true and accurate basis. I state my case and opinion along with suggestions on how to improve the music I hear. My suggestion is that you at least consider my points. It's totally up to you to agree or not. I'm not here to call others names like jamesyoyo or beagle, only to give my opinion and suggestions on the songs. If musicians can't take the opinions of those who differ from their own they they have no business publishing their works.

Your music link?  Musicians appreciate all criticism from other musicians.  Where are your credentials?  Last comment till you show your music.
TO ALL MY FRIENDS, PLEASE IGNORE THIS GUY UNTIL HE POSTS HIS MUSIC.  IT'S NOT WORTH EXTENDING THE THREAD FOR THIS GARBAGE.  THANK YOU!!!

pistolpete


So the question is, what is better? Unsubstantiated praise or constructive criticism? I see too often where people generate music that is total garbage and others say "good job" or "that's killer" or whatever other praise only to boost the musicians esteem. The musicians put their hearts into it but never improve because they think the crap they play is good. They end up playing the same crap over and over and never progress. Since they put so much feeling and work into their songs, they get too tied up in it and end up getting offended when they do hear the real truth. Unsubstantiated praise does more harm than good. If anyone really takes the time to actually read and understand my comments, there is a true and accurate basis. I state my case and opinion along with suggestions on how to improve the music I hear. My suggestion is that you at least consider my points. It's totally up to you to agree or not. I'm not here to call others names like jamesyoyo or beagle, only to give my opinion and suggestions on the songs. If musicians can't take the opinions of those who differ from their own they they have no business publishing their works.

There's nothing wrong with constructive crits, but there should always be a professional delivery. If you truly are a professional, I'd be willing to bet you had your share of songs that were sub par, yes? If so, once you learn how to do things the right way, isn't it enough of a joy to be able to do that and then help people with a smile on your face?
 
You're not Simon Cowell bro....and he's lucky he gets away with it. He's harsh, sometimes VERY wrong and makes a mockery of people because he's on top. Take his connections and money away and the guy is nothing. He can't play or sing a lick. Sometimes he's on with his comments, most times he's just a voice showing off his power like some cops abuse their badge.
 
For what it's worth, I like to consider myself a professional and I didn't hear any of the things you mentioned in your critique to the extent in which you went out of your way to attack these fine gents more than help them. Were the vocals a bit pitchy in spots? Maybe a little, but nothing that I would comment about because none of it was "out of key" to the point of making me cringe. The singer has a thick vibrato at times....I thought it was perfect for the song and his voice is pro sounding.
 
The guitar parts were fine for the song. If you don't like this style of music you should at least investigate into it a bit more before you sound off so harsh. The solo was fine and was melodic. The mix was solid and the use of reverb was a nice touch. People bash on those that use effects because "you're not supposed to hear them". Pff...that's a joke. It's only too much when it drowns something out and masks something. I hear no issues here.
 
People get offended when you come out with your guns blazing without having a heart or sharing your own musical credibility. There's just no reason for it. There's a nicer way you could have put this to the guys without unsubstantiated praise. To start your post with "out of key is more like it" is so wrong, a huge hand should have come out when you hit the submit button and smacked you across the face like a child that curses. Your tact and delivery sucks to the point of where your credibility (no matter who you are) will never hold any weight here. I'm never a push-over or an easy sell when it comes to the critiques I give people here.
 
But there has never been a time where I have posted something degrading to someone who was in need of help. There's just no reason for it and you're not helping anyone but your own sense of entertainment because you know you're going to get a rise out of people. They work hard on this stuff...some are not pro's and are just having fun releasing music. They deserve truthful comments and we should always try to help them and constructively comment without turning into a Richard Cranium. No one needs to take critques that come in the form of abuse, pompous or high and mighty....and unfortunately, that's exactly how you came off here...for what it's worth.
 
That said, great song guys...because it is great and is very well done. Mix was really good too. Nothing lept out to me as bad, wrong or a bad decision. I like effects....I like a little pitchiness in vocals at times...it adds character. Nothing made me cringe because it was "out of key". The instruments worked well together, all good instrument selections for the song, vocal was strong and eq'd well. Might be a touch too much on the verb for the masses, but it sat well with me.
 
My only critique/possible issue would be during the guitar solo. I felt it could have been compressed a little more or volume automated so that it didn't leap out like it did at times. Sometimes it was balanced, other times it just seemed to come on too strong. A nice compressor would have done wonders there...or a little more compression if one was being used. Or, some volume automation and it would be perfect. That's all I can come up with though....great job fellas! :)
 
-Danny

James- Thanks for listening and commenting.  Mark has lowered the reverb and other things.  The vocal reverb seemed to be the biggest crit.  I think it's better now.  Waddya tink?

Herb- My bad.  I even thought the bass was too loud but didn't tell Mark.  He works hard on these things and sometimes I'll wait till this community hears it.  I shouldn't do that.  I love a big bass sound but not so much on this tune.  I actually realized that I never replaced the original bass I did to be simple for the other instruments to play to.  So, this is bass 101 and should probably be done again!  Thanks for listening, buddy!

Rob- Mark addressed all of your suggestions.  They were good ones.  Thanks for listening and please let us know if it's mo-betta.

Wookster- Thanks for listening and commenting.  I still wish I could find a singer for this tune.  I hear these things that I am not capable of and it's kinda frustrating.  I appreciate your comments!

Robby- You were right.  I heard it but ignored it.  I thought it was the drums and didn't know how to change that.  Mark fixed it though.  Good call!!  Thanks.

Reece- Thanks for listening and commenting.  I think that Mark fixed the issues with the vocals and timing AFTER your post.  I think I saw your post farther down here (I'm way behind).  I hope you think it's better.  I'll look as I post here.  Thanks, beag!!

Ed- Thanks.  Can you believe that we both thought the bass was too loud?!  What's happening to us?  LOL

I think it's better now. Waddya tink?

I tink it's better too. :-) I have one nit-pick - the very first vocal line is muffled and I had to rewind it to hear what it was - a little envelope lift there maybe?

I think you're a bit hard on yourself with the vocal issue, but I know what you mean - I can never get anything to sound the way it does in my head.

Only listening on lappy speakers, but this pretty darn good all the same. I agree with james re the opening line, a little indistinct and could use a lift. I always think it's almost the most important line to thry and get right - first impressions and all that...

Sax sounds great too.

Nice work fellas - it's a toss up between you and Daryl C in the battle for the forum "too smooth to move"  title at the moment !

Craig- LOL!!

jc- Thanks, man.  Haven't seen ya for awhile!

James- I'm still looking for a singer and probably won't do anything more to it until I have one.  This one really beat me down, well one poster did,  and I didn't even post for awhile after the controversey over the song.  All of the crits were valid and we addressed a lot of them.  One was just deflating because you just can't do anything about him.  If you do a hundred good things and one bad thing what do you think people remember?  LOL!  Thanks, my friend.  I'll work on that first line.  Yours wasn't the only suggestion about that.

Paulo- Thanks!!  Yeah, what is in my head rarely sounds the same when it's done.  I hear this great ballad singer and then I hear me.  Oh, I'm not a bad rock singer but this just isn't my style.  Your comments are appreciated.

Just listened again. This time on my lappy with buds. I like the mix. I don't know if you replaced or fixed the bass part but this sounded good. 

After reading all the comments that came after my first post..... I listened with those in mind. 

I did love the simplicity of the lead. It fit the groove of the song exceptionally well.  A fancy guitar part played well would not have added the character to this song like that part did.  

well done all the way around. 

Hey Warren love this tune and that SAX where can I find one that sounds as good as the real one your using in this tune ? I have been working on my newest almost two weeks now and wanted to add some SAX to one of my verses and can't find one in my collection of synth instruments .
I love a great sounding sax , in this song its perfect !

Nice going guys !
James

Wow, guys, just a super job all the way around.  Warren, it's a good thing that you couldn't find anyone to sing this, because I think you wound up finding the perfect voice for it after all. ;-)