"Those Days" - Mental health

Happy Stephens Day folks!
 
May not be too many on here at the moment but however, here is a song I have worked over the past few days.
The topic is dark to be honest but has a more uplifting groove to it. It is true that some days I don't feel great mentally and this one came out on one of those days. Song starts that way and ends on a much brighter note, so I hope it wont take away from your festive cheer!
 
Anyway. regardless of that, how is it? Wouldn't listen to it again? too heavy? instrumentation/mix?
 
 https://soundcloud.com/cian-mcgovern/thosedays-v28dec/s-06vTj
 
ACAPELLA VERSION
https://soundcloud.com/ci...-days-acapella/s-oEV3v
 
Thanks,
 
Cian

Cian,
 
Really strong song writing and performance.   The melody is very catchy and stands on its' own, holding the listener's attention even with minimalistic intro of just the acoustic and finger snaps and click track later on.   Like your chord choices as well.  
 
Lyrically good, definitely not too dark. Who doesn't have a day like that where they need some reassurance, cheering up and a good kick start to get moving? 
 
Didn't see the retro 80's outtro at the end coming:)  It was a very good transition.   The only comment I would make on the overall production is I would tighten up the backing track groove at the end.   For the most part it is pretty tight but there are some little parts here and there that may be a little loose if you are going for that 80's pop  synth feel.   That synth pop style was tightly programmed and polished, i.e.  quantized and sync'd within an inch of its' life.  
 
Really good listen though, thoroughly enjoyable and uplifting song.  Had a few listens through, so yes, would listen again:)
 
Regards

Hey fellas, thanks for feedback. It is true that often many song that you sing along to on the radio, have a melancholy theme while kitted with an uplifting production, people often dont realise it.
 
Wookie - cheers. I worked a bit more on the acoustic guitar accompaniment this time, allowing more riff based playing and more breathe space which gives it a bit more groove and push and pull. almost batsbrew kinda stuff, only half as good though.
 
Mark - As always, I appreciate your solid feedback. The song could of been  lot darker actually but I tried to tame it and at least keep it positive towards the end. In terms of quantizing and stuff, I agree there are a few hairy spots particularly on the fill spots. Although Im going for a more motown funk live as opposed to those 80's disco synth kinda thing.
 
Pogue - Thanks for your honest feedback. Personally I like that wall of midrange vocal sound, but I do get that it can be overpowering. No problem about the setlist thing, for some this would be a bit of a "no mans land" kinda song but hey if it connects with the right people who get it, then job done.
 
Cheers,
 
Cian
 

Sounds really good here ... A tad busy at times ( yeah on the BKG vocals ) otherwise a very nice mix. Don't worry 'bout though ... 'cause those daysssss don't last :) 

Starting with the chords, I really liked those chorus chords! Excellent choices. And the "darkest before the dawn" chords, too!
 
Love your vocal treatment, which I suspect is a little "busier" than the average. Lots going on, but that's ear candy for you. I loved it.
 
I also liked the ending, but one idea is to put a little reverb or chorus on that cheese keyboard so it sits in the same room with the reverby elements. Another idea - you rely on "snaps" for percussion in the first section, they might come up in the mix.
 
I didn't find the subject matter overly dark, and I hope you hang in there dude, so true that we all have those days. And while you are hanging in there, why don't you get a CD together, which I would certainly buy!
 
cheers,
-Tom
 
 

I very much enjoyed this work. We all have dark days, can have light without the dark. You are not alone there my friend. Even in the darkness you have friends around.
Although the lyrics aren't of the bright type, the music sure is. I didn't hear the 1st draught, but what I would suggest to improve this, would be to record a 2nd rhythm guitar and pan 1 to the left and 1 to the right, the music needs more width to it, it sounds slightly strange when the backing vox pops out the the far left and right. I reckon if you have the guitars past those, it would help a lot.

Keep up the good work.

I liked it!  A nicely unique arrangement, and the well performed vocal tracks work so well together.  I think that vocally this is one my favorites from you.  
 

Thanks guss, Ill have a look at that guitar suggestion actually.
 
Allan, glad you liked it. There is some truth to that statement.
 
Cheers Steve, my mixes are often quite vocal heavy, I just get such a kick out of layering and intertwining vocals, often overdoing it of course!
 
Tap, that you for you listen. This remix is better than the first, there is probably another revamp there somewhere to. But Ill leave it for a while.
 
Enjoy the new year folks,
 
Cian

Thanks guitarpima, I must have 100+ songs written at this stage. I would like to think they are starting to come together a bit better these days!
 
Cian

awesome stuff sir thanks again
 
Cian

This is a wonderful start man! I love the song and arrangement. You have a way with that acoustic and rhythm. Loving it!

I like the song, production, and especially the vocals. Sounds great too!

nice... the ac gtr needs some "space" to be in.  Very mono, especially compared to the BG vocals.  Just even a room ambience would go a mile in making it part of the arrangement.
Also...maybe not pan the BG vox so extreme L/R...but spread it out, like a line of singer might be standing in.  As it is, seems there are two groups...standing on top of each other.
 
Killer drums when they come in.  Treat that gtr and your lead vox with the same enthusiasm.
Your clav is obviously right up the middle too.
so....my nits are stereo imaging and equal "spaces" for all parts.
 
excellent writing, singing and performing. 

Folks, great that the song itself is been met with good review at least.
 
Some real good feedback, Ill do this one from the ground up again at some other stage.
 
Thanks,
 
Cian

Manny thanks, a real bass would even be better ;-)