Lynn
Kevin, this is a terrific song, and the fix might be easier than you think.  I think the instruments are in balance with each other, so just lowering them while raising the vocals might get you most of the way there.  Once you do that, then you may be able to better determine if the vocals need to be redone or just EQed differently.  Definitely worth the effort to make this a gem.

Thanks for lending me your ears, Lynn. My house is torn apart right now for getting new carpet installed so all my gear is packed away in the garage so I won't be able to give these suggestions a try for a few days. You guys are great!

Bert Guy
Yo Kev,
I still love this tune ! It sounds a lot like a 70's band such as Boston/Kansas doing an homage to a 60's band like Hollies/Byrds. I agree with the thought that the vocals need to be brought out. I have heard of the technique where you compress the entire instrumental track a bit (subtly in real time) while the vocals are sounding. I've never tried that, but it might work.  And the vocals sound like they have too much snot (compression).
 
Great track as it is.
 
Cheers,
 
Bert

Thanks, Bert! I adore 70's prog and mourn its passing greatly, so it gives me a bit of a thrill that I came within even a few miles of that vibe. The technique you're referring to is called side-chaining, I believe. Might give that a whirl too. 

Johnbee58
Has a combination Beach Boys/Hollies sound, especially with the vocal harmonies and falsettos.  Nice work, but agree with the assessment on the vocals need to be brought forward a bit and the guitars brought back.
 
John B.

Thanks, John! Vocals are by far the most difficult aspect of writing and recording, which is in turn already a very difficult process for me anyway, so I really don't look forward to doing the several bazillion takes it requires for me to get those vocals even close to decent-sounding. I will give that a try when I get my office back together. 

What's to hate?  Though maybe considered lofi sound wise.  There is very much to like about this.
 
This is a well arranged song.
 
Great lyrics.
Great guitar, fo sho!
 
The more I listen, the more I think you may be to hard on yourself.  This is a hit my friend, catchy, poppy, well played.
 
I can't hate on this.  But I must tell you this, I like my vocals raw and minimally processed. Now maybe they weren't recorded optimally, and there may be little that can be done, like salvage them using effects, in that case, rerecord.  Consider it a rough mix, a demo for the producer before you go to the studio.
 
Sure, the guitar is a bit toppy at times, but you have a masterpiece here.
 
jm2c
 
jesse Q. Screed
 
 

dcumpian
Kevin,
 
I think I remember this from the last time you posted it. I like the song. The mix has two major problems:
 
1) The guitars are too far forward
2) The vocals are too far back
 
Fix those two things and the overall balance will be much better.
 
Regards,
Dan
 
 

 
^^^^^^^
This
 

1. If you don't like your voice put an amp on it and fuzz it up - it'll work for this song no problem. That'll hide most of your fears.
2. The muppet backing vocals (not trying to be insulting, just what it sounds like) are great for this tune. I think that you need to bump them up, chorus them, and reverb them so that you can take a little edge off of them while giving them some width and warmth.
3. Guitar tone is EQ. Period. Jangly is one thing, but they are missing the appropriate chorus and slap back reverb.
4. For all the negative preamble, this is a pretty cool song. I'd finish it, I think it's worth it.

I remember this one! I still like it, but we could easily look at what is competing with the vocal. Lower the hi hat, and maybe cut a vocal hole through the guitar jangle.
 
Listen to the Chorus - your mix is much better there than the verses. Because the vocals are more prominent.
 
In the verses, and in that bridge, it's getting crushed by the hi hat.
 
I really like the divergent arrangement and the unexpected parts. For that instrumental stuff, I'd bring the bass up to drive the whole thing a little harder.
 
Your guitar jangles seem hard panned with two different takes? I think I hear the jangle on the left as out of tune just a hair. It's ok but if you lowered the left side jangle guitar volume, it might blend better. My mom always told me, "Son, you don't want your jangle sticking out" or words to that effect.
 
Definitely a thumbs up for this one, especially those harmonies.
 
-Tom

Very good song. All performances were very good also. The guitar did sound a bit bright but it  is a very minor thing I believe so you have a winner here.

OK I Hate it, is that what you want.

Though quite possibly if you listen and apply the sage advice give by those above in preceding posts, who know far more than this furry alien, you could just have something I could learn not to hate.

Hated it!!!!      
 
j/k, IMO it's not the song itself, and not to much the arrangement either, but more the mix - the overall level and high frequencies from the guitars are a bit harsh and also masking the vocals.   And from what I can tell the vocals sound just fine.   Personally I'd like to hear some hi frequency roll-off on the guitars, particularly during the verses since the open arpeggios really ring out a lot.