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

Mix sounds good, the vocal is as usual very good, nice guitar accompaniment.
 
Would I listen to it again? yes.
Is it to heavy, not for me.
 
Thanks for sharing.

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

I'll start by saying you always do great work..so with that said.
 
I think the bvox is too aggressive and muddies the waters...maybe just pushing them back a tad might help in that regard.
 
As far as the tune overall I have mixed feelings. The upbeatness of the tune and the geewiz life is tuff lyrics kinda have a push and pull for me....I'm not suggesting it doesn't work but it doesn't enhance the theme IMHO.
As stated, your performance is always top notch but I dont think this is a tune I'd have on my playlist....of course that so subjective that it really shouldn't matter (no kidding) but I only put that in cuz you specifically asked.
 
Good job bro...
 

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
 

Hi Cian,
 
I tried to comment on your last song, but it defeated me I'm afraid. This one speaks to me a little more. I think it's still in 'demo' stage though, I reckon you could hone the lyrics some more, i.e. the use of ''like wet cardboard'' seemed a bit over done to me, that's a phrase that would hit better used just once. That '80's ending is strange, don't get that at all, sorry. This one needs some work I think.

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 :) 

Great optimistic song. We need more of them. Also great performances.

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
 
 

James, thanks for you honest feedback. I do agree on wet cardboard phrase been overcooked. Ive tamed it a little. In terms of the ending, I dunno, I just felt like it? Its me. Maybe there is nothing to get. Maybe Ill just leave it. The other option would be to leave it acoustic with the same funk groove. Maybe that would be boring Ill sit on it.
 
Tap, those dayz for sure. Tamed the backing vox a bit more.
 
kakku, true. maybe i need to throw in some urban booty and money reference to really get this on the chart though!
 
Tom, thanks for you long reply. I changed that end keys to something more clav-like and in the backgroud. I have quite a few tracks together at this stage that have been intended to go on a D. Im close but my own worst critic sometimes.
 
Here is a tweaked version.
 
https://soundcloud.com/cian-mcgovern/thosedays-v28dec/s-06vTj
 
Cian