Yikes!  

jamesyoyo


re: songs forum

After a few years, you kinda know what to expect from a lot of folks, both in style and quality.

If they are level 5, let's say, and you know the best they can get to is say a level 7, why critique them like they are at a level 20? Hence, then it is more of an encouraging, moral support kind of post.

There's a level five?

Bristol_Jonesey

jamesyoyo


re: songs forum

After a few years, you kinda know what to expect from a lot of folks, both in style and quality.

If they are level 5, let's say, and you know the best they can get to is say a level 7, why critique them like they are at a level 20? Hence, then it is more of an encouraging, moral support kind of post.

There's a level five?

nothing you need to worry about yet, Jonsey! 
 
 
 
"sounds good" is all you need to hear right now...
 
 

Beagle

Bristol_Jonesey

jamesyoyo


re: songs forum

After a few years, you kinda know what to expect from a lot of folks, both in style and quality.

If they are level 5, let's say, and you know the best they can get to is say a level 7, why critique them like they are at a level 20? Hence, then it is more of an encouraging, moral support kind of post.

There's a level five?

nothing you need to worry about yet, Jonsey! 
 
 
 
"sounds good" is all you need to hear right now...
 
 

Indeed, Beagle; however, I think the reason for such high-toned critique is maybe the listener's palette is quite up there, but even if that I do think critiques should be somewhat down to earth.


And it's partly the fault of the person asking -- or not asking/detailing the kind of critique wanted.


"I did this arrangement and I would like one's opinion on it. Keep in mind, that this isn't to outdo/show up anybody." 


Then of course, you ask about the specifics whether it be in composition and all it encompasses or production and all of it intricacies. I would hate for that disclaimer to be written every-time one is done. Again, you have to be specific in what you want in a given critique. And not all critiques are hurtful; many here are very constructive and helpful.


While it is helpful to compare yourself - don't take it literally, but as a guide. To draw a straight line using a ruler, you wouldn't draw on the ruler, would you? Same goes with production/ All the how, why, why nots and numbers - though important things to pay attention to they're just guidelines.


Sort of like theory. You learn the ins-and-outs to go out more than in, so-to speak. However, you also learn that you're ITB more than you realize, too.


All in all, be specific about what it is you're going for - no matter what "level" you are.


As far as the topic goes: it takes time to craft, nurture/nourish anything - whether it's something simple or complex. If you're heart's in it, the time put into will reveal itself. I'm still working on a track from a year or so ago. I don't think it says much (I may be exhibiting modesty, here), but I put alot of time into it for it to not say anything.

Rus - it was just a joke at Bristol Jonsey's expense...

^ Yeah, yeah, Beags! 


Seriously, some do fall into that trap!

I have lots of time to play the guitar, and work on ideas, because my DAW is DAoWn... And may not be recoverable :-( It's bad, (really bad) but in a way? It's good, because I can just sit and enjoy playing, and working on some old ideas; instead of being tied to a project that you're fighting with (trying to track) or tweaking the mix and trying this and trying that, the production, etc... It's somewhat liberating? No DAW, no expectations, no headaches :-) I'm jonesing for it? But I must admit that it's fun just "playing the instrument" and enjoying music. Time well spent.

Neat thread with alot of good thoughts.

I know these forums have helped me improve a huge amount.  Of course, guys like James and Danny have helped lots of us in their posts. James has helped me a ton, even going out of his way to remix one of my songs.  Danny has provided me with personal advice on a song which helped alot, plus his countless in depth posts.  I am very grateful to have these very talented guys here, who are willing to share their knowledge.

On the flip side, I also have gained lots of insight and knowledge from lots of other people on these forums.  Music is so subjective, I believe everyone who listens can have a valid opinion.  If the bass doesnt "sound quite right". I'de like to hear that from anyone.  I'll grant you. James and Danny can probably tell you "why" and help you fix it, but it doesnt negate the first listeners opinion or feedback.

I have a tendancy to post positive things when I critique.  If something in the mix bothers me I try and make a suggestion the best I can, but otherwise I look for something positive to say about it.  If someone is posting that they are going to be releasing an album and needs a close listen to any problems, then I guess that requires looking for problems, but in most cases people are posting for fun and want people to hear their songs so we try and find good in it.  Personally, I want harsh critisism because I always want to improve, but not everyone is like that.

LpMike75


Neat thread with alot of good thoughts. 

  Personally, I want harsh critisism because I always want to improve, but not everyone is like that.

I prefer edgy criticism to " yeah...it's sort of OK" as well. It doesn't push me out of balance at all if it focuses on the work in question.
I've been more or less involved in acting since I was a kid, also I've had a workshop where I manufactured leather goods of my own design, and of course...a few years gigging with our band. So I've gotten used to opinion-based criticism since I was 8-9 year old. If someone says "yeah...sorry.. but that doesn't play any strings in me...I don't like it"  I don't feel offended. I know many, many people who just can not handle those situations.

LpMike75


.  Personally, I want harsh critisism because I always want to improve, but not everyone is like that.

Personally I appreciate honest criticism, but not "harsh."  I will always accept and evaluate any constructive honest criticism, even if the person is pointing out flaws in my voice or my playing.  what I do not appreciate are "harsh" criticisms.  here is an example of what I'm talking about - this was a direct quote from someone posting a criticism on the songs forum.
 

With all the storms and rolling ships, I feel like I am getting sea sick  Ah! So that's why I felt like puking when I listened to to the song.   

 
there is absolutely no reason to be an a$$ when critiquing.  this is what I consider a harsh response and it is not helpful in any way and it's completley uncalled for.  the person who gives responses like this should just stay off of the forum because they're not contributing anything constructive - they are only dumping their filth on others.
 
in contrast, here is a critique of a song of mine which I thought was excellent:
 

Liked the song a lot. I hear what folks are saying at 2:45, but nothing that can't be fixed.

The overall mix sounds a bit muddy to me. It feels like there could be a bit more high in a certain range, but I can't put my finger on which one. It could be an effect of Soundclouds conversion though, that's happened on a few things I posted on there, that's why I stopped using them and went to Box.net.

Something isn't right with the bass at 19 seconds and the timing of the bass in general seems off to me, or there is a quick attack on a compressor dipping the volume a tad too much perhaps? It sounds maybe like you were trying to get the kick and bass to play nice together?

There's a lot going on in this song and it sounds like it was a bear to mix. All in all I really liked the mix, the song, and all the performances.

he stated what he thought needed to be fixed in the mix, he asked questions and he told me what he liked about the song and mix.  THAT is the way we should be critiquing each other.