Hi nice folks of the forum
Here's another new one - a bit different lyrically - I spent a fair bit of time on it
I hope you enjoy it but nits and crits welcome.
 
https://soundcloud.com/skyblueproductions/little-miss-popular
 
Little Miss Popular
Written and performed by Staypress
Backing Vocals - Elizabeth Greenway
V1
David was a stand up guy and everyone was his friend
All the girls liked David and he got them in the end
Rachel was so popular, with girls and boys the same
Popular Miss Rachel soon became her name
Ch1
Little Miss Popular
A regular soap opera
V2
When David met Miss Popular sparks began to fly
No more girls for David, David was Rachel's guy
Valentines and roses, several years went by
Wedding turned to children, time just seemed to fly
Ch2
Little Miss Popular
A regular soap opera
Little Miss Popular
Bored with what life offered her
V3
David bought into the dream - hot tub in the yard
Cars and a large mortgage, paying it was hard
Rachel kept on spending it, he was too scared to say
Don't disappoint Miss Rachel - then they took the hot tub away
Middle bit
Now poor old David - driven to drink
Rachel too worried what the neighbours would think
Little Miss Popular found a new funder
Poor old David was torn asunder
Another victim of the Capitalist dream
The perfect couple estranged it would seem
Except this story has a happy ending - reconciliation and two hearts mending
Ch3
Little Miss Popular
Learned to live life simpler
Little Miss Popular
Opened her heart chakra
Repeat last chorus (sort of)

Cool tune, I like the "story song" and this is a really good example.
 
But the absolute standout for me is the quality of the mix. Your mixes achieve a separation of elements that I can really only dream of achieving on my own. This time I noticed (or I think I noticed) the shaker and hi hats hard panned? Snare, too, mostly left?
 
Your vocal chain sure works for me. You have it mixed with effects that change up a lot. You don't double your vocal, do you? On the "Poor David" break, is that a Eventide Harmonizer or something? Just really smooth vocals all over the tune, with lots of different effects coming and going. I bet that took you a while!
 
time well spent, and the song is hooky, too.
 
-Tom

emeraldsoul
 
 
But the absolute standout for me is the quality of the mix.

 
Yes, this really sounds fantastic Daryl, I'd say it was 'radio-ready' if that means anything these days. Great song too, classic pop in the vein of Squeeze, Beautiful South and Lightning Seeds. Cracking stuff mate.
 
I have one nit though - that l/r panned 'crackle' got old after a while...or are my headphones knackered?

Daryl, as others have said, great mix, as usual (do you ever get tired of hearing that?).
 
Nice beat on this one, quite the toe-tapper. As James says, you could cut down on the crackle a bit and it wouldn't be missed. Tells a story like Maxwell's Silver Hammer, nicely done!
 
Regards,
Dan
 

emeraldsoul
Cool tune, I like the "story song" and this is a really good example.
 
But the absolute standout for me is the quality of the mix. Your mixes achieve a separation of elements that I can really only dream of achieving on my own. This time I noticed (or I think I noticed) the shaker and hi hats hard panned? Snare, too, mostly left?
 
Your vocal chain sure works for me. You have it mixed with effects that change up a lot. You don't double your vocal, do you? On the "Poor David" break, is that a Eventide Harmonizer or something? Just really smooth vocals all over the tune, with lots of different effects coming and going. I bet that took you a while!
 
time well spent, and the song is hooky, too.
 
-Tom

 
Thanks Tom - very nice of you mate. The vocal chain is not that crazy to be honest - I'll try and write it down and PM you if you want it.  It all starts with a Rode NT1A mic (not expensive) that was recommended to me and, it's the best investment I have made.

jamesg1213

emeraldsoul
 
 
But the absolute standout for me is the quality of the mix.

 
Yes, this really sounds fantastic Daryl, I'd say it was 'radio-ready' if that means anything these days. Great song too, classic pop in the vein of Squeeze, Beautiful South and Lightning Seeds. Cracking stuff mate.
 
I have one nit though - that l/r panned 'crackle' got old after a while...or are my headphones knackered?

Thanks James - you're very kind.
Your headphones are knackered mate.

Well, I think I can honestly say I am a fan now.  I actually got excited when I saw that you had posted a new song.  Excellent work as usual!  I have no mixing feedback.  I probably shouldn't admit that I didn't notice the crackles until others pointed it out.  I tend to follow the vocals when listening to your mixes.
 
There was a band that called themselves the "Headphones" who I was really into a few years back.  Mostly because it was headed by my favorite songwriter, a Mr. David Bazan; but also because of the heavy use of synth and general "futuristic" feel.  Your sound is different than the Headphones, but it reminds me of the same mood they would put me in.  Keep it up and let me give you some money when you release an album! 

Me likee.
 
Not as much as monkeys but more than seat-less bicycle.

Nicely done as ever Daryl a clean spacious mix, room to breath, with a vox that exposes your English roots.

dcumpian
Daryl, as others have said, great mix, as usual (do you ever get tired of hearing that?).
 
Nice beat on this one, quite the toe-tapper. As James says, you could cut down on the crackle a bit and it wouldn't be missed. Tells a story like Maxwell's Silver Hammer, nicely done!
 
Regards,
Dan
 

Thanks Dan - I never get tired of it :)
Love Maxwell's Silver Hammer - I love the dark humour 'PC 31 said we caught a dirty one' - love it