• Songs
  • Call Me Tonight - Scandalous Grace Band (p.2)
2016/02/12 17:04:06
jkoseattle
This is an example of an "explosion song", where things plod along at a nice level, then in the chorus something big and unexpected happens. Examples include "Lightning Strikes" (Zombies), "Valleri" (Monkees), "Holiday Road" (Lindsey Buckingham). It's a cool effect. I think this song could make more capital of that effect.
 
Specifically, I wish there were more build up to the big chorus explosion somehow. And then save something in the arrangement that doesn't come in until the chorus, such as a new drum, vocal harmonies, another instrument, whatever. Also, the third repetition of the big note on "toniiiiight" seems like too much, and I'm wanting something different to happen there. Maybe some different chords underneath or something, I don't know. Three times seems like a lot.
 
Mix-wise, sounds good. though the BG vocs are hard to hear. And at times the lead vocal feels like it's pushing a bit, but maybe some of the things others have suggested would help.
2016/02/12 20:52:03
Rimshot
Hey Beagle, 
I am missing tons of bottom on your mix. 
Please compare to Darly's mix on "Little Miss Popular" to get what I am hearing.
 
http://forum.cakewalk.com/Little-Miss-Popular-a-NEW-original-song-m3362530.aspx
 
It's easy to get both playback buttons on screen so you can A/B the mixes. 
 
I think that with more attention to your overall mixing and EQ, your songs will sound better. 
It's all a learning experience for sure but comparing is a good way to hear the difference I am pointing out. 
 
Someone earlier on this thread suggested singing a bit lighter. I agree. It would be good to try some different singing approaches to your songs to see what feels the best. If this is it then OK. You have all the experience and knowledge to get a bit more polished product. I just want to encourage you to experiment. 
 
All the best. 
Rimshot
 
 
2016/02/13 12:02:05
Beagle
stevec
Good tune...   Solid, with a simple, catchy chorus. 
 
Mix-wise...   Drums and bass seem fat and punchy here and the rhythm guitars fill out nicely.  The guitar leads are mixed back a little though and could come up front IMO.  For the vocals, there's a bit of an edge that sounds OK as-is, but on the higher notes where the call & response happens the hi-mids could be smoothed out a little, I think. 
 


Thanks so much for the listen and the suggestions, Steve!  I appreciate it very much!  The guys and I are discussing changes and we'll be working on them!
2016/02/13 12:08:21
Beagle
rbecker
Good tune. Most of my suggestions deal with the vocals.
 
For the lead vocal - It sounds a bit over-sung. Maybe sing at a lower volume, and then bring it up in the mix. Also, you might bring your vibrato in a bit earlier on sustained notes than you do. Right now the sound is flat right up to the final spit second of the note, when I then hear your vibrato creep in.
 
Beagle - What are you doing with the lead vocal as far as doubling, delays or anything else?
 
I would bring the backing vocals in toward the center and then widen from there. Also, I might move the guitars to the edges a bit more. The solo guitar could be move a bit more out (like at 2:15) because as it is, it contends with the lead vocal.
 


Thanks so much for the listen and the suggestions, Bob!  I appreciate it very much!  
 
I am working on adjusting the lead vocal based on yours and others' comments on it.  as far as what I'm doing for "processing" - I don't use doubling.  I've done that in the past and I've never been able to get the best results out of it.  what I do on my lead vocals is use EQ and compression to beef them up.  routing is typically parallel EQ and compressors with different settings, one compressor for squashing and one for "lifting" with EQs to roll off low end, boost certain "pleasing" aspects associated with my voice and then notch filters to cut out harshness in my voice.
 
The guys and I are discussing all of the changes suggested and we'll be working on them!  thanks again!
2016/02/13 12:08:45
Beagle
String Jammer
Nice work guys. As stated above it needs some work but there is a good foundation here. 


Thanks so much for the listen and the suggestions, Scotty!  I appreciate it very much!  The guys and I are discussing changes and we'll be working on them!
2016/02/13 12:09:34
Beagle
Tap
Yep this is a fine tune... Seems fairly well balanced as well. ( I usually like the leslie spread across stereo field ). Vocal work is very fine... Love all the different eq'd voices.  Drums sound a tad programmed and could use a little fill here and there perhaps ... So should I call you tonight???? :) 


Hey James!  thanks for stopping by and listening and for the comments!  The guys and I are discussing all of the suggestions and working on them!
2016/02/13 12:09:48
Beagle
bapu
Can't say any more than what's been said.
 
Good vocal performance(s).


Fanks me friend!
2016/02/13 12:10:56
Beagle
jkoseattle
This is an example of an "explosion song", where things plod along at a nice level, then in the chorus something big and unexpected happens. Examples include "Lightning Strikes" (Zombies), "Valleri" (Monkees), "Holiday Road" (Lindsey Buckingham). It's a cool effect. I think this song could make more capital of that effect.
 
Specifically, I wish there were more build up to the big chorus explosion somehow. And then save something in the arrangement that doesn't come in until the chorus, such as a new drum, vocal harmonies, another instrument, whatever. Also, the third repetition of the big note on "toniiiiight" seems like too much, and I'm wanting something different to happen there. Maybe some different chords underneath or something, I don't know. Three times seems like a lot.
 
Mix-wise, sounds good. though the BG vocs are hard to hear. And at times the lead vocal feels like it's pushing a bit, but maybe some of the things others have suggested would help.


Thank you Jim for the detailed suggestions on the arrangement, vocals and mix!  I appreciate it very much!  
 
We're discussing the suggestions and will be working on some changes!
2016/02/13 12:12:21
Beagle
Rimshot
Hey Beagle, 
I am missing tons of bottom on your mix. 
Please compare to Darly's mix on "Little Miss Popular" to get what I am hearing.
 
http://forum.cakewalk.com/Little-Miss-Popular-a-NEW-original-song-m3362530.aspx
 
It's easy to get both playback buttons on screen so you can A/B the mixes. 
 
I think that with more attention to your overall mixing and EQ, your songs will sound better. 
It's all a learning experience for sure but comparing is a good way to hear the difference I am pointing out. 
 
Someone earlier on this thread suggested singing a bit lighter. I agree. It would be good to try some different singing approaches to your songs to see what feels the best. If this is it then OK. You have all the experience and knowledge to get a bit more polished product. I just want to encourage you to experiment. 
 
All the best. 
Rimshot
 
 


Hey Jimmy!  thanks so much for the time to listen and the suggestions!  I appreciate it very much!  
 
We're discussing all of these suggestions and are working on some changes!  thanks again and look for an update in the next week or two!
2016/02/13 14:24:37
Zargg
Hi, Reece. Cool song, and good performance. On my system, the guitars get a little lost in the chorus. 
All the best.
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