Mesh- There is definitely a similarity in the rhythm and the chords/melody of the first line. Since I was a big America fan, there may have been something subconscious at work there. I didn't realize it at first but when I did, it bothered me a little. But when I compared them side by side, I realized that the similarity in the chords/melody ends with the first line so I'm going to let it be. If it goes viral, I'll consult my lawyer.
 
Thanks for listening. I'm working on the low end. I'll listen to that guitar level.
 
Doug
 

I don't comment on the mix of music....... that can always be done and done again
I really liked the song.......... good writing

ibediggin- I'm glad you like the song. Thanks for listening.

Reminded me of America also.  I like the chord changes and the tune concept.  It sounds VERY mono to me...why not open it up with some creative panning?  It also sounds very low volume compared to other songs I've been previewing... do you use any mastering software such as Ozone?  And as the others have mentioned, it is really missing low end.
Did like the vocals.  Cool tune my friend.

Very nice indeed!! Nothing to add to the above comment.  As far as the bass, that is a personal choice.  I kinda would like to hear it but then again it might give the song a less intimate feel. 

Tony- No, I don't have any mastering software, I just use the Boost11 to bring up my volume. I can bring it up some more. And I'll work on the stereo spread. I hope to post a new version this weekend.
 
Freddy- I think I agree with you about the addition of the bass giving the song a less intimate feel. I've been working on a bass line this week but I keep paring it back further and further because it seems to compete with the guitar. Maybe that's going to come down to the right EQ and mix.
 
Do you think that just EQing the guitar might bring up the low end enough so that it sounds fuller without adding a bass?
 
I'm glad you guys like the song. Thanks for the feedback.

I like this cool, breezy, jazzy song.  It gives a nice, laid back vibe that puts me in a good mood.  As for the technical stuff, no, I don't think you can EQ you guitar to fill the missing bass unless you rearrange the part.  The lack of bass didn't  really bother me, actually, but the drums sound like they're in a different space from the rest of the instruments.  Nor, do I think the bass and snare are particularly right for this vibe, but that's personal preference.  Other than that, this is on its way to becoming a winner!

Lynn- Interesting that you think the drums sound like they're in a different space. This is the first time that I stripped the native reverb off the plugins and ran everything through the same reverb bus to get them all "in the same space". I'm not sure what else would affect that aspect of the mix. Any suggestions?
 
As far as the bass and snare choice, I didn't over-think that; I just used the default SI Drums. I think there are only a couple of choices for those sounds. I also have Session Drummer and EZDrummer, but I started with SI and just stuck with it.
Depending on how much more time and patience I have with this song, maybe I'll audition some other kits.
 
I'm glad you like the song.To me, that's just as important (or maybe more important) as getting critiques on the recording.
 
I was never a big fan of the whole engineering/mixing aspect of the recording process. The big thrill for me is the creative process- coming up with an interesting chord sequence/ rhythm/ melody line, etc, and then getting it down and embellishing it. After a certain point in the mixing phase it starts becoming a chore. I like this song a lot and I'll consider everyone's suggestions (that's why I posted here) and try again, but to be honest I don't have the system/room/ears/patience/time to really get it right. After all is said and done, I'm okay with settling for a decent recording/performance of my songs that friends and family will enjoy, accepting the fact that they won't be perfect. (The songs, that is.)
 
Doug

Doug, I know exactly what you mean about enjoying the creative process more than the mixing or mastering end.  I understand better why your drums sound as they do.  Please just  take this crit like asking what color of shirt do I wear today?  This song and your performance are so good that they deserve the star treatment.

Thanks, Lynn.