I got a new tune readyish, though I have a problem with the chorus again. Comments welcome.
I used the so called 'pop progression' chords in the chorus parts.
 
I have deleted the original version so there is the link to the other version here:
https://soundcloud.com/madrigal7/pop
kakku

This tune has a nice, open sound that is balanced and well panned.  I can hear the low end very well, and overall the mix is smooooth.  When you say that you are using "pop progression" chords, does that mean you're not writing this song yourself?  BIAB?  If so, I would recommend that you take a stab at it yourself.  It's one thing to have good mixing skills, but quite another thing to have good writing skills.  Keep us posted.

Thank you for your nice comments Lynn. By saying I used 'pop progression' chords I meant that I used one very common pop song chord progression ( Am–F–C–G) in the chorus.
kakku

Nice melody. The style reminds me of something you could find on a Yanni album. It's very well put together. The drums seem very small and rather generic. You should consider programming them yourself to get a more "live" feel. Otherwise, I think this sounds pretty good!
 
Regards,
Dan
 

Thank you for your nice words Dan. I always use a simple drum sample and it is not a good way of doing things. You are right that I should try doing drum programming on my tunes.
kakku

Nice arrangement and mix. I like the way you brought all the parts together.The drums and acoustic strums don't have that live feel but still fit and deliver IMO. A more live feel would be an improvement :) Good job.

Thank you for your nice comments Starise. You are right also. The strums come from Halion Sonic and could be more natural. The drums is just one sample I often have used. Drums is one area I should try work harder. I'm a bit lazy when I build songs and I like to do things fast and easy though sometimes I do more work.
kakku

There seems to be this idea that timing must be perfect and I'm sometimes lacking in that department. But if it's too perfect it's unatural...there seems to be a happy medium. Too perfect is mechanical, too far off and it's sloppy timing....see we can't win :) The techno guys never need to worry about that. Everything can be rigid and that makes great techno music. Somthing that's supposed to sound natural and live though seldom gets away with it :)
 
Perfect electronic drum kits add "swing"...they intentionally *** up the timing...go figure. A human needs to screw up a robot in order to make lively music.

Right again Starise. Too perfect timing is not usually good. My timing is pretty sloppy so I have to fix played stuff afterwards. I seem to like my stuff perfect timing wise so my tunes sounds bit robotic.
kakku

Good one, Kakku.  I thought it sounds really good but it sounds a bit "far away".  Wow, don't ask me to explain that!  The bass is there, drums could be a bit more up in the mix (my preference) but tomorrow morning it will sound different to me.  I'll try again then.  One of Michael's(Spacey)posts on our Taxman thread really addressed the timing issue.  I think it was really good.  I didn't really notice any timing issues here.  Did I read that wrong?