I've been writing for a long time, but I've only recently started adding vocals to the mix. Here are 2 works in progress of mine. I've really been trying to work on learning how to mix this year, so I'd be interested in critique on that front. I know there are issues with the vocals, pitch-wise, but any suggestions on how the vocals sit in the mix would be cool, too. I mainly used the Ca-2a ProChannel plugin to even out the dynamics a bit, along with a bit of EQ and Breverb
 
This is my first original with vocals (other than some things I did 20 years ago with a 4-track cassette recorder). Other than live drums and the OP-X VST, everything else was done using Cakewalk softsynths. The picture on the Soundcloud page is what I did to the drums I played in order to get that Don Henley type drum sound (what I was going for)
https://soundcloud.com/thefiltersaturation/2013-pounds-of-bedlam
 
This one is a cover - most of the instrumentation came from hardware synths (save for the live drums and VB3 for the organ). I recorded the vocals on this draft sick, so they're a bit pitchy. One of these days I'm going to redo the vocals when I get the time.
https://soundcloud.com/thefiltersaturation/2013-looking-into-you-jackson

The instrumentation is very good, but I would work on those vocals for sure. The vocals are where they are suppose to be in the mix, but their flatness and lack of vox take away from the instrumentation. Why not just have the first song as an instrumental until you get the vocals right? I would like listening to it just instrumentally, myself, but I know you tried to put some effort into the singing, but it's just not sounding good, as you have already mentioned. The JB song isn't bad at all, but then again the vocals need work. This is why I do instrumentals only, my singing sucks, so with that said, Good Luck. By the way nice drum playing, they fit in nicely. Get those vocals worked out and repost.
 
Peace and Blessings, John

theguitarplayer
The instrumentation is very good, but I would work on those vocals for sure. The vocals are where they are suppose to be in the mix, but their flatness and lack of vox take away from the instrumentation. Why not just have the first song as an instrumental until you get the vocals right? I would like listening to it just instrumentally, myself, but I know you tried to put some effort into the singing, but it's just not sounding good, as you have already mentioned. The JB song isn't bad at all, but then again the vocals need work. This is why I do instrumentals only, my singing sucks, so with that said, Good Luck. By the way nice drum playing, they fit in nicely. Get those vocals worked out and repost.
 
Peace and Blessings, John

thanks man! I appreciate the comments. Yea, I'm pretty new at this whole lead vocals thing, and all the little tricks I learned years ago in my music theory classes I've totally forgotten. For the last 15 years, the extent of my singing has been only occasional background vocals in bands I've drummed for. I'm actually on the hunt for a good vocal coach locally that can give me some specific tips and feedback in an effort to improve my singing. I have a couple other tracks with singing too, some are a little better, but my main problem is consistency. I genuinely want to get better - I figured putting stuff like this out there for everyone to hear is motivation enough to fix it.

Actually, I'm going to go out on a limb and disagree with John about the vocals.  Obviously there are pitch issues (which can be helped considerably with judicious and skilled use of melodyne or v-vocal).  And even more obviously you need to re-sing the cover song when you don't have a sore throat.  But I really like the sound of your voice.  I think it really adds to the songs.  Keep working on your vocals, you've got a great voice instrument there!
 
As for your mix, I think it sounds great.  Your recording techniques are excellent.  Your performances on drums, piano and synths are well done, mostly.  There are some slight timing issues in the drum brushes here and there, for example around 0:37-0:48, but hey, it's hard to play soft fills with brushes!  The songwriting on "On Pounds of Bedlam" is a little brainy for most folks, but given that that's what you were going for I think the song is brilliant.  Your production work is fantastic across the board.  Great job!