So I had the opportunity to work with and learn from Gino Vannelli recently and got inspired to create a modern rock version of his song Love Of My Life.  This is one of his heaviest rock songs, from Gist Of The Gemini 1976.  Although this is a rock song, his original version doesn't have any guitars.  I thought it would be fun to create a rock version that is heavy on guitars. 
 
http://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=11891090
 
This is the second time I recorded this song.  The first time was way back in the 80's when I had to create a demo for an audition for a regional fusion band back then.  I borrowed a friend's TEAC 4 channel reel to reel and quickly taught myself multi-track recording.  I saved the tape, but don't have a tape recorder to play back.  It would be interesting to listen to that old version where I didn't know what I was doing.  Not sure how I would ever be able to do that though, don't know if the tape is any good.

Fantastic G! You're a mutant hahahahaha....I love it! Loved the mix and the performance! Some really cool programmed drum parts in this....crafty man...vox sound awesome as usual, guitars are killer...really well done. My only little crit....a little bit of robo drums in a few sections which I know we've talked about before. I can tell you paid intense attention to detail on the velocities of the drums, but we still have a little of that robot thing going on in some of the more technical passages. I see this as a very minor crit that will not matter to anyone really unless you're a guy like me that has worked with you to where we've discussed this before.

But this is an all around good mix with awesome performances on all instruments. No blatant errors or sub low nasties...way to go brother...you're the man!

-Danny

Wow, it takes a vision to remake a song like this in the way you've done.  All I can say is, my hat's off to you with my cellphone raised!  All good.

Killer cover of one of my ol' favs... great production Geno...

"Geno Plitt - Love Of My Life" Well, I'd be lying if I said I've never had feelings for Geno, but I wouldn't call him the love of my life? I've managed to bury my emotions. I'm not familiar w/the original, but this wasn't my favorite from you. That's because I've heard some of the really awesome shiz you've put out. This sounded more like a bond theme, crossed and mashed up with the theme from the love boat? So your performance was amazing, as always. It's just that the song isn't blowing my skirt up. Good playing though. Oh that Geno Plitt... SO DREAMY!

I have no idea how you get your fingers to move like that. It must be amazing to see it. You should post a video, really.

Danny - Thanks a ton for responding!  I'm glad you like the mix as I learned most of these techniques from you.  I feel good about the kick / bass low end that I'm getting and I'm glad you're not hearing any bad stuff in that area.  Yeah - the drums - well, probably a mixture of me "programming" rather than playing and then not knowing.  If you have any specific points that I should review I would love to hear them.  I'm going to eventually send this to Gino - and he's a drummer and very very critical.  Talk about a perfectionist? 

Lynn - thanks for the positive feedback - I appreciate it!

Frank - Thanks for chiming in.  So you're a Vannelli fan too?  There's not too many people I run into that have even heard of him.

The Band - Thank you.  Yeah, Gino's influences come from the big bands of the 60's  - you nailed it.  Bond, Star Trek, those types of themes.  Gino's music was a huge part of my early influences so it sounds excellent to me, but he does have those 60's themes.  He's done some amazing stuff though.  His ability to come up with complex chord structures is world class.  The depth of his compositions and also his lyrics are fabulous.  He also absorbed Debbusy and Ravel into his style. 

Yes, and again, I meant no disrespect? Your performance was top notch. But you don't put out anything that doesn't rock hard... If I had to pick a team from the forum? "you would be on it..." Well me to? :-D I may let you do a fill or two? LOL! No really, you are on a scale of 1 to 10? A strong 10 on your guitar work, singing, etc... Very impressive.

And I'm used to working with one of the best? (Markno999) You guys who are like guitar wizards, and mix wizards? I'm pretty sure you've sold something to someone? I don't know how you do it... "Seriously"

Two of my favorite albums from the seventies. Storm at Sunup and Powerful People. Great rendition man.

The Band19


Yes, and again, I meant no disrespect? Your performance was top notch. But you don't put out anything that doesn't rock hard... If I had to pick a team from the forum? "you would be on it..." Well me to? :-D I may let you do a fill or two? LOL! No really, you are on a scale of 1 to 10? A strong 10 on your guitar work, singing, etc... Very impressive.

And I'm used to working with one of the best? (Markno999) You guys who are like guitar wizards, and mix wizards? I'm pretty sure you've sold something to someone? I don't know how you do it... "Seriously"

Robby - No disrespect taken.  You talk straight and I appreciate that.  Thanks for all the positive comments.  Yeah Mark is one heck of a master at this stuff.  And your voice on that Van Halen rendition was unbeleivable.
 
Anibus - thanks for listening and commenting.

Again, I'd be lying if I said I've never had feelings for Geno... He's so dreamy... Hahahaha!

I'm sorry for that right there Lord? And please be with the Pygmies in New Guiana?