New Song - Some Critique Reqd...
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Posted on Sep 15, 2004 03:34 pm
cocofromscotland
Hello!
Member Since: Jan 12, 2004
Hi Guys
Here's a link to my very latest song...
www.homerecordingconnection.com/m3u.php?id=386
The song is called "Let It Go" and features some new techniques I've been trying. I'll let y'all listen and see what you think.
I am going for a nice rockin song with AC/DC type geetars with some real different soundin drums (I'll let ya listen but it's ma first attempt at doing this with drums :-)
OK...all crititque and feedback most generously accepted. This took me a couple of nights and there is one (Deliberate :-p) mistake in mixdown.
See if ya can see it..if no, I am DEFO gettin better.
Thanks a lot guys - I appreciate the time.
Coco.
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vdalehubbardLost for words with all to say.Contributor
Since: Sep 12, 2003
Sep 15, 2004 03:50 pm Ok, only if you will listen to mine at the "Check This Out" post. :)
I like the drums. At first I thought they were going to go out of sync with the echo effect but never did, smooth. That first guitar that starts, maybe do something with panning or eqing to make it go back some for the other guitar that is more of a lead to come over it. Just a suggestion from me.
Sep 15, 2004 03:55 pm A good suggestion Vdale...for sure.
This is the first mix but I need to look at that - I thought the lead was a tad low - thats a good shout.
Drums - aye..thats ma wee experiment with delay on drums. Something I NEVER thought could be done but it works good with the plug I have...awesome little plug.
And, I will check oot yer stuff for sure.
Thanks very much for takin the time bud.
Coco.
Sep 15, 2004 04:44 pm Meant to say - this is my "alternative" lyrics version...am no keen on these lyrics over much as I wrote em after a few pints...but, they'll do for now.
They seem to fit the acoustic version of the song better.
Still...Im more concerned with guitar tone and drum effects here.
Coco.
Sep 15, 2004 04:51 pm Coco,
You continue to amaze me with your very accessible songwriting! I really like the sound of this song. I personally like where the lead guitar sits, if anything I'd add a few more fills between verses and choruses when there is just rhythm guitar playing. The end of the songs is just begging for one of your kick-butt screamin' geetar solos!
Great song!
Jim
PS I've got some lyrics that I've been messing with, and was wondering if you'd collab on some chord changes and stuff...I particularly like the melodies that you write, and your chord progression are more than just the same old same old. Let me know...
Sep 15, 2004 05:01 pm Hey Jim
Thanks so much for your comments as always - thanks for takin the time bud.
Aye, you are spot on with the guitar. I deliberately left oot some guitars because I was hoping someone would say what you said!! I tend to be over zealous as I am, by heart, a guitarist and mainly played lead - imagine having your own songs, blank chords to play over with unlimited soloing - its a lead dream :-) !!!
I will look at that and I think, I'll stick a solo not dis-similar to the intro at the end to fade out...good call Jim.
I also experimented with playin guitar during the actual verse as I've heard done so many times and I think, it works...so, thats good.
Thanks again Jim - your input is always valued.
As for your collab idea...it'd be a pleasure Jim and thanks for asking. Just you let me know what you want done and I'll do ma best. I listened to some of your lyrics on your Cutaways stuff - very good and in true country/folk style - VERY clever yet accessible...the mark of a good lyricist!
Cheers...
Coco.
olddogMember
Since: Jul 02, 2003
Sep 15, 2004 06:24 pm You've got nice sound going on this one coco! I think this song is one of your best to date. Really good sound on the guitars, I agree you could use a bit of lead between verses, but sounding very good.
There is a couple spots near the end (about 2:50 & 3:00) where your really reaching vocally (range wise) that you might want to shorten the time held on the notes, but then again once the bass is added you may not hear anywho. :) Really good job on vocals overall along with the sound on the vocals, I really like melody of this one and the way your singing.
Gonna be keeper!
Dan
Dan
Sep 15, 2004 06:36 pm Thanks for this Olddog...I appreciate the time taken to listen and thanks for the comments.
This was, a complete nightmare to sing! I must stop writing songs that are so damn hard for ME to sing!! But, the key is right for the song and its all good practice...
And, wise olddog, well spied with the deliberate mistake in mix down - NAE BASS!! Aye, I had forgotten to enable that track and mixed down, didnt even notice til I checked the MP3 today!!
Still, it'll be better wi some bass. I think you may be right with the long notes...I run this one through a couple of pitch analysis things and it seemed OK but ma lugs said different as yours did on those bits - think I will look at that - its a good shout.
Thanks again olddog..your comments are valued.
Coco.
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Sep 15, 2004 10:19 pm coco, had a quick listen. I like it a bunch for sure. I will however bow out of a criteque tonight as I am really tired. But let me just say I liked the vox treatment you got on this one. And the guitars are pretty kool as I have said b4. And the drums were big and steady. They sound very live kit like.
Later
olddogMember
Since: Jul 02, 2003
Sep 16, 2004 01:55 am Those spots weren't out of key coco, I could just really hear the strain there. :) That's why I'm thinking once you get the bass in there, it may hide enough to not even mess with it cause it certainly wasn't bad. When I run into spots like that I just either back off on the power a bit, or shorten the time I hold the note, or hide it with something. LOL
Dan
Sep 16, 2004 06:29 am Ah...see yer point now Olddog. Good point...
I am trying to balance that strain v intensity thing if possible tho sometimes, there may be a crossover. Trying to get power in there whilst avoiding the strain...hard to do but I'll keep pluggin away.
Good cal tho with the bass..its still to go in and I'll maybe drop the vocal volume there just a little so its just a wee tad less intense.
I really need to finish the mix but as you say...extra bass track will help.
Good man..good shout. thanks for the time and comments.
Noize - those guitars are new ones im trying. Les paul with an AC/DC amp...zero reverb goin on. Nice crunchin sound...thanks for the input there - much appreciated.
Cheers
Coco.
Sep 16, 2004 03:59 pm By the way, how does the delay on the drums work?? I thought it added a choppiness but it may just be my (tired) ears!
I've never delayed drums before but if this works oot, Ive anothre song im gonna go delay mad on (yet still in time!).
Cheers guys
Coco.
olddogMember
Since: Jul 02, 2003
Sep 16, 2004 05:56 pm Drums sound fine to me. Could use a few fills here and there, but they work well just as they are.
Dan
Sep 16, 2004 06:05 pm Cheers Olddog...
I need to put the fills in but aye, if the delay thang works, its another wee trick I can use for sure! Thnaks for yer input...
Now, am offski for the weekend (family break!) but I'll be back at yas next week.
Have fun guys and have a good weekend.
Adios
Coco
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Sep 16, 2004 09:43 pm coco,, like I said, the drums sound really big. I like it with the delay setting you are using now.
Sep 16, 2004 11:38 pm Can't seem to download your song Coco. Probably a problem at my end. Have a good break.
Cheers...
BM
Sep 17, 2004 08:17 am Just as an aside...and sorry to digress but I was watching a NZ music tv channel with my son this evening and a band called the Brunettes came on.
The interesting thing was the lead singer sings like you Coco...uncannily so. If you wanted you could check them out at lilchiefrecords.com/brunettes. The song played this evening was called 'polyester meets acetate'
Cheers...
BM
Sep 21, 2004 10:23 am Hey BM
Just got a chance to get back online after a wee weekend offski wi the family..thanks for trying to listen.
It should stream ok if you're on broadband..it may not if youre on dial up as I only uploaded the HIFI version - maybes thats the problem.
I need to check out that link you passed tae..I canny imagine someone else sounding like me!! That would be a bit of an affliction to the world :-) !! Seriously, I'll check it oot! Cool - maybes I can claim credit if the dude is good :-p !!
Cheers
Coco!
tonyd1970The fat one always watches us.Member
Since: Nov 08, 2002
Sep 22, 2004 04:04 pm It' really late 80's- like poison- then you start singing and its got that marching sorta thing i cant place. I really like it- you coulda been on mtv in spandix with this one.
lots-o-fun.
nice rockin guitar's too- Crash says you can never have too many........
thumbs pointed skyward
on the meeeeeeeeeee ee- though, i think you should have hit that high note, i know you could have, youve got it in you!!
Sep 22, 2004 04:23 pm Cheers Tony...now that is JUST what I wanted to hear!!
I was aiming for the AC/DC guitar sound using the VAMP and a good ol Les Paul (not quite an Angus SG but next best thing I can afford!!).
As for the high notes.. :-) I thank you LOADS for you confidence...and I really should try but after a few takes, missing, straining notes I thought - sodd it!! So, my laziness vocally once again kicks in.
However, I still need to add the bass, so when I do, I might try that (and if it fails, there's always the cut button I guess!).
Cheers Tony..much appreciated buddy.
Coco.
Sep 23, 2004 07:46 pm OK Guys...
Here's the latest mix, now with the bass added and a couple of other tiny little ammendments (no vocal alts as yet Tony - will give it a bash at weekend tho!):
www.homerecordingconnection.com/m3u.php?id=386
Any inputs is always welcome and even more appreciated...
Cheers folks.
Coco.
SirrusPrince of Cat EarsMember
Since: Jun 17, 2004
Oct 06, 2004 02:55 pm First, I must say that these drums simply kick ***! That echo or reverb or whatever you put on them makes them sound not only live, but bad.***.!
It's a fun song with a really nice feel and some great guitar work. Your melodic sense is fantastic (I tend to gravitate towards the same, so you've just made a fan here!).
Oct 06, 2004 03:15 pm Thanks for that Sirrus...I appreciate ya taken the time to listen.
Aye - that'll be ma drum delay I used...first time I ever tried delaying drums. Kinda works I feel. I think, this song is one of my better ones but I still think I could do a little more to round it off.
Dunno what. Think I'll try more delayed drums on other songs tho - I like the effect tae.
Cheers for takin the time to post the comments.
Coco.
tonyd1970The fat one always watches us.Member
Since: Nov 08, 2002
Oct 06, 2004 04:26 pm I just wrote this, and got the "kicked out no post for you thing" anyway, great. sirrus is serrious- (hahahha) those drums make my butt wiggle. now, just hit that Meee-EEE-EEEE!
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Oct 09, 2004 10:41 pm Yep, I didnt get to comment after the bass addition, but indeed a great tune for sure. I still like th drum sound it is pretty dang good. I love the vocals on this one for sure. And as usual the guitars are great, I love the leads all the way through the tune, nice touch.
Oct 10, 2004 06:46 pm Cheers Noize...
I appreciate your time and comments on this one.
I think the drums on this one is whats gone down well which pleases me - tried a delay effect on em and its unique to ma lugs for sure.
There are probs lots of folk who've done it but I am happy on this one as I done it as an experiment cos they just needed something (drums).
Thanks for all your comments...much much appreciated.
Cheers
Coco.
Oct 20, 2004 04:36 pm Continued from the 'Drift Away' post that should have been here....d'oh!
As we say here, no worries (ie thats ok)!
QUOTE:recording all my songs, regardless of how I think I sound was something I planned for years and I mean years.
Yeah, I can see that in my son...he is fortunate to have this realised so early in his life.
Aye, this is a great site...in a short few months, my son has just recorded another teenage band who want to 'make it' in the music industry. Another band will record after end of year school exams. And a soloist is coming in this weekend.
Man...who knew this would happen? :-)
Cheers,
BM
Oct 20, 2004 04:50 pm And about your singing Coco...and this is just the humble opinion of a relative newbie...
Like yeah, you can sound like Lennon...but...its just that, I think you're more than that.
Respect,
BM
Oct 20, 2004 05:02 pm Hey BM
Respect to ya and respect to your son - do what you want/you're good at and you love and inveriably - you'll do it well. That, is great news yi have there and best of luck to him and yerself with the studio/recording and the whole idea - obviously, your own support will have helped immensely so good on ya.
Again, I thank ya sincerely for the comments on my singing. Funny wee story here...I was in the local recording studio (also does practice rooms) today at lunch time for a jam with a possible giggin partner and I'd mentioned how I thought ma singing was improving...then I sang the first 3 tunes....OOT OF KEY! hehehe. Sodds law I guess. Still, after a 3 year absence from any real band activities/playing with other muso's seriously, I got into it after an hour and hit the keys again. Too bad we only had an hour and a half lunch break!!
But, all that aside - thanks again for the karma. I think, the quest to immitate John Lennon is far but sunk. I do agree this is little point in vicariously trying to be someone else - pointless excercise and will ultimately fail (tho I do envy Flame for sounding like John!!).
Aye, I just guess I'll keep on pluggin away singing/playing/writing and recording and try to find ma own vocal sound. Singing by default is the way I started and still do but I guess, in time, I'll maybe start to like my voice :-) mibbe!
Anyways, a million thanks to ya - your comment cheered me up no end after my off key, cat bein killed singing for the first half of ma studio sesh today. Still, it was rockin....and ma bud can sing so thats half the battle! hehehe.
Cheers...
Coco.
Oct 20, 2004 05:44 pm No worries Coco...
Ya gotta admit that your vocal treatment of 'Let it Go' is great...yeah? And also 'Drift Away.'
A little warming up might not go amiss? (Sorry, Coco... I'm keen on opinion, short on expert knowledge...ooo...sounds like someones mum)
Cheers, :-)
BM
Oct 20, 2004 06:00 pm Aye...now that is the KEY. You are absoloutely spot on here.
VOCAL WARM UP! Ah, now, I would always play some hot geetar before recordin...but vocals, I tend not to do it - so, I will from now on. I think I remember reading Axl Rose used to sing along to Nine Inch Nails before all his shows...full volume. There is a vocal work out...
I thinks, I'll be doing this far more often. And yes, I would agree that of all the singing I done so far Let It Go, Drift Away and The Words are the best. I guess, thats cause they are the latest ones too. Yep, more happy with those than the others...particularly Drift Away as my tooth was falling oot when I done that. Its now fallin oot again...darn dentists!!
Cheers again.
Coco.
Oct 20, 2004 06:18 pm Lol Coco...its hard to sing when teeth are misbehavin.
My son has a great voice and he's still learning...there's heaps of potential there. But a little like you, he has this amazing sound in the upper registers of his range...but its tough on him. He uses honey and lemon drinks to lubricate his vox chords.
Others will have better ideas.
Right back atcha...
BM
Oct 22, 2004 04:24 am Coco I have a song (lyrics) I''ve written which I imagine needs an expressive voice. I have no idea how the tune should go...
Coco, would it be asking too much if you could have a look at it...
Let me know if you're not too busy.
Kind regards,
BM
Oct 22, 2004 05:21 am BM
Honey and Lemon drinks will not really help.they'll only help for like 5 lines which are in the higher registers, and then you would be drinking another one
what I found to be helpfull is before recording
to really warm up my voice
and it's usually all good and warm after an (half an )hour
when warming don't try to go as high as when you're going to have to push it... just warm up very relaxed in the lows and the mid lows because it's just warming up (I usually sing some low to mid low songs, as to not get bored with the la lala lalalala ) when doing that you'll warm up your vocal chords (Stembanden is the word in Dutch hope it's the correct word in english) so when you're going High after being all warm and fuzzy:P you'll have way less trouble and it'll last longer and you won't ruin your voice
ahh well
Sorry bout the rant thingie
Goodday!
Presley
Oct 22, 2004 05:33 am Good points Presley...its good to have so many people around to help out, especially since I'm no expert. With all the advice though, we can't help but get better and better.
The honey and liquids are more for lubricating than limbering.
No worries and g'day back to ya too...
Cheers,
BM
Oct 22, 2004 07:21 am Hey BM
Just send those lyrics to me and I'll give it a shot. Do you have chords at all - if not, I can throw some in the melting pot..if ya dont like em - no harm done.
Either way, throw the lyrics to me and I'll take a look when I have a little time in the next week or so. I may have a little time this weekend but if not, defo next week.
Nice one...
Coco.
Oct 22, 2004 07:27 am Hey Coco...
Thanks for that...hope the lyrics are not too intense though...No worries if you think they're not for you....Also, sorry there are no chords.
Thats very good of you...thank you.
But Coco, where do I send them?
BM
Oct 22, 2004 04:34 pm Just nick on my webpage and send em that way...
I would post the addy here but there are spambots hittin addys everywhere!! Before I knows it, I'll have dozens of folk selling me everything but what I need!! hehehe.
Aye - no worries. If its too intense, I'll still give it a try - at the end of the day - I'll have a look, if I cant do owt with it - nothing lost. If I can, maybe something gained.
Nae worries...chuck it via my Martini site...just use the contact us page.
Cheers...
Coco.
Oct 22, 2004 06:14 pm Ok Coco...no laughing now...I've sent the lyrics through.
This song started as a poem which is the first lot of words...the song follows after that...there was a lot of typing, so I hope it all got through.
Hey Coco...thanks again.
Cheers...
BM :-)
Oct 22, 2004 06:22 pm Oh Coco...I've just read the Flame thread about unfinished business... :-(
Listen don't worry about my lyrics...I really should have known you'd have heaps of stuff to do.
Don't sweat it (another kiwi saying for no worries).
BM
Oct 22, 2004 06:24 pm Quote:
unfinished business
OK, now that is a copyright infringement on the name of the opening song on my EP. I'm suing.
Oct 22, 2004 06:29 pm Oh No...that is the second suit I've been involved in...
First it was TonyD and b...w.g.l..g, luckily my counsel, The Honorable, Sir Coco lent a helping hand there...
Now UB? I shouldn't have given that spider a hiding last night...
Cheers...and damn,
BM
Oct 22, 2004 07:27 pm WORRY NOT BM! I'll take a look for ya all the same - as I said, I'll see what I can do.
I have the emails now - no problmes there.
I'll be back at ya when I have something for ya one way or the other.
Cheers...
Coco.
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Oct 22, 2004 10:59 pm Besides, coco might turn it into another colaboration tune, and then it all gets done, full orchestra and all.
OOOOOOOh, and it could be an opera none the less.
Oct 22, 2004 11:28 pm Lol Noize!
And steel drums? Maybe someone's got a small home-made set...I wonder who might have a set?
But...can Coco sing opera?...we won't want some big chick up the front spoiling it now...
Cheers,
BM
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Oct 24, 2004 12:27 am BM, that just gave me a visual of coco looking a bit like Pavoratti, dressed in big black suit and belowing at the top of his longs while standing behind big chick with pigtails and a viking helmut.
Oct 24, 2004 06:49 am NAE OPERA HERE!!!
And certainly nae big chicks with viking helmets! Uhhhhh (Homer voice when Marge's sisters arrive!)...aye...
I'll be up the studio tonight doin a few other things so I'll see what I can do later.
Cheers...
Coco.
Oct 24, 2004 06:57 am Hahaha Noize...a valkyrie and Cocorotti...hehehe...
Oct 24, 2004 07:13 am Actually I didn't think there would be any opera...that was Noize's idea...
bm
TheTincanbugsloppy dice, drinks twiceMember
Since: Aug 05, 2003
Oct 24, 2004 08:43 am Hey coco, that sounded great. There's a lot of energy there that really comes through. I liked the vocals - yes, maybe a little strained in a couple of spots, but I liked them as is. The drums were very cool, I liked them the whole way through. The guitar fingering was just a little bit "mushy" right around 4:00 min. or so. And at 3:00 the rythymn on the guitar got a tad weak for just a couple of seconds.
I like this one a lot. Very nice! A good listen. And listen I can, with little time commitment, now that I have a dsl line! wooohoo
Keep 'em coming pal
Oct 24, 2004 11:07 am Thanks Tincan - Glad you liked this one. This was originally an acoustic only tune that I tried with the full "band" sound.
I think your comments there are pretty much spot on - I actually just remixed this is acoustic only and I'll be posting it up. I think the rhytm/guitar things you mention relate to the way I wrote the song versus this version - It really sounds a lot better acoustically. Tho, I am glad ya liked it in the main...good to hear some points to improve on - its always helpful so thanks again bud.
Glad youre on the old DSL - the only way to go now mate!! Aye, you'll notice a BIG difference Im sure...makes all the streamin MP3's etc soooo much easier.
Good to hear from ya buddy...and good to see yi have 2 songs in the HRC PRO Charts..well done pal.
Coco.
Oct 24, 2004 08:16 pm Hey BM
I started a thread for your song (I hope you dont mind)...under Music & Comp.
Rough mix down..not the best vocals I ever done but its a first take!
Cheers...
Coco.
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Oct 24, 2004 09:34 pm I love it, Quote:
a valkyrie and Cocorotti.
I knew you would be tho one to see the humor in that BM.
Now I gotta race over and see what coco has come up with for your lyrics. I cant wait to hear them.
Nov 08, 2004 07:40 pm Hey Guys
here's the acoustic version of this song and (almost) how I wrote it. This is the way the song SHOULD be done but alas, I took the Phil Spector approach and done the wall of noize before the acoustic version... - a bit too much chorus methinnks on the geetars but I am lookin at the feel, not just the tone here.
Bit like GNR with "You're Crazy" - on Appetite at 500 miles an hour rock and on GNR Lies nice n acoustic.
Anyways, any thoughts yi have (or even of my remixing skills!!) - always welcome.
www.badmartini.co.uk/letitgoacoustic.mp3
Cheers guys.
Coco.
olddogMember
Since: Jul 02, 2003
Nov 09, 2004 02:44 am This is such a great song Coco, really one of your best.
I agree might be a bit heavy on the chorus and maybe just a touch to much low end to my ears, but you've got the feeling going on with this one. Really sounds nice though, one of my favorites.
Dan
Nov 09, 2004 03:42 am Cheers Dan
Aye, I think I will use this version from now on when I tidy it up.
I like the acoustic version far mor than the wall of noize, "Spectorised" version.
Thanks for the listen bud - always appreciated.
Coco
Nov 10, 2004 05:35 pm Cool riff and a very hooky opening lead. Good stuff. :-)
Love the mix as well.
TadpuiI am not a crook's headMember
Since: Mar 14, 2003
Nov 11, 2004 05:00 am I just listened to the electric version. That's a great song, man. I like your voice, and the mix sounds outstanding. The songwriting is solid.
The mix really jumps off the page, so to speak. Everything sounds lively and bright. What mastering app are you using? This mix could definitely sell me on using whatever it is!
The guitar playing is great, although I can tell that the guitars are recorded direct. There's just some quality about it that I can always detect. If that's the way you have to do it, I understand. We don't all have the ability to crank an amp at all hours of the day or night. On some of the full chords, it sounds like the guitar may need a bit of intonation done next time you change strings. I can hear a hint of disonance on when all 6 strings are ringing out. (yeah, like I keep my guitars in perfect tune at all times lol)
Glad I gave this one a listen!
Nov 11, 2004 07:43 am Cheers Philthyone and Tad - thanks for those comments and takin the time to listen...always appreciated very much.
I had DI'd it all via the VAMP as the Marshall is just too noisey at nights for the kids sleepin so - VAMP it had to be. I think you're right tho - its not quite the monster of rock a real stack is but bang for buck, and soundwise, its not bad.
As for the intonation - that could be a bit worryin as the EPI has not had its strings changed due to little use since I bought it. Admitedly, I should have changed the strings being as they are 6 months old!! (I only been using it for 6 months solid tho - and its only 1 year old). I'll look into that - good shout.
Again - thanks for takin the time to listen.
Coco.
zitherMember
Since: Nov 13, 2004
Nov 13, 2004 07:15 am Hi Coco
First off, well done! The lyrics are catchy and the track moves along well. It grabs your attention and keeps it until the end.
The drum effect works, although I might have toned it down a touch. I feel the intro is too long (44 seconds). As a general rule I've learnt (from many sources) that an intro shouldn't exceed 20 seconds to keep interest. The rythum guitar breaks with timing in three places (1:48 - 2:16 - 3:41).
I feel that there needs to be more contrast (tonally and musically) between the verse and the chorus. Maybe use a different guitar sound on each or use a less full sound on the verse.
On the whole, I would suggest trying to get some air (or transparency) into the mix. The bass is buried and nearly everything is panned up the middle. As others have mentioned, the track seems to meander towards the end and needs a more definate outro.
Overall, this is a good track with potential to be a great one.
Zither.
