Need some opinions on this song...
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Posted on Jun 25, 2005 01:44 pm
olddog
Member Since: Jul 02, 2003
I've had this song pretty much done for months now but haven't released it because I don't think the vocals work, lead vocal mainly. The song is "Just the Girl For Me".
I had to do it in a different key from the original and IMO it's too low and lacks the punch the original had. So what I'd like are BRUTALLY honest opinions on the lead vocal. I don't want to release the song if it does indeed lack "life". I'm used to the song being sung nearly an octave higher, so I was thinking maybe I'm not hearing it as others would and it would be okay to release.
The mix is a quick one and I still need to clean up the drums if I release it, but any comments on the mix, and song in general are appreciated as well.
If it won't stream, just right click and Save Target As...
www.smokinhq.com/startingover/music/gfm-m4test2.mp3
Thanks much,
Dan
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Jun 25, 2005 03:03 pm i'd notch out (-6dbish) the backup vox around 800hz-3k so they don't step all over the lead vocals...the drums are interstering, it sounds like you played them live, but are using electronic sounds....i like that the notes arn't all quantized to 16th notes, feels more natural, but there are a few 'loose' hits here and there that'd i'd tighten up on.
honestly i like the back up vox on the chorus's but not durrin' the verses... everything else seems to be in a good place from what i can here.
i say release it
wyd
Jun 25, 2005 03:08 pm Dan
Nice bit of work here...love the intro geearin and the "feel" of the song.
Vocals sound pretty cool to me - they suit the song to my ears. A little muffled on the low end, boost the highs to make crisper Id say but actual tones, volume and pitch sound cool to me.
Backing vox spot on - in fact, sounds Lennon/McCartney only heavier which is cool to me.
Guitar solo kicks ***, and the wee licks at the end of the chorus also sound good. The SG is rockin man - top notch work.
Bass is spot on. I hear it banging straight thru the whole song and a nice bass line too.
All in all, a good song and a good mix to my ears as far as these PC speakers will say. I do like the ending too, similar to the intro, top notch man.
Drums (tone) sounds really good to my ears. Playing is spot on....as ever.
OK - any ideas for changing ?? Nope...if it were me, I'd speed it up and rock it a bit more but thats just cause thats ALL I do! :-) ! Spot on piece of work man, just make vox a bit clearer on the high end and yer there man.
Nice...
Coco.
olddogMember
Since: Jul 02, 2003
Jun 25, 2005 03:32 pm Thanks guys for the comments!
WYD: I'll give the EQ on the backup vox a try. I played the drums live, on my TD6, needs a few more takes and probably a few punchin's before I get a final for them. :) I added the backing vocal to the verse to try hide the lead vocal, and probably will drop it if I release this one.
Coco: Thanks for kind words on the guitar solo's I wish I could get the hang of doing vibrato, I really want a heavy vibrato in parts, but just can't get the knack. LOL
Dan
Jun 25, 2005 04:56 pm Sounds good to me ma man...rockin for sure.
I actually like the whole thing and its a surefire grower..played it a few times since downloading and I likes it...when ye finish it all up, chuck it up again man - I will surely like to hear it.
Cheers
Coco.
Jun 25, 2005 06:08 pm Olddog,
You already know how much I like this song...
I have the old version in my iTunes Favorites playlist, and quite frankly I like old one better. It rocks more. The higher key really makes your voice rock out.
That being said...this is a great recording! It sounds as good as(if not better than) anything that I hear on the radio lately.
If I hadn't heard the early version, I would say this is great stuff. I still say it's great stuff!
Jim
Jun 25, 2005 06:33 pm Ahuh...never heard the first mix Dan...maybes ye could post that one up for an A>B comparison...the vox sounded fine to me but maybes ye have a sneaky wee stellar mix yer hiding from us all :-) !
Anyways, good work.
Coco.
olddogMember
Since: Jul 02, 2003
Jun 25, 2005 09:14 pm Thanks Jim, yep I really wish I could hit notes that high these days, but I'm not even close. lol
I had all the time invested in the new version, so rather than just let it set there gathering dust I thought I'd get some opinions on whether to release this version. If I could find the 4 track tape with this one I could probably get a pretty decent sounding mix of the original, but all I have is that stereo mix that was in pretty bad shape.
Thanks again, I apprecite the comments :)
Dan
Jun 26, 2005 09:15 am You may recall, Dan, that I gave a lame attempt at putting some vocals to this song. I found it very difficult to get much energy at that low of a key. You seem to have fared MUCH better than I did!
This song will make a fine addition to the "Old Dog" portion of my .MP3 collection!
Jim
TadpuiI am not a crook's headMember
Since: Mar 14, 2003
Jun 26, 2005 11:22 am Sorry it took me so long to have a listen OD. I've been in a rut lately and I haven't been listening to other people's music. But now its Sunday morning, I've got the house to myself and a hot cup of fresh coffee, so I'm ready ;-)
Wow, great production here Dog. I just love your voice...it takes me by surprise every time I listen to one of your songs.
I can really hear the 1982 vibe at the heart of this song, but it's got a great contemporary pop take on it.
I really can't give any criticism of the song. the production is crisp and clear. Lots going on but it doesn't get muddy or cluttered. Your mixes always sound so rich, but they're never squashed or pumpy. I don't know how you do it, but keep up the good work.
Jun 26, 2005 02:07 pm Olddog,
Nice job on this. I really enjoyed it. It needs a music video!
Only thing I might suggest (and it might just be my monitor system messing up), but the sound of the kick drum really dominates the lower portion of the sound...almost to the point of distraction. If that's what you were going for, then it definitely works! If not, then I might suggest that you smooth it out just slightly.
Great stuff as usual.
olddogMember
Since: Jul 02, 2003
Jun 26, 2005 05:54 pm Jim, I wouldn't call your attempt lame at all. I had just lost interest in finishing up the song and did some other stuff. With some double tracking like I did with my vocals it would have been every bit as good and if you'd like to your still welcome to do a version of song as well. It was/is very difficult getting the energy in the vocal in the key I did the song in.
Thanks for the support Jim, I really appreciate it! :)
Dan
olddogMember
Since: Jul 02, 2003
Jun 26, 2005 06:12 pm Nothing like a cup of hot coffee to kick off the morning Tad!
Thank you very much for the compliments on my voice and production! I hope I'm improving with each new effort. :)
Dan
olddogMember
Since: Jul 02, 2003
Jun 26, 2005 06:14 pm Thanks thermo! I'm going to be redoing the drum track and I'll probably cut the kick a bit it does rather punch thru. :)
Dan
