Jet - Cold Hard Bitch

[six]

Hi folks

I haven't been posting for a long time now... cause I was so satisfied with my recording/mixing work... hehehe, nooooo.

To the topic: I really fell in love with Jet's "Cold Hard Bitch" the first time I heard it (musta been "love at first listen"). It kind of REALLY kicks ass, not only because of the songwriting itself but also because of the mix. It all sounds so punchy (guitars remind me a bit of AC/DC) and most of all DRY. But not like "we want it to sound dry" but more like "we leave it as it is". And here's the point, I guess: I'm sure it's a hard job to make it sound so natural in a way. For me it almost sounds like a good room, some room-mics (which of course you don't "hear") and nothing artificial besides some eq and compression.

How would one get this sound?

[Stealthtech]

It sounds to be a rather simple recording without a great deal of proccessing, and they do seem to be influenced by early AC/DC...however its one of those songs Im already tired of hearing.

[strmkr]

Yep, they have played it to death on local radio down here.

I do like the recording and mix though. Back to basics. The band I'm recording now is taking that approach, no frills, just simple rock and roll.

[katmandude]

Well. THat's Dave Sardy for you. He's an incredible producer and his signature is dry raw sounds. He was discovered by Rick Rubin (surprise? not) and has worked for hte red hot chili peppers, Slayer, Dandy Warhols, Helmet and many many others.

But try and find Dave's old band Barkmarket. THat was an incredibel band and he honed those producing skills by recording his own band and other brooklyn, NY bands in the early-mid 90's. Looks for the albums, "Gimmick" and "L.Ron" incredible.

[glimmer_doll]

yeah..Dave Sardy rocks...he also did System of a Down, and Holywood by Marilyn Manson. I love that raw sound...it's like....it's like...ross robinson with skill!

[Rock Star 87]

amazingly i'm listening to "99 Problems" by Jay-Z, and prodeced by Rick himself. the guitar on the track sound pretty wet, so i wonder if rap calls for different guitar processing. but on the side i'm getting ready to sample "NIB" / Black Sabbath and i wonder what processing would be better. wetter or dryer. the reason i bring this up is "Sing For The Moment" by Eminem which sounded dryer and more of the original "Dream On" sound. so is there a standard, or as is many things, if it sounds better.

[doulos]

im almost willing to bet the vocals for jet used a distressor ive seen those things damn near everywhere

[EleKtriKaz]

I like the song, but when I heard it on the radio the other day it sounded a bit bass heavy to me. This may have been due to a variety of factors (radio, car system, etc...) but it seemed to be mixed that way.

I do remember really liking the way the guitars sounded.

I didn't know Dave Sardy worked with the Dandy Warhols. I love Thirteen Tales...great record.

[six]

i find it amazing that somehow everything in this song is kicking - from the vocals to the drums. i mean - normally you have to do some trade-offs, make one element "weaker" so another one appears to be punchier. but not in that mix. everything punches right into your teeth. just like ac/dc.