Mixing for the Masses

[necromancing]

After reading the many helpful and insightful posts, I figured I'd throw in my two cents.

It seems good mixing, or good production in general is in the "ear" of the beholder. Listen to Christina Aguilera's debut- it's a well recorded and well mixed album. And it's hard to deny that Steely Dan's "Aja", is a sonic master work. But does that make it a great or even good album? I think it does, but my wife would rather this to Faith Hill than discuss the engineering techniques of Walter Becker and Donald Fagan. Or listen to the Corr's latest album- you can't go wrong with a producer like Mutt Lange (AC/DC, Shania Twain, Def Leppard, etc.), or can you?

I don't think I'd want Mutt Lange to produce the next Sonic Youth album. But wait: a good producer (Mutt Lange), a great band (Sonic Youth); doesn't that equal a good album? No way.

But on the other hand, would Daniel Lanois/Brian Eno (U2, Peter Gabriel, etc.) make Britney Spears next album a million seller? I'm sure they would. It would sure be interesting to listen to, but will it happen. No way.

What this all really boils down to is, people want different things from different types of music. Sometimes you want the Rolling Stones to kick you in the gut, Miles Davis to build upon the atmosphere or Shania Twain to "Rock this Country".

With some tips from those of you posting on this BBS, I just mixed what I think is one of my bands' best songs. It is in the vain of Iggy and the Stooges "Raw Power". Would I have ever been able to pull this off if Iggy didn't go back and remix his masterpiece? I don't know, but I'm sure glad he did.

[hixmix]

What's your ?

[Blue Bear Sound]

Roger Nichols is Steely Dan's engineer... Becker and Fagen were the producers/artists.......

Bruce

[tubedude]

Lets hear it!
And, was there a question? Just wonderin'!

Paul

[necromancing]

Thanks for letting me know who the person was who mixed "Aja". If I may submit another question to the masses...

Has anybody had success at taking an already mixed down song, put it back to four track and add say bass guitar or backing vocal?

Have the new tracks sounded "too clear" or out of context, mixed in with the older recording.

Example: "Free as a Bird" by the Beatles.

Please advise.

Thanks.