January's challenge ~ GZ's reviews

[gecko zzed]

I will preface my comments by saying that I enjoyed immensely the songs contributing to this challenge. It was exciting to see the lyrics develop, and then to wonder how they might translate into a musical context. I have to say that each song really picks the essence of the lyrics and conveys exactly the right mood for them.

In my comments I haven't concentrated on the lyrics, because that was done earlier. Instead I've focussed on the recording itself and the musical dimensions of the song, and I've also tried to identify my emotional reaction to each song.

B4 U were born ~ WhatMySay

The songs starts off with a very relaxed, laid back feel, and I am really enjoying the textures in the background. But most of all I like the awesome bass line. I also like the very subtley-mixed background vocals; they're almost subliminal.

However, I'm not that keen on the sound of the guitar, which sounds a bit brittle-twangy. I think maybe its an E string that's buzzing or something.

The chorus provides a nice lift, and there is more when the bridge comes along.There is a cool lonely feel at the end of the song when the main rhythm stops and we're left with some brassy synth sounds. I can imagine, that were this to be done with a big production, that this end bit could be played by and in the manner of a Salvation Army Band brass band.

I enjoyed listening to your song. It's amazing how music can transform a set of lyrics.

There are some changes that I presumptiously suggest. They are:

1 See if you can work on the guitar tone to get a more rounded sound
2 See if you can sink the guitar into the mix a bit more; I would really like to hear a bit more of those magical background sonic textures emerge
3 See if you can get more definition to the bass sound. It's a terrific line you've got there, and really adds interest to the track, but it's a bit wolley.
4 I note the increased vocal intensity in the chorus, which is great. But is there more you can give in this part?

Great work, a voice rich in character and a song to match!

Seven Tears Ago ~ Frankie Rage

This has to be one of the more interesting songs I've heard for a while. Minimalist, but extraordinarily rich and immensely intriguing. I admire your innovation, and bravery at trying something so unusual.

From a purist's point of view we might wonder about the pitchiness in the vocal . . . but it kind of fits the whole thing. This is so quirky!! And the amount of restraint that has left it as spacious as it is quite staggers me.

However, you do need to watch the popping on the consonants!

I think this track is wonderful. It is so dramatically original. Could it be a hit? Probably not . . . it's maybe a bit too out-there. Even so, it may be quirky enough to capture a niche market. Who knows?

Your Home ~ Joseph Spain

Like many of your other tracks, this has that characteristic silky smooth backing which makes an amazingly appropriate bed for this set of lyrics

Your singing on this is just magic, and actually gives me goosebumps! You have an awesome chorus to this song, and it just soars with emotion. I love it! Particularly they way you deliver the lines: "will bring you safely home" and "to guide you to your home".

I recall you voicing some concern about the falsetto, but it didn't worry me. That big falsetto note at the end of the bridge has a big impact on the dynamics of the song. It's a touch ragged, but works for me. Perhaps all that is needed is a squirt of extra reverb during this bit.

When commenting on your material, I've observed that the backing is relatively static, and that is the case here as well. However, I don't mind it on this track. However, I'm not sure that I would want a whole album to have the same overall feel.

This is a great track!

My First Car ~ Up-Fiddler

This is a chaotic, rambunctious bit of fun, and brought an enormous smile to my face. I can so easily picture this as a song in a musical . . . it is outrageously out there. One thing I really, really like on this track is the totally uninhibited vocal delivery. You have managed to create a real, highly credible character through the way you have inject so much personality into the vocal. Somewhere else in this forum I have commented on how home recordings often sould like home recordings because the singers are not able to inject any drama into their vocals, but that is certainly not the case here.

The instrumentation has a comic circus feel to it, and the song kept me fully engaged, right until the "let's shut this thing down right now". And the three-legged cow line is still my favourite in all these songs.

Slightly disturbing is the main guitar riff loop, which starts a fraction late each time. Perhaps the start of the loop needs a litttle trim to get it sitting closer to the beat. However, given the generally loose and wild feel of the song, it's not that big a deal.

The video for this song is crying out for some larger than life charactes in an animated cartoon.

Excellent work!

[Whatmysay]

Thanks Gecko for the good words

I take on board pts 1 to 3 are all mix related – this was my first mix in Logic and first monitor mix in a long time – and rushed as in-law are up from Sydney and need to get spare room ready.

As for 4 thought I’d try my new AKG 1’ diaphragm and leave the SM58 behind. First run compression could handle Vs and Bridge, but blew out on Ch. So did 2nd /3rd take pulling back on Ch just to get in on time under the levels.

Definitely going to have another crack at vocals and mix – want to redo brass as I think some quick playing has made it synthier than orchestra samples needed to be.

I definitely love Logic though and will be pestering you over in the Logic forum with problems, as you appear to be a ‘power user’

Cheers

Burt

[icystorm]

Your Home ~ Joseph Spain

Like many of your other tracks, this has that characteristic silky smooth backing which makes an amazingly appropriate bed for this set of lyrics

Your singing on this is just magic, and actually gives me goosebumps! You have an awesome chorus to this song, and it just soars with emotion. I love it! Particularly they way you deliver the lines: "will bring you safely home" and "to guide you to your home".

I recall you voicing some concern about the falsetto, but it didn't worry me. That big falsetto note at the end of the bridge has a big impact on the dynamics of the song. It's a touch ragged, but works for me. Perhaps all that is needed is a squirt of extra reverb during this bit.

When commenting on your material, I've observed that the backing is relatively static, and that is the case here as well. However, I don't mind it on this track. However, I'm not sure that I would want a whole album to have the same overall feel.

This is a great track!

Thanks for listening, the feedback, and the kind words, GZ. I agree with you about the relatively static backing. One of these days, I will master the art of putting more dynamic range into my songs. To that end, any technical advice from you, or any of the guys here, is appreciated.

Your songs always have excellent clarity, and that's the level of quality I aspire to create someday.

Cheers,
Joseph

[gecko zzed]

Originally Posted by Whatmysay

Thanks Gecko for the good words

I take on board pts 1 to 3 are all mix related – this was my first mix in Logic and first monitor mix in a long time – and rushed as in-law are up from Sydney and need to get spare room ready.

As for 4 thought I’d try my new AKG 1’ diaphragm and leave the SM58 behind. First run compression could handle Vs and Bridge, but blew out on Ch. So did 2nd /3rd take pulling back on Ch just to get in on time under the levels.

Definitely going to have another crack at vocals and mix – want to redo brass as I think some quick playing has made it synthier than orchestra samples needed to be.

I definitely love Logic though and will be pestering you over in the Logic forum with problems, as you appear to be a ‘power user’

Cheers

Burt

I loved the textures in your song, and I think they need to emerge a bit more, and I look forward to hearing a remix.

I've been using Logic since the mid-nineties, and I'm still learning stuff about it. I currently use Logic Platinum on XP, which was the last version before it became Mac-only.

So if you are Mac-based, there are features in new versions that I won't be familiar with. However, the basic structure has remained consistent over the years, and so even though my version is now several years old, there are is enough commonality to be able to offer handy hints and advice. So sing out if you encounter any problems.

[Whatmysay]

Cheers on the Logic

Was thinking Congas could be just an EQ, pan and volume issue - the other drums sound fine and sit very well in the mix

Burt