Twisted Little Souls.

[PapillonIrl]

We've been going through a creative period of late, writing a song or two every day we get together. I'm really enjoying this, as not too long ago with my last band it was like pulling teeth sometimes.

Anyway, here's one written and recorded last weekend, with the guitar solo and strings done yesterday.

Comments on the song very welcome. I am also very interested in how I can get the drums the way they should be in this song. I am aware that their is some issues with the drums, and they are going to be retracked. I didn't gate/compress the bassdrum like I normally do because it will bring out the performance flaws more.

There is this offtime rimshot thing that the drummer does in the verses, which I like. But it is sounding kind of cheesy at the moment...can anybody recommend a solution ? Micing technique ? EQ ? Wood block maybe instead of rim ?

Any comments on retracking/mixing the drums for this one would help as I want to get it done this weekend.

http://www.nowhereradio.com/artists/.../album91.shtml

Song: Twisted Little Souls


pAp

[B.SABBATH]

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[B.SABBATH]

I really like this song.....the mix sounds like it needs something but I don't know how to tell you what it is...I actually like the sounds and playing of the drums....the mix doesn't sound bright enough maybe....was this recorded on a casette multitracker??
There is something that I do like about this sound...like it fits the old style of the tune.....I don't know......but I really like the song....and now on second listen..I'm starting to like the warmness of the sound....It sounds like it was recorded in the 70's or something....I mean that in a good way...


really cool song....... I pretty much like everything about it

[mixmkr]

it all sounds mono, with the exception of the strings (as I'm listening and reviewing...). Your mix issues are that they dynamics are lost, especially on the drums...which borderline on being too quiet, imo. Everything is kinda "washed" together, and the mix lacks any punch. Very nice song, singing, harmonies, etc. I see this in the vein of some older Moody Blues. If you're familiar with them, notice how their prominant parts stand out, and not just "washed out" with string patches, but supported by them. Solos take the spotlights too, and important musical passages. Everything is sliced to an equal in this song. You need leading parts of interest.

[PapillonIrl]

B. SABBATH: Recording was all digital, thanks for your thoughts on the song. Much appreciated.

Mixmkr: Yup, you speaks the truth. The stereo string effect was definately an easy way to try and cover up the inadequacies of the mix. Didn't work. Your Moody Blues reference struck home, I know where you're coming from...now if I just knew how to get there...


Thanks guys

Any more thoughts on my more immediate issue ? Tommorows drum retracking and mixing ?

pAp

[dtb]

pAp,

Yeah, man, I like it. I listened twice. I'm not to concerned about the mix. I just like the grove thing goin on.
dtb

[PapillonIrl]

dtb: Glad you liked it I'm also glad the 'groove' came through, because that was the thing that made it exciting to me when I was writing the bassline in the reheasal room with the drummer. We tracked everything seperately straight away afterward, and attempte to get the same feeling down. There are timing discrepencies, but listening to it beside some of our other stuff which is built up over time patchwork quilt style, it has a certain edgy energy I think. Something to be learned from that I guess.

Cheers,

pAp

[PapillonIrl]

One more question occurs to me on the issue of the mix sounding mono-ish...how important is symmetry in the stereo image as far as volume levels are concerned. For example, the harmonies here are double tracked and panned L/R 35%...the main reason I pan them both the same amount is to keep the L/R levels looking even...should I worry about creating an interesting stereo image more than this ?

pAp