That effect on the vocal in "You" was an accident for the most part. I was intending to select a reverb patch from the effects card in the 880 to try and adjust it when listening back to the lead vocal track, and picked the wrong one. When crEEk and I heard it though, it just really made the overall tone of the song for both of us. I can see what people are saying about both that vocal effect and the drum intro part, and when the song stands alone I tend to agree. I still think that in context of the flow of the entire CD that crEEk recorded, it sets the song apart a little and gives it a character all it's own. crEEk is the man when it comes to putting lyrics, melody, and good ideas together to make a song different, yet almost familiar at the same time. Each one we recorded fits with the others, but has it's own unique thing going on. I think it's a good balance.
I agree that the drum intro should have come down some, and at least not really kicked in until the rest of the instruments hit. However, the transition from the previous song on the disc needed something to jump out, and those drums certainly do that. Probably too much though now that I listen again. It always impresses me how this forum is such a great resource for getting other excellent ears to critique a mix.
As for the recording of the vocal, Teddie, I'm almost embarassed to admit what a mediocre mic setup I have. I used a single
Shure BG4.1 with a XLR to 1/4 adapter and plugged it right into the 880. Same setup for all vocals and acoustic guitars. My next recording equipment purchase will be a decent tube mic pre, and maybe a mid to high level Rode mic or two.