Living Loving Maid - Greg Zeppelin

[SnakeDog5050]

Ha, I dig this version. The vox have sort of an aggressive punk/surf feel now. Cool, the whole tune seems to have a bit more of a surfy feel too. Playing and mix sound spot on... great work man

 

[Greg_L]

Ha, I dig this version. The vox have sort of an aggressive punk/surf feel now. Cool, the whole tune seems to have a bit more of a surfy feel too. Playing and mix sound spot on... great work man

Thanks man. I didn't intend it that way, but I'm very inspired by classic punk and surf stuff, so maybe it came out anyway.

 

[antichef]

Nice!!! I can't come up with any nits.

How did you do the guitars?

 

[Greg_L]

Thanks.

Guitars are an SG through a Digitech RP300a into a crappy practice amp mic'd with a 57. I used a "Boutique" setting with low gain double-tracked on each side. Added a phaser during the little breakdown parts.

 

[antichef]

you did a fantastic job with the sound on that main riff (whole song, really) - I've been periodically obsessing on getting that sound off Zep II since I started playing in the mid 80's. Most lately, I was thinking my SG clone with P-94s, through a small EL84 amp from the '60's, through the ACM-4 group buy mic was the ticket (witnesseth, the mercifully short "koolaid", with my 16 year old daughter's adaptation of Plant's lyrics:

), but still don't quite have it. I'll keep working - you've re-inspired me.

 

[danny.guitar]

I can never think of anything useful to say about your recordings. They always sound perfect, and like they're off a classic rock CD.

I don't hear anything wrong with the bass on my system.

 

[ido1957]

I'm on the fence on this....The performance and recording are spot on but you can tell it's not the original the key. It's such a familiar song you can't help but notice the difference. I didn't NOT like the performance and I think this can work - if the listener gives it the AI treatment and accepts that "you made it your own".

 

[dreamer7]

Hey Greg.
First of all I have to say that I find it very difficult to judge covers as I just can't help comparing them to the original (if I know the song that is!). I don't mind covers if a fave artist of mine covers a great song, but manages to make it quite different to the original and puts their own slant on it. You might not think so, but I'm a huge Zep fan and have been for more years than I care to remember, so hearing this threw me right back to my teenage years! It's a great rock song from one of the great rock bands and I can't help but think about how cool the original is.

Having said that, I've got to compliment you on managing to do a good job of this in the first place and it's obvious that you're a damn good musician, so well done in that respect. Your production skills are also fantastic – you must have put a lot into learning everything! I actually don't mind that it's in a different key, as at least that means it's not an exact copy.

Earlier in the thread someone sort of joked about it being too tight, but in a way I think that's right. It's difficult to put into words, because even though Zep were obviously really tight, they also managed somehow to have a sort of loose, fluid feel to the way they played together, while pumping out a powerful sound, if you know what I mean. Maybe it's just because they were a band and could create an almost live feel, but as just one guy yourself, playing along to his own work, it's difficult to get that vibe.

All round though, I'd have to say really very well done, even though I now want to hear the original Led Zep version instead.
dreamer7

 

[Greg_L]

you did a fantastic job with the sound on that main riff (whole song, really) - I've been periodically obsessing on getting that sound off Zep II since I started playing in the mid 80's. Most lately, I was thinking my SG clone with P-94s, through a small EL84 amp from the '60's, through the ACM-4 group buy mic was the ticket (witnesseth, the mercifully short "koolaid", with my 16 year old daughter's adaptation of Plant's lyrics:

), but still don't quite have it. I'll keep working - you've re-inspired me.

Lol. Thats funny.

I didn't really set out to copy Page's sound, and frankly, I personally don't think it's very close, but whatever. If you like it, I'm glad.

 

[Llarion]

The timing is way too tight and good. I mean, if you're going to cover zeppelin, don't you have to take a cup full of barbiturates and then smack your temple with a hammer before you record?

Mixwise, it's very good, as usual...I think you could get away with bumping the bass up a bit. Maybe not, it's hard to tell without hearing it. Maybe it's just the bass tone. Hell, it's probably fine, I'm just trying to be constructive. Kinda' hard with your mixes.

I think Chris has this pegged; it's tight and clean; which is a tribute to your playing, but (especially the drumming), Zep was loose and sloppy, it was part of their charm. Your take is a ton of fun, but is more good power-pop than it is traditional rock and roll.

I also think it could live with more bottom on the kick and a little more bass; but that's a taste thing.

I think you should cover some Raspberries tunes; you have the right sensibilities to really pull them off.

 

[Greg_L]

I can never think of anything useful to say about your recordings. They always sound perfect, and like they're off a classic rock CD.

I don't hear anything wrong with the bass on my system.

Okay thanks a lot for listening.

I'm on the fence on this....The performance and recording are spot on but you can tell it's not the original the key. It's such a familiar song you can't help but notice the difference. I didn't NOT like the performance and I think this can work - if the listener gives it the AI treatment and accepts that "you made it your own".

Fair enough. I know what you mean. I didn't really try to "make this my own" though by doing it in a different key. If some people want to hear it that way, then that's fine too. I did it that way because that's truly the only way I could sing it. I originally recorded some scratch guitars in the original key. I tried to sing it, and no freaking way. I kept going lower and lower until I could belt it out. I tried my best to respect the song though. The arrangement is pretty much dead-on to the original, the solo is damn near note-for-note exact, and I really tried to channel my inner "Bonham" to get the drums right.

Hey Greg.
First of all I have to say that I find it very difficult to judge covers as I just can't help comparing them to the original (if I know the song that is!). I don't mind covers if a fave artist of mine covers a great song, but manages to make it quite different to the original and puts their own slant on it. You might not think so, but I'm a huge Zep fan and have been for more years than I care to remember, so hearing this threw me right back to my teenage years! It's a great rock song from one of the great rock bands and I can't help but think about how cool the original is.

Having said that, I've got to compliment you on managing to do a good job of this in the first place and it's obvious that you're a damn good musician, so well done in that respect. Your production skills are also fantastic – you must have put a lot into learning everything! I actually don't mind that it's in a different key, as at least that means it's not an exact copy.

Earlier in the thread someone sort of joked about it being too tight, but in a way I think that's right. It's difficult to put into words, because even though Zep were obviously really tight, they also managed somehow to have a sort of loose, fluid feel to the way they played together, while pumping out a powerful sound, if you know what I mean. Maybe it's just because they were a band and could create an almost live feel, but as just one guy yourself, playing along to his own work, it's difficult to get that vibe.

All round though, I'd have to say really very well done, even though I now want to hear the original Led Zep version instead.
dreamer7

Thanks a lot. I try to do my best with these classic songs. I don't want to piss everyone off by butchering a masterpiece. I'm not even the biggest Zeppelin fan in the world or anything. I mean I like them, but they're not my favorite band or anything. I've just always really liked this song and particularly the drums. I also find it odd that Jimmy Page hates this song and they never played it live. Whats wrong with them?

 

[Greg_L]

I think Chris has this pegged; it's tight and clean; which is a tribute to your playing, but (especially the drumming), Zep was loose and sloppy, it was part of their charm. Your take is a ton of fun, but is more good power-pop than it is traditional rock and roll.

I also think it could live with more bottom on the kick and a little more bass; but that's a taste thing.

I think you should cover some Raspberries tunes; you have the right sensibilities to really pull them off.

Lol. Thanks. I can't do loose and sloppy. I just tried to not screw the song all up.

 

[Toki987]

you can play man, and can get it recorded too. It's cool when you can past all that work shit, and then kick back and listen, to get the buzz.... Sounds good.

Oh,,,Did Chris Harris mention the bass?

 

[rayc]

Greg,
I like it. If was at a gig & the band covered it this way I'd jump around as opposed to head bang. All that's missing is that stoner edge - the key change & your tight take don't allow for that - can't in the key.
It's a terrific song & a non slave cover is worthwhile.
I can hear your sound in it - that's cool too.
Maybe you need to get a buzz to get the Zep groove.
Now, for your next original...
Oh, time frame - how long from tracking to final mix, did it take to put this together?
& you really do have an excellent power pop sensibility - Big Star, Raspberries, maybe even Plimsouls BUT you rock harder.

 

[A Reel Person]

Loud!

Yeah!..........

 

[Gorty]

I started this song just messing around and ended up finishing it. I tried to not screw it up too bad.

"Living Loving Maid" by Led Zeppelin
http://soundclick.com/share?songid=6215131

Any mix/performance comments welcome and appreciated.

Thanks,
Greg

I love this song Greg! I honestly think that your vocals have been improving with the last couple of tunes you have posted up.
How wide are the guitars panned?...I would like to hear a wider separation to give it a more stereophonic edge. (personal taste)
I like the little effect you have throughout (flanger??)...except at the 00:20, 00:30 and the 1:00 min marks it verges on the edge of feedback...a little harsh shrill!! A minor nit pick.
That Mapex kit kicks butt, sounds great. I love to hear kick and bass guitar separation, a little tricky as they occupy the same frequencies...you have done well on pulling them apart and making them both audible.
GREAT TUNE SELECTION!

I listened about 6 times. Your vocals are definitely improving......Mrs Gorty said so as well.

Nice work Grace!

 

[Greg_L]

you can play man, and can get it recorded too. It's cool when you can past all that work shit, and then kick back and listen, to get the buzz.... Sounds good.

Oh,,,Did Chris Harris mention the bass?

Thanks man. I'm getting a lot of mixed responses on the bass. Some say it needs more, some say it's fine. Maybe this is just a case of personal taste and listening environments. I played with it some yesterday and the bass sounds fine on my end, so I'm hesitant to jack around with it any more.

Greg,
I like it. If was at a gig & the band covered it this way I'd jump around as opposed to head bang. All that's missing is that stoner edge - the key change & your tight take don't allow for that - can't in the key.
It's a terrific song & a non slave cover is worthwhile.
I can hear your sound in it - that's cool too.
Maybe you need to get a buzz to get the Zep groove.
Now, for your next original...
Oh, time frame - how long from tracking to final mix, did it take to put this together?
& you really do have an excellent power pop sensibility - Big Star, Raspberries, maybe even Plimsouls BUT you rock harder.

Lol. Thanks Ray. I'm not a stoner nor a product of the 60's, so I can probably never get into the Zep groove. I just tried to play it well and not offend anyone. From start to finish this one probably took about 3 weeks of dicking around with finding the right key so I can sing it and getting it all together. Once I got it in the key I wanted and got the guitar sounds sorted out, it went quick and easy. I had to learn the little walking bass parts during the breakdown so that took a little time. The drums were done in the first and only take, so that was nice.

I've got 3 new originals in the works now, so stay tuned.

Yeah!..........

Thanks Dave!

I love this song Greg! I honestly think that your vocals have been improving with the last couple of tunes you have posted up.
How wide are the guitars panned?...I would like to hear a wider separation to give it a more stereophonic edge. (personal taste)
I like the little effect you have throughout (flanger??)...except at the 00:20, 00:30 and the 1:00 min marks it verges on the edge of feedback...a little harsh shrill!! A minor nit pick.
That Mapex kit kicks butt, sounds great. I love to hear kick and bass guitar separation, a little tricky as they occupy the same frequencies...you have done well on pulling them apart and making them both audible.
GREAT TUNE SELECTION!

I listened about 6 times. Your vocals are definitely improving......Mrs Gorty said so as well.

Nice work Grace!

Thanks Vinnie! I'll tell your wife 'thanks' in person later on.

The guitars are about 75% to each side, but there's a lot of them. I wanted them to fill the space. Each rhythm guitar is double-tracked with an additional power-chord accompaniment guitar underneath. The original had clear seperation, but I wanted a more Ramones-ish wall of guitar sound. It's tough though, my amp is definitely the weak link of all my recording shit. If I can't get reasonably close to the opiginal tones, I have to just do my own thing. I agree the phaser does border on being shrill. It's only for a second or so though, and I really wanted it to stick out, so I just left it alone.

The Mapex is a pretty sweet kit. I love it. The kick is like a bomb going off. Awesome. I typically record with my big maple snare, but I used the Black Panther Brass on this one to hopefully get a more vintage sound. I'm really pleased with how everything with the drums came out. The cymbals and hats sound way better in the .wav and 320kbsMP3, but that's soundclick for ya.

Thanks everyone for the feedback and compliments.

 

[queepy]

Just wanted to add I really dug this....you have taken the song and made it your own without ruining the integrity of the original...a huge accomplishment in my opinion. Drums are especially good on this.....great cover choice and another kick ass recording...thanks for sharing it here!!

 

[Greg_L]

Thanks Queepyaxe!

 

[Amorican]

You did def. make it your own. Cool effects and nice production. Drums sound good. Guitars sound good. It is a hard song to sing, but I think you did a great job. The chorus's sound neat. Very pro sounding and well put together!