death ray

[heatmiser]

Sounds pretty great to me. Bass sounds awesome. I don't know how I missed this for 4 days or whatever. The vocals could be louder, but I like em a little buried. I'd like a little more thump in the drum track. More kick, or whatever that is down there. Just a little more to really drive it along. That's nitpicking though. It's certainly pretty damn good as-is. Nice job.

Awesome - thanks Greg! I'm happy to hear that I could add more thump. I kinda wanted this to have a steady stomp to it, but it became overwhelming on my system and I drew it back a good deal. Maybe I can afford to go back in that direction a little. P.I. kindly banged out a beat for this that does have a lot of kick in it, so that may fill the void there.

 

[Chili]

Actually I did. I dropped by the other day...don't you remember you told me that would be ok?

Ah, that's what happened to all the coffee and beer. And here I was blaming it on the kids.

Death Ray

Woke up just a weight on your bed
Meat bag pinned by the gravity shackles
Paranoia creeping through your head
One missed step and the gallery cackles...

This first verse is great. Thanks for posting.

 

[maximusbs]

I love all the textures in here man! The random studio noise (intrusion from the family I presume) is great. The only thing that stuck out to me was the acoustic at times was too normal. Is that your pick or something else giving a crackle sound in the top right speaker? Yea, I think your acoustic is peaking or something. Anyway, the lyrics are very cool, I don't know what they mean, and that's probably a good thing Not usually my kinda stuff, but I listened twice

ps - did you 'gravity bong'? Far out!

 

[TripleM]

Sounds real good. For some reason, I really liked the vocal tone on this one. Great singing voice. I don't think I've ever noticed it before.

Things sound great in general. My only suggestion is to turn the instruments and backing vocals down just a wee bit. They seem to be overpowering the lead vocal just a smidge.

 

[heatmiser]

This first verse is great. Thanks for posting.

Thanks chili. I don't get complimented on my lyrics much (I think justifiably), so that is good to hear.

I love all the textures in here man! The random studio noise (intrusion from the family I presume) is great. The only thing that stuck out to me was the acoustic at times was too normal. Is that your pick or something else giving a crackle sound in the top right speaker? Yea, I think your acoustic is peaking or something. Anyway, the lyrics are very cool, I don't know what they mean, and that's probably a good thing Not usually my kinda stuff, but I listened twice

ps - did you 'gravity bong'? Far out!

Thanks much man. That part actually isn't the family...Inspired by KC's first tunes thread, I was digging through some old tapes and found one from 1986 where, in between songs, there was some funny chatter from some old friends of mine. I don't think you can hear it real clearly though.

The acoustics bug me at times too. You're the only one so far to mention it though. They aren't clipping or anything - I think it is just poor technique . I had very new strings on there and there is some fret buzz I think and certainly a metallic, almost rattling kind of sound as well.

I tried the gravity thing a few times back then - really just a gimmick. I think it involved a 2 liter bottle partially filled with water and maybe even a hose of some kind? Far too complicated anyway. If I want to get high, I don't want to have to read an instruction manual first . Thanks again!

Sounds real good. For some reason, I really liked the vocal tone on this one. Great singing voice. I don't think I've ever noticed it before.

Things sound great in general. My only suggestion is to turn the instruments and backing vocals down just a wee bit. They seem to be overpowering the lead vocal just a smidge.

I think you posted this in my thread by mistake , but thank you TripleM. I don't get complimented on my singing much either so that is really encouraging - yay!

Still working on a new mix with P.I.'s drums and slightly louder vocals...hopefully done soon. Thanks a ton everyone for your help so far!

 

[PoeticIntensity]

Still working on a new mix with P.I.'s drums and slightly louder vocals...hopefully done soon. Thanks a ton everyone for your help so far!

Can't wait! Those drums were by far the funkiest sounding drums I've ever recorded. Hope they work out for ya.

 

[kcearl]

yay I have a PC again..two new PCs and three days of headaches and software installs

My first tune back

Pete this is excellent...I can tell the covers when you do them although they still sound like you...but when you do an original it sticks out a mile, you really have carved out a sound all of your own, growling bass, deadpan vocals, clear guitars, and nice additions of psychedelics sprinkled liberally around

I have no comments on the mix, I like simple drums if thats been some of the comments...all the levels struck home to me..and as an often used cliche "this is your best one yet"

If you were twenty years younger youd be headlining Lollapalooza, lucky for us you're an old bugger so we get to hear your stuff first

stellar

 

[Tobe]

Really VERY good.

At first I thinking there is this metronomic and deadly uninspired intro... and then the song hits. It's like the good but not funny bits of the Flight of the Concords.

BTW, leave the intro, it sets the expectation of the un-expected.

 

[heatmiser]

Can't wait! Those drums were by far the funkiest sounding drums I've ever recorded. Hope they work out for ya.

New mix up top with you included this time . Yeah, your stereo track sounds sweet solo. Somewhere in the conversion process your file gained a couple of seconds though, so it didn't line up. My roland is a beast when it comes to trying to synch something (only tried this one other time).

I hope you think it sounds ok...my fear is that maybe I left your drums still just a few miliseconds behind, but it's so hard to tell. I love the subtle fills you threw in there at just the right times.

The kick and bass are probably pretty overwhelming now, but I kinda like it like that...see what you think...

 

[heatmiser]

New mix with acoustic drums by PoeticIntensity

yay I have a PC again..two new PCs and three days of headaches and software installs

My first tune back

Pete this is excellent...I can tell the covers when you do them although they still sound like you...but when you do an original it sticks out a mile, you really have carved out a sound all of your own, growling bass, deadpan vocals, clear guitars, and nice additions of psychedelics sprinkled liberally around

I have no comments on the mix, I like simple drums if thats been some of the comments...all the levels struck home to me..and as an often used cliche "this is your best one yet"

If you were twenty years younger youd be headlining Lollapalooza, lucky for us you're an old bugger so we get to hear your stuff first

stellar

That is really nice of you to say Keith. Thank you.

You are always very supportive of my efforts. I like this tune a lot actually, but I think that about almost everything right afterward. In a couple months I may put it on and cringe. That is often the case, but we shall see. I just want to get to a point where stuff sounds genuinely good on its own...and stays that way. What a strange hobby this is...

Damn I am old...that sucks!!

Really VERY good.

At first I thinking there is this metronomic and deadly uninspired intro... and then the song hits. It's like the good but not funny bits of the Flight of the Concords.

BTW, leave the intro, it sets the expectation of the un-expected.

Thanks Tobe, I...hey wait! "deadly uninspired"?? I kinda like the intro but I get what you're saying. If the whole thing were like that it would probably suck pretty bad.

I absolutely loved Flight of the Concords. I was so bummed when HBO canceled their show. All of their tunes were funny, but some of them I just plain liked as songs. Thanks again.

I have a new mix up top and here as well with acoustic drums provided by PoeticIntensity:
SoundClick artist: kingseesar - death ray 05.06.11

Probably too much kick and bass at this point? I did lower the other instruments a bit in relation to the vocals. I think PI did very well adding some variation without going overboard.

 

[PoeticIntensity]

I have a new mix up top and here as well with acoustic drums provided by PoeticIntensity:
SoundClick artist: kingseesar - death ray 05.06.11

Dude.... I *love* what you've done with it! This grooves pretty hard! One question... Are the drums mono, or panned toward the center? Yeah... I'm lovin' this. Thanks for the good mix!

 

[heatmiser]

Dude.... I *love* what you've done with it! This grooves pretty hard! One question... Are the drums mono, or panned toward the center? Yeah... I'm lovin' this. Thanks for the good mix!

Whew! Glad you think it sounds ok...thanks!

Your stereo mix had a nice spread to it to begin with, but I tried just about everything anyways.

Panned hard and they lost all of their oomph. Left dead center they just didn't have as much life. I have 63...uh, "pan units(?)" on either side, and I wound up with them 14 L and 14 R. Not enough spread?

 

[trumpino1]

Man, I've been tuning in and listening to what I could in between breaks this last couple weeks, because I've been busy with the Derby and other things at work, but I love the hell out of this song. The acoustics are awesome, but the bass just makes this song kick ass; along with the synth that is going on, too.

There is absolutely not one thing that I don't like about this. It's a hit as far as I'm concerned. Great job.

The only thing I can say is that I'm a bit torn on whether or not this song or "Can of Beer" are my favorite. Lol.

Please keep these coming.

 

[heatmiser]

Man, I've been tuning in and listening to what I could in between breaks this last couple weeks, because I've been busy with the Derby and other things at work, but I love the hell out of this song. The acoustics are awesome, but the bass just makes this song kick ass; along with the synth that is going on, too.

There is absolutely not one thing that I don't like about this. It's a hit as far as I'm concerned. Great job.

The only thing I can say is that I'm a bit torn on whether or not this song or "Can of Beer" are my favorite. Lol.

Please keep these coming.

Hey -thanks a lot trump! Very kind words from you as usual. There are no synths on this, but I'm thinking you mean the little 5-note melody that is under the acoustics in the intro and comes back over and over again...if so, that is an electric guitar.

Originally that part was to be played on a viola, but I failed to take into account the fact that I don't play the viola - it was ugly! I couldn't even bang out those 5 notes with out some gruesome screeching. Anyway, sounding like a synth is about right for that part. Thanks again dude.

 

[dewhitt]

Love this, and love how you mixed PI's drums in...just perfect for the song. It's got me shaking my head, cause if this was my tune and PI had sent me acoustic drums for it, I just know I would have messed it up in the worst way. You definitely nailed it though...sweet! Great groove, and that's a cool hook in the intro/breakdowns.

Best,

Dave
SoundClick artist: Dave DeWhitt - page with MP3 music downloads

 

[joeym]

Damn great job on this one, Pete! Your voice keeps getting better. I totally love the arrangement, everything in its own space. The style is haunting and entertaining at the same time and the hook-line's great. I dig the drum loop, fits like a glove, just make the kick more audible and this one's a kill.

Oh heck, I've listened to the updated version now and it's great with Jason's drums!

 

[PoeticIntensity]

Whew! Glad you think it sounds ok...thanks!

Your stereo mix had a nice spread to it to begin with, but I tried just about everything anyways.

Panned hard and they lost all of their oomph. Left dead center they just didn't have as much life. I have 63...uh, "pan units(?)" on either side, and I wound up with them 14 L and 14 R. Not enough spread?

The more I listen to this, the more I like it. Great job with the drums, dude. I've probably listened to this 10 times now. You mentioned that this may have been a "boring" beat for me to do? Dude... I am *all* about the groove, and this song is dripping with it. It was a treat to be a part of this. May I download and put in my rotation?

 

[heatmiser]

Love this, and love how you mixed PI's drums in...just perfect for the song. It's got me shaking my head, cause if this was my tune and PI had sent me acoustic drums for it, I just know I would have messed it up in the worst way. You definitely nailed it though...sweet! Great groove, and that's a cool hook in the intro/breakdowns.

Best,

Dave
SoundClick artist: Dave DeWhitt - page with MP3 music downloads

Thanks much Dave. I'm really glad you enjoyed it.

Mixing in PI's drums wasn't too difficult. I was short on free tracks and he thankfully sent me a stereo drum mix. I only added some moderate EQ and compression. Getting it to line up was PIA though on my antiquated system.

I would've guessed drumming along with my cheapo Yamaha DD20 drum machine would be beneath an actual drummer, but he insists it was fun . Just the right amount of slight variation with the kick, some timely fills and well placed cymbals made a big difference for me.

Damn great job on this one, Pete! Your voice keeps getting better. I totally love the arrangement, everything in its own space. The style is haunting and entertaining at the same time and the hook-line's great. I dig the drum loop, fits like a glove, just make the kick more audible and this one's a kill.

Oh heck, I've listened to the updated version now and it's great with Jason's drums!

Great. Thanks Joey! So, the kick is is pretty audible now, right?
I like the fact that it has a some boom now, but you can still hear the drum machine chicka-chacking away back there. I'm not sure what style this is, but I think I wanted to convey some degree of mental instability while still being mostly upbeat. Haunting works for me in that context. Thanks!

 

[heatmiser]

The more I listen to this, the more I like it. Great job with the drums, dude. I've probably listened to this 10 times now. You mentioned that this may have been a "boring" beat for me to do? Dude... I am *all* about the groove, and this song is dripping with it. It was a treat to be a part of this. May I download and put in my rotation?

Awesome. Thanks PI. I was worried I would screw it up. At least I lined 'em up correctly!

Of course you may download it. I have that option available for all of my songs. And the best part is...its FUCKIN FREE .

 

[trumpino1]

Actually, I forgot to mention that PI did a great job on this. Sorry dude.

I now see that those "lead fills" (that's what I call 'em) were actually guitar. After you pointed it out it was pretty clear. What kind of effect did you use on them? It seems like they sustain a lot without any vibrato on them. I might not have the equipment to make it happen, but I was just wondering. Plus I'm not good with effects or loops.

One other thing, how do you do the backwards cymbal trick? Like in the breakdown. That is awesome! If that ain't what it's called then I don't know what to call it, but I like it. Sorry for all the questions.