A Sad One

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This is another good one. It definitely sets a mood. There's something markedly "lo-fi" about the recording though. It has a bit of that "this song is being played on an old AM radio" sound. Now.. it's not "severe", and it doesn't ruin the song by any means... but it has a touch of "lo-fi"ness to it. Honestly, I don't know if that's intentional, since that sound suits this song perfectly. This is something you would imagine being played on an old radio, sittin' out on the porch of somebody's old farm house,... or playing on an old jukebox in the background at some "country bar" scene in an old movie. :p Basically,.. on one hand, the mix almost sounds like it's "lacking" something (mostly in the quality of the actual sound of each intrument/vocal), but on the other hand, the effect that is caused by that "lack" actually adds to the mood of the song in quite an ingenious way.

So.. you've either got a ways to go in making really great recordings,.. or you're a musical genius. ;) :D

There is something a little too "compressed" aboot the vocals and they do tend to distort or get a little too "colored" at certain parts. (I think the same thing may have been happening to the electric at some point, but that's prolly just my imagination. :p ) The electric lead could have been toned-down just a tiny bit,.. it did stand out a tad bit too much in certain places.. and the panning was a little too "profuse". If panning is supposed to paint a audible "image" of where the musicians are standing on the stage, then your electric guitarist musta been runnin' all over the place... :D

Aside from a few minor things, though, this is a nice tune and a nice recording.

WATYF
 
It's a good one Chris.......there have been some good suggestions made...the girl backup singers was one....and a pedal steel, a pedal steel would be fine in this song......accessory percussion too.....no drums.
The mix is a little harsh sounding.....I'm thinking that if you eased off on the EQ right around 2.5k it would sweeten it up..Not much now....you'll be surprised how noticable an extremely small change at that freq will be.
You're a good writer man....is this the song you told me you wrote on the road last week?
 
Death, 'n stuff

I'm so lazy... I want people to fix this for me, and you guys have done much to make the chore easier.

JR#97 - I'll tell you what it needs...It needs a big old Rosewood back acoustic, played in open/drop D tuning... - (take your time). Maybe I can convince my daughter to sing it with me. Thanks.

Erland - I hear strings too, and I think I WILL try to bribe my daughter to sing on it. I'm a little late to the party, but I'm a big fan of your music. I gushed in your thread, but I meant every word. If you do get around to listening to something else of mine, I'd recommend "Bottle Of Wine," because my daughter's singing on it, and I'm all proud and stuff. Thanks a lot for the kind words about "December" too...that's twice you've mentioned it, and I'm starting to believe that maybe you actually MEAN it. :D

dtb - "just freaking great"...man, not much I can do with that, other than to say "thank you very much" for listening. You know a little something about acoustic gits, so it is even more appreciated coming from you.

Sluice - Your comments are always dead on...it's pretty obvious on this tune that I just kept adding guitars until the tune felt "full" enough. Not enough thought went into it ahead of time, but I'm hoping to get some instrumental help from people that'll let me ditch some of the busy-ness that doesn't fit. (fixing sibilance NOW). Thanks for listening.

Powderfinger - Thanks for listening again. I always get something useful from your posts, as well as your tunes.

Sheppard - Man, I appreciate the input a ton. I also owe you an apology, because I just remembered that I think I deleted one of your PM's awhile back by accident without responding. I'll do that next...since you're the 3rd person who mentioned some female backups, I'm DEFINITELY GROUNDING MY DAUGHTER UNTIL SHE SINGS. Also, I had the same idea as your "folk" suggestion, and I hope to have some finger-picked acoustic help from JR#97 soon. Thanks, man.

Barometer - Seriously, if you could just do some kind of shaker track, it would let me cut back on some of the highs EQ wise, which I think are making the tune more harsh right now. I'll PM you.

boydrj - glad you listened, since you have some of the most interesting instrumentation and arrangements anywhere...I always do SOMETHING you've suggested. I wish I could get some kind of an acoustic drum sound spaced spradically in this...not a kick, maybe more like a low floor tom or something. ANYBODY GOT ONE??? :D - thanks again.

WATYF - Man, I'm floored by your close listen. Very cool of you. I wish I was some kind of a production genius, but your first guess was more on target. "LoFi" NOT by design...but don't tell anybody. I cannot get these things to sound better. It's not my lack of crap, either, because "cat-eggs" has the exact same setup (CoolEdit Pro) and records everything with an SM58; which is both encouraging and discouraging, because his tunes sound so much better than anything I can print. My vox are super compressed, as you stated. The CEP compressor just gives me fits. I'm eventually going to lose the electric altogether, I hope. Here's the thing about the panning. I learned from somebody else (powderfinger) that you can do envelope panning and volume (which I SHOULD have known, but ... well, let's just say I cannot find my software owners' manual right now)... so I'm going nuts with the panning possibilities right now. More of a late night, UN-thought out experiment. Thanks a ton for listening, and I want you to know that I REALLY DO want these to sound better... (still haven't inserted the new sound card...yes, I'm lazy; I already admitted that). :D

STEVE!! - How ya' doin? Yeah, this is one that was written on the road in between San Antonio and Austin and Lubbock while driving. I never carry a notepad with me, but I've always got a cell phone, so whenever I get an idea that I think is worth pursuing, I call myself on my cell phone and leave me a message with melodies and rough lyrics. Pretty "Lo tech" way to operate, but it encourages me to keep writing if I don't think I'm gonna' lose something...again, I'm lazy. I'm gonna' cut mids now, and I appreciate the tip.

Thanks again guys,
Chris
 
oh yeah.. that's right... you're still using a SB soundcard (or something like that). Yeah... well that will be the first step in improving your sound... (and a big step at that). My first stuff was done, believe it or not, with your same exact setup. (CEP, cheesy soundcard, SM58). And I got very similar results. (though prolly not as good.) I would say that a step up to a 24 bit card and a few decent condensor mics will do wonders for your stuff.

I hope you can eventually ease off the vocal compression, though. You have a good voice. You really don't need to "choke" it to death. :p I reckon it would sound even better if you could keep the levels up while presenting it in a more "natural" way.

WATYF
 
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Very nice Chris. Excellent vocal as usual.

Definitely subtle percussion required, definitely not drums.

Female BVs would be very nice. Steel guitar was also a good suggestion.

I initially thought your strummed acoustics were slightly "dead" sounding, but I found the whole mix sounded a lot better (to my untrustworthy ears) with a gentle sloping EQ boost from 3-4K upwards. Just a wee bit of "air" opened the whole thing up, and let the "shimmer" of the strumming shine through. Or something.

At the risk of prompting BBBTE jokes, a gentle bit of harmonic excitation from 10K upwards also gave it a bit more sparkle.

The panning is definitely a wee bit too much, and the guitars could do with being simplified slightly.

If I were re-recording it I'd have a couple of strummy acoustics doubled and hard-panned, and just one other acoustic or electric doing wee twirly bits, a little to one side. Then I'd put a steel guitar over on the other side, add in a shaker and a few BVs, and it would be done!

Anyway, that's all details. Very nice song, very well sung. Another good 'un. :)

Cheers

AB

PS I meant to say - the vocal does sound a little harsh - maybe over-compressed? And there's a bit of distortion or noise over on the left at times - I think it's the strummed acoustic.
 
Well, I don't think anybody will be asking for more highs.

I completely resang it, tried using as little compression...I kept the schizophrenic panning of the electric, because I've almost gotten used to it. :D Call it artistic license...or laziness, I dunno'.

I'm going for a "rough start" here...something that I can use as a base to add percussion and female bg vox, without having to bust open 15 tracks. I re-eq'd it in the mid range, and added some highs too...

I think all I really did was add sibilance, but I'd appreciate your input on the vocals...WATYF???

Okay...I'll quit bugging you after this mix.

Thanks Alibish - this mix is due mostly to you and WATYF...so consider yourself blamed.

:D
Chris
 
Hey Chris,
Very nice song man...... great lyrics and vocs. ....wow. This is really gonna be something when its done. ...Youre vocs are really something..... lead, and bg.........Inspiring. I agree w/ the comments regarding the vocs being a touch "edgy" though. They almost sound hot (level wise), but im sure its nothing that a little mid work couldnt fix. The lead guitar could use just a little thinning too in the low mids...just to "clear it up" a tad.......and a serious talkin to regarding its panning:D . Yeah man, go w/ the country vibe and throw in a peddle steel. .....sell this thing and make a ton a dough. It really is "that" good!!!!


Big thumbs up and a ton of anticipation!
G

I would give ya 5 stars......but judging by the way the board looks now, it doesnt seem like stars mean much. :mad:
 
Sounds great Chris. You have a great voice, sort of James Taylorish, I guess. Really nice, great backgrounds. I noticed the little guitar leads panning all over the place. :) There's sort of a meandering quality, which is good, but maybe some drums or percussion coming in would help tie it together more. Real nice song, great voice.

Macle
 
Nice

A real nice flow, I would agree with maybe a pedal steel with a nice clean twang.

Very well written, and this could fly in any country market in this land!

I also think at times the lead vocal may have been recorded a little hot which may contribute to the small crackle I heard a couple times. However, with my equipment this may be a bad pointer so forget it.

Your vocal style is very natural and comes across confidently, which really adds to this tune.

Though you may add things b careful to keep the balance.

A nice job
 
Real nice Chris,I liked the harmonies.
Really heartfelt.
Nice guitar tone.

I liked the writing,about a friend?

Really enjoyed it,thanks.

Pete
 
muzeman said:
I liked the writing,about a friend?
Click to expand...
I wrote it about my Dad, actually. Thanks for asking and listening.

Guernica - Thanks for listening to yet ANOTHER of my "All These Songs Sound The Same" songs. I'll keep you posted on the progress.

jc - very cool of you. Thanks,
Chris
 
Chris, you're last two tunes, including this one, have been incredible. I'm not gonna get into any mix stuff. I just want to say that you did a real good job writing this one. I figure you'd rather hear that from me anyway.

Do I get a Chris Harris CD at some point in the future? Ah, I suppose I could download all the Mp3's. I might just...

Nice singing and writing--reminds me of early Jackson Browne--and thats certainly a good thing.
 
Vocals = better.

Still, that upgrade of soundcards is gonna make a big difference, but this is an improvement in itself.

Now if only you would get rid of that "wandering" guitar. ;) :p

WATYF
 
Chris, I just listened to the rest of your stuff I hadn't heard already... and I'm completely blown away! That Our Song you did with Crawdad got people over at my desk asking me all sorts of stuff! Mostly, "Chad, what the hell are you doing listening to country?" But that was usually followed by, "Damn, who is that? That is awesome, is it you?"... which was always followed by, "Damn.... of course it wasn't you... it kicked ass!"

You need to shop your stuff around, man.. and then hire me to be in your touring band... I can shake a morrocca like you can't believe!
 
can i be in your band too?

this is beautiful stuff! the writing and singing are outstanding. i expect to hear this on the radio some day.

the only thing i would say is it's in need of something to tighten it up rythmically. just a little loose imo, then again maybe i've been listening to too much that's been locked to a bpm.

i hear some percussion in there (congas & shaker to be exact) and maybe a little bit of piano...you know...some of those little major add2 chord twinkles in the upper registers would sound nice i think.

i don't hear the female singers that everyone else is hearing cause your voice is so damn good. and when you harmonize with your bad self, it sounds twice as good to me!

i don't hear strings either, but that's just a matter of taste i think.

i think this is the best i've heard from you yet.
 
Thanks!!

Guernica - I'm glad you seem to think there's a certain commercial quality to this. I tend to disagree, but that may be more of a confidence issue than anything else. Thanks for listening.

jcmm - I listended to your latest post about 10 times in a row last night (yeah, that was me). I need a mic pre or something. I appreciate your input.

macle - Okay, you are now officially off of my s*%t list since you've commented on one of my crappy tunes...(kidding, I don't even have such a list...you need to post another song...something old maybe, that I never got to hear). Thanks!!

Crawdad - You're absolutely right about the kind of review I appreciate the most from you, and while I am trying to get all these things to sound better, 95% of my musical "energy" is on the front end. The recording of it, while fun, is more of a necessary evil for me at this point. Of course you'll get a CD, whether you want it or not...things keep popping up that need to be "fixed," so I'm waaaaay off schedule with the "release," but it'll happen. I love Jackson Browne.

WATYF - Thanks for listening again...you didn't mention sibilance, so I'll keep this vocal...for now :D :D - I'll get around to the soundcard thing soon...I know it'll help.

JR#97 - Man, that's very flattering; I agree about Crawdad's tune on my page, too. I just blows me away. I actually am "shopping" a couple of the tunes right now, and initial feedback is encouraging. It's a slow process.

erichenryus - this is a pretty personal tune, so I'm really glad to hear your comments. I'm trying to make the recordings sound "different," from each other, but I'm not there yet. However, I do think I have some percussion help on the way, so maybe that'll help. I may be stuck with the bg vox that you complimented, b/c my daughter's at that age where my tunes are just SOOOO uncool, it's like pulling teeth to get her help these days.

Thanks again all...
Chris
 
Damn Chris.This might be your best yet in this forum.

Im a sucker for a sad song......the vocals are really good...sweet background vocals....guitars are recorded well.....the amount of presence and reverb on the vocal is right on the money..it sits right where it should......out front without being overbearing, (unlike my vocals.:eek: )

This song would be GREAT if it had a Piano part something like what Diamond Rio's piano player would play.....just tasteful playing here and there accenting and complimenting the vocal....ya know what I mean?

Just a really good song Chris.
 
Yeah it's a little crispy and hissy, but who cares. I don't. You pulled me in, like a last call last one for the night too many cigarettes and beer stumble home I'll never drink again kind of song.

This one should be in the Songwriting forum as well.

Jon
 
I liked the song ok....but for the first time...I must say I think there is TOO much happening in the tune. Too many guitars...too many voices. It is cluttered sounding to me. Too many things fighting for the same place in the mix. Plus very trebly (now?), and the bass ..you can hardly tell it is there, definately not holding down the low end. Do I hear noise reduction...especially on the fade out note in the end?

well...that sounded like a slam fest...but not really. It IS a good song, and the playing seemed ok. Good vocal delivery. Just some 'missed marks' in the mixing pages. Maybe a 'high' point in the song...musically, ...dynamically might help things out too.
 
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