Gratuitous drug song.....

[RAMI]

I just moved my studio around (again) and this is the first thing I've done in the newer set up.

This is called "So Hi Solo".

A few things I'm not sure I can trust my ears on:

1) The intro guitar tone. I backed off on the distortion but I'm not sure if it sounds a little wimpy now. I like it once everything comes in, but it might be a little weak on it's own in the intro.

2) I placed my snare mic differently, based on great advice from NL5, and it really helped keep the hi hat out of my snare (while allowing me to wear my basecall cap on my head ). But now, I wonder if I have the overheads a little loud. Are the hats and bell-ride too loud?

3) Is the kik too loud?

Anything else you hear would be appreciated.

Don't mind the lyrics. I'm going through total lyrical mental block, so I took some old, stupid lyrics and changed a few little things....and it's probably a little corny. I'll change them eventually. I'm more concerned with the overall sound of the tune right now.

I'll call this my obligatory "tripping" tune.

320kps DOWNLOAD: http://www.ramirami.com/freemusic.cfm?go=1&component=music-download&id=162474

96kps Streaming: www.ramirami.com (Should be the first song that plays automatically, if the player doesn't act up. Make sure you're listening to "So Hi Solo".

 

[chrisharris]

You know, a good tip I got a long time ago seems to be true more often than not. The volume of the hat should be about the same volume as sibilance in the mix. Here, the hat actually does seem loud TO ME AND PROBABLY TO ME ONLY, but I noticed it before I read your comments about what you wanted opinions on, so I thought I'd mention it. Actually a great sounding hat, by the way. The ride is loud, though...I feel solid about that, LOL.

I personally like the clicky kick and its volume, but I'm constantly accused of running the kick too loud, so my advice based on what most people want to hear is to put more low end in the kick and turn it down a bit so it can still thump without being as apparently loud as the snare.

I thought the tone on the intro was sweet...I'm not sold on the tone of the rhythm guitar when it's solo'd in the middle of the song, but it's not "wrong" or anything...just sounds a bit more "fuzz" than "meat" to me.

I'm the biggest hypocrite when it comes to lyrics...I tell myself they matter, but if I'm honest, I don't even notice them most of the time. The vocals are cool, and that's actually something I DO notice.

The whole thing's cool...

 

[danny.guitar]

Sounds good RAMI. Catchy tune. Guitar tone sounds great as always. Drums seem to be in just the right place. Vocals sound good too.

Sounds like something off the Classic Rock channel.

Listening to the 320KBPS version on headphones.

Around 2:30 where it's just one guitar I'm not too crazy about the tone, but that's just nitpicking cause I can't think of anything else to critique. It sounds kind of 'dirty' or 'gritty' for lack of a better term.

1. Doesn't sound wimpy to me.
2. I don't know much about drums but they sound fine to me.

 

[RAMI]

Great post, Chris. And thanx for confirming what I suspected about the overheads and kik.
That middle guitar was meant to be more "grungy" than "rock-y", I guess, but if it sizzles too much, I'll play with the EQ.....or re-track it.

I put importance on lyrics in the sense that I look at it like: The listener should remember the chorus and foget the verses on first listen. I'm generalising for sure, but I find that a verse's job is to bring you to the chorus without stumbling over forced rhymes or anything that stands out as being weird. If you can get the listener to bop their head in the verses and sing along with the chorus, you're probably on the right track.
That's my theory and I'm sticking to it!!!!

Thanx alot, Chris.

 

[RAMI]

Sounds good RAMI. Catchy tune. Guitar tone sounds great as always. Drums seem to be in just the right place. Vocals sound good too.

Sounds like something off the Classic Rock channel.

Listening to the 320KBPS version on headphones.

Around 2:30 where it's just one guitar I'm not too crazy about the tone, but that's just nitpicking cause I can't think of anything else to critique. It sounds kind of 'dirty' or 'gritty' for lack of a better term.

1. Doesn't sound wimpy to me.
2. I don't know much about drums but they sound fine to me.

Thanx alot, buddy.....That's 2 guitar players who aren't sure about the middle, grungier part. I'll definitely keep my eye on the consnsus of that one.

Thanx, Dan!

 

[ido1957]

Firstly this is a cool tune, I like the groove on this one a lot. Reminds me of the Beatles and also Queen in certain parts. Uniquely Rami as always....

The intro feels a bit long, the second :15 portion is hot so I would suggest going quickly to that part. I'm having trouble with the click on the finger snaps/claps(?) but I really dig the way the off-beat gradually resolves itself.

Might be a tiny bit too much reverb on the chorus...the reason I say that is that it is noticeable. I know it's probably supposed to be but it seems too wet to me. Maybe it the type you used, I wonder if an echo would be more suitable...not sure. Again I dig what you're going for.

That rhythm under the solo is - too something.... bass-y(?) wrong pickup(?). That crispy rhythm just before the solo would fit well but it might have to come down a hair (or eq) to allow the solo to still cut through.

The bell on the ride seems a tiny bit hot but only at lower volumes. When this is cranked it blends pretty nice. I like the kik the way it is. Bass is smooth (super cool riff at 3:36 and 3:50) and guitar tone other than under the solo is crunchy enough in all regards.

Writing, playing and singing is as always top shelf.....what can I say - I 'm a fan.....

PS Readers - If you haven't done so already - BUY RAMI's ALBUM!!!!!!

 

[RAMI]

Thanx Ido.....I'm working on everything you mentioned as I type. I just a did a new re-mix and will be putting it up soon. Might have to re-track that other rythm guitar.

The chorus doesn't have more reverb on it than the verses. But I go to a longer delay on the vocals, turning up the delay. Maybe I should push the delay back just a teenage-**** hair.

Thanx man, this place is a gold mine with guys like you.

 

[Llarion]

I'll catch this tonight, hoss. Can't do it from work...

 

[RAMI]

I'll catch this tonight, hoss. Can't do it from work...

Cool man. Just as well...I just put up a new mix. I hope I addressed everything mentioned, except the grungy guitar. I eq'd it a bit, but it might have to be re-tracked.

 

[thebarnstudio]

Rami,

Very cool song. Being 19, I tend to go for the more "modern" gutiar tones however, I still think yours sound very good. The lead guitar sounds a little loud? or maybe it needs something with it to make it sit in the mix better. It seems to take from the vocals, like im focusing on that gutiar more than that vocals at times. Also, IMO i would maybe turn down the kick like....2db. Other than that, sweet mix.

 

[RAMI]

Thatnx alot...Barn. You're right about the guitar tones. I don't deliberately go for an "older" sound. But, since I'm not really a guitar player, I'm usually happy once I get something that sounds like a rock guitar.

I also suspected the kik to be a little loud. And I see what you're saying about the main guitar getting in the way of the vocals. I should ride the fader and bring it down a notch when the vocals come in.

Good ears, buddy. I can see why your tune sounds so good.

 

[ido1957]

New mix sounds good. You might consider retracking that rhythm guitar under the solo. The rest is very good.....

 

[60's guy]

Great tune, Rami!

Personally, I'd like to hear the lead vocal kicked up just a notch.

Top stuff!

 

[Dogman]

Great drum and guitar sounds...they mesh well together. The kick and snare carry through well, without any muddiness. Nice snap. I think you picked a great guitar tone for this....just enough bite. Bass seems to sit in a pocket really well.

Some catchy words in there...and great job on vocal delivery. To me, the mix sounds really good...pretty well balanced, and each part seems to have plenty of space.

 

[RAMI]

New mix sounds good. You might consider retracking that rhythm guitar under the solo. The rest is very good.....

Damn it!!!!!

OK.......I'll re-track it. I really liked that, cheap sounding, garage sound.

Thanx, man.

 

[RAMI]

Great tune, Rami!

Personally, I'd like to hear the lead vocal kicked up just a notch.

Top stuff!

Thanx alot, 60's. I'm often told my vocals can come up a bit. I guess I have to get used to hearing them louder. I'd have no problem getting the vocal level right if it was someone else singing.

 

[RAMI]

Great drum and guitar sounds...they mesh well together. The kick and snare carry through well, without any muddiness. Nice snap. I think you picked a great guitar tone for this....just enough bite. Bass seems to sit in a pocket really well.

Some catchy words in there...and great job on vocal delivery. To me, the mix sounds really good...pretty well balanced, and each part seems to have plenty of space.

Thanx alot, Dogg.

 

[Greg_L]

Damn dude, yet another great song. I'd have to say that this is one of my favorites from your growing pile of cool originals. I'd rank it up there with 'Not to Love You' as my personal favorites of your songs.

As always, the performance and vocals are great. Your kick and bass have this trademark punch to them that drives your songs along perfectly - this one is no different. If I had to find a nit, I'd say its that raunchy rhythm tone right before and during the solo. But thats personal taste. It's your song, if you like it, rock on. Other than that, generally awesome.

 

[Llarion]

Cool man. Just as well...I just put up a new mix. I hope I addressed everything mentioned, except the grungy guitar. I eq'd it a bit, but it might have to be re-tracked.

Well, you certainly have the classic rock mix and master sensibility down... I was going to say it lacks a little arse on the bottom, but then I decided it sounds just fine that way.

I got no major nits at all. I'm in the consensus on the rhythm guitar leading into the solo section. Too different a tone, too mudgrungy. Not much though. I only mention because I heart it ans wans't listening for it...

Love the chord progression!

 

[60's guy]

Rami,

I know you were initially concerned about the strength of the opening guitar riff.

I think it's perfect.

There's something about this song and the opening that perfectly emulates an older rock tune, and for the life of me I can't recall the name of the song.

I've listened to it a few times already and it's gets better every time!