"House" ~ recording info.
The track was recorded in 2007 using Logic 5.1 on Windows XP and an ISIS sound card (one of the very early eight channel sound cards). The ISIS was line-level input only, so I used
a Behringer SL2442FX mixer to feed the ISIS. The track was recorded several computers ago, so I have (temporarily, I hope) mislaid the source files. I usually manage to bring these along from hard drive to hard drive, but I couldn't find this song (sadly, because I was hoping to load it into Reaper and remix).
The tracks are:
2 x 12 string guitar (obscure Canora): each recorded using a Rode NT5, panned slightly left and right.
2 x electric guitar (Yamaha Pacifica) (rhythm and lead): plugged straight into the Behri desk and using a couple of the Behri guitar presets in its FX
bass (CF Martin electric): plugged straight into the desk
piano: midi recorded via an evolution keyboard, and piano sound sourced from
a Roland SC88 Sound Canvas
drums: midi recorded via the keyboard (played live with fingers), and using a brush kit from the SC88
vocals: recorded with a Rode NT1A
Unfortunately, I didn't play the pedal steel, though I did all the rest. I recorded all the tracks above, then took the tracks to my recording partner (who does play pedal steel), who added the pedal steel. This, too, was recorded direct in via his Edirol interface. I then took it all back to my place for mixing.
I can't remember now what EQ, compression or other effects I used. However, in keeping with my general recording philosophy of doing as little as possible, there would not have been much. I do know that I would have used an old Timeworks reverb DX plugin, because (even though it's over ten years old) it, in my view, is the most satisfying reverb that I have come across so far.
Lyrics:
house
V1
a dog paws through the garbage,
its tail bent like a claw,
with ribs as sharp as knives,
it scavenges for more
V2
the door hangs halfway open,
no welcome in its lean,
the shadows creeping inwards,
into the rooms unseen
Ch
where the wine once flowed freely
the tablecloth was stained
with the rust red reminders
of the last who played the game
V3
a clock stands solemn, silent,
its hands frozen in time,
its pendulum unmoving,
a face without a sign
V4
cobwebs drape like lace
from broken chandeliers,
where curtains grey as shrouds,
hang with jagged tears
Ch
where the wine once flowed freely
the tablecloth was stained
with the rust red reminders
of the last who played the game