I recorded these 3 songs on my fostex x-26

[Royston]

I have a very basic setup and play all the instruments myself. I have a fostex x-26 recorder, one sm58 mic, one fender deville amp, a cheap drum kit, a cheap danelectro bass, a decent Epiphone Sheraton guitar, a cheap drum machine and a cheap computer!

I have 3 songs to listen to at http://www.mp3.com.au/Griff
, listen and tell me what you think.

Thanks,

Royston

 

[rats]

Cool stuff. Japonica really jumped out at me. It sounds like a cross between Mansen and Travis. Actually it all does. I don't mean that in a steeotypical way, but it would surely appeal to fans of Brit Pop.
But why would you move to Indiana from Manchester if you want to play music!!???
Try and find a band that shares your vision!

Are you looking for a review of the recording, the style or what?

 

[Blue Bear Sound]

Interesting compositions... you got some nice melodies happening there... but (there's always a "but"... )...
recording and mixing technique needs serious work, and as well, there are some significant timing issues in the performance.

The first tune, Japonica - the guitar shouldn't be louder than the vocal, and for the most part it overshadows the vocal quite heavily. Drums are buried far back in the mix, and you definitely need some better mics and mic'ing techniques to improve the sound quality, which right now can be likened to sticks hitting tin cans... (sorry, this is not meant as an insult - I simply thought the comparison was clever, yet honest!!!)

The second tune, Lemon Wax - was better in that the arrangement was simpler and the sound quality was somehwat more convincing - but hey, you are a bit limited with the X-26. You've got significant distortion happening in the vocal - you may be recording too hot. I did like the melody....

The third tune, Women Do My Head In - that click has got to go.... you got a better blend of vocal to guitar... but that song screams out for some bass and drums.... maybe some acoustic... but again - we're dealing with an X-26 here...

These songs typify something I was saying in another thread regarding small Portastudios as scratch pads - this is exactly what they are for - fleshing out songs and song ideas... if you want to take these songs further along, though - you need to take them to a studio, or get a significant gear upgrade...

Good luck!

Bruce

 

[Vurt]

Hey Royston, that's some really nice stuff (esp Japonica). Keep it up!

Bruce, I know what you're saying regarding the porta units as being scratch pads. Really, I do. But for a lot of people who don't aspire, for whatever reasons, to ever go into a real studio or push their music past their front doors, these things can be/are the final resource. My scratch pad is a $40 RCA boombox! When we record something on the 424 that I’m really happy with, I’m aware of the shortcomings but don’t let them put a damper on the fact that we’re able to get what I consider to be very good results for such modest amounts of money, time, and effort (my wife would take issue with ALL of that statement

 

[Royston]

Thanks for the reviews folks.

Yes, I am quite a fan of Mansun I find their style of Rock very contemporary (without sounding like grunge or rap/rock). However I have never heard the band Travis so can't comment on that. This batch of songs has been my first real attempt to have something that i could play to other people.

I have been in many bands and I did aspire to be a 'rock' star 8-10 years ago, but now I'm 29 and content to just write songs and get them down on tape (perhaps as some inspiration for my 6 month old son when he gets older). I've recorded in professional studios in my previous bands but I can't really afford to do that as a solo artist anymore.

I'm basically trying to get the best sound I can with my humble Fostex-X26 and anyways I've always put more stock in my songwriting which I feel is somewhat original and melodic. I've never been one for the clean cut performance, although I would definitely like a fuller sound.

Thanks for your reviews and any additional help or advice you guys can offer would be most welcome.

I also did a song with my wife that is on http://www.garageband.com/artist/uncertainsmile the song is called Pink Kisses and is my latest attempt at songwriting and recording, you might find the mixing a little better?

Thank you all

Royston


ps. The band "Mansun" that I reference are nothing to do with "Marilyn Manson" two completely different entities. "Mansun" are a modernistic british indie-rock band.

 

[GT]

Royston,

Tried Japonica, very nice loose unkempt quality to that one. Whether or not you were trying for it, I liked it!!

As rough as it was, I liked it too much to criticise it.

Bruce can help you smooth things out if you want to, but if not I still like the song.