Oklahoma Coalminer Blues

[Nerddogs]

Hello all! I have a rough mix of a song I've done called "Oklahoma Coalminer Blues". It's an old school kinda country sound but not really retro. I need some input on the mix if someone is willing to give it a listen. It's at: http://www.angelfire.com/ok5/mikebirdsong/ It's about 4.5 megs.

Thanks for any help.

Mike

 

[TexRoadkill]

It's got a nice organic, vintage sound to it. The vocals are a little too far back though. They might be a little too muddy.

The low is pretty muddy also. I realize country doesn't have as much bass in general but you are lacking the definition you need.

 

[Eric J]

I like the song

And no, it's not too retro. I think the bass levels are just right for that style of song.

The main comment I have is the sound of the main acoustic(?) anyway the main strumming guitar of the song. It sounds like an acoustic with a pick-up plugged directly into your mixer, or whatever you go into the computer with. If it is an electric, I would use an acoustic, but that's just me.
Also, the sidestick sound is a bit much, but I hear exactly what you mean by it. I've tried and tried to get that rythym using snare samples, and I haven't got it to sound right yet.

And I mean this in the best possible way, but I've rewritten Fulsom Prison Blues about 10 times myself! Or is it the old R'n' B (Elmore James?) song Number Nine that I'm thinking of?

 

[Nerddogs]

That's for the comments guys. I was going for the Folsom Prison sound. I'm a big Johnny Cash fan. And it was my acoustic with a pick up going direct. It does get a little muddy it the mix. The insturments when I recorded are not muddy at all. The acoustics were my Gibson J-45. The electric is my Dano and the bass is a Dano shorthorn. All of it was going into a tube preamp. I tried to compress the mix and it got muddy. Any ideas or tips. I use Cakewalk pro 9. Thanks again.

Mike B.

 

[theron]

hey Mike,
Nice song.
On the critical end I'd say find a better way to track that J-45 and let it speak for itself (it loses too much personnality and resonance with the direct in set up).

The vocals could be warmer. Did you track the git and vocals at the same time? maybe try some effect to get a tad of of the tin out. Not all, as it is the essence of the style I think you wish to achieve. But, it needs a little rounding.

How about an instrumental break with a train whistle as the intro? i think it could give the song a bit more dynamics before you bring it down and fire it up again. Just a simple solo is all it needs.

I'd also propose cutting the drums tight with the ending of the song (if you were going for the "train keeps on rolling" effect, try a fade with the aformentioned whistle)

On the admiration end, I really like the writting and execution.
THe song is authentic and brimming with potential. Do you ever play it live? If so, I'm sure there is some foot stomping swing going on.

Wow, I don't normally spew my opinions with such verbosity. Must mean I like the tune and wanna hear the recording mature.
I do!

Great writting. Solid core
Good luck.
Theron.

 

[theron]

One more thing from an ignorant cuss...try compressing the single track you think needs it before you comp the whole mix.
I could be wrong in this aproach still, it's worth a go.
Peace
Theron.