Shucks, guys...you are way too nice! For this one, I was playing around with some things I've read about and it seems like I am starting to get somewhere--not there but getting the education a bit. One thing in particular was that I downloaded this free MAS plug in which is a spectrum analyzer. I spent some time playing pro mixes through it and making notes on how the frequency bands looked in different registers. When I finished this mix, I looked at MY mix and saw some BIG peaks in a few areas that never showed on the pro mixes, so I adjusted my mix to tame those peaks. It seems to really help--along with some limiting and the PSP Stereo enhancer on the BGV's.
See, I have one good ear and one thats half shot. If I block my good ear, I can't hear crickets singing on a 90 degree night (literally), so any assistance I can get is welcome!
Lt. Bob--thanks for being FIRST! This is the kind of tune we'd have fun playing live if I was gigging with you down in Baton Rouge somewhere. One of these days I want to do that--at least once!
Macle--thanks! I was kind of going for that vintage sound a bit--god, I might have overdone the drum verb, but some like it. When I heard that first snare shot, it reminded me so much of the first hit on Like A Rolling Stone, I just said, what the hell and left it that way. I like the Rogers kit too, but the sad truth is that I would be financially embarrased as a drummer! I love to play 'em but the results are so mixed. I've been beat up pretty bad for my drumming faux pax's, so I'm going the safe road!
TripleM-- Yes, thats three of me on those backgrounds. Trying to sound like a soul choir but ending up nothing like one! The verb is a taste thing and yeah--its pretty hot in the mix. When I listened in my car today for the first time, I thought "whoa!" maybe overdone. I'll tell ta though--a lot of those old soul and r&b records used those ol' plate reverbs to death. I was thinking along those styles in the mix. Had I heard it again today, I probably would have backed it off a bit. See, thats what happens when you record and mix all in one night. Not to mention wearing headphones for the tracking. Ever notice that after you wear the cans for an hour, the monitors sound dull?
chrisharris--hey my friend! I know I'm pushing my luck, but what the heck! Hey, that clean sound was my old Epiphone Genesis recorded through
my Boss GT3 on a Fender style patch. It was late, so I didn't want to fire up an amp and get all the dogs in the 'hood pissed at me!
GT--Thank you. Yes, its all me, with the help of some midi sounds! (keys and drums) Real guitars and bass and harmonica.
Kramer--Hi there! I've never played this in the clubs, but I think I might want to try it out soon. Its just a classic tune. Almost doesn't care how its done, its still cool. I'm glad you enjoyed it as I value your opinion on all matters--both musical and non. I kinda got lucky with the vocal sound I think. I used my Marshall V93 into the trusty $129 VX2000 and it didn't need any EQ. I gotta write down those settings!
JR#97--Thanks for the listen. That sound at the beginning is just a harmonica! You know what? You can't find this kind of music in 'Motown" anymore! I guess time really does slip away! Go Wings!
Guernica--hey, my friend--thanks for the comments. The original is done in a 6/8 feel and its classic! I want to do the Ray Charles cover, but what song? I've sung Georgia so many times that I don't want to touch it. What I Say is fun but also ovedone. Did Ray do "You Don't Know Me"? I've always been fond of the tune and if he didn't do it, he should. Any other suggestions on a song?
Twist--Yeah--that version was in my head a bit on this. I tried to not copy it and to add my own thing, but the groove is similar. Its much easier to knock off something when you already have the familiar song ! I've spent weeks on certain tracks just exploring what might work. An original song is much more demanding. There are so many great people on this board writing and recording phenomenal songs--I know they spend a lot of time on them too. The studio becomes an extension of the creative songwriting process usually.
B. Sabbath--Coming from one who's work I admire and respect greatly, all I can say is "I'm not WORTHY!" Seriously, thanks for the listen!
Powderfinger--Ah! A vote for the verb! Long live the verb! And thank you for taking the time to check this out.
Sigma9--Man, I appreciate that. You know, when I got the seed of an idea to do this, I was just singing and playing the piano and I started doing this tune. It felt real natural and I just sang it like it was in my head--two takes--the first two verses as one and the last verse as the second take. It probably sounds natural becasue of that. I didn' think or try to produce. I was just getting off on the vocal sound in the cans and went with my first instincts.
Erichenryus--Its funny. I've had a number of suggestions for BG's on other songs I posted. That kinda stuck in my head. So as I was listening to the tracks of this, I thought--"Oh! I know somebodys gonna want some backgrounds" And I thought--hey--thats a good idea! So I did my cracker soul choir and it really helped break up the song in a nice way. A thanks to the whole MP3 clinic is in order. See? You post and hang out here enough and you start to pick up these little clues. Bit by bit, you get better.
Boy, I'm on a tangent tonight, but when I was first shopping song around, I noticed that I'd get opinions. Everybody seemed to have similar reactions and if I played the same song for ten people, I'd have a pretty good idea if it was flying or not. Same with posting somgs here. If people keep hearing a particular fault, its a good indication that there is something that needs working on!
Oh yeah--those are
the Battery Studio drums--disk 1--studio kit#5. Just got 'em and I am digging them a bunch!
jcmm--thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed it. It is a great little song--so damn simple, but it works. So, just reat yourself good. I'm 51 and I feel like I am just starting to learn stuff I wished I knew 25 years ago! Hang around here and you can get the basics for sure!
mixmkr--coming from you--thats like getting "two thumbs up" from Siskel and Ebert! Thanks very much for that!
Last--if anybody has some ideas for the choice Ray Charles tune, let me know. I'm into doing one of his, but I want to find the right one!
. 
It really suits your voice. 
(and do it expertly)