AndyB01

Bats does Prog in 7/8 - I mean, what's not to like? 😃

It's not quite Apocalypse in 9/8 but it still gets a big 👍👍 from me

Andy

There are so many tracks like this that either don't build as you expect them to or take a (good) riff and milk it for just a little longer than they should. This manages to avoid both of those crimes - every time I found myself anticipating or wanting a change or a variation - this delivered it, but often in an unpredictable way. Not my usual genre but I really enjoyed the listen. Top work.

Andy

I'm a little lost for words to be honest - instrumentation and video production - both top notch; vocal was simply outstanding. Something to be proud of for sure - I listened again (without the video) as I wanted to focus on just the lyrics - a brilliant song, really well done.

Andy

Great panning effects - that strat sound certainly cuts through the mix so maybe could be dropped a shade, but that's on cans (Sony MDR-7506) so it might be right on speakers. Love the little runs and arpeggios that punctuate the piece - impressive chops for someone with paws - I enjoyed the listen.

Andy

Sad news indeed,

Days Of Future Passed is still one of my favourite albums. Decades ahead of its time.

Agree with @garybrun I'd definitely lift the instrumentation a touch, that said, if your intention was to showcase the vocal then you've certainly done that. The vox and BGVs are excellent.

I wonder about the guitar tone in the mini breakdown at around 3:40 - perhaps a cleaner tone with lots of delay and 'verb  might be worth a try - more like the tone on the second guitar break at the end. 

These are minor nits and crits however, ultimately you're the one making the production decisions. Another great song to add to an already impressive back catalogue.

Andy

I don't trust guitar companies in general, apart from Taylor.

That feels more like joining a family than buying a guitar.

Great vid, some top tips in here.

Andy

Difficult to put my feelings into words - this emoji somehow feels appropriate. 💩

1 hour ago, bdickens said:

You could switch to Apple....

Heresy! 

Linux anyone?

Gets coat and leaves...

Andy (still on Win 10 and staying there for the foreseeable)

Telford, Shropshire, UK. The kind of place you drive through on the way to some place more interesting... 😉

10/10 - another 👍 for the 'passive break' 😉

Amazing chops - I love it when the guitars harmonise - such a signature sound for your stuff.

Andy

You know I'm a huge fan Peter, this was just great and I very much enjoyed seeing you guys rocking out and absolutely killing it - as always.

Absolutely top drawer.

Andy

Acoustic guitar masterclass - the sound really dances out of my headphones - I'm reminded of some of Ant Phillips' finest solo work. All round excellent.

Andy

Absolutely nailed the theme you were going for - all sounds pretty good to my ears and the guitar definitely works.

Andy

Guitars are panned pretty hard (especially the rhythm track) - it's matter of taste but I'd centre those a little more. Very nice vocal - agree that some keys or even a blues harp would definitely fill the space here and there and add some variety.

Put me in mind of some of Chris Rea's excellent blues work so a really nice job. 👍👍 from me.

Andy

Here's one you may not have heard of: Amanda Lehmann Memory Lane. This is from her recent (and first) solo album (Innocence and Illusion).

The sadness and tragedy that touches someone to write something this good is a painful thing to witness, but I guess that's what makes songs like this so personal and special.

Who is Amanda Lehmann I hear you ask?

Steve Hackett's sister-in-law, she also appears in his band and on several of his albums; featuring on guitar, occasional lead vocal and BGVs.

Andy

Eva Cassidy - her version of Fields of Gold - completely blew me away when I heard it. Still gives me chills.

What a voice.

Try this - you might find Windows thinks it's a hard disk or USB storage device. Access the system tray, click on the usb connected devices and select the Novation mini key and eject it.

My son had this problem with his.

We haven't yet worked out how to stop Windows from thinking it's a hard disk so he just does the eject thing every time and it works fine.

Hope it helps

Andy

Great guitar tone and - of course - another killer vocal.

Well done

Andy

Very nice - you have a great touch with a ballad and those falsettos are not easy to nail - especially when crossing in and out of your normal vocal range. Great BGVs too.

This song has beauty in its simplicity - complexity would ruin it. 

Terrific stuff.

Andy

Tom - completely and totally sublime. I mean that is one incredible piece of content you created there - of which you should be rightfully proud.

Brilliant is the only adjective that comes to mind.

Andy

Wow, how'd I miss this one. I'm getting a strong Eagles vibe - that was seriously good and I loved it.

Just the usual crit - too short! 😂😂

Andy

I'm using a laptop (4 years old) with an i7 7700 CPU and was a little surprised to fail the compatibility checker for that reason alone.

Win 10 is in support till 2025 so I see zero reason to upgrade to Win 11 so it can break my ageing audio interface and probably half my apps.

I'm not sure being an early adopter of new Windows versions is a good place to be - it's called the bleeding edge for a reason...

Good luck to those going over the top first

Andy

I wish I'd had access to resources I have now when I was younger. I still feel creative - even at the ripe old age of 59!

I guess it feels harder to be original the older you get, I put down a riff and then think I've definitely heard that before - turns out I have.

Lyrics wise, I think I am a much better lyricist now than in my youth - more to draw on I guess - life experience gives you that at least.

Great question though.

Andy