PhonoBrainer

Vocals have a nice grit on them, and you might add in just a bit of some lower mids on them. The rhythm guitar is very well played throughout, for whatever reason I found myself focusing on that, and missing it when it wasn't there. I'd say your background vocals have a cool part and it's a nice add but their sound is a bit muffled, like you used a totally different mic, something more low-fi? I'm not a great mixer of vocals myself, but listen to the clarity of lead voc, organ, rhythm guitars - then listen to the bgv's. Big difference. I'd like to hear what if anything you do to this! BTW what's it about? I thought I heard "eric Clapton" as a lyric? Probably crazy, I am. cheers, -Tom

Well I'd say it has it's own sound, like a sonic signature. Do you have a limiter on the master bus? If so, and if it's cranked a bit, back off on that to get some dynamics back. ? Weirdly though, those high violins sound clear, and the synthbass is there yet controlled. It does sound to me like there is a compressor or limiter somewhere that could be taken down just a hair. Aside from that, it's very inventive in the composition department, and tells of an interesting album to come. Nice work! -Tom

Whaat? Alan Parsons Project has a new album??? Fantastic!!! I remark in approval. I seriously could listen to a playlist of tunes like this for hours. Got any more? I bet you do! Yes the horns scream midi from the '90's but as I remember, they evoke nostalgia in the earbrain and so there you are. It's not a deal breaker for me. I like your vocals, the performance and the tone. Want a crit? Maybe move that creepy little woodblock panned far left in just a bit. I could feel my eyes going over there whenever it hit. Maybe a bit more low end added back to that disco synth bass? Or add in another bass, maybe another deep ***** synth bass, on just the low hit of that disco octave, mixed in subtly. Might beef it up just enough without tweaking the bass patch you have. If that makes sense. Nice tune Keith. -Tom

YouTube, Larry, get thee to youtube

Royal disdain for Meghan's white trash family must have been a factor. Even if you hate Bill Maher, you'll probably like this . . . or some if it . . . or none.

Stupid dumb cancer. So glad you have clearance, Clarence. These things are unnerving. Thanks for telling us. Many good wishes for a complete recovery, musical and otherwise. -Tom

Like Christopher Cross and Dire Straits got together? Way cool. I really like the space in the mix, and just one crit, check the levels on the vocal and the lead guit, sometimes they jump out really loud, just for a moment. For example, vocals at 1:30, guitar at 2:50. I like a cool story song, and the guitar and vocal performances are quite excellent. Cheers, -Tom, who happens to be currently working up an original tune "Empty Room" !!! Not as good as yours, sadly . . .

That's an awesome response so thank you! You cover and connect cancer to all sorts of topics. I'd like to ask about oxygen therapy. Is that targeted? As I understand it, cancer cells in tumors use more glucose and more oxygen, so I wonder how more oxygen wouldn't just feed all cells, including the cancer? You may not know and this isn't Cancer Corner.com so just wondering. Thanks for your deep thoughts.

@geeare1 - thanks for the mix comment, and yes there are a few mood swings swinging fairly quickly in this one. Appreciate the listen and the time . .. @David Sprouse - yes those bells kind of grab the ear and cleanse the palate. I didn't really fuss with them at all, a happy accident. Many thanks . . .

I sent Gary out for more Oreos. Tom here, and thanks for the comments! I checked on the file on Soundcloud and it's there, so perhaps the cloud coughed up a hairball. cheers H.S. !

Ah, the feared windmills of your mind.

True, and yes, a serious wondering. Of course the effect of magnetic fields might vary due to 1. Length of time of exposure, and 2, proximity. Or not at all. Thanks for the research, nice to know that. I hope the Mayo research . . . holds.

Ah then that makes perfect sense. I too have older projects from that decade where my ears and brain wistfully cling to the cheese! What to do? Make nachos! Heck of a good song, regardless of decade.

Preface: I have no research nor any bona fide information at all to support this wondering. Having seen the godlike and taken-too-soon Mr. Peart in picture after picture wearing headphones, which are pretty much decent-sized magnets in proximity to the brain . . . and extrapolating a rock n roll lifetime's use of headphones. . . was wondering if those magnetic fields could extend into brain tissue and disrupt cell replication at a DNA level. Crazy? Stupid? Does anyone have any facts or near facts to support or debunk this idea? I've always been in headphones myself and have often wondered about potential problems with brain cancer. RIP Neal and thanks for all the escapes that helped to soothe the unattractive truth.

Hmmmm. Upgrade price from OS 1 ?

I can melodyne pitch up my Tom Waits impersonation if you like. ? Do you live/work in NYC? If so, I'm jealous. And if so, you've got more of a line on female vocs than me. Again It's got a nice groove! Good luck with bringing it home . . . cheers, -Tom

Bongos in the intro, more up front please. Really cool lyrics on a thoughtful topic, I was in from the word go. I listened on headphones, and the bass was just a bit fuller than I might want. Your bridge: vocals great! lyrics great! and how those chord changes bring it back to the verse, super inventive and pro. I think the string patch, and that tromboney thing out of the bridge, are letting you down sonically. What are you using for those? that was a treat to listen to. A very thoughtful composition! cheers, -Tom

Lots and lots of good stuff here. The vibe comes through aplenty. It will be a good one! Yes, suck some of the low end out of that kick. Could also be a thing to try to differentiate your song away from the classic "Son of a Preacher Man" if possible. If not, I think you can get away with it. The bass guitar, in a sleazy skanky vibe such as this, could play just behind the beat a little more - just an opinion. Your bass seems to be anticipating or just ahead of the beat, in spots, which is kind of a "feel" sin, methinks. Those vocals were very, very well performed. Loved the "aaaah" at the end! will keep a listen out for the v 2.0 . . . keep at this, it's gonna be a keeper! -Tom v 2.0

I like the tone of the Grandeur in a piece like this. Did you have a delay going on it, or play it that way? Either way, sounded nice. You have chosen the synths that are all distinctly different, one from another, and mixed them so try all fit into a cohesive whole. Good job! -Tom

Ah! I updated the file from mp3 to .wav yesterday, and I did change a level or two here or there, so maybe you heard the previous. No you are not going cuckoo! Thanks for the comments . . .

@bjornpdx - thanks! Welcome to the kitchen sink. It probably works better for some than for others. Appreciate the comments. @kloon - playful works for me, thanks! @dcumpian - yes sir thanks much! A video might help it even more. Welcome back! @DeeringAmps - yeah I might have got away with a couple of jazz chords in there. Hope they work ok. Thanks much and glad you liked it! @Jesse Screed- if you only knew how many damn rabbits I've got flopping around up in there. They peek out at everyone's peril! But I keep them well fed. Your observations are quite apt. Thanks! @garybrun- Thanks Gary! I'm honestly not hearing pops and clicks, unless you mean the clock/metronome at the beginning and the end? I'm going back to doublecheck. It's also a felt piano and they can have noise as well. Thanks. glad you liked it!

Yesssss. Don't be a stranger! Hope your time away was for good things. Great dynamics in this piece. I liked the synth arpegg noodle around 1:00 mark. Catchy. As per your usual, many elements come and go and are balanced to mix perfection. The only thing I might ask about is adding some more low end weight to the toms, bass, and kick. As they are, very polished and controlled. Nothing up top is overwhelmed by mud. So kudos there. And it might be just me because I really like bass-end stuff. But I think just a bit more heft, even if it were just the tom fills, might be interesting to try. It's all so subjective. And you certainly got your $$$ worth out of Omnisphere! Do you have Omni 1 or 2? I just have 1, never upgraded, always wondered of 2 was worth it. Lastly, the guitar work is spot on for that grand epic atmosphere, good power there, well done! great to have you and your tunes back, Dan! -Tom

Vocals and their treatment in the mix really works well. To be honest, I knid of wanted her to bust out a little more in the emotion department - her delivery is a bit clean and safe. I could hear a song where she leaves her guts on the floor. Just a thought and not a super crit - what you have here is professional and polished. Nice video as well! Maybe just a thought for future projects. ? cheers, -Tom

many thanks for the listens . . . and much obliged for any comments.

This. Want more tips? Bigger average tips? Then don't take breaks. Run your marathon. The audience will acknowledge and reward your workaday ethic. It takes 5 minutes once in a while to get a glass of water or go to the bathroom. Not 25 minutes every hour to lounge about the place in some self-important "look at me, the artiste must find the strength again" pretention.