Construction Paper Heart - 80s Magazine rack

[vomitHatSteve]

I should drop the double tracking & comp the best bits.

That's my go-to. If I want one good take of an instrument, I'll usually do at least 3 and comp 'em.

[rayc]

It's been a while.
I had to rebuild the project due to a few VST issues etc. as reported elsewhere.
Thanks gents for assistance with that prob.
I recorded new vocals and "comped" a version but to get there I had to use ReaTune as suggested by James as a training tool and, I'm afraid, still needed some of it to sort out bits and pieces but the result is far from pleasant.
I am no singer or, even, hummer. I did manage to pass through the right note on most occasions but couldn't manage to stay on it before passing through.
Still, the point isn't my vocal but the song as a whole.
It's almost done - a few tweaks to the automation of the vocal where I've over zealously cut off warbled notes etc that I can fix fairly quickly - and a solo or two then I can put it away.

May20183206gdB.mp3

[rayc]

I spent some more time tidying the awful vocals. I tired but can't sing any better than is captured.
Once tidied I felt like fiddling about so pulled up Band In A Box and experimented with the "Soloist" in the program. The version I have only has one non MIDI solo instrument so, after trying and being horrified by the MIDI, I pulled up the only RealTrack soloist.
Here's a version with the RealTrack soloist playing on the intro and the designated 8 bars for a solo.
It's odd. I added delay to make it match stylistically a little better but it doesn't really. nevertheless, the program can produce a tame, cliche ridden solo upon demand...

May201823406FAKEgd.mp3

[JD01]

I think that sounds alright, Ray. I've heard (and written) far worse solos than that!

[rayc]

I think that sounds alright, Ray. I've heard (and written) far worse solos than that!

James,
It was amusing to go through the process and, having listened to a LOT of BIAB generated songs on their forum, there are lots of real instrument recordings that the program can stitch together into a solo IF one is prepared to spend the money buying them.
To me it sounds a lot like most other BIAB things - generic. Heavy EQ, ping Pong delay & hammer compression helped make it less obviously a slide guitar but it isn't interesting or a good match for the song.
With an investment of more money and more time to match styles I suppose something agreeable could be arrived at.

[einstein magoo]

Ray, I would be happy with just about any one of these mixes. I went back and listened to several and I think you should just pick your fave.

I like the chord progression on this and also the vocal. You keep complaining about the vocal but I think it's good and perfectly fits the mood of the piece.

I may be different than others in that, other than blatant mistakes in tracking, I prefer the rawness of a mix that is not overworked or fretted about too much. It's only 3 or 4 minutes and I prefer to just sit back and enjoy the song for what it is. Also perhaps unlike others I DO listen to the lyric and think it is the most important element in helping me understand what the writer was trying to get across. I like the lyric in this and also the presentation.

[rayc]

Ray,
I like the chord progression on this and also the vocal. You keep complaining about the vocal but I think it's good and perfectly fits the mood of the piece.
I like the lyric in this and also the presentation.

Mr Magoo,
Thanks man. I'm pleased you liked the lyrics as they are the thing I enjoy doing the most. I've decided, based on your comment, to draw a line under this song's development. I'll post a slightly revised mix and, barring solo level, will get out the red pen.

[rayc]

OK Folks,
The extended tooth extraction is almost over.
This is either the penultimate or final mix depending on the level of the solo.
Thta's not been commented on so I'm happy to amend it if recommended.
Thanks for the dental assistance...

MMay20182506gd.mp3

[vomitHatSteve]

This most recent version has you soloing?

I'd say the level sounds pretty good.

[WhiskeyJack]

listening to the latest and greatest on the ear buds Ray and i have nothing at all that jumps out at me other than some unnatural sounding doubling around the 2:16 2:17 mark.

"and i glue it t-to my own"

I'll give it a going over again on the monitors. ear buds are shit but all i have right now. but the mix sounds and feels well glued and put together. And i love where that solo is sitting. so good.

[rayc]

This most recent version has you soloing?

I'd say the level sounds pretty good.

Sorry Steve,
That's the BIAB Slide Guitar soloist - two solo's comped into one with ping pong delay to try to give it a sense of 80s placement in the song. I did try to play a solo but all of my attempts, unsurprisingly, sounded like bass lines on a guitar.
Sad that it's come to this but it's come to this.

[rayc]

listening to the latest and greatest on the ear buds Ray and i have nothing at all that jumps out at me other than some unnatural sounding doubling around the 2:16 2:17 mark.

"and i glue it t-to my own"

I'll give it a going over again on the monitors. ear buds are shit but all i have right now. but the mix sounds and feels well glued and put together. And i love where that solo is sitting. so good.

Thanks Shan,
Thanks for the reference re solo level. I'll address the t t t day.

[vomitHatSteve]

bass lines on a guitar.

That's literally what my band in college told our lead guitarist to play!