First thing that pops out to me is that the high hat is super crispy, kind of on top of everything else. This song has a classic 70s feel to it and the high hat doesn't seem to fit in. The snare seems a little small, lacking body. By contrast, the kick and bass are a bit indistinct. The toms could use a little clarity as well.

I'd be tempted to go back to kick/snare/bass/vocal, get those really glued together, then add the guitar and keys.

bouldersound, post: 465275, member: 38959 wrote: First thing that pops out to me is that the high hat is super crispy, kind of on top of everything else. This song has a classic 70s feel to it and the high hat doesn't seem to fit in. The snare seems a little small, lacking body. By contrast, the kick and bass are a bit indistinct. The toms could use a little clarity as well.

I'd be tempted to go back to kick/snare/bass/vocal, get those really glued together, then add the guitar and keys.

Perfect. Thanks bud. Just the info I wanted from other discerning ears.

Appreciated.

K-

Update ... changes made according to critique.

[MEDIA=audio]https://recording.o…

I think it grooves a lot better. It still has a bit of a hyped high end overall. If you turned up the highs on the kick, perhaps back that off just a little. Also, it sounds like you put some reverb on the kick. I'd turn it down so it's not so obvious. You might also try increasing the pre-delay on the vocal reverb to make it sort of like a slapback effect. This song has a 50s/John Lennon vibe going on and I think a subtle slapback would fit right in.

But I'd really like to hear some input from other members of the forum before you change anything else.

bouldersound, post: 465286, member: 38959 wrote: I think it grooves a lot better. It still has a bit of a hyped high end overall. If you turned up the highs on the kick, perhaps back that off just a little. Also, it sounds like you put some reverb on the kick. I'd turn it down so it's not so obvious. You might also try increasing the pre-delay on the vocal reverb to make it sort of like a slapback effect. This song has a 50s/John Lennon vibe going on and I think a subtle slapback would fit right in.

But I'd really like to hear some input from other members of the forum before you change anything else.

Not on the kick, but I added a plate on the snare and eq'd it to "bring out more wood" in the sound. I REALLY cut back on the hh, both in level and in eq in the 2-3k range to "soften" it in the mix. Interesting thought on the slap back. It is DEFINITELY modeled on The Beatles sound and harmonies (Think "This Boy" - which is Lennon's piece)

I think a good model for the sound of this song might be Just Like Starting Over. It's a little more upbeat and in 4 rather than 3, but there are strong parallels: 50s -> Beatles -> modern.

bouldersound, post: 465289, member: 38959 wrote: I think a good model for the sound of this song might be Just Like Starting Over. It's a little more upbeat and in 4 rather than 3, but there are strong parallels: 50s -> Beatles -> modern.

Ooh ... interesting. Thanks for the thoughts, bud. Retro-modern.