MAUDLIN DEPRESSIVE

Your Mom loves your mixes, but are they really up to scratch? Post your tracks here and get the community's feedback to help with the spit and polish. Impress us! We don't bite.
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rayc
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MAUDLIN DEPRESSIVE

Post by rayc »

I mapped out the structure of this track in BIAB so I could build the drum track.
I've now added a scratch bass & some guitar tracks.
I used my Mustang through my Kustom 5w and used a compressor going in as, initially, I wanted a bit of chime.
Instead i started fiddling with guitar riffs/chords fitting together and the chime track is only in the chorus in a supporting role.
The amp is at about 9 o'clock on the dial and the guitar is at about 10.
There are a couple of mistakes in their as well as an odd sounding Am (the guitar is in tune but it may be a combination of the heat & my hands).
Any thoughts...

I've added another guitar - just playing strummed chords using the Pignose mixed center, & quite low, throughout.
Dec17V3gd.mp3
Here's a remix using the suggestions from James: some more variation on the drums and less top end on the bass.
Dec7V4fillgd.mp3
A set of lyrics is sorted but may not be the final set as they just happen to be on hand at the moment I reached for some.
The intro is repeated as the solo section and is unusual at 9 bars perhaps but I don't know.
Dec7V5skinnygd.mp3
This is a mix with completely retracked guitars 1 on the L, 1 on the right one up the middle in choruses and another, DI job no meat & all open chords up the middle quietly for the whole track. These were done 23/12. I used my Bruno semi for the tracks and the little 5 watt amp.
I've retracked all guitars.
Different guitars & settings for the chorus and different again for the verses. Added some accents and a new clean guitar up the center. I focused on finger pressure/tuning & timing. I edited out some finger/pick noise while I was at it.
This mix has the slightly busier drums - not sure if they work so would be pleased if someone commented on that aspect.
Dec172712thinB.mp3
I've added a guitar to the chorus - simple arpeggios with some gain from a blues overdrive pedal into the little 5 watt amp and re balanced everything so that the stereo bus wasn't almost clipping 60% of the time. I reverted to the original, simpler, drum track as the newer one, even though generated from the same tempo, style & chord information and in the same project, had a couple of lag spots that appear to be REAL.
Dec17 301217.mp3
Here're the current words...
I‘m not going to ride
The train wreck anymore
I'll step away when fried
Yet wake up on the floor
I’ll rinse the past away
Engaging when inclined
Comforted by mundane things
At least those I find.

Just coffee and memories
For the bad old days aren’t gone
I’ll drink a toast to those who boast
Of sex lives almost porn
It's a long, cold time 'til sunrise
Lays wasted on the lawn
I'll not believe another lie
My heart’s already torn.

When the mood arrives
I walk around my room
I'll make my eyes dilate
And gaze into the gloom
I'll know that I’m quite mad
Lost now and long ago
Where you and I were one
So far as I could know.

Just coffee and memories
For the bad old days aren’t gone
I’ll drink a toast to those who boast
Of success in Babylon
It's a long, cold time 'til moonrise
Lies cold upon the lawn
I'll not believe the tears I cry
My heart’s already torn.

When I have nightmares
I can’t see through anymore
I’ll light a fire inside
And open every door
I’ll throw my words away
Invite darkness in to stay
I lay me down but cannot sleep
No matter what you say.

SOLO

I‘m not going to ride
This train wreck anymore
I'll leave the bed untried
And wake up by the door
I’ll eat my heart alive
Now that I’m inclined
Comforted by mundane things
At least those that I find.

Just coffee and memories
For the bad old days I’ve read
I’ll drink a toast to those who boast
Survival thought they’re dead
It's a long, long way from sanity
Be prepared for the ride
As now I know I will not sleep
Not ever, by your side
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Last edited by rayc on Sat Dec 30, 2017 3:04 am, edited 9 times in total.
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rayc
7String
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Re: MAUDLIN DEPRESSIVE

Post by 7String »

Sounds good to me. Needs a melody played along with it if there are no lyrics forthcoming.
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JD01
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Re: MAUDLIN DEPRESSIVE

Post by JD01 »

There's nothing obviously up with this Ray, I think the guitars sound pretty good.
At first I thought the bass was a little quiet, but I think the volume is fine, its just a bit trebly and thin.
Your BIAB drums sound good, but they're pretty repetitive on this. If you can get a vocal in there that would be handy obviously 'cos that would then define your spaces for additional guitars as its a pretty bland arrangement as it is.

I'm happy to help with any lead stuff you might need.
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rayc
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Re: MAUDLIN DEPRESSIVE

Post by rayc »

7String wrote: Thu Dec 21, 2017 1:19 am Sounds good to me. Needs a melody played along with it if there are no lyrics forthcoming.
Thanks 7,
there's a set of lyrics and a vague melody but both need development or replacement.
Cheers
rayc
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rayc
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Re: MAUDLIN DEPRESSIVE

Post by rayc »

JD01 wrote: Thu Dec 21, 2017 5:17 am There's nothing obviously up with this Ray, I think the guitars sound pretty good.
At first I thought the bass was a little quiet, but I think the volume is fine, its just a bit trebly and thin.
Your BIAB drums sound good, but they're pretty repetitive on this. If you can get a vocal in there that would be handy obviously 'cos that would then define your spaces for additional guitars as its a pretty bland arrangement as it is.
I'm happy to help with any lead stuff you might need.
James,
I've take away the 3k peak I'd added to the bass and have balance the cut at 100 with a boost at 200.
I've added some more fills to the drum track part way through verse and chorus as well as a little more at the changes.
If you are, as mentioned, interested in soloing I'll send you a PPM with a link as soon as the .wav is uploaded to Dropbox.
Cheers
rayc
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Bubba
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Re: MAUDLIN DEPRESSIVE

Post by Bubba »

Yeah, very good guitar sound there, Ray. It's a good start. :)
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Re: MAUDLIN DEPRESSIVE

Post by Greg_L »

I like it Ray. I think the guitars are a little out of tune or the intonation is off or something. But that's pretty good tones for the song.
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rayc
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Re: MAUDLIN DEPRESSIVE

Post by rayc »

Bubba wrote: Fri Dec 22, 2017 7:28 am Yeah, very good guitar sound there, Ray. It's a good start. :)
Thanks Bubba.
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rayc
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Re: MAUDLIN DEPRESSIVE

Post by rayc »

Greg_L wrote: Fri Dec 22, 2017 11:09 am I like it Ray. I think the guitars are a little out of tune or the intonation is off or something. But that's pretty good tones for the song.
Thanks Greg.
That's the new guitar again Greg. I tuned it between takes but it's not staying put - it's been for a set up but is now doing the same it did the 1st recordings prior to the set up.
I'll redo the tracks with another guitar -the Am that starts the chorus is what told me there was something wrong even as I played but having just tuned it moments before each track I assumed it was my playing, I fret the high C late almost every time, or something.
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rayc
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rayc
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Re: MAUDLIN DEPRESSIVE

Post by rayc »

Greg_L wrote: Fri Dec 22, 2017 11:09 am I like it Ray. I think the guitars are a little out of tune or the intonation is off or something. But that's pretty good tones for the song.
Greg,
I retracked with a different guitar and more volume was again struggling with "tuning" I tuned between each guitar track & sometimes stopped part way through to check.
What I did notice, eventually, was that the amp was sending out odd little harmonics with the guitar signal - is that tube microphonics or something?
I also noted that the tracks sounded quite flat & odd on play back but found that flipping phase on one in each of the couple of blended mic sets fixed that up. I hadn't ha that prob recently but realized that I'd moved the mic when using the Pignose so had replaced it juts far enough for the "correct" position for it to create phase issues.
Cheers
rayc
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Re: MAUDLIN DEPRESSIVE

Post by Greg_L »

rayc wrote: Sat Dec 23, 2017 1:32 am
Greg,
I retracked with a different guitar and more volume was again struggling with "tuning" I tuned between each guitar track & sometimes stopped part way through to check.
What I did notice, eventually, was that the amp was sending out odd little harmonics with the guitar signal - is that tube microphonics or something?
Could be, sure. Turn the amp on and lightly tap each tube with a pencil. The *tink* should not come through the speaker very loud and clear. You might hear it a little, but it should not be loud at all. You could also be butchering your intonation simply by using less-than-great fretting. If you push too hard, don't put your finger in a good spot, etc, it can screw up everything.
I also noted that the tracks sounded quite flat & odd on play back but found that flipping phase on one in each of the couple of blended mic sets fixed that up. I hadn't ha that prob recently but realized that I'd moved the mic when using the Pignose so had replaced it juts far enough for the "correct" position for it to create phase issues.
Double miking a cab requires very careful phase alignment....or just don't have the two mic tracks at the same level. Dropping one or the other a few dbs can work around phase problems. But if you want an equal blend, those mics better be in damn close phase.
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Re: MAUDLIN DEPRESSIVE

Post by Tadpui »

Listening to the last link in the OP, the instrumental one. Guitars sound good to me, but too loud. Actually I like that guitar tone, it's a little jangly and a little dirty. I think it works.

I think that with a song this long, it would merit a little fiddling with the structure. Find a variation for a verse or two, maybe a key change or a verse where something goes tacet. It's a great jam, I say keep developing it!
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Re: MAUDLIN DEPRESSIVE

Post by vomitHatSteve »

Got here late, so I've only listened to the latest mix.

The guits still sound like the intonation might be a tad off as Greg already alluded too. The timing might be a little wonky too.

The quiet, centered guitar sounds like a good touch. It makes the center sound a little more analog and less sterile.

What's the bass chain? You might not need to extra guitar if you had some grit on it instead.
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Re: MAUDLIN DEPRESSIVE

Post by rayc »

Tadpui wrote: Sat Dec 23, 2017 3:21 am Listening to the last link in the OP, the instrumental one. Guitars sound good to me, but too loud. Actually I like that guitar tone, it's a little jangly and a little dirty. I think it works.
I think that with a song this long, it would merit a little fiddling with the structure. Find a variation for a verse or two, maybe a key change or a verse where something goes tacet. It's a great jam, I say keep developing it!
Tad,
Thanks. The lyric is long so i made the structure to fit.
I have in mind some variations to the arrangement for the guitars but have been focused on getting a decent enough recording to move on with.
Sadly the little amp goes from what you can hear to all out tear apart with a 3 degree advance of the vol control. I'll get tehre eventually. Thanks!
Cheers
rayc
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rayc
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Re: MAUDLIN DEPRESSIVE

Post by rayc »

vomitHatSteve wrote: Sun Dec 24, 2017 2:03 am Got here late, so I've only listened to the latest mix.
The guits still sound like the intonation might be a tad off as Greg already alluded too. The timing might be a little wonky too.
The quiet, centered guitar sounds like a good touch. It makes the center sound a little more analog and less sterile.
What's the bass chain? You might not need to extra guitar if you had some grit on it instead.
Steve,
Thatnks, yet again, for the considered response. It is less likely to be intonation as it's a different guitar.
More likely my heavy handed chording. It was easier to do on the original takes as the Mustang has "semi jumbo" frets so it may have been me pressing way too hard on that one but on the current set - it's a semi acoustic thin line Bruno - I don't know - probably me again.
Bass chain is Vantage bass into Behri BDI21. It had a little more top end but it was suggested I carve some of that so I did.
I can easily add some drive to it in the box. I'll try it.
Cheers
rayc
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Re: MAUDLIN DEPRESSIVE

Post by rayc »

I've retracked all guitars.
New version is in the original post...
Different guitars & settings for the chorus and different again for the verses. Added some accents and a new clean guitar up the center. I focused on finger pressure/tuning & timing. I edited out some finger/pick noise while I was at it.
This mix has slightly busier drums - not sure if they work so would be pleased if someone commented on that aspect.
Cheers
rayc
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rayc
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Re: MAUDLIN DEPRESSIVE

Post by rayc »

New mix in the original post.
I've added a guitar to the chorus - simple arpeggios with some overdrive and re balanced everything so that the stereo bus wasn't almost clipping 60% of the time.
Cheers
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Re: MAUDLIN DEPRESSIVE

Post by JD01 »

I think the latest mix sound really good, Ray. That's the one I'm working on, I've come up with some good ideas this morning (very restrained, not too much fretboard tapping or whammy bar dive bombs) and I'll try and get them tracked later today.
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Re: MAUDLIN DEPRESSIVE

Post by musicturtle »

Only listened to the latest mix. Sounds good so far. I really like the descending arpeggio thing you got going on the chorus with the fuzzy guitar.
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Re: MAUDLIN DEPRESSIVE

Post by rayc »

JD01 wrote: Sun Dec 31, 2017 5:31 am I think the latest mix sound really good, Ray. That's the one I'm working on, I've come up with some good ideas this morning (very restrained, not too much fretboard tapping or whammy bar dive bombs) and I'll try and get them tracked later today.
Cool -I look forward to it. Enjoy NYDay.
Cheers
rayc
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