A straight-ahead ‘give me one last chance’ pop song:
"No Next Time".
I was trying for a big 'live in the studio' sound complete with brass section. I hope you like it.
Play loud for maximum ambience!

John

John, that is one big full sound! Really great mix. I even detect an undertone of Earth, Wind & Fire - very nice. I really enjoyed it.

And I did play it loud as well for maximum enjoyment!

Bob

Hrm... Looks like the domain expired.

Thanks David.
Something scary has happened overnight. My domain name is not due for renewal until November 2011 but has been hijacked by a Chinese outfit called 'Onlinenic' and given a renewal date of yesterday!! Googling tells me that this sort of hijacking - and then holding to ransom - is common! I'm now waiting on the line to my host/domain provider.

Choice of links (one above also amended):
A."No Next Time" - file only.
B."No Next Time" - page on my web site with lyrics and info.
Lyrics:

1. I said those hurtful things when I knew they weren’t true.
It’s happened many times: I keep on hurting you.
I’m rain that hides your sun.
‘Can’t believe what I have done.

2. I  search the empty streets, this time I’m so alone.
And how I really wish the night would bring you home.
I know I crossed that line,
But I swear I’ll change this time.

Chorus:
There’ll be no next time, this is the last time I make you cry.
There’ll be no next time, believe me, look in my eyes.
All I bring are words that burn, I should bite my tongue; the lesson’s learned.
This time there’ll be no next time.
I promise, there’ll be no next time.

3. I know I brought you pain,
But I won’t do that again.

Chorus:
There’ll be no next time, etc.

This time there’ll be no next time.
I promise, there’ll be no next time.

I used BIAB to make the bass and keyboard parts which were played through my Roland X6 synth. I programmed the drums using Addictive Drums. Vocals, vocal harmonies, guitar by yours truly. Mixed in Sonar 8.5 and I used TRacks3 to master the finished track.

John

Hi John,

What a great arrangement and great mix! I can't begin to imagine how much thought and planning has gone into this production. Great vocals. I'm heading back for another listen now.

All the best,
Noel

Chicago anyone?

I couldn't get it to play on your web site, but I saw the upload above -- that worked. I don't know about the "Faces" reference on your website, but the Blood, Sweat and Tears / Chicago comparisons make sense. I can tell you put a lot work into this one. Not what I listen to much, but it is a good job all around.

Kevin

Noel: Many thanks, glad you enjoyed it. Yes, it was a long project actually, especially with getting the brass right (a mixture of samples and MIDI) but it's working on my projects that gives me most fun!
Robb: Yes, reminiscent of Chicago. Not quite the huge 'chug' of "25 or 6 to 4" but still punchy I hope! That was helped by using the vintage compressors in TRacks3.
Kevin: Today I at last sorted the problem out with my service provider so my main web domain name is mine again...their fault, no apology of course. The direct link to the song's page on my web is Here.

John

John, I really like the way you did this song. Enjoyed listening to it.

Steve

This is my kind of music right here. This is a great mix and song. Which Piano RT did you use in this one? It fits like a glove in this song, wow. Ok, just saw it was a midi track, even more impressive !! Which style?

Great lyric, hook, melody, vocals and music. Fantastic production !!

Trax

Thanks Trax, glad you enjoyed it!
For the piano I started with ZZBOSSA, believe it or not, and then tweaked a lot of the part myself in Sonar's piano roll view.

John

Hi John,

WOW - awesome arranging! All the little details keep it moving and interesting. I'm a big fan of your voice too. Great job.

Many thanks Josie! Glad you liked it.
I confess to having to do a few vocal re-takes in the second half, having given myself the challenge of a whole tone key change!

BTW, I've nearly finished my first ever C&W original - I'm going to be very keen on hearing your opinion of it.

John

Great job John!
Very nice arrangement. Nice vocals.
The horns in the intro weren't very convincing, but in the song were really good.
Congratulations!

Mick

Skyline:

Altogether a fine, professional recording, no complaints, the complexity is astonishing, as others have said.

Actually, the horns were my favorite part, and I would appreciate more detail on how you created them... I would like to use your song as a model for stuff I would like to do (some day), and any tips on how to create that "real" sound would be great.

I have always been a huge Chicago fan, and this track of your was just superb, all the way around. Now, if PG can make up some Terry Kath Realtracks.... Terry used to be a neighbor of mine in the San Fernando Valley, r.i.p. Terry.

Thanks for listening Brad, and for the kind comments. Good idea, some brass RealTracks!
Some details of the brass sounds on this track:
(1) I programmed two midi tracks note by note - the riffs weren't all that complex (like good brass parts) and there are repeats. The second track used harmony notes to the first.
(2) These two MIDI tracks were played through my Roland Fantom synth, one using a Brass Section patch and the other a Trumpet patch.
(3) I added three audio tracks, trumpet, trombone, sax and used individual note samples that came with a Computer Music magazine covcer disk. It was useful that the single note samples came in three flavours, soft, medium and hard blown. I used the softer sounds in the verses.
(4) I made sure that the notes in all the five tracks were slightly before or after the beat and not exactly in time with one another, in order to add a more 'human' imperfect feel.
(5) I used a room reverb on the brass tracks to add more realism.
(6) I panned the five tracks at different places off the left to give the impression of a section of players.

It all took quite a while but I enjoyed doing it!

John

Won't play for me. Hit the play button, goes nowhere.

FYI

Dan

Dan, I had problems with my domain/web host and the direct link didn't always work.
Instead click on 'Songs' in my signature below, select the Songs page and it's the first on the list. Thanks!

John

Great tune! Perfect- top to bottom! I too like your vocal quality. Interesting arrangement and nicely mixed. Keep up the excellent work!

Dan

Sorry I'm late to the party - well done! I agree with all the other posters - you've done a fantastic job here. I especially like the spacious sound in your mix - very clean, so all the little details come through. Cool!

'Cause I'm a twit, I can't help but suggest "I'll bite my tongue" that for "I should bite my tongue". (I should take my own advice!) Other than that, perfection!