PG Music Home
Posted By: gruverider What'd I Ever Do Without You - 02/04/18 06:20 AM
https://soundcloud.com/lawrence-olivier/whatd-i-ever-do-without-you

This song started from a line from a TV murder mystery I was watching. The line was, "He was a complicated disaster". I can't remember the show. I wrote down some more lines then I asked RichMac if he wanted to contribute to the lyrics and he sent me a bunch of lines. I wound up using one (You’re a castle in the sand when the tide comes rolling in) and I riffed off of it for the last verse. Thank you Richard.

I used a new technique on this mix. I separated the tracks into three buses; vocal, middle and side, then applied different reverbs to each. I liked the separation that it gave me.

RealTracks in style: 1398:Bass, Electric, Soul70sA-B Ev16 100
RealTracks in song: 2157:Piano, ElectricVintage, Rhythm FunkyGroove60sJohn Ev 100
RealTracks in song: 2930:Guitar, Acoustic, Rhythm FolkRock8thsBrent Ev 100
RealTracks in style: 1404:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm Soul70sWarmA-B Ev16 100
RealTracks in song: 2764:Organ, Rhythm CountryBluesRockMike Ev 110
RealTracks in song: ~576:Guitar, Electric, Soloist Blues BB Ev 085
RealDrums in Song: Soul70sEv16^3-a:CldHHtSn, b:RBncyBss
RealTracks in song: 1577:Piano, Acoustic, Rhythm Soul60sSync Ev 110
RealTracks in song: 2625:Guitar, Baritone Electric, Rhythm BluesBoogieBassAndLicks Ev 100


What’d I Ever Do Without You (Dec 25, 2017)
Words by Lawrence Olivier and Richard (Richmac)

You’re a complicated disaster, chaos you’re middle name
In 88 keys baby you’re that wonky note
If I’m lying down on the bathroom tile, you’re my sickness and my shame
You’re a sneeze lingering just inside my nose

But I don’t know what I ever did without you

The sunburn on the morning after, the fire on my skin
You’re the empty cocktail blender in the sink
The dying creature at my feet, that thing the cat dragged in
You’re the reason that I smoke, you’re the reason that I drink

But I don’t know what I ever did without you

You’re the rain on Sunday morning, you’re the howl in the wind
I’m the oak tree on the corner you’re the street
You’re a castle in the sand when the tide comes rolling in
You’re the castaway at sea, And I’m the beach
Posted By: PeterF Re: What'd I Ever Do Without You - 02/04/18 06:31 AM
Lawrence

Sounds really good - whatever you did with the busses worked a treat.
Wonderful song - superb vocal, melody & lyric.
Really strong writing and performance. (I liked Richards line as well).

Peter
Posted By: floyd jane Re: What'd I Ever Do Without You - 02/04/18 11:10 AM
Lawrence (and Richard),

Delicious lyrics. A delightful write. Awesome vocal (of course).

That funky e piano is very cool. Great groove to this. Nice mix.

Worth several listens...

fj
Posted By: Scott C Re: What'd I Ever Do Without You - 02/04/18 01:17 PM
Very cool tune. Excellent vocal and lyrics. Loved the mix. Guitar was very cool as well...
Posted By: Belladonna Re: What'd I Ever Do Without You - 02/04/18 01:28 PM
Very interesting lyrics, great visuals. Like the funky sort of melody. Good job guys!!
Posted By: Robertkc Re: What'd I Ever Do Without You - 02/04/18 02:23 PM
Lawrence,
Quirky and fun lyrics with some lines that really made me want to listen again. Seems you and Richard share a sense of humour!
The mix has a good stereo spread and your vocal matches the energy
of that funky backing.
Very good!

Robert
Posted By: Guitarhacker Re: What'd I Ever Do Without You - 02/04/18 02:33 PM
This made me smile.

The lyrics are good throughout....
but this one>>>> You’re a sneeze lingering just inside my nose

cool

nicely done and a clean present mix.
Posted By: Ember - PG Music Re: What'd I Ever Do Without You - 02/04/18 07:29 PM
"You’re a sneeze lingering just inside my nose". Haha, I really loved this one. It was so unexpected when I first heard it! Great job, and cool to hear the inspiration behind this one!
Posted By: RichMac Re: What'd I Ever Do Without You - 02/04/18 09:01 PM

Wonderful clarity and definition through the whole song and yeah you really brought it all to life with a great vocal. Funky funky.
Thanks for generously including me in the song.

Cheers.
Posted By: Steve Young Re: What'd I Ever Do Without You - 02/04/18 11:26 PM
Originally Posted By: floyd jane
Lawrence (and Richard),

Delicious lyrics. A delightful write. Awesome vocal (of course).

That funky e piano is very cool. Great groove to this. Nice mix.

Worth several listens...

fj


Floyd pretty much said it for me. Great job!

Steve
Posted By: Deryk - PG Music Re: What'd I Ever Do Without You - 02/05/18 12:55 PM
What a tune! The mixing job here is superb - the way all the instrument blend together is flawless and cohesive. Not to mention, your vocal performance here is absolutely perfect. It's perfectly catchy as well. I wouldn't bat an eyelash hearing this on the radio.

Great job - thanks for sharing smile
Posted By: Al-David Re: What'd I Ever Do Without You - 02/05/18 02:20 PM
Hey Lawrence,

What a cool song. Love everything about it. That chord structure/pattern is killer! Your vocals are always great. This is really cool!

Alan
Posted By: Torrey Bliss Re: What'd I Ever Do Without You - 02/05/18 09:28 PM
That was a good one Lawrence! You ALWAYS deliver a great vocal! Thanks, Torrey
Posted By: edshaw Re: What'd I Ever Do Without You - 02/05/18 09:38 PM
That's great. Sure would like to hear you talk
more about the way you accomplish this.
(Way over my head.)
Posted By: gruverider Re: What'd I Ever Do Without You - 02/06/18 08:57 PM
Originally Posted By: PeterF
Lawrence

Sounds really good - whatever you did with the busses worked a treat.
Wonderful song - superb vocal, melody & lyric.
Really strong writing and performance. (I liked Richards line as well).

Peter
Peter, thank you very much.


Originally Posted By: floyd jane
Lawrence (and Richard),

Delicious lyrics. A delightful write. Awesome vocal (of course).

That funky e piano is very cool. Great groove to this. Nice mix.

Worth several listens...

fj
Thank you Floyd. It was a fun write for sure.

Originally Posted By: Scott C
Very cool tune. Excellent vocal and lyrics. Loved the mix. Guitar was very cool as well...
Thanks for stopping in for a listen and for the positive words.

Originally Posted By: Belladonna
Very interesting lyrics, great visuals. Like the funky sort of melody. Good job guys!!
Thank you Donna. I'm a big fan of jazz, funk and soul and BIAB has some wonderful Realtracks covering these sounds.
Posted By: Janice & Bud Re: What'd I Ever Do Without You - 02/07/18 02:12 PM
"You’re a sneeze lingering just inside my nose" has been mentioned multiple times but that's a "run off the road" line!

We recognized that Jack Pearson RT right from the git go. One of the more under rated blues guitarists around IMO.

Just how many cool lines can you pack in one song man?

Top vocal as always and the piano really lays down the feel.

Your mixing experimentations far exceed mine but whatever you did resulted in a mix that sounds top notch on our monitors. The soundstage is laid out so well.

Kudos Mr Gruve!

J&B
Posted By: gruverider Re: What'd I Ever Do Without You - 02/07/18 08:06 PM
Originally Posted By: Robertkc
Lawrence,
Quirky and fun lyrics with some lines that really made me want to listen again. Seems you and Richard share a sense of humour!
The mix has a good stereo spread and your vocal matches the energy
of that funky backing.
Very good!

Robert
Yes Robert, I think Richard and I do share a sense of humor and thought he would be the right man to ask for help. Thank you listening and for the kind words.
Posted By: gruverider Re: What'd I Ever Do Without You - 02/07/18 08:07 PM
Originally Posted By: Guitarhacker
This made me smile.

The lyrics are good throughout....
but this one>>>> You’re a sneeze lingering just inside my nose

cool

nicely done and a clean present mix.
Thank you Herb. I thought that line added a nice touch of humor in a sometimes dark song.
Posted By: gruverider Re: What'd I Ever Do Without You - 02/07/18 08:10 PM
Originally Posted By: Ember - PG Music
"You’re a sneeze lingering just inside my nose". Haha, I really loved this one. It was so unexpected when I first heard it! Great job, and cool to hear the inspiration behind this one!
Thank you Ember. I'm glad you enjoyed it. It was fun to write.
Posted By: gruverider Re: What'd I Ever Do Without You - 02/07/18 08:11 PM
Originally Posted By: RichMac

Wonderful clarity and definition through the whole song and yeah you really brought it all to life with a great vocal. Funky funky.
Thanks for generously including me in the song.

Cheers.
Thank you for helping out. You have to love the funk!
Posted By: gruverider Re: What'd I Ever Do Without You - 02/07/18 08:12 PM
Originally Posted By: Steve Young
Originally Posted By: floyd jane
Lawrence (and Richard),

Delicious lyrics. A delightful write. Awesome vocal (of course).

That funky e piano is very cool. Great groove to this. Nice mix.

Worth several listens...

fj


Floyd pretty much said it for me. Great job!

Steve
Thank you listening and for the kind words.
Posted By: rsdean Re: What'd I Ever Do Without You - 02/08/18 07:25 AM
Lawrence / Richard,

Outstanding song! Love the delivery Lawrence - a great arrangement and vocal.

Bob
Posted By: tommyad Re: What'd I Ever Do Without You - 02/08/18 10:17 AM
Nice bluesy vocal. The lyrics are fun filled and inspired. You even included one of my current favorite words, the wonderfully descriptive-"wonky". Great mix. I enjoyed it all. Tom
Posted By: gruverider Re: What'd I Ever Do Without You - 02/10/18 08:14 PM
Originally Posted By: Deryk - PG Music
What a tune! The mixing job here is superb - the way all the instrument blend together is flawless and cohesive. Not to mention, your vocal performance here is absolutely perfect. It's perfectly catchy as well. I wouldn't bat an eyelash hearing this on the radio.

Great job - thanks for sharing smile
Thank you for listening and for the kind comments.

Originally Posted By: Al-David
Hey Lawrence,

What a cool song. Love everything about it. That chord structure/pattern is killer! Your vocals are always great. This is really cool!

Alan
Thank you Alan it's much appreciated.

Originally Posted By: Torrey Bliss
That was a good one Lawrence! You ALWAYS deliver a great vocal! Thanks, Torrey
Thank you Torrey. Your music is rockin!

Originally Posted By: edshaw
That's great. Sure would like to hear you talk
more about the way you accomplish this.
(Way over my head.)
It's all in the use of Aux bus separation. Grouping instrument sends to a different buses by side vs middle and then sending different reverbs to each bus to taste. I'll expand on the recording forum.

Originally Posted By: Janice & Bud
"You’re a sneeze lingering just inside my nose" has been mentioned multiple times but that's a "run off the road" line!

We recognized that Jack Pearson RT right from the git go. One of the more under rated blues guitarists around IMO.

Just how many cool lines can you pack in one song man?

Top vocal as always and the piano really lays down the feel.

Your mixing experimentations far exceed mine but whatever you did resulted in a mix that sounds top notch on our monitors. The soundstage is laid out so well.

Kudos Mr Gruve!

J&B

Thank you both so much. I'm experimenting with separating the soundstage by using different verbs to instruments busses group by panning. So all my panned instruments go to one bus and I (am currently- it's a work in progress) might send a spring-like verb with short decay to it. Then my middle instruments (minus drums and bass) I send a more traditional room or hall type verb to taste. Then eq the reverbs to each other to minimize over-stepping frequencies. I'll write this out in the recording forum.

And thank you again!
Posted By: gruverider Re: What'd I Ever Do Without You - 02/15/18 06:41 PM
Originally Posted By: rsdean
Lawrence / Richard,

Outstanding song! Love the delivery Lawrence - a great arrangement and vocal.

Bob
Thank you Bob. Your comments are much appreciated.

Originally Posted By: tommyad
Nice bluesy vocal. The lyrics are fun filled and inspired. You even included one of my current favorite words, the wonderfully descriptive-"wonky". Great mix. I enjoyed it all. Tom
Thank you Tom. Don't you love it when you have a song where you can use a word like "wonky"!
Posted By: BlueAttitude Re: What'd I Ever Do Without You - 02/16/18 06:08 AM
Man, so good! Lyrics are great, can't add anything more that has already been said. Great vocal and groove.

Cool mix too, the way you have everything panned, definitely a headphone listen!
Posted By: gruverider Re: What'd I Ever Do Without You - 02/17/18 01:57 PM
Originally Posted By: BlueAttitude
Man, so good! Lyrics are great, can't add anything more that has already been said. Great vocal and groove.

Cool mix too, the way you have everything panned, definitely a headphone listen!

Dave, thank you for listening and commenting. I'm glad you liked it.
Posted By: RnAM Re: What'd I Ever Do Without You - 02/17/18 07:33 PM
Lawrence,

That new technique of yours works out fine!
Very cool lyrics (of both of you).
The funky piano is great.

Rob and Anne-Marie
Posted By: gruverider Re: What'd I Ever Do Without You - 02/18/18 06:00 PM
Originally Posted By: RnAM
Lawrence,

That new technique of yours works out fine!
Very cool lyrics (of both of you).
The funky piano is great.

Rob and Anne-Marie
Thank you for the kind words. Always good to hear from you.
Posted By: MarioD Re: What'd I Ever Do Without You - 02/18/18 10:11 PM
I'm late getting here but I'm that I made it! This is one hell of a great song. It's all been said, vocals, lyrics, mix etc, so all I can add is this is funk at its best.

This is a keeper for sure!
Posted By: gruverider Re: What'd I Ever Do Without You - 02/19/18 03:28 AM
Originally Posted By: MarioD
I'm late getting here but I'm that I made it! This is one hell of a great song. It's all been said, vocals, lyrics, mix etc, so all I can add is this is funk at its best.

This is a keeper for sure!
Thank you Mario!
Posted By: Greg Johnson Re: What'd I Ever Do Without You - 02/21/18 07:54 PM
Originally Posted By: floyd jane
Lawrence (and Richard),

Delicious lyrics. A delightful write. Awesome vocal (of course).

That funky e piano is very cool. Great groove to this. Nice mix.

Worth several listens...

fj


YES!!! Loved that EP, and you're one of the best singers I've heard in years, on or off the forum! Great stuff guys!! Take care. Greg
Posted By: rsdean Re: What'd I Ever Do Without You - 02/22/18 07:55 AM
Lawrence / Richard,

This is just great! I really like what you have done with the mix here - so clean with great separation.

Excellent!

Bob
Posted By: gruverider Re: What'd I Ever Do Without You - 02/22/18 07:49 PM
Originally Posted By: Greg Johnson
Originally Posted By: floyd jane
Lawrence (and Richard),

Delicious lyrics. A delightful write. Awesome vocal (of course).

That funky e piano is very cool. Great groove to this. Nice mix.

Worth several listens...

fj


YES!!! Loved that EP, and you're one of the best singers I've heard in years, on or off the forum! Great stuff guys!! Take care. Greg
Thank you very much Greg. When are we going to hear some new songs from you? It's always good to hear from you.

Originally Posted By: rsdean
Lawrence / Richard,

This is just great! I really like what you have done with the mix here - so clean with great separation.

Excellent!

Bob
Thank you again Bob. Glad you liked it.
Posted By: animarorecords Re: What'd I Ever Do Without You - 03/02/18 04:23 AM
Hello, Lawrence

Very fun and funky song! Delightful!
Awesome vocal as usual!
Vintage elec. piano sounds very good!
Guitar play is also very nice.
Enjoyed my listen a lot.

Best regards.

Shigeki Adachi
Posted By: gruverider Re: What'd I Ever Do Without You - 03/02/18 07:08 PM
Originally Posted By: animarorecords
Hello, Lawrence

Very fun and funky song! Delightful!
Awesome vocal as usual!
Vintage elec. piano sounds very good!
Guitar play is also very nice.
Enjoyed my listen a lot.

Best regards.

Shigeki Adachi
Thank you. I'm glad that you enjoyed it. It was a fun write.
Posted By: Sundance Re: What'd I Ever Do Without You - 03/02/18 11:40 PM
Okay how do you know my husband? LOL! This is seriously good. Wonderfully fun and topped off with a vocal that totally sells it.
Posted By: gruverider Re: What'd I Ever Do Without You - 03/03/18 05:33 PM
Originally Posted By: Sundance
Okay how do you know my husband? LOL! This is seriously good. Wonderfully fun and topped off with a vocal that totally sells it.
I'm glad you enjoyed it. And it's good to see you around again. I look forward to hearing some more songs from you. smile
© PG Music Forums