Late last year on User Showcase I submitted a blues/country instrumental, called LAZY DAYZ.
It got lots of nice feedback from forum members but there was some criticism about the way the organ melody panned via a Leslie effect and there were comments that the song needed a vocal track.
I’ve fixed the organ panning problem but haven’t added a vocal track yet though I have written some lyrics that I’m pretty happy with (Also, I'm not a singer and don't have the facilities to record vocals).
Just before Christmas, I purchased EZmix2 and Mastering II EZmix pack. I’ve been experimenting with this program and am pleased with some of the results I’ve been getting. One of the songs I've been working on with EZmix is Lazy Dayz.
With your indulgence, I submit the 2020 mix/remaster of Lazy Dayz:
https://soundcloud.com/user-952388172/lazy-days-2020-mix

I would love to get some feedback from recording/mixing/mastering enthusiasts re the new mix compared to the original:
https://soundcloud.com/user-952388172/lazy-dayz
Thanks everyone,
Mike

LAZY DAYZ is a slow-medium bluesy piece with a touch of country. The melody is carried largely by Hammond organ, with trombone/brass handling the middle 8 sections.
The backing features great guitar solo work by Jack Pearson and tasty acoustic guitar backing by Brent Mason. There is also some nice organ accompaniment by Jeff Young and beautiful pedal steel by Steve Hinson.
THE BAND:
RT2622:Organ, Rhythm FunkSwing16 Sw16 085
RealBass 533: Bass, Electric, 12-8 Crystal Sw 065
RT2674:Guitar, Acoustic, Rhythm Blues12-8Brent Sw 065
RealGuitar 627: Pedal Steel, Background 12-8 Crystal
RealSoloist 422: Guitar, Electric, Soloist Blues Sw 120 (Jack Pearson)
RealDrums-CountryShuffle128^7-Snare,Ride

Hi Mike,

I remember this song, just a great groove to it and that hook played by the organ stick with you.

Had a quick listen to the original and then the new mix.

Huge improvement IMHO, sounds great! A lot more presence and full sounding, well done.

Mike,

A great track. A new version really has a lot of clarity to it.

An excellent mix. Well done. Enjoyed it.

fj

I agree with the previous comments. A huge improvement on the original. Love the lead guitar. However, I'm thinking if you replaced the Hammond Organ with a flute in the lead parts it would have even more punch and give more of a Jethro Tull vibe. Keep up the good work!

You have certainly improved the quality of this song...
Even my ears could discern the difference...
BTW...
I really dig that bass line...
Pretty cool!

I Think I remember this Mike! You've got a REALLY big sound going on here! Man it sounds great to me! Several instruments coming in and out but it works for me! Very nice! Thanks, Torrey

Mike,

It sounds really good to me—great mix. Got no suggestions for you; good to go in my eyes (or ears, as the case may be). Will look forward to hearing it with a vocal just to see where it goes. Nicely done!

My best to you,

Deej

Yep, the organ sounds better (more organic) without the leslie spinning in my scone.
C'mon - try to sing it (you can always use a pitch correcter).

Thanks for your comments Dave. I was hoping you'd have a listen.
Cheers,
Mike

We remember it too. This mix sounds excellent!

Really effective arrangement also.

We enjoyed it.

J&B

PS: If you plan on submitting to the streaming platforms I would reduce the volume. It is loud...relatively. Below is a great link that will almost immediately show you how much the major streaming platforms would pull up or down your songs...if needed. I suspect this one would be reduced several db's. it's typically better to submit at the current industry standard volumes than have them adjust it which they will. SC which is about the only platform that doesn't make adjustments. Because of that at SC you can listen to several songs at typical streaming loudness then have the next one blow your monitors off the shelf If you have no interest in placing it on platforms other than SC please ignore my babbling!

It only takes a few seconds to measure it.
https://www.loudnesspenalty.com

FWIW!!!

Thanks Floyd. I really appreciate your taking the time to listen and comment. Glad you liked it.
Mike
Thanks Ghostgum. It's good to get feedback, especially when it's so positive. I'll have a think about your 'flutes' suggestion.
Cheers,
Mike

Thanks for taking the time to have a listen Jim. I appreciate your comments.
Cheers,
Mike
Glad you like the new mix Torrey. I'm having fun with the EZmix plug-in.
Mike

Really great use of RealTracks! Thanks for sharing this with us.

Love the mix. Too lazy to compare to the old.

Despite reading the description, I was still surprised at the entrance of the trumpets and trombone. Cool!

Thanks for listening and for the feedback Deej.
Cheers,
Mike
Thanks Ray. No, I wont be singing the song. A pitch corrector: sounds like something they need at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Cheers,
Mike
PS: congrats on your User Showcase Award.

Janice and Bud,
Thanks for listening and for your comments.
Thanks too for the Loudness Penalty info. Wow! I had no idea about this.
I tested Lazy Dayz (2020 mix) on the site and was told it would be reduced in volume between 4db and 6db, depending on the streaming platform.
I have been simply submitting my songs to Soundcloud (the only streaming platform I'm contributing to at the moment), and limiting them to-1db, which is what a lot of the literature says to do.
I'll have to investigate further.
Thanks again guys,
Cheers,
Mike

Well done.
I like the song and the mix.

Pretty much all been said, and I agree! Nice mix, great sound, really enjoyed it!

Steve

Mike,
New mix sounds very good. I love the way the organ sounds now and the horns were an inspired addition.

Robert

Hi Mike,

This is a very engaging groove. The easy, laid-back walking pace of the rhythm made me feel like I was happily sauntering along a country track on a sunny day.

Very nice listening! The mix sounded fine and the clarity of sound was excellent.

All the best,
Noel

I've missed a few recent comments about Lazy Dayz (2020 mix) because I've been on a cruise to beautiful New Zealand.

Thanks CaptainMoto for having a listen.
Mike
Thanks for listening Robert. As always, your comments are much appreciated.
Thanks Noel for your comments here and on SoundCloud. Your description is exactly what I was trying to achieve.
Cheers,
Mike

Hi Steve,
Sorry I've taken so long to acknowledge your comments but I've been away on a cruise.
I always appreciate hearing your opinion, but especially re Lazy Dayz (2020 mix), because in this newer version I used the three drum tracks technique you talk about in your "Mixing Tips" post in the "Post your own Tips and Tricks here" forum: https://www.pgmusic.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=162045
Thanks for the tip. I think it works a treat.
Cheers,
Mike

Such an easy groove to settle into. Lot's of strut. Band and production are excellent. The changes continually refreshenated the thing. A very sweet listen.

Hi Tangmo. Thanks for listening. Your comments are appreciated.
Cheers,
Mike

REALLY well done Mike!! Great composition and fantastic mix!! Take care. Greg

Thanks Greg. As always, I appreciate hearing your thoughts on my songs.
Cheers,
Mike