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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,815
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,815 |
Ha, ha -- I completely missed that thread listed by Brallan, that's a doozy! My opinion: the person being reviewed blew a 50amp fuse. A better response to those critiques would have been: "Thank you very much, can I have another?"
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 349
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 349 |
How about a simple form to be filled out by the poster of a new song stating:
Title, Author, Genre, Original or cover, Inspiration or goal if original (Optional), Experience (Novice, Enthusiast, Veteran), Recording process, Open to criticism or not (maybe a checklist to help zero in on strengths and weaknesses), Misc comments.
Might also help avoid misunderstandings, let listeners determine which songs they want to take time to listen to (if they are not into Jazz, Christian, Hard Rock etc)and help PG more easily organize their list of posted offerings.
Carkins
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,106
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Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,106 |
It's clear that there are two different points of view here regarding whether to critique or not. My preference would be to keep it simple. One forum can handle both preferences if the person posting the song just says up front what type of feedback is welcome.
Maybe things like:
"No feedback necessary, because I doubt that I'll change it"
"tell me what works and what doesn't in this song "
"Constructive criticism welcome, but be kind"
"This song is as good as I know how to make it... what am I missing? How can I make it better?"
"I want total honesty... tear it up, pick it apart, report any and all flaws so I can learn how to avoid them in the future"
That way anyone who cares to comment can do so within the guidelines set by the OP, and nobody will ever get more than they asked for.
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,713
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Veteran
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,713 |
Quote:
Quote:
I totally agree Jan.The only caveat is you do have to have a knowledge of the person that's giving objective feed back. he/she may not have a clue and could be giving totally bad opinions. As far as subjective opinion. It's a matter of "I like it" '"I don't like it". Be honest.
BINGO! That is exactly why for the most part my low number of comments on original music, because they tend to be subjective, I either like it or not. And I usually only comment on songs "I like a lot". That is unless something in the mix, chord structure or layout sticks out like a sore thumb, then and only then I feel my constructive different point of view regarding these issues might be helpful. I leave the rest to the many on this forum who's expertise, especially as it pertains to mixing and wordsmith is in another league than mine.
With this said and while my hat is off to all who are writing original music, I am equally impressed when someone takes a popular work re-arranges it to fit a different feel and/or style, or as the old adage says, "make it there own." Too bad copyrights keep us from hearing more of the latter.
Later,
PS: Good thread Jan!
Another point I neglected and should have added to my original response to this post, is that with so many original work being posted, and that is a good thing, the time equation comes into play. You see to give an honest listen I would have to listen to each tune (unless something just jumps out and grabs me) at least 2-3 times before I would feel a comfort level with the piece of work to make a comment.
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Anonymous
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Anonymous
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,106
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Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,106 |
I don't like it when spammers cut and paste a legitimate post but insert ad links. But in this case it resurrected an interesting thread and I had a high ol' time rereading everybody's thoughts. 
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,657
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,657 |
The problem as i see it is that we all have different views of what is appropriate.
I was a big contributor at the Acid Planet forums a few years back, and there is an active music review program there. When you dig in and get involved by reviewing others music, it causes your music to get reviews, and the more plays and reviews holds your work on the charts , no reviews and plays it will drop down and disappear. The problem i saw after a while was that it became a popularity contest, and not a true music review system. The good part was you got a lot of solid feedback.
Here you get "great song", "awesome job" "keep em comin'. That is nice if all you want is to be told you are great, even if you are not! I want the truth, and for that reason i tell the truth. If i think that a song is pretty good, but the vocals are pitchy i say that. I try to be kind, and positive, but still I am honest for the most part.
I say most part, because i have seen a trend where if you speak up and tell the truth you ge blasted back.
For this reason i have decided to not comment much, except for folks that i know a little bit, and know they can handle it, and will return in like kind. I can't for the life of me understand why folks want to post songs that need work, and then get upset when someone tries to be honest and help. But hey one thing i have learned over 10 years of posting in forums like this is that we all have a somewhat fragile ego.
I wish that we could develop a system that works better, and would be willing to help with that, but not to get into a fuss over it. I have heard long rave reviews for several pages over songs that were just okay, and no comment on songs that were first class.
Look most of us here are hobbyist at best. Most vocals are rather weak, and not up to record industry standards. That makes for a song that is rather hard to critique, for fear of hurting someone, that is a fellow musician. But me for one would rather know the truth, and not go around thinking I am all that and a bag of chips if I really need work.
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB 2025, Realband, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 9 32c , Melodyne 5 editor, Presonus Audiobox 1818VSL, Presonus control app.
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 348
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 348 |
Well I pretty much comment on most of the new songs on the first page of the user show case rather I know the person or not with the exception of those using Sound Cloud. I figure if I put my songs up there and get comments then that's the least I can give back. I try to be honest and fare in my critiques and hope I don't hurt anyone in the process or give wrong information. As far as you comment on my songs and I'll comment on yours attitude, I've seen that on every song group I've ever been on. That's sort of human nature. I appreciate any comments I get on the songs I post rather they are one liner ones like great job or I love it. That tells me the person took the time to actually listen to my song. Of course when someone really takes the time to critique my stuff it does make me feel more special. The bottom line for me though with all this is I try not to take any of it too seriously especially myself.
Tim
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,085
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,085 |
Quote:
I have heard long rave reviews for several pages over songs that were just okay, and no comment on songs that were first class.
So why didn't you comment on the ones that you thought were first class with no comments?
If you thought a song was that good then your comments would be positive and certainly appreciated by the poster.

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Off-Topic
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 348
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 348 |
Quote:
Quote:
I have heard long rave reviews for several pages over songs that were just okay, and no comment on songs that were first class.
So why didn't you comment on the ones that you thought were first class with no comments?
If you thought a song was that good then your comments would be positive and certainly appreciated by the poster.
And also bring the song back up to the top where others like me who don't go past the first page can get a chance to hear it.
Tim
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,657
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,657 |
Sometimes i do make comments, on those songs. I was talking about songs that at the time that i listened to them, at that point had no comments.
It was more of a observation really.
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB 2025, Realband, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 9 32c , Melodyne 5 editor, Presonus Audiobox 1818VSL, Presonus control app.
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Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
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Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe
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We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
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