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Hello Folks, I read, accepted and applied suggestions offered. There was quite a long wait for a guitar solo that didn't arrive so I opted for a BIAB option. I did download a RealTrack set of guitar solos but, as good as they are, they didn't match the style or sound of the song so I used something alien and out of my comfort zone which, it seems, worked quite well. Construction Paper Heart - FINISHED! AND the video... Pygmy Beat Construction video BIAB components: Drums - Bright Brit pop Organ - background blues Solo - Slide guitar The rest came from: Vantage bass Squire Mustang HH guitar Yamaha FX500 Joyo ACtone pedal EHX Mel9 Pedal Scarlett 8i6 interface Recorded & mixed in Reaper Mastered by Fran Ashcroft of Happy Beat Studio UK. For those interested - I don't master my own stuff because a) I don't have the ears for it & b) a little distance offers a lot of perspective. Fran is great - he mastered this from a 24bit file I sent to him with WeTransfer. Normally I do 16bit. Currently he charges around 25 UK Pounds to do his thing for me as I'm a regular. He's was only marginally dearer when I 1st approached him. Construction Paper Heart A construction paper globe, Turning beneath a strobe. From each construction paper heart, I cut out a little part, And I glue it to my own. Which sits unused beside my phone, As yet to take a single call, See, I have no hope at all. See, I have no hope at all. In my construction paper world, I make plans that aren't unfurled. But each brightly coloured page, Sublimates my mounting rage. And I glue it to my own. Which sits unused beside my phone, Today I pinned them to the wall, See, I have no hope at all. See, I have no hope at all. And I glue it to my own. Which sits unused beside my phone, Your number written in my scrawl, See, I have no hope at all. See, I have no hope at all. Now I cut and fold and glue, So I don't take it out on you. Any & all comments are welcome. Suggestions I'll apply/try to my next track as this one is done & dusted.
Last edited by rayc; 07/20/18 11:16 PM.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
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Hi rayc, Thanks for sharing this with us! Fantastic choice of instrumentation and the overall progression is brilliant. The overall vibe reminds me a little bit of the Clash. Great work on the vocals too! 
Cheers, Joe
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As mentioned the Clash, Although defo 80s style, wish you had brought the vocals up more .
Good stuff.
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Cool stuff! I agree with the 1980s comments - a well-orchestrated production that shines throughout. I could see this in a Rock Music stage production. Really cool!
ALan
BIAB 2024 Ultra Plus-all StylePaks*Win11*32GB DDR5*Rhyzen 9745x*AT 2035 Mic*Peavey Nashville 112 Amp*Ibanez ART120* Acoustic/Electric/Washburn D200S Acoustic*Stromberg Monterey Jazz Guitar Loops: https://aldavidmusic.wixsite.com/bestmusicloops
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I enjoyed listening, and it definitely nailed the '80s vibe.  But I agree that the vocal seemed a bit buried against that wall of sound.
-- David Cuny My virtual singer development blogVocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?BiaB 2025 | Windows 11 | Reaper | Way too many VSTis.
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I enjoyed listening, and it definitely nailed the '80s vibe.  But I agree that the vocal seemed a bit buried against that wall of sound. I agree! This is a very good song and bringing up the vocal would bring it to perfection.
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Hi rayc, Thanks for sharing this with us! Fantastic choice of instrumentation and the overall progression is brilliant. The overall vibe reminds me a little bit of the Clash. Great work on the vocals too! Thanks Joe, you're very kind.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
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As mentioned the Clash, Although defo 80s style, wish you had brought the vocals up more . Good stuff. Beatmaster, the vocals are as up as I could cope with - sorry. I often slag off 80s music only to realize I have 100s of albumbs from that period - most of which I love.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
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Cool stuff! I agree with the 1980s comments - a well-orchestrated production that shines throughout. I could see this in a Rock Music stage production. Really cool!
ALan Thanks Alan, It'd have to be a musical misanthropy but that'd be interesting too.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
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I enjoyed listening, and it definitely nailed the '80s vibe.  But I agree that the vocal seemed a bit buried against that wall of sound. Thanks dcuny, I used an 80s FX machine and an 80s bass so had a head start. In my personal taste I prefer slightly buried or unclear vocals - early REM, The Residents, Pere Ubu etc. In this instance i was trying to hide my voice as much as I could get away with.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
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I enjoyed listening, and it definitely nailed the '80s vibe.  But I agree that the vocal seemed a bit buried against that wall of sound. I agree! This is a very good song and bringing up the vocal would bring it to perfection. Mario, If that translates to be just shy of perfection I'll take it. Thanks.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
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ray,
This is really well done.
A terrific cohesive sound. HUGE, yet clear. The drums and bass sound great (super bass sound!). The organ, too. Everything, actually...
I like the vocal where it is - just a little "buried" - I think that is right for the style (though I would have liked some "obvious delay" on it).
Excellent. Great listen.
fj
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Wow - what a tune! I thoroughly enjoyed this. Someone else mentioned The Clash, and I definitely think this is reminiscent of that band and their output in the early 80's. I love the vocals on this, and the backing tracks worked perfectly. Not a thing I'd change on this one - thanks for sharing 
Cheers, Deryk
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Ray, I enjoyed the original version - this is an improvement with the slide guitar ( nice effects) and a different mix. I like the slightly buried vocal - fits the style... and if the volume is cranked as it should be , it sounds about right!
Robert
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Excellent song Ray, so many different shades and tones. Well done!!!
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ray,
This is really well done.
A terrific cohesive sound. HUGE, yet clear. The drums and bass sound great (super bass sound!). The organ, too. Everything, actually...
I like the vocal where it is - just a little "buried" - I think that is right for the style (though I would have liked some "obvious delay" on it).
Excellent. Great listen.
fj Thanks FJ, I did toy with the delay on the vocal and quite liked it but decided against it as I'd already indulged too much in "wetnesses" and feared it was bringing the addiction back. In hindsight - you're right. Thanks for the generous words.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
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Not a thing I'd change on this one - thanks for sharing Thanks Deryk, that's a quote I can live with very happily.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
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Ray, I enjoyed the original version - this is an improvement with the slide guitar ( nice effects) and a different mix. I like the slightly buried vocal - fits the style... and if the volume is cranked as it should be , it sounds about right! Robert Thanks Robert, I'd had two guitarists promise solos but both fell through for good reasons. I had thrown the slide solo on as a gap fill and to demonstrate my thoughts on building up to as well as playing out of "the slot". In the end it was a clear winner as the last man standing.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
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Excellent song Ray, so many different shades and tones. Well done!!! Thanks Cliftond, I appreciate your assessment.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
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I've added a video link to the original post for those who prefer distraction or a glimpse of my mug.
Last edited by rayc; 07/21/18 11:32 PM.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
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Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
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Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
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