Man, after all the reasons you'd given for burying your vocals, I was surprised to hear this wasn't awful. But it's better than not awful.
These unburied vocals are FINE, these unburied vocals are GOOD, if I could do that (and maybe I can, but never mind that now) I would.
Of course, artful obfuscation for its own sake is fine, no reason to leave well enough alone if you can mess with it, and as listeners we all have dues to pay. We should have to work on it. But, sometimes, after a while, having to listen to deliberately crappified vocals can leave one wishing it were just an instrumental.
This is good. As I recall earlier versions, it's a major improvement. Whatever you did, you should do it more.
Thanks Mark,
I've not had the opportunity to be loud for over a year so haven't been able to track a vocal that was useable in that time.
PLUS I'd MUCH rather someone else sing & "sell" the songs.
I think the difference in mic. technique made a significant difference as well...clarity, fewer artefacts etc.
I'm pleased, believe me, I was a shocked as you.