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The Truth About Lies

I hope you don't mind me posting two songs three days apart. I usually allow at least five days between posts. But I'm never sure when I'll have the opportunity to be here on the forum these days. Thanks for indulging me.

I seriously doubt this is the first song with this title. But, I didn't look it up.

About two years ago, Di and I discussed what our favorite bands and artists from the 70s, 80s, and 90s would sound like if they recorded in today's music environment. For some reason, that conversation crossed my mind at about two o'clock this morning. So, I gave this one a try. This is my idea of what Dire Straits might sound like if they recorded something this week. The Synth and Horn Section tracks are buried pretty deep in the mix. But taking them out is noticeable. They gently fill out the soundscape without being obvious.

I have an hour and twenty minutes invested in this one. As I mentioned, my time for music is significantly abbreviated.

The obvious differences are the drums and the busy rhythm guitar on the right channel. I also gave the lead guitar a tiny bit more treble than Mark Knopfler typically used. The drums are much louder than what Dire Straits have used. But I think it works on this one.

Tell me what you think. Am I way off base, or maybe kind of close?

Another thing you might not have noticed - this is the exact same chord progression I used in my previous song, "Keeping It Simple." I just selected a different style and added the Alt Hip Hop Pad - no other changes whatsoever. I think that's another testament to the versatility and capabilities of BIAB with a little intuition on the user's part.



File:The Truth About Lies.SGU

Key=Dm , Tempo 130, Length (m:s)=3:02

Style is _OUTFIT.STY (Outfit Modern Funk Pop Gtr Solo)

RealTracks in style: ~683:Bass, Electric, PopHalfNotesPush Ev 120
RealTracks in style: 3197:Guitar, Electric, Soloist PopBalladMellowBrent Ev 130
RealTracks in style: 4006:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm ModPopSoulRiffs Ev16 130
RealTracks in style: 4004:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm ModPopFunkySingle Ev16 130
RealTracks in song: 2744:Synth, Rhythm AltHipHopPadA-B Ev16 085
Loop in Song: Pop-Soul-RnB\Pop - pop_ballad_Drums_108_b ev16.wav
RealTracks in style: ~2293:Horn Section, Rhythm PopPads Ev 130
RealDrums in style:PopPepSquad^08-a:No cheers, Acoustic Snare , b:Cheers, Quiet hihat

*******************

This is a great instrumental, from the solo guitar to the rhythm section and arrangement. Very Dire Straits in vibe, but I think if they were recording today their recording company would want to over-produce them.

Alan, very sonically pleasing, as always. Nice job turning all the cool Knopfler licks into a tune, and updating the sound. You are definitely MUCH more time efficient than I am when working your BiaB magic!

My 20-something year old son's favorite album is Brother in Arms. In today's world of "new" music and AI generated tunes, I find that comforting.

Alan,

Love this. It has all the feel and vibe you were going for. Great mix as well.

Sounds like Dire revisited!

Bob

Thanks, Chay. Apprciate those kind comments. And yeah, music producers have to play with all the new options thery have and often don't know when to say no.

Thanks again,

Alan

Hi Ron,

Thanks for the supportive comments. Nice to know it works for you! Your son had great taste!

Take care,

Alan

Hi Bob,

Thanks for the confirmation I might have accomplished my goal. My mixing is a combination of adjustments on the chord input sheet and in Audacity. It seems to work pretty good for me. I make quite a few adjustments on the back side of the chord input sheet. Doing so leaves me with much less work to do in Audacity. Most of the work I do in Audacity is "shaping" the overall sound of the entire project.

Take care,

Alan

It's very similar but Mark Knopfler would have to sing in rap and put on a synthetic bass drum that hammers the time. We must not understand anything in the words or she will vomit hatred of the other. We must avoid all her nonsense like guitar solos and soppy lyrics from the 70s about peace and love. I look forward to your 2024 version of America Group.
Excuse me but I couldn't resist!
Laurent

We listened to a lot of Dire Straits back in the day and on occasion nowadays.

Not much to say other than you absolutely nailed their vibe.
Really impressive use of BiaB tracks.

Enjoyed it!

J&B

You always know how to pick out some nice real tracks and mix them together.

This is no exception.

Very pleasant to listen to.

Alan, you nailed the Mark Knopfler tone and style to a tee!
Super groove and mix.
Excellent use of RTs.

Alan, this was one very successful expirement. I didn't listen to a lot of Dire Straits when they were hot, but I did hear some and liked what I heard. I thought you nailed the sound right from the start. I like the melody in both your styles. You are a master at this stuff, no question.

Brad

Alan...you always use the BiaB tracks masterfully...really quite "Dire" sounding!

Great "modern" Dire Straits vibe, works like a charm. I enjoyed listening, I could imagine Mark Knopfler crooning over the tune. Yes, BIAB is amazingly versatile. I look forward to your next creative idea

Janne

Laurent,

Ha! Love your comment! And you're probably right. Thanks for taking the time to listen and comment.

Best to you, Merci beaucoup.

Alan

You folks are always too kind. Thank you very much for the listen and very nice comment.

Alan

Therein lies the truth. Hi, Alan. Yesterday I was making the video for a song called Truth In The Proof. Your music tells me we think alike. I love the guitar in this one. So creative and so well played. I always loved Dire Straits --especially Knopfler. And your recreation --or rather update of him is quite a good tribute. Who else were you and Di discussing?

Hi David,

Thanks so much! I truly appreciate the very kind comments!

Best to you & yours,

Alan

HI Mario,

I'm glad ther vibe comes across. And thank you very much for the listen and supportiver comments. Much appreciated!

Alan

Hi Brad,

Well, aren't you so kind! Thank you very much. I'm not so sure about being master of anything, but I appreciate you saying so. I listened to them abit when they were popular. But I've really enjoyed the couple of videos with Knopfler and Vince Gill together in more recent years.

Best to you,

Alan