"Think It Through" is my latest serious composition, following "Lights". I didn't consider "My Mate Jack" as a favourable representation, but more of a "fluff-piece" !!
This was intended to be a ballad, but I think it got away from me in the end, far too much electrification, instead of focusing on playing it acoustically. The subject matter also doesn't really lend well to a ballad, although having said that is "Happiness is a Warm Gun" a ballad? So lyrically, this is a very simplistic point of view about gun control. I've treated the subject with kid gloves really, as I know guns are seen as a right in some places. But the message is simple enough, in that they ruin lives, and more often than not it's the innocent who pay the ultimate price.
So, I did four vocal takes and selected the "optimum" track for the verse, doubled up vocals on the pre-chorus and four tracked the chorus. The doubling each time gave it extra weight and finally reached orgasm in the chorus. (can I say that?) The vocals are okay but I wouldn't say exceptional. Towards the end of the second chorus, you can make me out struggling for breath with some of the phrasing. The intro and outro lead guitar is myself and not BIAB, it worked okay, not Joe Satriani, but not bad for improv.
The Youtube video, I hate doing the videos too time consuming, is just illustrating that we all have options and it depends which door you decide to go through. I apologise for some of the odd subliminal images in the second half, I was just trying to visualise the darker side of the human psyche.
It's a wrap.... not a rap, hate rap!!!
BIAB Summary: Style is _DRVBRTS.STY (Modern Groove Soloist, Brit Rock) RealTracks in style: 1827:Bass, Electric, PopModernGrooveA-B Ev16 075 RealTracks in style: 1835:Guitar, Electric, Soloist PopModernGrooveGritty Ev16 075 RealTracks in style: 677:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm RockBritDriving Ev 085 RealTracks in style: 680:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm RockBritSoulful Ev 085 RealDrums in style:RockBritDrivingEv16^1-a:Snare, HiHat , b:Snare, Ride
Real Instruments: Seagull Coastline acoustic guitar Hils NEXT Headless HN5 electric guitar
Lyrics: VERSE 1 Cradling my firearm, keeping safe from harm. Holds at bay the darkness of the approaching storm. A moment of tension, just one bad word. It’s my voice of reason, waiting to be heard. PRE-CHORUS A shadow steps out in the night. What’s it take to put the wrongs right. CHORUS So think it through, oooh, whatever’s hurting you. The fog will clear by the morning. Don’t look back or down the track. There’s always someone behind you. So think it through, oooh, what you’re gonna do, oooh. Think it through, infamy is calling. SOLO VERSE 2 It’s funny how in an hour from now. Not a single word will be spoken. Wrong or right, I’m up for the fight Don’t care what rules or lives broken. PRE-CHORUS The shadow lurking out of sight. What wrongs will you settle tonight? CHORUS So think it through, oooh, whatever’s hurting you. The fog will clear by the morning. Don’t look back or down the track. There’s always someone behind you. So think it through, oooh, what you’re gonna do, oooh. Think it through, infamy is calling. Don’t look back y-yeah, don’t look back y-yeah, Don’t look back behind you. OUTRO
Nice tune! Nifty axe work and I like your vocals a lot. Nice floating backing track, and a great chorus. The vox doubling+ is very effective as a dynamic device as you've used it, though it might be driving the vocals a bit hot in the mix. Cool "serious piece".
DC Ron BiaB Audiophile Presonus Studio One ASUS I9-12900K DAW, 32 GB RAM Presonus Faderport 16 Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
Hi Lee! I LOVE that falsetto (throu -ou-ough) phrasing in the chorus - that’s the hook! I was waiting for it to return after hearing it the first time. Andrew
A topic I agree with 100%, packaged in a beautiful song. Good choice of instruments, and the sparse arrangement help convey the message. In terms of production, the singer seems to be in a different room than the band. Less reverb, and probably a different type, would help here. No biggie, though
I liked this, especially the falsetto notes on the chorus. The doubling, for me, was distracting, and I suspect the vocal would sound much more "in the same room" as the instruments if you removed it. I have never had any luck using a doubling plugin. I keep hearing how great they are, but not for me. But overall, a good tune and a good message. Well done!
Windows 11, Intel Core I5 10400, 16 gig ram, Scarlett 2i2, Sony Acid Music Studio 10, BIAB 2020 UltraPlus Pak
I think you’re right that the Vox are a little hot, especially with the four tracks in the chorus. I was trying to make sure the vocals could be heard and even used a brightener to bring it up when I mumbled. But it’s a learning curve to find the best vocal balance in production and to get the best vocal take I can do. Thank you for your comment on the guitar playing, it’s the main aspect I’m self conscious of.
Yeah it needed that hook otherwise there may not have been enough rise and fall in the Vox. Glad you liked it. I’m looking forward to your next song once you get that finger picking sorted….it’ll be a cracker!
Forum members, Andrew’s next song is a winner. ……. No pressure Andrew!!
Yeah, I tried to brighten my vocals for clarity and I may have overcooked it. I didn’t deliberately put any extra reverb but I did push the Vox both in level and spatially.
Thank you for listening, appreciate it. Kind regards.
Yes the lunacy domestically and internationally continues. I’ll have to watch the effects I use on vocals and how they fit in the mix. It’s seems like this is a theme with the reviews. Not a problem, it’s all good feedback. That’s the only way we learn.
I’m taking on board that the doubling is a distraction, it’s a constructive critique that is coming up repeatedly. All good, I need to know these sort of issues so I can address them in future songs.
Cool, Lee. I had a chance to listen to this yesterday when I got notice from YT. Very cool video, too. I really like your Beatle-influenced sound and writing style. I especially like the sound of your acoustic guitar, although it may be a little too loud for the mix --but my ears are not the best reference. The electric seems to fit better in the mix.
Enjoy whatever happens! marty
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@babumusic51 SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/marty-straub Band in a Box, Reaper, Cakewalk, Ozone 12, EZDrummer
Great theme and chorus, but I agree with B.D." In terms of production, the singer seems to be in a different room than the band.". I have zero experience with mastering, but there must be some way to make the vocals sit in comfortably with the rhythm section.
Some favourite Waoist Adages: #1: Play on the Way. #13: Ask not for whom the flower blooms, it blooms for you. #58: Bring consciousness to it. #63: On the road to effortlessness, effort must be made. #92: Be Love Now, the rest will come on its own.
I think YOUR guitar playing REALLY lifts the level in this thing. I'd be inclined to gradually ramp up guitar aggression across the prechorus to a point a dB or so below the chorus so that it hits but as a slap, rather than punch, in the face. Love the vox. Love the narrative. Love the Axe work and the backing band holds its own too. COOL & phanque vay mush.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
Thank you very much Marty. Yeah, I definitely think I’ve got some issues with levels and the vocal mix. But I’ll learn from this and do better on future songs.
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