Hi Greg,

This song could be evaluated on several different levels, and at each level it gets a different score in my book.

level 1, the composition:
I REALLY like the composition, chords, theme, lyrics and energy of this song. The arranging of the real tracks is very good.. instruments flow in and out very realistically. I also appreciate the added sound effects. They add to the "live" feel of the song, which, as I've said before, is one of your key strengths (IMHO). You know how to make a song exciting as in a live performance.

level 2, the live performance:
yeah, the vocal synch is not always on cue.. and the reasons you offer are probably right. Maybe a bit too fast or too edgy... but in the context of a live performance, those things aren't deal killers. Enthusiastic use of vocal chords often changes the vocal parameters somewhat. So, as a live performance it works for me. I can imagine myself sitting in a lawn chair at Merlefest listening to this piece while tapping my foot and nodding approvingly.

level 3, the studio recording:
It is mixed well... on my speakers is was crystal clear, no mud, and the panning/balance of the instruments was value-adding. But as a studio recording, people would expect that you spent more time getting the vocals right. These days even humble home studios commonly have the technology to fix pitch, timing, etc and we are so spoiled by perpetual sonic perfection that when we hear something that sounds "natural", it raises a red flag.

Assuming latency is the culprit, you may want to try one or more of the following fixes:
1) if you aren't already using ASIO drivers, that might help the latency
2) if the song is just too fast, you could slow it down or..
3) punch in as needed until it's in synch throughout the song
4) consider purchasing melodyne. It has an algorithm for repositioning audio notes like midi, and it does a pretty good job of polishing a first take it into a keeper.

On the other hand, I'm not a fan of totally processed sound (especially bluegrass)

I like your live sound. If I were you, with your natural talents and tendencies, I would focus on making "LIVE" recordings and forget about trying to polish away the rough edges of the gem. That's totally your own creative judgment call, however. Only you can decide what persona you want to present with your music. But I really like your sound. Everything you've posted so far sounds good to me. Your songs are FUN to listen to, and not every musician knows how to consciously repeat that phenomenon.

Last edited by Pat Marr; 09/28/10 04:32 AM.
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ey71h8ep047758h/AAC12jNM0Hz9Q8zsh5iDeqNHa?dl=0