John,

Thanks so much! I like the more natural sound of this RealDrum too. I have been using a little different method on my RD's lately. I use 3 tracks - one with eq and compression to fit the mix (and sometimes another plugin or 2 as needed, such as Waves Transx to add some more punch), a second track with some reverb tails on it, usually set back in the mix to make it subtle (been doing this all along), but the 3rd track is flat with no eq, and moved "to the right" a few milliseconds, to fatten up the sound - then bring the 3rd track up very subtly in the mix, just enough to add body. Seems to bring the kick alive in the mix a little more, without making it "louder"

As to the horns, some of the horns are loops (from Logic), but I doubled the loop parts with some midi brass sounds (Logic), playing note for note what the loop was playing, but an octave lower to add depth. Then I added several more various brass parts, (all midi VSTi from Logic again). Then stir in some reverbs and delays, and simmer till ready!

Thanks again!

MountainSide,

Thanks again! I "layer" my background vocals - I record each part usually 3 times (on 3 separate tracks), then "space" them out (panning) to fill up the mix. Makes the vocals sound fuller, not louder. It's not unusual for me to have 12-18 tracks of just background vocals. (Sounds much more tedious than it is. I usually do most all my background vocals in one take, each, as long as I pronounce all the words right. )

George,

lol! I didn't take it as negative. I appreciate your input! Thanks once again!

Steve

Glockenspiel is the new ukelele.

Steve, in a word: WONDERFUL! Sounds fabulous on my desktop speakers. How does one improve on perfection? Michie's (George's) kilts were just billowing in the wind, me thinks.

RobbMiller,

Thanks? I really do appreciate you taking the time to listen and comment!

Don,

Thank you so much! Be easy on George. I don't want you starting an Irish-Scottish war!

Steve

Hi Steve,

Oh my goodness!!!! This sounds brilliant. The production is breathtaking. It's a very enthusiastic standing ovation from me.

All the best,
Noel

steve,
another good one, it's all been said already.

Would you be willing to post your recording/mixing/mastering techniques in the tips and tricks section? It doesn't tend to scroll away as quickly as the other forums, and what you're doing works so well, it should be put where it's easily accessible for a long time.

Likewise, there are others here who do subtle little things that make a big difference in the final product. Maybe if such an entry gets made to Tips & Tricks, y'all could add your tricks to the thread.

Well done Steve!

Very good idea Pat. +1

Wow, that sounds like a song that the British duo "Peter and Gordon" from the '60's would do
Enjoyable as usual but now I've got that chord sequence running through my head...grrr LOL
I add an +1 to Pat's idea also

Alyn

hi steve wow !!!! well done everything sounds great its a keeper thanks eric

Thanks so much for all of your generous comments!

I have been overwhelmed with my work, and battling a sinus infection, so I apologize for taking so long to get back with you guys! I will try to post some of my recording/mixing/mastering techniques in the Tips & Tricks section. It may be tomorrow night before I can get to it though.

Again, I truly appreciate all of your kind words!

Steve

Great Song Steve. Awesome in every way!

Sal

Polished and professional. The horns really stand out.
Very well done.

Just now had a chance to listen to this. This was excellent and I could see myself commuting to work listening to this song on the radio.

Thanks for posting this one Steven and sharing some of your recording secrets with us!

Of course, I recognise the very high level of skill that has gone into making this – but I am going to be a slightly dissenting voice in this thread.

I find the lead vocals in the verse are a bit lacking in intensity/conviction (not volume)

That there is the ‘Gloria’ chord pattern give or take.

After the first couple of verses maybe there is too much going on sonically (the horns at 1:24, tambourine at 2:00, cowbell and rock org at 2:15, the voices at 2:32….etc).

It could be argued that they been added to distract attention from what is otherwise a rather ordinary and somewhat formulaic composition.

And if there is nothing going on between the two protagonists other than courteous greetings, then how could they have their own song?

Yes of course Green Dress is very well played, put together and mixed, but to my ears this is not one of your finest Steven.

Very best regards,

Marc

Hi Steve,

I absolutely love this song.

Debra

Great recording. You managed to get a riff type sound. Cool. Great vocals too.

Thanks so much to all of you for your very kind words!

Several of you requested that I post in the Tips and Tricks Section about my methods of mixing, etc. Sorry it took so long for me to get to it, but I have been extremely busy in my work and FINALLY got around to posting a very LONG post there for you. Please feel free to add your tips, etc in the post there in the Tips and Tricks Section.

Here is a link...

http://www.pgmusic.com/forums/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=365821&an=0&page=0#Post365821

Thanks again!

Steve