Hello Folks,
I was so charmed with Misha's work with my throw away lyric that I spent some time listening and thinking.
I was also intrigued by the two mic technique he was experimenting with on it.
I asked for Misha's song file & vocal tracks and then tinkered with the two vox - I ended up blending them into, what I heard as, a nice mic combo mono track.
I then thought about context and wanted to removed the song from it's known entity so that comparisons wouldn't be made re the vocal.
I ended up experimenting with a bundle of RealTracks from various styles that I blended into a pseudo sixties soul track. I'd learnt A LOT from working through Misha's song file and his use of stops etc. I decided to apply that to stuff I'd not fooled with previously - horn sections, ahhs, strings etc. I had fun though was a little disappointed that I coundn't create a BIG string section for silky lines al la late 50s ballads.
I initially mixed it in mono as I LOVE mono and it suited the style BUT I know most folk get annoyed by single channel stuff these days so remixed it in stereo.
File the Memory - Stax
4JIM
MONO mix
I sent Misha a copy and he was generous enough to call it a nice variant. He probably wouldn't mind me posting it, slightly tweaked as with all things by me, but then again - I did it anyway.
I wanted to post the mix/rebuild simply to get more folk to listen to the FABULOUS melody.
Throw any/all comments you like at this re the arrangement and mix - I'll take it as a learning opportunity/experiment as it's not "new".

Excellent work on this Ray! Yes mixing in Mono is definitely a good idea initially, especially to hear phase issues. Thanks for sharing!

Experimentation is always fun...
You've created a variation of Misha's song that is unique in its own right...
I wish you had posted the mono version also...
Like you, I've always enjoyed listening to mono mixes...
Stones, Doors, & others...
They sounded great to my ears!

Wow - what a trip! The experimentation come out with some solid results here. It flows smooth as butter, and the vocal effects suit the psychedelic backing tracks perfectly. Really intriguing lyrics as well.

Nice work and thanks for sharing

JUST FOR YOU JIM,
(it's not a solid mix as I had to sub a few VSTs etc that only send stereo - all panning is centred, a little level adjustment and all FX mono - I didn't remember to put the low cut shelf on the bottom end as would've been needed for a real mono pressing but it's closer than simply pressing the mono button on the DAW.
File the memories Mono

I tend to really this kind of stuff that' a little weird on first pass but is still cool! That Misha is one talented dude and so are you Ray! Enjoyed it! Thanks, Torrey

I actually prefer the mono-version... it just sounds more coherent in my ears.

Anyway.. it is a great song, that I don't get tired of listening to. Thanks to both of you!

Will

I also prefer the mono version. Like Will said, it sounds more coherent. Enjoyed listening to this.

Steve

I think Will and Steve are on to something... although the mono mix was "too mono" for my taste. Perhaps splitting the difference would be worth a try...a stereo mix where the panning is no wider than about 20-25%...

Fun to compare the two...

Thanks Ray...
For taking the time to make a mono mix just for me...
Its nice to have a comparison...
I think I would have enjoyed listening to either mix as an original release.

Ray,
thank you for for trying / experimenting with this! I like most of your choices for backing more than what I cooked originally! Vocals seem to have a bit "in the tunnel" feel. I am already used to idea that you like vocals deeper in the mix A cool addition for archive!

Thank you everybody who mentioned my part on this!

P.S. work had pulled me to a non-creative direction, but slowly releasing its jaws. Finally getting some time to start listening and writing tunes.

Kind regards,
Misha.

Tuning in late, went straight for the mono mix

there's a lot to like!

everything comes thru clearly

sounds like good song even tho you call it a throw-away lyric

enjoyed the listen,

Kenny

As Deryk said, "Wow - what a trip! The experimentation come out with some solid results here." Yeah!

Being one of the older guys on the forum Bud likes the mono mix.

Janice is down with either -- she's always more attentive to lyrics and vocals than panning

We enjoyed the listens and also the backstory...thanks for that.

J&B

I think it is a cool sound!! Song is really good, and it's fun to mess around with different ideas. Certainly well put together, and an enjoyable alternative style! I listened to the mono for a bit. Like the vocal better in mono but the instruments in stereo. Cool stuff!! Take care. Greg