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#535750 - 05/07/19 03:17 AM
[User Showcase]
TORREY BLISS ROCKS AGAIN - The Last Man In Europe
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Registered: 04/13/16
Posts: 2504
Loc: Stanwell Park NSW Australia
Veteran
Registered: 04/13/16
Posts: 2504
Loc: Stanwell Park NSW Australia
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Here's a faux master of the latest collaboration between Torrey and I - along with Greg Loyacano. [Link no longer valid] Here's the mastered version... TLMIE MASTERED Written by Bliss/Cochrane The drums are BIAB as usual. I had almost no trouble sitting them in the mix this time. Torrey Bliss wrote the melody, sang lead, backing and harmony vocals plus edited the lyrics. Greg Loyacano played the three guitar tracks - Les Paul into Marshalls. James Dodd did the solo on his Crimson custom into a Blackstar. My end of the task was done in BIAB 11 and then in Reaper with native Reaper plugins, (comp & EQ plus a combo of those two to create a de-esser and 1 instance each of reverb and delay). The only non Reaper VST was PSP Vintage Warmer 2 which was used on the the vocal bus (semi driven tape), the guitar bus (semi driven tape) and the rhythm bus (light driven tape). I do have a squillion VST/plugs but have slowly moved away from using them. I played bass. The narrative is, basically, a biographical essay of one of the most influential writers of the 20th century. I will be sending this for mastering but know you folks would probably like to comment, suggest or review the track and this version is fairly compliant with the forum's preferences. Here're the lyrics... The Last Man In Europe. The last man in Europe struck a match Another chain smoker in a Spanish trench Front line Sietamo: copped one in the throat Fascist’s bullets - no antidote Even in the darkness was seen between the shots “England’s brighter blue between the chimney pots “ Doss house, tea, bread, margarine Beggars, mine workers: sights can’t be unseen. The last man in Europe struck a match Huddled but not cowered, sewed another patch Matches, cigarette, an unbroken chain Up to Wigan Pier and back again A home guard rifle underneath the bed Grenades on the mantelpiece better than being dead Wife, death, the boy in nanny’s lap Rumours, replace tumours, war filled the gap Sanatorium isolation, type writer, cigarette Smokey paraffin fire, can’t hold the boy yet Politics of art, art’s politics Economy, conformity, a gentler fascist. The last man in Europe struck a match Sucked in the air: each breath he could snatch Nicotine, blood stains, colour teeth and lips Death draws each breath in bloody sips Please feel free to comment on any and all aspects.
Edited by Andrew - PG Music (08/28/20 04:50 PM)
_________________________
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe Pop on over to The Recording Rebels for positive, honest commentary, critiques and support. https://therecordingrebels.com
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#535780 - 05/07/19 07:43 AM
[User Showcase]
Re: TORREY BLISS ROCKS AGAIN - The Last Man In Europe
[Re: rayc]
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Registered: 02/15/17
Posts: 3298
PG Music Staff
Registered: 02/15/17
Posts: 3298
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Really well done! A great groove, and nicely catchy too. Definitely an earworm, and I found the vocals to be really memorable. Reminds me of rock music that was coming out in the 80's almost. I can't help but imagine how good this would sound live. Thanks for sharing 
_________________________
Cheers,
Deryk
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#535799 - 05/07/19 09:14 AM
[User Showcase]
Re: TORREY BLISS ROCKS AGAIN - The Last Man In Europe
[Re: rayc]
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Registered: 08/10/12
Posts: 8681
Loc: Florida
Veteran
Registered: 08/10/12
Posts: 8681
Loc: Florida
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ray...Torrey...
Rockin'!
The tracks sound really good. Drums and bass and guitars really Pop!
The solo is nice. I thought it could come up in volume slightly.
The vocals are excellent. They have the kind of "dramatic immediacy" that characterize Elvis Costello or Joe Jackson - a good match for the song/style.
I thought they could have come up just slightly - to "sit even" with the guitars (they seem "a bit back" from them).
The song is well written, interesting... though many of the references elude me - haven't read that much Orwell.
Good stuff, y'all.
fj
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#535800 - 05/07/19 09:15 AM
[User Showcase]
Re: TORREY BLISS ROCKS AGAIN - The Last Man In Europe
[Re: rayc]
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Registered: 06/16/00
Posts: 1944
Loc: Texas
Expert
Registered: 06/16/00
Posts: 1944
Loc: Texas
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Well... You forced me to some research... you tricky-little devil  Fortunately your lyrics then made more sense to me... You guys have produced a great sounding composition... And I imagine it will sound even better after you polish it up with the mastering process.
Edited by Jim (05/07/19 09:16 AM)
Edit Reason: dadgum missing "the"
_________________________
Jim
†=☮&♥
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#535805 - 05/07/19 09:26 AM
[User Showcase]
Re: TORREY BLISS ROCKS AGAIN - The Last Man In Europe
[Re: rayc]
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Registered: 06/09/16
Posts: 2884
Veteran
Registered: 06/09/16
Posts: 2884
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A heady lyric ( a few gritty lines zapped me as they went by and made me curious to learn about some references).
I like the driving sound ... and hearing Torrey sing a hard rock tune!
I guess I`ve missed your other collaborations with the Blissman
The guitar solo sounds excellent -maybe a bit buried in the mix.
Robert
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#535812 - 05/07/19 10:04 AM
[User Showcase]
Re: TORREY BLISS ROCKS AGAIN - The Last Man In Europe
[Re: rayc]
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Registered: 01/18/16
Posts: 1664
PG Music Staff
Registered: 01/18/16
Posts: 1664
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Hey ray, fantastic choice of instrumentation on this. Excellent mixdown on all of this and the vibe is very appealing. The bass sounds wonderful. Well done!
_________________________
Cheers,
Joe
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#535830 - 05/07/19 11:20 AM
[User Showcase]
Re: TORREY BLISS ROCKS AGAIN - The Last Man In Europe
[Re: rayc]
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Registered: 08/21/18
Posts: 1158
Expert
Registered: 08/21/18
Posts: 1158
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Can't comment much on mixes. Extra-fine lyric and delivery of same. Kind of a cross between Ian Anderson and Metallica. Looking forward to the power from a "louder" master.
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#535833 - 05/07/19 12:15 PM
[User Showcase]
Re: TORREY BLISS ROCKS AGAIN - The Last Man In Europe
[Re: rayc]
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Registered: 02/20/10
Posts: 968
Loc: Maryland
Expert
Registered: 02/20/10
Posts: 968
Loc: Maryland
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Sounded great, I heard The Clash in it, maybe because of the political lyrics. Great job getting all those words to flow naturally in the melody. Very impressive all the way around, listened several times.
_________________________
Windows 10, Intel Core I5 10400, 16 gig ram, Scarlett 6i6, Komplete keyboard, Sony Acid Music Studio 11, BIAB 2020 UltraPlus Pak
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#535838 - 05/07/19 12:59 PM
[User Showcase]
Re: TORREY BLISS ROCKS AGAIN - The Last Man In Europe
[Re: rayc]
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Registered: 12/05/11
Posts: 9420
Loc: GA USA
Veteran
Registered: 12/05/11
Posts: 9420
Loc: GA USA
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We have a long standing interest in history so your lyric drove us both quickly to google as we have both read a bit of Orwell but never anything biographical.
That is a brilliant write and it was worth the price of admission alone just to try and find the events in Orwell's life from which you drew your references. The imagery is remarkably vivid.
Then the song iced the cake with the absolutely in the pocket performances -- vocals, guitars and bass. Guitar effects are mostly above my pay grade but the rhythm guitars on all your productions seem to have something with the distortion that sets them apart from the pack...in a good way.
Great collab y'all!!!
J&B
PS And thanks for the history lesson...
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#535857 - 05/07/19 02:45 PM
[User Showcase]
Re: TORREY BLISS ROCKS AGAIN - The Last Man In Europe
[Re: rayc]
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Registered: 03/07/18
Posts: 2123
Veteran
Registered: 03/07/18
Posts: 2123
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Ray, Torrey & Greg When the gala / wine event for Album release will take place? Very strong collaboration! Listens very smoothly, no painful points or such (to my ears), kept me entertained all the way. Grungy uplifting Lyrics are a bit coded, but with help of mr.Google I was able to get a sense of the story. Thank you for sharing and congrats to all who participated! Misha.
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#535875 - 05/07/19 04:04 PM
[User Showcase]
Re: TORREY BLISS ROCKS AGAIN - The Last Man In Europe
[Re: rayc]
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Registered: 08/09/10
Posts: 4440
Loc: New York
Veteran
Registered: 08/09/10
Posts: 4440
Loc: New York
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Ray / Torrey,
This song is a very cool production - great lyrics and the mix is awesome!
The real standout for me though is Torrey's performance. I think he is an outstanding singer, but this is a really inspired vocal - one of his all time best.
Loved it!
Bob
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#535885 - 05/07/19 04:38 PM
[User Showcase]
Re: TORREY BLISS ROCKS AGAIN - The Last Man In Europe
[Re: rayc]
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Registered: 09/02/18
Posts: 1104
Loc: Denmark
Expert
Registered: 09/02/18
Posts: 1104
Loc: Denmark
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Very good song and production!
I need to revisit Orwell to fully understand the lyrics... it is at least 25 years ago I read his books and I know too little about his life. This song is great inspiration to look up information about him again.
Thanks a lot for sharing!
Will
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#535891 - 05/07/19 05:10 PM
[User Showcase]
Re: TORREY BLISS ROCKS AGAIN - The Last Man In Europe
[Re: rayc]
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Registered: 06/19/17
Posts: 2360
Loc: Victoria, BC
PG Music Staff
Registered: 06/19/17
Posts: 2360
Loc: Victoria, BC
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Really awesome vocals! Overall the song is great. Thanks for sharing.
_________________________
Cheers,
Ember
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#535896 - 05/07/19 06:53 PM
[User Showcase]
Re: TORREY BLISS ROCKS AGAIN - The Last Man In Europe
[Re: Deryk - PG Music]
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Registered: 04/13/16
Posts: 2504
Loc: Stanwell Park NSW Australia
Veteran
Registered: 04/13/16
Posts: 2504
Loc: Stanwell Park NSW Australia
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Really well done! A great groove, and nicely catchy too. Definitely an earworm, and I found the vocals to be really memorable. Reminds me of rock music that was coming out in the 80's almost. I can't help but imagine how good this would sound live. Thanks for sharing Deryk, thanks and YES, Torrey does a fantastic job and wrote an excellent melody to hang the words on.
_________________________
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe Pop on over to The Recording Rebels for positive, honest commentary, critiques and support. https://therecordingrebels.com
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#535897 - 05/07/19 06:59 PM
[User Showcase]
Re: TORREY BLISS ROCKS AGAIN - The Last Man In Europe
[Re: floyd jane]
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Registered: 04/13/16
Posts: 2504
Loc: Stanwell Park NSW Australia
Veteran
Registered: 04/13/16
Posts: 2504
Loc: Stanwell Park NSW Australia
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ray...Torrey...
Rockin'!
... though many of the references elude me - haven't read that much Orwell.
Good stuff, y'all.
fj
FJ, Thank you very much. You picked it was Orwell so you did well. The majority of references are biographical and I doubt many folk have read about the man. Clearly I've read a few of the biogs as well as all of his works. I'll have a listen to the vocal & solo levels later today - thanks.
_________________________
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe Pop on over to The Recording Rebels for positive, honest commentary, critiques and support. https://therecordingrebels.com
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#535898 - 05/07/19 07:01 PM
[User Showcase]
Re: TORREY BLISS ROCKS AGAIN - The Last Man In Europe
[Re: Jim]
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Registered: 04/13/16
Posts: 2504
Loc: Stanwell Park NSW Australia
Veteran
Registered: 04/13/16
Posts: 2504
Loc: Stanwell Park NSW Australia
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Well... You forced me to some research... you tricky-little devil Fortunately your lyrics then made more sense to me... Torrey and I decided not to write a song but to prepare an assignment for the forum. It's the "chalkie" in me, sorry. On another level - THANKS for the generous assessment. You've passed the assignment.
_________________________
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe Pop on over to The Recording Rebels for positive, honest commentary, critiques and support. https://therecordingrebels.com
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#535899 - 05/07/19 07:03 PM
[User Showcase]
Re: TORREY BLISS ROCKS AGAIN - The Last Man In Europe
[Re: Robertkc]
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Registered: 04/13/16
Posts: 2504
Loc: Stanwell Park NSW Australia
Veteran
Registered: 04/13/16
Posts: 2504
Loc: Stanwell Park NSW Australia
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A heady lyric ( a few gritty lines zapped me as they went by and made me curious to learn about some references).
I like the driving sound ... and hearing Torrey sing a hard rock tune!
Robert Thanks Robert, Torrey's chops are top shelf aren't they? "gritty" is good I assume.
_________________________
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe Pop on over to The Recording Rebels for positive, honest commentary, critiques and support. https://therecordingrebels.com
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#535900 - 05/07/19 07:04 PM
[User Showcase]
Re: TORREY BLISS ROCKS AGAIN - The Last Man In Europe
[Re: Joe -PG Music]
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Registered: 04/13/16
Posts: 2504
Loc: Stanwell Park NSW Australia
Veteran
Registered: 04/13/16
Posts: 2504
Loc: Stanwell Park NSW Australia
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Hey ray, fantastic choice of instrumentation on this. Excellent mixdown on all of this and the vibe is very appealing. The bass sounds wonderful. Well done! Thanks Joe, It almost mixed itself.
_________________________
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe Pop on over to The Recording Rebels for positive, honest commentary, critiques and support. https://therecordingrebels.com
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#535901 - 05/07/19 07:06 PM
[User Showcase]
Re: TORREY BLISS ROCKS AGAIN - The Last Man In Europe
[Re: Tangmo]
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Registered: 04/13/16
Posts: 2504
Loc: Stanwell Park NSW Australia
Veteran
Registered: 04/13/16
Posts: 2504
Loc: Stanwell Park NSW Australia
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Extra-fine lyric and delivery of same. Kind of a cross between Ian Anderson and Metallica. Tangmo, Thanks - the delivery of the lines is really fine. Interesting concept for a MashUp you've proposed.
_________________________
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe Pop on over to The Recording Rebels for positive, honest commentary, critiques and support. https://therecordingrebels.com
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#535902 - 05/07/19 07:08 PM
[User Showcase]
Re: TORREY BLISS ROCKS AGAIN - The Last Man In Europe
[Re: TuneMonger]
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Registered: 04/13/16
Posts: 2504
Loc: Stanwell Park NSW Australia
Veteran
Registered: 04/13/16
Posts: 2504
Loc: Stanwell Park NSW Australia
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I heard The Clash in it... Great job getting all those words to flow naturally in the melody. TM, The guitarist is a BIG Clash fan and the bvox have a bit of that in them too. Torrey did a fine, fine job making the words fit the mouth.
_________________________
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe Pop on over to The Recording Rebels for positive, honest commentary, critiques and support. https://therecordingrebels.com
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