Last call... final song for my CD is up

Discussion:

(too old to reply)

Lewis

2007-03-27 07:08:25 UTC

I haven't been getting a slew of responses lately here, but the
soundclick hits are way up so I know some of you guys are listening.

I just finished the last song for consideration on a CD I plan to
release fairly soon. The newest song added is "Now She's Gone". As
usual I just want some opinions on it. A very big surprise... the song
is all straight guitar, no slide... at all... nada.

One of the 12 songs ain't gonna make the cut. I'm just not sure which
one. Either "Across the Universe" because it just doesn't seem to fit
with the rest of the material or "It's only Make Believe" because I
really can't find a way to make the recording sound up to snuff (It
was originally recorded 20 years ago on a 4 trk cassette).

So, thanks for the listens y'all...

play pretty,

Lewis
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/pageartist.cfm?bandID=87802

Red Dog

2007-03-29 16:33:52 UTC

Permalink

Hi Lewis - you must have made some adjustments regarding the vocal track on
Now She's Gone - I like it much better with less grease - don't let any lack
of confidence in your voice cause you to add reverb - you've got a good
voice, a good sound and some nice licks - thanks for sharing with the group
and best of luck in the success of this new CD!
red dog

Post by Lewis
I haven't been getting a slew of responses lately here, but the
soundclick hits are way up so I know some of you guys are listening.
I just finished the last song for consideration on a CD I plan to
release fairly soon. The newest song added is "Now She's Gone". As
usual I just want some opinions on it. A very big surprise... the song
is all straight guitar, no slide... at all... nada.
One of the 12 songs ain't gonna make the cut. I'm just not sure which
one. Either "Across the Universe" because it just doesn't seem to fit
with the rest of the material or "It's only Make Believe" because I
really can't find a way to make the recording sound up to snuff (It
was originally recorded 20 years ago on a 4 trk cassette).
So, thanks for the listens y'all...
play pretty,
Lewis
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/pageartist.cfm?bandID=87802

Lewis

2007-03-29 19:59:46 UTC

Permalink

HiLewis- you must have made some adjustments regarding the vocal track on
Now She's Gone - I like it much better with less grease - don't let any lack
of confidence in your voice cause you to add reverb - you've got a good
voice, a good sound and some nice licks - thanks for sharing with the group
and best of luck in the success of this new CD!
red dog

- Show quoted text -

Thanks Red... Yea, everybody (including my wife) is way up my ass
about my propensity for overhydrating my vocal tracks. I'm actually
done with all of my mixing now. I'm just going to go back and readjust
the effects on the vocal tracks and I'm ready to master this thing.
Appreciate the comps dude.

Lewis

Don Evans

2007-03-31 18:54:13 UTC

Permalink

Post by Lewis

HiLewis- you must have made some adjustments regarding the vocal
track on Now She's Gone - I like it much better with less grease -
don't let any lack of confidence in your voice cause you to add
reverb - you've got a good voice, a good sound and some nice licks -
thanks for sharing with the group and best of luck in the success of
this new CD!
red dog

- Show quoted text -

Yeah, what Red Dog said. IMO you could dry everything out a tad, but that's
just my taste. Vocal FX are much improved. I think too much verb makes
vocals sound worse, not better ... it's a context thing, I guess. This way
we get to hear your expression ... sounds more honest to me.

Don

Lewis

2007-04-03 05:57:11 UTC

Permalink

Post by Don Evans

Post by Lewis

HiLewis- you must have made some adjustments regarding the vocal
track on Now She's Gone - I like it much better with less grease -
don't let any lack of confidence in your voice cause you to add
reverb - you've got a good voice, a good sound and some nice licks -
thanks for sharing with the group and best of luck in the success of
this new CD!
red dog

- Show quoted text -

Well... between you guys, my wife, and the friend who's going to
master the songs this saturday I guess I'll just have to deal with
listening to my voice exposed as it were. I've gone through and
adjusted out most of the effects on most of the songs. I just don't
particularly like the sound of my voice. The ready to master versions
are reposted. Thanks for your advice guys...

Lewis

Merle Barnes

2007-04-03 12:03:55 UTC

Permalink

Most singers don't like the sound of their own voice! It sounds fine when
they are singing but when they listen to it on a recording it sounds very
different! That's because you hear it from a different perspective.

Post by Lewis

Post by Don Evans

Post by Lewis

HiLewis- you must have made some adjustments regarding the vocal
track on Now She's Gone - I like it much better with less grease -
don't let any lack of confidence in your voice cause you to add
reverb - you've got a good voice, a good sound and some nice licks -
thanks for sharing with the group and best of luck in the success of
this new CD!
red dog

- Show quoted text -

Red Dog

2007-04-05 00:06:05 UTC

Permalink

Hey Lewis - I took a listen to the final product and I like it much better
with the adjustments you have made on the vocals. I would even consider
taking a little more grease off the "Heart" cut although it is good as it
stands - maybe it's just me wanting everyone to 'keep it real' - but all in
all I think you are good to go with these babies! Good work! I know it is
hard to get criticism and act on the words of a bunch of unknown musical
freaks out in the web-o-sphere but my take is that folks have given you an
honest opinion and you have in return produced an honest product.

Best of luck
red dog

Post by Lewis

Post by Don Evans

Post by Lewis

HiLewis- you must have made some adjustments regarding the vocal
track on Now She's Gone - I like it much better with less grease -
don't let any lack of confidence in your voice cause you to add
reverb - you've got a good voice, a good sound and some nice licks -
thanks for sharing with the group and best of luck in the success of
this new CD!
red dog

- Show quoted text -

Lewis

2007-04-05 06:20:15 UTC

Permalink

Post by Red Dog
Hey Lewis - I took a listen to the final product and I like it much better
with the adjustments you have made on the vocals. I would even consider
taking a little more grease off the "Heart" cut although it is good as it
stands - maybe it's just me wanting everyone to 'keep it real' - but all in
all I think you are good to go with these babies! Good work! I know it is
hard to get criticism and act on the words of a bunch of unknown musical
freaks out in the web-o-sphere but my take is that folks have given you an
honest opinion and you have in return produced an honest product.
Best of luck
red dog

No, no, no Red... Quite the contrary. Basically, I wouldn't ask for
your opinion if I didn't want it. And it obviously means something
when you can see that the opinions of the overwhelming majority are
taken to heart and implemented. Thanks for taking the time to even be
interested. You guys are very kind and I can't tell you how much I
appreciate the assistance and inspiration. I play this stuff for my
wife and ask her opinion because she's been around music and musicians
since we met in 1976. Her opinion matters on a learned listener's
scale. I ask you guys because I also value the opinions of the learned
participant; the work-a-day musician who understands the technical
points. I still have friends who are writers and critics, and I even
let them listen and comment because I know that they know that I am
not looking for advice on saleability... just comments on the
performance, the sound palette, the "feel" of the songs. It's actually
not hard at all taking criticism, and it's even easier acting upon the
opinions and suggestions. I've been dealing with opinions and
criticism since the first night I set foot on the stage at the Whiskey
in LA in '76. What I've learned is how to filter out the stuff that
sounds like it's designed to make me a million bucks. Namely the
opinions of people "in the biz". Long ago I came to the realization
that those suggestions and comments were designed to alter the basic
approach of mine (or my band's) music. "... your gonna have to change
the chorus and make it a little more radio friendly.... I don't hear a
hook there". Had enough of that by 1989 which is when I officially
gave up my professional musical career.

It's a lot easier on me this way. I work by myself, I make changes as
I move along, I make subtler changes after asking for and receiving
opinions and advice from all of the above. I'm very aware of my
limitations (especially vocally) and do my best to structure the
material so that the voice is relegated to the status of "another
instrument".

At this point I also feel that everything has been sufficiently
polished, and I will not "Frank" the songs to death. "Franking" is a
term I use for continually altering a song until it is completely
devoid of it's original intent. Made famous by a former bass player
friend (obviously named Frank) who insisted upon taking his wonderful
compositions and doing exactly what I just explained.

I'm a little lucky in some respects... I still maintain contacts in
the industry that enable me to get my "product" (damn I gag every time
I say that word) in front of people. If said contacts feel strongly
enough about the validity of the music they'll pass it on. If not,
they kindly inform me that I should try another avenue. In a sense
this is also constructive criticism. I learn something each time out.

Also as a matter of import is the fact that our very own Keith Adams
penned the lyrics for two of the songs "Panic Attack" and "Now She's
Gone". We've struck up a pretty good working relationship. I can
usually get a song going with the centerpoint melodic and lyrical
line, but I tend to get stuck on lyrics. I get cute, oblique,
smarmy.... and Keith just gets right to the fucking point. I'm a wanna
be Donald Fagen, Keith's a real life Merle Haggard of sorts.

As to the reverb on "Heart", that, my friend is a lost cause because
in a moment of sheer sonic and technical stupidity I actually printed
the reverb onto the track. I've done all I can with my limited
capabilities to "squash" some of the effect... the noise gate helped
shut off some of the "tailing". So I'm hoping my mastering buddy Jim
has some magic button he can use to further de-effect the track.
Otherwise I'm quite content with it though.

So thanks again Red... yours and everyone else's participation helped
a great deal.

Play Pretty,

Lewis
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/2/lewisraycammarata.htm
http://www.lewisray.com/index.html

Red Dog

2007-04-05 12:46:19 UTC

Permalink

Excellent response Lewis. There is nothing worse than people in the 'biz'
forcing some kind of generic bullshit sandwich down a musicians throat -
just so the music will be benign enough to be swallowed by the masses.

red dog

Post by Lewis

No, no, no Red... Quite the contrary. Basically, I wouldn't ask for
your opinion if I didn't want it. And it obviously means something
when you can see that the opinions of the overwhelming majority are
taken to heart and implemented. Thanks for taking the time to even be
interested. You guys are very kind and I can't tell you how much I
appreciate the assistance and inspiration. I play this stuff for my
wife and ask her opinion because she's been around music and musicians
since we met in 1976. Her opinion matters on a learned listener's
scale. I ask you guys because I also value the opinions of the learned
participant; the work-a-day musician who understands the technical
points. I still have friends who are writers and critics, and I even
let them listen and comment because I know that they know that I am
not looking for advice on saleability... just comments on the
performance, the sound palette, the "feel" of the songs. It's actually
not hard at all taking criticism, and it's even easier acting upon the
opinions and suggestions. I've been dealing with opinions and
criticism since the first night I set foot on the stage at the Whiskey
in LA in '76. What I've learned is how to filter out the stuff that
sounds like it's designed to make me a million bucks. Namely the
opinions of people "in the biz". Long ago I came to the realization
that those suggestions and comments were designed to alter the basic
approach of mine (or my band's) music. "... your gonna have to change
the chorus and make it a little more radio friendly.... I don't hear a
hook there". Had enough of that by 1989 which is when I officially
gave up my professional musical career.
It's a lot easier on me this way. I work by myself, I make changes as
I move along, I make subtler changes after asking for and receiving
opinions and advice from all of the above. I'm very aware of my
limitations (especially vocally) and do my best to structure the
material so that the voice is relegated to the status of "another
instrument".
At this point I also feel that everything has been sufficiently
polished, and I will not "Frank" the songs to death. "Franking" is a
term I use for continually altering a song until it is completely
devoid of it's original intent. Made famous by a former bass player
friend (obviously named Frank) who insisted upon taking his wonderful
compositions and doing exactly what I just explained.
I'm a little lucky in some respects... I still maintain contacts in
the industry that enable me to get my "product" (damn I gag every time
I say that word) in front of people. If said contacts feel strongly
enough about the validity of the music they'll pass it on. If not,
they kindly inform me that I should try another avenue. In a sense
this is also constructive criticism. I learn something each time out.
Also as a matter of import is the fact that our very own Keith Adams
penned the lyrics for two of the songs "Panic Attack" and "Now She's
Gone". We've struck up a pretty good working relationship. I can
usually get a song going with the centerpoint melodic and lyrical
line, but I tend to get stuck on lyrics. I get cute, oblique,
smarmy.... and Keith just gets right to the fucking point. I'm a wanna
be Donald Fagen, Keith's a real life Merle Haggard of sorts.
As to the reverb on "Heart", that, my friend is a lost cause because
in a moment of sheer sonic and technical stupidity I actually printed
the reverb onto the track. I've done all I can with my limited
capabilities to "squash" some of the effect... the noise gate helped
shut off some of the "tailing". So I'm hoping my mastering buddy Jim
has some magic button he can use to further de-effect the track.
Otherwise I'm quite content with it though.
So thanks again Red... yours and everyone else's participation helped
a great deal.
Play Pretty,
Lewis
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/2/lewisraycammarata.htm
http://www.lewisray.com/index.html

Lewis

2007-04-05 16:58:00 UTC

Permalink

Post by Red Dog
Excellent response Lewis. There is nothing worse than people in the 'biz'
forcing some kind of generic bullshit sandwich down a musicians throat -
just so the music will be benign enough to be swallowed by the masses.
red dog

Post by Lewis

No, no, no Red... Quite the contrary. Basically, I wouldn't ask for
your opinion if I didn't want it. And it obviously means something
when you can see that the opinions of the overwhelming majority are
taken to heart and implemented. Thanks for taking the time to even be
interested. You guys are very kind and I can't tell you how much I
appreciate the assistance and inspiration. I play this stuff for my
wife and ask her opinion because she's been around music and musicians
since we met in 1976. Her opinion matters on a learned listener's
scale. I ask you guys because I also value the opinions of the learned
participant; the work-a-day musician who understands the technical
points. I still have friends who are writers and critics, and I even
let them listen and comment because I know that they know that I am
not looking for advice on saleability... just comments on the
performance, the sound palette, the "feel" of the songs. It's actually
not hard at all taking criticism, and it's even easier acting upon the
opinions and suggestions. I've been dealing with opinions and
criticism since the first night I set foot on the stage at the Whiskey
in LA in '76. What I've learned is how to filter out the stuff that
sounds like it's designed to make me a million bucks. Namely the
opinions of people "in the biz". Long ago I came to the realization
that those suggestions and comments were designed to alter the basic
approach of mine (or my band's) music. "... your gonna have to change
the chorus and make it a little more radio friendly.... I don't hear a
hook there". Had enough of that by 1989 which is when I officially
gave up my professional musical career.
It's a lot easier on me this way. I work by myself, I make changes as
I move along, I make subtler changes after asking for and receiving
opinions and advice from all of the above. I'm very aware of my
limitations (especially vocally) and do my best to structure the
material so that the voice is relegated to the status of "another
instrument".
At this point I also feel that everything has been sufficiently
polished, and I will not "Frank" the songs to death. "Franking" is a
term I use for continually altering a song until it is completely
devoid of it's original intent. Made famous by a former bass player
friend (obviously named Frank) who insisted upon taking his wonderful
compositions and doing exactly what I just explained.
I'm a little lucky in some respects... I still maintain contacts in
the industry that enable me to get my "product" (damn I gag every time
I say that word) in front of people. If said contacts feel strongly
enough about the validity of the music they'll pass it on. If not,
they kindly inform me that I should try another avenue. In a sense
this is also constructive criticism. I learn something each time out.
Also as a matter of import is the fact that our very own Keith Adams
penned the lyrics for two of the songs "Panic Attack" and "Now She's
Gone". We've struck up a pretty good working relationship. I can
usually get a song going with the centerpoint melodic and lyrical
line, but I tend to get stuck on lyrics. I get cute, oblique,
smarmy.... and Keith just gets right to the fucking point. I'm a wanna
be Donald Fagen, Keith's a real life Merle Haggard of sorts.
As to the reverb on "Heart", that, my friend is a lost cause because
in a moment of sheer sonic and technical stupidity I actually printed
the reverb onto the track. I've done all I can with my limited
capabilities to "squash" some of the effect... the noise gate helped
shut off some of the "tailing". So I'm hoping my mastering buddy Jim
has some magic button he can use to further de-effect the track.
Otherwise I'm quite content with it though.
So thanks again Red... yours and everyone else's participation helped
a great deal.
Play Pretty,
Lewis
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/2/lewisraycammarata.htm
http://www.lewisray.com/index.html- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

My sentiments exactly Red... been there, had enough of that.

L.

2007-04-05 13:04:06 UTC

Permalink

Either "Across the Universe" because it just doesn't seem to fit with the

rest of the material or "It's only Make Believe"

You got to keep "Across The Universe", it's absolutely gorgeous and eats the
cassette song for breakfast.

You rock, matey.

Lewis

2007-04-05 16:56:46 UTC

Permalink

Post by Lewis
rest of the material or "It's only Make Believe"
You got to keep "Across The Universe", it's absolutely gorgeous and eats the
cassette song for breakfast.
You rock, matey.

You really think it works better than "... make believe"? I dunno man.
Most of the responses I've gotten say that it doesn't fit within the
context of the other songs. I like it OK, but to me it feels like it
just doesn;t go anywhere. To be totally honest, when I recorded it I
had Ronnie Montrose's version of "Town without pity " in mind. The
problem is that I never really got around to exercising any fluid
improvisation in the song. It's just 3 repeated verses and choruses.
It's there, and it's not too bad, but I'm gonna have to give that idea
some long, hard thought.

But, again I surely appreciate the comps and the opinion. It's getting
mastered along with the rest of the stuff anyways, so who knows...
maybe an unlisted bonus track huh?

Lewis

prs geek

2007-04-07 16:58:32 UTC

Permalink

Post by Lewis

"Across the Universe" because it just doesn't seem to fit with the
rest of the material or "It's only Make Believe"
You got to keep "Across The Universe", it's absolutely gorgeous and eats the
cassette song for breakfast.
You rock, matey.

You really think it works better than "... make believe"? I dunno man.
Most of the responses I've gotten say that it doesn't fit within the
context of the other songs. I like it OK, but to me it feels like it
just doesn;t go anywhere. To be totally honest, when I recorded it I
had Ronnie Montrose's version of "Town without pity " in mind. The
problem is that I never really got around to exercising any fluid
improvisation in the song. It's just 3 repeated verses and choruses.
It's there, and it's not too bad, but I'm gonna have to give that idea
some long, hard thought.
But, again I surely appreciate the comps and the opinion. It's getting
mastered along with the rest of the stuff anyways, so who knows...
maybe an unlisted bonus track huh?

Well Lewis, "Across the Universe" is one of my ALL time favorite tunes. I
question whether you could actually add it to your CD and sell it tho due to
copyright infringements. That IS a Lennon masterpiece, you know! ;-)

For me your version quite beautiful, but there's some stuff going on that
sounds weird. I think the melody lines are good (correct), but there's one
chord you're playing that clashes with the melody line. And, it may BE
correct too, but something just doesn't sit with me. That song is deeply
inbedded in my soul. If you were gonna somehow put it on the CD, I'd perfect
it first. It's about 80% there IMO.

But I really dig your approach... Doing the stuff on slide (or lap steel) is
way cool. I only wish I could play slide like you.

--
Jeff

http://tinyurl.com/8sz9r

Lewis

2007-04-07 19:46:57 UTC

Permalink

Post by prs geek

Post by Lewis

You really think it works better than "... make believe"? I dunno man.
Most of the responses I've gotten say that it doesn't fit within the
context of the other songs. I like it OK, but to me it feels like it
just doesn;t go anywhere. To be totally honest, when I recorded it I
had Ronnie Montrose's version of "Town without pity " in mind. The
problem is that I never really got around to exercising any fluid
improvisation in the song. It's just 3 repeated verses and choruses.
It's there, and it's not too bad, but I'm gonna have to give that idea
some long, hard thought.
But, again I surely appreciate the comps and the opinion. It's getting
mastered along with the rest of the stuff anyways, so who knows...
maybe an unlisted bonus track huh?

Well Lewis, "Across the Universe" is one of my ALL time favorite tunes. I
question whether you could actually add it to your CD and sell it tho due to
copyright infringements. That IS a Lennon masterpiece, you know! ;-)
For me your version quite beautiful, but there's some stuff going on that
sounds weird. I think the melody lines are good (correct), but there's one
chord you're playing that clashes with the melody line. And, it may BE
correct too, but something just doesn't sit with me. That song is deeply
inbedded in my soul. If you were gonna somehow put it on the CD, I'd perfect
it first. It's about 80% there IMO.
But I really dig your approach... Doing the stuff on slide (or lap steel) is
way cool. I only wish I could play slide like you.
--
Jeff
http://tinyurl.com/8sz9r

Thanks Jeff....

I'm usually pretty good about picking out chord patterns, but I can't
argue if you hear something odd. Which part of the song do you hear
something weird? Even though I'm probably not going to be using it on
the CD I'd still like it to be technically correct. And thanks for the
kind words...

Lewis