Another one I’m working on for our upcoming album “Rollin’ Dice”. This one is a completely re-worked version of one of my tunes from 2003:
Ok, I can take a hint - not the best Stragglers song then eh? 
This one slipped under the Philter radar Ian
Sounds OK. Drums seemed a bit far back in the mix but presume that’s an artistic decision?
This’ll sound fine at one of those Stragglers gigs no doubt 
Good song, Ian.
There are some nice elements, like the delay in the chorus and the harmony vox.
I agree with Phil about the drums, they are mixed in the back, but you probably wanted it like this?
Cheers,
Wim
You better get it checked… seems to be playing up eh?
Cheers Wim !
To be honest I can’t remember what I was thinking when I was mixing - I probably thought it was a good idea at the time! Always open to review though…
Yup…this and the rest of our set went off last Wed night. It certainly helps to play later in the evening when everyone’s got a good number of drinks down 'em!
Speaking of drums… meeting up with a new drummer this week… be interesting to see if we are a ‘good fit’
Cheers fellas 
Hi Ian,
half your listen count has been me.
It’s a robust melody and set of lyrics. I like the segueway into
the accent-on-3.
But try as I may I just can’t get into this recording.
I think there is a lot of high-energy background content
(the phased/swirling stuff, together with guitar lines and synth)
that clouds and overfills the arrangement. For me it is a
bit too much and I get fatigued trying to sort it out.
Later all that stuff is dropped and that is when I begin to appreciate
the core of the song.
The acoustic guitar is actually louder than the drums in spots (esp the intro).
With the drums relatively down in the mix, the bass becomes a sort of
feature that lacks an anchor. Like a bass solo guitar throughout.
Yes, I can imagine the energy “live”.
Forgive my crit, but that’s how I hear it.
Jet
Don’t worry, I’ll keep the usual monthly payments coming 
It’s a robust melody and set of lyrics. I like the segueway into
the accent-on-3.
But try as I may I just can’t get into this > recording> .
I think there is a lot of high-energy background content
(the phased/swirling stuff, together with guitar lines and synth)
that clouds and overfills the arrangement. For me it is a
bit too much and I get fatigued trying to sort it out.
Later all that stuff is dropped and that is when I begin to appreciate
the core of the song.The acoustic guitar is actually louder than the drums in spots (esp the intro).
With the drums relatively down in the mix, the bass becomes a sort of
feature that lacks an anchor. Like a bass solo guitar throughout……Forgive my crit, but that’s how I hear it.
Your points are perfectly valid and appreciated Jet, in fact I think a wee while back Shayne was perhaps trying to tell me the same thing in a round about way. I guess this is one where I’ve thrown everything at the canvas as I tend to, but have yet to peel enough away to reveal the song. It’ll get sorted…
The song is cool, but for me the arrangement is too busy, and yes, the recording/mix isn’t as good as some of your other stuff. I’d simplify it. Some of the drum patterns are not very organic or sympathetic to the track overall. And yes, I don’t like that snare. It just says “sample” all over it – no body to it, all “pop”
But, like I said, the melody and lyrics are good. So I think another approach at the arrangement would yield improvement
As it happens I’ve just uploaded a revised mix… thinned out somewhat - though it may still be too busy for some tastes??
I don’t like that snare
I’m using this snare because it seemed to meet with general approval on previous tracks… YOU were one of those that (finally) approved of my snare choice! 
Still, I realise that was a different song on a different day…
Those two snares sound nothing alike
I wonder why? Definitely the same snare, similar compression settings. Reverbs are different and of course it’s set in an entirely different mix… hmmm… 
This is sounding less busy now and it’s easier to find the song.
The ac.gtrs are still the loudest element of the mix, with your
drums set way back behind them. I find it hard to hear much
kick punch though, and the snare does sound quite different
to the one in “Shake Up” (I had a listen). EQ or verb, or both?
The cross-stick sounds like a fat rolling pin rather than a drum stick,
but I know you have your own ideas about cross-sticks!
I’m wondering what the mix would sound like if you upped the whole kit a few dB?
There’s plenty of level in the vocal, so it shouldn’t effect it.
Also the word “Do” seems out at 1:10…like the lead and b/vs don’t
hit the word together.
Jet
Dude, that is a HUGE improvement! I quite like it now – even the snare sounds better! To me, the overall drum level isn’t “wrong”, but it does sound kind of “set back” in comparison.
Really proves the “less is more” dictum!
Cheers
Jet - yeah, listening with fresh ears today you are quite right. Drums are way too quiet relative to the acoustics which are too loud - still. And to think I did actually pull them down some. Sheesh! It’s funny in the clear light of day how things can sound so different! Happens all the time though. That’s the nature of the beast I guess! 
Also the word “Do” seems out at 1:10…like the lead and b/vs don’t hit the word together.
Actually those are not BV’s you’re hearing, but rather a chorus used to create a vocal double - I guess it’s the slight delay in the double that you’re noticing. I’ll fiddle with some settings…
Cheers
Yeah…definitely heading in the right direction now.
We just put down a new bass line last night as it happens so as soon as I get time I’ll get that mixed in and the other issues addressed.
Thanks for the input
New bass and new mix up. Gettin’ closer I think… ?
Much better, you are getting there.
Very loud bass pops at 00:03 and 00:10, the first sounds like an edit splice
it’s so loud.
That “do” at 1:10 is still way off the beat.
How come we don’t see Jet in the Lounge? Is he banned?
Given that the Lounge is 99% “bollocks” and Jet is not by nature given to “bollocks” it doesn’t surprise me that he’s not there very often.
I freely admit that I love engaging in “bollocks” however
That was the way it was played… and it was actually intentional I’ve already tamed them somewhat…perhaps more is required…
That “do” at 1:10 is still way off the beat
- probably the only thing I can do there is momentarily bypass the chorus…
…mix 4 on its way
And here was me thinking you were hearing the effects of the chorus, where in fact the “do” in question as you quite rightly pointed out was WAY off beat! Doh! How did I not spot that?
Anyway… it’s sorted. Ta.