Two edits - which do you prefer?

[SixStringGeek]

A couple rough mixes, playing a bit with instrumentation. Which do you like or what suggestions do you have? I know the mixes are only so-so so far.

Brand X

Brand Y

I'm only going to leave these up for a couple days.

[Phil O]

I find myself straining to make out the words in both versions, but I think it's easier in Brand X. Still can't make out enough words to get the drift of the lyrics. I'd say what needs the most work is clarity on the lead vocals (could be another sound masking vocals). I like the guitar sound better in the X version as well. Sounds a little distant though. I think you're 90% there. With a little tweaking it'll be very cool.

I like the song and the arrangement a lot. With what you've got so far, my vote would be for Brand X. I didn't have time to listen to them twice and wasn't sure of exactly what the differences in instrumentation were (wish I had time to listen to them again, but I gotta go now), but X still left a better first impression.

Phil

[Frodo]

Fascinating. First of all, high praise for a song in "7".

I don't know if it's just me, but Brand Y came in mono and Brand X came in stereo. What I liked about Brandy Y was that the bass guitar felt more supportive, and for some reason the vocal was easier to understand. That last claim, I know, goes against what Phil has cited.

But I also liked the edit in Brand Y-- if that edit is to be the first impression. Otherwise, the CD version (or "director's cut") could be whatever it wants to be.

Still, both versions could use a little more bass guitar for support. Sometimes the guitar feels "out there" a bit. At other times, on the chorus, the guitar seems to compete with the vocal.

Because it's a female vocal, I could stand for it being a little more in-the face because of the weight and texture of the vocal, especially on the verses where it's not as full-throated.

But I know that the mix was not the issue here. It does, however, make an impression. I will also say that the impression was world-class even if it is not "finished".

I love this song. I love the voice. I love the arrangement. I love integration of parts. I love the balance of textures and sounds. This is 99.9% of process. The rest is cake.

Make no mistake: This is a brilliant track and a brilliant production all around. Bravo!!!

I want to hear it again.

[Phil O]

I have a little more time today. I got a chance to give these a second listen. Mr. Frodo is right about the mono on Brand Y (how'd I miss that?). Perhaps that's what initially made me lean towards X on a quick listen - don't know. So, I listened to them both in mono this time. Second time around I'm torn. There are things I like about each. I still think I like the guitar sound in X better, but Y does seem cleaner overall. Also, I like the more subtle use of the organ sound in X in the intro. The mixes are very different as well which makes it difficult to compare. X seems a little squashed (sounds like you used a little too much compression). So I think Y is a better mix (for mono), but I still think I'm about 60/40 in favor of X.

First time around it was a quick listen and I didn't get to the spoken part in Brand Y. I didn't realize that you edited that out. Tough call, I kind of liked it, but I can see why you might want that edit.

And, I must agree with Mr. Frodo again regarding your use of 7. Definitely works for this song!

Phil

[SixStringGeek]

Thanks guys.

I didn't write the song - the singer is a long time friend of mine. She wrote it and I agree, it is an awesome song (and she is a most awesome singer/writer/multi-instumentalist who happens to have a day job doing hard science). She lives on the east coast now. I will pass along your kind words.

I am also not responsible for the final mix. The project is being "integrated" in the southwest at some little PT based studio. These are working mixes.

This project is kind of cool because we have people all over the place contributing by emailing WAV files around. I just did the sitar and mellotron parts.

[MIDI Life Crisis]

Darn! I missed the group listen opportunity!