Hop On Pop
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6/26/2013 5:04:53 PM
---- Updated 6/26/2013 5:05:51 PM
This is an excellent song, Tom. Very classic-sounding.
I think that the danger of having such a strong, classic-sounding composition is that you could fall into giving it a production treatment that would make it sound just like any number of other songs that you've heard on Classic Rock radio.
I would want you to avoid that. Mix up the instrumentation a bit, just to throw it off kilter.
Where my first instinct would be to add a B3; I am shaking that off and thinking that we can, instead do a Moog or other square wave, analog synth. Still has a classic sound that would contribute nicely and build upon that classic feel, but without throwing the whole thing into cliche. Keep it all just left of center.
Next, I was thinking a fretless bass. That might still be an option, but the way it's approached is key here. Not so much like Pink Floyd, hyper-melodic, upper register stuff. Keep it in the lower registers; play nothing above the low C note on the G string and see how that works out.
For percussion: let's keep that straightforward. A basic 5-piece kit. Drummer can get creative with it, if he/she likes, but nothing beyond that and maybe a tambourine in the chorus.
I was also thinking of a pedal steel, but am not sure how that would fit in with all this other stuff. You can give it a try, if you think you have a part.
Bottom line: whatever your first instinct is for instrumentation and arrangement, find an alternative approach that is somewhat parallel, but that throws it all a little off. Avoid cliches at all cost. Surprise me, while still staying true.
That could make, IMO, what is a really good song into a really great recording.
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Stoneman
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6/27/2013 4:00:16 PM
Me, I would add light strings throughout as well as vocal adlibs. The tambourine is a nice percussive sound for this. I would keep that and add maybe a few other hand held percussions. But in reality, sounds very good just the way it is. Such rich harmonies going on there. Great song Tom!
Much Respect,
Stoneman
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Tom O'Brien
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6/28/2013 3:05:37 PM
Thanks Todd, Steve, Stoneman and Chandra, for all of your keen listening. I, too, was thinking of ditching the strumming, but I'd have to have some hand percussion to keep that beat. I'm a pretty good picker, but I remember while writing it that it was a fast pick.
I've never had any good strings sounds, so I don't usually think in those terms, but I sure would love real ones. I am lucky enough to have a friend here in the Bay Area who regularly arranges for strings (and hires string quartets, when necessary). Not that I have the money to hire a string quartet, but someday ... .
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