Jeff Allen Myers
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8/3/2007 2:40:05 AM
Songwriting...What makes a good song? A Day/Night perspective
Hello friends,
I recently posted some songs on Garageband.com. Some of you may have experience over there, for those who have not the following are two reviews that could not be farther in opinion. Reviews are done "blindly" in that the reviewer does not choose your song, the song is presented . The reviewer has no idea who the artist is, or what level of proficiency. All they know is what Genre. With this method, all bias and favoritism is removed.
The song being reviewed here is "Walk on By" a song that has received some nice reviews on SongRamp.
Mersey Mersey
The acoustic guitar intro has both a frisky melody and an intricate arrangement, so it "catches" the listener right away.
The lead male vocal is reminiscent of the British Invasion style of the mid-60's, like Gerry Marsden, the Searchers, and even Billy J. Kramer, especially around the refrain when he sings, "Then I walk on by..."
The congas that come in about 1:50 are a surprise, but a pleasant one! They're a really nice addition to the guitar and drumkit. The wailin' lead guitar solo at 2:20 makes the song more contemporary, so that it no longer sounds like 60's British rock.
In fact it's primarily the vocals that give this song its Mersey Beat sound -- kind of nostalgic, mellow and welcoming.
Finally, the ending of the song (the fadeout) is skillfully mixed -- sounds quite professional.
And here is another one with a little different perspective!!!!! (Ouch)
Well, to start...
I like the guitar tone of the 2nd guitar that comes is at the intro. Very nice warm yet dirty tone. Vocals are not very strong, but they aren't horrible either. Vocal melody just isn't very interesting. With such a simple and over used chord progression being the basis for this song, the vocal melody has to really be strong in order to make a song like this viable.
Guess he did not like it I particularly like "Vocals are not very strong, but they aren't horrible either " and "in order to make a song like this Viable"
These two reviews point out that a good song to one...is crap to another I do feel better now tho, I just found out Garageband is going to Feature "Walk on By" as the "Alternative Pop Track of the Day" Don't ever get discouraged by a negative review! There are always going to be those that do not like your song, just keep writing...and above all...Have Fun!!!! Jeff
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8/3/2007 4:24:38 AM
Hey Jeff,
You know I love your songs and if I were writing a review for you it would be more like the first one...always nice to have someone mention the 'outro' proves they went all the way. However I think the second review is not as bad as you think, maybe the reviewer has looked at different things or is not so articulate but there are positives in there "warm yet dirty" "likes the guitar tone". And if you think about it Billy J Kramer? Gerry Marsden? they were mellow rather than strong as both reviewers seem to suggest The first reviewer picks out highlights and specific instruments while the second takes a more general view of chord progression and makes a suggestion for how it could balance up with a strong vocal so you know that's not a criticism so much as misguided theory perhaps. I think you'll find that the second reviewer gave good marks - a test (that I often used) was to look at the reviewers words for the 'other' song, you can often pick up clues from that but the fact that you made TOTD proves that your song came out first choice in most cases. I gave up trying to analyse GB reviewers years ago after I realised that some fed you a load of sugar and then p****d on you to make sure they stayed up top :)
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Jeff Allen Myers
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8/3/2007 4:43:48 AM
Yea, I see your point Gilly...to combat that, they should not allow reviews on songs that are entered in the same genre as your own. I can see where some may think a strong vote hurts them if they have a sonf "Competing" on the charts.
I do try to find good in a review, but saying a vocal is "Not Horrible" is somewhat of a backhanded compliment if any :) and saying a song is not Viable is rather egocentric. Viable for what? for whom? I am a glass half full guy, but the review is encapsulated in a leaky, broken glass, in my opinion :) I do respect all reviews however, Not particularly the words chosen, but the right to post an opinion as all are valid if they are true to the author.
Garageband does give one thick skin! :) Thanks for commenting Mistress, you are eloquent in all you do! Jeff
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The Man With No Band
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8/3/2007 5:25:25 AM
Jeff I went and read all the reviews on your song ... if that is the worst review you recieve then you are not only talented but you're blessed as well...
I know I'm not the musician you are and I have poor equipment but even I don't think I deserve a "You Suck" !!! comment .. which I have recieved a time or two.. just take the comments lightly... I've had reviews where I know the people just hit play and went to go get a sandwhich or something and came back and wrote something like ... "Pretty Good Song although I'm not sure about the Keyboards, I liked the bk grd vox, but the drums could have been stronger" .. (and that was on a song that was just my vox and a single acoustic) !
Anyway.. Good luck to you over there .. keep us posted on your experience
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