Emulating 70s singer-songwriter folk-rock sound

[soundonground]

Hi guys,

I'm looking to get as much info on 60s/70s recording techniques, mixing, conventions in production etc. and would love some suggestions of good reading/viewing. Next spring I've got to do a job which will involve going for that 1970s singer songwriter production style, e.g. Carole King, Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, Randy Newman, Paul Simon, Neil Young, etc. I would love to find some concrete info on the recording sessions these guys would have had back then- recall sheets, making-of documentaries, in-depth interviews with producers, etc.

Also, any good books about Phil Spector, George Martin, and any other top producers from those decades that come time mind where they talk about actual recording sessions, gear, techniques etc. would be great.

Having some bother getting what I need at the minute. Even info on what gear certain producers used, photos of singers at microphones in the studios at the time, studio inventory lists from the 60s and 70s - all that would be helpful.

Anything you can think of, I'd love to hear recommendations.

[Teddy Ray]

a bit more twangy...but you get the idee.



Norbert Putnam(Dan Fogelberg and Baez among others)

Norbert Putnam





Randy Newman Sail Away - History of an Audio Recording

The '70s

Classic Tracks: Warren Zevon's "Werewolves of London"


Classic Tracks: Kenny Roger's "The Gambler"

Tom Waits Library - Extras

Tom Waits

[loopy]

Teddy Ray! Great stuff, thanks for posting.
I always liked the sound of Carole King's stuff. It wasn't technically recorded with pristine sound, but that's what made the record. The musicians, and Carole just sound like they are having a good time and the mix and arrangements are so well laid out that it sounds realistic and fresh sounding.

[Old Goat]

TR, you got way too much time on your hands, son, but I love the jewels you dig up!

[old ghost]

Teddy, I had never even heard LJW before! That guys got the magic.

Awesome. Thanks for posting that!!!!! Love it when this happens.

[old ghost]

20 minutes of watching youtube videos and I feel saddened at his passing.


"One great writer of renown wrote a big one called 'Rainy Days and Mondays Always Get Me Down,' but I've found it don't rain to make our gardens grow...it just rains.

And if you love a rainbow, you'd better learn to love the rain.

I think I'll walk in the rain today and let it wash my pain away."


Beautiful.

Edit- To keep on topic, to the OP - I would research anything and everything you can about Bob Johnston. He produced some of Dylan's best work and worked with a ton of the other greats. I particularly love the vocal sound on the Nashville Skyline record. Trying to emulate that with a good verb has yielded great results for me.

[Arthur Stone]

I've learnt much from SOS magazine's series of articles: 'Classic Tracks'

Some that may be specific to your interest are, unfortunately, subscriber only, but there is still a decent selection: Classic Tracks | compendium of links

[T. Morgan]

I work at the studio where that Larry Jon Wilson tracking was filmed....The Creative Workshop...looks actually the same!
ATO just released an album I produced and recorded there by Carl Broemel. It has a somewhat 70's singer/songwriter feel - very dry drums (wallets and towels) - live tracked vocal and acoustic gtr - recorded to 2" 16 track at 15ips.

[brockorama]

I'm digging toontrack superior 2.2 "Custom and Vintage" SDX. Everything I do now is like a Cat Stevens session ha ha. Seriously it has a very rootsy vibe. Also thanks Teddy for those links

[ray_subsonic]

Originally Posted by T. Morgan

I work at the studio where that Larry Jon Williams tracking was filmed....The Creative Workshop...looks actually the same!
ATO just released an album I produced and recorded there by Carl Broemel. It has a somewhat 70's singer/songwriter feel - very dry drums (wallets and towels) - live tracked vocal and acoustic gtr - recorded to 2" 16 track at 15ips.

If it ain't broke don't fix it. Works for me.

Thanks for the links TR.

[blim]

So, Teddy Ray, let me get this right: The OP asks for info on "1970s singer songwriter production style, e.g. Carole King, Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, Randy Newman, Paul Simon, Neil Young, etc.," and you post two videos pertaining to 10-freakin'-CC? I'm trying to think of two 1970s production styles more disparate than Carole King and "I'm Not In Love," but so far I've got nothing. I suppose if he had asked for info on 1990s grunge rock you would have posted Pantera videos?

[uncle duncan]

Originally Posted by T. Morgan

... very dry drums (wallets and towels)...

This is a biggie. Do a search on "70's drum sound". Then... good luck on finding a drummer who will tune his kit that way. Personally, I much prefer dry, low-tuned drums to the drums-in-a-room sound so popular today, but, according to my drummer friends, I'm in the minority.

[dylanwissing]

Originally Posted by uncle duncan

This is a biggie. Do a search on "70's drum sound". Then... good luck on finding a drummer who will tune his kit that way. Personally, I much prefer dry, low-tuned drums to the drums-in-a-room sound so popular today, but, according to my drummer friends, I'm in the minority.

I do it all the time, and happily. Just cut drums for the theme to a new show on BET (launching shortly) with single-headed concert toms muffled like mad and freakin' roto-toms (Curtis Mayfield "Pusherman" vibe). Go to www.indiestudiodrummer.com/equipment/ and scroll down to "70′s Slingerland Chrome-over-Maple Concert Tom set" if you want to hear examples.

The Super Seventies drum sound rules!

[Beyersound]

Originally Posted by soundonground

Hi guys,

I'm looking to get as much info on 60s/70s recording techniques, mixing, conventions in production etc. and would love some suggestions of good reading/viewing. Next spring I've got to do a job which will involve going for that 1970s singer songwriter production style, e.g. Carole King, Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, Randy Newman, Paul Simon, Neil Young, etc. I would love to find some concrete info on the recording sessions these guys would have had back then- recall sheets, making-of documentaries, in-depth interviews with producers, etc.

Also, any good books about Phil Spector, George Martin, and any other top producers from those decades that come time mind where they talk about actual recording sessions, gear, techniques etc. would be great.

Having some bother getting what I need at the minute. Even info on what gear certain producers used, photos of singers at microphones in the studios at the time, studio inventory lists from the 60s and 70s - all that would be helpful.

Anything you can think of, I'd love to hear recommendations.

If don't already have one, pick up a copy of "Behind The Glass" by Howard Massey, a collection of in-depth interviews with many of the greats including Martin, Emerick, Leckie, Ramone, Scheiner, Visconti, Gatica, etc. It is a must have!

[soundonground]

Really appreciate these responses guys, I've got a few good leads to follow for a while now. An album I'd be particularly interested in finding out specific details about is Fleetwood Mac's rumours. Have watch some clips from the Classic Album DVD on the album, but it seems to focus more on the story behind the songs, the band, etc. Anywhere else I might find stuff out?